7 Self-Care Ideas for a Genuinely Relaxing Taupō Holiday

When was the last time you came back from a holiday actually feeling rested—like after a quiet weekend at the bach? Not just with a hundred new photos and a suitcase full of laundry, but properly recharged—body, mind, and soul. The truth is, too many getaways are planned like military operations: early check-ins, packed schedules, and barely a moment to sit still.

A relaxing holiday isn’t built on endless notifications and back-to-back activities. It starts by slowing down and choosing a space that invites you to breathe easier. It’s no wonder the kind of accommodation Taupo visitors usually go to offers more than just a place to sleep—it’s about the full experience of ease and comfort. That’s exactly what we’ve created at The Retreat, where peaceful chalets, lakeside views, and a pet-friendly setting make it easier to truly unwind.

If you’re wondering how to truly make the most of your next getaway, here are a few self-care ideas worth bringing along for the ride.

Unplug from Tech and Plug into Nature

You don’t need to go full caveman and toss your phone in the lake, but a little digital distance can do wonders for your mental reset. Between endless notifications, doomscrolling, and inbox guilt, your brain deserves a break. Instead of reaching for your screen first thing, step outside and let your senses wake up with the morning air. At The Retreat, it’s easy to swap screen time for green time. The twittering birds do a better job than any playlist, and the lake certainly doesn’t need a filter.

Leave your devices in a drawer, take a stroll along the water, or just sit quietly under the trees. It’s not about strict rules, it’s about giving your mind some breathing room. Trust us, your group chat will survive a few hours without updates (and you’ll return feeling far more human).

Indulge in Slow Mornings

There’s something magical about waking up with nowhere to be: no alarms, no commutes, no plans demanding your attention. A slow morning is your quiet rebellion against the usual race of daily life. Let the light ease into your room, stretch in bed like a very satisfied cat, and drift into the day at your own pace.

Step outside wrapped in something cosy, breathe in the fresh air, and let the surrounding nature be the first thing you properly notice. Maybe you’ll brew a coffee, maybe you’ll just sit with the sunrise. However you spend those first moments, savour the rare gift of moving slowly. After all, holidays aren’t for hurrying.

Book a “Do-Nothing” Afternoon

Why do we treat doing nothing like a guilty pleasure when it’s one of the purest forms of self-care? In a world obsessed with productivity, doing nothing is practically a revolutionary act. Give yourself permission to block off an afternoon with no plans, no goals, and no apologies. Think of it as a meeting with yourself, where the only agenda says: nap, stare at clouds, or invent shapes in the trees.

Find a comfy spot under the sun. Bring a book you might not even open. Then, let time stretch out the way it used to when you were a kid.. If you drift into a nap halfway through a sentence, congratulations—you’re doing it right! The beauty of a do-nothing afternoon is that there’s no wrong way to enjoy it. In fact, the less you try to “achieve,” the better it usually turns out.

Move Your Body Gently

Self-care doesn’t have to come with a sweat towel and a stopwatch. Sometimes, the kindest thing you can do for yourself is to move just enough to feel alive again. Try a slow stroll by the water, stretch out under a shady tree, or roll through a few easy yoga poses without worrying about perfect form.

If you’re travelling with friends or family, turn movement into something joyful: a lazy bike ride, a barefoot walk across the grass, or a lighthearted attempt at tree pose that ends in laughter. It’s not about burning calories or smashing records, but rather giving your body a gentle reminder that it’s made to move, breathe, and feel good. Bonus points if you manage it in your comfiest clothes.

Pamper Yourself with a DIY Spa Day

Who says you need a fancy spa menu to feel pampered? All you need is a little creativity… and maybe a face mask or two. At The Retreat, our peaceful chalets make it easy to turn your space into a private sanctuary. Run a warm bath, slather on a nourishing treatment, or simply lounge around in your fluffiest robe pretending you’re booked out for the day.

Add a few drops of essential oil to the shower, light a candle (safely!), or give yourself a leisurely foot massage while listening to the birds. Your self-care doesn’t have to be picture-perfect. What matters is that you create tiny rituals that make you feel looked after. You deserve every moment of it.

Reconnect Over Good Food

Few things bring people together faster than good food, and sometimes, the kindest thing you can do for yourself is to slow down and savour it. Whether you whip up a casual breakfast, fire up a classic Kiwi BBQ with fresh-caught fish or simply share a grazing platter, eating together can turn an ordinary moment into a small act of self-care.

You don’t even need fancy recipes or perfectly folded napkins. A picnic on the deck, a sunset dinner with a view, or even a lazy brunch in your pyjamas will do nicely. Nourishing your body and sharing laughter with others are simple but powerful ways to recharge.

Let Pets Join the Holiday Vibes

Nothing says relaxation like seeing your dog’s ears flap wildly in the breeze or your cat claim a sun-warmed patch of floor as royal territory. Pets are naturals at living in the moment, and bringing them along for the holiday can make your self-care time even richer.

At The Retreat, we welcome your four-legged family members with open arms (and maybe a few belly rubs). Take a lakeside stroll together, share a quiet afternoon on the deck, or simply let your pet’s joy remind you how simple happiness can be. Slowing down isn’t just good for humans, it’s good for animals too. Plus, cuddles are proven to boost moods. Ready to unwind? Discover our peaceful chalets at The Retreat.

A truly relaxing holiday isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about tuning in to what you need, whether that’s stillness, fresh air, or a long nap beside someone who purrs. However you define self-care, let it guide you. And if you’re looking for a place where unwinding feels effortless, we’d love to welcome you to The Retreat. We’ll have the lake, the peace, and the pet-friendly vibes ready and waiting. Ready to relax lakeside? Book your stay at The Retreat and let the unwinding begin.