Nature, forest bathing and the rise of outdoor wellness retreats

As wellness travel evolves, there’s a noticeable shift happening, as we all seek a greater connection with nature. Forests, coastlines, lakes and open skies are becoming as essential to wellbeing as spa treatments themselves. For wellness travellers, outdoor lovers and slow-travel enthusiasts, integrating nature into a spa break now represents the most meaningful form of restoration.

From forest bathing in ancient woodlands to outdoor pools fed by naturally filtered water, this is not a passing trend, but a recalibration of who we are. As more of us seek to come back to our true selves, this need to notice, and immerse ourselves in natural surroundings, is a deep set feeling that is inherently linked to all layers of our wellbeing. So, what are the opportunities?

Forest bathing and the rise of eco-wellness

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, originated in Japan, but its principles translate seamlessly to England’s pleasant lands. It isn’t about exercise or hiking with a fitness purpose. Instead, it’s the intentional act of being in nature - slowing down, engaging the senses, and allowing the nervous system to reset.

Research shows that simply noticing nature, from the sound of leaves, to the patterns of the light, and birdsong, can measurably improve mood and emotional wellbeing. This supports what many travellers already feel intuitively - that nature doesn’t just create a pretty backdrop for wellness experiences, it drives them.

Eco-wellness retreats build on this idea by designing spa experiences that work with the landscape rather than against it — from woodland saunas to wild-edge meditation decks and outdoor thermal pools.

Why nature immersion works

Nature-led wellness isn’t just a lovely thing to do, there’s also a fair amount of evidence to show it has a meaningful impact on our wellbeing.

• Reduced stress and anxiety through exposure to natural environments
• Improved mood and emotional regulation when people consciously engage with nature
• Lower mental fatigue and better attention restoration

Many spas take that inspiration and incorporate it into both indoor as well as outside spaces through thoughtful design. For example, many spa and wellness destinations consciously use natural light, organic materials, outdoor views and open-air layouts to amplify the benefits of your experience. When architecture mirrors nature’s rhythms, rather than isolating guests from them, wellbeing becomes even more intuitive.

The UK’s outdoor spa renaissance

Spas have always had a reverence for nature, but across the UK, they are increasingly using spaces beyond their four walls to proactively support the wellbeing experience. For example, recent years have seen a rise in:

• Outdoor pools designed for year-round use
• Naturally filtered and low-chlorine water systems, offering a softer, more eco-conscious experience
• Woodland and countryside spas where treatments are paired with landscape immersion

From countryside escapes to coastal hideaways, outdoor wellness is no longer niche. It’s becoming central to how spa destinations differentiate themselves, especially as more of us seek authenticity, sustainability and a deeper connection to place when we travel.

Water, wilderness and wellbeing

Outdoor pools deserve a special mention when it comes to enjoying nature as part of a spa experience, because there’s a particular delight to swimming in the open air - even if it’s in the rain. Whether you’re overlooking rolling hills or positioned beside the sea, outdoor pools embody the fusion of nature and nurture. Responding to a desire for elemental wellness — where water, air and landscape are active participants in the healing process, many spas now offer:

• Open-air thermal pools
• Wild swimming experiences
• Seasonal outdoor bathing

Importantly, this also aligns with sustainability goals that more of us are increasingly aware of. Low-chemical pools and natural filtration systems reflect a broader move toward environmentally sensitive luxury.

How to choose a nature-led spa break

Almost every spa destination has its own unique qualities, and that applies to their connection with nature as well. When choosing a nature-integrated retreat, consider what that means to you. For example, you might look for:

1. Meaningful landscape integration

Is the spa designed around its environment, or placed within it?

2. Outdoor-first experiences

Consider pools, relaxation spaces and thermal areas that genuinely encourage time outside, as well as spas that offer practices like forest bathing.

3. Sustainability credentials

Energy use, water systems and local sourcing all signal long-term commitment to eco-wellness.

4. Slow-travel philosophy

Nature-led wellness thrives when there’s no rush, so take a look at the spa itineraries and make space to prioritise rest over schedules to deliver the greatest sense of connection.

The future of outdoor wellness retreats

Looking ahead, our prediction is that outdoor wellness experiences will continue to become a bigger part of spa experiences, increasingly integrated into the wellbeing offering. We might expect:

• More nature-led spa design
• Growth in outdoor thermal circuits and seasonal bathing
• An increased focus on biodiversity, rewilding and landscape preservation
• A shift from spas as destinations to spas as ecosystems

In short, nature is no longer an optional extra in wellness tourism; it’s the foundation.

Making space for nature

In a world defined by speed, screens and overstimulation, outdoor wellness retreats offer something quietly radical - the permission to slow down and remember we’re part of the natural world.

Forest bathing, outdoor pools and eco-conscious spa design aren’t trends, but more of a return to true wellbeing, and increasingly, the most luxurious escapes aren’t just about what’s added, but what’s stripped away to make space for nature.