In the ever-evolving world of luxury travel, a new trend is reshaping the way travelers unwind: hurkle-durkling. Borrowed from a Scottish term meaning “to lounge in bed longer than necessary,” this indulgent practice has transcended its linguistic roots to become a global movement. More than just an excuse to stay under the covers, hurkle-durkling is a response to the relentless pace of modern life—a call to slow down, disconnect, and embrace the art of doing nothing.
Luxury hotels are taking note, reimagining the guest experience to prioritize rest and rejuvenation over rigid itineraries. From sleep retreats and wellness sanctuaries to curated in-room services, high-end properties are crafting stays designed for deep relaxation. The rise of self-care tourism has only fueled this shift, with travelers seeking destinations that nourish the body and mind rather than demand constant exploration.
Across the globe, hotels are weaving tranquility into their offerings—integrating guided meditations, bespoke spa treatments, and immersive wellness programs that encourage guests to surrender to stillness. Because in today’s world, luxury isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you feel when you get there. Whether waking up to an endless ocean view in the Maldives or sipping tea in a sun-drenched Moroccan riad, the art of hurkle-durkling is here to stay, redefining what it means to truly escape.
Where to Hurkle-Durkle
Aman Tokyo
Suspended high above the city’s skyline, Aman Tokyo is a tranquil retreat where contemporary elegance meets the serenity of Japanese tradition. Expansive suites with floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of Tokyo’s glittering skyline and distant Mount Fuji, while oversized soaking tubs, sleek wooden interiors, and minimalist furnishings create a sense of calm sophistication. Traditional Japanese futons, washi paper screens, and understated luxury invite guests to embrace the meditative stillness of their surroundings. Whether indulging in a private tea ceremony, floating in the 30-meter infinity pool, or partaking in a guided mindfulness session, Aman Tokyo ensures that every moment is curated for deep relaxation. For the ultimate hurkle-durkling experience, in-room dining transforms the suite into a personal sanctuary, where Michelin-starred meals can be savored in the quiet comfort of your plush king-sized bed.
Cheval Blanc Randheli
A place where luxury dissolves into the horizon, Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives epitomizes the art of doing nothing in the most extravagant way possible. Overwater villas, with their thatched rooftops and private infinity pools, offer an uninterrupted panorama of the cerulean Indian Ocean. Inside, buttery-soft Egyptian cotton linens, cloud-like daybeds, and a scent curated exclusively for the Maison lull guests into a blissful state of repose. A dedicated butler ensures that every whim is met, whether it’s a sunrise breakfast delivered by dhoni boat, an in-suite spa ritual, or a chilled glass of Ruinart served bedside as the tide hums against the stilts. Here, lounging isn’t just an indulgence—it’s an art form.
The Williams Inn
Crowned within the storybook landscapes of the Berkshires, The Williams Inn is a celebration of slow living, where literature, comfort, and nature converge. The inn’s Literary Sabbatical package offers bibliophiles the ultimate retreat, with hand-selected books tailored to each guest’s reading preferences, inviting them to slip into another world from the cocoon of their down-filled duvet. The only agenda here is to linger a little longer. Every suite exudes warmth, with cashmere throws, soft amber lighting, and windows that frame the rolling hills of Massachusetts. Mornings begin with artisanal breakfasts enjoyed in bed, while afternoons drift by with fireside tea or leisurely strolls through the region’s art galleries.
Amangiri
For those drawn to the stark beauty of the desert, Amangiri offers a hushed, almost otherworldly retreat where time slows, and nature envelops you in its quiet embrace. The resort’s minimalist architecture melds itself into the rugged Utah canyons, creating an ancient and eternal atmosphere. Suites feature expansive terraces, deep limestone soaking tubs, and heated stone floors, echoing the warmth of the desert sun. Private pools invite languid afternoons under endless blue skies, while in-room treatments—ranging from Navajo-inspired massages to sound baths—transform your sanctuary into a temple of tranquility. At night, the vast silence of the desert amplifies the brilliance of the star-strewn sky, best viewed from the warmth of your bed, wrapped in impossibly soft linens.
The Royal Mansour Marrakech
A palace conceived for indulgence, The Royal Mansour Marrakech is a labyrinth of opulence, where every detail—handwoven silks, carved cedarwood doors, and private rose-filled courtyards—exudes regal luxury. Designed for complete privacy, each guest stays in a personal riad, a multi-story Moroccan residence adorned with intricate zellige tiles, plush velvet furnishings, and a private rooftop terrace. With a dedicated butler attending to every need, there is no reason to leave the embrace of your silk-draped bed—unless, of course, it’s for a hammam ritual in your personal spa suite or a feast of saffron-laced tagines served by candlelight in your courtyard.