New Heights

It’s a truth in travel that the more you wander, the more you wonder. Nothing sparks curiosity more than immersing in a new culture, except perhaps wrapping up that experience with a feel-good wellbeing therapy.

There’s something about the ancient wisdoms of a culture’s spa heritage that consolidates thoughts and cements memories at a deeper level. Bhutan is a destination where it’s almost impossible not to stumble across the profound, making Como Uma Paro in the ethereal Paro Valley the perfect place for some quality introspection. It offers many meaningful encounters including the chance to join Buddhist monks, some as young as six, others well into their eighties, to practice meditation.

Africa offers a more physical portal into the natural world. At the fabulously remote Xigera Safari Lodge in Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve, you can spot rhino from your bedroom balcony, watch baby elephants from the bar and paddle in traditional wooden mokoro canoes. While admiring eagles soaring overhead, you can master the necessary composure for when the river’s other residents make an appearance including, very possibly, a hippo popping up inches from your boat. Being this close to wild animals brings an unbeatable sense of awe and euphoria.

The arrival at Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman is no less breathtaking. There’s the standard 4×4 airport transfer but the intrepid enter the resort by paraglider. Floating silently over the jagged, arid Al Hajar mountains brings a fresh and thrilling perspective on the resilience of the people living in such a beautiful but harsh environment.

In contrast, the Cambodian rainforest positively throbs with fertile energy. At Shinta Mani Wild in the Cardamom Mountains, you’re in the thick of it. Hearing about the country’s history on jungle hikes will humble you, the optimism of Cambodians will inspire you and you can process your tumble of emotions during riverside yoga, breathwork and meditation.

For quiet contemplation, mighty Norway has few equals. This is a big country of majestic mountains and mysterious fjords. Hotel Union Øye, once a favourite with Victorian explorers, has a floating, glass-fronted sauna where you can heat up before cooling down in the icy waters of Hjørundfjorden, breathing in pure, pine-scented air. You’ll feel soothed by nature into a state of elemental contentment and connection.

1. Bertioli water meadow breathing balm: The scent of water mint and English apple blossom transports you instantly to the tranquil bank of a rippling river, and creates a deep sense of calmness and clarity. bertioli.co.uk
2. Ishga seaweed bath: Recreate the liberating sensation of sea swimming, with enriching hand-harvested seaweed and sea salts, accompanied by a QR code to scan for a relaxing soundscape of the wild seas. uk.ishga.com
3. Irene Forte hibiscus night cream: Powerful hibiscus seed neuropeptides have a rejuvenating effect on your skin, but this cream’s sensuous floral scent also plays its part by evoking the joy of Mediterranean summers. ireneforteskincare.co.uk
4. Mauli Rituals Sacred Union scent & dry oil: Its bouquet of lime, blood orange, jasmine and rose damascene is a Tardis taking you back to exotic climes – as does the sacred mauli thread with three bells to tie on your wrist, that comes with every bottle. maulirituals.com
5. Verden Herbanum scented candle: Even if you’re slap bang in the middle of a city, light this candle, close your eyes and you’ll feel like you’re in a field of fresh herbs and wild grasses.