Over a recent dinner with friends, we found ourselves reflecting on how global travel has become exhausting and overwhelming. Too often, even luxury hotels contribute to that feeling—offering flashy opulence but leaving little room for true rest, connection, or meaning. But travel doesn’t have to be that way. In a post-covid world, travelers want to connect with the local culture, immerse in natural landscapes, get rejuvenated, and experience diverse communities well beyond five-star accommodations. I put together this list pulling from various emerging and established destinations for those craving a deeper, more intentional way to see the world.
Whether you’re craving a serene escape along Ibiza’s rugged coast, an eco-luxury surfing retreat in El Salvador, or a rejuvenating urban oasis in Portland, Ore., these destinations offer more than just a getaway. From vineyard tours in Georgia’s wine country to exploring Lithuania’s heritage through contemporary design, each destination below strives to immerse visitors in their unique cultures.
Aguamadera – Ibiza, Spain
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Ibiza, look no further than the luxury boutique hotel Aguamadera. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush pine forests, it’s located on the quieter east coast of the island. Originally built in 1888 as a farmhouse, Aguamadera honors its roots with agricultural design elements such as whitewashed walls, exposed beams, earthy, linen textiles, as well as an on-site garden where herbal medicines, vegetables and fruits are grown. With an emphasis on wellbeing and holistic living, the property serves up Mediterranean-inspired organic dishes at the La Era Restaurant, and offers holistic wellness experiences like Ayurveda workshops and yoga sessions.
Wave House – El Zonte, El Salvador
A hidden gem in the laid back surfer town of El Zonte, Wave House is an eco-luxury boutique hotel that offers a deeply immersive experience through its hyperlocal design and curated activities. The postcard-like grounds feature a rooftop deck with panoramic ocean views, an infinity pool and bar, a wellness centre fitted with a jacuzzi and cold plunge pool, a biomechanics gym, a physical therapy and massage room, a lounge and co-working space, plus a lobby that doubles as an art gallery showcasing the works of local artists.
The rustic yet luxurious accommodations range from studios to three-bedroom penthouses, offering oceanfront or mountain views. Rooms are fitted with locally sourced furniture, textiles are sourced from Lula Mena, a women-owned brand seeking to empower women in high-risk areas of El Salvador, and the decorative pottery is crafted by Shicali Ceramics, a non-profit that employs people living with disabilities. As its name suggests, Wave House is the go-to spot for both seasoned surfers and beginners, who can take advantage of on-site surfing lessons. If surfing isn’t your thing, you can enjoy yoga on the roof deck, explore El Salvador’s rich landscape and culture through guided tours, or enjoy a fine-dining experience with Bendito Fuego and other local renowned chefs.
Cascada Hotel & Mineral Baths – Portland, OR, USA
In the vibrant Alberta Arts District of Portland, you’ll find CASCADA, a holistic wellness retreat dedicated to the well-being of both people and the planet. Designed to be a lush, year-round oasis, this innovative space combines design elements inspired by Portland’s urban charm and tropical island retreats, bringing a slice of paradise to the city during the (in)famous Pacific Northwest rainy season.
Guests can enjoy rejuvenating treatments in the thermal springs and spa, dine on wellness-focused cuisine at the on-site restaurant Terra Mae, or relax by the pool in the 82-degree year-round Conservatory housing rare plants from around the world. “ We’ve put our heart and soul into this building,” explains Danya Feltzin, Executive Vice President of Solterra, the owners of Cascada. “You’ll see the intentionality in every single component, from the design to the wellness and the food.”
Lopota Lake Resort and Spa, Georgia
Whether you’re into wine, wellness, or nature (or all three), Lopota Lake Resort and Spa should be at the top of your bucket list. This tranquil retreat is nestled in the picturesque Caucasus Mountains of the Kakheti region and surrounds a private lake, with its own fair share of rolling hills, lush forests and expansive vineyards.
At Château Buera, guests can immerse themselves in Georgia’s centuries-old winemaking traditions through private tours and tastings, including natural wines made from Saperavi and Rkatsiteli, two of Georgia’s native grapes. For dining, you have multiple options including both western or Asian cuisines, as well as traditional Georgian dishes at the on-site lakeside restaurant or gourmet food and wine pairings at Château Buera.
To unwind, head to the forest spa for rejuvenating treatments inspired by traditional Georgian healing traditions like Thalasso Bath Vinotherapy, take in the serene views from your lakeside room, or signup for a guided nature walks and birdwatching around the lake.
Hotel Pacai, Vilnius, Lithuania
Situated in the heart of Vilnius Old Town is Hotel PACAI, a luxury hotel that blends Lithuanian heritage with contemporary design. The restored 17th-century mansion of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania offers travelers a taste of Lithuania’s past, while its location near trendy shops and local restaurants gives them easy access to modern Lithuanian life. The hotel features 104 rooms and suites, an on-site bar, spa with signature treatments inspired by Lithuanian herbal traditions, and Michelin guide selected eponymous restaurant that serves Nordic-Lithuanian-inspired cuisine made from fresh local ingredients.
La Raia – Gavi, Italy
Nestled in the rolling hills of Italy’s Piedmont region in the biodynamic wine estate and luxury boutique hotel La Raia, known for its commitment to wellness and sustainability. Guests can sample organic wines made from the native grapes Cortese, Barbera and Dolcetto, or take private tours of the vineyards and wine cellars. Led by Chef Tommaso Arrigoni, the on-site restaurant Locanda La Raia serves seasonal dishes using organic ingredients, which earned it a Michelin Green star in 2024. For art lovers, the on-site La Raia Art Foundation hosts regular art exhibitions and features art installations throughout the grounds. The scenic grounds are also home to an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court, and a spa, inviting guests to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Coco Hotel – Copenhagen, Denmark
Parisian elegance meets contemporary Danish design in this luxury boutique hotel that was named the best hotel in Scandinavia in 20203 by Travel+Leisure magazine. Dedicated to sustainability, the Copenhagen-based property is Green Key-certified and runs entirely on solar power. Small details, like their use of organic textiles and upcycled furniture, and larger initiatives, like their partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects, mean you can indulge in luxury while giving back to the planet. The on-site Coco Cafe serves up Scandinavian breakfasts by day, transforming into a cozy wine bar by night, with a DJ on weekends.
Thanks to the hotel’s connection to the Copenhagen Food Collective, guests received priority access and discounts at some of the top restaurants in the city. Other highlights include a leafy green courtyard and a ping pong and games room. While there are no on-site wellness or fitness facilities, hotel guests are given deep discounts at nearby facilities, including Vesterbronx Gym, AIRE Ancient Baths, Ara’Kai beauty, and Studio 41 Pilates.
Have you discovered a destination that left you feeling refreshed and inspired? Leave a comment and share your favorite relaxing, wellness-focused getaway.