8 of the best spirit-lifting escapes
Whether it’s contemplating the size of the universe or walking on a glacier untouched by civilization, these exhilarating adventures aim to restore the childlike sense of joy in all of us. By DELILAH KHOMO
ROUTE TO THE SOLE Tanzania
Alex Walker’s life-changing ‘Route To The Sole’ journey is about being close to nature, following the herds on foot through the wilderness of the Serengeti. By night, you’ll sleep under the stars in ‘fly camps’; by day, Walker – who has learned straight from the source with tribal huntsmen and trackers – will reveal all the secrets, smells and sounds of the bush. serian.com
NATURAL HIGH SAFARIS Morocco
The Kik Plateau is an area rarely visited by tourists and almost biblical in its unchanged pace of life. Natural High Safaris specializes in exploring off-the-beaten-track hikes like this in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains and deserts, where they set up private berber camps or organize bespoke safaris. naturalhighsafaris.com
SÃO LOURENÇO DO BARROCAL Portugal
It’s common to experience an epiphany after star-gazing at this new farmhouse hotel in the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve. With its zero-light pollution, low-level latitude (38º N) and the reflective qualities of the Great Alqueva Lake, it’s the ideal environment for astronomical contemplations, especially on a full-moon horse ride through the estate. Another highlight is the detox treatment in the Susanne Kauffmann Spa, which combines acupressure, alkali salt baths and hot-oil massage. barrocal.pt
BELLA’S MAGIC MOUNTAINS The Himalayas
There’s nothing like scaling the peaks of a mountain to guarantee the endorphin high of your life, as part of British health coach Bella Somerset’s 16-day treks in the Himalayan mountains. The sense of achievement of crossing the rooftop of the world not only helps jump-start your health but induces you into a level of nirvana-like calm. bellasmagicmountains.com
ULTIMA THULE Alaska
A lifetime would not be enough to explore Alaska, the land that time forgot, but Ultima Thule’s ‘wing safaris’ can give you access to the wild, rugged landscape like no other. Kayak down salmon rivers in the high alpine Tundra, picnic on wild beaches, trek with Kodiak bears and fly across giant glaciers for an adventure miles from civilization. naturalworldsafaris.com
TRASIERRA Spain
With jasmine climbing up the white stone walls and a garden crammed with old roses and lavender, this bucolic Andalusian hideaway offers one of the best places to navel gaze, especially during one of Amber Scott and Advaya Initiative’s yoga and meditation weeks, which are available to all ages and levels and take place in the ancient olive groves on this sprawling estate. As part of the program, there are also visiting healers and local masseuses on hand to offer a more holistic experience. advayainitiative.com
ALTO PARAISO Brazil
Take the most exhilarating shower of your life in one of the dramatic waterfalls in the Chapada dos Veadeiros mountain range, near the Brazilian settlement of Alto Paraiso. The area draws spiritual globetrotters and privileged nomads for its wildly beautiful, unspoiled surroundings and shamanic ceremonies. amazonadventures.com
COLLECTIVE RETREAT, HUDSON VALLEY New York
Feel the soil beneath your fingertips: it’s a proven fact that sticking your hands in the earth, gardening, weeding and planting seeds instantly calms your mind. As part of the farm-to-table movement, city slickers are now eschewing country mansion weekends for ‘farm-stay’ retreats like this. Recently opened on a 310-acre working farm, it offers hay raking, horse grooming, hiking, biking, riding and fishing. collectiveretreats.com