9 Ways to Reconnect with the People and Places You Love — and Yourself

A change of season brings a time of renewal, and understandably, you may be yearning to renew connections with your loved ones, yourself and destinations around the globe.

From Florida to Fiji, here are nine ways to seize the opportunity that travel presents for connection, exploration and renewal.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning any trips

Jetset to Far-Flung Places

Fiji’s Denarau Island is the perfect tonic to a long stretch of limited travel. Sheraton Denarau Villas may be far-flung, but it promises home comforts with its well-appointed beachfront villas and is packed with near-endless amenities.

Guests can take a dip in the beachfront infinity pool, play a round of golf or game of tennis, and enjoy a sundowner and dinner at Wet Edge, overlooking Nadi Bay’s waterfront.

Catch up on Q.T. with the Family

For celebrating a long-overdue family reunion, there are few places more magical than Florida’s theme parks. Just minutes from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center makes for an awe-inspiring home base for the whole family.

A destination in itself, the hotel is built in the style of a grand turn-of-the-20th-century Floridian resort and features an enormous atrium that houses recreations of such Florida icons as the Everglades, Key West and old St. Augustine.

Kids will enjoy splashing around in the Everglades-inspired Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park, while adults can indulge in some relaxation at the Relâche Spa.

Make Unforgettable Memories with Friends

On Portugal’s southern coastline, Pine Cliffs Residence, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve was designed with gatherings in mind. Large private spaces surrounded by pine forest offer an intimate atmosphere ideal for that long anticipated catch-up with your closest friends.

Generously sized apartments come with well-appointed kitchenettes and dining areas so you never need to leave your bubble: But when you do, you’ll find one of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches right outside your door.

Reignite Romance

A change of scene can do wonders for a relationship. If you are looking to rekindle romance, escape to your own private island at North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles.

With just 11 ocean-view villas, each with private plunge pool and direct access to a white sand beach, it offers the ultimate romantic escape. Picnic in private on one of the island’s four pristine beaches or dine with your feet in the sand at Sunset Beach Bar.

Embark on New Adventures

Long-grounded adventurers with itchy feet will love Kauai’s South Shore for its sun-soaked beaches and opportunities for such active pursuits as hiking, surfing, golf, tennis, horseback riding, snorkeling and scuba diving.

For easy access to all, it doesn’t get much better than a stay at Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection. From deluxe studios to multibedroom luxury villas, the resort’s accommodations are the biggest in Poipu, and guests also have access to three resort pools.

Head Into the Great Outdoors

Those for whom time is best spent outdoors (ideally with a few rounds of golf) should make a beeline for Costa Rica and breezy The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa.

As well as a championship golf course, active guests can enjoy a huge freshwater swimming pool and tennis courts. With a lush secluded setting between forest and beach, the resort is frequently visited by wildlife, including coatis and howler monkeys.

Live Your Best Life on the Beach

If you’re a water baby missing your regular visits to the beach, The Royal at Atlantis is an especially alluring destination.

Located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, the resort offers easy access not only to a perfect beach, but also to the incredible Aquaventure water park with waterslides, river rides and 11 swimming pools.

Indulge in Pampering

After a trying year, everyone’s earned the right to treat themselves. A leafy, oasislike retreat in the heart of the desert, Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha offers a dramatic “private palace” setting that sets the stage for some serious pampering.

Lounge around the sparkling outdoor pool, reenergize with a treatment in the huge Al Messila Spa and then retire to your spacious room, suite or villa with private pool.

Take Time for Yourself

Sometimes the best travel companion is yourself. If you need a break from tending to others’ needs, carve out some time for yourself at Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa.

Set on the white sands of Bangsak Beach in Khao Lak, Thailand, the resort enjoys a secluded location that offers panoramic ocean views and the ideal setting to focus on nothing but yourself.