Many of us find that as soon as we are plunged into climates a few degrees warmer than our own then the stresses and strains of day to day life are quick to dissipate. Something about sunshine and a healthy dose of sea air is wholly refreshing for the soul and form a treat from which many of us may draw long lasting benefits to our physical and emotional well being.

Whilst high street travel agents such as Thomas Cook are catering to a vast range of sunshine filled coastal destinations this summer, the Spanish Islands and, in particular, Tenerife, remain a popular choice thanks to the way in which their cultures lend themselves so well to laid back living and a pleasure and comfort orientated lifestyle.

Hotter weather means a slower pace of living. Whilst on holiday in the Spanish Islands you are likely to find yourself relaxing over even the most mundane of day to day tasks, from eating breakfast through to getting yourself from A to B. The sunshine and the people help to encourage us to take our time over things and enjoy our experiences to the full.

What’s more, many Mediterranean cultures are far more focussed on small day-to-day pleasures and less concentrated on money matters and occupational concerns. Food and eating rituals are an excellent example of this. Across the Spanish Islands, mealtimes are almost treated as sacred times of day. Not only are breakfast, lunch and dinner considered to be important refuelling times, they are also a time to enjoy good company and conversation. Be sure to adopt this attitude throughout your trip. Take time over your food. Savour the local delicacies and wash them down with a healthy dose of local wine. Share your meals with loved ones and plenty of laughter and you’ll soon find yourself feeling refreshed and refuelled in more ways than one.

Still not quite relaxed? If you find yourself needing a helping hand letting go of everything that was getting you down back home, Tenerife and the other islands are well furnished with spa hotels and pampering facilities. Booking yourself in for a massage could be the perfect way to kick-start the relaxation process.