6 Hotels in Alternative Destinations for Your Clients’ Next ‘Slow’ Vacation

When arriving on your next vacation, would you rather enter the hustle and bustle of a big city or settle into the quiet, serene atmosphere of a sleepier locale? Increasingly, travelers are opting for the latter, checking in at hotels that give them a moment to breathe after their flight – and perhaps for their entire stay. 

Tourists will always flock to the world’s major cities, but their lesser-explored counterparts, known now as alternative destinations or destination dupes, get more love than ever before. And their popularity may be most apparent at the hotels and resorts that call those destinations home.

General managers of some of those properties told Travel Market Report that the alternative destination trend is no coincidence; it coincides with other rising travel styles, such as slow travel, cultural immersion, and events-driven tourism. They also told us that travelers have long sought out these things, as evidence by the success of their hotels, even before they had trendy names. 

“What guests value most is the sense of space, calm, and privacy, combined with thoughtful service,” Antonio Mendez, CMO and marketing director at Arriva Hospitality Group, which manages Sensira Resort & Spa in Riviera Maya, told Travel Market Report. “Compared to more popular destinations, guests enjoy feeling less rushed and more present.” 

Whether a client wants to help curb overtourism in big tourist cities, interface more with locals, or have a quieter, slower-paced trip, hotels in alternative destinations can suit them well. Here’s how six hotels around the world are making these types of vacations a reality for their guests. 

Ryokan Hiyoshi – Chichibu, Japan 

Tokyo continues to be a hot destination, with many tourists yearning to experience Japanese culture in the lively city. But for those who want a bit more calm, the town of Chichibu is just an hour train ride away and is home to several historic hotels. 

One of those Chichibu hotels is Ryokan Hiyoshi, a traditional Japanese inn that offers a more culturally authentic stay than a basic city hotel. The exterior is unassuming, and the interior is simple with many typical Japanese design elements, such as the tatami mats.

“Our ryokan offers a modern, clean, and comfortable accommodation while maintaining the charm of a traditional Japanese stay,” said Takuya Maekawa, general manager of Ryokan Hiyoshi. “Speaking fluent English allows me to easily communicate with foreign guests, and our team is eager to offer sightseeing and restaurant recommendations to guests who are looking for a genuine Japanese experience.”

Chichibu is a rural destination, where guests, even if they do embark on a day trip to Tokyo, can come back to unwind. This hotel is also in walking distance to a local park and hot springs, offering opportunities to have more intimate interactions with locals.

The Ameswell Hotel – Mountain View, California 

Rather than staying in San Francisco for a northern California trip, travelers who want a quieter, more relaxed vibe – while still being close enough to the action – will check in at The Ameswell Hotel in Mountain View. 

Simone Harms, the hotel’s general manager, regularly hears from guests that they sought out The Ameswell Hotel for its “lack of crowds, smoother arrivals, and the ability to relax rather than navigate busy tourist areas.” Because of this, the hotel has seen a steady shift toward more leisure travelers who are booking short weekend getaways and event-driven trips. 

“It is California without the crowds, but with everything within reach,” she said. “While close to San Francisco, the coast, and major cultural attractions, the location avoids congestion and intensity of traditional tourist destinations, allowing travelers to explore the region from a calmer, more balanced base.”

Downtown Mountain View, in walking distance, offers a neighborhood feel that many travelers seek out with its local shops, cafes, and cultural centers. Yet, at the same time, the hotel is close enough to major event venues for concerts and sports games; Levi’s Stadium, home of the 49ers, is just one highway exit away and will host The Super Bowl and massive live performances by Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran this year. Guests also enjoy more intimate concerts at Shoreline Amphitheater, which is within walking distance of the hotel, and Mountain Winery, a bit more of a drive but still popular with visitors. 

Château la Commaraine – Burgundy, France 

The world-renowned wine regions of Provence and Bordeaux have long been tourist hotspots for obvious reasons. But they are certainly not the only wine regions in France, and Burgundy offers a promising alternative for travelers.

In fact, the concepts behind traveling to alternative destinations – for fewer crowds and slower, more meaningful travel – helped inspire the revival of one soon-to-open property in Burgundy: Château la Commaraine.  

“Over the past year, the ‘alternative destination’ conversation has continued gaining momentum, as travelers prioritize authenticity and discovery over simply visiting the most well-known places,” said Vincent Parinaud, managing director of Champagne Hospitality. “That mindset has always guided the vision for Château la Commaraine, so the trend feels like a natural reflection of what we set out to create. From the beginning, the goal was to offer a quieter, more immersive way to experience Burgundy.”

The 9-acre estate will feature only 37 guest rooms to help foster deeper connection to the destination, often through remarkable experiences. Parinaud noted that the hotel is expected to attract seasoned travelers seeking more “intentional” itineraries that “feel less conventional and more experiential.” 

The property is located within the vineyards and will offer wine safaris, tastings in the on-site winery, hot air balloon rides over the Côte de Beaune, canal cruises, and fine dining. 

Six Senses La Sagesse – Grenada 

While some areas of the Caribbean and Latin America have become overdeveloped, Grenada is an island that has a more unspoiled atmosphere. Unlike Aruba or the Bahamas, it is a much less popular destination, and that lack of foot traffic makes it all the more attractive. 

George Vlachopoulos, general manager of Six Senses La Sagesse in Grenada, says that compared to other Caribbean resorts, the experience there is “more authentic, less commercial, and more deeply connected to its place.” 

Guests get spacious accommodations, a sense of privacy, and a front seat to authentic cuisine and culture – all without having navigate through a busy tourist district. Specifically, the resort offers farm-driven dining, cocoa-inspired experiences, wellness programming, all drawing on local traditions and the natural environment of Grenada. 

“While demand is influenced by many factors, this shift toward alternative destinations has certainly helped position the resort with guests who value discovery and intention in their travel choices,” Vlachopoulos. “Looking ahead, we expect this trend to continue as travelers prioritize quality, authenticity, and wellbeing over familiarity alone.” 

Sensira Resort & Spa – Petempich Bay/Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya, Mexico 

Instead of Cancun, more secluded coastal destinations in Mexico have emerged as alternatives. One of the many properties in those areas is Sensira Resort & Spa, located in Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya.  

The semi-private Petempich beach gives guests, from families to couples to large groups, a more residential feel while still only being 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport.  

“Sensira was designed around connection rather than spectacle. Our programming emphasizes shared experiences, wellness, and intentional family time. Spaces are open and calm, activities are participatory rather than performative, and service is highly personal,” Mendez said. “Rather than constantly pulling guests outward, the hotel encourages them to settle in, slow down, and reconnect with each other, which resonates strongly with travelers choosing alternative destinations.” 

The location gives guests the opportunity to snorkel and dive in the world’s second-largest coral reef. The resort also offers a convenient layout, adding to ease for couples and families looking to get away from the overstimulation of Cancun’s Hotel Zone and settle into a more relaxed experience.  

Bianca Relais – Lake Oggiono, Italy   

Hotels in alternative destinations, when they deliver a product that rivals those of the main tourist cities, help to curb overtourism and spread visitations out across the heavily-touristed country. That is a key goal for Biance Relais in Lake Oggiono, Italy. 

While Lake Como has become ultra-popular, this alternative destination hotel offers an immersive natural reserve, rich lakeside wildlife, a serene atmosphere, and plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking to dining overlooking the lake. All suites have a private spa and expansive windows that allow guests to drink in the gorgeous views. The expansive resort has also prioritized gastronomic wellness, with a gourmet restaurant that highlights the territory and seasonality.

Marco Montagnani, area general manager of Lake Como for R Collection Hotels, noted that the property is surrounded by “small local producers who tell the story of the territory better than any tourist attraction.” 

“Guests often tell us that here they truly manage to ‘switch off,’ reconnecting with nature and with themselves, without giving up the opportunity to visit Lake Como on a day trip,” he added. “Many choose Bianca Relais precisely to move away from the dynamics of overtourism, and we expect this tendency to continue to grow.”