Close to 50% of people around the globe are suffering from burnout, according to a report released by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) this year.… but here’s the fix: travel. Not just a quick escape, but intentional trips designed to restore what life has worn thin.
Experts believe there are seven unique types of rest: physical, mental, emotional, sensory, social, creative, and spiritual.
Read on to explore each type of rest, why it matters, and how you know it’s in short supply. Most importantly, discover where to go to get the type of rest you need, courtesy of Flight Centre South Africa’s Travel Experts.
- Physical rest
What is physical rest? Physical rest is about letting your body recover – soothing tired muscles, reducing tension, and replenishing your energy levels. It encompasses both passive rest (like sleep and relaxation) and active rest (like yoga, stretching, or massage).
Why we need it: When your body is overworked or fatigued, your ability to function diminishes. More than just soreness, physical exhaustion also weakens your immune system and drains your mental capacity.
Signs it’s in short supply:
- You feel physically tiredeven after a full night’s sleep.
- Stiffness, tension headaches, or chronic aches in your shoulders or back weigh you down.
- You get sick more frequently, or your body feels overly fragile.
Where to go for physical rest:
- Bali, Indonesia: Known for its world-renowned wellness retreats, Bali is a South African favourite for physical rejuvenation. Melt into traditional Balinese massages and sunrise yoga sessions in peaceful rice paddies or participate in detox programmes in a jungle spa, all while soaking up the sunshine and the island’s gentle energy.
- Mauritius: Perfect for a luxurious physical reset, Mauritius combines secluded beaches, spa treatments, and all-inclusive resorts designed to help you unwind. Drift into sheer relaxation with hydrotherapy sessions, deep tissue massages, or just float lazily in an infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean.
- Mental Rest
What is mental rest? Mental rest is about quieting your brain, stepping back from overstimulation, and offloading decision fatigue. It creates the mental clarity you need to regain focus and productivity.
Why we need it: Modern life is mentally exhausting. Without a mental break, the constant processing of tasks, decisions, and information leads to stress and burnout.
Signs it’s in short supply:
- Difficulty concentrating.
- A busy mind that keeps racing, making sleep feel unrefreshing.
- Overwhelm, even from seemingly small tasks.
Where to go for mental rest:
- Drakensberg, South Africa: The Drakensberg Mountains offer wide-open skies, hiking trails, and absolute serenity. Spend your days disconnecting from screens, breathing in the fresh mountain air, or simply sitting still amidst incredible natural beauty.
- Thailand: Famous for its meditation retreats, Thailand is a must for both mental and physical relaxation. Locations like Koh Samui’s beachfront resorts or Chiang Mai’s mountain-top yoga retreats promise mindful meditation to untangle your thoughts and still your busy brain.
3. Emotional Rest
What is emotional rest? Emotional rest revolves around letting go of expectations and reconnecting with yourself. Solo getaways are fantastic for this type of rest, freeing you from others’ demands and ‘contagious’ emotions.
Why we need it: The goal is not to avoid emotions but to give our bodies and minds the proper rest we need so we can experience our emotions in a healthy way and function at our best.
Signs it’s in short supply:
- You always say ‘yes,’ putting others’ needs above your own.
- Emotional fatigue, often leaving you feeling disconnected.
- Overwhelming moments even in low-pressure situations.
Where to go for emotional rest:
- Umhlanga, South Africa: Nature’s therapy! Time slows down in Umhlanga, where the ocean, golden sands, and luxurious waterside hotels offer the ideal space to reconnect with your inner self. Pair peaceful moments with coastal walks and pampering spa days.
- Greece: “Greece is the go-to for slow, reflective mornings on the cliffs of Santorini and connecting over soulful meals for sharing in cosy tavernas. The perfect opportunity to embrace stillness, emotional resetting, and kalí zoí – ‘the good life,’” comments Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa.
4. Sensory Rest
What is sensory rest? Constant notifications, flashing screens, loud chatter, and bright city lights – it’s no wonder why so many of us are constantly overstimulated! Sensory rest gives your senses a much-needed break, requiring a retreat to calm, quiet environments, where your mind and body can simply exist without overwhelming input.
Why we need it: Overstimulation impacts both our physical and mental health, leading to stress, irritability, and fatigue. Removing sensory overload helps reset energy levels and allows your nervous system to recharge.
Signs it’s in short supply:
- You feel irritable or anxious in noisy or busy environments.
- Overhead lights and bright screens leave you feeling mentally drained.
- You crave peace and quiet but can’t seem to find it.
Where to go for sensory rest:
1. The Maldives: With its secluded islands, calm blue waters, and slow-paced luxury resorts, the Maldives is the antidote to sensory overload. Wake up to the sound of gentle waves lapping beneath your overwater villa and end your day watching the sunset with no distractions in sight.
2. The Seychelles: The Seychelles is an island paradise that invites you to unplug completely. Drift through marine-blue horizons, explore quiet coves, or simply bask in your villa with nothing but the sound of the waves to keep you company.
5. Social Rest
What is social rest? Social rest means finding the balance between positive energy-giving relationships and alone time to reset. For some, this might mean reconnecting with loved ones in intimate settings. For others, social rest means stepping back from draining relationships and rediscovering solitude.
Why we need it: Social oversaturation or neglect can lead to feelings of loneliness or exhaustion. Social rest restores your balance by giving you space for meaningful connections or time with supportive people.
Signs it’s in short supply:
- You feel mentally or emotionally drained after interactions.
- There’s an absence of life-giving relationships in your social world.
- You crave close connectionsbut feel too depleted to seek them out.
Where to go for social rest:
1. The Cape Winelands, South Africa: The Cape Winelands encourages intimate moments of connection, whether it’s sharing stories over a new vintage, reconnecting with friends over gourmet meals, or soaking in the scenery together.
2. Singapore: “Singapore is a dream for solo travellers looking to recharge socially. Known for its incredible safety and ease of navigation, the city allows you to explore at your own pace – a whether that’s strolling through the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, enjoying thoughtful solo dining experiences, or discovering the local culture in neighbourhoods like Chinatown and Little India,” highlights Turner.
6. Creative Rest
What is creative rest? Creative rest inspires, revitalises, and reactivates your imagination. It’s about stepping outside the mundane to tap into awe and curiosity – whether in nature, art, or culture.
Why we need it: Creativity isn’t limited to artistic endeavour. Anyone who solves problems or tackles challenges uses creative energy. Without creative rest (time to recharge our ideas and imaginations), our ability to innovate flatlines.
Signs it’s in short supply:
- You feel like you’re in a mental rut, lacking fresh ideas or inspiration.
- You feel uninspired or unmotivated, even when trying to start new projects or adventures.
- Creativity feels more like a task than an outlet.
Where to go for creative rest:
1. Bali, Indonesia: Bali’s spiritual and artistic heart makes it the ultimate creative escape. Visit Ubud’s art galleries, learn traditional Balinese crafts, or let your imagination flow as you overlook the rice terraces.
2. Cappadocia, Turkey: With its otherworldly landscapes – marked by surreal rock formations, ancient cave churches, and sunrises dotted with hot-air balloons – Cappadocia feels like stepping into a living painting.
7. Spiritual Rest
What is spiritual rest? Spiritual rest is about connecting with something larger than yourself – a sense of purpose, belonging, or meaning. This type of rest nurtures your soul by offering moments of reflection and contemplation to bring clarity and peace.
Why we need it: It’seasy to get caught up in daily routines and lose touch with what truly matters. Spiritual rest helps you reconnect with your values, find deeper meaning in life, and restore a sense of purpose, especially when life feels overwhelming.
Signs it’s in short supply:
- You feel disconnected from yourself, your values, or a sense of purpose.
- Life feels lacking in meaning or direction.
- Going through the motions without a sense of joy or fulfilment.
- Constantly seeking external validation.
Where to go for spiritual rest
1. Thailand: Another mention for a South African favourite, Thailand. It’s well-known for its spiritual heritage, temples, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and yoga and mindfulness programmes – all ideal for spiritual rest and enlightenment.
2. The Himalayas, Asia: According to Turner, Asian countries are set to stand out as leading travel destinations in 2025. “The Himalayas, in particular, are wonderful for a spiritual escape and give you the chance to explore multi-country journeys in a single trip. Often referred to as the ‘roof of the world,’ this location delivers beautiful mountain ranges, ancient spiritual practices, and peaceful monasteries – a transformative backdrop for spiritual exploration,” she says.
So, whether it’s gliding through the blue waters of Mauritius, hiking in the peaceful Drakensberg, or breathing inspiration in Bali, 2025 is the year to rest intentionally, recharge deeply, and travel meaningfully.
