Great Escapes: 5 Ultimate Getaways
Life can sometimes feel like a series of endless routines - wake up, work, repeat. But every so often, we crave something different. A change of scenery. A chance to explore new horizons, reset our perspectives, and spark that sense of wonder we’ve been missing.
The answer? A Great Escape - destinations that offer more than just a break from the everyday. These are places that fuel your curiosity, ignite your spirit of adventure, and inspire you to rediscover the joy of exploring the world. Whether you’re seeking tranquillity, thrills, or simply a new experience to refresh your soul, these five getaways promise the perfect escape from the ordinary.
1. Kyushu, Japan
Best for: Deep relaxation & stress relief.
Why go?
Swap boardrooms for steaming hot springs and stress for stillness in Japan’s hidden wellness haven. Kyushu’s onsens (like those in Yufuin and Kurokawa) offer a natural antidote to burnout, where soaking in mineral-rich waters beneath misty mountains feels like a physical and mental reset. Imagine soaking in naturally heated waters under a canopy of cherry blossoms or misty mountains. Combine it with the region’s zen gardens and slow-paced ryokans, and you have the perfect escape for a mind in overdrive.
2. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Best for: Solitude & creative inspiration.
Why go?
The Isle of Skye provides the opposite of noise - a place where rugged cliffs, endless moors, and fairy-tale landscapes force you to pause. Hike the Quiraing at sunrise, stand on the edge of the world at Neist Point, or wander the shores of Loch Coruisk and let the Scottish winds sweep away worries. It’s no surprise that Skye has long been a retreat for writers, thinkers, and leaders in need of big-picture clarity.
3. Pico Island, Azores
Best for: Nature lovers and quiet reset-seekers.
Why go?
Floating in the middle of the Atlantic, Pico is the kind of place where you feel like you’ve left the world behind. With its iconic volcano, lava-rock coastlines, and UNESCO-protected vineyards carved from basalt. Spend your days whale watching, hiking Mount Pico (Portugal’s highest peak), or tasting bold red wines grown in volcanic soil. There are no crowds, no rush, simply the rhythm of the ocean and the slow pulse of island life.
4. Bhutan
Best for: Perspective shifts & personal recalibration.
Why go?
If escapism had a capital, it would be Bhutan. Tucked away in the Himalayas it redefines what escape means. In a country that prioritizes Gross National Happiness over GDP, every step feels intentional. Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, meditate in monasteries older than most nations, and breathe in the crisp Himalayan air. This is not a holiday, it’s a recalibration of how you see success, fulfilment, and balance.
5. Queenstown, New Zealand
Best for: Travellers who reset through action.
Why go?
Not everyone recharges by sitting still. Queenstown is an adrenaline-fuelled antidote to burnout, offering everything from jet boating through canyons to scenic heli-hikes. One minute, you’re freefalling over Lake Wakatipu, the next, you’re toasting a Pinot Noir at a vineyard with a view that makes deadlines feel irrelevant. Queenstown is more than just an escape - it’s an energy reset. The mix of high-intensity adventure and slow, scenic indulgence means you trade burnout for adrenaline and work stress fades into mountain air.
Stepping away isn’t a luxury, it’s a strategic move. Whether you need silence, adventure, or a refined reset, these destinations offer more than just an escape; they provide clarity, perspective, and the kind of break that actually works. And with Priority Pass, the journey is just as effortless as the destination. From exclusive lounges to seamless airport experiences, your next Great Escape starts before you even take off. Where will it take you?