Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku in Japanese) is more than just a walk in the woods. Developed in Japan in the 1980s, it is a conscious, sensory practice of full immersion in nature, which is believed to have healing properties. In fact, when this practice is combined with exquisite architecture, it becomes an experience that calms the mind, reconnects us with our environment, and restores balance within us.

Around the world, some retreats have been specifically designed to make “swimming in the forest” not only an activity, but also the main attraction.

Fungzen Forest Healing Resort, Hangzhou, China
On the outskirts of Hangzhou’s mountainous forests, the Fungzen Forest Healing Resort offers a holistic experience where architecture and nature are inseparable. Designed by TAOA, the resort has a butterfly shape that extends along the hillsides, allowing natural elements to flow through courtyards and interior spaces.

Material authenticity: Warm wood, open spaces, and natural textures enhance the feeling of immersion in the surrounding forest. Floor-to-ceiling glass facades and skylights allow the forest to penetrate every room, creating a strong connection with the outdoors.

Shishi-Iwa House, Karuizawa, Japan
Hidden within the misty forests of Karuizawa, the Shishi-Iwa House is a masterful blend of light, wood, and nature. Designed by Shigeru Ban and Ryue Nishizawa, the retreat sits among more than 250 trees, including evergreens, Japanese maples, and cherry trees. Rather than clearing the land, the buildings are woven around the existing trees. Balconies and rooms are strategically positioned to preserve and showcase the forest.

Using natural materials, large windows, and luminous interiors, the design blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, inviting guests to experience nature up close. Here, forest bathing is not a visit — it is the stay itself. Guests awaken to the rustle of leaves and the sunlight.

Vigilius Mountain Resort, Italy
Perched high in the Italian Alps, the Vigilius Mountain Resort demonstrates that even alpine forests can offer profound rejuvenating benefits. Designed by Matteo Thun, the resort harmoniously blends with the landscape, using local larch wood, stone, and clay.

From a distance, the buildings merge with the forest, reflecting its colors and textures. The spa, sauna, and shared spaces encourage calm and reflection, while maintaining a deep connection with the surrounding forest.

Sjöparken Retreat, Haaland, Sweden
The Sjöparken Retreat offers an immersion in the forest beside the lake with Scandinavian minimalism and refined craftsmanship. Designed by NORM Architects, the retreat’s villas are clustered among beech forests, overlooking tranquil waters. Glass corridors and large windows ensure constant contact with the forest and the lake.

Oak, stone, and detailed woodwork create a tangible connection to the environment, while private pools, in-room saunas, and direct access to the outdoors make connecting with nature effortless. Sjöparken shows that “forest bathing” is not just about the trees—it is about light, water, air, and the rhythm of life in nature.

MANNA, Arcadia, Greece
On Mount Mainalo in Arcadia, at an altitude of 1,200 m, the MANNA Hotel offers a rare combination of historic architecture and pristine nature. The renovated stone building, once a sanatorium in the 1920s, is now surrounded by dense fir forests. Its design preserves the history of the monument while introducing warm, natural materials — stone, chestnut beams, and wool textiles — that reflect the surrounding landscape. Large windows and subtle verandas frame the forest like living works of art, ensuring guests are always visually and spatially connected to nature.

This setting makes MANNA a natural haven for “forest therapy.” The mountain’s pure air, the scent of fir trees, and the gentle sounds of wind and birds create an environment that touches all the senses. Guests are invited to wander along forest trails, pause at glades, or simply sit in stillness, gazing at the landscape from their rooms. Combined with wellness facilities such as the cave pool, hammam, and sauna, the experience fosters deep relaxation and mindfulness.