Forest Bathing
A sensory wellness experience
“Nature therapy is natural, non-invasive, and takes advantage of a quality our bodies already possess: adaptation to Nature”
Yoshifumi Miyazaki, Shinrin-yoku
My dedication to Forest Bathing was born of the sensations the forest awakened in me when I would simply walk and take in the comfort it offered. I felt that this sense of wonder, this state of serenity, deserved to be shared with you. The Serra da Malcata gave me that identity and offers today the ideal setting for my immersions, whether among the trees or by the water’s edge.
Forest Bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is not an interpretive or hurried walk, but a sensory experience of health and wellbeing. It is an invitation to an intimate dialogue with your inner self, and to forming bonds with Nature that are both affective and effective, through the senses.
Forest Bathing adapts to the place and to the season. What never changes is the essence: walking slowly, listening, touching, breathing. What changes is the setting around you.
Among the trees
The classic immersion, in the woodlands surrounding the mountain, among oaks, cork oaks and the murmur of leaves. Green silence in its purest form.
By the water — Wild Blue
When the heat invites it, the immersion takes place along the streams that flow down from Malcata. Water becomes the thread that guides the senses: the coolness, the sound of the current, the glint of light on the surface. The same slowing down, in a blue key.
With water tastings or infusions
Some immersions close with a sensory tasting — a water tasting or an infusion of local plants. A final gesture of attention, in which taste prolongs what the other senses have awakened.
We talk before each experience so you can choose the setting that suits you best.
The scientific community confirms what your instinct already knows, the practice of Forest Bathing brings benefits to human health. By allowing yourself this pause in Serra da Malcata area, you are investing in your physical and mental health through:
- Lower the blood pressure;
- Recover from physiological stress;
- Ease mental fatigue;
- Strengthen your self-esteem;
- Boost your immune system;
- And rediscover a wellbeing that lingers long after you leave the forest.
I invite you to savour this quintessence that green and blue environments offer you, and to notice the sensations of a lasting, deeply personal wellbeing.
It will be a pleasure to guide you!🌿
Words from those who have walked in Nature, from the Heart!
Maria Perez de Arenaza
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5/5 (Published in Google Maps)
“I had been wanting to try my first Forest Bathing for some time, and the chance came to do it with a travelling family. It was a wonderful experience, because it makes you fully aware of the place you are in (…)
(…) It draws you to notice and touch the bark of the trees, to look at the horizon and at what is close by, to listen to the sounds of the air, the birds, the stream and the leaf-covered ground — it makes you part of the surroundings. A real delight, and thank you, Tiago, for your sensitivity and your gift for observation. We felt completely at ease. And the guided walk through the beautiful historic village of Sortelha was a pleasure, where we enjoyed a water tasting beside the fortress. A whole world to discover!”
(translated from Spanish)
Filipe Marques
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5/5 (Publicado no Google Maps)
“The forest bathing was an experience I fully recommend.
The session was well led. Even though I was recovering from a broken rib, Tiago adapted the session and helped me whenever I needed it, (…)
allowing me to fully enjoy the meditation with my group, without compromising their experience.
During the session, we became aware of the tensions we carry from everyday life, and we all ended up relaxed, in communion with nature and in a wonderful state of mind!”
(translated from Portuguese)
– FAQ about Forest Therapy –
What is Forest Bathing?
The term Forest Bathing is metaphorical and comes from the literal translation of shinrin-yoku, of Japanese origin. It means immersing yourself in the biodiversity of the forest through the senses. It is not a physical bath, although water may be part of the setting, especially in the Wild Blue variant, by the streams.
What is the difference between the immersion among the trees and Wild Blue?
The essence is the same: a guided sensory immersion. What changes is the setting — in the woods, green takes the lead; in Wild Blue, it is the water flowing down from the mountain. We choose together, according to the season and to what you feel like experiencing.
Will I get into the water? Do I need to know how to swim?
Only if you choose the Wild Blue variant, and it is designed for you to be in safe, shallow areas and at your own pace. It is never mandatory and you do not need to know how to swim. If you prefer to stay on the bank, the experience remains whole.
Do I need to be physically fit?
No. Unlike a “conventional” walk in Nature, Forest Bathing is a slow, sensory practice. Distances are short (no more than 2 km) and we stop several times along the way. The focus is on slowing down and on your own rhythm, not on effort.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable clothing suited to the season. Footwear should be closed, with good grip. Don’t forget to bring water and insect repellent (especially in the warmer months). A towel is always good company in the Wild Blue variant.
Can the experience be cancelled due to weather conditions?
The experiences are designed and adapted for both sunny and rainy days. Rain changes the forest’s scent, sound and texture, and is often the most beautiful version of this immersion. That said, the experience may be cancelled in the event of a weather warning or an alert from the authorities (high fire risk, strong winds or thunderstorms).
Is the experience held inside the Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve?
No. The experiences take place on the edge of the Reserve, in freely accessible areas. The Nature Reserve holds a specific protection status, which I fully respect — and it is precisely that care which keeps intact the silence you came to find.
Who takes part in this experience?
The experience is exclusively yours, and for whoever you wish to bring along to share it with you.
Is the experience pet friendly?
Your furry companion (or companions) is always welcome to enjoy this moment with you!
How do I book my immersion?
Click on «Book and ground yourself» and I will reply as soon as possible. You are also welcome to send me your questions and I will gladly answer them. You can also write to malcataecoexperience@outlook.com
