getaways Archives

As we all start to get back to life as we knew it before the pandemic, or continuing on for those of use who where front line workers, taking a time out is so important.

We live ing this world were we are promoting the notion that we should be living to work, not working to live. As I see the world reopening and hearing that people just don’t want to work. I thought about the amount of hours that I as adult in my mid-twenties, since I was about eighteen I have been working two jobs and maintaining a part-time to full-time class schedule. It is not that I do not want to work, It is that I am exhausted from working so many hours to just keep life going.

When the pandemic hit, and I finally had time to really reflect on myself and how much I truly was letting my self-care go. I was way overworking myself and not taking any breaks. So I really started to understand how important it was to get away for a few days. This was something that I promised I would do for me when the pandemic started coming to a close.

What I have learned from my getaways:

Time to unplug:

My vacations are filled with taking pictures but nothing else. I do not answer texts that are not related to family. I don’t answer emails. My goal is to leave my busy life at home and not bring it with me. I do not concern myself with work, or social media. I enjoy my coffee in the quietness of nature. I am able to run and exercise and just be with myself in a different place.

Time for Togetherness:

Vacations and getaways for me are usually accompanied by my loving boyfriend and my pup. This means that we get to spend quality time together. We watch movies, talk, sit down and have dinner together. All the things that we do not always get to do because of the hustle and bustle of life. It is so important for us to get away and have fun. Reconnect as a couple. Talking about the future. Making plans. Playing games, laughing with each other. Learning more about one another. It was really away for us to be more connected to one another. This has helped us be more connected to each other in general. Our relationship is so much stonier now than it was before we went.

Alone time:

I do not always have time for me time. However, when we are on vacation I usually get up early and have a cup of coffee by myself, or I go and take a hot bath alone. It is a good time for me to just breathe, ground myself and regroup to be in the moment with the people who are with me. This is something that is very important to me just in general. I need the time and space to reflect and just relax so I can regain the energy that I need to have fun and be a part of the vacation or getaway. This is also a good time for me to reconnect with myself, maybe there is something that I need to be doing more of that I do not normally do. This is a good time for me to figure that out.

Pre-covid I used to think that vacations and getaways were trivial, something that I did not have time for. After all, I am busy working and trying to make life work. However this is something that is a must. It is a time out for me to get back to what is really important in life and what is not. My job will still be there, but I won’t get this time back with the ones that I love. I wont get this time back for myself. It has now become something that my boyfriend and I are very committed to doing. It is also a time to rest and recharge. Which is so important in this life, that is so fast pace.

Slow down and get away from the world. You will learn new things about yourself!

Stay safe!

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Most people can’t wait to start traveling again, but not everyone is keen to stay at a hotel. So the answer is a reclusive villa where you can enjoy privacy, freedom, independence with the ability to be as quiet (or as noisy) as you like.

Perhaps you want to get away with a group of girlfriends, arrange a big family celebration or find a romantic hideaway for two. Here’s our pick of the best villas, with many of them featuring private pools, from the experts at 101 Holidays.

Get away with the girls

If you want to relax with a small group of girlfriends, a villa is perfect. Your best option is one with lots of bathrooms, and within walking distance of bars and restaurants. For example, on the Greek island of Corfu, Vintage Travel suggests Arhondiko which has four double / twin rooms with ensuite bathrooms, plus a single. Local tavernas are a short walk away.

In Provence in the South of France, you could rent Mas Mayeaux with Oliver’s Travels. It sleeps up to 12 and enjoys complete privacy, but there are shops, bars and restaurants all within a short walk.

Celebrate in style

If you’ve got a big birthday or anniversary to celebrate – and a budget to match – you can rent a superb villa with staff to look after your every need. In Tuscany, A&K Villas has Villa Machiavelli, a 15th-Century conversion with 10 rooms and suites sleeping up to 20 people. It’s fully-staffed with indoor and outdoor pools.

How about the Caribbean? In Barbados, CV Villas suggests the spectacular Crystal Springs which was decorated by Oliver Messel and sits directly on the beach. It sleeps 10 and is really the last word in luxury.

European Waterways operates luxury hotel barges on some of the most beautiful rivers and canals in Europe. You can book a berth or charter the whole boat with gourmet dining, fine wines and excursions included.

Just the two of you

In steamy Andalucia in the south of Spain, we couldn’t imagine anywhere more romantic than Casa Rustica, available to rent through Vintage Travel. It oozes rustic charm and has a private pool overlooking lakes and mountains.

Cornwall has been put firmly on the global map by the G7 Summit. In the lovely village of Fowey, Rural Retreats has Barnacles, a gorgeous waterfront cottage with beaches and pubs on your doorstep.

If you want to be be on the water, Fleewinter has crewed yachts sailing between the Greek islands. You can take a berth for two or charter the whole thing.

Get wed in paradise

It’s estimated that 240,000 weddings have been postponed in the UK alone during the pandemic. The figures worldwide will stretch into millions. The importance of creating special memories is more clear than ever. A romantic setting, a gorgeous place to stay and plenty of bedrooms for family and friends. You may want to stay at a hotel.

With Virgin Limited Edition, you can hire Son Bunyola, Sir Richard Branson’s private estate on the island of Mallorca. It is made up of three separate villas and is absolutely superb.

Or head to the romantic Scottish Highlands where The Big Domain has Highland Hall, an elegant country house set in six acres of gardens and woodland. Salmon fishing, golf and shooting are all available on your doorstep.

Multi-generational family reunions

One of the biggest post-pandemic travel trends is multi-generational family get-togethers. Typically, the mums and dads organize it and the grandparents pay. You’re looking for a house that is child- friendly and close to a beach, but without too many steep steps.

Turquoise Holidays suggests Niyama Private Islands in the Maldives. It’s a cool, contemporary resort with lots of playful touches and one island dedicated to families with a choice of villa accommodation.

In the Greek Pelepponese, GIC The Villa Collection suggests Sea View Villa which sleeps up to 10 with daily maid service and the option of hiring a private chef. Beach and tavernas are within walking distance, and Granny and Grandad have the option of taking the master suite in the main villa with the rest of the family in the guest wing.