Sometimes it is just one of those mornings: you wake up and realise you need an escape. The kind of break that switches your mind off from everyday reality and gives you a proper change of scenery.

At the same time, another voice appears in your head. The sensible one that reminds you that you have already had your holidays this year — so perhaps it is better to wait for the next ones: for financial reasons, for planning, or simply because… well, that is the rule, no?

And that is probably the moment when you should tell that voice to quiet down. Because in reality, several short breaks can often be far healthier for us than one long holiday — and we are about to show why.

And if you are wondering how to change your surroundings without the whole airport ritual — flights, long check-in queues, and the constant worry about your luggage — the answer is here as well.

Let’s start.

For many people, holidays happen once a year — twice if you are lucky. And when the break begins to come to an end, it can feel almost apocalyptic, because you know the next one is at least six months away.

Here is the slightly uncomfortable truth: this strategy doesn’t work in the long term.

Burnout is no longer an occasional workplace problem — it has quietly become the default state. According to Gallup, 76% of employees experience burnout at least sometimes, while 28% say they feel burned out very often or always. One of the biggest reasons behind this is sustained work pressure with too little time to properly recover.

Many wellbeing experts suggest that meaningful recovery requires about a week away from work. But there is an important nuance: if you are able to mentally detach — genuinely switching off rather than simply relocating your laptop — shorter breaks taken more frequently can be surprisingly effective.

Research published in the Journal of Happiness studies shows that even short holidays can significantly improve wellbeing when they involve real relaxation and psychological distance from work. In other words, recovery often works better in smaller, regular intervals rather than in one long holiday per year. Which is why the idea of short escapes — long weekends, a few days away, or even a well-planned staycation — suddenly starts to make much more sense.

Because sometimes the best escape is much closer than we think — a place that genuinely feels as though you have flown to the Maldives, with the only reminder that you are still in Dubai being the Burj Khalifa appearing on the horizon across the water.

So where can you find it in Dubai? In the World Islands.

The World Islands are a man-made archipelago located about four kilometres off the coast of Dubai, in the Persian Gulf. Construction of the islands began in the early 2000s and the project was designed to recreate a map of the world, with each island representing a different country or region.

However, after the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, development slowed and many of the islands remained untouched for years.

So what is happening with the World Islands today? In recent years, development has slowly started to return. One of the most notable projects is the Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort, which opened on the island representing South America.

Okay, we know the place: quick to reach, yet feeling remote, with a great view as a bonus. But simply arriving there and staying in bed won’t do the whole job. There are certain activities that actually help you recharge — the kind after which you say, wow, I feel like a new person. That was a proper break.

So what are they?

Psychologists call this “soft fascination” — a concept from Attention Restoration Theory developed by Rachel and Stephen Kaplan. Natural or unfamiliar environments gently capture our attention without demanding much effort, allowing the brain’s directed attention system to recover.

And honestly, what could be better than walking along the beach of an island? Add a sunset that feels almost unreal, and suddenly even a simple walk starts to feel like therapy.

Physical activity has long been praised for its refreshing effect: you move a little, and suddenly you feel better. Why? Because exercise triggers the release of endorphins while also helping regulate cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone.

One simple solution is a good gym — including my personal favourite machine: the stair trainer, which can easily burn around 300 calories in forty minutes. At Anantara, by the way, it comes with a beautiful view as a bonus.

If that sounds like too much effort, there is always padel. My personal tip: play two people instead of four. Yes, technically not in the official rules — but it makes you move twice as much.

This one is surprisingly simple. When you focus on a clear, physical task, repetitive hand movements stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system — the part responsible for calming the body after stress.

Drawing, pottery, knitting, cooking, gardening — anything that keeps your hands busy can help the mind slow down.

A slightly different take on this is the game room: air hockey, billiards, chess, PlayStation — all of which are also available at Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort. It is a perfect option if you don’t suddenly feel an artistic impulse.

Another idea is to grab a canvas and paint. Honestly, painting while sitting with your feet in the pool and looking out at the sea might be one of the most peaceful activities imaginable.

No complicated explanation needed here. Just a small personal tip: combine it with music. Touch Some Grass Baby is the perfect playlist for moments like this.

Cold water triggers a strong physiological response and naturally forces the brain to focus on the present moment. You suddenly become aware of your breathing, body temperature, and physical sensations — which helps interrupt cycles of anxious thinking.

Paddleboarding works in a slightly different, but equally effective way. Balancing on the board activates small stabilising muscles and proprioception, keeping the brain gently engaged without overwhelming it.

Sometimes all it takes is a small shift of attention to feel relief. Something that is almost impossible in Dubai because of the city lights suddenly becomes possible again. Yes, you can go to the desert — which I absolutely love. But imagine this instead: lying in a warm pool, holding a refreshing drink, and watching the stars above you. Not a bad option at all.

Put all of this together — add good food and proper sleep — and suddenly the reset happens almost by itself.

Absolutely.

In fact, it fits our starting conditions perfectly. Let me remind you: we only had two or three days to relax, wanted somewhere within a quick 20–30 minute drive from Dubai, and were looking for a place that would genuinely help us recharge. Somewhere that offers both activity and relaxation, but still feels remote — a completely different setting where the city suddenly feels far away.

And here, everything seems to match.

And that is before even mentioning the spa, the restaurants (whether you are in the mood for light, healthy food, comforting pizza, or proper Arabic flavours), or the little ducks wandering around the property — which honestly feel like a form of animal therapy.

But at this point, it might simply be easier for you to go and check for yourself.