Be it decision fatigue, over-stimulation or a universal reaction to our always-on culture – 74 per cent of global travellers now say that what they want from holidays has changed over the last number of years. Gone are the multi-city itinerary-heavy trips, and instead slower-paced travel has taken its place. Rather than using annual leave to tick boxes and visit global hot-spots at speed, we’re instead using our time off to rest, recharge and spend time truly experiencing a destination – be it at home or abroad.
For the Irish consumer, much of this can be related to our ongoing desire to become more present and to reduce our digital footprint. In fact, 71 per cent of us admit to wanting to unwind, disconnect and create memories on holidays, rather than adopt the see-and-be-seen attitude of the Celtic Tiger. This desire to collect experiences over things and spend quality time with loved ones reflects trends seen in other industries and has been coined in the travel world as “hushpitality” – the rise of quiet, slower travel.
For Shane Kelly, general manager of Cabü By The Lakes, this move towards experience-led travel is nothing new – as it’s exactly the type of holiday the Cavan-based destination has offered since it opened in 2020. “People are longing for experiences they don’t have at home, and we see it all the time – people taking pictures of a sunrise because they don’t see it on a normal day, or waking up to the dawn chorus because we have less light pollution here at Cabü compared to the city. They’re missing out on these things at home, so when they come here they can slow down and enjoy the simple things.”
For Kelly, guests slow down as soon as they check into the purpose built accommodations in the heart of Killykeen Forest Park. Lakehouses and log cabins are dotted throughout the woods, providing total privacy alongside industry-leading service. The attention to detail provided by Kelly and team at the booking stage means that, very often, big decisions such as which cabin to opt for or what activity to book are made simple onsite. This attention to in-person customer service results in most guests opting to spend time together, either at the onsite spa, enjoying an outdoor activity, or simply taking in the scenery.
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“We have guests asking to extend their stay before they’ve been here a night,” laughs Kelly. “For people to leave their homes they need to be getting something different, something they don’t have at home – a fancy hotel isn’t enough any more, we often have better fit-outs at home than we do in commercial properties, so our log cabins and lakehouses are something completely different. There are no TVs on site, and most evenings we’ll find guests gathered around the fire in our bar after spending the day doing whatever they want.”
And that’s the point of slow travel – it isn’t about conveyor-belt luxury, but about experiencing something deeply and spending your time doing what you want to do, rather than what you think you should do.
Moving further afield than Cavan, slow travel works just as well abroad as it does at home. Think of going to Italy on holidays and your mind might immediately go to Rome or Milan – busy cities that are filled with tick-the-box must-sees, crowded with fellow tourists. Now think of a slower Italian holiday, spent in a single region such as Puglia, sipping espresso, eating seasonal produce, participating in local events and returning home recharged. That’s what slow travel is all about – choosing destinations based on amenities and experiences over tourist attractions.
If not there, then here
The Scottish Highlands
Edinburgh landmarks Princess Street and Arthur’s Seat will always be there, but for an unhurried Scottish experience, head north to the scenic and less populated Highlands. From the rugged peaks of Glencoe to the peaceful shores of Loch Assynt, the Highlands combine natural beauty with charming villages - offering visitors a slice of life unlike experiences found anywhere else and a chance to enjoy local music, storytelling and Highland games.
Asturias, Spain
Less touristy and less humid in high summer than its southern cousins, this northern region of Spain has long been a go-to holiday destination for heat-weary Spaniards and intrepid tourists who meander along the coast from nearby Bilbao and La Coruña. Asturias is home to tiny fishing villages providing ample opportunity to sip and surf, while bigger cities such as Oviedo and Gijon are ripe for exploration. The region is home to three of Spain’s national parks, providing more hiking and trekking opportunities for the adventurous.
Kerala, India
The southern Indian state of Kerala is known in equal parts for its sleepy backwaters, links to Ayurveda, creamy coconut curries and its famous laid-back nature – making it the polar opposite of its northern cousins Rajasthan or Uttar Pradesh. Travellers can opt to stay on houseboats which meander along the canals, stopping along the way to experience local community life, cooking classes or festivals. Personalised Ayurvedic treatments can also enhance the experience. Completely unhurried, the Kerala way of life is ideal for those looking to unwind and experience an entirely new culture.
