It can happen in a forest, on a beach, in a place of worship, at an ancient monument – that moment when you suddenly feel deeply connected to something beyond yourself. Perhaps you sense an echo of your ancestors, or feel the thrumming life force of the natural world. Maybe, for an instant, your heart swells with knowledge of the divine.
Some may say that such an experience can’t be sought out, but we beg to differ. Certain places do, in fact, lend themselves to brushes with the numinous, places mysteriously endowed with the power to move the soul and even change your perspectives entirely – if you’re open to it.
Anyone who has gone for a stroll in a park on a particularly stressful day will know first-hand the powerful, almost supernatural healing properties of simply being in nature. The fresh air, the birdsong, the calming greenery – it invites quiet contemplation and deep introspection, which can result in a clearer mind and perhaps a clearer path forward. And if you ponder long enough or allow your mind to wander a bit further, sometimes you might just touch something even more profound.
The Datai
For a stronger dose of the same medicine, leave civilisation behind entirely and embrace life among nature – at least for a little while. Backed by a thick tangle of ten-million-year-old virgin rainforest and overlooking a secluded blue bay, The Datai, an Arc Circle partner, is situated on an isolated section of a verdant island – Malaysia’s exquisite Langkawi – and offers close proximity to nature without sacrificing creature comforts. From the indoor-outdoor architecture to the spa treatments centring on native healing plants, as well as the extensive programme of nature experiences with resident naturalist Irshad Mobarak, every aspect of this luxury Robinson Crusoe outpost is designed to be in full harmony with the surrounding nature – and you will be, too.
What is it about deserts that beckons to soul-searchers? Perhaps it’s the vast, desolate expanses that evoke nature’s indifference to the human plight, or the defiant flora and fauna which remind us that life always finds a way. Maybe it’s the epically star-studded night skies that invite you to contemplate your place in the cosmos. Then again, it could simply be down to the strange beauty of it all.
Miraval Arizona
Arizona’s Santa Catalina Mountains provide one such ruggedly majestic backdrop, presided over by imposing craggy peaks, guarded by towering saguaro cacti and patrolled by more than 150 endemic species of bird. Nestled unobtrusively into these ethereal surrounds are two standout retreats: Miraval Arizona and Canyon Ranch Tuscon. Both offer fastidious pampering in luxurious accommodations, but each boasts its own highly unique addition to the booming local wellness scene. At Canyon Ranch, it’s the Life Enhancement Center, which promises to help guests achieve, well, life enhancement on just about every metric, from the physical (fitness, nutrition) to the emotional (therapy, group discussions). At Miraval, it’s the award-winning equine programme that pairs human with horse for surprisingly transformative experiences that can be meditative, healing and spiritual – some have even gone so far as to say “life-changing”.
A bustling modern city with millions of inhabitants is hardly a place you might expect to find your mystical awakening, but cities can amaze you – and Kyoto in particular is full of surprises. The ancient Japanese capital is also the country’s spiritual epicentre, home to some 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, each more beautiful and soothing than the next. What’s more, Kyoto is the beating heart of traditional Japanese culture, which seemingly ascribes to the motto that anything worth doing is worth doing with religious levels of contemplation and precision. Arranging flowers, drinking tea, wrapping gifts, even repairing damaged pottery – there’s an art form for that, often with a complementary philosophy on life and the human condition.
Aman Kyoto
Immerse yourself in the treasures of this ancient city at Aman Kyoto, an urban oasis blending luxury and wellness in an exclusive secret garden setting. A temple of tradition as much as it is a sanctuary of healing, the resort pays homage to local culture and customs in its architecture and offerings, from the open-air onsen fed by the resort’s own natural spring water, to its spa specialising in shiatsu massage, its culinary programme by Chef Koji Mita (formerly of Tokyo’s 3 Michelin-star Kichisen) and its aesthetic inspired by traditional ryokan inns. The ideal place to find tranquility – and perhaps yourself – in one of the world’s most transcendent cities.
There’s nothing like taking to the open seas to make one feel insignificant and powerless in the face of nature, yet also fully in tune with its rhythms and at peace with its whims. But forget about cruising on a mega-yacht; to confront the raw forces of the ocean and appreciate its wild treasures, you’ll need to get up close and personal.
The Alila Purnama
There’s no more perfect vessel for such an endeavour than the Arc Circle partner Alila Purnama, a traditional yet luxurious hand-built Phinisi boat that roams the waters of Indonesia’s Flores Sea at your command. In secret bays where emerald isles rise from pristine waters like the backs of slumbering dragons, you can experience the ocean and unravel its mysteries firsthand. Go snorkelling or diving (the boat has its own PADI dive centre, after all). Swim with whale sharks, dolphins and manta rays. Simply stand at the bow of the boat and let the ocean breeze whisper in your ear.
One could simply drift from the on-board spa to the dining room to the yoga sessions on the top deck, but going mano a mano with the big blue is far more satisfying. In fact, it can change a person. You might gain a new understanding of your strengths and limitations, of your needs and wants, and even of the natural world and your role – somehow both big and small – in it.
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