Forest Bathing is a natural activity for wellbeing, wherever you are travelling. And investing in travel for personal and emotional development, as well as mental and physical wellbeing is trending this year. Here are seven best spots in the world for forest bathing
Clairvoyant guided sanctuary forest bathing: Florida’s Paradise Coast, USA
Occupying over 13,000 acres just 30 minutes east of Naples, Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a protected ecosystem. It is home to the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. This makes for a unique spot to experience forest bathing. The Sanctuary offers Guided Forest Bathing Meditation Sessions amongst the song birds and seasonal blooms, where the clairvoyant meditation leader takes a group through the Japanese healing practice.
Forest bathe in the home of the holistic practice: Japan
With over 70% of the country forested, there are centres which specialise in the practice of shinrin-yoku. Organised tours in national parks and mountainous regions are on offer as well as self-guided forest bathing. The Kii Mountain Range south of Osaka is a collection of sacred and culturally important World Heritage sites. These are rich with nature and ancient forests and have a history of pilgrimage routes used for reflection and worshipping nature under Japan’s indigenous religion Shinto. Visitors who want to experience hiking, pilgrimage routes and experiences such as forest bathing, can stay in mountain gateway towns of Wakayama prefecture such as Yoshino and Koya. japan.travel/en/
Device-free forest bathing on Yakushima Island: Kyushu, Japan
This form of eco-therapy can be found in Yakushima National Park on the island of Kyushu. The UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site is a haven for biodiversity, blanketed with primeval forests, moss-covered Kakusugi, hiking trails, ocean hot springs and large groups of endemic Yakushima macaques. A popular hike is to the Jomon Sugi, a cedar tree believed to be up to 7,200 years old, making it the oldest tree in Japan, and one of the oldest in the world. There is no better place than the mystical and immersive forests of Yakushima for a device-free forest-bathing adventure, following the guiding specialists at ‘Yakushima Experience’.Yakushimaexperience.com // Visit-kyushu.com/en/
Redwoods forest bathing in Humboldt County: California, USA
Home to the world’s tallest trees, Redwood National and State Parks protect nearly half of the world’s old growth redwoods across 139,000 acres in Humboldt County, Northern California. Visitors can enjoy a therapeutic experience using the power of nature as they explore over 200 miles of trails whilst soaking in the awe-inspiring ancient giants. There are also Forest Therapy Guided Walk with Naturalist Guides to assist the mind to reset, refocus and refresh. These guided walks move at a very slow pace and are suitable for anyone who can walk slowly for an hour or two. Visitcalifornia.com
Lush rainforests in The Islands of Tahiti: French Polynesia
Consisting of 118 islands spread over five great archipelagos, The Islands of Tahiti are home to rolling turquoise waves, white palm-lined beaches and dense tropical forests teeming with wildlife. Dominated by a chain of high volcanic islands, including Motu One, Manuae, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Mehetia and Tahiti, the collection provides visitors with a playground of waterfalls, mountainous peaks and ancient ruins. Visitors are recommended to follow a local guide, adventuring along trails such as the Te Pari trail, the most remote and southernmost trail on Tahiti. The Te Pari trail is the perfect place to wander and relax, with soothing views peeking through the trees of the ocean, cliffs, reef flats and rivers. Tahititourisme.uk
The healing power of forest bathing and yoga in Yosemite Mariposa County: California, USA
Yosemite offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in its majestic forests while connecting to the environment. Immersing in nature’s peace Yosemite National Park’s awe-inspiring setting, allows forest bathers to slow down and mindfully tune into their senses. Sunrise yoga in Yosemite Valley with experienced yoga instructors and various retreats are offered with experienced naturalists and ANFT (Association for Nature and Forest Therapy) certified Forest Therapy guides. Yosemite.com
Forest Bathing on Mount Schoenstatt: New South Wales, Australia
Slow down and explore new well-being opportunities with forest bathing in New South Wales. Head to the tranquil natural environment of Mount Schoenstatt in Mulgoa only an hour’s drive from Sydney for forest bathing retreats which include therapy walks in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. visitnsw.com
In the 1980s, the practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) grew in popularity in Japan. It is defined as a psychological and physiological exercise designed as an eco-antidote to day-to-day burnout. A route to slow down, relax, release and awaken senses on a fully-focused mind-body walk.It is also a way to inspire people to reconnect with, and protect, the surrounding nature. These are just seven best spots in the world for forest bathing.
