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Explore the hushpitality trend reshaping travel, with serene destinations, wellness retreats and tips for creating a low-stress getaway.
In a world that glorifies being busy, it’s hardly surprising that proper rest keeps slipping to the bottom of the to-do list. But as we head into 2026, more and more travellers are pushing back against the hustle and reclaiming their holidays for what they should be about: slowing down, switching off, and actually breathing for a change.
Enter “hushpitality” – a growing movement centred on silence, solitude and a healthy dose of privacy. And honestly, I’m right there with them. After a full-on year, I’m craving a proper quiet escape myself – the sort of break where the loudest thing you hear is a breeze rustling through the trees.
According to Hilton’s 2026 travel report, 56% of travellers say their main reason for getting away this year is simply to rest and recharge. And that says an awful lot about where our idea of luxury is heading next.
Resting and recharging
The travel industry has always sold the idea of escapism while on holiday, but hushpitality isn’t just about escaping; it’s about tuning the world out completely. People are choosing experiences that slow them down. Mental rest instead of adrenaline adventure. Low-profile instead of Instagrammable. Quiet instead of interesting.
Hilton calls it “sweet silence,” as they survey guests around the globe, trading rooftop bars and cityscapes for mountain air and wellness experiences.
Behind the quiet travel trend
This whole quiet-travel movement hasn’t come out of nowhere. Over the past few years, we’ve all been feeling the creep of digital overload. Endless notifications, back-to-back video calls and “productivity hacks” that somehow just made life even busier. It’s no wonder so many of us are running on empty.
So now the pendulum is finally swinging the other way. People are realising that peace isn’t just a fluffy phrase you stick on a wellness poster, it actually matters. Proper silence can lower cortisol levels, help you sleep better and even give your brain a bit of a boost. Who knew doing less could be so good for you?
And with that shift, travellers are starting to seek out quieter moments: wandering through forests, choosing wide-open beaches over packed landmarks, and being a bit more protective of their time, energy and, let’s be honest, their sanity. These days, privacy isn’t just a preference — it’s becoming a form of wellness in itself.
Destination recommendations
Peace looks different for everyone. Some people feel instantly grounded the moment they’re surrounded by mountains, while others find calm in the steady rhythm of ocean waves rolling into shore. For some, it’s a sunrise hike with no one else on the trail; for others, it’s a lazy morning coffee on a quiet balcony, watching the world wake up at its own pace.
That’s the beauty of this whole hushpitality movement – it recognises that tranquillity isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether your happy place is a rugged ridgeline, a hidden cove, a cosy spa, or simply a spot with no notifications, there’s a version of peace out there with your name on it. Here are some recommendations that’ll help you escape all your worries.
Hiking and nature destinations
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Known for its dense forest, foggy trails, and ocean views, Vancouver Island is the epitome of a quiet, pensive location.
Dolomites, Italy
Complete with Alpine meadows and remote mountain huts, nothing defines mountain power and calmness more than the Dolomites.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Breathtaking landscapes and pure air make Mount Cook National Park the ideal place for fresh air and internal reflection.
Beach destinations
Point Reyes, California
Gentle waves and hiking trails that feel miles away from city sounds, Point Reyes is a great place to test out the Blue Mind Theory.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
As a UNESCO site, Sian Ka’an is a special gem that makes the Caribbean feel a little less like the typical winter-escape vacation destination.
Jervis Bay, Australia
White sand, turquoise water, and a relaxed local pace, Jervis Bay is far enough from major tourist routes that it’s a great place to avoid traditional holiday crowds.
Spas and wellness destinations
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson, AZ
Located in the quiet Arizona desert, Miraval Arizona includes mindfulness-focused programs and device-free zones.
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary in Koh Samui, Thailand
Offers holistic wellness programs centered on rest, mindfulness, and reconnection.
Euphoria Retreat in Mystras, Greece
Euphoria Retreat is a modern spa built directly into a mountainside monastery, combining silence with deep renewal.
Privacy tools for solo travellers
Silence isn’t only about finding a quiet place to stay, it’s also about keeping things calm on the digital side. This is especially important for solo travellers, who often hop between public Wi-Fi networks, apps and booking platforms. Staying secure online is just as essential as switching off in the real world.
Simple privacy tools can make a difference.
- Use a VPN when connecting to a hotel or cafe Wi-Fi. The best VPN will encrypt your data and help you stay private when accessing personal accounts in public places.
- Set devices to “Do Not Disturb.” Notifications can wait.
- Back up travel documents in an encrypted cloud folder instead of email attachments.
- Carry a physical map. It sounds old-fashioned, but it keeps you from constantly checking your phone in unfamiliar places which can then get snatched.
Tips to make the most of your trip and stay safe
Hushpitality isn’t necessarily synonymous with just doing nothing. It’s more about doing less, more intentionally. How can you be more intentional on your quiet vacation? Consider the following tips:
- Avoid crowded destinations. Travel during shoulder seasons.
- Limit your itinerary. A few meaningful experiences win out over a packed schedule when you’re travelling consciously.
- Choose more peaceful transportation options. That includes trains, ferries, or even walking/cycling over flights or tour buses.
- Disconnect a little every day. Schedule at least a few hours without screens.
A VPN also helps keep things nice and calm and peaceful on the tech side of things. Without tracking cookies and intrusive ads, you have a better chance of using your devices minimally and without stress.
Silence as the next status symbol
With the prevalence of noise pollution and the reality of how it affects daily life and health, silence has truly become a new luxury. People have begun to realise that peace is a finite resource. The hushpitality trend gives travellers permission to slow down and protect their mental and digital space. Disconnecting is more than just putting your phone away in your sock drawer. It’s about the mentality of creating space for more presence, privacy, and clarity.
