Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
Branch out and enjoy getting back to nature
JANE HAASE DIVES INTO THE JAPANESE ART OF FOREST BATHING ON A TRIP TO THE LAKE DISTRICT
‘IDON’T think you are going to need that new swimsuit,’ announced my husband, as I packed for a weekend break to sample the latest celebrity wellbeing trend of forest bathing.
I had been bracing myself for an invigorating swim in an ice-cold lake in Cumbria, but a quick Google revealed hubby was right. No water, so no cossie required.
The Japanese practice of ‘shinrin-yoku’, which literally translates as forest bathing, actually involves walking slowly and thoughtfully in woodland and ‘bathing’ in its peace and beauty to recharge your batteries. Health benefits are thought to include reducing your blood pressure, increasing your serotonin levels, and helping to balance your emotions, making you happier and calmer.
The Duchess of Cambridge is said to be a fan and she helped to create the RHS Back to Nature garden at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.
For my first taste of the practice, I was heading off to Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa near Keswick, with my friend Ann, a busy working mum-oftwo who was in need of a bit of ‘me time’.
Set in 400 acres of deer park and woodland, the four-star country house hotel is in a stunning location, overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and framed by Skiddaw mountain and the fells. I began to relax as soon as I stepped out of my car and took a deep breath of country air.
A former stately home, it dates back to the 16th century and is very grand but welcoming with huge open fireplaces, dark wood panelling and walls adorned with gilt-framed paintings.
But first on our agenda was forest bathing, and we were directed to the modern annex which houses the hotel’s £6m spa boasting a 16-metre pool, a large outdoor hot tub, and indoor gym, as well as offering a host of treatments from reflexology to facials.
Wearing gym kit and trainers, we met our yoga teacher, Rebecca Shepherd, who took us into a studio to do some simple breathing techniques first, to help us get into the mindset for appreciating the great outdoors.
Then we embarked on a leisurely walk around the grounds where Rebecca talked about how there’s very little ‘chi’ (energy or life force) in
the city, whereas the trees are full of it.
“It’s not about doing your 10,000 steps but taking your time to absorb your surroundings” she told us.
We didn’t exactly hug a tree but we did touch some plants and she encouraged us to listen to the birdsong as we walked towards the lake.
It was a glorious afternoon and the June sun was shining so Ann and I got the full benefit of being outside – but we just walked and chatted and I felt the session could have been a bit more structured.
Some meditating outside would have been quite welcome.
“Some people think forest bathing is doing yoga poses outdoors,” Rebecca told us, “but it’s not that.”
After our session we had time to enjoy the beautiful spa – so that new swimming costume didn’t go to waste. We had a relaxing swim, then soaked in the soothing bubbles of the large outdoor hot tub, admiring the beautifully manicured grounds.
Later, my aptly named Drift Away full body massage (£75 for 55 minutes) was fantastic. As my limbs were de-stressed with a soothing mix of frankincense, lavender and patchouli, I felt totally relaxed.
Then it was back to our room to change for dinner. From our window an idyllic scene lay before us – young bridesmaids were playing in the grounds on a tree swing and beyond was the twinkling lake and rolling hills. I could see why the hall is a popular wedding venue.
Our room was large and comfortable with decor that matched the house but was not chintzy at all.
The bathroom was big and modern with a TV in the wall so you could have a leisurely soak while watching your favourite programme.
Dinner was in the Lake View restaurant which, as the name suggests, takes full advantages of the hotel’s picture perfect setting.
Dress code was smart with no blue jeans or trainers allowed, and it was fine dining but not pretentious, with locally sourced ingredients where possible.
We started with crispy cod cheeks with a pea veloute; and beetroot cured salmon; followed by mains of fillet of pork and braised cheek with raisin puree; and sea trout in miso mussel cream with asparagus.
Our dishes were on the small side but perfectly cooked and delicious and meant we had room for dessert.
We shared a moreish chocolate
ganache and pistachio and polenta cake.
After dinner we retired to the rather glamorous cocktail bar for our coffee and petit fours. This is a gorgeous room, all heavy drapes and plush velvet chairs with a dazzling array of bottles on display.
The knowledgeable bartender ran through a few cocktails for us and we enjoyed a couple as a nightcap.
After a buffet-style hot breakfast in the same dining room in the morning, we packed up ready to return to the urban jungle of our city lives.
However, I did make a resolution to take more time to appreciate the green spaces on my doorstep and leaf all my troubles behind.