Scotland home to one of world's most relaxing locations
CHILL OUT Scotland home to one of world's most relaxing locations
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A REGION in Scotland known for its rugged natural beauty, rolling hills and sweeping glens has been crowned one of the world's most relaxing destinations.
Drained by the constant demands of their jobs, screen fatigue and the relentless pace of city life, folk are starting to more actively seek out peace and quiet these days.
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The stunning white sand and azure coloured water of Achmelvich beach
Credit: Getty
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Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe
Credit: Alamy
They're increasingly drawn to destinations that encourage slowing down rather than speeding up.
A new study by relaxation-focused brand Blakk Smoke has revealed the top spots for mindful travel - places where tranquility is key and escaping the daily grind is the ultimate aim.
And the Scottish Highlands have earned a place on the list.
The rankings are based on a unique 'Mindfulness Score' which analyses traveller sentiment, keyword trends and thousands of reviews.
This then helps pinpoint the cities, islands and landscapes best suited for fostering "calm, clarity and wellbeing".
Each destination is then scored out of 100 based on how often holidaymakers describe it using words like "peaceful", "relaxing" and "mindful".
It also takes into account the number of wellness based activities like yoga retreats, spas and nature escapes.
Topping the list is Sedona, Arizona, USA, a true nirvana praised for its "energy vortexes," "red rock trails," and "spiritual retreats," achieving a near-perfect Mindfulness Score of 92.
Following closely at number two is Lake Bled in Slovenia, which scored 89 for its "mirror still water," "mountain air," and "island chapel views."
The Lake District in England secured third place, celebrated for its "Windermere walks," "hilltop journaling," and "total stillness."
The North Coast 500: Scotland's Must-Visit Road Trip Beats the Grand Canyon
Other serene locations named on the global list include Big Sur in California, Santorini in Greece, the Amalfi Coast in Italy and Kyoto in Japan.
But the bonnie Scottish Highlands proudly secured sixth place with an impressive score of 81.
They were lauded for their "vast solitude," "misty hikes," and irresistible "digital detox vibes".
We told previously how the Scottish Highlands were also named one of the best places for families on a budget.
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