In the words of Billy Joel:
“Slow down, you crazy child. Take the phone off the hook, and disappear for a while.”
Now, if anyone emails us asking what it means to ‘take the phone off the hook’ then we’ll have to grumpily reply that “put your phone on airplane mode and disappear for a while” just doesn’t have the same je ne sais quoi to it, thank you very much.
But, the idea remains.
On holiday, it’s glorious to sloooow dooooown. Disconnect. Switch off the devices (except maybe your Kindle) and relax into your extremely well-deserved time off.
These are some of our slower itineraries, dreamily (almost lazily) exploring a country, helping you follow Mr. Joel’s suggestion.
Picture your very own luxury yacht sailing serenely across the azure waters of the Ionian on your week’s holiday.
The only thing that would make it better?
If it were two weeks.
Discover the art of slow living on a two-week sail through the islands of the Ionian Sea. Visit a new location every day if you must but do it slowly without the need for moving accommodation, packing your bags or lifting a finger!
Start in Corfu and slowly meander down through Poseidon’s playground visiting Paxos, Anti-Paxos and Greek Mainland. Fill your days with long lunches, gentle sailing and sundowners as you head South. Zig-zag between Meganissi, Kalamos and Kastos before finishing your fortnight in Kefalonia.
Perhaps you find your favourite spot and you stay there for three days…perhaps the wind is so gentle you literally find yourself going backwards…anything is possible, and we think slow is pro!
Experience the art of slow travel at Kasbah d’Eau, a tranquil retreat nestled in Morocco’s peaceful landscapes. Here, time gently slows, encouraging you to embrace a more relaxed pace of life. Rather than rushing through tourist hotspots, take the time to savour quiet moments by the pool, surrounded by the beauty of the mountains. Enjoy a leisurely cup of mint tea on a sunlit terrace, as the gentle rhythm of village life drifts by.
Kasbah d’Eau offers a perfect escape from the fast-paced world, inviting you to explore nearby villages or simply unwind in the calm courtyards. This is travel at its most authentic: unhurried, mindful, and restorative. Whether you’re wandering through local souks, exploring scenic trails, or simply relaxing with a good book, Kasbah d’Eau reminds you that sometimes, the best way to experience a place is by slowing down, doing less, and truly immersing yourself in the moment.
Marbree’s first stop in Borneo would be the small city of Kuching. An ideal base for gentle hikes in the jungle, river rides and strolls through town, and perhaps a few outings to look for wildlife, Cove 55′s resort-like setting makes it easy to start the holiday slowly.
For plenty of wildlife with gentle river safaris, she’d fly to Sandakan and head down the Kinabatangan River to Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Two daily boat rides to look for orangutans, pygmy elephants, birds, and more plus hours between for lazing poolside.
The final stop means a short flight to Kota Kinabalu and a beautiful boat ride to Bungaraya Island Resort. Nothing like a few easy days at the beach to end this slow-moving trip that captures a taste of all that Borneo offers.
If ever a country were made for slow travel, it would be Laos. The nation’s reputation for easygoing schedules is well deserved as this is a place where forgetting what time – or even what day – it is, is a frequent occurrence.
There’s something about islands that practically force you to slow down. Whether it’s the boats needed to reach them, the lack of industry and offices, or the feeling of being on holiday, patches of sand in the sea beg for slow travel.
With 7,641 islands, the Philippines is a perfect place to slow down for a while. Marbree would focus on two islands in the Palawan group to keep the moving to a minimum. Days in Puerto Princesa staying at the brand-new Funny Lion for a whale shark snorkeling trip (April through October), a day trip to the Underground River, bicycle rides into town, and paddle boarding right from the beach are a great start.
Heading north to El Nido, it’s a tough choice for an island resort. This area is known for its island hopping and snorkeling along with its jaw-dropping beauty. Cauayan Island Resort is a favourite with only 29 villas and an all-inclusive option. The final stop would be Coron, a quick flight away. Another tough choice for a resort but on its own island, Discovery Coron is perfect for taking it easy and letting the days go by.
Although we are big fans of a tour of Sri Lanka, exploring the variety of culture, history, scenery, animals, cities and beaches the glorious island has to offer, this is only one way to enjoy the country. Moving on every couple of nights is not for everyone.
Our Culture & Coast itinerary slows everything right down, with just 3 stops – one in the rural tea country, and two overlooking the ocean. Add in day trips, watersports and hikes if you fancy it or just see where each day takes you and soak up the local culture. Go even more off grid by replacing one of the beach stops with a remote wellness retreat.
A lesser visited corner in Asia, sleepy Kep still feels like a well kept secret. And yet, some of the most outstanding boutique hotels in the country can be found in this region, creating the most perfect atmosphere to unwind and soak in the local customs.
The days are built around the seafood market, hiking in the national park, perhaps a daytrip to the nearby island beach or the low key cave temples.
In today’s fast-paced world, taking time to immerse yourself in your destination can transform your travel experience. Start your journey in Nairobi with a two-night stay that includes a visit to the heartwarming Sheldrick Orphanage, where you can meet orphaned elephants and learn about conservation efforts.
Afterward, take a short flight to Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages, an exclusive retreat with only three cottages, each equipped with a private yard, a dedicated chef, and a personal ranger. Here, you’ll have the chance to witness the last two remaining Northern White Rhinos in their natural habitat.
Conclude your adventure with a flight to the stunning Masai Mara North Conservancy at Ngare Serian, where you can experience incredible wildlife and the breathtaking beauty of the African landscape. Slow down and connect with nature on this unforgettable journey!
“Travel is about discovery and digging under the surface of a country. Take your time, go off the beaten track and plan ahead if you can.”
– Valeria Garibotti – Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay expert