Quick summary: A new study of Tripadvisor data by spa pool manufacturer Hot Spring Spas has identified Italy’s Tropea Beach as the world’s most relaxing coastal destination, with related visitor reviews tracking at 206% above the global average. The research demonstrates that locations characterized by open horizons, clear, shallow waters, and natural soundscapes consistently encourage tourists to actively disconnect from the pressures of everyday life. These findings hold meaningful value for public health policy and mental health practice, confirming that strategic investment in wellness travel and intentional exposure to blue spaces serve as powerful, preventative tools to lower stress and enhance psychological well being.
New research has identified the beaches where travellers most frequently associate their experience with peace and tranquillity, with Tropea Beach in Italy ranking first overall as the most relaxing destination.
The study, conducted by spa pool manufacturer Hot Spring Spas, analysed Tripadvisor reviews from beaches featured in the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards “Best of the Best Beaches”. It measured how often reviews included the word “relaxing” to determine which destinations are most strongly associated with calm and restorative experiences.
The researchers reviewed Tripadvisor feedback for beaches included in the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards “Best of the Best Beaches”. They counted the number of reviews containing the word “relaxing” and compared the results against the average across the top 25 beaches to identify relative levels of perceived relaxation.
Top ranked beaches for relaxation
Tropea Beach in Italy ranked first. Located on the Coast of the Gods in the city of Tropea, it is known for its high cliffs and clear-blue waters. The study found 300 Tripadvisor reviews containing the word “relaxing”, which is 206% above average across the Travellers’ Choice Awards “Best of the Best Beaches” top 25.
Eagle Beach in Palm, Aruba, ranked second. The white sand beach with clear waters recorded 224 reviews containing “relaxing”, which is 129% above average.
Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, ranked third. The beach is known for its white sand, palm trees, and calm atmosphere. It recorded 195 reviews mentioning “relaxing”, which is 99% above average.
Balandra Beach in La Paz, Mexico, ranked fourth. This shallow-water bay recorded 179 reviews containing “relaxing”, which is 83% above average.
Ka’anapali Beach in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, ranked fifth. The study recorded 128 Tripadvisor reviews mentioning “relaxing”, 31% above average. The beach was also named the best beach in the US in 2023 and 2024 by Tripadvisor.
Playa Varadero in Cuba ranked sixth. The 20-kilometre-long white sand beach recorded 116 Tripadvisor reviews containing “relaxing”, which is 18% above average.
Manly Beach in Sydney, Australia, ranked seventh. Known for its golden sand and Norfolk pines, it recorded 112 reviews including the word “relaxing”, 14% above average.
Poipu Beach Park in Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii, ranked eighth with 111 Tripadvisor reviews mentioning “relaxing”.
Bavaro Beach in Bavaro, Dominican Republic, ranked ninth with 109 Tripadvisor reviews mentioning “relaxing”.
Anse Lazio in Seychelles ranked tenth with 105 Tripadvisor reviews containing the word “relaxing”.
Full top 10 list
- Tropea Beach, Tropea, Italy, 300 reviews containing “relaxing”
- Eagle Beach, Palm, Aruba, 224
- Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico, 195
- Balandra Beach, La Paz, Mexico, 179
- Ka’anapali Beach, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, 128
- Playa Varadero, Varadero, Cuba, 116
- Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia, 112
- Poipu Beach Park, Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii, 111
- Bavaro Beach, Bavaro, Dominican Republic, 109
- Anse Lazio, Seychelles, 105
Aaron Sampson, General Manager at Hot Spring Spas, comments: “Among this list are some of the best beaches in the world that tourists and locals visit every day for an escape from their day-to-day lives. However, what this study shows is just how important relaxation and daily well-being is, with it being a primary reason many people make the trip to one of the beaches ranked.”
“What surprised us most was the sheer volume of relaxation-focused reviews for Tropea Beach. Italy’s coastline is often associated with culture and cuisine, but these numbers show travellers are seeking it out specifically for peace and calm. The 2 Hawaiian beaches in the top 10 also stood out, suggesting American travellers do not need to fly across the globe to find genuine tranquillity.”
“The benefits of visiting a beach for relaxation are many. From the salty air and natural scenery to the warmth and sunshine, visitors can switch off and gain both mental clarity and physical benefits.”
The findings come amid rising global interest in wellness travel, with more travellers seeking destinations that support mental clarity and stress relief. The study suggests that coastal environments, particularly beaches with open horizons and natural soundscapes, are consistently associated with relaxation and reduced stress.
Travellers looking for restorative holiday destinations may consider these beaches for their strong association with peaceful experiences, supported by thousands of visitor reviews across regions including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian Ocean.