Let’s face it—life moves fast. Emails, deadlines, endless to-do lists. We let ourselves rush through the days. Travel is your opportunity to slow down, enjoy the moment and reconnect with what matters.
Welcome to the art of slow travel, an unhurried way of exploring.
Let’s consider what makes an escape uniquely COZY.
Pick a Destination That Invites You to Unwind
The first step to slow travel is finding the perfect spot to slow down. Think about places that make you want to wander down a hidden alley or linger in the sun.
Stay A While: Embrace the Beauty of Settling In
Slow travel is about immersing yourself somewhere—even if just for a week. Instead of loading your itinerary with multiple cities, pick a single destination and act like it’s home.
Shop for tomatoes in the morning in the local market. Eat gelato in the afternoon in the square. Dine among locals in family-run restaurants. Perhaps by the end of the week the barista will remember your coffee order but, more important, you for sure will remember the specific charm of the dive bar down the end of the quite street that isn’t in any of the guidebooks.
COZY Picks
- Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur – High above the Pacific, this cliffside retreat offers gorgeous views, serene vibes. Eco-luxury at its finest.
- Fasano, Trancoso – A chic hideaway full of boho charm and Brazilian elegance, perfect for lazy beach days and stunning sunsets.
- Secret Bay, Dominica – Your own private treehouse deep in the forest in an eco-luxury resort.
Enjoy the Journey, Not Just the Destination
Slow travel is about forgetting Point A to Point B and savoring the road.
Picture a train winding through Tuscany’s hills, a glass of wine in hand. Or cruising through the turquoise waters of the Galapagos in a luxury yacht.
COZY Picks
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond – Travel back in time aboard this glamorous train steeped in 1920s Venetian charm.
- Amandira, Indonesia – Sail through pristine waters and hidden islands on an once-in-a-lifetime ultra-luxurious yacht.
- Ecoventura Galapagos Cruises – Explore the Galapagos aboard an intimate yacht where adventure meets eco-luxury.
Connect with the Locals: Discover the Heartbeat of a Place
The soul of a destination is in its people. Slow travel means taking the time to connect with locals—learning from them and the rhythms of their lives.
Join a cooking class to master the art of making Chinese dumplings. Chat with a baker about their craft. Chat with someone at a local café of an ancient city.
COZY Picks
- Our Habitas, San Miguel de Allende – A soulful retreat in one of Mexico’s most vibrant cities.
- Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley, Peru – A charming Peruvian sanctuary in the Andres, luxurious with stunning scenery.
- Amandayan, Lijiang, China – A serene oasis just outside the gates of the bustling and ancient old town of Lijiang.
Mindful Activities to Keep You Grounded
Travel is multi-sensory. Stay in touch with your body with sunset yoga or a meditative walk-through lavender fields. Keep a travel journal to remember the moments that brought joy and inspiration.
COZY Picks
- One&Only Aesthesis, Athens – A modern Greek paradise with sea views, chic design, and endless tranquility.
- Sensei Lāna‘i, Four Seasons Resort – A wellness-focused heaven-on-earth in Lanai, Hawaii where every detail is designed to nourish your body and soul.
- The Ranch Malibu, California – A gorgeous Malibu ranch to reset your mind and body with hiking, healthy meals, and breathtaking landscapes.
Savor the Local Flavors Slowly
Food is at the heart of slow travel. Eat long, leisurely dinners among the locals and at family-owned spots. Savor fresh pasta in Tuscany or seafood just from the sea in the South of France.
COZY Picks
- Il Falconiere Hotel, Tuscany – A countryside escape where truffle pasta and chianti are the stars of the table.
- Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley – Michelin-starred dining and romantic vineyard views in the heart of California wine country.
- Baumanière Les Baux de Provence – Provençal charm and fine dining in a dream-like setting.
Unplug and Be Present
True luxury lies in the art of disconnecting. Soak in natural hot springs under Colorado’s starlit skies. Unwind in a tranquil Japanese ryokan with views of Mount Fuji. Explore the rugged landscapes of Patagonia. Step away from the noise and fully immerse yourself in the beauty around you.
COZY Picks
- Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado – Rustic cabins, natural hot springs and starry skies.
- Gora Kadan, Japan – A serene retreat in Hakone, traditional ryokan charm. Enjoy private onsen baths and stunning views of Mount Fuji.
- Awasi Patagonia, Chile – Private guides and breathtaking adventures in one of the most remote and stunning places on earth.
Travel Lightly and Mindfully
Slow travel also means traveling responsibly. Support small businesses, choose eco-friendly accommodations and be conscious of your impact. By traveling thoughtfully, you benefit both you and the communities you visit.
The Art of Slow Travel: Savoring the Journey
Slow travel is a celebration of life’s simple pleasures. It’s about letting go of the rush, embracing the moment and finding beauty in the little things. Whether it’s a conversation with a local, a beautiful sunset or a quiet morning in nature, the best memories are the ones you enjoy slowly.
Feeling inspired to embrace mindful escapes? At COZY, we’re here to craft bespoke journeys that help you connect deeply with the world around you. 🌿✨ Contact your COZY advisor today and let’s create something uniquely yours.
