Bermuda

Few things encourage that out-of-office, forget-reality state of mind quite like being surrounded by turquoise water. Set on a private peninsula on Bermuda’s western end, Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa has been welcoming travelers to its peaceful waterfront since 1923. And if the bright, happy pink façade of those buildings doesn’t scream vacation, what does?

Spend your PTO days swimming and lounging along secluded beaches and coves, settle in beside the infinity pool, or retreat to the resort’s Ocean Spa for a treatment inspired by the island surroundings. With cottage-style accommodations scattered across the property and water everywhere you look, it’s the kind of place where doing very little is, really, the whole point.

Washington's Columbia River Gorge

Sometimes the antidote to screen time is green time. Tucked among towering evergreens in Washington’s Columbia River Gorge, Skamania Lodge in Stevenson offers a nature-forward escape where fresh mountain air and forest rhythms set the pace.

Here, recharging can mean wandering a wooded trail, hitting 9 holes, forest bathing, taking in views of the Columbia River, or spending an afternoon at the spa. Guests who prefer to up the thrills with a little adventure can head into the trees for ziplining or an aerial course, or even opt to stay in a treehouse or glamping pad rather than the cabins, villas, lodge rooms, or suites.

Chart your own path where being engulfed in Pacific Northwest wilderness makes it easy to shift your attention away from the barrage of notifications, toward the solace of the natural world.

Santa Cruz, California

Perched in California’s Santa Cruz Mountains on 300 wooded acres overlooking Monterey Bay, Chaminade Resort & Spa presents a reliable recipe for relaxation: nature and nurture.

Miles of hiking trails through the Redwoods wind through the property, while two outdoor heated pools offer an equally appealing excuse to while away an afternoon outside. At the full-service spa, massages, facials, and body treatments provide a more traditional reset.

Build an itinerary around all of the above or don’t build one at all—a leisurely morning hike and afternoon by the pool require no pre-planning yet can be completely restorative. Or, if you need a little more structure, the resort offers Weekend Wellness Retreats to book when you need an all-in-one reset.

Maryland's Eastern Shore

On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, life moves at a pace defined by the Chesapeake Bay. Inn at Perry Cabin occupies 26 acres of waterfront in stoplight-free St. Michaels where sailing, manicured gardens, and quiet stretches waterside provide a welcome contrast to everyday busy-ness.

Take to the Miles River under sail, explore the grounds on foot, book a treatment at the spa, or simply claim an Adirondack chair overlooking the water: slow motion is the draw here. There’s also activities ranging from glass etching to sip and paint, yoga, birdwatching, walking tours, and croquet if you care to occupy yourself with leisurely pastimes. As the site asks, “Remember what it’s like to just breathe?” Here, you’ll be able to take a long exhale.

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is watch boats drift by without checking the time. Because at these spots around the world, doing less really is doing the most.

Explore more destinations across the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.