How a "Daycation" Can Help You De-Stress During the Holidays

Many daycation packages give access to hotel gyms and workout classes. "Relieving stress with a fitness class and then rejuvenating our body with a healing massage treatment and the art of spa puts positive energy into us so that we can share more of ourselves with friends and family," said Vogler. Hotels like Dukes London offer private exercise lessons with some of the finest personal trainers, who, in just one hour of training, will assist you in achieving your own personal objectives of fitness, muscle balance, and healthy posture.

"The holidays don't have to be stressful; we can make them mindful. Giving ourselves time and space to relax and think is important to achieving this," said Vogler. "Taking a day to focus on our well-being allows us to give more fully to others." A massage helps people loosen up and melt the stress away. Therapists can focus on the neck, back and shoulders, deep tissue techniques, or a full-body treatment depending on the need.

The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort, as well as several select hotels around the US, offer the oxygen-infusion facial, which stimulates collagen production, improves circulation, and stimulates regeneration of new skin cells, among other benefits. "According to scientific research, when someone is stressed out, the body produces a hormone known as cortisol," said Yarlin Faurer, spa director of The Hibiscus Spa at Westin Grand Cayman. "This hormone can cause the skin to dry out very quickly and reduce the amount of collagen in the skin. Since collagen is necessary to keep the skin youthful and plump, a lack of collagen can lead to wrinkles and fine lines causing premature aging."

Some spas tailor treatments to match the festive time of year. Spa Montage Palmetto Bluff's signature holiday treatments, such as the Holiday Renewal, Caviar Radiance, and Ginger Peppermint Pedicure, are all specifically created to leave you feeling refreshed and radiant for all of your holiday events.

Hotels that offer daycations often provide guests access to the hotel premises, so guests can walk the grounds, visit the pool, and sit under the Christmas tree drinking tea (or cocktails). If alone time isn't what you need, bring your loved ones to connect in a way that's less stressful and more meaningful. Stand-up paddleboard classes begin at 9 a.m. daily at the Westin Grand Cayman, so daycation guests can stand-up paddleboard and then head to the spas for their treatments.

Unplug from the holiday chaos by showing up to the daycation early and staying past sunset. Start the day with a gym workout or yoga session, book a massage and facial, and have lunch. Then hang by the indoor or outdoor pool or unwind in the steam and sauna and breathe.

After receiving a massage or exercising, it's advised to eat healthy. Hotels that offer daycation packages typically offer a menu of fresh and local dishes. Indulge in superfoods such as beets, kale, and almonds. And don't forget protein and good fats such as avocado and eggs.

Many hotel spas offer breathtaking views over beautiful landscapes. At the La Prairie Spa at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, the 5,000-square-foot spa offers high-end treatments, including facials, massages, body treatments, manicures, and pedicures. After enjoying one (or several) treatments, check out the hotel's gorgeous views of Beverly Hills at dusk. Be sure to enjoy its tea time in the afternoon before or after your spa treatments.