Top 5 Relaxing Holiday Places
Ubud (Indonesia)
The cultural heart of Bali, Ubud is picturesquely set among paddy fields and remains a magnet for healing treatments and local art and music. Hire a bike and take a leisurely ride out into the lush surrounding countryside before heading back to relieve any aching muscles with a Balinese massage. In the evening, check out a traditional dance show at the atmospheric Ubud Palace.
Budapest (Hungary)
Stately Budapest remains one of the grandest of Europe’s capital cities. The highlight of any visit is undoubtedly the chance to wallow in one of the city’s restorative spas, fed by thermal waters from subterranean springs. The Art Nouveau Gellért Baths offers an air of exclusivity among its mosaics and stained glass, while the Széchenyi Baths are the hottest in the city, with outdoor pools and water rapids to add to the experience.
Valladolid (Mexico)
There are plenty of places to relax in the Yucatán, but head away from the coast to colourful Valladolid and you’ll discover a much more local side to the region. The greatest pleasure here is in exploring on foot, ducking into little shops as they take your fancy, trying the local specialities – of which panuchos, small tortillas stuffed with refried beans and topped with pork, are a particular highlight – and cooling off in the wonderful natural cenote (sinkhole) on the edge of town.
Amsterdam (Netherlands) 
Famously laid-back, Amsterdam is not a city to rush through. Join the locals and explore by bike – at a meandering pace, of course – or wander over bridges and quiet side streets to discover the city’s most alluring side for yourself. It feels especially magical in winter, when countless cosy bars provide the perfect respite from the chilly northern air.
Caye Caulker (Belize)
Caye Caulker more than lives up to its motto of ‘Go Slow’, and at just 35km northeast of Belize City it makes for an easy escape – and best of all, at affordable prices. This relaxed and easy-going island is only just over 8km long; the big appeal here, in addition to the gorgeous white-sand beaches, is the abundance of opportunities that the reef – 1.5km offshore – provides, not least snorkelling among the coral canyons.