Year-End Destinations to Rest, Reconnect, Rediscover

As the year draws to a close, the most meaningful gift you can give yourself is the time to pause, rest, and truly disconnect. Far from the familiar, these hotels and resorts offer a return to stillness, where digital noise fades into ocean breezes, and each sunrise feels like a fresh start. Beau-Rivage Palace – Lausanne, Switzerland

Set along the tranquil shores of Lake Geneva, the Beau-Rivage Palace is a sanctuary of timeless grace and quiet renewal. For more than a century, this grand lakeside retreat has offered an elegant balance of heritage and modern comfort, where serene gardens and shimmering water views encourage a slower pace of living. Each room feels like a private refuge, inviting restful mornings and unhurried evenings spent watching the light drift across the lake. Beyond its doors, curated experiences such as private visits to the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards let guests immerse themselves in nature and local culture, a gentle reminder that true connection begins when you unplug and simply be.

 

Cheval Blanc Randheli – Noonu Atoll, Maldives Tucked away in the turquoise expanse of Maldives’ Noonu Atoll, Cheval Blanc Randheli is a rare kind of escape that invites complete disconnection and quiet indulgence. Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, its 46 villas stretch gracefully across six islands, each a private haven with sweeping ocean views and its own infinity pool that seems to melt into the lagoon. Days unfold gently here, with sunrise yoga on the spa island, unhurried afternoons by the water, and evenings spent savouring fine French dining at Le 1947 or teppanyaki beneath the stars. Every detail is designed to soothe the senses and still the mind, creating the perfect setting for a holiday that feels both grounding and transcendent.

Chiva-Som Hua Hin - Thailand Set along the sun-kissed shores of Hua Hin, Chiva-Som is a sanctuary where wellness and tranquility are seamlessly intertwined. Surrounded by lush gardens and the gentle rhythm of the Gulf of Thailand, the resort is designed to guide guests into a state of mindful relaxation. Personalised wellness retreats, incorporating spa treatments and holistic fitness sessions, are carefully crafted to restore balance and clarity. Days unfold at a slower pace, whether strolling through fragrant gardens, practicing yoga at sunrise, or savoring nutrient-rich cuisine. In this serene retreat, the pressures of daily life are left behind, creating a space where the body, mind, and spirit are gently reset for the season ahead.

­ Chasa Montana – Graubunden, Switzerland High in the Engadin mountains at 1,850 metres above sea level, Chasa Montana Hotel & Spa offers a rare balance of alpine adventure and soulful stillness. This Relais & Châteaux chalet-style wellness hotel blends natural materials like pine, larch and granite to create warm, elegant spaces that feel both grounding and refined. After a morning on the slopes or quiet hikes through snow-covered trails, the 1,500-square-metre Montana Spa invites deep relaxation with its Roman-style pool, saunas, and Sisley treatments. Evenings unfold over fine cuisine at the Michelin-starred La Miranda or in the glow of the wine cellar’s 20,000 bottles. Surrounded by crisp mountain air and serene views, Chasa Montana is the kind of place where you can disconnect completely and rediscover a quieter rhythm of life.

Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa – Baden-Baden, Germany Set amidst the peaceful parkland of Baden-Baden, Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa has long been known as a haven of elegance and tranquility. After a two-year renovation, this historic hotel is open again, welcoming guests into a renewed chapter of timeless hospitality blended with modern sophistication. Nestled among beautifully maintained gardens and charming historic architecture, the hotel offers a relaxed atmosphere where time seems to slow down and everyday worries fade away. The design takes inspiration from 19th-century Beaux-Arts glamour and the boldness of English interiors. At the Spa, gentle wellness rituals, rejuvenating treatments, and relaxing moments by the spa pool help mind and body find their balance. Staying here feels like a peaceful retreat, letting serenity naturally unfold and creating a sense of calm that stays long after one visits.

Dec 01,2025