Are you tired of the same old daily grind that everyone is stuck in? Want a quick weekend getaway to recharge your batteries? You’re not alone. We all need a soul-soothing weekend escape in this fast-paced world, now more than ever.
Picture waking up to the sound of waves at a pristine beach, sipping hot cocoa at a comfy mountain cabin, wandering busy city streets or setting out on an epic thrill-seeking adventure. Join us in discovering six incredible varieties of weekend getaways for every taste and style. Welcome to the world of absolutely unforgettable weekends.
Cosy Cabin Escapes
Rustic charm in the mountains
The Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, USA, play the perfect host to the ultimate rustic-style journey. Imagine yourself in a charming wooden cottage, nestled among misty mountains and verdant woods.
The family-run Elk Springs Resort, with a starting price of $150 per night, has cosy quarters that include stone fireplaces and handcrafted furniture that have a true mountain feel.
Secluded forest retreats
When it comes to off-the-beaten-path the Black Forest in Germany can’t be beaten. The Baumhaushotel Schwarzwald offers unique treehouse cabins for €200 per night. Here, you’re surrounded by tall pines, with just the sounds of nature to keep you company. These sustainable retreats offer the ideal mix of solitude and comfort for your weekend getaway.
Lakeside log cabins
Picture waking up to the soft lapping of waves on the shore. You can make this dream come true at Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada. We recommend staying at the Baker Creek Mountain Resort which offers authentic log cabins starting at CAD 250 a night. You’ll have stunning views of the turquoise lake and surrounding mountains from your private deck.
Luxury cabins with modern amenities
If you want your cabin experience to come with a dollop of luxury, try the Fjällnäs resort in Swedish Lapland. These high-end cabins, which start at SEK 3000 per night, combine traditional Scandinavian design with modern comforts. You’ll have floor-to-ceiling windows, private saunas and gourmet kitchens, all framed in the beautiful Arctic wilderness.
Beachfront Paradise Weekend Getaway
Tropical island resorts
Get away to the Maldives for a weekend of splendour at the Soneva Fushi resort. This barefoot paradise has overwater villas for around $1,500 per night. You’ll be awed by clear waters and pristine white sand beaches. For the ultimate in tropical escape, immerse yourself in fine dining, snorkelling and spa treatments.
Quiet coastal towns
Explore the delightful coastal village of Carmel-by-the-Sea in California, USA. Book a warm cottage at the Cypress Inn, with rooms starting from $300 per night. If you love wandering art galleries, wine tastings and sunset-watching on uncrowded beaches, you’ll have everything here.
Surfing hotspots
There’s nothing quite like a beach weekend getaway, designed to get your adrenaline pumping. The Uluwatu area of Bali in Indonesia is an ideal destination. Stay at the clifftop Uluwatu Surf Villas, for about $200 per night. You’ll enjoy world-class surf breaks and stunning views over the Indian Ocean.
Family-friendly beach destinations
Make family memories in Destin, Florida, USA. Get a spacious condo at the Henderson Beach Resort, from $250. You and your family will love sugar-white beaches, family-friendly attractions and cerulean waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Romantic seaside hideaways
To ensure a dreamy couples’ getaway you must travel to Santorini, Greece. Stay at the intimate Perivolas Hotel in Oia, for $500 a night. Be prepared to be swept away by the breathtaking caldera views, private infinity pools and epic sunsets.
Urban Oasis Weekend Getaway
Boutique hotels in vibrant city centres
Experience the heart of vibrant metropolises by staying at stylish boutique hotels. In New York City, USA, the trendy Ace Hotel in NoMad has rooms from $250 per night.
Also soak in Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant energy at the design-forward TRUNK Hotel in Shibuya, from $300 a night. These urban escapes are the ideal launchpad for your weekend exploration.
Cultural experiences and local cuisine
Immerse yourself in the local culture and challenge your palate during your urban weekend getaway. The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, Spain is where you discover tapas at La Boqueria market and a vibrant city itself. Stay at the centrally located Hotel 1898, from €200 a night.
In Istanbul, Turkey, explore the Grand Bazaar and try Turkish sweets. The delightful Georges Hotel Galata, from $150 per night, will place you in the thick of the action.
Rooftop bars and skyline views
Take your city weekend up a notch and sip signature drinks (Sangria, Guinness or Caipirinha) while overlooking the skyline at rooftop bars. In Singapore, sip cocktails (Singapore Sling) at CE LA VI on top of Marina Bay Sands, which charges $500 a night for rooms.
For a more affordable option, consider the Andaz Seoul Gangnam in South Korea, featuring superb city views from its rooftop bar, rooms start at $250 a night. Also, do not miss their famous cocktail bar, the OUL, which is dedicated to serving Korean spirits and drinks has cultural stories to tell.
Shopping and entertainment districts
Discover retail therapy and delightful entertainment on your city escape. In London, U.K., experience the Covent Garden Hotel, from £350 per night, which is in striking distance of West End theatres and boutique shopping.
In Dubai, UAE, the Dubai Mall provides direct access to the world’s biggest shopping centre for $300 per night. These places also make sure you’re never too far from the urban action.
Adventure-Packed Retreats
Mountain biking and hiking trails
Looking for an adrenaline-packed weekend getaway, look no further than Moab, Utah in the USA. That red-rock paradise has world-class mountain biking trails, such as the Slickrock Bike Trail and hiking in nearby Arches National Park.
Stay at the Moab Springs Ranch, where rustic cabins from $200 a night. From challenging yourself on technical single tracks to enjoying scenic rides that meander through dazzling desertscapes, the area offers over 150 miles of trails.
White water rafting excursions
For a real whitewater thrill, try the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. Run through Class V rapids underneath Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Book your room at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge where rooms cost about $250 a night. Your pulse will quicken as you ride through the rapid tracks such as “Stairway to Heaven” and “Oblivion.”
Rock climbing destinations
A rock climber’s paradise, Kalymnos, Greece boasts more than 3,000 routes on limestone cliffs rising above the Aegean Sea. Stay at the climber-friendly Masouri Bay Hotel, from $60 a night. There are routes for everyone from beginners to experts, from easy slabs to demanding overhangs.
Zip-lining through lush forests
Feel the thrill of zipping through the treetops in Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest. The Sky Trek zip-line course provides stunning views of the lush canopy and distant volcanoes.
Book a stay at the adjacent El Establo Mountain Hotel, with rooms from $150 a night. Zip from platform to platform as a rush of adrenaline surges while you absorb the stunning biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.
Relaxation and Wellness Escapes
Spa resorts with rejuvenating treatments
You will find the ultimate relaxation at the Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh, India. A luxury with a wide range of Ayurveda, yoga and meditation classes. Treat yourself to their signature Himalayan Honey and Almond Body Wrap or a tailored health program. Rates start at $600 a night, including meals and selected treatments.
Yoga and meditation retreats
For a truly life-altering yoga weekend getaway, spend some time at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas. This tranquil beachfront property features daily yoga lessons, meditative sessions and vegetarian meals.
Spend time in an ashram but with some Caribbean sun thrown in, with rates ranging from $120 to $240 per night, depending on the accommodation.
Hot springs and natural thermal baths
Peace your worries away at the Blue Lagoon Retreat in Iceland. This world-famous geothermal spa provides in-water massages, silica mud masks and access to private lagoons.
The Retreat Hotel offers indulgent rooms with scenic views of the surrounding lava fields. Rates begin at $1,300 a night, which includes breakfast and all-day access to the Retreat Spa.
Detox and fitness-focused getaways
Get off on the right foot on your well-being weekend getaway at The Ranch Malibu, California, USA. This results-oriented fitness retreat has a demanding schedule of daily hikes, strength training and plant-based meals. The seven-day, all-inclusive price is about $7,800 per person, including lodging, fitness activities and spa treatments.
Unique and Quirky Accommodations
Treehouses and eco-lodges
At the Treehouse Lodge in Peru’s Amazon Rainforest, you can sleep in the treetops. This one-of-a-kind accommodation, which has views of the jungle canopy, is about $700 a night. If you’re on a tighter budget, check out the Treehouse Resort in Jaipur, India, where you can sleep up in a rustic treehouse for about $100 per night.
Converted aeroplanes and trains
If you fancy a stay with a dose of aviation throw-in, straw a night in the Boeing 747 Jumbo Stay in Stockholm, Sweden, where you can rest in a converted aeroplane for about $200 a night. What a unique experience.
Underground cave hotels
Experience the wonders of life below the surface at the Caves Branch Jungle Lodge in Belize. With rates starting at $300 a night, their cave suites offer a unique mix of luxury and adventure. Staying at the Kayakapi Premium Caves in Cappadocia, Turkey offers the chance to reside in ancient cave dwellings for about $200 to $500 a night.
Ice hotels and igloos
For about $300 a night, spend the night on ice beds in sub-zero temperatures at the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. For a deeper dive into the igloo experience, book a glass igloo at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland for views of the Northern Lights from $400 per night.
Floating cabins and houseboats
Float on the calm waters of Lake Powell, Arizona, in a luxury houseboat from Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas. Rentals begin at $2,000 for three days.
Conclusion
From a rustic cabin-inspired escape to a sun-kissed beach retreat or an urban adventure, these are the perfect weekend getaway for your soul. So as you start dreaming up your next weekend escape, keep in mind that the best way to recharge is by heading to a place that will help unplug you from life’s stresses.
Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure or cultural experiences, there is a perfect place for you. So grab your bags, get on the road, and make some cherished memories on the ultimate weekend escape.
