Faced with high-stakes decisions and responsibility for company and employee welfare, holding a senior position means permanent pressure. The consequential stress is causing a trend of burnout in chief executives where physical and emotional exhaustion becomes so overwhelming that meeting expected standards feels impossible.
The higher salary of chief executive roles does little to help day-to-day, but you can make use of this money to support your mental health by investing in luxury holidays. Taking breaks at regular intervals enables you to stop burnout in its tracks, and going high-end allows you to pamper yourself in all aspects so you return reinvigorated every time.
Discover the best luxury holidays for chief executives in danger of burnout, from classic beach breaks to destinations designed for digital detox.
Coastal breaks
Being close to ‘blue spaces’ such as the ocean has been shown to improve our emotional well-being, providing perspective, reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol and lifting our mood. Everything from the sound of the sea to the salty air encourages a sense of calm.
Escape the crowds by opting to stay at remote resorts with private beaches, or by chartering a yacht and sailing around coves only accessible by boat. You can visit vibrant sun-drenched tropical islands like those in the Caribbean, explore culture and history along the Mediterranean coastline, experience the incredible seascapes of the Philippines or discover wild islands of the north coast of Scotland.
Wherever you decide, incorporate restful activities in the water such as stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling and swimming to maximise the benefits of being by the ocean.
Active adventures
You don’t have to be still to relax. Moving your body is a great way to clear an anxious mind, generate feel-good endorphins and release any tension held in your joints and muscles.
In European winter, consider luxury holidays in superior ski resorts like Courchevel 1850 where you can spend days navigating snowy slopes on exhilarating runs and rest in amazing après-ski settings. Let the magnificence of the mountain setting remind you of life beyond the office.
In the spring and summer, you can hike or cycle through Europe’s most mesmerising countryside. Your luggage can be transported from place to place by your provider so you can tackle challenging trails or slowly saunter between viewpoints unencumbered.
Wellness centres
Where better to heal your mind and body than with a stay at one of the world’s leading wellness centres? Every aspect of these dedicated spaces is designed to help you recover, from the setting and cuisine to the activities on offer.
Spas are a popular option. Guests can sweat out toxins in saunas and steam rooms, unwind in quiet spaces and indulge in restorative treatments ranging from scrubs and wraps to massages.
Alternatives include silent retreats where no phones are allowed, and time is dedicated to meditation and quiet contemplation. You can also work through mental stress at creative centres dedicated to arts such as poetry and painting, or yoga retreats where movement and breathwork unite to ensure deep mental and physical peace.