HARNESSING THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE

We all know that nature has a healing power. Simply by going outside for some fresh air can reset our mood, calm our tense nervous system and give us the much-needed benefits of regular exercise. What is new is the rise in wellness packages including nature-based experiences as part of their offerings.

This shift could be down to an increase in technology and digitalisation leading to a yearning to ‘switch off’ from the influx of notifications, it could also be down to our preferences changing – many of us work from home and need time away from the screen and more time with others, and perhaps with the advancement of AI, we are all longing for basic human and nature connection – elements we may unknowingly deprive ourselves of in favour of what is swift, easy and efficient.

Synergy is an example of a luxury trade show exactly for the purpose of bringing together wellness entrepreneurs and its theme for 2026 is ‘the healing power of nature’. This exciting opportunity is a three-day event focused on industry-related talks, seminars, networking parties and wonderful wellbeing treats such as yoga, cold therapy and mindful walking.

The retreat show hosts a number of renowned and specialist Speakers including global wellness creative director, and founder of the award-winning Barre Series method Catie Miller with her focus on a low-impact, muscle-sculpting workout that blends ballet, Pilates, and functional movement, and for the gents looking for a huddle, founder of Soul Degree LLC, Christopher Robbins with his Huddle retreat, a 10-week online gathering for men looking to discover and weave more meaning and connection into our lives. Founders-Director, Pranic Healer & Author Sharmilee Agrawal Kapur are also present. This is all happening in Croatia in September and October this year. You may explore their website for more information and to book.

It is important that as human beings, we have wild spaces to explore and be ourselves. Often, we can become caught up in social bubbles, thought loops and technological wormholes that we do not spend enough time simply being in nature, in the outdoors. It is in this ‘wild’ state that we can truly let go, allow our nervous system to relax and come to a place of calm.

From this state that we can fully heal ourselves – often mentally and physically from various stress-related afflictions. These may arise from burnout or just over-extending ourselves in multiple directions, wearing multiple ‘hats’ and spinning plates, so to speak.

It’s about Regulation, Renewal, and the Call of the Wild

Jessica Brainch, Registered Psychologist and Founder of Find Your Wild, explains: ‘We cannot be well if our systems do not know how to experience safety. It is always step one. With guidance, and with wild spaces as our companion, guests have the opportunity to invite a state of regulation into their nervous systems.’

She adds: ‘Spending time with nature brings us into the ecosystem in which we are designed to belong. When we are with nature, our systems respond to this inescapable and intimate relationship.’ The science underlying nature based wellness is well established. Studies published in Frontiers in Psychology (2019) show that as little as 20 minutes in a natural environment can significantly reduce cortisol levels, while the World Health Organisation has highlighted the role of green spaces in supporting mental and physical health.

Beyond this, nature is increasingly understood to support something more foundational, nervous system regulation. A further advantage to the upsurge in nature wellbeing packages is that there is less impact on the planet – people can experience luxury in a relatively climate-friendly way. The Global Wellness Institute estimates wellness tourism expenditures reached nearly $894 billion in 2024, reflecting growing demand for travel experiences linked to wellbeing. Nature-led offerings often require less built infrastructure while delivering high perceived value and experiences.

There is a rise in niche retreats across the world, highlighting a growing need for people to connect to experiences which are meaningful to them. Laura Montesanti, Founder and Managing Director of Synergy – The Retreat Show, said: ‘Adventure and ‘freedom retreats’ are surging; journeys that blend movement, nature, and self-discovery, tapping into our deep need to feel alive and untethered’.

Other interesting examples across the globe include wellness safaris, the Londolozi Healing House Retreat and Our Habitas Namibia and even wellness farms here in the United Kingdom such as Lopemede Farm in Oxforshire which focuses on the community aspect too – with all experiences which place wildlife at their centre. Activities include sound baths, meditations and women’s empowerment events. Engaging with nature in these various and intriguing ways is important as the need increases to maintain our planet’s health, as well as our own wellbeing and mental health.

Freedom and the desire to embody the wild side of our human nature are psychological needs that we all have particularly in ages of restriction, burnout, an increase in screen-based activities and technological work. The rise of technology naturally leads us to want to return to our essential nature – our wild and free, natural selves. So that we can return oxygenated, rejuvenated and ready to surge into our projects with more vitality, and hopefully be doing work that we feel connected to in an embodied and wholesome way – our life’s work.

So that we can return oxygenated, rejuvenated and ready to surge into our projects with more vitality, and hopefully be doing work that we feel connected to in an embodied and wholesome way – our life’s work.

The rise of nature-related wellbeing experiences as preferred alternatives to a sunny weekend in a warm place staying in a hotel with a pool is perhaps due to a change in attitude and needs. We are seeking more than the ideal or a ‘paradise’ in the form of a swimming pool and sunbathing than we once used to hold to – we are now turning towards ‘emotion-based’ travel – we want to feel something, be positively changed and illuminated so that we can bring this energy and vitality into our lives. Many of us wish to connect on a deeper level with ourselves, with each other and with nature. What better way to do this than to experience a retreat with wellness at its heart?

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