Hit pause: Rural Vrbos to restore your Zen
Before the whirlwind holiday season arrives, take a breath at one of these serene spots
01
Natural wonders in Norway
East of Tromsø and above the Arctic Circle, Norway’s Lyngen Alps are where you can experience the rejuvenating, awe-inspiring force of nature at its most elemental. Visit this three-bedroom house in summer for constant daylight, night hikes, and salmon fishing in the adjacent river; winter’s enduring darkness is softened by starshine that illuminates snowy mountains and the life-affirming sight of the Northern Lights.
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02
A Balinese spiritual reset
Overlooking emerald rice paddies and with day beds galore surrounding its pretty pool, the two-bedroom River Moon villa is a true Balinese sanctuary, soundtracked by birdsong and the gurgle of a gentle river. You could laze here for days, but you’re also just minutes from the island’s spiritual epicenter, Ubud, with its community of skilled massage therapists and intuitive healers.
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03
A creative retreat in Texas
Minute but magnetic, Marfa has drawn big-name artists, like the enigmatic minimalist Donald Judd, for decades—the dramatic desert and skies stir the soul. Aspiring creatives can follow in their footsteps at this airy one-bedroom loft, with the conveniences of the town on one side and endless open range on the other. A converted art studio filled with custom-made furniture, it’s a contemplative setting for anyone in need of a reset.
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04
Back to nature in North Carolina
A 20-minute boat journey is all it takes to discover a new reality. Cars are prohibited on Bald Head Island, so visitors will find life here moves blissfully slowly as they glide past lush nature preserves by bike or golf cart. With its baby-blue and ivory interiors, this traditional, cedar-clad home keeps things peaceful—and it’s just moments from walking trails, crabbing holes and soft-sand beaches.
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05
On the water in upstate New York
Within easy reach of New York City, this homelike one-bedroom hideaway is a haven for anyone who loves the water: It’s seconds from the Upper Delaware River, so you might spot blue herons fishing or deer pausing for a drink when you’re out on the deck with your morning coffee. Kayaks and canoes can be rented nearby if you’d like to explore your surroundings further—the woodlands here are especially beautiful when draped in fall colors.
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The Smoky Mountains’ coziest cabins
John O’Ceallaigh is a luxury travel editor, and journalist with The Telegraph, National Geographic Traveler and many more. He is the founder of LUTE travel consultancy.
