Updated on Jul 18, 2025 | Published on Feb 11, 2025
Nature immersion and forest wellness retreats to ground you in 2026
Time in nature can soothe and ground us, so now’s the time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, says Christine Fieldhouse, Retreat Editor of The Global Retreat Company
With modern life taking its toll on our mental and physical health, the antidote is immersion in nature. In the countryside the only deadline is the natural rhythm of light and dark. It’s free of charge, there’s fresh air and it gets us fit. Time in green space is a win-win situation for anyone battling overwhelm, stress or anxiety.
Overworked or burnt-out professionals who spend long hours in an office or fly around the world on business, as well as anyone suffering from grief, relationship problems and a lack of purpose, can take solace in nature, and emerge stronger for it.
Why does immersing yourself in nature reduce stress?
Studies have found that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. And researchers discovered it didn’t matter how the two hours were split – it could be one long walk in the countryside, or several shorter bursts in the park or nature reserve. Just 15 minutes a day can boost our wellbeing, studies have found. However, we spend our time in the great outdoors, it can lower our blood pressure and stress hormone levels and boost our mood.
One of the best ways to kickstart your relationship with nature is on an eco-friendly retreat that focuses on rewilding you with forest bathing. Originating in 1980s Japan, shinrin-yoku (which translates as forest bathing), promotes relaxation, reduces stress and improves overall wellbeing. In the forest the buzz of modern life fades into the backdrop – instead, you hear leaves rustling and singing birds. Some people love the tranquillity of the forest; others believe in inhaling phytoncides released by trees, which boost our immune systems.
What happens on a forest wellness retreat?
On a forest wellness retreat, you’ll have a guided experience led by experts in mindful practice and sensory engagement. You may be urged to feel the textures of leaves, listen to the birds, or even lie on the ground to get a different perspective of the trees. On retreat, forest bathing is often accompanied by other activities such as hiking, foraging, wild swimming, meditation, breathwork and mindfulness. The benefits are huge. You’ll emerge calmer, happier, with more vitality and more connected to the earth.
At The Global Retreat Company, we’ve curated the best holistic nature retreats that feature forest bathing, secreted in the most picturesque corners of the world.
Where are the best forest wellness retreats in Europe?
Over the years, the team at The Global Retreat Company have visited dozens of forest wellness retreats - here are a handful that have really stood out:
One of our favourite wellbeing retreats in Europe is in Greece. Nefeli Nine Retreats, which draws inspiration from the Blue Zones, where people live longer and healthier lives. These cultural hiking and yoga breaks are based in gorgeous spots all over mainland Greece, from the coastal charms of Dikastika to the lush greenery and waterfalls in the Pelion region, and the island of Crete. Because they offer a chance to move, rest and transform in nature, they’re popular with professionals.
Meanwhile in Spain, we have two wonderful choices – Iberian Wellness Retreats at The Olive Mill and Iberian Wellness Retreats at The Yellow House, both set deep in Andalucian countryside and popular with people suffering overwhelm, who want to switch off and start again.
Dating back to the 1800s, The Olive Mill is near the pretty Andalucian town of Higuera de la Sierra. Nestled within a 40-hectare estate of oak, chestnut and cork trees in the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park, you can walk trails from your door, swim in the pool, relax in the hot tub, bond with the menagerie of pets and sleep in lovingly restored bedrooms. The sister property, The Yellow House, is in Higuera de la Sierra, and there you can walk in nature, commune with rescue donkeys, horses and goats, and surrender to sound healing.
If Italy beckons you, we highly recommend Maraviglia, which is set on a 16th century olive oil farm in the heart of tranquil Tuscan countryside. Maraviglia offers a healing experience that embraces the natural pace of rural living. As well as nature immersion and forest healing, Maraviglia retreats feature rebalancing yoga, massage treatments and herbalism. They’re ideal for anyone who needs to press the reset button, whether they’re burnt-out bankers, lawyers or consultants, or they just need a break from modern living.
Explore our handpicked nature immersion retreats and reconnect with the natural world. All retreats personally vetted by our editorial team.