The term “Forest Resort” is pretty new on the radar however the concept is decades old. Perhaps if we said forest bathing or shinrin-yoku you would have a better idea of the term?
Let’s talk about why a forest resort could be just the wellness retreat you’re looking for. Consider it a tool in your arsenal of coping strategies for what we’re dubbing our COVID-reality. Take a deep breath in and a big breath out. Here we go.
What Is A Forest Resort?
A forest resort is most often located in, or very close to, a diverse forest environment. One that encourages exploration and relaxation in the outdoors. It’s a place where the ancient Japanese art of shinrin-yoku may be practiced.
If you Google ‘Forest Resort’, you’re greeted with a number of exciting accommodation options. There are stilted cabins in Scandinavia and tropical abodes in Balinese jungles. Ideal if you’re looking to retreat and get back to nature.
What Is Forest Bathing?
Forest bathing – or shinrin-yoku – is an evidence-based wellness practice. In terms of gaining popularity, it’s up there with the Wim Hof Method and intuitive fasting.
We have the Japanese to thank for shinrin-yoku. Dr. Qing Li is a researcher from Japan who focuses on something called forest medicine. He explains: ‘spending time in nature is not just good for those of us who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or fatigued. It can actually have positive effects on sleep, energy levels, immune function, and cardiovascular and metabolic health.’
Through his research, Dr Li has found that the benefits of forest bathing manifest through all five of our senses. This includes the smells of the flora, and the sounds of birdsong. With that in mind, honestly, why wouldn’t you want to experience a forest resort?
How To Forest Bathe
There’s no one hard-and-fast rule when it comes to forest bathing. If you visit a forest resort, there’s a spectrum of ways that you can reap the benefits of shinrin-yoku to your wellbeing.
Ask the front desk to recommend a nice, quiet spot and try one of the following:
- Take a book, find a seat among the trees and enjoy reading. Your subconscience will register the sounds and smells of forest.
- If safe to do so, remove your shoes and walk barefoot. This will have a very grounding effect (pun intended!)
- Consider meditation, breathing exercises, or even yoga when spending time in the forest.
- Interact with your surroundings – try foraging for mushrooms in the fall or smelling fresh blooms in spring. This connection with nature will help you to focus on seasonality and the ebb and flow of time.
- Forest bathing doesn’t have to be the sole reason that you get out in nature. You could be out for a hike or to swim in a lake, but set aside 15 minutes or so to just BE in the environment. Remove all distractions: turn your cell phone off, take your pack off, and relax. Focus on all five senses and the emotion(s) you feel. That 15 minutes will work wonders for revitalising your soul.
Nita Lake Lodge – A Forest Resort In BC
Genuine wellbeing is at the forefront of everything we do at Nita Lake Lodge. We’re perfectly located for you to practice forest bathing. There are groves of old-growth close by, which include Mount Sproatt, Whistler Blackcomb hiking trails, and The Ancient Cedars Trail slightly further north.
We have acres and acres of newer-growth right from our doorstep – starting with the Valley Trail, which links up all of Whistler neighbourhoods and parks. Lost Lake Park and Rebagliati Park are two particular highlights, which are very accessible.
If you’re interested in making Nita Lake Lodge your base for a Whistler wellness escape, be sure to check our Specials & Packages page for seasonal offers!
Additional Wellness Amenities To Supplement Your Forest Resort Escape:
Included With Your Stay
If you’re visiting in summer, Nita Lake Lodge is pleased to offer guests the use of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Your time on the lake complements relaxation and wellbeing perfectly giving you the time and peace to fully absorb your surroundings. According to author Wallace Nichols, seeing and hearing water releases a bunch of neurochemicals in your brain that promote wellness, and your blood flow increases to both your heart and brain, which creates an immediate feeling of relaxation.
In winter months, guests of the Lodge may make use of snowshoes, which are the ideal way to explore Whistler Olympic Park – home to some of Whistler’s oldest cedar trees!
The Spa At Nita Lake Lodge
The Spa is our hub of physical and emotional wellbeing. Our caring practitioners are skilled in a variety of treatments including massage therapy, kundalini, and esthetics. The Spa experience rounds out beautifully with the use of rooftop hot tubs and eucalyptus steam room. The Spa also holds a number of organic retail items so you can take the wellness experience away with you! These include essential oil rollers, active skincare, and everyday cosmetics.
Breakfast At Aura
Start the day right! Breakfast at Aura is the delicious way to get some good mountain nutrition under your belt ready to fuel any adventure. Try our vegan Wild Mushroom and Spinach Scramble, or alternatively the Spa Breakfast is a healthy Nita classic.
Seeking Wellness In Whistler
The mountains are synonymous with wellness. With fresh air and abundant nature, Whistler makes sense as the perfect retreat to enjoy some serious downtime, relax and rejuvenate. Here are 5 ways that we experience wellness in Whistler.
If you’d like additional wellness ideas in Whistler, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us on Instagram @nitalakelodge – we’d love to help you maximise your trip!