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In a world that’s always moving faster, a new kind of travel is gaining ground, one that invites calm and connection. Slow living isn’t just a lifestyle, it’s now a travel trend.
Slow living is no longer confined to personal rituals or lifestyle choices, it has quietly reshaped the way we travel. At its core, the philosophy asks us to pay attention: to how we eat, where we stay, and how we move through unfamiliar places. In travel, this translates to fewer plans, longer meals, meaningful surroundings, and hotels that encourage guests to settle into the rhythm of their destination rather than rush through it.
Across the world, certain countries have always lived this way, shaped by landscape, culture, and long-held ways of life. Their hotels, in turn, are increasingly reflecting this mindset through intentional design, food philosophies rooted in locality, and experiences that prioritise presence over productivity. Here’s a curated list of remarkable stays that don’t sell slow living but embody it, allowing travellers to understand the concept simply by staying.
1.Hotel Tamarindo Diria, Costa Rica
At Hotel Tamarindo Diria, slow living is shaped by the ocean itself. Set directly on Tamarindo Beach, the hotel offers a day structured around natural cues, sunrise, tide, and sunset. Guests often begin mornings with quiet walks along the beach or open-air breakfasts featuring tropical fruits and local produce, setting a relaxed tone for the day. Rather than offering tightly scheduled activities, the hotel invites you to explore the town life with restaurants, shopping, and pure relaxation. Meals stretch into conversations, afternoons unfold without agenda, and evenings are spent near sunset views rather than entertainment schedules. In keeping with Costa Rica’s pura vida philosophy, the experience is about ease and letting go of urgency.
where: Hotel Tamarindo Diria, C. Central, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
2. Ruth's Hotel, Denmark
In Skagen, Ruths Hotel blends historic charm with Scandinavian restraint. Set where the landscape feels almost meditative, with wide skies, pale sand, and shifting light, the hotel mirrors its surroundings. Interiors are calm and allow guests to rest visually as much as physically. Food plays a central role in slowing time here. Seasonal menus encourage diners to engage with what’s on the plate, rather than rush through it. Long breakfasts evolve naturally into a brunch setting, while evenings often centre on shared meals that reflect Denmark’s strong relationship with festive dining. Walks through nearby coastal paths replace structured itineraries, reinforcing a rhythm that feels grounded and intentional.
Where: Ruths Hotel, Hans Ruths Vej 1, Skagen, Denmark
3. Hotel Su Gologone, Italy
This family-run property places culture at the heart of the stay, from handcrafted interiors to culinary practices that honour local recipes passed down through generations. Dining here is an immersive experience rather than a service. Meals unfold gradually, often featuring regional ingredients, house-made specialities, and wines meant to be savoured. Beyond the table, the hotel offers guests to explore its gardens, art-filled spaces, and surroundings at an unhurried pace. Time feels secondary, replaced by a deeper connection with the land and local customs.
Where: Hotel Su Gologone, Localita su Gologone, Oliena NU, Italy
4. The Hermitage Hotel, New Zealand
Overlooking the majestic peaks of Aoraki/Mount Cook, Hermitage in New Zealand invites guests to slow down in the presence of pure wilderness. The dramatic alpine setting with scenic viewpoints, calm spaces, and closeness to walking trails that invite quiet exploration. Here you will get to experience early morning hikes, tranquil stargazing, and enjoy slow meals while taking in panoramic views. The mountain's timeless presence nudges visitors to reinforce the sense of being present rather than passing through.
Where: The Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, 89 Terrace Road, Canterbury Region, New Zealand
5. MACHIYA INNS & HOTELS, Japan
In Japan, slow living has historical and philosophical roots, from wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection) to ikigai (reason for being). Machiya hotels in Kyoto combine these ideas in architectural form. The traditional wooden townhouses are adapted into intimate guesthouses, offering the experience of preparing tea in the mornings, sitting on tatami floors, and stepping out into the neighbourhood streets rather than tourist corridors. Dining is thoughtful and seasonal, reflecting Japan’s respect for ingredients and presentation. It's an invitation to live as the locals do by creating a stay that feels mindful without being instructional.
Where: MACHIYA INNS & HOTELS, Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
6. Momi Slow Living, Greece
This property is designed to blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, encouraging guests to align their days with natural light. Mornings begin slowly, often with relaxed breakfasts made with regional ingredients. Afternoons are unstructured, allowing time for rest, reading, or a quiet stroll nearby. Dining reflects the Greek living culture of long conversations while sharing plates, emphasising the idea that slowing down is as much about connection as it is about rest. The overall experience feels gentle, informal, and deeply Mediterranean.
Where: Momi Slow Living, Hersonissos 700 14, Greece
7. Farol Hotel, Portugal
At Farol Hotel, the Atlantic sets the pace. Located on cliffs overlooking the sea, the former lighthouse has been transformed into a space where design, dining, and landscape work together to slow time. Sea-facing terraces invite guests to remain, whether over morning coffee or evening wine. The hotel’s culinary offerings focus on coastal flavours, encouraging meals that feel rooted and unhurried. Coastal views, quiet corners, and uninterrupted routine replace constant stimulation. The experience reflects Portugal’s relaxed approach to life, one shaped by pauses, slow-down stay, and appreciation for the moment.
Where: Farol Hotel, Av. Rei Humberto II de Italia 7, Cascais, Portugal
8. The Postcard Dewa, Bhutan
The Postcard Dewa reflects Bhutan’s deeply planted beliefs of mindful living. Located in the Paro Valley, the hotel is intentionally intimate, allowing for quiet reflection and a strong sense of privacy. Architecture and interiors are moderate, ensuring the surrounding nature remains the focus. Meals are thoughtful and simple, highlighting Bhutan flavours without excess. Days unfold slowly, created by walks through forested paths, visits to nearby monasteries, or moments of stillness overlooking the valley. The hotel doesn’t impose a slow pace; it allows guests to rediscover it naturally, aligned with Bhutan’s emphasis on balance and well-being.
Where: The Postcard Dewa, Nyzerka, Khasadapchu, Bhutan