Nature therapy, or forest bathing, is a popular practise to reconnect with the outdoors through one simple act - exploration. We’re all drawn to the allure of fleeing the city for a much-needed escape from the ordinary, but to truly ‘get away from it all’ you need to find yourself utterly at one with nature. The act of immersive escapism is not an effortless wander through the woods, its necessary to be hypervigilant in order to better engage with your surroundings. Slow down. Connect with the forest and most importantly yourself. After all, we yearn for the simplest amenities to unplug and recharge, such as fresh air and natural light. Alike to plants, we bloom in the wild.

Originating in the 1980s, within the stress-fuelled environment of Japan’s corporate world, karoshi or ‘death by work’ was a very real phenomenon resulting in widespread effects on the population’s wellbeing. Official research into a natural remedy lead to the proven restorative benefits of a forest stroll or Shinrin-Yoku, translated as ‘dive into the forest air’. This simple act is renowned for reducing stress levels and lowering blood pressure, along with being generally kind on the mind. We’re not surprised to note this is still a popular pastime to unwind across Japan, Europe and the US. That’s heavy stuff, so lucky for us there’s a simple solution to cure our work/life imbalance. The power of trees!

With just a few easy tips to follow, you’ll be at one with nature and immersed in an aura of zen in no time. First and most important…leave all electronic devices behind – this is essential! Remember that forest bathing is not a trek, allow yourself to be spontaneous in your explorations of the surroundings. Reduce your brain fatigue with a gentle amble through nature, where the only interruptions are your own rustlings and perhaps some forest friends; spend time in the woods to awaken your mindfulness. It’s easy to forget that life exists outside of our everyday realm, from office to home to social commitments; it’s a whirlwind existence. In a world where we are so unattuned to our senses, seek the simple acts of seeing, hearing and feeling within the beauty of a natural environment. Take a moment to breathe. Experience a wilderness escape with a dash of untamed luxury - because true escapism is a series of perfectly solitary moments spent reflecting on yourself within nature. Come home to the forest and find harmony in nature.

Uncover our forest lodges and cosy cabins nestled within endless miles of dense woodland, just made for venturing into the wild. 

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