Reconnect

Among the last hunter gatherer tribes in the world, guests are welcomed to spend a morning walking in the footsteps of the Hadzabe tribe. Living off the land and leaving no trace, see how the tribe continue to navigate the wilderness they call home. Trusting age-old methods in contrast to the modernisation we’ve become so accustomed to, it’s their deep connection to nature that’s so captivating here.  

Those that relish an exhilarating opportunity will find their wishes granted in a helicopter ride that takes to the skies over Tanzania. Peer over the landscape below, taking in awe-inspiring scenery and national parks from above. The sheer scope of mother nature’s grandeur will be on full display when spotting Mount Kilimanjaro and the great Rift Valley, formed when tectonic plates in the earth’s crust move apart.

As a dark blanket covers the sky for the night, make the most of the minimal light pollution, turning your eyes upwards to the stars. Accompanied by an expert, pick out the southern hemisphere’s constellations twinkling above, trace the arc of the Milky Way, and enjoy a sense of awe in reconnecting to your place on planet earth in the vastness of space.

Sparking awe even in those who have seen them a million times, there’s nothing to be done but stop and stare when the Northern Lights make an appearance. Visible from September to March, the phenomenon is proven to reduce stress by lowering cortisol and prompting a mindful pause (some countries are even prescribing the Aurora for mental health), and there isn’t even any need to leave the lodge to find it – they blanket the sky above a midnight soak in the outdoor geothermal pool.

From the treatment rooms to the sound bath studio, most corners of the glass-enclosed 5,000-square-foot spa are light and airy, but ultimate relaxation waits in the cosseted confines of the i-sopod flotation tank. While floating in the Epsom salt water, the lack of environmental distractions allows the body to focus on itself; with key benefits being reducing blood pressure, increasing circulation and red blood cells, and taking the weight off muscles to allow them to heal quicker.  

It’s common knowledge that time in nature has been proven to positively impact well-being, and there’s absolutely no shortage of it at Deplar. Among the adventures to be had on both land and sea here, a slow and mindful snowshoe hike proves to be one of the most rewarding, and not just for the physical and mental upsides; there’s the chance to spot endemic birdlife with an expert guide too.

Choose to travel by horseback, bicycle, safari vehicle or coastal walk to the Nihioka Spa, passing through local villages and verdant hills to the wishing hand ocean viewpoint. Cooled by fresh coconut on arrival, sit down to dine surrounded by spectacular scenery on a masterclass of modest ingredients. Breakfast is a simple yet effective affair, followed by a beachfront stroll with no constraints on time. Then, indulge in up to six spa treatments, chosen with the help of dedicated therapists.

Nicknamed after the Australian surfing champion Mark Occhilupo, who thought it among the best waves he’d ever surfed, the 300-meter left-hand point break of Nihiwatu is the best way for an experienced surfer to appreciate mother nature’s power on the coast of Indonesia. Connecting to a destination doesn’t get more thrilling, or exclusive than this. Reserved only for guests of NIHI Sumba, only a select few can take on this giant at one time.

With an emphasis on rejuvenation, stress release and restoring a deep connection to your sense of self, the visiting practitioners at NIHI Sumba are a fountain of wellness knowledge. Look beyond any negative emotions in guided meditation, reiki or mantra sessions informed by Japanese practices. Lean into a grounding feeling of calm brought about by yoga or massage therapies, designed to release any tension and restore balance.

While seeing the world’s fastest land animal on safari is a thrill, tracking them on foot is a core memory in the making. Using specialised gear, a trained guide leads the way to where the cheetahs are resting before instructing the group on a careful approach. Then, getting no closer than 10 metres, your guide will assess the animal’s behaviour before deeming it safe to stay for a while to take photos or simply enjoy the sight.

As one of the most trafficked animals in the world, adorably peculiar pangolins have become highly endangered. A cause close to the reserve’s heart, guests have the chance to experience the work of a specialist team at Lapalala and their partners – the African Pangolin Working Group – who have worked hard to protect these animals. Together, they have developed a safe space on the reserve that includes a rehabilitation centre and secure facility where they can roam while they recover. 

Having recently been bestowed with International Dark Sky Park status (the first one in the country no less), there’s great promise held in an evening of stargazing at Noka Camp. With the twinkling night sky unfurling overhead, gather around a cosy campfire to spot planets in our solar system and beyond – seen almost as they would have been to the eyes of the ancient settlers who made their home on this land 100 years ago.

Accompanied by a local guide and a yoga teacher, head out at dawn to find a secluded spot to start the day with some mindful movement and soothing sound. During the session, see the sunrise above the clouds from high in the peaks (weather permitting), or to the gentle lapping of waves by the coast, before tucking into a picnic breakfast. If by the coast, a refreshing swim or yacht trip can follow. 

Stretching from east to west, Madeira’s water-fed Levadas weave through some of the island’s most beautiful scenery. Depending on which side has the best weather, follow a guide and yoga instructor on a mild hike beside one of the waterways, finding a quiet area before settling in for a conscious breathing session and meditation to the natural soundtrack of birdlife and the gentle trickling. Enjoying a delectable picnic in the same spot afterwards.

With a nickname like the ‘Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, it’s no surprise that many become stuck with where to start when it comes to exploring Madeira’s botanical brilliance. An in-the-know guide is on hand to help and, following a lesson on local plant life, will take you to one of Madeira’s prettiest gardens where a yoga instructor awaits for a meditation class with the aid of sound healing gongs.

As part of the hotel’s group retreat programme, absolutely no experience is needed on this five-day long journey of self-discovery. Guided by expressive arts therapist Elitsa Velikova, mornings consist of a three-hour writing workshop in the mountain-facing library. Afternoons then feature either more time to continuing writing or finding inspiration on guided walks and spa treatments, while evenings are reserved for group readings and reflection to allow growth in both skillset and confidence.

Fulfilling the dream of many a spa lover, this perfectly private space can be reserved just for one. With a Finnish sauna, steam bath and hydrotherapy pool, it’s easy to occupy time in here, but to sweeten the deal there is the option to enhance the experience. Think spa treatments like body polishes and facials chosen from the main spa menu, and little treats like fruit and smoothies to savour between dips in the pools. 

Balancing the traditional indulgence of Swiss favourites with fresh and nourishing farm-to-table ingredients, the fare at The Capra is both fulfilling and heart-warming. On a Peak Health Retreat focused on nutrition, seasonal full-board menus focus on balancing blood sugar without any restrictive dieting. Allowing guests to stay energised and make the most of the active outdoor pursuits on offer and teaching them a nutrition trick or two to take home.  

With the ability to mirror human emotions, it’s plain to see why people have always had a connection with horses. During a tailor-made horse whispering session, the bond with these empathetic and majestic animals is nurtured further, encouraging a mutual respect and conscious focus on body language – perhaps even overcoming a fear. Similarly, a Mustang Mindfulness session showcases the patient process of ‘gentling’ (not domesticating) wild mustangs, demonstrating the importance of a slow and steady mindset. 

Despite the heart-thumping whitewater rafting trips on offer, this famed river also knows how to take it slow. A gentle way to experience the breadth of nature in these parts, a river floating excursion allows you to simply lean back and take it all in, offering the chance to glimpse wildlife like deer and bald eagles. And the knowledgeable guides who provide company on these tours ensure nothing gets missed. 

A boost for confidence and skill, the Skyline Aerial Adventure Park is both a puzzle to solve and a workout to complete. Comfort zones can be pushed on two courses: the Canopy Tour, involving swinging platforms, nets, wobbly bridges and even a 40-foot free fall; and a test for even expert climbers – the aptly named Challenge Course – that features similar elements but dialled up a notch, including a drop from 55 feet up.

Starting just after the sun says goodnight, a cosy outdoor lounge is the setting of choice as the night sky unfolds. Proven to lower stress and calm the nervous system, stargazing in these parts opens eyes to slices of the universe you may never have seen before, with the help of an expert storytelling guide. The new moon phase is when the skies are at their darkest and this experience takes place, so it's essential to time a trip accordingly.

Proven to calm even the busiest of heads, sound healing both alters the body and the brain for the better. Using the soothing vibrations of crystal singing bowls and therapeutic instruments, each session instils a deep relaxation as the sound waves penetrate the body and release feel-good chemicals like endorphins – relieve any tense muscles and stimulate circulation. Sessions tend to be in the evening, making for a relaxed dining experience and a restorative sleep afterwards. 

Both healthy and delicious, the Mediterranean diet has long been considered one of the best – and luckily two of its core components reside on Crete. Venturing to a picture-perfect estate, uncover the processes that go into making Creten wine and olive oil, touring the vineyards and groves and indulging in a tasting along the way. Then, head to see and learn all about one of the oldest olive trees in the world – the Olive Tree of Vouves.