We all need a reset sometimes. The daily routine, the screens, the endless to-do lists. A proper summer getaway doesn't have to be extravagant or far-flung. Sometimes the best medicine is a few days by the sea, somewhere warm, with nothing to do but recharge.
Here are five easy getaways that are perfect for refreshing your spirit this summer.
1. The Algarve, Portugal
The southern coast of Portugal is one of Europe's best-kept secrets (though it's getting harder to keep quiet about it). Dramatic sandstone cliffs frame hidden beaches, and the seafood is fresh, affordable, and absolutely delicious.
Why it refreshes you: The pace of life here is genuinely slow. Mornings start with pastéis de nata and strong coffee. Afternoons are for swimming in crystal-clear coves. Evenings are for long dinners as the sun goes down.
Getting there: Direct flights from most UK airports, around 3 hours. Short transfer times to the main resort towns.
2. Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Lanzarote feels like another planet. Volcanic landscapes meet beautiful beaches, and the year-round warmth means summer starts early and finishes late.
Why it refreshes you: The contrast between the stark volcanic interior and the calm blue ocean is genuinely awe-inspiring. There's something about standing on black lava rock looking out at the Atlantic that puts everything in perspective.
Getting there: Around 4 hours direct from the UK. Compact island, so you're never far from the beach.
3. Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
The Croatian coastline is stunning, and the combination of history, natural beauty, and incredible food makes it a perfect reset destination.
Why it refreshes you: Island-hopping by ferry, swimming in the Adriatic, and exploring ancient walled towns. It's active enough to feel like an adventure but relaxed enough to count as a proper holiday.
Getting there: Direct flights to Split or Dubrovnik from major UK airports. The coast is well-connected by ferry and bus.
4. Bodrum, Turkey
Bodrum has been a favourite of Mediterranean travellers for decades, and for good reason. Beautiful bays, whitewashed buildings, and some of the warmest hospitality you'll find anywhere.
Why it refreshes you: The Turkish approach to relaxation is an art form. Hammams, fresh mezes by the harbour, and bazaars full of colour and life. It's impossible not to unwind.
Getting there: Direct flights from the UK, around 4 hours. Excellent value for accommodation and dining.
5. Menorca, Spain
Menorca is the quieter, more laid-back sibling of Mallorca and Ibiza. It's perfect if you want beautiful beaches without the party scene.
Why it refreshes you: The beaches here are genuinely world-class, with soft white sand and impossibly clear water. The island has a protected status, so development is limited and the natural beauty is preserved.
Getting there: Direct flights from the UK, around 2.5 hours. Small enough to explore by car in a few days.
The common thread
What all these destinations share is accessibility. None of them require long-haul flights, complex visa arrangements, or weeks of planning. They're the kind of places you can book on a Tuesday and be lying on a beach by Friday.
That's the real secret to refreshing your spirit: don't overcomplicate it. Pick a spot, book it, and go. Your future self will thank you.