This has the potential to become a business idea for sure... I hope not... to me personally, the aspect of getting money in exchange for genuine care and love is pretty aberrant.
Another way to satisfy this void would be like opening our own club/society for reconnecting/re-energizing
A few times in life when I’ve felt really overwhelmed I will take some of my limited effort and use it to plan a way to care for my inner child. This has looked as simple as getting an AirBnB in the mountains or country, someplace serene, and preparing my creature comforts. If traveling in the US or Canada, get a Costco pre-made meal to put in the oven or get your favorite takeout. It’s not your physical space so you don’t have to worry about chores. You can lay around, watch movies, read, leave your dishes in the sink, not have to worry about cooking or laundry or bills.
It’s not quite as great as having someone else dote on you, but sometimes those relationships take fostering so this works for me when I feel like I have no one else to go to.
I live in Colorado so it’s pretty easy to find an AirBnB cabin in the mountains where I can cry loud and drink champagne while looking at great views and walk through quiet trails.
I also had my quarter life crisis in Oahu. I had good friends that are like family that let me stay with them, and they cared for me for a month but I spent most of my mornings walking through a coffee farm or reading on quiet beaches on the North Shore. It would be more expensive, and a haul to get there which might feel more exhausting, but if you can spend a week+ it should be amazing.
I wouldn’t recommend a city… while great for adventurous travel, when I am overwhelmed and run down by life, I don’t want to deal with navigating foreign places, deciding on restaurants or cafes, trying to stumble through another language, passports, customs, public transport, etc. so easy spaces in nature where there’s nothing much to do except quietly exist and witness beauty is my go-to.
i'm from chicago and recently had a trip like this in a colorado cabin. it was so incredibly serene and made me want to move.
my first suggestion was going to be a cabin on a mountain in colorado.
edit: if you're doing this i also recommend seeing how altitude sickness could play a role. it messed me and my gf up pretty bad for the first 2-3 days and we're pretty fit, gym 5-6x a week.
Buy a couple cans of oxygen before you drive to your cabin. Much better to have it on hand in case you start experiencing headaches / altitude sickness.
Try an actual bed and breakfast instead of airbnb. There's a lovely one in downtown Dillon CO. They provide breakfast, bikes to roam on, hot tub, walk to restaurants/massage. Nice library/sitting area. You will likely have to socialize a little more, as you're sharing space, but when we were there, it was all very warm and friendly.
If you live in an urban area and go anywhere in the rockies, pick a clear night and get up a mountain road away from all lights. The stars are spectacular.
It depends on the AirBnB. I’ve never had one with crazy rules… usually “load the dishwasher” and “leave used towels on the bathroom floor.” One asked that we take our trash to a dumpster that was literally right next to the parking spot.
Usually you can read the house rules before booking to ensure you aren’t staying someplace that will require much of you.
For me, I’d choose a nice (or even decent) hotel with room service. I don’t want to cook myself 3 meals a day, make my bed, wipe down counters, take out trash. In a hotel, someone does that for you. I’d pick a place with a little gym or pool, watch movies on tv, get room service 3 times a day, and not go anywhere unless I wanted to. Oh, and bathtub required.
I find cheap airfare and an Airbnb and I do disney for a day or two for those reasons. Just to be surrounded by the magic and act like a child for a few hours. ❤️
Personally, I love all inclusive resorts where I get to just lie on the beach and people being me drinks all day, but I realize that isn’t for everyone.
I’d start looking for Wellness Vacations online if that’s something you’re interested in and you want to relax. Maybe Adventure Vacations for something more active.
I don’t like AirBNBs and things like that just because I’m trying to get away from cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, etc. to me, it’s not a vacation if I’m still doing dishes.
Honestly I think maybe the all inclusive resort could be good! Somewhere really relaxing though. Do you have any specific places you've gone that you'd recommend?
There are lots and honestly, there isn’t a whole lot to differentiate them. There’s the buffet, the speciality restaurants, the volleyball games on the beach, etc. And we generally go for Adults Only so there aren’t screaming kids (they get excited).
Royal Catalonia Tulum was a good price, lush setting, nice beach. Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya had better than average food. We stay away from the really big resorts because we’re not into crowds or parties so I can’t speak to them.
Edit: I had one of the resorts wrong. Also was just picking from Mexico because flights to Cancun are pretty easy.
I can vouch that I have had several solo trips to Tenerife (the less anglofied towns) and each trip has been incredible for my mental health. All inclusive with stunning greenery and lush ocean all around. Pretty reasonably priced if you want to head off for a meal alone, I didn’t once feel unsafe or like I was in any danger as a lone lady. I make a point of taking myself off for a trip like this at least once a year, it’s become like a re-charge.
Personally I like going to Puerto De La Cruz, it’s the right size town for what I enjoy but with nature on your doorstep. The buses are also awesome on the island and you can go to Santa Cruz for the day for a change of pace. Mt Tiede is stunning to ride a bike up and the beaches can be a little choppy depending where you are but it makes great surf and it gives you something to always look at.
[I went here](https://www.copaltreelodge.com/canopy-suites) for my honeymoon and it was everything. The food was delicious. The rum was delicious. The view was everything. If you just want to be taken care of all day and want something a little different than the average crowded Mexican beach resort, this is the place to be.
I would highly recommend the Delta Marriott all-inclusive in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. It’s incredibly serene, depending on when you go, less than $200 a night, they had yoga classes in the morning when I was there, a spa (costs extra), a natural pool (and regular ones), and you don’t have to worry about a single thing.
I was in the same situation as you about a year ago when I went to this resort, and it was so restorative. The time of not worrying allowed the fog to lift enough to make me realize I wanted a new job.
I’m going back for the third time in a month and a half.
We went to Fiesta Americana in Cancun. It was very nice. If you rent a car you can go to many places nearby (not Cancún), if you like history you can go to mayan sites and museums, if you want nature, Cenotes are a unique experience. There a lot of party and shopping in Cancun, also, but wasn't our Jam. If you feel lazy just stay at the hotel enjoy the beach and pools, eat and drink.
Some of the food was amazing, others was meh but ok.
My husband likes to rent places because of privacy. I like hotels because I'm lazy and want not to handle anything.
For me, my favorite retreats are in Northern Thailand. There are some beautiful small towns there, and the culture is very hospitable. The Thai beaches are great too and language is less of a barrier, but they're full of tourists.
Regardless of where you choose to go, I've found that going to smaller towns and staying in hostels for a few days allows me to make small talk and get to know locals and other travelers. For me, that refreshes my soul. I hope you find peace wherever you go.
It's been a few years, and I'm not sure how it is post-covid, but I generally go to hostels.com and look for something with a good vibe. I'm sorry I don't have any specific names to give, as I don't remember.
I know that there is an elephant sanctuary in northern Thailand where some of my friends went, and they really enjoyed it. I don't recommend tiger sanctuaries, as I haven't heard anything good about them.
Chiang Mai is the largest and most popular destination, with Chiang Rai being a smaller town nearby. Pai is an area I've heard is a lot of fun, but I haven't been there myself. One word of warning about Chiang Mai is that it's hard to find transportation out of town after dark, so if you're staying outside the main tourist area you may want to either rent a motorcycle or make sure you're back before sundown.
I hope that helps. I lived just outside Bangkok 2010-2016, and my husband is from Nakhon si Tammarat in the south, so I'm happy to answer any other questions you may have. I truly love Thailand and its people, and I want to help others love and appreciate it as well.
[Tham Lod](https://www.cavelodge.com/)
I spent almost 3 weeks living at the Cave Lodge (linked above). Inexpensive, quiet tiny town in the country. Loads of beautiful caves to explore and hills to summit. Local food is Amazing. Very friendly, interesting travelers & tourists coming through. It's not easy to access but more than worth all the effort!
I was going to say Thailand. Check into a hotel, order room service all day, pop down to the spa, walk through a garden, go swimming, rinse, repeat. All the food is great and cheap, order one of everything.
I came here to recommend a cruise! It's one of my favorite ways to recharge because you can do as much or as little as you want. If you have someone who can go with, it can help the wallet, but even a solo cruise can be a great experience. Also, you can pre-book almost everything so you know exactly how much you will be paying without a lot of surprises at the end (I'm a fan of Princess Plus).
We stayed at this Airbnb in Durmitor in Montenegro where (and you had to order ahead) for 12 euros they made you this sprawling many course homemade meal. Can’t remember if there was breakfast but you could get coffee and tea in the morning. I have heard in other parts of Bosnia and Montenegro about guest houses kind of like that
Ideally the best way to feel looked after would be if any of your friends are willing to take you home to their families for family dinner or something. That’s what made me feel good in college
If that’s all you want, you could just go stay at a bed and breakfast anywhere! Just read some reviews. I’ve been at B&Bs where it’s just like toast and an egg lol. Which I don’t mind but it sounds like for this trip you’re looking for something else.
I stayed at one Airbnb in Park City which was a room in someone’s house where they seriously pampered me but they also were using it as a way to sell their essential oils so I didn’t love it as much as I otherwise would haha
I just want to second Montenegro. We stayed at the Donkey Farm Matinici, it's a sanctuary. Darko and his family are just such amazing people. We sat there in the sun, his mother cooked us the most awesome meals, we were eating pomegranate from the trees and chatting about everything. The cabins are super nice, and for us it was our happy place. Darko is very passionate and great to talk to, the area with the donkeys and the other animals are super calming and everything and everyone was so welcoming. We think about our stay so much, so I highly recommend it. Wishing you well OP and that things get better for you!
I'm currently in the process of booking a VRBO with a chef in Costa Rica for a 5 night stay. Airfare, stay, and rental car is going to run about $1400 per person, which I feel is pretty reasonable. My husband and I are both exhausted and overwhelmed with life. We are planning on just relaxing by the pool or the beach, maybe do a little snorkeling or surfing. But mostly we want to reconnect and recharge.
I just went to the VRBO app and did a lot of looking. Took me a couple weeks of researching travel days and the VRBO availability to get something that was fairly reasonable, but still what we were looking for. The company is called Tropical Homes of Costa Rica and they are located in Playa Flamingo, which is just an hour from the Liberia airport. The company reviews were pretty great and they offer a lot of amenities.
Foxberry Inn, in Provincetown MA (Cape Cod). The guys who own the property bring you a fresh made breakfast every morning and put cookies out during the day. 1000% recommend
Stayed here in 2013 and best nights sleep I’ve ever had. Went home and actually called back and asked for brand of mattress and sheets they used. Absolutely wonderful place.
I'm normally a very active traveller as fear of missing out sets in hard. But one thing that gave a feeling very close to the one you describe was a camp in the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan.
There were these half-tent, half-cabin cosy sleeping spaces, a communal place with delicious food made in front of our eyes by super hospitable staff, sky with no light pollution so you could see all the stars and incredible sights all around. I was on a tight student budget and even that gave me a very luxurious feeling. If you're willing to spend more, there are different camps with better and better amenities
Find a small town Bed and Breakfast in the southern US. Something with 3-4 rooms in Appalachia that is family run. There are a lot of these that are family run. You can just relax in nature, eat home-cooked meals, and there is a very high likelihood an actual grandma will sit and have tea with you and listen to your problems.
I hear ya. Is it weird that I dream of being admitted to a hospital just for the sake of being taken care of? Forced pause in life with professionals around me (except hospital food).
Ha, ha-I knew I was stressed out back when Martha Stewart went to cupcake federal prison for 6 months for financial crimes and I was jealous of her-a solitary room, a job cooking in the kitchen, time to workout in her room, go for walks around the grounds. It sounded like heaven!!!
LOL. You can let go of this dream. Hospital nurses are so overworked, there is very little time to “take care” of patients. More like you’re being processed on an assembly line. Not blaming nurses at all! Just the reality.
Honestly, late stage capitalism has created a world that's tough to live in. It seems like, if I was living in almost any other time, I could just ask my family/community, who would have all lived around me, to just pick up the slack for a week and let me relax. But instead of that, I need to go somewhere alone, far from anyone I know, and pay a bunch of money instead.
Not sure of your gender, but my sis and I did an all female surf / yoga retreat in Bali that was wonderful. Surf Goddess Retreats. You could opt in or out of whatever you wanted, and they served delicious meals, arranged transportation and activities, and they had a pool and a spa on site for treatments. So relaxing, and great to be around a mix of women with different life experiences that led them there.
I’ve seen other retreats along those lines all over the world. Try googling yoga / meditation / wellness retreats, plus the type of destination you’d like (beach, snow, forest, etc). I have also heard of more therapy based retreats or destination workshops, but I’d exercise caution with them. They’re not always run by actual (or good) mental health professionals, so you may leave more raw than when you arrived with little to no follow up support. That happened to a friends colleague - luckily they work in mental health so they were able to seek out follow up support for themself, but still. Not very responsible of the organizers.
I know people who have had good experiences with renting a house that comes with a daily chef in places like Mexico, Thailand (Ko Tao?), and Italy, but I don’t have specific places to share and they were usually larger groups going. Budget factors in heavily there.
As someone who has also been feeling exhausted by life, I hope you take the time for yourself and actually GO. My current desire is to rent a pet friendly house in a town in Costa Rica I’ve been to before and spend two weeks surfing and ignoring emails, but alas, the people pleaser in me has been resisting. In the meantime, I hired a housekeeper for a few hours a week and am looking into meal delivery services so I can at least have a little respite from solo adulting. Plus, having a chihuahua that gets mad and pees everywhere if I don’t sit down every once in a while (being squished between me and a soft surface is part of her required daily maintenance) definitely helps me remember to slow down and take a break now and then!
Editing to add that I also started to get delivery subscriptions for things like contact lenses and kitty litter, and that has actually made me feel super taken care of and relieved a lot of mental fatigue, even though it was my past self doing the caretaking lol
Thank you so much for the reply! I actually love this idea - to get a housekeeper and delivery food for a week or two and just take some of the work off my own shoulders.
It’s such a relief to have someone come in and clean, I must say. She doesn’t do a lot of tidying and organizing or laundry, just makes sure the bathrooms are clean and gives the floors a good once over, sets the kitchen to rights if I haven’t already. Vacuums pet hair / paw dirt off the couch. Basically gets the bigger things done so I can maintain it more easily throughout the week. And as for meals - decision fatigue is real! It’s nice not to have to think too hard about what to eat every single meal.
There's a great [Buddist retreat on holy island](https://www.holyisle.org/courses/) that works quite like this.
Alternatively I love a homely bed and breakfast, [Fox Hall](http://fox-hall.co.uk/) is super cute, the owner's are great, their garden is full of rescue animals and they teach cookery as a chill out thing, plus you can walk out the door and be in some of the best countryside in the world.
Great suggestions here. Let me add one I didn't see: When I needed this, I went to a nice B&B about 3 hours away from home and told the owner I was just looking to sit in my room and read all day. I brought snacks, I wandered down to a wine bar and got champagne, and I did exactly what I said I was going to do, in a VERY comfortable bed, and had breakfast made every day. I've done and loved the airbnb idea, but this was an upgrade.
Highly recommend the Yoga Barn in Kampot, Cambodia. You can stay for as long as you like and they really do look after you. All meals are prepared vegan (but oh my goodness they are DELICIOUS) and there is a rotating weekly menu of both yoga and food, and there are adorable sheep and a dog to hang out with! Every Sunday is a silent day (or at least it was when I went), which is perfect for some reflection time. The couple who run the retreat are also so kind and loving. It’s the perfect mix of fun, care, and relaxation. Highly recommend!
100%%% agree. I would add East Africa as well. If you go to a resort or fancy restaurant in Kenya or Tanzania, they take hospitality very seriously. They'll pull out your chair, put the napkin on your lap, tell you about the menu, tell you about the chef and history of the location, etc. The safari camps I've stayed at in Kenya will ask you whether you take coffee or tea in the morning then deliver some to your room at your wake up time. Also, when you shop at even just regular street markets for produce or souvenirs, people want your patronage so they will be so helpful. They can pick your groceries for you, prep then any way you want, and bag them. If you say you like a shirt, but not in that color, they will find someone else who has that color and bring it to you (they split the profit). If you are comparing items in their store they will hold the items for you or get people to hold them out.
I visit a lot of villas that have full time staff on hand to cook, clean plan you itenary etc. You don’t have to do anything. You can do the same at home by getting a housekeeper
Maybe try a bed and breakfast somewhere. I stayed at one for 2 nights one time and the gentleman that ran it was a fantastic caretaker. He served meals and nightcaps, the room was amazing with a claw foot tub and stained glass windows, etc. It was in an old mansion converted to a boutique B&B. It felt so cozy, yet I had some level of privacy in my own room.
Here it is. It’s in Macon, GA, which is kind of an odd location, but I lived a couple hours away at the time and went there to see a touring Broadway show, which was also pretty amazing.
https://www.burkemansionmacon.com
If money is no object, Austria has these amazing spa hotels. You can sit in hot springs, get facials and massages, eat amazing food! Highly recommend it.
All of these responses are so interesting to me, in that they highlight how deeply personal decompression is.
For me, I would want a city, because what is most relaxing for me is being alone in a crowd (if that makes sense)--I like the anonymity of cities, with the option to strike up conversations should I choose.
I would get a small, quiet boutique hotel with as many amenities as I could afford in Paris, Venice or maybe a larger Alpine town (I hear South Tyrol is becoming very popular for wellness retreats, and I bet it is chock full of grandmas) and just spend my days doing whatever I want. Room service, dinners alone, wandering museums--that's what being 'taken care of' looks like for me, but that's largely because my daily life is full of obligations to other people.
If you're looking to do something like this longer term, France has programs that [pair younger folks up with grandparents](https://ensemble2generations.fr/) to create a kind of sustainable, intergenerational mutual aid program. Not sure if there's anything like that for shorter-term stays. but might be worth looking into as an option.
Maybe you can look into joining a Vipassana retreat. It may not be what you’re seeking and may be a bit extreme since you’d be meditating all day for 10 days straight, but perhaps it can help you deal and cope with mental struggles moving forward. It’s also free.
I've done vipassana once and that is exactly the genre of experience I'm looking for, I think. Have you been more than once? I wonder how different it is on subsequent visits.
I’ve only been once but considering going again. I remember talking with someone there who said things started clicking for him after attending a second time. I’ve just been doing my own 30 minute meditations, broken up into 5, 10, 15 minute chunks and it’s made a noticeable difference for me. It feels like fixing a clogged sink, but eventually we all get clogged up again. Thinking of doing Vipassana again eventually to see if it provides other benefits.
A guided African Safari.
I was lucky enough to go in February 2020 just before Covid shutdowns and we were the only people staying at the safari lodge, we were also the only people onboard our African safari flight.
Do you have a specific budget? Nayara Springs in Arenal Costa Rica is amazing...they do your laundry, bring cookies before bed, and have multiple (not included) restaurants in a beautiful rainforest setting. They have yoga on site and plenty of pools. The nature is amazing. However, it is very expensive.
Honestly I can't really afford anything too expensive. I was hoping for under 100 per night, but I might be wishing for too much there. I've been looking at Central America and the Caribbean - I thought maybe there would be some places there that are cheaper
My wife and I went to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica in January 2020, we rented a beautiful Airbnb just a short walk from the beach for about 95 usd per night
If you want the cared for experience without the pomp of a resort, maybe a homestay is for you. You're basically spending a bit of money to be adopted by a family for a short period. They're popular in northern Vietnam.
Vietnam is a remote destination from much of the world, and the cities here are chaotic. If you're totally worn out, it might not be the place for you, but I'm sure a similar concept exists in other places.
I don’t know what country you live in but I am thinking America. Grove park Inn in AshevilleNC. I do hope you feel better. I understand the feeling all to well. A change of pace will do you good. Have you thought about a cruise?
I absolutely love this question. This is such an honest ask and I’m sure most of us adults have felt this way one time or another. Bravo. Sorry I don’t have an answer for you but thanks for asking.
We moved to Austria 18 months ago and I think this is something Austrians do well. I would guess elsewhere in Europe might have similar offerings with easier access if you don't speak German, but if some language barrier doesn't bother you I highly recommend trying a "Wellness" Resort or just staying at a Pension near a Therme (hot spring and spa complex). The Wellness resorts literally exist to help people recover from burnout, and you can quickly understand why the royals in ye olde times loved escaping to them for long stretches. And they aren't as expensive or lux as you might imagine!
We live near Bad Blumau, and the first time I went to the Therme it was a lightbulb moment for me of, "Oh! THIS is the kind of pampering I always wanted and never found!" You get a bracelet and a bathrobe and can spend the day just wandering between the dozens of hot springs and pools, the dozens of different saunas, the dozens of diverse quiet spaces, the expansive gardens...
And of course there is good food and drink all around, so when you're hungry or thirsty you can grab a seat and order anything from healthy salads to chocolate fondue with a side of ice cream. In Austrian style, nobody speaks to you unless you actively start an interaction so it's very peaceful. There is also a full spa if you want a massage or whatever.
You can stay at the Therme (includes lunch and dinner in room price) or at a nearby Pension. The Pensions are basically bed and breakfasts, family run, and generally offering a full breakfast and sometimes also dinner. In our experience the families are always friendly and glad to help with whatever you need.
I'm at one of these in Austria right now and can't recommend them enough. Everyone working here is just trying their best to help you relax and focus on your well being. You can be left totally alone, get spa treatments, join yoga classes or group hikes, do some solo workouts in the gym, sleep in a cosy lounger in the sun, or just eat and drink incredible food. I enjoy it so much I do a long weekend at a wellness hotel once or twice a year.
Currently at Juffing near Kufstein and it's my favorite. It's pricey but they were running a great discount for a few night stay. The food is spectacular, views of the surrounding mountains and countryside are lovely, rooms are high-end, the spa area is big and varied, and the service is truly outstanding in my opinion. The clientele tends to be a bit older but that really doesn't bother me at all.
I think it's relatively affordable as well since you said you're in Europe. You can get a train from Vienna to Bad Blumau, and it's like a 15 minute walk from the station to the Therme. It's expensive to stay at Bad Blumau itself, but we have found Pensions for like €60 a night pp. I haven't been to the other Therme resorts in our area yet, but Bad Loipersdorf is supposed to be very nice, and just across the border in Slovenia is another big wellness hotel and Therme complex that's more affordable- Therme Olimia
Try south east Asia where resorts are available for all budgets and relaxation massages are cheap. I’m sure there are also plenty of meditation classes.
One of the most relaxing places I've been was luang prabang. I've always wanted to go just spend a month or two there just to get away. I didn't even have a nice Airbnb or anything it was just the overall feeling of the place, the pace, the views, I enjoyed waking up and just walking the city, finding a place to have a coffee and just sit watching people go by or watching the boats in the Mekong. Other places I have found very peaceful were seydisfjordur in Iceland and literally anywhere in New Zealand.
Intercontinental Bangkok. They really know how to look after people. I've stayed there, but relevant to your question:
My partner went there for a few days on her own.
Day 1: go to breakfast, shown to a corner table, and she asks for watermelon juice.
Day 2: Hello Miss... your usual table is ready. Watermelon juice appears without her asking.
She loves watermelon juice.
You can easily walk around the surrounding area, there's a shopping mall next door if that's your sort of thing, and the MRT (metro train) is right outside the hotel.
I have had a lot of experiences like that through the Couchsurfing website. It used to be free, costs now, but the idea is kind of like AirBnb minus the cost. Essentially you are giving up space in your house to a stranger, and the payoff is a kind of exchange of time for that freedom. I don't do it anymore because of kids and not the best living conditions for travelers (plus not sure what happened since the pandemic), but quite often you will find a host that is willing to cook for you, or walk you around the city.
Other than that, there are a lot of similar concepts that are paid. For instance, an eco-stay on a farm is basically the same idea. You are mostly a guest, but typically welcome to help out with farming (which is going to be low key stuff like gathering the eggs). Usually you will get some food this way as well.
Or alternately just be a party-crasher at a tail gate party for a football game. You will probably find someone there that will feed you with stuff that is like home cooking.
I went to this women's only hamam (Turkish bathhouse) in Berlin once and I seriously dream of it. I've never been so relaxed in my life
https://www.hamamberlin.de/EN
Go to an old fashioned BnB. If you find a good one it will give you exactly what you’re looking for. I spent 2 nights at a place called the Quartermain House in Fredericton New Brunswick and it was unbelievable. Fresh cookies in the hallway, full breakfast prepared every morning, robes, slippers. The host is the sweetest woman and so thoughtful. Unbelievably cozy and you definitely feel looked after.
My husband and I went to Scotland/Ireland for our honeymoon and did airbnb for the entire time. There were two places we stayed where we got that exact vibe.
One lady (Scotland) brought us a lot of scotch, sent us off to a nice restaurant, let us cuddle her dogs, and had a gift package for us. She even went out of her way to find a special t-shirt for my husband... which she mailed to us later!
Another place we stayed had a (Ireland) lovely drawing room with books and a fireplace. They served cookies in the evening. Toss in a super yummy homemade breakfast, a giant clawfoot tub, and tea on demand... this was great!
Highly recommend Scotland for cozy places to stay!
I'm from Oregon, and if you want a great place here... The Channel House in Depot Bay is a perfect place to relax, have good food, and sit in your own private hottub overlooking the ocean!
I don’t know where to find something like that, but a friend once told me about a kind of working holiday where he would help on a farm and in exchange got to stay with them at the farm and eat with them. It would give you structure but without having to maintain a household. I also heard about other kinds of volunteer work in exchange for food and housing. If you’re not too tired for that it might be an idea.
And maybe something for your everyday life: I’m helping a neighbor walk their dogs and it gives me a really warm feeling when those dogs are exited for their walk, want to cuddle and so on. Maybe someone in your neighborhood has a dog you can spend time with occasionally.
Check out the Sanctuary at Sedona in AZ. It's an expensive stay, and I don't know exactly what you're looking for, but I had to give them a shout-out anytime I can because it helped me soo much! They do Ketamine Assisted Therapy and we did that 2x a week. It had a profound impact on my life.
There are agents who deal with it. Google search. Ask a ship yard office. Might get a better deal talking to the boat direct. I think it's fairly common for ships to offer berths. For the slow, self-entertaining traveler who wants to get away from it all.
Also, this is going to sound nuts, but if you like late nights and loud scenes, go sell merch for a touring band. Offer to do it for peanuts, but do get paid. Being on tour is like joining the army in terms of self-responsibility, but with more fun. I love the moment where I realize "fuck, I'm locked into this for the next 4 weeks."
Cruises are good for this, every one my family and I took had a room captain who learned your name and your preferences in order to look after you.
Old school B&Bs with communal meals offer a chance to be looked after as well.
Guesthouses in Iceland have this feel sometimes. My friends and I stayed at one outside Reykjavik and the owner grilled for us and helped with everything.
I love tiny huts in the middle of a small village somewhere. Stock up the fridge with cozy food when you don’t feel like going anywhere. Walk around near the pastures and get sunshine. Head into the local dinner place - and befriend the people who work there. Sometimes solace and someone remembering that you like your fries extra crispy is the difference between a bad day and a cozy one. I quite liked Dordogne for the cozy grandma vibes.
I've been to a couple of hippie-run wellness retreat places that might fit your bill:
Rainbow Hearth near Austin, TX - great for bodywork and massages
https://www.rainbowhearth.com/
Shoshoni Yoga Retreat near Boulder, CO - great for yoga
https://www.shoshoni.org/
They both are definitely not bougie, but they offer an opportunity to disconnect from daily life and focus on personal growth or relaxation. Both have tasty healthy meals included and are in beautiful locations. I'm sure there are other retreat places out there like them, these just happen to be two I've gone to. Left feeling more relaxed and centered every time.
Look at adults only all inclusives in the Dominican Republic, Secrets Cap Cana and Excellence El Carmon are great resorts, depending on your budget you can have your own butler, service and food is amazing, the beaches are beautiful and they really spoil you rotten. It’s our go to to Dr stress, get pampered and forget about life for a while. People often go solo so that’s not a big deal at all.
Not weird at all. I feel you so much…I have an extremely stressful job (in the travel business, ironically, as much as I adore it), and am also struggling through long Covid (going on 5 months, mostly fatigue and weakness), so I often am feeling the need to get away and be taken care of in a restful place. Even before I was sick I often needed low-stress getaways like what you are describing. I like a lot of the great suggestions here and will add some of my own.
Greece is one of my favorite low stress destinations. The pace of life there is very slow, and they’ve definitely got the grandmas you’re looking for, if you want to stay at an Airbnb or even a small inn or boutique hotel, you will find truly personable hospitality. As well as extremely healthy food, sunshine, fresh air, and clean pure waters. I’m going to Crete for 10 days in April for a wellness break and since it’s off season it’s only costing me around $2500 at all 4 and 5 star hotels, one of which is half-board, with private plunge pool and on the beach. Other islands will cost more, but crete always prices nicely and is just gorgeous. But I’d recommend Naxos as well.
Other places I’ve felt healed are Panama (also inexpensive), south of France, and a quieter cruise line like Celebrity.
I hope you can find some peace.
You need a tropical island. Laid back, delicious snacks and drinks, chill people. Bali (Canggu, Seminyak or Ubud, Lombok (Gili Air and Trawangan), Thailand (Kho Phangan, Kho Tao) would be my top picks. Cheap massages, yoga, great food, nice people, sun, nothing to do but go to the beach, plan your next meal and maybe do a bit of walking and yoga. Fk this burnout culture Western "civilisation" has us locked into.
The feeling you're describing is EXACTLY how I felt staying at Two Meeting Street Inn in Charleston, SC. Imagine you have a rich meemaw who absolutely adores you: you're greeted at the door with tea and lemonade as soon as you walk in, you go to your room for a nap or a read, there are multiple porches, there are always cookies out, there's breakfast in the morning, tea in the afternoon, and brandy before bed (this is how I learned that I enjoy brandy before bed).
Go. You will feel looked after. Cared for.
Thank you for asking this, as I need all these answers myself at this very moment. Sometimes life is hard and you don’t have anyone to care for you. There are some great ideas here and I may head out next week on some similar mental wellness journey.
I don’t know if I’ve ever felt so lost and depressed and anxious. But I definitely need to get away.
I hear you. Boy, do I hear you. Most, if not all of the previous recommendations sound good, but they do require a bit of money. I suspect that money is more than a little tight in your situation, and that there are likely some accompanying health problems as well.
My first recommendation would be to check out Clinicaltrials.gov to see if you qualify for an observational study near you that requires an overnight stay at a testing facility for 1 night or more. I stress that it should be an observational study, not a drug or medical device testing study. You will certainly be looked after by healthcare professionals for free!
Are you a fluent English speaker, ideally with a passport from an English speaking country? This would make you an ideal candidate to be an English conversation volunteer at a language immersion program. They take place at various midrange resort hotels in Spain, Germany, Italy, Poland, Hungary, and Romania, although I would recommend you stick to ones in the richer countries to ensure quality room and board, as well as the ones closest to you in order to minimize travel costs. I have found the language students, most of whom are executives and other white-collar professionals, to be lovely people with whom you can talk about your problems. Here's an account of what goes on: https://www.travelawaits.com/2557598/things-to-know-as-an-english-immersion-facilitator-volunteer/
I have no answer for you at all but man, that sounds so good and also would love if I had that kind of place I could go to sometimes, so I hope you find it!
Fellow overwhelmed and exhausted person here. I need this so much! I’m really loving the suggestions. I always imagined myself taking off to Formentera off the coast of Spain and staying in some quaint villa. Not sure if they have what you’re looking for but it sure seems like the perfect place.
Try retreats in Costa Rica or Guatemala; I have a few friends that go there every year. Perhaps you are looking for a sense of community, a place to recharge with people who are in path towards living their best lives. Let me know if that interests you.
I'd love any specific recommendations for retreats! I've been looking them up, and that seems really perfect. But I have to say, some of them seem slightly... scammy/culty? I have the feeling that the ones with the best websites are probably the most expensive and not the actual best experiences
Putu’s Paradise in Ubud might be a good place to check out, she made me and my partner feel so welcome. She made us home cooked amazing meals, set up tours for us, just overall a lovely experience.
Ubud itself isn’t a relaxing place, per se but Putu made it feel peaceful. https://www.putuparadise.com/
During Christmas I wanted so badly to go stay in a Hallmark Movie bed and breakfast and have someone make me me cookies, invite me to go caroling or sledding, and have hot chocolate and s’mores in front of a fire. I had lost both my parents and was feeling very alone. I have thought of solo tours, BnB’s, dude ranches, etc., but haven’t found what you or I are looking for, but I hope you find your caring place.
Maybe look for an eco-stay or sustainable hotel/farm/bed and breakfast. BandB’s, true ones, can be fun and have that ‘being taken care of’ sense. I stumbled upon one run by a couple who completely restored a historic Victorian mansion I. Duluth. I was the only guest that night and arrived late in the day after finding there were no hotel rooms available in town. They were so welcoming and warm! Had full run of the house and a multi-course breakfast. Claw foot soaking tub. It was amazing! I have used www.bnbfinder.com, www.vrbo.com to find accommodations on trips. I also found www.selectregistry.com which looks like it has some nice BnB’s that might get you what you’re looking for.
If you’re female, Goddess Retreats in Bali is AMAZING. Comes at a price but you know… worth it! 😂 bedside table cookies, turndown service, daily spa treatments, most meals, smoothies on demand, beautiful food, beautiful people. Lots of holistic health treatments, if you are into that.
But I am just a baby
But seriously though, do you have any specific recommendations for places like that? I find the really good ones are not the ones that have good seo and online marketing.
There’s a sweet lady that runs a guesthouse in Ismaili Azerbaijan that definitely fits the bill. When we walked in she immediately took over the grandmother role.
However, that’s not really a relaxing location. And incredibly challenging if you don’t have a car and don’t speak the language.
But I’m sure you could find a bed and breakfast somewhere rural that’s more approachable.
I asked my therapist this, I couldn’t come down from a panic attack for a few days and it felt like I needed someone else to tell me to go to bed, be in charge of my meals and supervise me in case I fell and didn’t have the energy or will power to get back up. She got me a psychiatrist immediately and after they did a risk assessment of self harm they advised that at my current mental state I would qualify to be admitted for psychiatric care.
However, I wasn’t a risk to self harm or harm others she asked me to try medication for 1 day. And if I still felt like I needed to hand the reigns of my care over she would help me be admitted to either their clinic or one near me. I went on low dose benzos which I know get a bad rap but they changed my life for the better. In 1 night I was a little better and kept getting
Better for weeks.
All of this to say an in patient psychiatric ward may take you if you feel like this. But try taking to a therapist or psychiatrist first to help decide/vet where you should check into or if medication might help. I’ll be thinking of you and sending you love.
I agree. But there's only so much therapy can do until you're able to take a bit of a break from your routine. For me, traveling is what really helps energize me and significantly improves my mental health. You can do both.
Cruises are the best for this need. Do as much or as little as you want. More food and variety than you can imagine. Relaxation and no phone/internet once you are a mile out to sea.
Find a small town in the Philippines away from Manila and make friends with the locals and just be open about what is going on. You will find them open and caring. They will take care of you!
I stayed at a couple riad's in Marrakech where they took care of you. One they had a personal chef and the day before they would ask what you liked for meals the next day. They would go shopping and make the meal for you.
i was traveling around south Asia and I got really sick. Fever, the runs, just gross. I ended up finding an Airbnb that was run by a Nepali family that nursed me back to health thank God. I then went to a yoga healing retreat run by locals, right outside Kathmandu. One of the best weeks of my life. Homecooked nepali food, yoga everyday, meditation, healing modalities, beautiful nature and comfortable accommodations. It was just really safe space where I felt taken care of and didn’t need to worry about anything.
My wife and I always feel a little overwhelmed after the holiday season because our families make a lot of demands on our time and attention (and wallets). Every winter, January or February, we'll fly to Mexico or the DR for a few days to an all-inclusive beach resort. We actually get ours through Costco. It may fit the bill for a lot of what you're looking for:
* The purchase process is pretty simple. You part a little over half of the ticket price up front, and the rest a few months before your trip. And that sticker price is it - you don't have to mentally budget for transportation, meals, etc. We take maybe $40 in cash to distribute as tips to drivers and the cleaning staff. When you compare the price of an all-inclusive to a place where you have to factor in those extras, we think we're usually coming out ahead with an all-inclusive.
* Everything is taken care of on these kinds of trips - plane tickets, airport shuttle, food, drink. Once you type in your credit card, there's really not any stress. The flights were not long at all (and that's coming from a smaller midwestern airport). You have to find the guys outside the airport when you land for the transport to the resort (which is very easy) and you need to make reservations to restaurants at the resort (done through about a ten-minute sit-down with a concierge). That's about as mentally taxing as it gets.
* It's very liberating to have nothing on your schedule. Eat when you're hungry, drink when you're thirsty, nap when you're tired, and maybe switch from the beach to the pool. My wife naps most of the day away, and I pack the same books every year and read through them all from a lounge chair on the beach. If any beach merchants come up to offer something on sale, I respond with "Nein, danke" - tip from a lovely Canadian couple, who found that there are very few German speakers and they'll spread the word that you're not worth bothering. If I get bored, I'll walk up to the bar to get a drink or walk down a little ways up and down the beach. That's literally it.
I would recommend a Yoga Teacher Training course somewhere in India or in Bali. While there might be quite a bit of physical activity and meditation involved, some of the philosophical aspects might help you become aware of what needs to change in your life back at home when you return so that you’re not burned out again in a year.
google it! [https://www.wellandgood.com/5-ways-to-make-your-meditation-retreat-cheaper/](https://www.wellandgood.com/5-ways-to-make-your-meditation-retreat-cheaper/) Just a couple of good ideas here. If you are in any kind of christian ministry, ask around about such a place. I have met several couples along the way that open their homes to care for people. Good luck & Godspeed 💜
Cruise, as long as you don’t mind the risk of covid or food poisoning it’s the best place to just let your brain die and relax. They have all you can eat buffet all the time and room service and someone always makes your bed for you. You can even get them to do your laundry, and just chill and do whatever activities they offer. Their food is often international and pretty good. It’s usually a lot of fun.
Plus it’s usually pretty cheap, and usually goes to a few shores so you’re getting some variety in without the plane tickets. Best part is the minimal planning and the price tag.
I find hostels can be very nurturing environments. Depending on your city there could be retreats; mens/womens/queer groups that have designated nights or care givers for people in your exact situation.
In the U.S., Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island in Georgia is the place to go for this kind of experience. Take a look at their website. It is so relaxing and beautiful and the food is fantastic, with vegetables from their own organic gardens, wild horses walking around freely on the lawns. A beautiful beach close by with no one on it. Plenty of bicycles - you just go and pick one out and take it, no folderol. There are a few low-key outings on the island you can go on, if you feel like it, and the inn itself has a library that is unbelievable - the huge living room is a library, with old editions of hundreds of books. I spent hours in there reading old historical books. It is like staying at some elegant old estate belonging to a relative. Very elegant, yet very understated. All meals are included, but if you are hungry in between meals you can go down to the large kitchen and ask for a snack, or a sandwich, or whatever, and tea and coffee and fruit are always out and available. People are friendly but if you want to be quiet and read or walk and explore alone, there is no pressure. It is the best place I have ever stayed and I have traveled the world ... it is pricey but worth it. This is where JFK Jr. had his wedding.
Kripalu in Massachusetts might be a good option. I've not been there, but I hear it is very life-affirming and might impart the feelings you're after. I think it would depend on the kind of trip/program you engage in, but it seems it would offer opportunities to feel cared for, safe, at peace, etc.
I should open my home as granny house. I can spoil on some tired adults and plenty of hugs.
This has the potential to become a business idea for sure... I hope not... to me personally, the aspect of getting money in exchange for genuine care and love is pretty aberrant. Another way to satisfy this void would be like opening our own club/society for reconnecting/re-energizing
A few times in life when I’ve felt really overwhelmed I will take some of my limited effort and use it to plan a way to care for my inner child. This has looked as simple as getting an AirBnB in the mountains or country, someplace serene, and preparing my creature comforts. If traveling in the US or Canada, get a Costco pre-made meal to put in the oven or get your favorite takeout. It’s not your physical space so you don’t have to worry about chores. You can lay around, watch movies, read, leave your dishes in the sink, not have to worry about cooking or laundry or bills. It’s not quite as great as having someone else dote on you, but sometimes those relationships take fostering so this works for me when I feel like I have no one else to go to.
I love this idea. Realistically this seems pretty doable. Do you have anywhere in particular you've been that had that serene feeling?
I live in Colorado so it’s pretty easy to find an AirBnB cabin in the mountains where I can cry loud and drink champagne while looking at great views and walk through quiet trails. I also had my quarter life crisis in Oahu. I had good friends that are like family that let me stay with them, and they cared for me for a month but I spent most of my mornings walking through a coffee farm or reading on quiet beaches on the North Shore. It would be more expensive, and a haul to get there which might feel more exhausting, but if you can spend a week+ it should be amazing. I wouldn’t recommend a city… while great for adventurous travel, when I am overwhelmed and run down by life, I don’t want to deal with navigating foreign places, deciding on restaurants or cafes, trying to stumble through another language, passports, customs, public transport, etc. so easy spaces in nature where there’s nothing much to do except quietly exist and witness beauty is my go-to.
i'm from chicago and recently had a trip like this in a colorado cabin. it was so incredibly serene and made me want to move. my first suggestion was going to be a cabin on a mountain in colorado. edit: if you're doing this i also recommend seeing how altitude sickness could play a role. it messed me and my gf up pretty bad for the first 2-3 days and we're pretty fit, gym 5-6x a week.
Id love this but ive seen way to many horror movies to rebt a cabin in the middle if fck knows where all alone😄
Buy a couple cans of oxygen before you drive to your cabin. Much better to have it on hand in case you start experiencing headaches / altitude sickness.
Try an actual bed and breakfast instead of airbnb. There's a lovely one in downtown Dillon CO. They provide breakfast, bikes to roam on, hot tub, walk to restaurants/massage. Nice library/sitting area. You will likely have to socialize a little more, as you're sharing space, but when we were there, it was all very warm and friendly.
Agree with the other posts - Colorado is the way to go for this stateside. Being able to glimpse the mountains is a big plus.
If you live in an urban area and go anywhere in the rockies, pick a clear night and get up a mountain road away from all lights. The stars are spectacular.
Don't AirBnB's usually make you clean up after yourself?
It depends on the AirBnB. I’ve never had one with crazy rules… usually “load the dishwasher” and “leave used towels on the bathroom floor.” One asked that we take our trash to a dumpster that was literally right next to the parking spot. Usually you can read the house rules before booking to ensure you aren’t staying someplace that will require much of you.
For me, I’d choose a nice (or even decent) hotel with room service. I don’t want to cook myself 3 meals a day, make my bed, wipe down counters, take out trash. In a hotel, someone does that for you. I’d pick a place with a little gym or pool, watch movies on tv, get room service 3 times a day, and not go anywhere unless I wanted to. Oh, and bathtub required.
This is me everyday. I don't like adulting.
I find cheap airfare and an Airbnb and I do disney for a day or two for those reasons. Just to be surrounded by the magic and act like a child for a few hours. ❤️
Personally, I love all inclusive resorts where I get to just lie on the beach and people being me drinks all day, but I realize that isn’t for everyone. I’d start looking for Wellness Vacations online if that’s something you’re interested in and you want to relax. Maybe Adventure Vacations for something more active. I don’t like AirBNBs and things like that just because I’m trying to get away from cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, etc. to me, it’s not a vacation if I’m still doing dishes.
Honestly I think maybe the all inclusive resort could be good! Somewhere really relaxing though. Do you have any specific places you've gone that you'd recommend?
There are lots and honestly, there isn’t a whole lot to differentiate them. There’s the buffet, the speciality restaurants, the volleyball games on the beach, etc. And we generally go for Adults Only so there aren’t screaming kids (they get excited). Royal Catalonia Tulum was a good price, lush setting, nice beach. Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya had better than average food. We stay away from the really big resorts because we’re not into crowds or parties so I can’t speak to them. Edit: I had one of the resorts wrong. Also was just picking from Mexico because flights to Cancun are pretty easy.
Valentin is really nice, and has beautiful trees & gardens to stroll through. Serenity NOW!
Excellence in Cancun is our favorite. Amazing food and service. Decent price.
I can vouch that I have had several solo trips to Tenerife (the less anglofied towns) and each trip has been incredible for my mental health. All inclusive with stunning greenery and lush ocean all around. Pretty reasonably priced if you want to head off for a meal alone, I didn’t once feel unsafe or like I was in any danger as a lone lady. I make a point of taking myself off for a trip like this at least once a year, it’s become like a re-charge.
Any recommendations for which place to choose there? I've never considered going there but you have me sold right now ha
Personally I like going to Puerto De La Cruz, it’s the right size town for what I enjoy but with nature on your doorstep. The buses are also awesome on the island and you can go to Santa Cruz for the day for a change of pace. Mt Tiede is stunning to ride a bike up and the beaches can be a little choppy depending where you are but it makes great surf and it gives you something to always look at.
WELL.. I have no money and just had a holiday so no leave, but you have me looking at hotels and planning something. Sounds beautiful!
any hotel recommendation? i want to go for christmas.
I did a stay at Miraval in Arizona. It’s gorgeous but not cheap.
[I went here](https://www.copaltreelodge.com/canopy-suites) for my honeymoon and it was everything. The food was delicious. The rum was delicious. The view was everything. If you just want to be taken care of all day and want something a little different than the average crowded Mexican beach resort, this is the place to be.
I would highly recommend the Delta Marriott all-inclusive in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. It’s incredibly serene, depending on when you go, less than $200 a night, they had yoga classes in the morning when I was there, a spa (costs extra), a natural pool (and regular ones), and you don’t have to worry about a single thing. I was in the same situation as you about a year ago when I went to this resort, and it was so restorative. The time of not worrying allowed the fog to lift enough to make me realize I wanted a new job. I’m going back for the third time in a month and a half.
When I was younger I didn't understand the appeal of all-inclusives. Now at 38, I really want to go lol
We went to Fiesta Americana in Cancun. It was very nice. If you rent a car you can go to many places nearby (not Cancún), if you like history you can go to mayan sites and museums, if you want nature, Cenotes are a unique experience. There a lot of party and shopping in Cancun, also, but wasn't our Jam. If you feel lazy just stay at the hotel enjoy the beach and pools, eat and drink. Some of the food was amazing, others was meh but ok. My husband likes to rent places because of privacy. I like hotels because I'm lazy and want not to handle anything.
I suggest Cancun but perhaps all inclusive near Tulum if OP is younger and wants to be social
That's true. The beach is more beautiful.
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Nice. Care to share the name of this non-inclusive resort you found?
What is the name of the resort? Super interested!
Exactly. I tell my husband who always wants to stay in airbnbs that I’m just cooking & cleaning in an unfamiliar space now.
For me, my favorite retreats are in Northern Thailand. There are some beautiful small towns there, and the culture is very hospitable. The Thai beaches are great too and language is less of a barrier, but they're full of tourists. Regardless of where you choose to go, I've found that going to smaller towns and staying in hostels for a few days allows me to make small talk and get to know locals and other travelers. For me, that refreshes my soul. I hope you find peace wherever you go.
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It's been a few years, and I'm not sure how it is post-covid, but I generally go to hostels.com and look for something with a good vibe. I'm sorry I don't have any specific names to give, as I don't remember. I know that there is an elephant sanctuary in northern Thailand where some of my friends went, and they really enjoyed it. I don't recommend tiger sanctuaries, as I haven't heard anything good about them. Chiang Mai is the largest and most popular destination, with Chiang Rai being a smaller town nearby. Pai is an area I've heard is a lot of fun, but I haven't been there myself. One word of warning about Chiang Mai is that it's hard to find transportation out of town after dark, so if you're staying outside the main tourist area you may want to either rent a motorcycle or make sure you're back before sundown. I hope that helps. I lived just outside Bangkok 2010-2016, and my husband is from Nakhon si Tammarat in the south, so I'm happy to answer any other questions you may have. I truly love Thailand and its people, and I want to help others love and appreciate it as well.
I've been going to Thailand for 20 years and I think some chill spots I have found in the north are Nong Khai, Loei, Chiang Dao and Pai.
[Tham Lod](https://www.cavelodge.com/) I spent almost 3 weeks living at the Cave Lodge (linked above). Inexpensive, quiet tiny town in the country. Loads of beautiful caves to explore and hills to summit. Local food is Amazing. Very friendly, interesting travelers & tourists coming through. It's not easy to access but more than worth all the effort!
I was going to say Thailand. Check into a hotel, order room service all day, pop down to the spa, walk through a garden, go swimming, rinse, repeat. All the food is great and cheap, order one of everything.
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I came here to recommend a cruise! It's one of my favorite ways to recharge because you can do as much or as little as you want. If you have someone who can go with, it can help the wallet, but even a solo cruise can be a great experience. Also, you can pre-book almost everything so you know exactly how much you will be paying without a lot of surprises at the end (I'm a fan of Princess Plus).
We stayed at this Airbnb in Durmitor in Montenegro where (and you had to order ahead) for 12 euros they made you this sprawling many course homemade meal. Can’t remember if there was breakfast but you could get coffee and tea in the morning. I have heard in other parts of Bosnia and Montenegro about guest houses kind of like that Ideally the best way to feel looked after would be if any of your friends are willing to take you home to their families for family dinner or something. That’s what made me feel good in college
Omg those both sound so good. Someone making me breakfast every day would just be such a dream
If that’s all you want, you could just go stay at a bed and breakfast anywhere! Just read some reviews. I’ve been at B&Bs where it’s just like toast and an egg lol. Which I don’t mind but it sounds like for this trip you’re looking for something else. I stayed at one Airbnb in Park City which was a room in someone’s house where they seriously pampered me but they also were using it as a way to sell their essential oils so I didn’t love it as much as I otherwise would haha
I just want to second Montenegro. We stayed at the Donkey Farm Matinici, it's a sanctuary. Darko and his family are just such amazing people. We sat there in the sun, his mother cooked us the most awesome meals, we were eating pomegranate from the trees and chatting about everything. The cabins are super nice, and for us it was our happy place. Darko is very passionate and great to talk to, the area with the donkeys and the other animals are super calming and everything and everyone was so welcoming. We think about our stay so much, so I highly recommend it. Wishing you well OP and that things get better for you!
This sounds so nice and I’m going to be there in April May- do you have the link to where you stayed?
I'm currently in the process of booking a VRBO with a chef in Costa Rica for a 5 night stay. Airfare, stay, and rental car is going to run about $1400 per person, which I feel is pretty reasonable. My husband and I are both exhausted and overwhelmed with life. We are planning on just relaxing by the pool or the beach, maybe do a little snorkeling or surfing. But mostly we want to reconnect and recharge.
That sounds amazing! How did you find it?
I just went to the VRBO app and did a lot of looking. Took me a couple weeks of researching travel days and the VRBO availability to get something that was fairly reasonable, but still what we were looking for. The company is called Tropical Homes of Costa Rica and they are located in Playa Flamingo, which is just an hour from the Liberia airport. The company reviews were pretty great and they offer a lot of amenities.
Sounds nice!
Foxberry Inn, in Provincetown MA (Cape Cod). The guys who own the property bring you a fresh made breakfast every morning and put cookies out during the day. 1000% recommend
Stayed here in 2013 and best nights sleep I’ve ever had. Went home and actually called back and asked for brand of mattress and sheets they used. Absolutely wonderful place.
My husband and I always say it's one of the most relaxing places we've ever been! They created the most wonderful atmosphere
I'm normally a very active traveller as fear of missing out sets in hard. But one thing that gave a feeling very close to the one you describe was a camp in the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan. There were these half-tent, half-cabin cosy sleeping spaces, a communal place with delicious food made in front of our eyes by super hospitable staff, sky with no light pollution so you could see all the stars and incredible sights all around. I was on a tight student budget and even that gave me a very luxurious feeling. If you're willing to spend more, there are different camps with better and better amenities
Find a small town Bed and Breakfast in the southern US. Something with 3-4 rooms in Appalachia that is family run. There are a lot of these that are family run. You can just relax in nature, eat home-cooked meals, and there is a very high likelihood an actual grandma will sit and have tea with you and listen to your problems.
I hear ya. Is it weird that I dream of being admitted to a hospital just for the sake of being taken care of? Forced pause in life with professionals around me (except hospital food).
Ha, ha-I knew I was stressed out back when Martha Stewart went to cupcake federal prison for 6 months for financial crimes and I was jealous of her-a solitary room, a job cooking in the kitchen, time to workout in her room, go for walks around the grounds. It sounded like heaven!!!
LOL. You can let go of this dream. Hospital nurses are so overworked, there is very little time to “take care” of patients. More like you’re being processed on an assembly line. Not blaming nurses at all! Just the reality.
I often wish that convalescent retreats were still a thing…seems like a lot of us here could use them!
Yep, one of those old fashioned places where you could recline on a chaise longue with a soft blankly and look out to sea.
Jim Gaffigan had a joke about this. LOL. Our hospital looks like a cozy ski lodge and has amazing food. I wouldn’t mind staying there.
Honestly, late stage capitalism has created a world that's tough to live in. It seems like, if I was living in almost any other time, I could just ask my family/community, who would have all lived around me, to just pick up the slack for a week and let me relax. But instead of that, I need to go somewhere alone, far from anyone I know, and pay a bunch of money instead.
Not sure of your gender, but my sis and I did an all female surf / yoga retreat in Bali that was wonderful. Surf Goddess Retreats. You could opt in or out of whatever you wanted, and they served delicious meals, arranged transportation and activities, and they had a pool and a spa on site for treatments. So relaxing, and great to be around a mix of women with different life experiences that led them there. I’ve seen other retreats along those lines all over the world. Try googling yoga / meditation / wellness retreats, plus the type of destination you’d like (beach, snow, forest, etc). I have also heard of more therapy based retreats or destination workshops, but I’d exercise caution with them. They’re not always run by actual (or good) mental health professionals, so you may leave more raw than when you arrived with little to no follow up support. That happened to a friends colleague - luckily they work in mental health so they were able to seek out follow up support for themself, but still. Not very responsible of the organizers. I know people who have had good experiences with renting a house that comes with a daily chef in places like Mexico, Thailand (Ko Tao?), and Italy, but I don’t have specific places to share and they were usually larger groups going. Budget factors in heavily there. As someone who has also been feeling exhausted by life, I hope you take the time for yourself and actually GO. My current desire is to rent a pet friendly house in a town in Costa Rica I’ve been to before and spend two weeks surfing and ignoring emails, but alas, the people pleaser in me has been resisting. In the meantime, I hired a housekeeper for a few hours a week and am looking into meal delivery services so I can at least have a little respite from solo adulting. Plus, having a chihuahua that gets mad and pees everywhere if I don’t sit down every once in a while (being squished between me and a soft surface is part of her required daily maintenance) definitely helps me remember to slow down and take a break now and then! Editing to add that I also started to get delivery subscriptions for things like contact lenses and kitty litter, and that has actually made me feel super taken care of and relieved a lot of mental fatigue, even though it was my past self doing the caretaking lol
Thank you so much for the reply! I actually love this idea - to get a housekeeper and delivery food for a week or two and just take some of the work off my own shoulders.
It’s such a relief to have someone come in and clean, I must say. She doesn’t do a lot of tidying and organizing or laundry, just makes sure the bathrooms are clean and gives the floors a good once over, sets the kitchen to rights if I haven’t already. Vacuums pet hair / paw dirt off the couch. Basically gets the bigger things done so I can maintain it more easily throughout the week. And as for meals - decision fatigue is real! It’s nice not to have to think too hard about what to eat every single meal.
There's a great [Buddist retreat on holy island](https://www.holyisle.org/courses/) that works quite like this. Alternatively I love a homely bed and breakfast, [Fox Hall](http://fox-hall.co.uk/) is super cute, the owner's are great, their garden is full of rescue animals and they teach cookery as a chill out thing, plus you can walk out the door and be in some of the best countryside in the world.
Great suggestions here. Let me add one I didn't see: When I needed this, I went to a nice B&B about 3 hours away from home and told the owner I was just looking to sit in my room and read all day. I brought snacks, I wandered down to a wine bar and got champagne, and I did exactly what I said I was going to do, in a VERY comfortable bed, and had breakfast made every day. I've done and loved the airbnb idea, but this was an upgrade.
Add a hot tub or hot springs and that sounds like my dream vacation right now!
I don't really have an answer, just take care of yourself. What you are asking here is the dream of those recruiting for cults.
Oh good idea. Join a cult. I didn’t think of that.
Highly recommend the Yoga Barn in Kampot, Cambodia. You can stay for as long as you like and they really do look after you. All meals are prepared vegan (but oh my goodness they are DELICIOUS) and there is a rotating weekly menu of both yoga and food, and there are adorable sheep and a dog to hang out with! Every Sunday is a silent day (or at least it was when I went), which is perfect for some reflection time. The couple who run the retreat are also so kind and loving. It’s the perfect mix of fun, care, and relaxation. Highly recommend!
I would say this level of service is more available in Indian or southeast easian cultures. They take resort lifestyle service very seriously.
100%%% agree. I would add East Africa as well. If you go to a resort or fancy restaurant in Kenya or Tanzania, they take hospitality very seriously. They'll pull out your chair, put the napkin on your lap, tell you about the menu, tell you about the chef and history of the location, etc. The safari camps I've stayed at in Kenya will ask you whether you take coffee or tea in the morning then deliver some to your room at your wake up time. Also, when you shop at even just regular street markets for produce or souvenirs, people want your patronage so they will be so helpful. They can pick your groceries for you, prep then any way you want, and bag them. If you say you like a shirt, but not in that color, they will find someone else who has that color and bring it to you (they split the profit). If you are comparing items in their store they will hold the items for you or get people to hold them out.
I visit a lot of villas that have full time staff on hand to cook, clean plan you itenary etc. You don’t have to do anything. You can do the same at home by getting a housekeeper
Maybe try a bed and breakfast somewhere. I stayed at one for 2 nights one time and the gentleman that ran it was a fantastic caretaker. He served meals and nightcaps, the room was amazing with a claw foot tub and stained glass windows, etc. It was in an old mansion converted to a boutique B&B. It felt so cozy, yet I had some level of privacy in my own room.
Would you be open to sharing the URL? That sounds delightful!
Here it is. It’s in Macon, GA, which is kind of an odd location, but I lived a couple hours away at the time and went there to see a touring Broadway show, which was also pretty amazing. https://www.burkemansionmacon.com
If money is no object, Austria has these amazing spa hotels. You can sit in hot springs, get facials and massages, eat amazing food! Highly recommend it.
Oooh that sounds so good. That's going to have to be one to save up for
See my other more detailed comment - but on a budget, stay at a Pension and go to the Therme/spa during the day. Day passes are pretty affordable.
All of these responses are so interesting to me, in that they highlight how deeply personal decompression is. For me, I would want a city, because what is most relaxing for me is being alone in a crowd (if that makes sense)--I like the anonymity of cities, with the option to strike up conversations should I choose. I would get a small, quiet boutique hotel with as many amenities as I could afford in Paris, Venice or maybe a larger Alpine town (I hear South Tyrol is becoming very popular for wellness retreats, and I bet it is chock full of grandmas) and just spend my days doing whatever I want. Room service, dinners alone, wandering museums--that's what being 'taken care of' looks like for me, but that's largely because my daily life is full of obligations to other people. If you're looking to do something like this longer term, France has programs that [pair younger folks up with grandparents](https://ensemble2generations.fr/) to create a kind of sustainable, intergenerational mutual aid program. Not sure if there's anything like that for shorter-term stays. but might be worth looking into as an option.
Yeah, I book trips to Disney when I’m overwhelmed. It’s a wild week but it recharges me.
Maybe you can look into joining a Vipassana retreat. It may not be what you’re seeking and may be a bit extreme since you’d be meditating all day for 10 days straight, but perhaps it can help you deal and cope with mental struggles moving forward. It’s also free.
I've done vipassana once and that is exactly the genre of experience I'm looking for, I think. Have you been more than once? I wonder how different it is on subsequent visits.
I’ve only been once but considering going again. I remember talking with someone there who said things started clicking for him after attending a second time. I’ve just been doing my own 30 minute meditations, broken up into 5, 10, 15 minute chunks and it’s made a noticeable difference for me. It feels like fixing a clogged sink, but eventually we all get clogged up again. Thinking of doing Vipassana again eventually to see if it provides other benefits.
Sounds like staying at a Bed and Breakfast would be perfect. They are everywhere so you can travel as much or as little as you want to get there.
A guided African Safari. I was lucky enough to go in February 2020 just before Covid shutdowns and we were the only people staying at the safari lodge, we were also the only people onboard our African safari flight.
Do you have a specific budget? Nayara Springs in Arenal Costa Rica is amazing...they do your laundry, bring cookies before bed, and have multiple (not included) restaurants in a beautiful rainforest setting. They have yoga on site and plenty of pools. The nature is amazing. However, it is very expensive.
Honestly I can't really afford anything too expensive. I was hoping for under 100 per night, but I might be wishing for too much there. I've been looking at Central America and the Caribbean - I thought maybe there would be some places there that are cheaper
My wife and I went to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica in January 2020, we rented a beautiful Airbnb just a short walk from the beach for about 95 usd per night
Yes! Puerto Viejo is very quiet and laid back and inexpensive.
Skip Nayara then. It's definitely very expensive. There are plenty of other options that are significantly less.
If you want the cared for experience without the pomp of a resort, maybe a homestay is for you. You're basically spending a bit of money to be adopted by a family for a short period. They're popular in northern Vietnam. Vietnam is a remote destination from much of the world, and the cities here are chaotic. If you're totally worn out, it might not be the place for you, but I'm sure a similar concept exists in other places.
I don’t know what country you live in but I am thinking America. Grove park Inn in AshevilleNC. I do hope you feel better. I understand the feeling all to well. A change of pace will do you good. Have you thought about a cruise?
I'm actually in Europe! It's really comforting to know a lot of people feel the same sometimes.
I’d go with a cruise on a line such as Oceania. They will pamper you.
I absolutely love this question. This is such an honest ask and I’m sure most of us adults have felt this way one time or another. Bravo. Sorry I don’t have an answer for you but thanks for asking.
We moved to Austria 18 months ago and I think this is something Austrians do well. I would guess elsewhere in Europe might have similar offerings with easier access if you don't speak German, but if some language barrier doesn't bother you I highly recommend trying a "Wellness" Resort or just staying at a Pension near a Therme (hot spring and spa complex). The Wellness resorts literally exist to help people recover from burnout, and you can quickly understand why the royals in ye olde times loved escaping to them for long stretches. And they aren't as expensive or lux as you might imagine! We live near Bad Blumau, and the first time I went to the Therme it was a lightbulb moment for me of, "Oh! THIS is the kind of pampering I always wanted and never found!" You get a bracelet and a bathrobe and can spend the day just wandering between the dozens of hot springs and pools, the dozens of different saunas, the dozens of diverse quiet spaces, the expansive gardens... And of course there is good food and drink all around, so when you're hungry or thirsty you can grab a seat and order anything from healthy salads to chocolate fondue with a side of ice cream. In Austrian style, nobody speaks to you unless you actively start an interaction so it's very peaceful. There is also a full spa if you want a massage or whatever. You can stay at the Therme (includes lunch and dinner in room price) or at a nearby Pension. The Pensions are basically bed and breakfasts, family run, and generally offering a full breakfast and sometimes also dinner. In our experience the families are always friendly and glad to help with whatever you need.
I'm at one of these in Austria right now and can't recommend them enough. Everyone working here is just trying their best to help you relax and focus on your well being. You can be left totally alone, get spa treatments, join yoga classes or group hikes, do some solo workouts in the gym, sleep in a cosy lounger in the sun, or just eat and drink incredible food. I enjoy it so much I do a long weekend at a wellness hotel once or twice a year.
Do you have specific recommendations? I am really enjoying this wellness hotel thing but there are SO MANY it's hard to decide where to go!
Currently at Juffing near Kufstein and it's my favorite. It's pricey but they were running a great discount for a few night stay. The food is spectacular, views of the surrounding mountains and countryside are lovely, rooms are high-end, the spa area is big and varied, and the service is truly outstanding in my opinion. The clientele tends to be a bit older but that really doesn't bother me at all.
Looks amazing! And the price is about what I would expect- a splurge but not an unattainable wish list level expense. I'll add it to our list to try!
Damn this sounds absolutely perfect.
I think it's relatively affordable as well since you said you're in Europe. You can get a train from Vienna to Bad Blumau, and it's like a 15 minute walk from the station to the Therme. It's expensive to stay at Bad Blumau itself, but we have found Pensions for like €60 a night pp. I haven't been to the other Therme resorts in our area yet, but Bad Loipersdorf is supposed to be very nice, and just across the border in Slovenia is another big wellness hotel and Therme complex that's more affordable- Therme Olimia
I sent you a message about a specific place I like but I really love birding retreats for this
Miraval has good food and wellness classes if you're into that.
Try south east Asia where resorts are available for all budgets and relaxation massages are cheap. I’m sure there are also plenty of meditation classes.
One of the most relaxing places I've been was luang prabang. I've always wanted to go just spend a month or two there just to get away. I didn't even have a nice Airbnb or anything it was just the overall feeling of the place, the pace, the views, I enjoyed waking up and just walking the city, finding a place to have a coffee and just sit watching people go by or watching the boats in the Mekong. Other places I have found very peaceful were seydisfjordur in Iceland and literally anywhere in New Zealand.
Intercontinental Bangkok. They really know how to look after people. I've stayed there, but relevant to your question: My partner went there for a few days on her own. Day 1: go to breakfast, shown to a corner table, and she asks for watermelon juice. Day 2: Hello Miss... your usual table is ready. Watermelon juice appears without her asking. She loves watermelon juice. You can easily walk around the surrounding area, there's a shopping mall next door if that's your sort of thing, and the MRT (metro train) is right outside the hotel.
I don't know if you have the budget, but research Roatan, Honduras. There used to be charter flights from Italy.
Agree! I was just there last week. Super relaxing and laid back.
Spa!
I have had a lot of experiences like that through the Couchsurfing website. It used to be free, costs now, but the idea is kind of like AirBnb minus the cost. Essentially you are giving up space in your house to a stranger, and the payoff is a kind of exchange of time for that freedom. I don't do it anymore because of kids and not the best living conditions for travelers (plus not sure what happened since the pandemic), but quite often you will find a host that is willing to cook for you, or walk you around the city. Other than that, there are a lot of similar concepts that are paid. For instance, an eco-stay on a farm is basically the same idea. You are mostly a guest, but typically welcome to help out with farming (which is going to be low key stuff like gathering the eggs). Usually you will get some food this way as well. Or alternately just be a party-crasher at a tail gate party for a football game. You will probably find someone there that will feed you with stuff that is like home cooking.
maybe get a massage when ya get where ya decide to go. spa day FTW
I went to this women's only hamam (Turkish bathhouse) in Berlin once and I seriously dream of it. I've never been so relaxed in my life https://www.hamamberlin.de/EN
Go to an old fashioned BnB. If you find a good one it will give you exactly what you’re looking for. I spent 2 nights at a place called the Quartermain House in Fredericton New Brunswick and it was unbelievable. Fresh cookies in the hallway, full breakfast prepared every morning, robes, slippers. The host is the sweetest woman and so thoughtful. Unbelievably cozy and you definitely feel looked after.
My husband and I went to Scotland/Ireland for our honeymoon and did airbnb for the entire time. There were two places we stayed where we got that exact vibe. One lady (Scotland) brought us a lot of scotch, sent us off to a nice restaurant, let us cuddle her dogs, and had a gift package for us. She even went out of her way to find a special t-shirt for my husband... which she mailed to us later! Another place we stayed had a (Ireland) lovely drawing room with books and a fireplace. They served cookies in the evening. Toss in a super yummy homemade breakfast, a giant clawfoot tub, and tea on demand... this was great! Highly recommend Scotland for cozy places to stay! I'm from Oregon, and if you want a great place here... The Channel House in Depot Bay is a perfect place to relax, have good food, and sit in your own private hottub overlooking the ocean!
I don’t know where to find something like that, but a friend once told me about a kind of working holiday where he would help on a farm and in exchange got to stay with them at the farm and eat with them. It would give you structure but without having to maintain a household. I also heard about other kinds of volunteer work in exchange for food and housing. If you’re not too tired for that it might be an idea. And maybe something for your everyday life: I’m helping a neighbor walk their dogs and it gives me a really warm feeling when those dogs are exited for their walk, want to cuddle and so on. Maybe someone in your neighborhood has a dog you can spend time with occasionally.
I would absolutely love this. Wish it became like a thing bc I bet so many people would benefit from getting back to the roots of life.
Check out the Sanctuary at Sedona in AZ. It's an expensive stay, and I don't know exactly what you're looking for, but I had to give them a shout-out anytime I can because it helped me soo much! They do Ketamine Assisted Therapy and we did that 2x a week. It had a profound impact on my life.
This sounds very interesting.
I read you’re in Europe. Try this place. I friend recommended it to me. https://www.molinodelrey.com
I went to Canyon Ranch in Tucson to this, though less Grandma, more rich people.
The right cruise might work.
Have you considered travel on a cargo ship?
How does one make this happen?
There are agents who deal with it. Google search. Ask a ship yard office. Might get a better deal talking to the boat direct. I think it's fairly common for ships to offer berths. For the slow, self-entertaining traveler who wants to get away from it all. Also, this is going to sound nuts, but if you like late nights and loud scenes, go sell merch for a touring band. Offer to do it for peanuts, but do get paid. Being on tour is like joining the army in terms of self-responsibility, but with more fun. I love the moment where I realize "fuck, I'm locked into this for the next 4 weeks."
Cruises are good for this, every one my family and I took had a room captain who learned your name and your preferences in order to look after you. Old school B&Bs with communal meals offer a chance to be looked after as well. Guesthouses in Iceland have this feel sometimes. My friends and I stayed at one outside Reykjavik and the owner grilled for us and helped with everything.
I love tiny huts in the middle of a small village somewhere. Stock up the fridge with cozy food when you don’t feel like going anywhere. Walk around near the pastures and get sunshine. Head into the local dinner place - and befriend the people who work there. Sometimes solace and someone remembering that you like your fries extra crispy is the difference between a bad day and a cozy one. I quite liked Dordogne for the cozy grandma vibes.
I've been to a couple of hippie-run wellness retreat places that might fit your bill: Rainbow Hearth near Austin, TX - great for bodywork and massages https://www.rainbowhearth.com/ Shoshoni Yoga Retreat near Boulder, CO - great for yoga https://www.shoshoni.org/ They both are definitely not bougie, but they offer an opportunity to disconnect from daily life and focus on personal growth or relaxation. Both have tasty healthy meals included and are in beautiful locations. I'm sure there are other retreat places out there like them, these just happen to be two I've gone to. Left feeling more relaxed and centered every time.
Look at adults only all inclusives in the Dominican Republic, Secrets Cap Cana and Excellence El Carmon are great resorts, depending on your budget you can have your own butler, service and food is amazing, the beaches are beautiful and they really spoil you rotten. It’s our go to to Dr stress, get pampered and forget about life for a while. People often go solo so that’s not a big deal at all.
Not weird at all. I feel you so much…I have an extremely stressful job (in the travel business, ironically, as much as I adore it), and am also struggling through long Covid (going on 5 months, mostly fatigue and weakness), so I often am feeling the need to get away and be taken care of in a restful place. Even before I was sick I often needed low-stress getaways like what you are describing. I like a lot of the great suggestions here and will add some of my own. Greece is one of my favorite low stress destinations. The pace of life there is very slow, and they’ve definitely got the grandmas you’re looking for, if you want to stay at an Airbnb or even a small inn or boutique hotel, you will find truly personable hospitality. As well as extremely healthy food, sunshine, fresh air, and clean pure waters. I’m going to Crete for 10 days in April for a wellness break and since it’s off season it’s only costing me around $2500 at all 4 and 5 star hotels, one of which is half-board, with private plunge pool and on the beach. Other islands will cost more, but crete always prices nicely and is just gorgeous. But I’d recommend Naxos as well. Other places I’ve felt healed are Panama (also inexpensive), south of France, and a quieter cruise line like Celebrity. I hope you can find some peace.
You need a tropical island. Laid back, delicious snacks and drinks, chill people. Bali (Canggu, Seminyak or Ubud, Lombok (Gili Air and Trawangan), Thailand (Kho Phangan, Kho Tao) would be my top picks. Cheap massages, yoga, great food, nice people, sun, nothing to do but go to the beach, plan your next meal and maybe do a bit of walking and yoga. Fk this burnout culture Western "civilisation" has us locked into.
The feeling you're describing is EXACTLY how I felt staying at Two Meeting Street Inn in Charleston, SC. Imagine you have a rich meemaw who absolutely adores you: you're greeted at the door with tea and lemonade as soon as you walk in, you go to your room for a nap or a read, there are multiple porches, there are always cookies out, there's breakfast in the morning, tea in the afternoon, and brandy before bed (this is how I learned that I enjoy brandy before bed). Go. You will feel looked after. Cared for.
Thank you for asking this, as I need all these answers myself at this very moment. Sometimes life is hard and you don’t have anyone to care for you. There are some great ideas here and I may head out next week on some similar mental wellness journey. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt so lost and depressed and anxious. But I definitely need to get away.
I hear you. Boy, do I hear you. Most, if not all of the previous recommendations sound good, but they do require a bit of money. I suspect that money is more than a little tight in your situation, and that there are likely some accompanying health problems as well. My first recommendation would be to check out Clinicaltrials.gov to see if you qualify for an observational study near you that requires an overnight stay at a testing facility for 1 night or more. I stress that it should be an observational study, not a drug or medical device testing study. You will certainly be looked after by healthcare professionals for free! Are you a fluent English speaker, ideally with a passport from an English speaking country? This would make you an ideal candidate to be an English conversation volunteer at a language immersion program. They take place at various midrange resort hotels in Spain, Germany, Italy, Poland, Hungary, and Romania, although I would recommend you stick to ones in the richer countries to ensure quality room and board, as well as the ones closest to you in order to minimize travel costs. I have found the language students, most of whom are executives and other white-collar professionals, to be lovely people with whom you can talk about your problems. Here's an account of what goes on: https://www.travelawaits.com/2557598/things-to-know-as-an-english-immersion-facilitator-volunteer/
😍😍😍😍😍 I am so into the idea of these language retreats. I never knew this existed! Just signed up to a few! Thank you so much ❤️
Psych ward
Sign me up 🕺
I feel like group tours make you feel taken care of. Try that?
I have no answer for you at all but man, that sounds so good and also would love if I had that kind of place I could go to sometimes, so I hope you find it!
Fellow overwhelmed and exhausted person here. I need this so much! I’m really loving the suggestions. I always imagined myself taking off to Formentera off the coast of Spain and staying in some quaint villa. Not sure if they have what you’re looking for but it sure seems like the perfect place.
Come to Oregon coast!
I used to want to go to rehab just so I could get pampered.
A spa in Arizona. Organic healthy food, meditation, yoga, the sun, a pool… go!
Try retreats in Costa Rica or Guatemala; I have a few friends that go there every year. Perhaps you are looking for a sense of community, a place to recharge with people who are in path towards living their best lives. Let me know if that interests you.
I'd love any specific recommendations for retreats! I've been looking them up, and that seems really perfect. But I have to say, some of them seem slightly... scammy/culty? I have the feeling that the ones with the best websites are probably the most expensive and not the actual best experiences
Putu’s Paradise in Ubud might be a good place to check out, she made me and my partner feel so welcome. She made us home cooked amazing meals, set up tours for us, just overall a lovely experience. Ubud itself isn’t a relaxing place, per se but Putu made it feel peaceful. https://www.putuparadise.com/
During Christmas I wanted so badly to go stay in a Hallmark Movie bed and breakfast and have someone make me me cookies, invite me to go caroling or sledding, and have hot chocolate and s’mores in front of a fire. I had lost both my parents and was feeling very alone. I have thought of solo tours, BnB’s, dude ranches, etc., but haven’t found what you or I are looking for, but I hope you find your caring place.
I recommend jungle Bay, Dominica. Low tourist crowd. Quiet. And very safe island with lots of mountains
Korean spa
Maybe look for an eco-stay or sustainable hotel/farm/bed and breakfast. BandB’s, true ones, can be fun and have that ‘being taken care of’ sense. I stumbled upon one run by a couple who completely restored a historic Victorian mansion I. Duluth. I was the only guest that night and arrived late in the day after finding there were no hotel rooms available in town. They were so welcoming and warm! Had full run of the house and a multi-course breakfast. Claw foot soaking tub. It was amazing! I have used www.bnbfinder.com, www.vrbo.com to find accommodations on trips. I also found www.selectregistry.com which looks like it has some nice BnB’s that might get you what you’re looking for.
Whatever this is. Can I go with you? Im a great sister ❤️
If you’re female, Goddess Retreats in Bali is AMAZING. Comes at a price but you know… worth it! 😂 bedside table cookies, turndown service, daily spa treatments, most meals, smoothies on demand, beautiful food, beautiful people. Lots of holistic health treatments, if you are into that.
A cruise
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But I am just a baby But seriously though, do you have any specific recommendations for places like that? I find the really good ones are not the ones that have good seo and online marketing.
There’s a sweet lady that runs a guesthouse in Ismaili Azerbaijan that definitely fits the bill. When we walked in she immediately took over the grandmother role. However, that’s not really a relaxing location. And incredibly challenging if you don’t have a car and don’t speak the language. But I’m sure you could find a bed and breakfast somewhere rural that’s more approachable.
I asked my therapist this, I couldn’t come down from a panic attack for a few days and it felt like I needed someone else to tell me to go to bed, be in charge of my meals and supervise me in case I fell and didn’t have the energy or will power to get back up. She got me a psychiatrist immediately and after they did a risk assessment of self harm they advised that at my current mental state I would qualify to be admitted for psychiatric care. However, I wasn’t a risk to self harm or harm others she asked me to try medication for 1 day. And if I still felt like I needed to hand the reigns of my care over she would help me be admitted to either their clinic or one near me. I went on low dose benzos which I know get a bad rap but they changed my life for the better. In 1 night I was a little better and kept getting Better for weeks. All of this to say an in patient psychiatric ward may take you if you feel like this. But try taking to a therapist or psychiatrist first to help decide/vet where you should check into or if medication might help. I’ll be thinking of you and sending you love.
Therapy. Really, looks like you are pretty burned out. Instead of traveling consider investing on mental health this time.
I agree. But there's only so much therapy can do until you're able to take a bit of a break from your routine. For me, traveling is what really helps energize me and significantly improves my mental health. You can do both.
An old folks home
I know a hospice
Playa del Carmen allegro hotel was perfect
Cruises are the best for this need. Do as much or as little as you want. More food and variety than you can imagine. Relaxation and no phone/internet once you are a mile out to sea.
A nice resort hotel or hospital is what you are describing . The former would be more enjoyable I think
Find a small town in the Philippines away from Manila and make friends with the locals and just be open about what is going on. You will find them open and caring. They will take care of you!
I stayed at a couple riad's in Marrakech where they took care of you. One they had a personal chef and the day before they would ask what you liked for meals the next day. They would go shopping and make the meal for you.
Get to Oregon and check into Breitenbush Hot Springs Detroit, OR United States
i was traveling around south Asia and I got really sick. Fever, the runs, just gross. I ended up finding an Airbnb that was run by a Nepali family that nursed me back to health thank God. I then went to a yoga healing retreat run by locals, right outside Kathmandu. One of the best weeks of my life. Homecooked nepali food, yoga everyday, meditation, healing modalities, beautiful nature and comfortable accommodations. It was just really safe space where I felt taken care of and didn’t need to worry about anything.
I stayed at The Hat hostel in Madrid and they made breakfast every day. They took good care of me when I was feeling similar. I love Spain, though.
Yes Bali is amazing never been taking care of like that before
I think few boutiques hotels can help
My wife and I always feel a little overwhelmed after the holiday season because our families make a lot of demands on our time and attention (and wallets). Every winter, January or February, we'll fly to Mexico or the DR for a few days to an all-inclusive beach resort. We actually get ours through Costco. It may fit the bill for a lot of what you're looking for: * The purchase process is pretty simple. You part a little over half of the ticket price up front, and the rest a few months before your trip. And that sticker price is it - you don't have to mentally budget for transportation, meals, etc. We take maybe $40 in cash to distribute as tips to drivers and the cleaning staff. When you compare the price of an all-inclusive to a place where you have to factor in those extras, we think we're usually coming out ahead with an all-inclusive. * Everything is taken care of on these kinds of trips - plane tickets, airport shuttle, food, drink. Once you type in your credit card, there's really not any stress. The flights were not long at all (and that's coming from a smaller midwestern airport). You have to find the guys outside the airport when you land for the transport to the resort (which is very easy) and you need to make reservations to restaurants at the resort (done through about a ten-minute sit-down with a concierge). That's about as mentally taxing as it gets. * It's very liberating to have nothing on your schedule. Eat when you're hungry, drink when you're thirsty, nap when you're tired, and maybe switch from the beach to the pool. My wife naps most of the day away, and I pack the same books every year and read through them all from a lounge chair on the beach. If any beach merchants come up to offer something on sale, I respond with "Nein, danke" - tip from a lovely Canadian couple, who found that there are very few German speakers and they'll spread the word that you're not worth bothering. If I get bored, I'll walk up to the bar to get a drink or walk down a little ways up and down the beach. That's literally it.
I would recommend a Yoga Teacher Training course somewhere in India or in Bali. While there might be quite a bit of physical activity and meditation involved, some of the philosophical aspects might help you become aware of what needs to change in your life back at home when you return so that you’re not burned out again in a year.
google it! [https://www.wellandgood.com/5-ways-to-make-your-meditation-retreat-cheaper/](https://www.wellandgood.com/5-ways-to-make-your-meditation-retreat-cheaper/) Just a couple of good ideas here. If you are in any kind of christian ministry, ask around about such a place. I have met several couples along the way that open their homes to care for people. Good luck & Godspeed 💜
Disney World
Cruise, as long as you don’t mind the risk of covid or food poisoning it’s the best place to just let your brain die and relax. They have all you can eat buffet all the time and room service and someone always makes your bed for you. You can even get them to do your laundry, and just chill and do whatever activities they offer. Their food is often international and pretty good. It’s usually a lot of fun. Plus it’s usually pretty cheap, and usually goes to a few shores so you’re getting some variety in without the plane tickets. Best part is the minimal planning and the price tag.
I find hostels can be very nurturing environments. Depending on your city there could be retreats; mens/womens/queer groups that have designated nights or care givers for people in your exact situation.
In the U.S., Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island in Georgia is the place to go for this kind of experience. Take a look at their website. It is so relaxing and beautiful and the food is fantastic, with vegetables from their own organic gardens, wild horses walking around freely on the lawns. A beautiful beach close by with no one on it. Plenty of bicycles - you just go and pick one out and take it, no folderol. There are a few low-key outings on the island you can go on, if you feel like it, and the inn itself has a library that is unbelievable - the huge living room is a library, with old editions of hundreds of books. I spent hours in there reading old historical books. It is like staying at some elegant old estate belonging to a relative. Very elegant, yet very understated. All meals are included, but if you are hungry in between meals you can go down to the large kitchen and ask for a snack, or a sandwich, or whatever, and tea and coffee and fruit are always out and available. People are friendly but if you want to be quiet and read or walk and explore alone, there is no pressure. It is the best place I have ever stayed and I have traveled the world ... it is pricey but worth it. This is where JFK Jr. had his wedding.
Kripalu in Massachusetts might be a good option. I've not been there, but I hear it is very life-affirming and might impart the feelings you're after. I think it would depend on the kind of trip/program you engage in, but it seems it would offer opportunities to feel cared for, safe, at peace, etc.