Calmcations are on the rise, and it's the trip to slow down and connect with the peaceful air that surrounds you. Take away the social media bait, the early morning wake-up call, and the jam-packed, bathroom-break-scheduled itinerary. There’s a simple task at hand, and that is to rest. Don’t mistake it as doing nothing (though no one’s stopping you), take it as easing through your list instead of racing through it. With the holidays coming full speed ahead, a little intentional disconnection hits different. Keep reading for the hotels that know what it truly means to turn off.
Son Blanc Menorca
Residing on the quieter Balearic sister, Son Blanc Menorca is focused on guests communicating with nature and rediscovering their inner essence. Guests are subjected to 14 rooms blessed with either private gardens, terraces with outdoor hot tubs, dramatic views, or balconies onto the wilderness. Stepping into the rooms, natural moldings, textured textiles, and reclaimed wood create a gentle ambiance for the entire stay. The hotel is built for a full sensory reset. Think sun-warmed stone paths and curated stillness that makes your shoulders drop at ease.
Location: Menorca, Spain // 4 Stars // Starting Rate: $414 // Room Count: 14 // Website
Cataloochee Ranch
Comfortably set in the Smokies, the air is fresher, and the conversations flow even better. Stepping out of your cabin at Cataloochee Ranch, the mountains greet you good morning, and the stars wish you good night, daily. Take a morning and go horseback riding up the mountains to witness some of the most magnificent views the States has to offer. As a Relais & Chateaux, the hotel perfectly intertwines luxury accommodations with classic ranch decor. We’re talking heated bathroom floors in your cabin, and cozy campfires to roast marshmallows with the Smokies layering themselves in the backdrop. Evenings take on a fun rhythm. Long, unhurried dinners, easy conversations with fellow guests, and the kind of communal warmth that only happens when everyone’s collectively unplugged. It’s the sort of place where your notifications naturally fade into the background, replaced by the crackle of the fireplace.
Location: Maggie Valley, North Carolina // 4 Stars // Starting Rate: $700 // Room Count: 18 // Website
Domaine de Fontenille
For a little French getaway, the trip to Provence should be a priority. The vast view alone is enough to slow your city-synced heartbeat. The vineyard is enchanting, spreading 40 hectares of organically farmed vines, and ancestral with a winemaking tradition dating back to 1638. A spa day here is totally recommended as treatments are inspired by Alpine traditions to achieve harmony between the body and mind. There’s a grounding energy to the estate, the centuries-old stone buildings, the gentle scent of wild herbs, and the soft hush that settles over the vineyard at dusk. It’s an inviting quiet that reaches you before you realize you needed it.
Location: Provence, France // 4 Stars // Starting Rate: $331 // Room Count: 21 // Website
Rothay Manor
Picture this. A countryside house, surrounded by trees, steps from water and trails. It’s less spa-day robes and more British quiet luxury, meaning freshly brewed teas, soft wool blankets, and the kind of silence that feels intentional. Mornings here are unrushed, start the day with a walk before the world fully wakes up, and spend breakfast watching the sunrise move through the garden. Evenings are a glass of wine, a book you actually have attention for, and a chair that almost insists you sink in deeper.
Location: Lake District, England // 5 Stars // Starting Rate: $270 // Room Count: 23 // Website
CASCADA Thermal Springs + Hotel
Calmcations are all about the intentional choices. Those looking to pamper themselves and loosen those stubborn knots and aches can make the intentional choice of staying at Cascada Thermal Springs + Hotel. The design of the hotel centers around biophilic elements, which ultimately means connecting humans to nature through direct experiences and natural analogs–so think thoughtfully placed plants, natural light, and organic shapes. The property highlights five underground pools, a world-class sauna, and a dramatic 25-foot air plant living wall. The quiet hum of the springs adds a soothing backdrop you don’t realize you needed. All that’s left is to slip into a cozy robe, slow your breathing, and let the spa take it from here.
Location: Portland, Oregon // 4 Stars // Starting Rate: $299 // Room Count: 100 // Website
Anemi Folegandros
A distance from the booming Santorini and Mykonos, Folegandros is for those looking to relax off the beaten path. ANEMI Folegandros lives on the desolate coastline of capes, bays, and beaches. Perfect for introverts or those who prefer a hand-off approach, Cycladic-style abodes feel more like a private loft, and the staff are there when you need them but will mostly give you space to kick back and relax. If moving around and staying active speaks to you, visit the pro-grade tennis court, a half-outdoor basketball court, and an open-air fitness center. Plus, guided yoga classes are held in the vineyard, which makes zen mode easy. Restful practices like healing sound baths can be arranged upon request, providing a perfect balance to your active days.
Location: Folegandros, Greece // 5 Stars // Starting Rate: $264 // Room Count: 44 // Website
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