A journey of perspective

Feel a world away from home and escape the stresses and demands of everyday life in the Treehotel in Sweden (pictured above). Sleep amongst the treetops in sculptural pods, including a UFO and giant bird’s nest, all suspended above the ground. It’s the seventh room, however, which is perched high in the pines, that offers the most breathtaking views, especially when the neon swirls of the Northern Lights paint the sky. The surroundings alone are enough to inspire fresh thinking, but the adventures on the ground can also challenge your perceptions of self. Learn about the Sámi people’s heritage, traditions and culture including reindeer herding, which is both a way of life and a key source of income for many. Return with a greater appreciation for the power of nature and the magnitude of the universe, while new knowledge about the Sámi culture will bestow you with many new forms of expression.

The enigmatic Bhutan Insights journey leads adventurers through the otherworldly landscape of the Himalayan foothills, through pine-clad valleys and along crystal-clear rivers, and into Aman and COMO lodges. On the pilgrimage, you’ll pass the intricately built pagoda-like stupa of the cherished Chorten, which was built to bring peace, and finish at the magnificent Taktsang Monastery, a spiritual stopping place that clings to the side of a cliff. By putting one foot in front of the other, you can reconnect with nature, culture and feel the transformative power of the abundance of spirituality that can be found in this sacred place. It might encourage you to reflect on your own morality or the forces beyond our control – reminders of how precious our lives really are.

Moving around a kitchen is a small journey, but can have a big impact when you’re in someone else’s shoes. The Romanos, A Luxury Collection Resort in Costa Navarino, Greece celebrates the joy of the everyday through cookery lessons with local women. The tangy and herbaceous flavours of fresh cheese and wine will not only awaken your palate, but your cultural awareness too. Learning the invaluable processes of making such delicacies – the backbone of a community – reveals a rare insight into the workings of a centuries-old community, of precious traditions passed down from generation to generation. For years to come, it will only take the taste of an ingredient to transport you back there, and awaken your perspective once again.