At Skylonda Lodge, we believe nature is the best medicine.

And for good reason.  Scientific research has shown time and time again that immersive experiences in nature have mental and physical health benefits that we can measure.  Even better, the health benefits of spending time in nature directly attend to many of the well-being issues we face in the modern world, like fatigued and stressed attention spans, low energy levels, and high stress.  

A quick list of some of the health benefits from spending time in nature helps paint the picture.  Immersive time in nature results in:

• Boost immune system
• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces stress
• Improves mood
• Increases ability to focus even in children with ADHD
• Accelerates recovery from surgery or illness
• Increases energy level
• Improves Sleep

Developing new language for health.

Not only do we have a deeper scientific understanding of the health benefits of spending time in nature, but we are also developing new language for how we communicate that amongst ourselves and our communities.  

Ecotherapy, nature deficit disorder and forest baths are becoming common tongue in all kinds of medical, health, and therapy circles of across the world.   More than ever before, a unified respect and understanding of the healing quality of time in nature is now part of our modern, global culture.

In their  “The Health Benefits of Going Outside” feature, Dr. James Hablin (host of “If Our Bodies Could Talk“) and The Atlantic explore this phenomenon.   Throughout the feature, they engage with and experience the practice of ecotherapy, an emerging approach to self-care that aims to help rebuild our relationships with nature–and improve mental and physical health.

We are here to help.

An EPA study found that Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.  Immersive experiences in nature, like forest bathing, are an effective, healthy response to the stressed and overactive life.  Forest bathing refers to “the practice of spending prolonged periods of time with trees in order to gain from their many health benefits”. 

Our wellness retreats are built on principles that value experience in nature and this give us confidence that they will be of benefit to all who visit us.  We help you reserve space in your life for healthy experiences in nature, disconnected from the obligations day-to-day life.  

Regardless where you are on the path to health, time with nature has something positive to offer you.  We look forward to walking the trails with you.