8 Exceptional Nature Escapes to Rejuvenate Your Soul This Year
Imagine swimming alongside penguins, parrotfish, and sea lions in crystal waters. Trek to a primordial boiling lake. Or join efforts to protect rhinos. Nature beckons with its timeless allure. As Aristotle wisely noted, "In all things of nature, there is something marvelous." Contemporary science reinforces this: A landmark University of East Anglia study—one of the most comprehensive to date—demonstrates that regular nature exposure significantly reduces risks of type 2 diabetes, preterm birth, and premature death. While any natural retreat offers benefits, here are eight standout destinations for this year.
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Dominica
Nearly two years after Hurricane Maria's devastation, resilient Dominica welcomes adventurers anew. Far from typical beach lounging, this volcanic paradise brims with waterfalls, hot springs, and geothermal wonders. Craft your itinerary: Hike lush rainforests to Emerald Pool's turquoise waters and 40-foot cascade, or the steamy Boiling Lake; delve into Titou Gorge's enigmatic caverns; snorkel Champagne Reef's effervescent vents. Recharge at new luxury eco-resorts. Rebuilt Jungle Bay Eco Villas offers 60 villas amid lush gardens, yoga studios, an infinity pool, and a natural spa. Secret Bay's six sustainable villas feature plunge pools and private chefs. Watch for the upcoming Residences at Secret Bay, 42 luxury villas in development.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana elevates its outdoor profile with the newly designated Indiana Dunes National Park—its first national park, just 50 miles from Chicago. Spanning 15,000 acres along Lake Michigan, it hosts 352 bird species, 46 mammals, 23 reptiles, 71 fish, and 60 butterflies (identified to date). Explore beaches, forested dunes, oak savannas, and prairies via hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Camp at one of 67 sites or stay nearby at the historic Valparaiso Inn, 20 minutes south.
Tofino, B.C.
Nestled on Vancouver Island's wild west coast in Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation territory, Tofino adjoins the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve—home to ancient rainforests, wildlife estuaries, and hidden inlets. Prime for surfing, hiking, kayaking, and canoeing, it's also famed for storm-watching season. The culinary scene shines: At Tofino Resort & Marina, Top Chef Canada winner's 1909 Kitchen serves wood-fired pizzas, seawater potatoes with seaweed salsa, or your fresh catch. Packages include 20-hour fishing and chef-prepared dinners. Sample Tofino Craft Distillery's vodka, gin, or Psychedelic Jellyfish Absinthe. Favorites: Tofino Brewing Company's Kelp Stout and Picnic Charcuterie's sea salami.
Colorado's 10th Mountain Division Huts
Colorado's 10th Mountain Division Hut Association expands with three upscale huts along 350 miles of U.S. Forest Service trails. Equipped with beds, cooking gear, and sometimes saunas (solar-powered amenities standard), they offer backcountry luxury. Thelma Hut features photovoltaic power, solar heat, floor-to-ceiling views, and caretaker dinners for eight. Red Mountain Alpine Lodge provides chef meals, tavern, WiFi, showers, and flushing toilets. Winter-only Sisters Cabin sleeps 14 with solar power. Book via lottery—demand is high.
The Galapagos
Encounter prehistoric wonders aboard Ecoventura's Theory, a Relais & Châteaux yacht (one of two in the Galapagos). With 10 sustainable staterooms, lounge, dining, and gym, the sundeck steals the show: daybeds, hammocks, outdoor shower, BBQ, wet bar. Join 19 guests max and two naturalist guides for intimate encounters with giant tortoises, iguanas, hammerheads, boobies, parrotfish, sea lions, and equatorial penguins. Snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, or cruise via Zodiac. Glass-bottom boats reveal marine life. Onboard, savor sustainable Ecuadorian cuisine and chilled beers.
Paparoa Track, New Zealand
New Zealand's 10th Great Walk, the Paparoa Track, opens (debut December)—the first in 25+ years. This 34-mile trail (3 days hiking, 2 biking) follows the Pororari River into Paparoa National Park's limestone gorges, rainforests, and Pancake Rocks. New huts require fees; trail is free. Book soon from Blackball, home to quirky Formerly the Blackball Hilton.
The Gray Barn and Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, NY
The Gray Barn at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary offers a serene 150-acre haven: goat pastures, eco-inn, vegan breakfasts. Proceeds aid rescued animals. Relax on private terraces amid baa's and moos, or hike/climb Shawangunk (Gunks) foothills.
Thanda Safari Research & Volunteer Program, South Africa
Ages 18+, join Thanda Safari's 2- or 4-week programs in Zululand: data collection, school visits, tracking, Big Five walks, stargazing. Costs: ~$1,465 (2 weeks), $2,315 (4 weeks)—includes thatched chalet at Intibane Centre, meals, activities, Ulwazi shirt.
