Slow Travel: Who sets the pace when traveling?

Have you ever stopped to think about what sets the pace of your daily life? How quickly things happen, and why? And when was the last time you lived entirely at your own pace anyway? Even if only for a day?

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Living and traveling in harmony—but in harmony with what?

In our daily lives, calendars, push notifications, and to-do lists set the pace. The same is true for our free time: an appointment here, a message there. In order to actually take breaks, we have to schedule them into our daily plans. And on vacation? Even then, we rush from one activity to the next, working our way through our bucket list and bowing to the rhythm of the clock.

We'd like to offer you an alternative. Maybe it doesn't have to be the clock or the bucket list that sets the pace of your vacation. Why not let the tides, the season, or the time you spend together shape your day or your trip? We've gathered a few ideas from Green Pearls® partner accommodations for you here.

The River and the Sea

When nature sets the pace

In particular, places and accommodations that are closely connected to their surroundings offer a unique vacation experience. Instead of following a set itinerary, you can adapt your daily routine to the rhythm of nature.

At the Canvas & Orchids Retreat, life revolves around the Tatai River. The glamping retreat is only accessible by river, and some of the luxurious tents are even situated on floating platforms. This allows guests to immediately begin their day in tune with the river’s rhythm. Rather than offering a fixed activity schedule, this Cambodian retreat provides flexible excursions into the rainforest, mangroves, and to see waterfalls. Boat rides and kayaking trips ensure you never forget what sets the pace.

Nowhere is the rhythm of nature more evident than by the sea. The sound of the waves, the wind, and the tides—all influence your rhythm, sometimes more clearly and sometimes with more subtlety. At the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel in northern Tenerife, the Atlantic Ocean is ever-present. Right in front of the hotel is a Piscina Natural, a seawater pool bordered by rocks where you can feel the ocean’s waves while swimming in a protected area. Inside the hotel, you can enjoy thalassotherapy treatments that use sea salt, seawater, mud, and salty sea air to promote relaxation.

On the North Sea, it’s the tides that set the pace for your day. During your stay at the lifestyle and boutique hotel SANDglow, you’ll quickly get into the habit of checking the tide tables to plan your mudflat hikes, beach walks, and afternoon swims. This habit of aligning yourself with the natural rhythm of your surroundings will give your vacation a different pace.

The Tranquility

When a place has its own rhythm

They really do exist—those places that have their own definition of time. One such place is the Croatian island of Iž. At the island's only hotel, Hotel Korinjak, you can let your mind wander. No FOMO, no stress, and no need to be constantly available. Instead, you can enjoy the scent of pine trees, a morning yoga session, and an afternoon boat tour—where, with a little luck, you might spot dolphins.

Consciously slowing down is an integral part of OLM Nature Escape's philosophy in South Tyrol. As a member of Slow Down Hotels, the hotel offers a customizable culinary concept that allows you to find your own rhythm. The Eco Spa, natural pond, and personalized hiking or e-bike tours let you experience the area without worrying about time. The Wi-Fi in your ApartSuite can be dimmed, allowing you to decide just how much digital connection your vacation requires.

The Gut Sonnenhausen, located near Munich, offers one thing above all else: the freedom and space to grow. Instead of TVs in the rooms, a lovingly curated library invites you to browse, and numerous quiet corners throughout the historic estate and park encourage you to relax and unwind. You won't find an activity program here; instead, it's all about rediscovering peace, nature, and the slow pace of life.

At the vegan hotel LA VIMEA in the Merano region, your daily vacation routine is defined by the park-like garden, yoga, and meditation. Since the hotel is adults-only, you’re surrounded by a unique sense of tranquility from morning to night—so much so that you almost forget the center of Naturns is just a few minutes’ walk away. Incidentally, the trip to the mountains is almost just as short—you can explore them on foot or by (electric) bike. At night, the Wi-Fi is turned off, which shifts your focus entirely to sleep and relaxation.

The dining table

When enjoyment is given time

Traveling also means experiencing the flavors of a region: a leisurely breakfast featuring local delicacies, traditional products, or generations-old recipes. Those who take the time to eat may discover more about a place than what's written in a travel guide.

As a member of the Slow Food movement, the STURM wellness hotel in Germany's Rhön region focuses on regional ingredients, traditional culinary arts, and mindful enjoyment. The open cooking station in the restaurant allows guests to watch the chefs work and chat with them. The ingredients used may be the same ones you saw and tasted in the snack garden that afternoon. And even the floral arrangements, made with seasonal "Slow Flowers," reflect the idea of working in harmony with nature and the seasons.

At SANDnature on the Baltic Sea, your day deliberately starts slowly. The late-riser breakfast, served until 1:00 p.m., includes sourdough bread from a nearby bakery, cheese from small producers, freshly prepared egg dishes, homemade jams, and seasonal ingredients from local farmers. A heartfelt invitation to start your day without rushing.

Regional products, high quality, and respect for food also define the cuisine at Hotel Okelmann's in Warpe, Lower Saxony. This family-run hotel focuses on authentic dishes made with local ingredients and handmade delicacies designed to pamper guests, rather than elaborate presentations. So it’s hardly surprising when a cake appears on the afternoon menu—even if it wasn't planned. Simply because Mama Okelmann felt like making it and had the necessary ingredients on hand.

At the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel and the adjacent OMNIA plant-based restaurant in South Tyrol, Slow Food gets a modern makeover. Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients form the basis of creative vegan menus and breakfast creations. While you're there, be sure to enjoy a multi-course dinner at OMNIA. This intimate restaurant has just 10 seats and offers a unique, emotional fine dining experience led by Chef Aggeliki Charami, featuring fantastic courses woven into a cohesive narrative.

The Body

When rituals become more important than one-time treatments

Some things can't be rushed. Their effects unfold over time. This makes it all the more important for a wellness vacation to have a lasting impact; one that allows you to establish routines and rituals at home and find your rhythm in the long run.

At the Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol, exercise and relaxation go hand in hand. After a day of hiking in the Hohe Tauern National Park or doing yoga with a mountain view, the Natur SPA beckons you to unwind. Holistic treatments with natural cosmetics and select aromatic oils offer brief moments of respite for the body and mind that have a lasting impact. And the saltwater bath with Deferegger healing water completes the experience.

The Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance takes wellness a step further toward promoting health. Here, the focus is on mental well-being and stress relief. In addition to bioenergetic treatments based on Viktor Philippi’s methods, the resort offers healthy organic food and a tranquil, forest- and fruit-tree-surrounded setting to help you unwind.

The ADLER Ritten and the ADLER Sicilia also tailor their stays to your individual needs and rhythm. Though the two hotels are quite different—one in the mountains of South Tyrol and the other on the rugged southern coast of Sicily—they share the goal of creating spaces where you can be completely yourself. Yoga, meditation, mindfulness activities, and spacious spa areas are designed to help you find your rhythm. Rather than a set schedule, the focus is on having the freedom to shape your day however you like.

A place of relaxation and tranquility is also offered to you by the adults-only hotel My Arbor near Brixen. Whether you're interested in dining, wellness, or activities—you set your own schedule. Breakfast until noon and lunch into the early evening? My Arbor makes that possible. In between, you can participate in guided tours, yoga sessions, sauna infusions, or forest bathing. Or, you can turn it into a whole "me-time" weekend!

Taking a vacation at your own pace

Time is perceived differently in many parts of the world. Sometimes nature sets the pace, sometimes the seasons, and sometimes it's a long, shared meal. On your next trip, why not try going with the flow of your destination instead of bringing your daily routine with you?

#sharingiscaring | Who needs to read this and slow down for a bit? Forward this newsletter to them and remind them that taking time off isn't any less valuable just because they're doing "nothing."