Entrepreneurs are an important element that drive local and global economies. More than 50 per cent of employees in Canada work for businesses with less than 100 employees. According to a global study on entrepreneurship from Babson College almost 15% of the US population is working for startup companies that are less than 3.5 years old. To successfully get these companies off the ground, entrepreneurs face tremendous challenges; building social capital by continously networking in the business community, qualifying business leads to acquire customers, raising capital, hiring talent and navigating the big competitors — while trying to maintain a work-life balance for themselves and their teams.

Entrepreneurs have a grueling schedule with 90 hour work weeks being the norm instead of the exception. One way by which entrepreneurs can alleviate some of the pressure off themselves is to take a well-deserved break before starting a new venture or after a successful exit.

Here are the top 11 vacation destinations for entrepreneurs, CEOs and executives to get those beneficial stress busting neurochemcials flowing in the brain.

1. Bay Of Fire, Tasmania: There is a possibility that you would not have come across this little paradise that is located off the coast of St. Helen’s, a small town of Tasmania. Tucked away in Tasmania’s remote north-east is the holiday heaven, the Bay of Fire. Sparkling turquoise blue waters, pristine private white beaches as far as the eye can see, tranquil coves, capped off by the distinctive fire orange lichen covered granite rock.

2.  Turks and Caicos Islands: Previously a drug smuggling den, this group of 40 islands offers a memorable experience. Home to the Best Beach in the World, breathtaking hues from inviting waters, and legendary diving, snorkeling and fishing, a throwback in time where relaxation is unavoidable and rejuvenation ensured.

3. The Chiloe Archipelago: Chiloe in Chile’s Northern Patagonia, has long been a place of mystery and mysticism. Famous for seafood, handicrafts, and the warmth of its people, Chiloé is a scenic and an increasingly popular destination for walking, biking, fishing, paddling and birding.

4. Bora Bora: Bora Bora island is possibly the single most famous island in all the world. The legends, mysteries, and romance associated with the words “Bora Bora” bring an almost mystical presence to the island. Part of the allure has to be its almost unbelievable beauty. Two towering peaks of sheer black rock dominate the center of the island and make an impressive backdrop to an assortment of blue waters that will dazzle the eyes. Bora Bora’s lagoon is its most treasured feature, and allows the traveler many opportunities to experience it in a variety of ways. Windsurf, jetski, scuba dive, swim, bask in its warmth… the list goes on.

5.  Ko Tao, Thailand: “Discovered” by travelers in the 80’s Ko Tao (literally translates as “Turtle Island.”) has been gradually gaining popularity. Once the haunt of sea-turtles, this small island with its quiet beaches has become a favorite getaway both of paradise seekers and divers who come for the best coral diving in the area. In recent years word of Ko Tao’s natural beauty, beaches, coral and marine life has spread attracting more tourists and visitors to this remote island.

6. Basque Country: The Basque Country (Basque: Euskadi, Spanish: Pais Vasco) is a region at the north of Spain, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and France. It is defined formally as an autonomous community of three provinces within Spain, and culturally including a fourth province and a small portion of France. Basque Country is one of the world’s top gastronomic destinations, with key gourmet centers in San Sebastian, Hondarribia and Bilbao. In Basque culture, fine dining is a means of cementing relationships and building new ones. The northern coast offers sandy beaches and high bluffs overlooking the bay. As important, the Basque culture supports a tradition of self-sufficiency that has spawned a multinational business built around the notion of cooperation rather than competition that might serve as a model for others to follow.

7. Nam Ha, Laos: Nam Ha is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and lofty plateaus, coupled with the culture of some 30 ethnic groups, creating the ideal landscape for eco-trekking. This place is ideal for extreme adventurers who can handle leeches and the steep slopes on a true jungle trek.

8. Whistler, British Columbia: Over two million people visit Whistler annually, primarily for alpine skiing and mountain biking at Whistler-Blackcomb. Its pedestrian village has won numerous design awards and Whistler has been voted among the top destinations in North America. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler will host most of the alpine, nordic and sliding events. However, this Canadian resort town is also popular for mountain biking furing the summer months.

9. Languedoc, France: Bas-Languedoc has long, sandy beaches and dynamic towns like Montpellier, Sète and Nîmes. This place is split by deep gorges and topped by wild upland plateaus for outdoor fun. It also had some exotic hotels and cruise options that will take you along the Canal du Midi which is a nice alternative to the usual French getaway.

10. Yunnan, China: Yunnan is the home of famous tiger leaping trek, jungle tours and the scenery of the sunsets. This environmentally rich land is scattered with ancient temples and small towns and undoubtedly one of the hottest Asian vacation destinations and getaways in 2010.

11. Svalbard, Norway: Svalbard is an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean north of mainland Europe, about midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. There are no roads connecting the settlements on Svalbard. Here you will find untouched arctic wilderness. In the summer, beautiful colors and contrasts provide the frames for dramatic glaciers, majestic mountain formations, buzzing bird mountains and endless arctic tundra with its diverse flora and fauna. The light lures us to this unique place in which the midnight sun shines from early spring till fall. During the winter, the northern lights cast sparkles of light across snow-covered, pointed mountain peaks and an infinite landscape. A stay on Svalbard is the perfect vacation if you want peace, quiet and space for thoughts and dreams.