I’m not really the action holiday type of person (unless visiting museums or wandering down cobbled medieval streets counts as action). Not for me wildwater rafting, bungee jumping or cycling, although I do enjoy hiking at a leisurely pace in the mountains (and skiing in winter). But nor do I enjoy beach holidays where you just roast in the sun. However, I could imagine spending weeks in each of the places below, reading my books. They have just the right amount of beauty and shade.
Water is always a restful feature to have in a garden – unless you have small children or curious pets.Create a little oasis in your own house, as Patishandika in Arch Daily has done.Courtyard of Loma House in Ecuador, designed by architect Quizhpe.Another dreamy courtyard, designed by Khosla Associates.The charm of the overgrown garden in East Sussex, from lobsterandswan.comBut of course the best gardens for meditation are the Zen gardens of Japan, from 123rf.comOK, maybe this beach in the shade. Finca Beach House from TripAdvisor.
They all look fabulous. I love the Japanese one; so still and peaceful.
I’m not convinced holidays suit me at all to be honest. Best ones I’ve had have been quite local and undemanding – I recall a lovely, unanticipated, week at Crail (East Neuk of Fife) with my two daughters when they were quite small, and another in the Northumberland countryside. Travelling for more than a few hours seems pointlessly stressful when I’m lucky enough to have all the joys of Scotland on my doorstep.
Most of my holidays have not lived up to expectations – it’s the holidays I usually have very low expectations for… which end up surprising me in a pleasant way!
I love Japanese gardens but I’m also drawn to those beach seats… Like you I avoid all sporty kind of activities on holidays but am not at all interested in lying on a sun lounger getting hot and uncomfortable
Oh goodness – you make me long for quiet and solitude. I’m the same as you – no mad sports etc on holidays, just some scenery and culture and space to breath and read – that’s all I need. And that zen garden looks gorgeous!
Oh, these are all so restful and peaceful, Marina Sofia! Hmm..I do love the zen garden, but those books and hammock in the Patishandika ‘photo are irresistible.
findingtimetowrite 
I’d love to be in one of these places right now. I’m not fussy, any would do…
I do like that first one which looks as though it offers a chance of a lazy amble around the garden now and again
They all look fabulous. I love the Japanese one; so still and peaceful.
I’m not convinced holidays suit me at all to be honest. Best ones I’ve had have been quite local and undemanding – I recall a lovely, unanticipated, week at Crail (East Neuk of Fife) with my two daughters when they were quite small, and another in the Northumberland countryside. Travelling for more than a few hours seems pointlessly stressful when I’m lucky enough to have all the joys of Scotland on my doorstep.
Thank you for the beautiful photos this morning!
Most of my holidays have not lived up to expectations – it’s the holidays I usually have very low expectations for… which end up surprising me in a pleasant way!
I love Japanese gardens but I’m also drawn to those beach seats… Like you I avoid all sporty kind of activities on holidays but am not at all interested in lying on a sun lounger getting hot and uncomfortable
Oh goodness – you make me long for quiet and solitude. I’m the same as you – no mad sports etc on holidays, just some scenery and culture and space to breath and read – that’s all I need. And that zen garden looks gorgeous!
Oh, these are all so restful and peaceful, Marina Sofia! Hmm..I do love the zen garden, but those books and hammock in the Patishandika ‘photo are irresistible.
I love the first one.