The Art of the Pause

The Art of the Pause: 

How Travel Can Reset Your Mind and Soul

In a world that glorifies busyness and the pressure to always be “on”, we often forget the transformative power of slowing down. The constant noise and the endless notifications can leave us drained, burned out, and yearning for an escape that isn’t just a getaway—but a total mental reset.

This is where the Art of the Pause comes in.

Travel has the unique ability to recalibrate our nervous system. Just taking a few moments to stare into the ocean’s waves has a calming effect on the mind and can help us restore inner balance. From immersive wellness retreats to destinations designed for pure, unhurried luxury, the right destination can be a place of sanctuary for reflection, restoration, and reconnection with ourselves. Embracing the art of the pause can change how we travel—and how we return to our day to day lives.

Our modern life thrives on urgency, and the world just isn’t the same as it once was. We move from task to task, from screen to screen, and we rarely giving ourselves permission to rest. This is why so many travelers find themselves exhausted even after they take a vacation—because the itinerary becomes just another to-do list. On the other hand, intentional travel allows us to step outside of the noise and into a rhythm that feels restorative. It’s about choosing experiences that nourish rather than deplete. We all deserve a “pause” more than ever.

Not all destinations encourage such stillness but there are places in the world that whisper instead of shout. Places that hold space for you to unwind, reset, and return home transformed.

Here are a few of our favorite destinations for experience the Art of the Pause:

1. Palmaiia, The House of AïA (Mexico) – Where Luxury Meets Mindfulness

This stunning sanctuary on Mexico’s Riviera Maya is so much more than an a typical all inclusive resort. From the moment you enter the magic of the jungle, it’s an experience designed for renewal. The resort includes inner wellness activities as part of your stay such as sound healing, meditation sessions, yoga, and even art. The all inclusive offers a plethora of plant-based cuisine options (but with the option to add meat if you wish..), and we love the wide variety of mocktails for those that are exploring a sober conscious lifestyle but still want something refreshing. For those that want it, high end spirits are also included. They have one of the most unique “screen free” kids clubs I have ever seen. My daughter enjoyed baking bread, making dream catchers, and even watched a butterfly emerge from a cocoon. The rooms are spacious, and each suite comes with a butler known as a “nomadic guide” to complete activity reservations, bring you morning coffee, and overall add magic to your stay. The incredible beach alone is another reason to visit!

Palmaiia embodies what it means to have an intentional escape. Every detail is curated for those seeking deep rest, spiritual reconnection, and a true pause from the ordinary.

2. Six Senses Douro Valley (Portugal) – A Slow Living Haven

Tucked away in Portugal’s breathtaking Douro Valley (a region famed for its rolling vineyards and timeless beauty) lies the Six Senses Douro Valley. Here, the rhythm of life shifts. Mornings begin with mist rising over vine-covered hills, and the air is scented with fresh earth and ripening grapes. The only urgency is deciding between a nourishing, organic breakfast or a sunrise yoga session overlooking the river.

The 19th-century manor house was lovingly restored with contemporary elegance and serves as the heart of the resort, blending historic charm with modern comfort. Every detail is designed with intention, such earthy tones, organic textures, and sustainable materials to create an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and grounding to guests.

Wellness is woven into every experience here. The Six Senses Spa offers holistic therapies inspired by the region (such as grape-infused body treatments). For those seeking a more immersive wellness experience, guided mindfulness walks through the vineyards encourage stillness, breathwork, and a deeper connection to nature.

Beyond the spa, experiences such as a private wine tasting in a centuries-old cellar or a leisurely river cruise along the Douro await you. Perhaps a farm-to-table dinner showcasing the best of Portuguese cuisine.

Each moment of your stay is an invitation to savor, to pause, and to be fully present. At Six Senses Douro Valley, indulgence and well-being coexist beautifully and offer a retreat where time moves differently.

3. Borgo Egnazia (Puglia, Italy) – The Art of Italian Wellness

If you love the idea of Six Senses Douro Valley but want an alternative with deep Italian soul, Borgo Egnazia in Puglia is the answer. More than just a resort, this whitewashed village-style retreat blends local traditions with refined luxury to create an atmosphere that is both grounding and ethereal.

Set between ancient olive groves and the Adriatic Sea, Borgo Egnazia offers an immersive wellness experience inspired by Mediterranean rituals. The VAIR Spa focuses on holistic healing through aromatherapy, sound therapy, and time-honored Italian wellness techniques. Meanwhile, days can be spent exploring the coastline by bike, indulging in Puglia’s celebrated cuisine, or simply soaking up the stillness in private courtyards.

It’s the perfect place to embrace the art of the pause with a touch of understated Italian elegance.

4. Nayara Tented Camp – Costa Rica’s Ultimate Luxury in the Wild

For those seeking slow luxury in nature, Nayara Tented Camp that is located deep within Costa Rica’s Arenal Rainforest offers a retreat that is both indulgent and deeply connected to the wild. Designed for travelers who crave tranquility, exclusivity, and a touch of adventure, this ultra-luxurious “glamping” camp provides a sanctuary where the sounds of nature replace digital noise, and where time slows to the rhythm of the jungle.

Perched on a lush hillside with unobstructed views of Arenal Volcano, each spacious tented suite evokes the elegance of an African safari lodge while embracing the raw beauty of the Costa Rican rainforest. Private decks with heated plunge pools, outdoor showers, and hammocks suspended over the rainforest canopy invite guests to immerse themselves fully in their surroundings. Waking up to the calls of toucans and falling asleep to the hum of frogs becomes part of the experience. Luxury is measured here not just by fine linens and impeccable service, but by the sheer depth of connection to the environment.

Wellness here is an organic, holistic experience. Guests can begin the day with sunrise yoga overlooking the treetops, followed by a soak in the natural hot spring pools, seamlessly integrated into the landscape. For those seeking deeper relaxation, Nayara Spa’s open-air treatment rooms use volcanic mud, local cacao, and rainforest botanicals for a sensory escape that rejuvenates both body and mind.

Dining at Nayara is an experience in itself. Guests can dine on fresh, farm-to-table cuisine that highlights local flavors, from tropical fruits to just-caught seafood. Private candlelit dinners in the jungle, paired with fine wines, add an element of romance and intimacy to the stay.

For those who want to combine wellness with soft adventure, guided rainforest walks, sloth-spotting excursions, and waterfall hikes provide moments of gentle exploration.

And when the day winds down, the ultimate indulgence is found in sinking into your private plunge pool, cocktail in hand, while you watch the mist swirl over Arenal Volcano—a moment that defines the art of the pause.

How to Incorporate "the art of the Pause” into Any Journey

Even if you aren’t planning a luxury wellness retreat, you can still bring “the art of the pause” into any trip you are taking. Here are a few examples on how you can slow down your next trip:

Choose destinations that invite stillness

Not all places we wander to offer opportunities to pause. The energy of a large city may fuel excitement, but it rarely fosters deep relaxation. Instead, choose destinations that move at a different rhythm—think ocean resorts where the pace is set by the tides, the rustling of the trees, or the slow transformation of the sky at sunset. Or maybe retreating to a mountain lodge in the Swiss Alps, where your morning coffee is accompanied by nothing but the crisp air and panoramic views of untouched wilderness. These are the kinds of places cradle you in stillness, where the outside world melts away, and where time expands.

Build in slow mornings

Instead of rushing out the door to tick off landmarks and squeezing in as much as possible, let the morning unfold softly with no obligation other than to enjoy it. Linger over your coffee and breakfast on a sun-drenched terrace or people watch from small cafe in town. Walk the shores of the beach for awhile, or take a gentle hike through the jungle. A slow morning isn’t about doing nothing—it’s about allowing time to be savored rather than scheduled.

Unplug intentionally

The modern world demands constant connectivity through emails, text notifications, social media pings, and constant news updates. It is a relentless hum of always being available. To experience true stillness - consider a digital detox.

I know - it sounds slightly scary to imagine setting down your phone for an entire day and have it whisked away from you to a locked box. Many resorts, such as Grand Velas, are offering this service as part of their stays for guests. Imagine replacing endless doom scrolling with savoring every bite and every word of conversation with your significant other or closest friends —without ever once glancing at a screen.

By setting boundaries with technology—whether it’s a complete digital detox or just limiting screen time—you allow yourself to fully absorb the places you travel to rather than simply documenting them. The world is a much more beautiful place when we experience it in real time and not through a lens.

Travel at a slower pace

True immersion happens when you allow yourself to settle into one place and understand its rhythm, people, and essence.

Instead of hopping between multiple cities, spend a full week (or more) truly discovering one destination. Instead of checking off every sight, there is to see, return to the same café, order something new each day, and recognize the barista’s smile. Let one place become familiar.

When you slow down, you start to notice little things. The way the light filters through the trees in the early evening or the scent of a bakery as you pass by. This is the rhythm of local life unfolding around you. This is how a place becomes part of you rather than just a memory.

So, the next time you start to plan a trip, ask yourself: Do I want “a getaway” or do I want a pause?

Because sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do for yourself…. is nothing at all.