…Inhale – smell the pine needles, hear the bird song, feel the gentle breeze – exhale… This is shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of forest bathing, and it’s a breath of fresh air (literally) for Europe’s wellness scene. In our fast-paced, technology-fuelled lives, mindful immersion in nature is scientifically proven to turn stress into serenity and anxiety into awareness – and it’s now offered as part of the wellness programmes at many luxury hotels across the UK. So, from forest bathing-inspired spa treatments to full-day experiences led by shinrin-yoku experts, here’s where to stay and what to book.
New Forest National Park, Hampshire
Stay at… Lime Wood Hotel. With one of Europe’s most beloved national parks (New Forest) on its doorstep, it’s no surprise to spot Lime Wood here. And the hotel certainly leans into its wild side, from the lilac wisteria crawling up its cream-coloured façade to the dense forest canopy reflected in the rippling water of the spa’s heated outdoor pool.
ReWild Yourself retreat by Lime Wood and Herb House at Lime Wood Hotel
Book… a ReWild Yourself retreat by Lime Wood and Herb House – specifically, the one-day Wild Wanderings experience. You’ll wander through the New Forest’s ancient trees on a guided forest immersion walk and partake in Pilates, breathwork, and sound healing sessions in The Hideout, before winding down in Herb House spa and nourishing yourself with nutritious food at Raw and Cured restaurant.
South Downs National Park, West Sussex
Stay at… South Lodge. A proud B Corp, the environment comes first here. Specifically, the 92 acres of soul-soothing Sussex countryside that the hotel uses to help guests switch off from the everyday and switch on their senses. For the most immersive experience, stay in The Reeds – a collection of luxe lakeside lodges with sun decks that hover over the water’s edge and floor-to-ceiling windows revealing views of the sprawling South Downs.
Nature Immersion Escape at South Lodge
Book… the Nature Immersion Escape – a package that includes a full day of activities, unlimited spa access, and an overnight stay at South Lodge. If you’re wondering how to do forest bathing just right, this one’s for you. You’ll be in the expert hands of Helena Skoog – a shinrin-yoku master – who’ll guide you through a Qigong session (breathing, movement, and meditation) and a forest bathing guided walk. These experiences are sporadically sprinkled across the seasons, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Yorkshire Dales National Park, Yorkshire
Stay at… Middleton Lodge. As the steam rises from the courtyard tin bathtubs and vines creep up the stone-clad cottages, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the dreaminess of this enchanting estate. Especially as it’s sandwiched between North Yorkshire’s dales and moors – the perfect position for an eco-inspired escape. Its new Forest Spa is tucked away in the trees, a place so serene that you’d be forgiven for forgetting there’s a world outside each private treatment hut’s walls...
Forest therapy bath experience at Middleton Lodge
Book… the forest therapy bath experience or the forest therapy massage treatment. Ok, so you never actually step foot in a forest… But, inspired by this ancient Japanese wellness practice, they involve soaking in earth-scented bubbles, meditating in grounding mud masks, and more. So, for any shinrin-yoku sceptics who want to ease into the art, these treatments allow you to dip your toes into forest bathing without committing to full tree-hugger status straight away.
Consall Nature Park, Staffordshire
Stay at… The Tawny Hotel. A self-declared deconstructed hotel, there are 55 different rooms – from boathouses and treehouses to lookouts and lodges – scattered across 70 acres of rewilded grounds here. And with buggies to carry you from A to B, you can cover it all. At the top of the valley, you’ll find The Plumicorn – a strikingly modern structure that makes a statement against its soft, sylvan surroundings. It’s here you’ll find the not-to-be-missed heated outdoor pool, with impressive views that stretch across the estate.
The Tawny Hotel and its outdoor heated pool
Book… a stay at The Tawny Hotel – it’s that simple. With several acres of Staffordshire countryside surrounding it and Consall Nature Park just a short stroll away, this is a hotel that invites guests to engage in forest bathing on their own terms. From forest bathing books planted in the rooms to story-telling signposts scattered along the woodland walking trails, this is a stay set up for shinrin-yoku success.
Cotswolds AONB, Gloucestershire
Stay at… Calcot & Spa. The words ‘Cotswolds country house hotel’ conjure up pictures of honey-hued cottages and rolling green hills. And the 14th-century farmhouse and grounds Calcot & Spa calls home satisfyingly follow suit. But there’s one deviation that sets it apart: a state-of-the-art spa that expertly contrasts the contemporary with the cosy. Don’t believe us? Simply sink into the lavender-lined outdoor hot tub that sits right in front of a real wood-burning fireplace to experience it for yourself.
Aromatherapy Associates Forest Therapy massage at Calcot & Spa
Book… the Aromatherapy Associates Forest Therapy massage. Clear your mind with a guided inhalation, reinforce your intentions with a unique essential oil blend (calming ho wood, uplifting pink pepper, and grounding cypress), and emerge restored with this massage treatment designed to transport you to a tranquil forest. For the full forest bathing experience, your therapist will suggest embarking on a mindful walk through Calcot’s 220 acres of Cotswoldian countryside before or after your treatment.
