The Japanese tradition of forest bathing – or shinrin yoku – may have made its way westwards some years ago, but the nature-based practice saw a surge in popularity following the lockdowns of the last years. What better way to get over the pandemic than a wholesome, worry-free walk in the woods, and simply let the healing powers of nature wash over you.
While many travellers might start the new year by splurging on a swanky spa retreat, there is just as much relaxation to be found on a back-to-nature break through ecotherapy. These stripped-back wellness experiences are rooted in the countless calming effects of tree therapy, from sunrise yoga sessions in the orchards of a Sicilian farmhouse, to coconut tree-inspired treatments on the beach in the Caribbean.
1. Susafa, Sicily – Italy
Discover bucolic bliss at Susafa, a beautifully converted 200-year-old Sicilian farmhouse which celebrates the rustic charm of its natural surroundings in every way. Soothe the soul with a yoga session in the peaceful gardens in the shade of fragrant trees, or simply sit beneath the branches laden with cherries in the orchard – which the hotel picks and uses to make homemade jam. And when the sun shines, the rippling hills that surround Susafa make for perfect walking country to blow away those new year cobwebs.
2. Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, La Fortuna de San Carlos – Costa Rica
Explore lush jungle, natural hot springs and wake up to a dawn chorus of tropical birds at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, an eco-friendly base for discovering Costa Rica’s astounding Arenal Volcano region. Set in more than 900 acres of verdant rainforest reserve, this Considerate Collection hotel has been awarded five out of five leaves for its sustainability by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) – including planting over 1,500 trees on property as part of an ongoing reforestation project.
Get lost in the exotic wilderness with one of the hotel’s wildlife and waterfall walks, and let the sounds of howler monkeys and scarlet macaws wash over you. Meanwhile, the palm-thatched roof and caña brava walls of the Tabacón spa allow you to experience the scents and sounds of the rainforest in complete privacy.
3. Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort, Bel Ombre – Mauritius
Set on the wild south coast of Mauritius in a protected nature reserve, in an area which was once home to celebrated Irish botanist Charles Telfair, this tropically tranquil retreat takes guests on a Mindful Nature Walk at Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and on two-hour down-to-earth guided nature trails with rangers trained by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.
Meditation sessions at Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort take place on a verdant platform overlooking the lagoon, while sunset yoga classes at the Wellness Sanctuary are led by personal trainers trained in the Seven Colours philosophy.
4. Crans Ambassador, Crans Montana – Switzerland
With sublime mountain views at every turn, this contemporary chalet offers the chance to immerse yourself in your Swiss Alps surroundings. Flooded with natural light and views of the tree-lined mountains thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, the spa at Crans Ambassador is all about bringing the outdoors in. Enjoy a Nescens treatment while taking in the tranquil forest vista, before heading into the trees for an alpine hike or silent snowshoe walk under the starry sky.
5. Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences, Dominican Republic – Caribbean
Reflecting the Samanà Peninsula’s breathtaking natural beauty, Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences is an exclusive selection of casitas and suites facing a pristine sandy beach. Nestled between green mountains and turquoise waters, guests are never far from the National Park Los Haitises, which is home to calcified hills, caves, mangroves, numerous bird species and sea turtles.
Hike through coconut-covered mountains and soak up the tropical swaying of the trees, before pressing pause in the hotel’s award-winning Coconut Whispers Spa with the 120-minute Mangrove Dew Massage, a mega-treatment which combines the healing powers of the ancient Temazcal, mud scrubs, and organically prepared coconut milk baths – topped off with a refreshing drink straight from the young coconuts handpicked from the surrounding palm trees.
See more forest bathing hotels at journal.slh.com
The full version of this article first appeared on Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) and has been republished with permission on LUXE City Guides.
