In retirement, it’s important to keep body and brain active but it's just as essential to relax. Cheap holiday insurance is no longer difficult to get, so that's not an excuse for staying home – here are ten locations where you can kick back and relax. 

1. Malta

It has a great climate and it’s English-speaking so you don’t have to feel guilty about not speaking the language better. Fish, fruit, vegetables and wine are all superb – just what the doctor ordered for heart health!

2. Palma, Majorca

For those who shudder at the thought of Majorca, challenge your assumptions by booking a relaxing few days in Palma. It’s beautiful, sophisticated, yet friendly with excellent shopping and a harbour full of multi-million dollar yachts. The food is very good, with innovative new restaurants. 

3. Golden Temple at Amritsar, India

There is such a thing as a free lunch. At the Golden Temple, Sikh workers and volunteers serve 50,000 free hot meals a day – and you’re welcome to come too. It’s a Sikh religious duty and tradition to offer this hospitality at their gurudwaras (places of worship). Actually, you can do this in the UK, too. Amritsar or Luton – your choice. 

4. Cruise ship

Which one is very much a matter of choice. Retirees who haven’t lost the taste for adventure can find ships which offer interesting and active trips ashore, but with a comfortable cabin and a good dinner to return to in the evening. Or you may want to be at sea for several days, to completely wind down. 

5. Oahu Island, Hawaii

Take a trip to the North Shore, where it’s quieter, less touristy and the garlic shrimp is famous. Sip a cocktail on your hotel balcony, or rent an apartment and shop the local markets. The scenery is stunning and on the beaches, the surfers provide constant entertainment. 

6. The spa at Baden Baden

Like New York, they named it twice, but Baden Baden is a lot more relaxing. You’re surrounded by the Black Forest national park and the whole town is given over to unwinding and rediscovering the real you. The thermal baths are warm and wonderful. 

7. Hay-on-Wye

The Wye valley, galleries, historic buildings, a market and a super special ice cream shop – plus dozens of bookshops to potter through. Bliss.

Photo cc: Paul Buckingham

8. The Open Road 

One of the most relaxing things you can do is to hire a camper van – a vintage VW maybe, or a top-of-the-range luxury model - and head for Europe, or drive along Route 66. No plan and no timetable – lucky retirees!

9. Lake Millstätter, Austria

Lake Millstätter has sandy shores, lawns, and a breathtaking mountain setting. You can swim in the crystal clear water or simply lie there and take in the calm beauty that surrounds you.

10. Parc Floral de Paris

A stunningly beautiful botanical garden located in the 12th arrondissement. Ideal for a relaxing meander among beautiful flower displays followed by a leisurely lunch. 

Where will you go first to relax, when you retire?