The trend of 2020: Leaving to do nothing
The good intentions of 2020 are ON. At the end of last year, I already wrote an article about what exactly the trends are regarding good intentions, and more vacations AND more attention to a good work/life balance were definitely among them. What do you get when you combine that? An ultimate trip where you are completely zen and do as little as possible. And yes, yes, that can of course also be on a bounty beach in the Maldives, but that's not what I mean. A bit more back to basics. Not excessive luxury, more coming back to yourself. Sounds airy-fairy? True, but I also predict that ‘airy-fairy’ will be the word of 2020. Because I see more and more airy-fairies around me (by the way, it doesn't necessarily have to be a woman, that word just sounds nice but is unisex in my opinion), and it has also sparked some interest in me. So now I plan to go on a retreat soon. Not an over-the-top luxury yoga retreat where Katja Schuurman claims to have been, but as I said: a bit back to basics. Here are the best tips for an ultimate trip away. Just getting away from everything to come back as zen as possible. Now. Already. Fan.
A bit obvious perhaps, but that doesn't make it any less nice. And by now you also have about ten different types, so there is surely one that suits you. My favorite is Yoga Nidra (recommended for anyone who, like me, has sleep problems). The biggest advantage of a yoga retreat is perhaps that you literally have it all over the world nowadays. So close to home in the Ardennes, on the Wadden Islands or the Veluwe. But also in France, Spain or just nice in Thailand, Indonesia or Costa Rica. Wherever you want, and for every budget.
Huh? The party island? No, that's not where you're going. Ibiza is also known as a hippie island and those hippies know better than anyone how to be zen. In addition, the island has incredibly beautiful nature, small villages in the middle of nowhere. A combination of doing absolutely nothing, enjoying good food (tapas) and enjoying nature. By the way, you can also combine the above number, because the yoga trend has of course long since reached Ibiza.
Ayurveda
Health. Silly, but I had to read this word a few times before I could say it flawlessly. It is a health philosophy that is 5000 years old and comes from holistic thought. Especially if you're not feeling well, and/or have physical complaints, this could very well be the solution for you. Every approach is very personal and your wishes are really taken into account. With Ayurveda, you go to the core of the problem and your goal is to be more in balance with your body and mind. Sounds airy-fairy? Oh definitely, but it is absolutely interesting.
One-day retreat in the Netherlands
Completely understandable if you can't get away for a week, or even a weekend. Sometimes it's just really busy and it doesn't fit into your schedule. But if you do want to seek that peace, well, the
solution is here: one-day retreats in our own little frog country. So you don't have to travel far (would be a bit of a shame since it only lasts one day). You have them in Amsterdam, but also in the northern provinces and actually around all major cities. No excuse, just book and become completely zen in one day.
Book a nice hotel for adults
Now I know that adult only can also mean a kinky hotel, so if that's your cup of tea: be my guest. But I mean a hotel (the more luxurious, the better of course) where children are not allowed and you can chill undisturbed. Yes, of course: kids are cute, fun, nice, and so on. But not being surrounded by them can also be very pleasant and very beneficial for your overall zen mode.
A wellness trip
You have to lie down a bit of course, but if you enjoy a day at the sauna this could be a solution for you. If even yoga is a bit too much for you and you prefer to do absolutely nothing while being pampered: book a wellness holiday. Roll from massage to massage, have a facial treatment every day, and especially turn off that phone. This. I. Want.
Seek out the snow. And I don't mean in terms of ski areas of course.
Lapland or somewhere else in Scandinavia
In the middle of nowhere, hopefully cuddling with huskies, taking a Finnish sauna every day... Sounds pretty good to me. I always find such an expansive landscape with centimeters of thick snow very calming. Almost no sound around you except for nature and animals, zero stimuli... Wonderful.
