Why Outdoor Therapy is the Wellness Trend You Need in 2025
By WISe Wellness Guild
We’ve all heard that spending time outside is good for us, but 2025 is taking that idea to the next level. Outdoor therapy and nature-based spa experiences are officially having their moment—and for good reason. As we look for more holistic ways to reset our bodies and minds, stepping outside has never felt so healing. This year, more wellness retreats and resorts are focusing on immersing guests in nature to tap into its powerful physical and emotional benefits. And don’t worry—you don’t need to summit a mountain or live off-grid to get the perks. Here are three of our favorite ways to embrace outdoor therapy that are not only beautiful but deeply restorative.
1) Float therapy. Imagine your body suspended in warm, mineral-rich water, your weightlessness melting away both muscle tension and mental stress. That’s the magic behind float therapy, which is known to lower stress, improve blood pressure, and even help with chronic issues like migraines. And if you're ready to take floating to its most iconic destination, let me walk you through one of National Geographic’s 25 Wonders of the World—the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. This geothermal lagoon is famous for its naturally heated seawater and dreamy blue hue. Not only can you float your cares away here, but you can also indulge in spa treatments and even use buoyancy suits to take full advantage of the experience. Trust me, you won’t want to leave.
Float Therapy at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
If traveling to Iceland is out of the budget, rest assured there are plenty of spas that feature Float Therapy stateside. Ebb and Float for example is a Columbus based spa that offers the therapy through indoor float tanks. The medical benefits are the same and you have the options to float in a pod, open pool style, enclosed tank, or even a modern float cabin!
Photo from Ebb and Float Therapy
2: Equine therapy. Equine therapy combines the soothing presence of horses with therapeutic benefits that go beyond emotional healing. Studies have shown that equine therapy can even help manage physical conditions like arthritis. If you’re craving wide-open skies and a little Wild West soul-searching, Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming is where you’ll want to be. This stunning retreat offers guided equine therapy led by Devon Combs, founder of Unbridled Retreats®. Known as the “Equestrian of the Wellness World,” Devon uses intuitive coaching and the natural energy of horses to help people reconnect with purpose, clarity, and confidence. No prior riding experience is required for these retreats. Rather it is more about the concept of how bonding with the horse and being attune to the animal can also help you reach this within yourself.
Equine Therapy Retreat at Brush Creek Ranch
3: Forest Bathing. Forest bathing, a peaceful and often underrated form of therapy is incredibly accessible as it is effective. Rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing involves slowly and mindfully walking through a forest, breathing deeply, and simply soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Research shows it can reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels, making it a wonderful option for those dealing with anxiety or burnout. Best part? You don’t need to go far to try it. But if you’re looking for a lush, curated escape, Hidden Pond Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine, offers guided forest bathing experiences through the most enchanting woodlands. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, calm, and more connected—to both the earth and yourself.
If you're craving a wellness reset that goes beyond green juice and gym sessions, outdoor therapy might just be the soulful escape you’ve been needing. Whether you’re floating in the mineral-rich waters of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, bonding with horses in the wide-open skies of Wyoming, or soaking in the stillness of the Maine forest, these nature-based therapies offer a beautiful blend of peace, purpose, and healing. The best part? They invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with what really matters—your health, your spirit, and the natural world around you. This isn’t just a travel trend—it’s a lifestyle worth embracing.
