The relaxing, chilled trip is the OG holiday vibe. Some of us don’t take time off work to be surrounded by screaming kids at a waterpark, and some of us definitely don’t de-stress by climbing a massive mountain… What’s wrong with a sunlounger and a good book? Absolutely nothing.
Maybe you’re a bit of an introvert, maybe you want to spend some quality time with a loved one, or maybe this is your solo trip for a bit of me-time. Either way, we’ve pulled together some top destinations for a quieter, more relaxed kind of holiday.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Surprised? Don’t be – Mexico’s not all about tequila, pumping music and Spring Break parties. You can skip the noise of Cancun and head down the coast to the blissful Riviera Maya – it’s all soft beaches backed by jungle scenes. This slice of Caribbean coast also boasts some ancient Mayan ruins, so you can take in the stories of old civilisations. And, you’ve also got one of the biggest coral reefs in the world, so stick your head underwater and snorkel your way to people-free peace.
Budva, Montenegro
Shhh, keep this one to yourselves. Pick an up-and-coming destination and you’ll easily swerve the tourist crowds. Budva in Montenegro is often compared to Dubrovnik, but you’ve got none of those Game of Thrones fans constantly posing for pics to get in your way. Montenegro as a whole country is only around the size of Northern Ireland, so it’s tiny but beautiful. If you’ve seen and done Budva’s walled town in a few days, head a couple miles up the road to Becici, too – it’s got the best beaches, luxe hotels and cute shops and cafés.
Halkidiki, Greece
Avoiding the crowds doesn’t actually mean you’ve got to miss out on the most popular destinations – you just have to be a bit savvy about where you park your sunlounger. Fancy Greece but hate the busy vibes? You and Halkidiki’s trident-shaped coastline will get on fine. Go for pocket-sized Gerakini or remote Ouranoupolis’ baby bays – they’ve both got the balance between peace and quiet with enough tavernas and shops to keep you going.
Calodyne, Mauritius
If there’s one group of people who tend to love to steer clear of crowds, it’s the honeymooners. So, you already know the soft sands of Mauritius are a win for idyllic, quiet retreats. Calodyne is on the north coast and has personal space on point. It’s all untamed coastline, ultra-quiet bays and low-key hotels, with a small village nestled in the middle. No nightclubs here – this place takes a walk on the au-naturel wild side.
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Author: Lily Owen
Last updated: 05/09/25
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