Soft sand, crashing waves and the wind in your hair... Is there anything better than getting away from it all and diving into the getaway of your dreams?

Going on holiday has long been thought to be one of the best things you can do for your stress levels, and now there's the research to prove it.

According to The Holiday Health Report 2013, released by Kuoni Travel and Nuffield Health, people who have recently gone on holiday can recover from stress almost 30 per cent more easily than those who haven't been on holiday. Not only that, but sleep quality and blood pressure levels also improve, which shows that taking a holiday is not only good for your mental health, but also your physical wellbeing.

If you're one of those travellers who finds it hard to switch off and completely unwind during your break, we've compiled a list of tips to help you get to grips with holiday relaxation.

Go off the grid

While we're not recommending you retreat to the wilderness and rely on foraged berries and nuts during your holiday, there's a lot to be said for disconnecting from your devices and taking time to get back in touch with nature - and your travel group.

Switching off your phone and computer is a quick and easy way to remove work stress from your trip, and it can encourage you to pay closer attention to the most important matter at hand: relaxing. If you can't bring yourself to completely forget about work or other situations back home, set aside half an hour each day to go through emails and respond to urgent messages. Outside of that time, you're on holiday!

Make the most of what your accommodation offers

You'd be surprised at just how many features your holiday accommodation packs in. Along with sumptuously soft beds, beautiful vistas and superior customer service, you'll also find a range of hidden extras to help make your stay easy and breezy. Some of our properties feature indulgent facilities such as outdoor heated pools, private decks and gardens and even private spa and swim-up pool decks.

With room and laundry services, on-site bars and restaurants and in-room pay TV access at many of our accommodation offerings, it's almost too easy to find yourself in a state of complete relaxation. Let us help you to experience the holiday of your dreams and you'll find yourself in a state of serenity in no time.

Treat yourself

Nothing says 'holiday' quite like a massage or spa treatment, which also happens to get a great way to unwind and de-stress. Splash out on a facial, hot stone treatment or mud wrap and let all your worries melt away. If you don't feel like hunting out a local masseuse, never fear. Some of our properties feature on-site day spas, including two on the Gold Coast. Let yourself be pampered at Calmer Therapies when you stay at Mantra Crown Towers or opt for a relaxing hand, arm, foot and scalp massage without leaving the grounds of Mantra Sun City.

Work it out

While it may not be the first thing you think of when you're looking for relaxation techniques, exercise is one of the best ways to decrease your stress levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity boosts your brain's feel-good endorphins, help release tension and improves your mood, along with helping you to sleep better. Maximise your accommodation's gym facilities, have a hit around the tennis court, swim in the pool or put your joggers on and explore your new surroundings with a run through the city. Whatever your choice of workout, you'll likely return feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.