A new study of 91 holiday destinations puts the Queensland region first for its combination of pool access, agreeable temperatures and less crowded surroundings.
A morning at the beach, a leisurely browse around a market and an afternoon with nowhere to be except beside the pool – it’s the kind of holiday that gives travellers permission to slow down, and according to new research, Australians have one of the best places to enjoy it on their doorstep.
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has been named the world’s most relaxing holiday destination for 2026 in a study by Ibiza Summer Villas, finishing ahead of Marbella, Split and Bali. The research looked beyond scenic views to assess the everyday conditions that can make switching off easier, from having somewhere to swim to escaping heavy traffic, crowded streets and constant background noise.
On the Sunshine Coast, slowing down comes with the territory
The Sunshine Coast lends itself to a holiday without a packed itinerary, with time on Mooloolaba’s beachfront easily combined with a trip inland to explore the region’s smaller towns. In Eumundi, the artisan markets take over on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, offering a chance to browse local crafts before returning to the coast for the afternoon. These are the kinds of outings that leave room in the day to linger, rather than rushing between attractions.
That slower holiday rhythm is supported by the study’s findings. Swimming pools were available at 84% of accommodation analysed, placing the Sunshine Coast sixth for pool access, while its annual average temperature of 21°C helped it perform strongly against the research’s preferred benchmark of approximately 18°C.
With just 244 residents per square kilometre, the region ranked fourth-lowest for both population density and noise pollution, while also recording the 12th-lightest traffic.
For Australians weighing up a domestic escape against an overseas holiday, the Sunshine Coast’s appeal extends beyond its beaches, with plenty of accommodation offering pools, agreeable average temperatures and less crowded surroundings making it easier to settle into a slower pace.
Marbella and Bali offer different routes to switching off
Second-placed Marbella offers its own version of an unhurried coastal break, with walks through the old town and along the seafront promenade providing ways to explore without building every day around a busy sightseeing schedule. Its setting is backed by a strong accommodation offering, with pools at 74% of properties analysed and spa and wellness facilities at 34%, while an annual average temperature of 19°C and relatively light traffic helped make it Europe’s highest-ranked destination.
Bali, which finished fourth, stood out particularly strongly for what travellers can find within their accommodation. Some 89% of properties offered spa and wellness facilities, the highest proportion in the study, while 95% had a swimming pool. For visitors looking to spend part of their holiday enjoying a treatment or simply staying by the water, that availability gives them more choice when booking somewhere to unwind.
The island’s appeal also extends beyond the poolside, with Ubud’s rice terraces, forests and ridge walks offering a different setting from a coastal stay. The results show how destinations can support relaxation in different ways, with Bali’s strength lying in its extensive pool and wellness provision, while the Sunshine Coast performed consistently across a wider range of measures.
Europe claimed six of the top 10 places overall, including Croatia’s Split in third and Dubrovnik in fifth. Both ranked among the 10 lowest for noise pollution, while Split recorded the second-lightest traffic in the study. Ibiza also performed well for pool access, available at 77% of accommodation, and recorded the highest temperature ranking with an annual average of 18°C.
The city that never sleeps comes last for a restful escape
At the other end of the ranking, New York illustrates how the qualities that make a destination exciting can also make it harder to switch off. Its busy streets and constant activity are part of the attraction for a city break, but travellers prioritising quiet surroundings and an afternoon beside the pool face a different proposition.
New York recorded more than 11,000 residents per square kilometre, approximately 46 times the Sunshine Coast’s population density, alongside the third-highest noise pollution score in the study. Swimming pools were available at just 6% of accommodation analysed, contributing to its last-place finish.
San Francisco ranked second-to-last, with the third-heaviest traffic and spa facilities at only 5% of accommodation, followed by Busan, where relatively heavy traffic and pools at just 8% of properties affected its position.
For travellers whose main ambition is to return home feeling rested, the findings give a reason to look beyond a destination’s headline attractions. The availability of a pool, the space around them and the ease of getting from place to place can shape the whole holiday – and on those measures combined, the Sunshine Coast came out ahead.
Three checks for a calmer start to your holiday
Michele Massa, CEO of Ibiza Summer Villas, has put together practical advice for Australians planning their next escape.
1. Allow more time for European connections
“Smartraveller [1] is warning of waits of up to four to six hours at some European airports following the introduction of the Entry/Exit System. Check where you’ll first pass through Schengen border control and avoid tight onward connections. A flexible airport transfer also means a delayed arrival needn’t derail your first evening.”
2. Sort Bali’s arrival paperwork before departure
“Check Indonesia’s latest arrival card and visa requirements through Smartraveller and the official All Indonesia website before leaving home. Save your confirmations offline so you aren’t relying on airport Wi-Fi to retrieve documents after a long flight.”
3. Keep your arrival day flexible
“Recent industrial action involving Australian airport workers makes checking airline updates particularly worthwhile. Enable flight notifications and avoid booking non-refundable activities for your arrival day. For a short escape, compare direct flights with connecting options, as an easier journey can be worth more than a small saving.”
