7 Effortless Ways to Have a Truly Relaxing Holiday
By Ryan Brown published on 28 July 2025
For many, the idea of a relaxing holiday conjures visions of turquoise waters, gentle sea breezes, and long, lingering sunsets. That feeling of being surprised by your step count while wandering through beautiful Mediterranean towns, food that has you sighing happily beside the sea, and leaving all worries and stress behind while you escape to paradise.
But how often do we actually unwind on holiday? Between packed itineraries, long queues, and the pressure to 'make the most of it', many trips can leave us needing another break by the time we return home.
That’s where a sailing holiday through the Mediterranean shines. On a catamaran cruise, you can leave the stress behind and sail into a world of stillness, indulgence, and serenity.
Whether you're island-hopping in Croatia, gliding through the Cyclades in Greece, or experiencing the bliss of not having to plan a single thing on your trip, here are seven ways to truly relax on your next holiday.
1. Book a Trip that Doesn't Require Lots of Planning
One of the key ways to enjoy a stress-free holiday is to remove the planning altogether. When you join a Yacht Getaways sailing trip, everything from your daily route to your meals is carefully curated for you.
Wake up each morning with no decisions to make – besides enjoyable ones like should you take a swim first or have a coffee on the bow? From local wine tastings and secret swimming spots to freshly prepared meals on board, your itinerary unfolds naturally, without you having to lift a finger. It’s the type of travel that allows you to book, show up, settle in, and not have to plan anything for the entire week if you’d like. And even for , there’s no easier way than click and go.
Recommended trip: Discover our , where calm waters meet breathtaking scenery on a slow-travel route.
2. Embrace the Power of Doing Absolutely Nothing
In our busy lives, stillness can feel foreign – even indulgent. But on a catamaran cruise, doing nothing is the point. Sink into a beanbag on the deck and get lost in a good book. Let the sun warm your skin as you gently rock with the sea. Drift into a midday nap as the waves lap softly beneath you.
This isn’t laziness – it’s vacation mode activated. And it's one of the most rejuvenating things you can give yourself. We encourage it. There’s nothing wrong with spending your day gazing out at the horizon while sitting on the bow of the yacht for hours on end, just enjoying that feeling of finally relaxing.
3. Practise Digital Detox – Even If Just for a Day
We often feel tethered to our devices, even on holiday. But you’d be surprised how quickly you let go of your screen when you're sailing through the Mediterranean, so you can disconnect to reconnect with yourself and those around you.
While there’s ample shore-side Wi-Fi, many of our guests choose to unplug during the sailing portions of the day. Take the chance to be present. Watch the coastline drift by. Laugh with your fellow travellers. Remember what it feels like to simply be without being inundated by notifications.
One fun way to still capture the memorable moments while disconnecting from your electronic devices is to bring a disposable camera. Take photos without being pulled into news, emails, or messages, and feel the excitement of looking through them once the film is developed.
4. Indulge in Fresh, Nourishing Food – Without the Fuss
There are plenty of , or amplified by the culinary experience once there. After all, one bonus of booking an inclusive trip is not having to worry about cooking every day. And while resorts and cruise ships provide you sustenance, the busy buffets and dining rooms can easily get overwhelming or even boring. Why can’t the meals aboard be a relaxing and exciting experience too?
They can be. On our trips, your host prepares delicious and vibrant Mediterranean-themed meals each day, using fresh local ingredients. Think crisp colourful salads, fresh-baked bread, and lunch prepared with a fresh catch of the day. Enjoy breakfast in a picturesque bay, and lunch on deck with a chilled glass of rosé.
Then, when it comes to dinner, you’ll get amazing recommendations from the crew for the perfect cuisine that is calling to you and your appetite. Sitting seaside at a taverna with a tasty grilled speciality or some local mouth-watering delicacy will bring a feeling of absolute contentment over your body.
Recommended trip: For food lovers looking to relax seaside at dinner with wonderful Mediterranean meals, explore our , around the Small Cyclades.
5. Swim, Snorkel, Paddleboard – or Simply Float
There's something uniquely calming about spending your day in or on the water. With direct access to the sea from your catamaran, you can dip in for a morning swim, grab a paddleboard for a gentle explore of a nearby cove, or simply float and watch the world go by.
Imagine sailing into a secluded bay for the afternoon, with waters so blue you wonder how it could be real. The skipper finds the perfect spot to drop anchor, and you jump in from the front of the yacht with the indescribable feeling of bliss rushing through your body. There’s a reason why we think catamaran cruises are , and a lot of it has to do with how you’ll feel getting to swim to your heart’s content daily.
Recommended trip: For long and lazy days in pristine bays, see our that maximises swim stops.
6. Discover Hidden Gems – Without the Crowds
Forget jostling for space on busy beaches and the frustration of towel holders hogging loungers. Our local Skippers know all the tucked-away bays, sleepy harbour towns, and off-the-beaten-path tavernas where you can always find space and truly unwind.
From Mljet National Park in Croatia to idyllic fishing villages in the Cyclades, you'll enjoy the luxury of space, calm, and quiet – a rarity in European summer travel. Compared to destinations that grace every magazine or social feed, like Santorini or Amalfi, the destinations we sail to are a breath of fresh air away from the tourist crowds.
Recommended trip: Sail Croatia and explore fantastical ancient towns and cerulean waters on one of our .
7. Relaxation Comes Naturally Aboard and in the Outdoors
Spending time by the sea isn’t just a treat – it’s scientifically proven to relax the body and mind. The sound of waves, fresh salty air, and wide blue horizons have been shown to lower stress hormones and boost mood. It’s known as blue space therapy – and you’ll feel it from your first day on board.
Our trips combine this with time in nature, like e-biking through Mljet National Park, where pine forests, saltwater lakes, and peaceful trails offer a gentle escape. Pack a picnic, find your slice of paradise after a bit of cycling, and laze the day away in nature. Whether you’re swimming in a quiet bay or cycling through the pines, Mother Nature works her calming magic throughout your cruise.
Recommended trip: Decompress in beautiful bays and feel at ease in the outdoors on our Cycle and Sail Croatia routes.
The Ultimate Relaxing Holiday? It's All in the Sailing
While traditional holidays often promise relaxation, they can come with a fair amount of stress. But sailing with Yacht Getaways delivers the kind of ease and indulgence that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or it's your first time on board, our trips are tailored to help you switch off completely. No packing and unpacking. No traffic. No rigid itineraries. Just the open sea, beautiful destinations, and total freedom to do as little (or as much) as you like.
Start Planning Your Most Relaxing Holiday Yet
If you’re dreaming of the ultimate relaxing holiday idea, a luxury sailing vacation might just be your answer. Discover our full range of premium sailing routes across the Mediterranean – from the sun-drenched Ionian Sea to the rugged charm of the Dalmatian islands.
Browse our or speak with our friendly trip experts to create your most relaxing holiday ever.
