Renew

Seperate from the main resort sits Camp Sarika, a haven of tented pavilions where Aman’s signature spa experience takes on an even more exclusive air. Treatments are done in the privacy of the pavilions; either stand-alone or as part of a Camp Sarika Journeys itinerary – like the Mindfulness Path. Combining the likes of breathwork, meditation, massage and aromatherapy, the multi-day programme aims to bring awareness back to the present and reconnect with nature. 

The largest Native American tribe in the country, Amangiri sits proudly within the borders of the Navajo Nation. Within this soulful culture, storytelling is a central and proud tradition, serving as a way of passing down the history, beliefs and principles of the area’s indigenous people. From stories of characters long since passed to the wildlife that the Nation shares its land with, gather around a fire for an hour of tales that both captivate and inspire.

A tradition originating from the Ojibwe tribe, over the years, the dreamcatcher has become a famous part of the wider Native American culture. While undeniably aesthetic, their core purpose is to offer protection while you sleep, catching all of the nightmares in their intricate webs while letting the good dreams flow through. During a hands-on workshop, craft your own dreamcatcher from local Navajo materials while finding out even more about these special trinkets.

A tradition harking back centuries to when Zen monks first brought tea to Japan, tea ceremonies – or chanoyu – are a giant of Japanese culture. Refined and remarkably tranquil, you’ll watch as the host performs a carefully choreographed ritual, displaying selfless hospitality known in Japan as omotenashi. Add the serene setting of a forest garden and this experience becomes all the more meditative.  

Offering a window to ancient culture, Kyoto’s many temples are perhaps the most popular of its tourist attractions. See behind one such staggering facade in a private guided tour, taking in the quiet magnificence of a UNESCO World Heritage temple after opening hours. 

A meeting of beauty, nature and meditative practices, Ikebana (meaning giving life to flowers) is an important feature of the spiritual Shinto religion. Lead by an Ikebana expert, a session covers the arrangement of seasonal flowers into artful combinations of colour and form, believed to refresh the body and spirit by expressing emotion through the chosen arrangements. Taking things one step further, guests can go beyond Ikebana to miniature garden design if they so wish.  

In true homestead style, Borgo Pignano’s borders are brimming with local flora. Joining the hotel’s resident herbalist, Lisabetta, on a guided walk, learn all about the edible plants and herbs that grow around the estate – both cultivated and wild. Used in both traditional fare and wellness remedies, after foraging there is time to prepare your ingredients under Lisabetta’s expert eye for a herbal tea tasting, opening tastebuds up to a whole new world of flavours.

Whether following on from a foraging excursion or done simply as a standalone experience, there’s a lot to be learned in the estate’s laboratory. During a herbal class, learn the healing benefits of plant life and the extraction methods used by the on-site team to prepare products. During an organic cosmetic class, there’s the chance to produce a variety of beauty products from oils and perfumes to creams and ointments.

Restoring the connection between people and nature, forest bathing is renowned for its benefits to well-being. Heading into the forest with a guide, stop at a quiet spot with only birdsong and the breeze for company, and settle down to meditate using special breathing techniques to calm the mind and body. At the very least, this practice reduces stress levels and improves mood, at most, it strengthens both the immune system and connection with nature. 

A short stroll from Gangtey Lodge lies The Shedra, a Buddhist college where evening classes are held to allow guests a rare opportunity to see the inner workings of a monastery. Experienced lamas lead meditation and discussion on compassion and Shamata – meaning tranquillity – with a goal of overcoming stress, moving into a peaceful mindset and promoting kindness. It’s almost a given to feel a real sense of rejuvenation as a result.

Hot stone baths are an ancient Bhutanese tradition. In this iteration, boulders sourced from a nearby river are used to heat a bathtub expertly crafted from local pinewood. In a relaxing soak, see how heat from the water, minerals released from the rocks, plus herbs foraged from the forest hold a plethora of medicinal benefits.

Bhutan’s national sport, Dha, or archery is a tricky one to master, but well worth the sense of accomplishment. The most popular sport for the Bhutanese people (alongside Khuru, or darts), test your skills with a traditional bow and arrow, learning technique tips from the accomplished resident archers at Gangtey Lodge.

Meaning ‘House of Heat’ in the Nahutai language, this ancient Mesoamerican tradition lives up to its name. Designed to cleanse and renew the body and spirit and release pent-up feelings, the ceremony begins by entering a stone dome sauna heated by volcanic rocks. There are then four rounds of alternating between basking in the heat of herb-infused steam and the relief of cool air to the sound of chants and drums, before emerging refreshed and invigorated. 

Music is a language we can all speak, and whatever the genre we choose there’s no denying that it has the power to heal. By harnessing the rhythms and instruments of ancient African and Mesopotamian cultures, Palmaïa have created a programme of events that sees musicians combine with resident and visiting DJs to create nightly soundscapes. All inspired by the likes of mythology and the moon and played down at the beach club.  

More than 50 holistic wellness activities make up this signature programme designed to guide guests down a path of growth – whether that be spiritually, physically or through a skill. Spanning well-known favourites like painting classes, music lessons and yoga, to more niche topics like earthly connection and feminine energy ceremonies, each class is taught by a specialist Architect of Life. These activities are usually done in groups, but special one-on-one sessions allow for a more tailored and personal approach.