A break in the Monsaraz complex, São Lourenço do Barrocal.
Why do we get stressed at Christmas? “We are supposed to be happy but we are very conditioned with this way of live the Christmas that we have seen in advertisements, magazines , etc. It is the idea that these dates have to be in a certain way when there are people who do not live it that way”, Beatriz G.Barbeito, Professional Co-activa Coach, explains to Traveler.es.
The expectations are so high that it begins to appear stress and anguish. And what about family conflicts? "Is about unresolved conflicts that every time we get together for Christmas dinners they reappear because during the year we have not dedicated time to solve them. In addition, during family meals ideas are expressed and hot topics are debated, which together with 'one more glass' It makes us lose perspective and cling to the 'I'm right, you're not,'" emphasizes Beatriz.
All this together with expenses (not to spoil anyone's holidays) but On average, Spaniards will spend around 249 euros , according to a study by Kantar Millward Brown and PayPal . Thus, we are already looking for the perfect escape route to let the tensions flow, and as always that route is the journey. Here are some of the best places waiting for you after the Christmas stress.
One of the suites in São Lourenço do Barrocal.
MONSARAZ, PORTUGAL
They say that it is one of the most beautiful villages in the **Alentejo region**, very close to Extremadura. In this town on top of a hill, you will find the silence that you need to appease your innermost self. The majesty of its lake, its white alleys and its castle will make you feel in another era.
So far the AHEAD awards have come, as they have named São Lourenço do Barrocal the best complex of 2017. In this old house, now converted into a hotel, you can choose between sleeping on a farm or in a cabin, albeit luxurious and in contact with nature.
Ekies All Senses Resort is located in Vourvourou, Greece.
VOURVOUROU, GREECE
In this town near the Chalkidiki Peninsula (north of Greece) you can enjoy greek calm , especially if you go in low season. Do not expect to find restaurants and tourist sites because there are none. Vourvourou equals infinite rest.
You can do it enjoying the views of its lake, doing water activities or getting lost in the Ekies All Senses Resort , named by the AHEAD awards , What the best open-air hotel with the best views. When do you say you've caught the flight?
The Farm in Sant Mateu, Ibiza.
SANT MATEU, IBIZA
Ibiza can also sound like a breeze and peace, especially on these dates. Calm brings us to this small town of Sant Antoni next to Cala Aubarca . Lemon trees, orange trees and many vineyards is what you will find in Sant Mateu d'Albarca, northwest of Ibiza.
In this backwater of red soil is La Granja, a private country house converted into an authentic architectural gem . Perfect for learning more about agrodynamic agriculture and Get to know the island from its most sustainable perspective.
The Casa Cook suite in Rhodes.
RHODES, GREECE
Contrasts are part of this island washed by the Aegean, and for its mythological and medieval history. Get lost in its streets and discover that marine life exists outside the tourist rhythm.
Do not rush, the best time to visit is spring. You can plan your relaxing visit at Casa Cook, awarded for its suites inspired by the nomadic style and with a private pool. or as they say a space where you slow down next to Kolymbia beach, on the east coast of Rhodes.
One of the rooms at At Six in Stockholm.
STOCKHOLM
Do you need activity to de-stress? Then your place is Stockholm, the venice of the north awaits you Of incalculable beauty and surrounded by water, the **Sweden's largest city** has just about everything for bring you back to happiness after christmas.
You can do it at Hotel At Six, best city hotel according to the 2017 AHEAD hospitality awards . This office building has been transformed into a elegant hotel with some rooms that have some excellent panorama of Stockholm.
The indoor pool at The Ned in London.
LONDON
London, anti-stress?, you may be wondering. Yes, bearing in mind that by relaxing we mean a spa in the best hotel of the year , The Ned . get lost in your more than 200 rooms It is a blessing, but it is also a blessing that you feel in the 1920s because of its exquisite decoration.
Sauna, steam baths, hammam, a 20 meter indoor pool , and even a beauty salon for men and women, and a barbershop . Are you more convinced now to go to London after Christmas?