A Season of Slow Travel: Where to Go (and What to Do) for Your Next Relaxing Getaway
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We had barely dug into the appetizers on our first night at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui, but I was already making post-dinner plans.
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Nestled into a booth at the resort’s overwater sushi restaurant, with dramatic coral reef and marine life below our feet, I was eager to explore the rest of the property, which felt at once sprawling and intimate. Perhaps a visit to the resort’s excellent bar for a Mai Tai, I suggested to my travel mates, or maybe a little dancing by the lobby lounge, where live musicians playing ukuleles had greeted us just hours before, upon our arrival on the private island. The glistening waves of the Pacific Ocean and the star-lit French Polynesian sky made for a perfect backdrop for a nightcap, and I wasn’t about to waste a chance to see what pleasures awaited me in paradise.
But on this night – and the nights following – there was no after-party to be found, nor was there much activity at all into the late evenings. While hospitable bartenders kept stools out for guests who wanted a drink or two before bed, our “island hosts” (a notch above personal butlers) instead encouraged a little solo R&R back in our overwater villas, which all faced the ocean or one of the property’s lush gardens. “Go and lie down outside on your patio and take in the view,” one of the hosts said. “I bet you’ve never seen a sky so full of stars.” And so I did just that on my first night in paradise — and on every night after that. And the ocean breeze lapping my face and the smell of tropical wildflowers and the sight of the sky indeed so full of stars was more exhilarating than any late-night revelry I could have ever dreamed up. “This,” I thought to myself, “is just what I came here for.”
In cities like New York and Paris, the parties go all night and doubling down on debauchery is an ever-present goal. But in the best destinations around the world, people know that there’s nothing more luxurious than having time to yourself. And in an increasingly busy and fast-paced world, taking the time to decompress is one of the best reasons these days to travel.
Some savvy vacation providers have dubbed this the “slow travel” trend, though if you ask the team at the Conrad Bora Bora, the island has long been a respite for travelers seeking to slow things down. Opened in 2017, the resort has hosted everyone from A-list celebrities to politicians to honeymooners looking for an off-the-grid-style getaway. Located in a private cove on Motu To’opua, Conrad Bora Bora Nui is secluded from the rest of the island, while boasting the longest stretch of white sand beach in the area (you’ll easily be able to find a private section of beach to yourself). With 114 villas and suites, each surrounded by open water or lush greenery, the resort provides a place for travelers to find some peace and quiet, while still offering the luxuries you’d come to expect from the Conrad name.
Still, it’s less about the pace and more about the process here. While many resorts boast day parties and a literal boatload of excursions and activities, our mornings at the Conrad were spent enjoying a solo breakfast on our private patio – delivered to our bungalow via a traditional Va’a (Polynesian canoe). Afternoons were spent soaking in the sun – and the sight lines – from the resort’s multiple pools, or basking in a luxurious Biologique Recherche facial at the resort’s Hina Spa, perched atop a hill overlooking the South Pacific. We normally prefer getting our treatments in a dimly-lit room, but with a view this stunning, we actually requested that the drapes be left open.
On one day, we made our way out into the ocean with the resort’s on-site marine biologist to go snorkeling in search of manta rays. The Conrad works closely with Manta Trust, a non-profit organization in French Polynesia dedicated to manta ray preservation, and it was an incredible opportunity to not only learn about the majestic creatures, but to dive into the warm waters of the ocean to see them up close.
Part of the joy of slow travel is not having to think about set schedules or conventions. At Conrad Bora Bora, that extended to meal time, with five unique restaurants that run the gamut from fine dining to casual fare. Your choice of cuisine here spans Chinese, Japanese, French and American, though the chefs are constantly evolving the menu based on seasonal produce and culinary trends. The Conrad is also the only Polynesian resort with an Ahi Ma’a, the traditional underground oven used to cook Tahitian staples like pork, chicken and fish. Your choice of setting can be accommodated too, say, if you want to take a short boat ride to the Conrad’s private island of Motu Tapu like we did, for a sunset meal with our feet in the sand. Just like our private dinner, everything at the Conrad felt decidedly unhurried, and for someone used to always being on the go, it was a welcomed opportunity to just take things one delicious course — and one amazing experience — at a time.
Getting to and from the island is also a stress-free experience, thanks to direct flights from Los Angeles to Tahiti on Air Tahiti Nui, the official airline of French Polynesia. The spacious and well-appointed business class cabin of the Dreamliner we flew to Faa’a International Airport instantly transported you to the islands even before we had set off for the skies.
On both our inbound and outbound journey back to L.A., we spent time at the Hilton Hotel Tahiti, perhaps the most iconic property on the island. With roots dating back to 1960, the Hilton Tahiti has become both a hospitality destination and cultural hub, built on land that once formed part of the Tahitian royal family estate. Indeed, the hotel has played host to royalty from around the world too, welcoming guests like Prince Charles, and musical royalty like The Beatles, Jacques Brel, Johnny Hallyday and more.
Back in Bora Bora, our hosts sent us home with a parting gift consisting of a mini bottle of the resort’s exclusive perfume collaboration with Coqui Coqui, a local fragrance house. The sweet scent was inspired by the flowers on the island, and a perfect way to remember our time in paradise. As our boat pulled away from the property, the resort staff gathered on the dock to bid us à bient?t, swaying their hands from side to side to say goodbye. It was a scene straight out of a television show, and for a minute, it appeared as though we were watching everything in slo-mo. Perhaps it was the alcohol, or the sun, or the rollicking waves of the turquoise water carrying us home. Or perhaps, it was one last reminder from the island to calm down and to bottle this feeling we had in Bora Bora, like the perfume, to take on our onward journey home.
On the other side of the Pacific, the Solaz Resort in Los Cabos is reinvigorating the popular tourist destination not with bombast, but with a sense of quiet luxury and refinement. Indeed, our visit to the Solaz – a Luxury Collection Resort – was filled with moments of relaxation and inspiration, alongside one-of-a-kind experiences we won’t soon forget.
The sense of calm started as soon as we walked into our suite – one of 145 rooms at the property, which is far away from the hustle and bustle of the main Cabo strip. With a private plunge pool, freestanding tub and indoor/outdoor shower, there were few reasons to leave our room while we were at the Solaz, and our personal butler – always a phone call or WhatsApp message away – basically offered as much too.
Still, we didn’t completely spend all of our time in our suite. On one day, we floated our cares away in the resort’s pristine infinity pool, with views of horses galloping along the beach while waves lapped the Sea of Cortez in the distance. On another day, we did a private mezcal tasting, with rare local mezcals paired with bites from the resort’s signature restaurant, Mako. And one of the most unique parts of the property is the Solaz’s El Gabinete “Del Barco,” an art gallery and museum featuring regional artifacts, indigenous art and ancient treatures. We were like kids in a candy store as we nerded out with the tour guide over the fossilized animals on display and replica hunting tools used for centuries in the region.
BOOK: Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos
A true architectural marvel in Cabo, the Solaz was designed like a contemporary, free-flowing sculpture, with picturesque views and Instagrammable backdrops in every corner of the resort. The gently sloping pathways of the property are meant to evoke the arroyos in the region, and lush, fragrant landscaping pays homage to local fauna (there’s not a palm tree in sight). Original artwork is seen in every space, from paintings on the walls, to large-scale sculptures and installations. Many of the pieces come from a private collection of artwork by Mexican artist and designer César López-Negrete, whose work is inspired by the culture, landscapes and heritage of Baja.
But what you really come to the Solaz for is to relax, and this is one of the best resorts in the world for “slow travel.” Wellness and self-care take precedence at the Solaz, and this mantra manifests itself in ways both big and small. I had casually mentioned at the front desk that I liked to take spin classes at home; color me surprised when there was a Peloton waiting for me in my room as I returned from breakfast one morning. Seeking a lighter option for lunch, we were delighted to find Foresta, the resort’s casual cafe that offers smoothies, salads and vegan options for guests who want some “green” cuisine (I settled for Foresta’s delicious veggie burger, which felt like somewhere in the middle).
The best part of our stay was our visit to the Solaz’s “Ojo de Liebre Spa,” which offers everything from traditional massages to cryotherapy, thalasso therapy, cold plunge tubs and chromotherapy light showers in 12 private treatment rooms. We chose the spa’s signature treatment, dubbed “The Baja Experience Connection.” Rooted “in the scents, tastes, and traditions that have flourished in this region for centuries,” our experience began with a traditional sageing ritual using a combination of medicinal herbs, including sage and rosemary. With our energy balanced and mind cleared, the next step was an invigorating facial and exfoliation that included a papaya scrub that left our skin soft and smooth. After rinsing off, we finished the treatment with a blissful massage that combined both deep strokes for knots and tension, and lighter strokes that helped us quickly doze off. As the therapist reminded us, the treatment was designed “to renew not only the skin, but also the spirit.”
“How do you feel?” she asked.
“Alive.”
Looking to escape to Europe? Photos of Mykonos and Santorini may dominate your social media feeds, but a new beachfront property off the Ioanian Sea in the South of Greece is slowly making a name for itself as a retreat from the masses, and indeed, an alternative to mass tourism itself.
The W Costa Navarino opened in August 2022, marking the debut of the W Hotels brand in Greece and the latest property to arrive to the panoramic Peloponnese region, a three-hour drive from Athens. Located on a 32-acre beachfront site, the W Costa Navarino is one of those rare properties where time truly stands still, and opportunities to unwind surround you in spades.
Situated in a still-relatively unspoiled part of Greece, the hotel pays tribute to its surroundings with a striking yet minimalist design that incorporates natural hues and local materials like stone, wood and reed, with inviting indoor/outdoor spaces that take advantage of the Mediterranean sea breeze and warmth of the sun. Even the experiences here are designed to impart a sense of serenity. We spent one afternoon taking a bread making class, enjoying the slow pace of kneading the dough and waiting for it to rise in the hotel’s fully-functioning bakery (one of four eateries in the hotel’s market-style dining area, dubbed the “Platia”). Another day began with a private yoga session on the beach, followed by breathwork and a soundbath from one of the property’s many guest instructors, who come to Costa Navarino from around the world to zen-out in its supposed healing properties.
Our two-bedroom suite came with its own private patio and infinity pool, though we were only steps from the beach if we wanted to dip our toes in the sand. The resort has its own beach club, Parelia, with a live DJ and playlist that mirrors the high vibes of the afternoon to the wind down at sunset. Prefer an actual beach? We spent a day at Voidokilia Beach, a public hotspot 30 minutes away that’s known for its unique formation seemingly in the shape of the Greek letter omega. After a quick dip, we set out for a hike to explore the terrain nearby, eventually ascending hundreds of feet above sea level for a photo in Nestor’s Cave (named after the character in character in Homer’s Iliad) and then making our way to the top of the cliffs to walk among the ruins of a 13th-century castle. The view from the top was breathtaking.
While both the Conrad Bora Bora Nui and Solaz Los Cabos did not have any kids on site while we were there but are open to little ones, the W Costa Navarino is exclusively for guests over the age of 12, making it a great option for guests who seek out an adults-only vibe. The W is also ideal for guests who desire privacy, with spacious villas that you never need to leave, but also plenty of nooks and crannies (and hidden gardens and pergolas) for you to unwind in. This is a property that is as calming as it is charming, and a place you won’t soon forget.
Closer to home, Wynn Las Vegas is helping to reimagine Sin City as a wellness destination, with a new program dubbed “Wynn Living Well.” Promising to help “renew, replenish and re-energize,” the program offers hotel guests a much more subdued Vegas experience, far away from the clubs and crowds the Strip may be known for.
The a la carte-style experience includes options for fitness and recovery, along with special food and drink menus designed to promote healthier eating. On our stay, our “Living Well” itinerary included a SoulCycle class, with the popular spin studio’s Las Vegas outpost conveniently located in Wynn Plaza Shops. We also took a private class at the Fitness Center at Encore, where a certified trainer guided us through a 90-minute session that was as much about physical therapy as it was about working out. “People can’t exercise if they’re always in pain,” the trainer said. “We want to help address their physical issues first so that they achieve peak performance.” Understanding that most hotel guests are only in town for a weekend, the trainer helped craft easy-to-follow exercises that we could take home with us, and even promised to follow up over text.
The crown jewel of Wynn is their spa program and the new “Living Well” program includes everything from aromatherapy and CBD-infused massages, to luxe caviar scalp treatments and oxygen facials. We sprung for a hot stone massage, which instantly helped us recover from our workout in the morning while also relieving built-up tension we had been carrying with us for weeks.
Wynn’s new wellness program extends to its bars and restaurants too. All of the restaurants – including Wynn’s popular brunch buffet – have dedicated “Living Well” options, offering lighter fare suitable for a range of diets without sacrificing selection or taste. At Delilah, the popular h.Wood Group restaurant inside the hotel, master mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini crafted a series of non-alcoholic cocktails that eschew booze in favor of adaptogens like reishi mushrooms, lion’s mane and ashwagandha. These are multi-sensory cocktails too, with creative presentations and hints of playfulness, thanks to things like Boarini’s “electric dust,” which makes your tongue tingle as you lick it off the rim of your glass. Though there was no alcohol in the cocktails, these drinks were anything but dry.
And if you do end up drinking or going out, Wynn has a recovery plan for you too, with a juice bar at Encore and next-day hydration and vitamin IV drips available from NutriDrip by Clean Market, a leader in functional wellness. Or you could just sink into Wynn’s unbelievably comfortable “Dream Beds” which instantly lulled us to sleep each night. Designed exclusively for Wynn Resorts by Sealy, the beds became so popular that the hotel is now selling the mattresses online.
The best way to get to Wynn and to Las Vegas remains JSX, the semi-private jet company that flies into the Strip from various airports along the West Coast and Arizona. The hop-on service lets you arrive at the airport just 20 minutes before boarding, and for travelers seeking to take the stress out of travel, it’s a no-brainer to book. The entire JSX experience is at once elevated and practical, offering a welcome alternative to chaotic terminals and bringing a much-needed sense of refinement back to flying.
The “slow travel” trend may be all about taking your time, but at least when it comes to getting to your vacation destination, we say the quicker the better.
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