Or Get Away From the Holidays, Your Choice!

The holidays are right around the corner, and let’s be honest: the to-do lists, gatherings, and year-end stress are already creeping in. Before the chaos hits full swing, why not take some time to plan a blissful getaway post-holidays or, like some friends of mine do, book your holidays away (with family or without, I won’t say a word)!

Whether you’re craving a bohemian island escape, a peaceful nature retreat, or a chic coastal getaway, these three destinations are long-time favorites of mine! Each has something a little different depending on how far you want to travel and what you are in need of - I can’t pick a favorite, but I do need to work these in to my calendar soon!

1. Holbox Island, Mexico: A Hard Reset at Casa Las Tortugas

Holbox is one of my happy places. I first visited 7 or 8 years ago and even had the GPS coordinates tattooed on my arm after numerous visits—it’s that special. Getting there isn’t the easiest, but if you’re looking to unplug, reset, and embrace island life, this car-free paradise is the ultimate getaway. Endless beaches, expats, fantastic food, and the kind of slow living that makes your soul sigh—Holbox has it all.

Your perfect home base? Casa Las Tortugas, a boutique hotel that blends barefoot luxury with boho charm.

• Why I Love It: Casa Las Tortugas feels like a dreamy oasis. Spend your days lounging on the beach, taking yoga classes, or exploring the island’s funky vibe. At night, wander out for the islands famous lobster pizza or try anything with my favorite Mexican ingredient - huitlacoche (it’s similar to a truffle). Check out the amazing murals tucked away on cute little streets, lounge on hammocks and swings suspended over the warm waters and enjoy getting around via bicycle or golf-cart only in this magic oasis.

• Don’t Miss: The endless stars at night, bug spray (yes, it’s an island!), getting to know the locals, walking in knee-deep water way out into the ocean and the sheer variety of amazing food, wine and tequilas!

Plan Your Stay: Book Casa Las Tortugas here

2. Bromont, Quebec: Bliss and Baths at Spa Balnea + The Beatnik Hotel

Due to the no phone policy at Balnea - I don’t have pics but check out their gorgeous instagram!

If you’re dreaming of silence, stillness, and a spa day that turns into a spa weekend, let me introduce you to Spa Balnea. Nestled in the forest near Bromont, Quebec, this place is absolutely stunning—think thermal baths, trails, plunge pools, and endless spots to just be. Years ago I was visiting a friend in Montreal, and she kept insisting I had to go. Upon arrival - I was in awe by the beauty and the quaint magic of the place, it quickly became one of my all-time favorite escapes.

Pair it with a stay at The Beatnik Hotel, a nearby boutique spot with quirky, artsy charm, and you’ve got the ultimate nature retreat.

• Why I Love It: The combination of Balnea’s tranquility and The Beatnik’s laid-back vibe is perfection. Spend your days soaking in the thermal baths or exploring the forest trails, then cozy up with a book or a glass of wine back at the hotel. Balnea has a silence policy that I deeply love. No phones, distractions, loud parties or screaming children to disrupt the peace. There’s also a lack of instructions or directions - which leads to a sense of playful curiosity rarely felt as adults! I watched a group of quiet adults poke around a firepit and open large ceramic containers to be delighted with giant hand-made marshmallows and sticks to roast them over the fire.

• Don’t Miss: Balnea’s on-site restaurant serves incredible farm-to-table meals. Treat yourself—you deserve it. Also, if you have ample time check out the trails and other beautiful things to do in the area!

Plan Your Stay: Learn more about The Beatnik Hotel here and Spa Balnea here. Also recommend tacking on extra days in Montreal and heck, add in some upstate NY too!

3. Santa Barbara, California: Coastal Elegance at Hotel Californian

If you’re in Southern California and need an easy getaway, Santa Barbara is always the answer. You can drive or hop on a train and be there in no time, but it feels like you’re worlds away. The drive up the coast is a beautiful one, but if you’re feeling like skipping the hassle - Amtrak drops you right in town! I recommend staying at the Hotel Californian—the rooms are gorgeous, the rooftop is perfect for sunset, and it’s located right in the Funk Zone, so you’re close to all the good stuff: wine-tasting rooms, art galleries, and incredible food.

• Why I Love It: Santa Barbara is all about relaxed sophistication. Whether you’re strolling along the beach, exploring the wine country nearby, or just unwinding at the hotel spa, it’s the perfect mix of coastal charm and city chic. The last time I visited I got -very- lucky with an absolutely wild upgrade to a suite that was movie-star worthy! Fingers crossed you get a little of my luck!

• Don’t Miss: Make dinner reservations at The Lark. Everything is seasonal, locally sourced, and insanely good.

Plan Your Stay: Check out Hotel Californian here.

This Year, Also Treat Yourself

This is your permission slip to pause and recharge and a good reminder that holidays are about FUN - not stress! Treating yourself or those you love to a shared experience is a way to form a memory that goes on long after the holidays fade and it never goes out of style. Whether it’s soaking up island vibes in Holbox, indulging in spa bliss in Quebec, or sipping wine by the coast in Santa Barbara, these getaways are designed to help you slow down, savor the moment, and come back refreshed.

So, where are you heading first? Let me know—and don’t forget to book your stay before these spots fill up!