How To Relax On A Beach Vacation
While you may be daydreaming about that lush, tropical beach on a regular basis, you don’t want to forget about the preparations that need to happen before you head out there. You don’t want to forget the sunscreen or the snorkeling gear, and it never hurts to plan a couple of tours while you’re there. Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place for your vacation planning. If you’re wondering how to relax on a beach vacation, just keep reading for some tips.
Get a beverage of your choice, sit back, and enjoy. You’ve just found the ultimate guide on how to relax on a beach vacation. Having traveled to several beaches myself (including the small island of Isla Mujeres in Mexico) I have picked up some tricks that will make your beach vacation enjoyable.
Have you ever wondered how to have a relaxing vacation in a comfortable way? Traveling is exhausting but it’s also exciting at the same time. It brings excitement, new experiences, and unforgettable memories of your adventure. But when thinking about travel, most of us think about the airport and the journey instead of what it feels like to bathe on a white sandy beach with crystal clear turquoise waters. There is one thing in common with all the most popular destinations: the beach. Wherever you are longing for to go on a vacation, it will inevitably have a beach nearby. In conclusion, if you wanted to relax and have fun at the same time – I guess there could be at least one destination that you would like to visit.
Some people love thrill-filled vacations, others enjoy adventure-filled vacations, and then there are those who crave beach-filled vacations. From lounging in a cabana to sipping fruity cocktails throughout the day, a beach-filled vacations most certainly has its perks. For me, I’m more of an adventure-filled vacation person. Although a beach vacation is absolutely incredible, I’m also super Irish (hello, SPF 50), I cannot sit still for more than two minutes, and I love to fill my vacation days with adventure.
Our friends recently invited us on a beach vacation where we would spend a week putting our toes in the sand, lounging in the pool, relaxing in a cabana, and sipping on tasty cocktails. My husband was 100% on board with the plan but I did have my reservations since I know what type of vacation person I am. My husband, on the other hand, is hands down a beach-filled vacation person. He is totally able to enjoy days filled with nothing but pool, ocean, drinks, and relaxation.
How To Relax On A Beach Vacation
I agreed to go on the vacation (but first I hemmed and hawed about the decision … yes, I was being a pain in the booty about deciding whether or not to go … just ask our friends *sorry*) because I knew we needed time away, especially fun times spent with friends. So, we flew my Mom down to our home to take care of the kiddos as we packed our bags and headed to Riviera Maya, Cancun.
The vacation was awesome. From the food and the service at the resort to the ocean and pools, a great time was had by all, even this adventure-filled vacation lover. Although I was craving adventures throughout our stay, it was also nice to force myself to try to relax as I spent quality time with my husband and our friends.
So, if you’re like me and you’re headed on a beach-filled vacation, how can you enjoy your vacation?
Planning a trip to Gulf Shores but not sure what to include on your itinerary? Beach vacations are meant for relaxation, and luckily Gulf Shores features plenty of attractions and activities to meet anyone’s relaxation goals. Whether you’re more of an active relaxer or you’d prefer to do as little as possible, you’ll find a trip to Gulf Shores can help you detach from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Here are our top 10 favorite things for relaxation in Gulf Shores.
1. Have a Beach Day
Gulf Shores beaches offer the perfect setting to chill out. From your Gulf Shores rental, you have easy access to a stretch of white-sand beach that is just a few steps from your front door. This beach is quiet and secluded, and you’ll never feel like you’re on top of your neighbors. Grab some sunscreen, pack some drinks and snacks, and enjoy the pristine beaches near Martinique on the Gulf.
2. Go Fishing
Head out on the open sea for a day of fishing. Gulf Shores fishing charters and cruises can accommodate most group sizes, or you can rent a boat for a more intimate experience. While there are plenty of on-shore spots to cast a line, like the Gulf State Park Pier, you may find these spots to be a little busy. Booking a fishing charter allows you to experience fishing in a whole new way.
3. Be in Nature
Sometimes relaxation doesn’t mean not doing anything. Gulf Shores is near two beautiful nature centers where you can unwind in the quiet and solitude. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and Gulf State Park boast hiking and walking trails, protected coastal land, and more. Cast a fishing line and enjoy the silence, watch the birds soar up overhead, or simply enjoy lunch surrounded by beauty.
4. Visit a Salon
Pamper yourself at a Gulf Shores spa or salon. Vacations are for treating yourself in ways that you normally wouldn’t, so book a massage, pedicure, manicure, or facial to completely immerse yourself in relaxation. Let yourself enjoy the quiet moments of being in a salon and you’ll feel totally recharged.
5. Stay On-Site
Martinique on the Gulf has abundant on-site amenities to take advantage of, so you never really have to leave if you don’t want to. Enjoy the two clubhouses, tennis courts, indoor/outdoor pools, whirlpool spa, and private beachfront without having to get into a car.
6. Go to Dinner
Relaxation may mean being out of the kitchen, and lucky for you, there are plenty of Gulf Shores restaurants to visit. While our Gulf Shores rentals feature full kitchens, preparing, cooking, and cleaning can take up a lot of time. When you’re ready to enjoy your vacation without the stress of cooking for the whole family, unwind for the evening at one of the many restaurants in Gulf Shores.
7. Do Nothing
Don’t overthink it, the best way to relax on your beach vacation to the Gulf Shores is to do nothing. Stay in your Gulf Shores vacation rental at Martinique and enjoy the peace, quiet, and space. Many of our rentals feature private patios with views of the water, which is the perfect spot to read a good book or take an afternoon nap.
8. Get Retail Therapy
Is your version of relaxation shopping at a leisurely pace in beautiful weather? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. Gulf Shores shopping centers like The Wharf, Pelican Place, and SanRoc Cay offer open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment. Spend the entire day shopping, enjoy a bite to eat at one of the dining options, or stay late for live music or a special event at one of these hubs.
9. Float the Waters
There’s something very peaceful about being out on the calm waters, and there are plenty of places near Gulf Shores to go paddleboarding, kayaking, or canoeing. Cotton Bayou is the perfect location in Gulf Shores for water activities because of the calm, warm waters. During the summer, dolphins populate these waters so keep an eye out for a pod playing in the area.
10. Go Golfing
Gulf Shores is home to award-winning golf courses to suit all experience levels. Whether you’re looking to golf 9 or 18 holes, or just get in some swing practice, Gulf Shores golf courses offer scenic landscapes and well-manicured grounds.
Plan Your Gulf Shores Vacation Today
Ready for the ultimate relaxing vacation? Gulf Shores is the perfect place to experience both adventure and relaxation in one place. Our Gulf Shores rentals at Martinique on the Gulf offer access to a private beachfront and numerous on-site amenities. Plus, Martinique is just a short drive away from the center of Gulf Shores. It’s truly the best of both worlds. Book your Gulf Shores vacation rental with us today.
Ways to Enjoy a Beach Vacation
1.) Pack Fun Outfits
Before we left for our vacation, I took inventory on what I had that was perfect for a beach vacation. I realized that I needed to do a bit of shopping before I started filling the suitcase. I made sure to purchase a few rompers, a beach cover-up, swimsuits (I’m obsessed with one pieces right now), sandals, and a floppy hat. Even though we were going away for a few days, I wanted to be able to have options for both daytime and evening.
Click here to check out 75 must-have beach vacation items.
2.) Find Ways to Relax
Being away from the kids allowed my husband and I to take our time getting a start to the day. Even though I still woke up relatively early, I would walk out onto the balcony and relax on the lounger while I waited for my husband to get out of bed. We would get ready for the day and then head to the beach where we ordered a cocktail, took in the views, went for a walk along the beach, and then headed to the pool where we would spend the rest of the afternoon hanging with our friends before heading back to the room to get ready for dinner.
After dinner, my husband and I would grab a drink at the bar, head to the beach, and find a cabana to lounge in as we chatted the night away and sipped on the cocktail. It was the perfect way to end every night of vacation.
3.) Enjoy the Ocean
Yes, pools are fun, especially on vacation. Who doesn’t love a swim up bar? But, the ocean is key. Even though it’s super difficult for me to find ways to relax (as mentioned before, it’s hard for me to sit still for more than two minutes), walking along the beach, splashing in the ocean, playing keep up in the water with a volleyball, and floating around in the water were both activity-filled and kept my hard-to-sit-still body happy.
Plus, it’s the ocean and it’s beautiful and breathtaking. So, there’s that.
4.) Take in the Views
As mentioned before, every morning I would make it a point to go onto our balcony and take in the view. The photo above is one that I snapped on my phone from our balcony. Hello, palm trees, ocean, cabanas, and sand.
It was so nice to breathe in the ocean air and feel the warmth on my skin as I enjoyed the beauty that was in front of me. During your vacation, be sure to take a few moments here and there to soak in the view and appreciate the beauty all around you.
