🌿 Topophilia at Chaminade: Finding Renewal in the Redwoods

Wendy Figone
Oct 1
2 min read

There’s a word for the love we feel for special places: topophilia. For many visitors, one of those places is Chaminade Resort & Spa in Santa Cruz, where the redwoods create a sanctuary for restoration and balance.

A Trail Rooted in Forest Therapy

Chaminade is home to a certified Forest Therapy Trail, created in partnership with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT). This global organization sets the standard for forest bathing practices, drawing from traditions in Japan, where shinrin-yoku is recognized as preventive healthcare.

Grounded in these best practices, the trail at Chaminade invites guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover connection with themselves and the natural world.

From Screen Time to Green Time

Modern life leaves many of us overstimulated by constant screen time and digital noise. Stress builds quietly, often unnoticed until we feel depleted. A guided walk on the Forest Therapy Trail offers what some describe as a “dopamine reset” — a chance to step away from devices, release tension, and restore balance in both mind and body.

The Power of a Sit Spot

One of the key practices in forest therapy is choosing a sit spot — a place to pause, notice with all your senses, and return to as part of a well-being routine. In Chaminade’s redwood groves, this practice feels effortless. The forest hums with quiet life: birdsong, shifting breezes, and the rhythm of one’s own breath. With the gentle support of a guide, guests often find it easier to slow down and let nature’s calming influence take hold.

Hygge in the Redwoods

Fall and winter bring a unique beauty to the trail. Imagine a rain-kissed stroll among towering redwoods, the earthy scent of cedar rising from the forest floor. Afterward, the warmth of a hot tub and nourishing meal completes the experience. This is hygge — the Danish word for cozy contentment — reimagined in the heart of Santa Cruz.

Why Forest Therapy Matters

Around the world, forest therapy is recognized as an important practice for health and wellness.

In Japan, doctors prescribe shinrin-yoku as preventive medicine.
In South Korea, government-funded forest therapy centers support stress reduction and mental health.
In the U.S., the American Psychiatric Association recommends forest bathing for improving mood, easing anxiety, and lowering stress levels.

Chaminade’s certified trail ensures every guided experience is rooted in these global practices while honoring the healing power of the California redwoods.

An Invitation to Let Go

Many of us know how to “go hard” — but fewer know how to truly let go. Chaminade’s guided walks and retreats offer just that: a chance to reset, release tension, and experience deep calm.

🌲 Upcoming Retreats

Daylong Forest Therapy Retreats: October 11th & 12th
Weekend Wellness Retreat 2025: November 14-16th

Whether joining for a guided walk, a full retreat, or simply taking time to breathe beneath the redwoods, Chaminade invites you to discover what true restoration feels like.

Corporate or group retreat information

🌿 Come find your sit spot. Breathe deeply. And let the forest welcome you home.