Blue Spaces: Why Holidays Near Water Make You Feel So Good

Research from Harvard Medical School has revealed what every person who has ever tried to reset a password on their banking app already knows: stress in the modern age is unavoidable.

What used to be a once-in-a-while jolt of adrenaline has turned into a near-constant hum of tension.

Even low-level chronic stress “contributes to high blood pressure, promotes the formation of artery-clogging deposits and causes brain changes that may contribute to anxiety and depression”.

More Australians than ever - especially young people - say that stress is disrupting their lives.

We’ve got hundreds of apps for wellness, but one of the most effective tonics could be something elemental - water. Or, as serious researchers, travellers, and TikTok gurus alike are calling it, “blue spaces”.

A term used in environmental psychology, 'blue spaces' are everything from the ocean to rivers, lakes to waterfalls, and even city fountains can work in a pinch.

Researchers recruited 20,000 smartphone users, who recorded their wellbeing levels and immediate environment throughout the day. By a wide margin, marine and coastal spots topped the happiness charts, scoring roughly six points higher than purely urban areas.

Other studies showed that exposure to water - swimming, hearing its sound or even just looking at it - can reduce cortisol levels (that mean stress hormone) and improve overall mood.

One part biology, one part psychology, being around water can trigger our parasympathetic nervous system, AKA the bodily chillout command centre.

If you’re after reflective calm, a lake is your blue space ticket. Think moody sunsets, peaceful fishing trips, and the faint stir of the wind across the water’s surface.

The beautifully modern Wonil Hotel Perth overlooks the Swan River, which is effectively a saltwater estuary but close enough to a lake-like calm in parts, and has majestic and sweeping river views.

The name, Wonil, is a word used by the First Nations Noongar for the peppermint trees that populate the banks around the hotel, and provide medicinal value to the community.

Tasmanian gem Peppers Silo Launceston, by the Tamar and North Esk Rivers, gives you two for one river vistas. The refurbished silos reflect Launceston’s industrial heritage, and when you’re not sampling the incredible local produce, you can roam the riverbanks or just watch the reflections from your room.

In New Zealand waters, Peppers Bluewater Resort on Lake Tekapo gives you access to a turquoise hue so intense you’ll think someone snuck a filter on it. Your booking gives you front-row seats to this famous lake and the starriest night skies imaginable, thanks to the region’s minimal light pollution.

The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt on the Te Awa Kairangi (Hutt) River, places you within an easy stroll of the waterfront. Hire a kayak, walk the river trail, or just hang out lakeside and bask in the gentle flow.

At Pullman Rotorua you’re close enough to hear the gentle lapping of Lake Rotorua while also enjoying day trips to geothermal marvels like hot springs and mud pools that will forever redefine your notions of "spa day".

Humans have always been called to the sea. An endless horizon of rolling waves and salty air reminds you how big and wild the world can be.

Perched on North Head Q Station Sydney Harbour National Park is a slice of history set against shimmering blues of the Pacific. Their cottages and heritage suites are set on 36 hectares of National Park and while it’s technically only 45 minutes from Sydney CBD, it feels lightyears away.

A surfside jewel on the Tweed Coast, Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff places you right on the ocean’s edge, offering direct beach access and a huge lagoon-style pool. For extra zen, their day spa is one of the largest in the country and has a huge treatment menu including hydrotherapy, ice baths, infrared saunas and full body massage.

In Western Australia, the secluded Pullman Bunker Bay Resort in the Margaret River region is a stone’s skip from Bunker Bay’s turquoise waters. At this oceanfront beauty you can see breaching whales in migration season, and pristine water and sugar-white sand all year round.

Sitting pretty on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Mantra Lorne is your gateway to Australia’s most spectacular blue spaces drive. Wake up to the roar of Bass Strait, sip your coffee, and get ready for a day spent marveling at rugged cliffs, hours of coastline and the dramatic Twelve Apostles.

A little closer to Melbourne, Novotel Geelong also sits on the waterfront, and is just a few minutes walk from beautiful Eastern Beach. With a beautiful shark-proof lido and art-deco-style boardwalk, Geelong is a great blue space getaway for those travelling with kids. Research has shown that “time spent in blue spaces will benefit kids later in life”, with tangible wellbeing effects following them into adulthood.

Magnetic Island, off the coast of Townsville, is possibly the poster idea for oceanic blue spaces. A tropical paradise of sun-kissed beaches, and coral reefs, stay at Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island to access the islands 23 bays and beaches, or give in to the blue in one of their four swimming pools.

On the Sunshine Coast, Mantra Mooloolaba Beach sits right on the esplanade and just steps away from one of Australia’s best swimming beaches. Patrolled year-round, the white sand beach has a gentle incline and warm waters, with waves made for body surfing.

While Australia is almost completely defined by its glorious blue spaces, just a tiny bit beyond our waters are some incredible examples.

In Fiji, Novotel Suva Lami Bay serves up authentic island living with palm trees, colourful sunsets, and that all-encompassing “Bula!” hospitality. The resort is built right on the seawall, and there’s nothing quite like the thick salt air of the South Pacific to help you get grounded.

Finally, while the word paradise gets bandied about a lot, Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort in Moorea is beyond hyperbole. Set on a lush island, encircled by turquoise lagoons, their overwater bungalows are as close as you’re likely to get to full blue space immersion. Swim, sail, snorkel, scuba - it’s a holiday completely devoted to water.

If you’re going to splurge on a holiday, why not choose a destination that’s scientifically proven to lower your stress levels? By integrating blue spaces into your itinerary, you’re not just booking a vacay, you’re investing in your physical and mental well-being.

Blue spaces are an antidote to stress, a balm for battered nerves, and a reminder that real relaxation isn’t woo-woo, it’s mind maintenance.The next time life demands your tenth password reset, take a hint from nature: log out, and step into a blue space where the only password you need is water.