Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa has launched a new guided two hour Forest Bathing Experience which invites participants to slow down and explore nature’s sensory and mindful elements. Set in the luxury hotel’s 400 acres of deer park and woodlands, the Experience was conceived in response to increasing demand from consumers for services that enable a deeper connection with nature. The new guided experiences have been designed to mentally, emotionally restore and support the recovery and rehabilitation from many of life’s challenges.
Led by one of the hotel’s accredited forest bathing guides, Delyth Johnson and Jen Grange, the two-hour session sees guests leave their worries behind and return feeling renewed, rejuvenated and deeply relaxed.
The Forest Bathing Experience starts with a walk through an archway of trees encouraging guests to leave their worries behind and embark on a journey of the senses like no other.
The session begins with meditation in which guests will have a chance to lay down their minds and imagine growing their own roots to become part of the forest, taking note of anything that captures their attention. Throughout the experience, participants will be guided through an exploration of taste, sense, movement and slowing down. The guides are designed to encourage participants to focus on the art of reflection, immersing and connecting themselves more deeply with nature. Patterns and weather will be explored and then thoughts and feelings shared through sharing circles which are based on ancient values where there is no hierarchy nor judgement, leaving each person open to new thoughts and prospects.
Participants will see how nature becomes a metaphor for change. Emerging from the forest into the open space and light, there is a shifting of energy and appreciation.
The session closes with a tea ceremony where guests can reflect and enjoy their new lighter sense of wellbeing.
The Forest Bathing Guides
Delyth Johnson grew up in the countryside and after living a hectic life in London for 20 years, she returned to Cumbria and her love of nature. Delyth is an experienced healer and nutritionist as well as a Forest Bathing Guide.
Jen Grange holds a master’s degree in Environmental Science and now works with the land to heal people through nature. Jen is also a mindfulness teach as well as a Forest Bathing Guide.
Speaking of her experience, Jen says: “Nature is a wonderful place to relax and heal; in the forest there is no judgement, just acceptance and space to breathe”.
A spokesperson for Armathwaite Hall said: “According to the findings of a study published in Frontiers of Psychology*, just 20 minutes spent in nature will significantly lower your stress hormone levels. The Japanese have long been practicing Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing which could have some part to play in their longevity; and in the UK during lockdown, we have seen more and more people turn to nature to boost their mental health and wellbeing.”
The Two Hour Forest bathing experience at Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa costs £110 per person (based on a minimum of two people booking). The Two Night Forest Bathing Spa Break at Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa starts from £395 per person (based on a minimum of two people in a standard room) and includes 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast, a 55 minute treatment in the Spa for each individual guest and the 2-hour forest bathing experience including Tea Ceremony.
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