The searing heat of summer has gone, leaving the gentle cool of autumn and the possibility of making a mid-year holiday getaway a dream come true. Rest and relaxation, however, is not always easy during a time when you may have family obligations, office parties, working long hours to get some extra time off, and all of those things that go along with the impending winter break. But there are some truly unique spots that cater to absolute harmony with your sleep schedule that we, honestly? Just can’t help sharing with you in hopes that you’re able to indulge in even an overnight.
In honor of the sleep you’ll end up getting should you be able to take advantage of these amazing gems, here are five extraordinary experiences we wish for you this holiday — and every — season.
Six Senses Yao Noi in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
Phang Nga Bay is gorgeous. Just… mind blowingly, absolutely, without fail, stunning. And the accommodations at Six Senses Yao Noi allow you to experience the splendor of the environment in as many immersive ways as possible. Now, we’re talking places to sleep, right? Six Senses Yao Noi has taken the time you spend laying your head down after a day of amazing to the next level. From the body loving mattresses to the luxurious villas to the temperature regulating pillows to… well, everything about your zzz-grabbing experience, the resort believes in making your sleep as close to perfect as you can get. The simple fact they have gotten advice from expert Michael J. Breus shows they know the importance of sleep and how to celebrate it.
Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat, Bahamas
You may notice a theme with our list — a focus on calming the senses, promoting overall wellness to relieve the mind and expanding awareness. Also, having a hell of a great time while doing all. The Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas is set up to appeal to your pursuit of enlightenment in three different ways — a yoga vacation, yoga teacher training, and a residential training program. It is as expansive an experience as you desire and every moment spent in this Caribbean gem makes it possible for you to give yourself over to an all encompassing sleep that will rejuvenate and restore you.
Underwater Room Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Zanzibar
In the middle of the electric blue waters surrounding Pemba Island in Zanzibar sits a singular, two-story hideaway. The Underwater Room at Manta Resort is something to see to be believed. Guests are transported to the beautiful spot by boat, dropped off with agreed times for food and assistance arranged then left alone to enjoy a beautiful deck and living room on the surface of the water. Once inside and down the stairs, guests find themselves in the riveting underwater sleeping area, a feeling that lends itself to calming and unique rest. Fish float by as you fall into slumber, giving you a sense of what it’s like to be on the other side of an aquarium.
The Four Seasons Bali at Sayan
Imagine... You’re in Bali, enjoying the gorgeous sunsets, sunrises, delicious foods, adventure. You’re also getting deeper into your relaxation and along comes someone with a silk hammock to take an air nap. What’s an air nap, you ask? Well, it’s good we’re here for you, isn’t it? Air naps are those quick moments you take hanging above ground and feeling like you’re floating. At Four Seasons Bali at Sayan, there is an entire experience devoted to these glorious moments in time swathed in silk and hanging from a beam. Swaying gently, the gorgeous voice of a Buddhist nun to guide you and just lose yourself. Mmm...
Dihan Evasion in Brittany, France
Unique is an understatement for what you’ll experience, thanks to Dihan Evasion. There are various options available to get an amazing and unparalleled rest. The Bubble Tents — clear bubbles elevated in trees and suspended by ropes. There’s the Lov’Nest, a round wooden treehouse built for two and so much a part of the landscape, it feels almost unnatural. You can choose one of their planned holidays — yurts, a gypsy caravan wagon, a hexagonal chalet in Scandinavia, or Bihan, the cozy Breton guest house Dihan owns. Everything is eco-friendly and designed to give you the most soothing time of your life.
Indulge, embrace and escape
The holidays can be fraught with craziness and discovering new ways to unwind and even celebrate during that time of year brings an energizing and revitalizing freshness to the whole ordeal. Each of these are probably not in your own backyard and that, to us, is an added bonus — what better way to lose yourself than to really get away?
We’ll have more unexpected and truly indulgent escape spots to get your best night’s sleep and enjoy (or even hideaway from) the wonder that are the holiday seasons in the weeks to come. But for now…
Enjoy some much needed slumber in the kind of settings built explicitly to tempt and awaken your senses.
