When I heard NYC was getting hit with a blizzard last month, I made the only decision one can make. I fled to Cabo. As the plane broke through the clouds, I saw a shimmering ocean and blue skies unfold before me, and I knew I had made the right decision.
I also knew that upon landing, I only had one real goal for my 5 days there. I wanted to lie by a pool and do nothing. Winter had kicked my ass mentally and physically, and I hoped the next few days would be a chance to relax, unwind and recover. I am happy to report it worked.
I think that there are two types of trips. Ones where the goal is to absorb a new culture, have brand new experiences and see places unlike what you are used to. But I also think that the other type of trip, the ones where the whole goal is to relax, are worthy as well. Taking time to take care of yourself, turn off your brain and unwind is important too! And this Substack is in honor of the latter types of trips. Today we will be relaxing.
So if you also need some R&R and love sunshine and the beach, this one is for you.
Cabo
Upon stepping off the plane in Cabo, I said, “Oh my god, it is Palm Springs with the ocean.” And from there I was in heaven. If you like desert climate and ocean views, Cabo is for you. The beauty of this destination is that you can do as much or as little as you please. If you want to lie by the pool and drink Palomas, you can! If that pool is at the Park Hyatt Cabo del Sol, you’ll be even more relaxed. If you want to venture out to sea and go whale watching, you can! And if you want to take an ATV into the wilderness and search for hot springs, you can do that too. I loved staying at the Park Hyatt Cabo del Sol, and left as little as humanly possible.
Miami
This one’s more for my people who love a day relaxing and a night on the town. Miami has always been a destination where your trip is what you make it. Spend days along the beach or at a gorgeous South Beach hotel pool. If a girl can dream (and she can), I would stay at the chic, luxury hotel The Betsy. Miami also has a fantastic food scene and an unstoppable nightlife. Go dancing at Over Under or Jolene Sound Room, and dine at Tâm Tâm for fresh, flavorful Vietnamese food.
Jamaica
My coworker Brekke Fletcher takes a girls’ trip to Jamaica every year and stays at the Rockhouse Hotel, and all I want is to follow in her footsteps. Jamaica is known for beautiful beaches, a slower pace and fantastic jerk chicken. What more can you want? Enjoy a massage beachside or venture out to the iconic Dunn’s River Falls. Whatever you choose to do, I am sure you will return home tanner and relaxed.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has risen to fame in recent years, and for good reason. Stunning coastline meets lush forests, making it a beautiful destination to relax. For vacations this far from home, I like to mix chill and exploration. Spending a few days getting to know a destination before carving out time to relax is the ideal way to enjoy Sri Lanka. Here you can surf, chase waterfalls, take a safari and enjoy its countless beaches. I fantasize about staying at the Wild Coast Tented Lodge, which places you right between Sri Lanka’s jungle and the ocean.
Costa Rica
To me, Costa Rica is a wonderful place to get away. It feels so starkly different from city living, a place to escape the noise and bustle of New York. I love the idea of waking up to the sound of waves, dining on fresh fruit for breakfast and spending the afternoon in the sun reading a book. Costa Rica is idyllic; it’s that simple. I am specifically drawn to a stay at Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa, which has 23 different hot springs pools for you to enjoy.
Happy relaxing,
Chamidae
As someone who writes as more of the cultural traveler, I totally agree with this too 🏖️
Same 😂
But agree, two different types!