Go out on a limb on forest escape
IF YOU go down to the woods today, be prepared for a pleasant surprise.
According to scientific research, spending quality time in the forest has stress-busting, blood pressure-lowering benefits.
Center Parcs’ Aqua Sana spa in Sherwood Forest has embraced the latest wellness trend of forest bathing after a £3million revamp of the former World of Spa.
The idea of shinrin-yoku – “taking in the forest atmosphere” – took root in Japan back in the early 1980s and is now practised by a quarter of the population. But you don’t have to go as far as that to experience it anymore.
Taking advantage of its unique forest location, Aqua Sana has incorporated elements of the therapy in a bespoke area with open-air walkways and relaxation areas where you can take in the soothing sounds of the woodland as well as the beauty of the trees.
And getting round the foibles of the British weather, the forest experience is brought indoors with a series of thermal suites infused with essential oils like floral essences and salts, and minerals such as the trendy Himalayan salt (said to stimulate the mind).
But the highlight has to be the 10-metre treetop sauna, complete with a floor-to-ceiling window to make the most of stunning views over the forest canopy.
And you can even take forest bathing literally and luxuriate in one of the two open-air hot tubs at the foot of the treetop sauna. In all, the luxury spa has six zones and a staggering 25 experiences over two floors.
It takes influences from other countries besides Japan too. The Nordic Forest spa’s cool ice cave and outdoor snug with its cosy fire pits are staright out of Scandinavia. While Costa Rica’s volcanoes were the inspiration for the dry heat of the sauna in the Volcanic Forest spa.
There’s also a heated outdoor courtyard pool where there are foot spas to ease aching feet.
But if you just want to settle for a bit of old-fashioned pampering or relaxation, there’s a raft of treatments – ranging from facials to back massages using lava shells – available in its 21 treatment rooms.