5 Rural Retreats to Boost Your Motivation
Sometimes when you feel like your productivity and motivation levels are flagging, the best thing to do is not to put extra pressure on yourself, but to take a step back. We’re all only human, and we all deserve a break now and again. We live increasingly busy lives, and if you aren’t dashing to a meeting, you’re checking emails, writing emails, and trying to get through your mound of work. And let’s not even talk about trying to fit in a social life and downtime into the mix!
Life can be truly exhausting! So the next time you feel like you’re burning out, then why not consider taking a relaxing break and unplugging from the world for a few days? There are some fantastic rural retreats that will revitalize your soul and soothe your weary muscles….
La Almununia de Valle – Andalucia
A boutique hotel nestled in one of Granada’s most beautiful provinces, you will certainly feel at one with nature as you take in your breath-taking surroundings. You’ll find yourself engulfed in the natural beauty of high peaks and the river Monachil. A typical country house, this hotel is staggered at different heights on the hill where you take in the most magnificent of views. Just ten minutes away from the city of Granada, this location is just perfect for those that want peace and quiet whilst still being in easy reach of a more bustling area. Enjoy hiking trips, and horse riding along the peaks of Granada. There are plenty of activities nearby to enjoy, or simply kick back and relax.
Petra Segreta – Sardinia
The Petra Segreta resort and spa is hidden down a long and bumpy rough dirt track, you’ll wonder where it is you’re possibly heading, until you reach this oasis of calm and beauty. The resort’s wellness centre is the jewel of the hotel, lying among a natural granite grotto. Guests can relax and unwind at the spa, but to get there you must pass between two large granite boulders that are said to be charged with a secret ancestral energy. Enjoy a Turkish bath, roman sauna, outdoor heated swimming pool and relaxation area. If you can’t resist a few activities, then there is plenty to do in Sardinia! From private boat excursions to golf sessions, surfing and perhaps a trip to the local winery?
The Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa – Suffolk
Based in the heart of the British countryside, this retreat is definitely one for those who love a pamper. The hotel itself is a four star establishment with a heavy focus on delicious cuisine. The award winning Squires restaurant makes this retreat a great option for foodies! You can also enjoy the hotel’s more relaxed bar and eatery, or there’s plenty of authentic country pubs nearby. As well as chic rooms, gourmet food and acres of stunning private gardens, this hotel is also home to an impressive spa and wellness centre. In fact, it’s one of the best in the UK! Relax and enjoy treatments from the spa’s extensive menu, and there’s always the hydrotherapy pool and rooftop hot tub to enjoy as well…
Casa Cova Blanca – Catalonia
If you’re after a stay with a bit of ‘wow factor’ then these underground ecological houses might just tick your boxes, Surrounded by olive groves in the gorgeous foothills of the Caro Boix Mountains, this exclusive retreat can sleep up to four people. Due to the rural location, a car is necessary to navigate the beaten dirt tracks, but this natural beauty is definitely worth the journey. Nearby sandy beaches and picturesque walking trails make this the ideal destination for nature lovers. Energy at the house is supplied through a solar panel system and water is collected from a stone water cistern at the top of the land, no high power appliances can be utilised here –so leave the hair straighteners at home! For those who are after a truly natural and ‘unplugged’ experience, you can’t get much better than this.
Apokryfi – Lofou
Apokryfo is actually Greek for “hidden away” and “kept secret” which perfectly sums up the vibes of this guesthouse in Lofou, Cyprus. A stunning hideaway based on the foothills of mount Olympus, this retreat offers traditional old stone houses that have been renovated by its owners and a local architect and his interior designer wife. The rooms are truly stunning, and focus heavily on neutral tones and natural wood, reflecting the surrounding area. There is also an on-site spa where guests can enjoy a range of massage treatments, as well as a traditional hammam and sauna room. The village itself is a charming area, ideal for those seeking out peace and quiet.
Rural Retreats Are the Perfect Escape!
Sometimes it’s time to put the smartphone down and organise your thoughts, a stay at one of these stunning rural retreats will help you to unwind and detox. Forget the stresses of daily life and enjoy a truly unique experience. You’ll feel refreshed, motivated and more determined than ever to achieve your goals! Now, where to head to first…?
