When you travel, you want to unwind and connect with your surroundings in ways that leave you feeling relaxed and revitalized. So how do you switch off and get into the resort state of mind?

Lounge by the Pool

Dreaming of basking in the sun, sipping cocktails and cooling off with a refreshing dip? If your idea of a perfect getaway is simply relaxing by the pool, look no further than Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Choose from six sparkling pools, each with a unique look and feel.

Bordered by towering palms, Princess Pool overlooks the TPC Stadium Course and dishes up delicious treats from its poolside cafe. For a beachy vibe, grab an oversized lounge chair at Sunset Beach, a massive pool where 9,000 square feet of sand transports you to the coast.

The two twisting water slides at Sonoran Splash are a guaranteed hit with kids, while tinier tots have easy access to the water thanks to a zero-entry deck. Book a private cabana for the whole family, complete with TV, water and a fruit plate.

If you’re seeking a peaceful, adults-only retreat, head to Sonoran Landing. While away hours luxuriating on a plush daybed, swinging in a hammock or drifting on a floating bean bag. Visiting the hotel spa? You’ll receive entry to the tranquil Well & Being Rooftop Pool. And if you’re staying in a Privado Villa, the exclusive Privado Pool is a fabulous spot for a swim and a custom cocktail.

Hit the Beach

Picture a blissful beach break, and Hawai’i likely springs to mind. Fairmont Orchid, on Hawai’i Island, is an idyllic resort featuring a gorgeous sandy beach on secluded Pauoa Bay. With a raft of available activities, you’ll find yourself returning to the Hui Holokai beach shack day after day.

When you arrive, it’s worth purchasing the hotel’s Fun & Sun Pass, which allows you to borrow beach equipment throughout your stay. Whether you want to snorkel among reef fish, ride the waves on a boogie board or explore the bay with a buddy in a two-person kayak, you can take out whatever gear you need. 

Looking for a few pointers? Our beach ambassadors are on hand to give you paddleboarding and surfing lessons, or to teach you ancient Hawaiian techniques on a canoe fishing experience. Relax between adventures on a luxe Beach Walk Daybed with chilled juice and local-style snacks. The hottest spot to wrap up your day is Binchotan Bar & Grill, where you can share stories over small plates of fire-roasted ribeye, seafood and seasonal veggies. Save room for indulgent Patisserie Nanako cheesecake or chocolate mochi with sesame ash ice-cream.

Exploring the local area gives you a chance to discover phenomenal sights and scenery beyond your resort. You’ll enjoy unforgettable experiences and have a chance to connect with the landscape and community.

In the heart of the Riviera Maya, Fairmont Mayakoba puts you within easy reach of an incredible array of attractions. You can wonder at the soaring Mayan pyramids of Chichén Itza and encounter the ruins of Tulum, dramatically perched on a coastal cliff. Or, hop on a ferry to the island of Cozumel, famed for world-class diving sites like the Santa Rosa Wall, home to vibrant coral, parrotfish and eagle rays.

If you have kids in tow, Xel-Há is a fantastic day trip less than an hour to the south. Arm yourselves with snorkels on the way in, then explore a vast natural water park featuring bays, cenotes and river tubing through mangroves. A highlight is the lighthouse, a 30-meter tower with parallel water slides spiraling from top to bottom.

Looking for assistance? Maritur, next to the hotel lobby, can help book all your excursions.

Getting into the resort state of mind also means cherishing time with those close to you. With luxurious beach, tented and overwater villas sleeping up to 14 guests, Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi is ideal for families. Each villa has a stunning private pool and 24-hour host service.

Set in pristine Shaviyani Atoll, the resort lies on an extraordinary turquoise lagoon teeming with brilliantly hued clownfish, triggerfish and trumpetfish. And there’s no shortage of fun family activities. Kids love becoming turtle rangers, helping resident marine biologists protect hawksbill turtles with tasks like guiding baby hatchlings into the ocean. In the art studio, Rembrandt wannabes young and old can sculpt, paint or draw, taking inspiration from the surrounding natural beauty. All the family can create mouthwatering dishes at a hands-on cooking class, under the watchful eye of an expert chef.

Another favorite multi-generational adventure is the sunset dolphin cruise. Catching sight of pods of playful dolphins leaping beneath the kaleidoscopic colors of an Indian Ocean sunset is an experience you will remember forever.

Connect with Nature

Being in nature lifts your mood and reduces stress, so embrace the great outdoors at your resort. Fairmont Montebello has an exceptional lineup of activities and a spectacular riverside setting surrounded by 300 acres of old-growth forest.

Start with an invigorating hike or bike ride on the gentle trails that wind through the hotel’s woodland. Alternatively, snuggle up in a wagon with your loved ones for a horse-drawn sightseeing ride. Enjoy a calm paddle by kayak or canoe on the Ottawa River, or ramp up the adrenaline with an exhilarating Sea-Doo ride from the BRP Experience Center. You can also play a match on the resort’s outdoor tennis courts and watch the world go by from the comfort of a poolside cabana.

If you’re a golfer, you’ll love the rolling terrain of the 1929 Stanley Thompson-designed golf course, followed by drinks and snacks on the clubhouse terrace. Finish your day gathering around cozy firepits with friends and family, tucking into decadently gooey s’mores.

All set to get into the resort state of mind? Book with Fairmont today.