Finally, here we are entering a new decade – and so a very Happy New Year to you all! The period immediately before the new year and soon after it has dawned is not always easy for everyone.
We remember our friends and family who have left us, and also the good times we enjoyed during the year. It’s also a time when we de-cide to adopt good practices and draw up a list of resolutions that we hope to keep in the days to come.
So before launching into possibly another tough year, why not plan a holiday that’ll help you relax after the gruelling stresses of the past year? You can then reflect on your resolutions before resuming your journey with renewed purpose and vigour. Here are some ideal loca-tions for such a holiday.
OMAN The Musandam Governorate in Oman offers contrasting vistas of the desert and sea along its jagged coastline. There are also histor-ic tours plus affordable and enriching experiences from snorkelling to super luxury stays equipped with wellness programmes.
INDIA The choices for reconnecting with your senses and revitalising your energy are many in Goa. Although touristy, Goa also has plenty to offer those who choose to go off the beaten track. You can opt for beachfront or palm grove accommodation that offer yoga retreats and ayurvedic treatments, and there’s a good chance that relaxation will be a natural result of your holiday.
SPAIN For a winter retreat with some architectural marvels to gaze at, you should certainly try Grenada where the city’s Moorish architec-ture is a part of Spanish history. The setting and Spanish culture, which place importance on relaxation, are sure to provide some respite from modern-day stresses.
ICELAND Travel to Iceland in winter to gaze at an ethereal landscape. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal man-made pool of seawater that contains natural minerals. Its water temperature averages 39°C all year through and in winter, it’s sometimes possible to witness the north-ern lights while immersed in the milky blue waters of this lagoon.
VIETNAM Being out on the water surrounded by limestone islands and rainforests will provide you with an opportunity to get close to na-ture. The tour of Hạ Long Bay, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, calls for exercise in the form of canoeing or paddle boating around the islands. A stay here promises to invigorate both the mind and body.