A five-star Devon resort is launching a mindfulness walk using nature to help locals and holidaymakers connect with their senses and digitally detox.
Spa and residential guests at Bovey Castle can now embark on their own self-guided two-mile, 90-minute journey around the property’s picturesque 275-acre estate, where visual prompts gently encourage a sense of calm and reflection.
The mindfulness walk has launched amid increasing public focus on wellbeing and digital detoxing, with official government research showing that around 40 per cent of UK adults visit green spaces for their mental health and wellbeing.
The route starts on the south terrace of the Neo-Elizabethan manor house where people are encouraged to take in the details of the grand panorama of the Dartmoor landscape.
A visit to the Summer House thereafter provides an opportunity to explore the variety of scents in the air – including the earthy smell of fresh soil, the sweet fragrance of blossoms and the crisp scent of pine needles.
A key feature of the walk is the reflecting pond, with the only movement being created by wildlife and the breeze – enabling visitors to catch the reflection of themselves and their environment, creating the ideal atmosphere for mindfulness.
Textures become more apparent upon entering the forest, with the ground changing from firm to soft, rays of sunshine breaking through the trees and the varying texture of tree bark representing years of growth.
Upon meeting the river, guests can tune into to the rhythm of the water current – with a rushing sound as the riverbed narrows and a slower swishing as it widens.
Marian’s Garden offers the ideal spot to take in deep breaths and consider the life around you – listening out for buzzards, deer and rabbits.
It’s the perfect preparation ahead of entering Bovey Castle’s new forest bathing area, where people can lie on slanted boards to immerse themselves in their surroundings.
The final stop is the Kitchen Garden, where guests can explore the array of herbs and vegetables used in Bovey Castle’s kitchen and the unique aroma of each plant – from the bright citrus-like fragrance of Lemon Verbena, to the more earthy notes of carrot tops or the aniseed aroma of Fennel, with each scent inviting a deeper connection with nature.
Dean Gunston, General Manager at Bovey Castle, said: “Our new mindfulness walk adds a fresh dimension to our guests’ spa treatments, so that in addition to utilising the sauna or our swimming pool, they also have the option of connecting with their senses in the Dartmoor countryside.
“The walk is suitable for different seasons, and the forest offers a fantastic place to absorb the gentle birdsong echoing through the trees, the rays of sunlight filtering through the trees, and the fresh earthy scent of the woodland floor, which is my favourite.
“Promoting a slower pace of living is more important than ever in a world full of busy schedules and digital distractions, and is one of the reasons why many people choose to come to Bovey Castle – so we are confident that the mindfulness walk will leave guests feeling like they are on the right path.”
Paying visitors are able to collect a map of the mindfulness walk from reception.
Bovey Castle is a 5 AA Red Star hotel owned by luxury hotel group The Eden Hotel Collection, offering 60 bedrooms throughout the historic manor, and 22 self-catering country lodges.
For more information about Bovey Castle visit www.boveycastle.com
