Words Helen Brown
Whether it’s for a long weekend or a long-haul adventure, there aren’t many feelings more liberating than turning on your Out Of Office. Even a few days break from the daily commute, hectic work schedule, and fast-paced socialising does the mind a world of good. From bucket-list favourites to UK staycations, here are some of the best places to completely disconnect. Put your worries behind you and get packing.
UK GETAWAY: LUCKNAM PARK HOTEL & SPA
Lucknam Park is the ‘Rolls Royce’ of country house hotels. It’s housed in an idyllic Palladian mansion set in 500 acres of lush parkland. The quintessential rural escape. It boasts a world-class spa complete with thermal cabins, saltwater plunge pool and herb garden. As well as Michelin-star dining and a purpose-built equestrian centre. The Wellbeing House is the latest addition. It offers alternative therapies, including Haslauer Sunlight Therapy sessions and dry flotation. For the ultimate in relaxing experiences, try and get down for a sleep clinic. These are hosted throughout the year by visiting experts. Rooms from £260 per night, lucknampark.co.uk
FAR & AWAY: SRI LANKA
A trip to Sri Lanka affords endless possibilities. But for something as far removed from London-living as it gets, then a trip on the famous slow train is a must. It’s the best way to drink in the country’s mesmerising views. Next see the sacred home of the world’s oldest living tree in Anuradhapura and head to Minneriya for a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s grand elephants. There are 2000-year-old temples to meditate in, beaches to discover and ancient ruins to explore. When you’re ready to completely lose yourself in the Sri Lankan-lifestyle, get stuck into the county’s epic surf.
FESTIVAL: OBONJAN, CROATIA
The wellness revolution of this decade has brought a holistic alternative to the typical festival. The hedonistic excess and mud has been set aside in favour of a more relaxed music line-up and meditation. These wellness festivals help you recharge and re-enlighten while boosting your fitness. Obonjan is a live music-wellness-culture fusion that runs the entire summer. That means you can check into the isolated 143-acre island oasis for as long as you want. Awake to sunrise yoga on the beach before meandering down to the bar jetty to unwind over a DJ set. A variety of healthy gourmet eateries are available, as well as a plethora of fitness classes in the Zen Den. The atmospheric Sound Sanctuary delivers the ultimate in blissful escapes. It offers massage, meditation and spa treatments.
23rd June – 3rd September
obonjan-island.com
EUROPEAN TRIP: ICELAND
You don’t find many without a trip to the northern lights pinned firmly to the top of their bucket list. This once-in-a-lifetime trip seduces nature-lovers and adventure-travellers year after year. And it’s easy to see why. Black beaches stretch along the Atlantic and geysers spout from geothermal fields. Gushing waterfalls, looming volcanoes and glittering ice caps dominate the view.
The nights are at their darkest during winter so the views are particularly extraordinary. A day pass at the Blue Lagoon is an absolute must due to its stunning natural beauty and relaxing environment. The lagoon’s silica mud delivers skincare benefits that are incomparable to any found from a bottle. Go there to relax after a day touring the Icelandic circle. It’s the best way to see as much of the landscape as possible.
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