When it comes to finding true peace and quiet on vacation, not all destinations are created equal. While many travelers chase serenity among tourist-packed hotspots, a new report from Book Retreats has revealed the ultimate escape — a place where nature thrives, crowds are rare, and wellness is more than a buzzword. That destination is none other than Australia.
Australia Tops the Global Relaxation Index
Book Retreats’ Holiday Relaxation Report set out to answer a seemingly simple question: where in the world can travelers truly unwind in 2025? The answer, it turns out, lies in Australia — the vast island nation that topped the report’s rankings with a score of 73.8 out of 100.
To create the list, researchers evaluated 76 global destinations using a combination of five core metrics: safety, solitude, serenity, nature, and wellness. These were broken down into nine data points — including forest coverage, crowd density, noise and light pollution, protected land percentage, peacefulness ratings, and the volume of wellness activities available. The result was a comprehensive index of the most relaxing places to visit in the coming year.
Space to Breathe
While many top tourist destinations — particularly in Europe — are suffering from overtourism, Australia stands apart. Its massive landmass and relatively small population provide ample room to spread out, enjoy untouched landscapes, and experience the kind of calm that’s getting harder to find elsewhere.
“Australia leads this change,” the report noted, “offering what crowded European destinations have lost: space to breathe.” In fact, Australia hosts 50 million fewer visitors annually than Italy, while being 25 times larger. That translates to just 3.4 people per square kilometer — compared to 198.3 in Italy and a staggering 626 in Mauritius, which ranked as the most crowded destination in the study.
Why Australia Is the Perfect Place to Unwind
Beyond space, Australia also shines when it comes to protecting its natural assets. Nearly 30% of the country is preserved through national parks, marine reserves, wetlands, and forested areas. Whether you’re hiking through Daintree Rainforest, watching the waves at Bondi Beach, or stargazing in the Outback, there’s always a sense of wild, uninterrupted beauty.
- Protected nature: Nearly a third of the country is conserved land.
- Low crowd density: Only 3.4 people per square kilometer on average.
- Wellness experiences: From remote retreats to coastal yoga classes, Australia offers a wide range of wellness activities.
- Low light and noise pollution: Many areas remain untouched by urban sprawl.
What Sets Australia Apart
Australia’s appeal doesn’t just come from its landscapes — though they are undeniably breathtaking — but from the experience of being there. With room to roam and pristine environments, travelers find not just relaxation, but rejuvenation. Whether exploring the Blue Mountains, snorkeling along the Great Barrier Reef, or meditating in the Red Centre, every moment is a chance to reconnect with nature and self.
Other Top Relaxing Destinations in 2025
While Australia claimed the top spot, several other countries also stood out in Book Retreats’ report. These destinations were recognized for their vast natural spaces, low population density, and strong wellness infrastructure.
Top 10 Most Relaxing Destinations:
- Australia
- Canada — North America’s only country in the top 25, with just 3.9 people per square kilometer and abundant forests and lakes.
- Iceland — Known for its geothermal spas, dramatic landscapes, and quiet solitude.
- Finland — A nation famous for saunas, lakes, and the pursuit of happiness.
- New Zealand — Offers lush greenery, secluded beaches, and excellent hiking opportunities.
- Austria — Balances charming alpine villages with spa culture and extensive green zones.
- Sweden — With a strong emphasis on wellness and outdoor living.
- Estonia — An underrated gem offering forests, digital minimalism, and quietude.
- Norway — Its fjords, mountains, and low-key lifestyle make it a top contender.
- Portugal — With a gentle pace of life and access to natural coastal beauty.
Plan Your Next Trip to Unwind
If your idea of the perfect getaway includes wide-open spaces, minimal noise, and the soothing sounds of nature, Australia might just be your dream destination. It’s more than just a place to visit — it’s a destination where you can truly pause, reset, and breathe.
Whether you’re wandering through eucalyptus forests, floating in turquoise bays, or soaking up silence under a desert sky, Australia offers the rarest luxury of all — peace.
