Photo credit: www.cntraveler.com
Teshima Art Museum, Japan
Go for: the biophilic design
A drop of water serves as the foundational concept for the Teshima Art Museum in Japan, a remarkable escape that transcends traditional art spaces. This museum, set on a serene hillside on Teshima Island, is a pristine and minimalist interpretation of a water droplet rather than a conventional gallery filled with art pieces. The approach to the museum is a peaceful journey along a straightforward path, flanked by the sea on one side and vibrant green rice fields on the other. As guests arrive, they are struck by the building’s unique design—its soft curves and lack of sharp corners create an organic feel. Stepping inside brings a transformative experience, akin to entering a sacred space marked by tranquility. The interior features flowing layers of white walls, punctuated by two circular openings that invite natural light, air, and the occasional insect visitor into the space. The floor mesmerizes with its dynamic patterns created by small, shimmering water droplets that seem to be in perpetual motion. Time spent here—whether it’s daydreaming, meditative reflection, or writing softly in pencil—offers a profound sense of peace, filling observers with inspiration and a feeling of potential rather than emptiness. —Danielle Demetriou
Tristan da Cunha
Go for: solo hikes on the most remote inhabited island
Tristan da Cunha, situated in the South Atlantic, is famously known as the most isolated inhabited island in the world. Reaching this remote location requires a week-long voyage by sea, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, aboard the National Geographic Explorer, the journey leads to a place where the population hovers around 230 people, and amenities like cell service are non-existent. The solitude found here is nothing short of blissful. On a solitary hike that weaves through the island’s patches of potato fields and the settlement of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, I took a moment to pause on a weather-beaten bench. The sounds of nature surround me—the whistling wind, the casual clucks of chickens, and the deep moos of cattle—but an unexpected quietness envelops my thoughts. Gazing out at the ocean, I find myself present in the moment, free from the distractions of the outside world. —Stefanie Waldek
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
Go for: a peak into space—with hot springs, desert sunrises, and windy sand dunes
In August, I had the opportunity to visit Spaceport America, the inaugural launch site for Virgin Galactic’s commercial spaceflights, strategically located in the remote New Mexico desert near Truth or Consequences—a town that adopted its quirky name due to a 1950s game show. The drive towards the spaceport was marked by a darkened landscape, with the Organ Mountains creating a stunning silhouette against a watercolor sky. Upon arrival, the spaceport’s glass structure glimmered in the early morning light while I stayed at the nearby Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces. The sounds of cascading water from fountains in the lobby and the trickle of pools echoed the tranquil vibes of the nearby Hot Springs Bathhouse District. After an hour’s trek, I stepped into the vast stretches of White Sands National Park, walking barefoot against the wind until I found a moment of solitude where even the small sounds of nature could be clearly heard. —Jessica Chapel
Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, Manitoba
Go for: a one-of-a-kind musical performance
My definition of quiet encompasses more than just the absence of noise; it’s an invitation to engage with the symphony of the natural world. Within Turtle Mountain Provincial Park in Manitoba, I discovered my ideal concert hall—a vast expanse of forest where nature played its melodic pieces. Upon arrival, the forest seemed to come alive with sound: a squirrel chattered in the trees, punctuating my entrance on the hiking trail. Each step transformed into a rhythm, setting the beat for this wild musical experience. A woodpecker offered percussion by drumming on a tree trunk, while the brisk scurry of a deer provided a unique harmonics. As something splashed into a nearby pond, a heron took flight, its wings creating a soft, harp-like tone. The birds filled the air with their songs, and in that moment, I was captivated, waiting in anticipation for the next part of this stunning performance. —J.R. Patterson
Valle del Silencio, Castilla y León, Spain
Go for: ancient paths made for reflection
In the Valle del Silencio, located in the heart of Spain’s Montes Aquilianos, tranquility reigns as time seems to stand still. The gentle sounds of the wind whispering through ancient trees, the distant flow of a stream, and the occasional call of a blackbird permeate the serene atmosphere. History resonates in the paths once traversed by hermits centuries ago, still winding through misty forests, age-old chapels, and quaint villages that appear untouched by modernity. I paused on a mossy rock, breathing in the cool air infused with the scents of earth and wild thyme. The silence here is not merely absence but rich and palpable—an enveloping presence that seems to guard the valley itself. As the sun dipped behind the rocky peaks, golden light poured over the landscape, deepening the shadows and enhancing the sense of peace. It was in this still haven that I realized silence engages in conversation with the land, a dialogue that continues to resonate long after one departs. —MarÃa Casbas
Source
www.cntraveler.com