We’ve all been there: You’re scrolling through your Instagram feed, gazing longingly at sun-drenched beaches in Bali, the history-soaked streets of Paris, or a lakeside cabin in the British countryside. And as much as we dream of jetting off to exotic destinations, there’s a small but persistent voice reminding us that travel—though exciting—isn’t always as glamorous as it seems.
It seems that for many of us, 2024 has been a big year. As we trudge toward its end, the excitement of arriving in paradise is somewhat undercut by the inevitable stress of planning and getting there (not to mention the jet lag). So, maybe it’s time to rethink that weekend getaway. In the age of spontaneous city breaks and last-minute resort deals, it’s easy to overlook the gems in your own country. Yet, there’s something undeniably special about rediscovering the beauty, culture, and unique charm that exist right in your own backyard.
Spoiler alert: Your perfect holiday might be just a couple of hours away from home—and your perfect itinerary might be… nothing.
Earlier this year, following a period of deadlines and moving house, I found myself physically and emotionally exhausted. I was desperate to escape the grind for a beat (as well as the constantly flip-flopping weather that seemed to plague Sydney for much of the Spring) but with a shoestring budget (they really don’t tell you how expensive moving house is) and minimal emotional bandwidth left to plan, I was left with few options.
Ultimately, I ended up spending two days a two-hour flight away, posted up at the JW Marriott Gold Coast. In that time, I concocted the perfect formula for a stress-remedying trip—and it includes staying close to home. Scroll on for all the top tips on building a weekend holiday that will *actually* leave you feeling refreshed.
Related: Best Hotels For a Gold Coast Getaway
1. Stay local(ish)
How often have you come back from a holiday feeling like you need another vacation just to recover from the first one? Sometimes, we mistake long-haul trips for total relaxation, when, in fact, it’s the near-by getaways that can be the most restorative.
With a domestic destination, you’ll find that the absence of long travel days actually allows you to make the most of the limited time you have. There’s very little getting there to be done; you can maximise your time off by *actually* unwinding.
2. Choose the right accomadation
If you plan to spend your time unwinding, choosing the right accommodation is a must. If you’re a sun seeker, check a stay’s proximity to the beach or the layout of its pool (ie. how comfy do its loungers look, exactly); is there a spa on-site (more on that below); and what are the nearby or in-house dining options like?
3. Get some movement in
I know—exercise is probably the last thing you want to do on holiday. However, moving your body is good for your brain.
I’m not saying head to a HIIT class; but heading for a walk, or booking into a surf lesson or one of JW Marriott’s AquaSculpt Pilates classes is a great way to get those endorphins flowing.
4. Head to the spa
Is any relaxation vacation really complete without a spa trip?
Check out your hotel’s spa menu ahead of time, or chat to the staff to help settle on a treatment that’s best suited to you. Make a morning out of it, too: When I say that a JW Marriott x Vanessa Megan facial, a blast in the sauna and a cup of herbal tea on the spa’s sun deck reset something in me, I’m not exaggerating.
5. Eat good
One of the best parts of a holiday is the excuse to splurge on eating GOOD—and, when you’ve saved on flights, there’s no excuse not to.
Indulge in beachside breakfasts, poolside cocktails and delectable dinners. In search of an after dinner mint? A little room service never hurt…
After all, food is good for the soul.
Related: All the Best Bars To Visit In Sydney
This writer stayed as a guest of JW Marriott Gold Coast. Book your stay here.
