It is very easy to get absorbed in a daily routine, where stress and constant rushing lead to negligence of the body and soul's needs. The good news is that there are ways to combat this; research shows that time spent in nature disconnected from the technology-saturated world can have significant improvements in mood and emotional well-being. Therefore, wellness retreats and holistic programmes taking place in the middle of the forest are becoming increasingly popular.

Look no further than Trentino for the perfect place to take a break from the pressures of everyday life. Situated in Northern Italy, Trentino is abundant with a beautiful and diverse landscape, almost 300 crystalline lakes, emerald forests, diverse outdoor activities and the soaring Dolomites (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which serve as the perfect backdrop to discover holistic wellness through various practices.

Stelvio National Park in Trentino has become an open-air natural concert hall. A special route immersed in an idyllic forest of tall, towering trees surrounds the park. Various parts of the park are covered in wooden bells, mega-carillons connected to trees, drums made from trunks and giant trumpets that amplify the sounds of the forest. Each sound from natural instruments is meant to associate with one of the seven chakras, the energy centres located in the body.

San Martino di Castrozza, is the first area in Italy to take part in the Barefoot Trail project. The Barefoot Trails can be walked at least partially barefoot and are accessible to everyone, even those with no hiking experience. Barefoot walking in nature has been shown to help develop concentration and balance, improve blood circulation, and help walkers reconnect with nature.

Another available activity is forest bathing, which takes place in Italy's first park dedicated to this practice in a large (roughly 36-hectare) beechwood in Fai della Paganella. Forest bathing is practised by slowly walking through the woods and breathing calmly and regularly. The simple yet powerful process of focused breathing strengthens the immune system, improves blood pressure, and stimulates a great mood.

Additionally, Dolomiti Natural Wellness in Madonna di Campiglio invites participants to discover and experience holistic wellness through six key practices, which include barefoot walking, forest bathing, tree-hugging, breathwork, natural Kneipp (a form of hydrotherapy) and inner silence, with eight specially designed wellness itineraries, guided by experts in the various practices.

During the summer months, the woods and grasslands of San Lorenzo-Dorsino, recognised as one of Italy's most beautiful villages, serve as the main locations for the BrentAnima festival, with editions taking place from 30th - 31st July and 20th - 21st August. The days will start with meridian exercises and alignment yoga before the opportunity to go on a perception walk (walking with closed eyes to increase the intensity of other senses) in the woods. Participants will also get to enjoy Zazen meditation and Do-in, which uncovers the innate clarity of the mind. The festival also includes Yoga & Climbing, which consists of lightweight yoga movements, combined with natural rock climbing up the Falesia Dimenticata ('Forgotten Cliff'), as well as a two-day retreat programme at Le Roche lodge, during which wellness-enthusiasts are encouraged to listen to their body and discover the connection with their body and soul through meditation, stretching, and different types of walks.

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Media Enquiries:

Trentino Marketing is represented by LOTUS in the UK. Please contact Lydia Matthews and Dovile Stuknyte at trentino@wearelotus.co.uk or call +44 207 953 7470

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