New Year, New You… But Make Sure You Rest First!
Ah, the New Year! It’s that magical time when we all eagerly bid adieu to the trials and tribulations of the previous year, resolve to be better versions of ourselves, and get ready to tackle life head-on. But hold on a second— are you still tired? I am. 2024 went by in a blur- I blinked in Ireland’s cold summer, and suddenly it was December. Last year was a rollercoaster of work deadlines, personal milestones, and the never-ending search for “balance” (spoiler alert: it doesn’t exist). And, oh yeah, there was the global news cycle, which didn’t exactly contribute to our sense of well-being. So, yes, we’re all tired.
It’s almost as if we’ve all been running a marathon with a finish line that keeps moving farther away. And now that we’re standing at the threshold of 2025, it’s time to hit the reset button—not by hustling harder, but by giving ourselves permission to rest. Trust us, that’s how real magic happens. So that’s why I’ve decided one of my holiday goals this year isn’t big adventures- it’s resting, it’s sleeping. It’s finding places where you can enjoy the experience of an old or new destination during the day, or literally just spend the day in bed with a beautiful view- just knowing that you’re taken care of with food and drink. I haven’t found a hotel ‘tuck-in’ service yet, but it’s on my list. So here’s where I’m sleeping in 2025.
1. On a Travelmarvel River Cruise along the Duoro
The first place I’m planning to cuddle up is on a bed on the Travelmarvel river cruise along the Douro. Can you imagine the sound of water passing you by as you drift through Portugal’s amazing wine valley? Travelmarvel’s new river ship, the MS Estrela, recently launched in 2024 and it’s got everything you need with onboard water stations, tea and coffee, soft drinks, beer & local wine during lunch and dinner are included, along with transfers, tipping and the services of your Travelmarvel Cruise Director and local guides. You can explore amazing Portuguese fanfare after a lovely lie in. After a winery lunch, you can crawl back into bed and in the evening meander down to the restaurant to taste the delicious range of Portuguese, Mediterranean and international flavours on offer. You can even dine alfresco in the main lounge’s deck. To be warm, wined, and dined again would just be beautiful!
2. The Dominick New York City
Would you travel all the way to the Big Apple just to sleep? Honestly, at this rate, I think I would. The Dominick offers sweeping views of Manhattan and the Hudson River, it’s got a seasonal outdoor pool, restaurants and bar, rooms all feature floor-to-ceiling windows and some of the best views in Manhattan. The Dominick is the only independent hotel in New York with the exclusive Five Diamond accolade from AAA. I don’t know about you, but I love sleeping with the feeling of things happening around me- that are not my problem. To me, it reminds me of being a kid- having to go to bed while all the adults laugh in the next room. There’s that feeling of safety, of non-responsibility and pure peace. The Dominick is a luxurious hotel, with it’s design centered around local art and modernity, providing a solace from the hustle and bustle outside. The hotel location sits on the border of West Village and TriBeCa, where you can enjoy amazing restaurants and buzzy restaurant life after you day in bed, resting in the shadow of glistening skyscraper lights.
3. In a Luxury Chalet in Zermatt, Switzerland
Oh yes, the best time to sleep is when outside it’s cold but inside, it’s cozy. That’s why I’m planning this trip later this year. It has to be freezing, and there has to be a fire burning. I’m not a big skier- but obviously that’s on offer! You’ll find me at apres-ski afterwards! At Zermatt Ski Chalets, their team of experts have chosen the very best chalets and apartments in the most convenient locations, with easy access and stunning views, offering a unique service from their hand-picked, highly experienced, team of hospitality professionals. Their staff include internationally acclaimed chefs, chalet managers, house-keepers, massage therapists and guides who are on hand to make your Zermatt experience a memorable one. Can you imagine waking up to those mountainous views? Dad’s taken the kids to a fun ski lesson, there’s a coffee-machine to make a fresh roast, and it’s just… quiet. And it’s only the kind of quiet you can get when there’s a fresh, untouched snow. You’re wearing your comfiest pajamas and your reading that book you have meant to read since 2019- count me in!
4. On the Royal Scotsman Train between Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands
The Scotsman train is a different type of transport than the slow-moving river cruise from Travelmarvel. This is going to be another type of sleep. Can you imagine feeling the train rumbling beneath you and the rolling hills of the Scottish highlands sending you off to sweet dreams? I’m a sucker for sleeping on the train- head down on the table in front of me, waking up covered in drool to the weary eyes of passengers who have been listening to you snoring for an hour. This is going to be a way different experience. The first thing is, their furniture was designed to reflect on nature’s bounty and the rugged landscapes of ancient Caledonia. Secondly, you’re alone (or with your partner)- because it would be weird to have a stranger sharing that bed with you. Thirdly, these trains offer a gourmet experience! “Cooking onboard is a treat — most kitchens are closed off to nature, but we enjoy incredible views”, says Mark Tamburrini, Executive Head Chef of the Royal Scotsman. An ode to authentic flavours and seafood, his haute cuisine is a medley of seasonal delicacies sourced fresh from the finest local suppliers, with a contemporary twist. Flavoursome Scottish food is served day and night, delighting every single guest while the train slowly travels at a leisurely pace. Yes, yes, YES!
5. The Santhiya, Thailand
Since we’ve had river cruises and trains, the cold, quiet climate of Switzerland and the busy atmosphere of New York City- you can always have a nice sleep in the sun, too! And also, it’ll be hard to find an article where I don’t make up an excuse to go back to Thailand…. This amazing luxury Thai resort is located on Koh Phangan (does that sound familiar to fellow past backpackers? It’s the location of the Full Moon Party). But alas, I’m not in my twenties anymore and all-night raves on beaches do little to tempt me back to any location. But THIS… this will do. Stretched over 18 acres of glorious tropical landscapes, Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa is an eco-chic natural hideaway with glorious teakwood accommodation and world-renowned service and hospitality. Lush tropical forests, crystal clear bay and private beach set the perfect backdrop for splendid gourmet meals, cascading poolside waterfalls, luxurious spa treatment at Ayurvana Spa or an exciting array of outdoor water activities (you go, I’ll sleep). Only 30 minutes by speedboat from Samui Island, paradise awaits…where beauty comes naturally and elegant designs along with eco-friendly conservation inspires all. Imagine sleeping here, your breakfast is brought to you and you can stay on your balcony all day, being warm and so, so happy!
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