7 Biophilic Immersion Retreats for a Transformative Summer
- Unearthed Team
- May 27
- 4 min read
There may be a point in our lives (imagine being deep in the forest, barefoot on moss, sun flickering through green canopies) when something ancient stirs inside and your breath slows. You may be accustomed to meditation or mindful breathing but even if you’re not, sometimes we each get a moment where we feel the most present. You remember you are not outside of nature, but of it. This is biophilia: a human’s innate craving to connect with the living world. This summer, it’s no longer just a wellness trend, it’s a full-body, full-spirit revolution.
From wildflower meadows in Portugal to rainforest sanctuaries in Sri Lanka, these seven biophilic immersion retreats offer us a chance to reconnect with nature.
Vibe: Rustic soul revival
Located in Portugal’s golden south, Pachamama unfolds across 40 hectares of cork forest, olive groves, and wildflowers. Solar-powered cabins blend surpassingly well into the landscape, where yoga, wild swimming, and foraging workshops take up most of the daily routine. Evenings end with herbal teas and stargazing sessions under ink-black skies. This is slow living, but even more grounded (if that is even possible).
IT STANDS OUT: Pachamama offers an authentic off-grid experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves fully in nature without distractions.
Vibe: Jungle-clad luxury wellness sanctuary
Nestled in the heart of Bali's lush jungle, Como Shambhala Estate offers a holistic wellness experience that blends luxury with nature. Set on a 23-acre estate along the sacred Ayung River, the retreat features personalised wellness programs that include yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic treatments, and nutrition counselling. The estate's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of natural materials and integration with the environment.
IT STANDS OUT: Como Shambhala Estate's unique integration of personalised wellness programs with its immersive natural setting offers guests a uniquely transformative experience.
Vibe: Alpine awakening
Set between glacial lakes and snow-tipped peaks, Aro Hā is where biophilia meets biohacking. The program can definitely be described as intense (pre-dawn yoga, silent hikes, fermented foods, lymphatic massage) but the effects will mirror the same kind of intensity. By day three, most guests report crying from joy. Or simply awe.
IT STANDS OUT: Aro Hā's commitment to sustainability, including its off-grid energy systems and permaculture gardens, complements the whole transformative program.
Vibe: Elevated nature reverence
Sitting at a whopping 1,800 meters in the Dolomites, Forestis is a masterclass in modern alpine healing. Every suite has panoramic views (and they have a villa that fits ten people). The spa follows Celtic Tree Circle rituals and the days are structured around elemental immersion — water, air, fire, earth. The meals follow a seasonal plant-based cuisine and let’s not forget the location in the Dolomites.
IT STANDS OUT: Forestis seamlessly blends luxury with eco-conscious design all in a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Vibe: Jungle healing
Tucked between mangroves and the Indian Ocean, Sen is a bamboo-built Ayurvedic retreat where listening to the monkeys chatter becomes a norm. Oh, and peacocks strut through open-air corridors. Each stay includes an Ayurvedic diagnosis, daily treatments, breath-work, and meditation, all attuned to the body's cycles. The best part: sea turtles nest on the nearby beach.
IT STANDS OUT: Sen Wellness Sanctuary offers a unique blend of traditional Ayurvedic healing and immersive nature experiences, fostering deep rejuvenation.
Vibe: Regenerative retreat
Above and beyond being a retreat, 42 Acres is a working regenerative farm and eco-conscious community. Stay in off-grid cabins, feast on fire-cooked meals, and join rewilding walks or breath-led circles among ancient oak woods. There are also 173 acres of ancient forest which surrounds the area and depending on the season, you can even pick apples.
IT STANDS OUT: 42 Acres integrates sustainable living practices with wellness, providing guests with hands-on experiences in permaculture.
Vibe: Family-friendly eco-education
For those traveling with children or curious about conscious community living, the Green School Experience offers short-term immersion into their bamboo campus and biophilic curriculum. Days include forest learning, community meals, river bathing, and cultural exchange. Adults can join in too in the wellness and sustainability workshops.
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