Rewilding is getting a lot of attention. “This term can be applied to both places and people. From an ecological perspective, it is about restoring land. [or body of water] to its most pristine, original state. Rewilding yourself means immersing yourself in nature and connecting with its importance,” explains Christina Albert, director of agriculture at Beech Plum Farm in West Cape May, New Jersey. .
Lately, we've seen a shift in the number of people seeking back-to-nature experiences while on vacation. According to a recent report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and his Trip.com group, 69% of respondents said they want to travel more sustainably. Agritourism (a portmanteau of agriculture and tourism) fits squarely into the ecotourism canon. The word was originally created in Italy (in Italian, agriturismo) has spread to virtually every corner of the earth like dandelion seeds on a windy day. This rise is significant. As the population moves toward more urban environments, more city dwellers are craving to be around trees, flowers, dirt, blue skies, and fresh air. “Many urban travelers seek refuge in nature, which is why farms and agricultural estates that offer a taste of rural life are so attractive,” says journalist and author of Esha Chhabra ' says. We are working towards recovery.
Agritourism is much more immersive than just staying in a biophilic hotel in the city (though it's a nice option to soak up some greenery), and you're essentially vacationing on a farm. In other words, it harnesses the slow travel, sustainability, and holistic well-being movements in unison. And of course, it's also a great opportunity for rewilding, especially for urbanites who are feeling stressed and want to escape to greener pastures for a few days.
Advantages of agritourism
Staying on a farm gives guests the opportunity to breathe clean air, work with their hands, live on the land, and learn the true meaning of farm-to-table. Visitors can lace up their boots and roll up their sleeves, try their hand at farming, or take part in green activities like horseback riding and hiking. “The physical aspect helps make you sweat and boosts endorphins that make you feel good,” says Jessica Blotter, co-founder and CEO of Kind Traveler. Additionally, focus on slowing down. We all need this in today's fast-paced, over-scheduled world. Traditional customs are still alive in places where there is no sunrise or sunset. In other words, it's a great opportunity to break free from hustle culture and packed social calendars. And in a world full of protein bars and fad diets, there's something so validating about living off the land and eating real, nutritious food.
Integrating travel and nature in such an intuitive way has many benefits for your mental health, from reducing stress to improving sleep quality. A study conducted in South Korea found that “Visitors to agritourism destinations felt their mood at the site was significantly improved.” “It also has a positive social impact for both visitors and the community, as well as the environment,” Blotter adds.
Additionally, with demand for health-conscious vacations surging, many of these properties are leaning toward the wellness side, building modern spas with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the landscape and offering daily yoga sessions. We also offer forest bathing. , and even sound healing.
Whether you're a city person eager to replace concrete with crop rows or feel the call of the wild deep in your bones, time spent in the countryside can help you feel good (and do good things). It may be something your doctor ordered to help you.
Indeed, the idea of agritourism and its myriad benefits is appealing. But not everyone wants to get rough (hence the rapidly growing trend of glamping). Thankfully, for those less demanding, the agritourism category offers guests a truly idyllic experience enhanced by luxury perks such as spa treatments and farm-to-fork gourmet cuisine in beautiful surroundings. has evolved to provide.
Agritourism destinations around the world
US based real estate
Beltane Ranch, a six-generation family-owned retreat located in the Sonoma County hamlet of Glen Ellen, has deep roots in sustainability. The 105-acre agricultural reserve relies on free-range chickens for pest control and employs sheep to promote soil fertility. Reading a book under a shady oak tree, strolling through an heirloom garden, sipping estate-grown wine, or taking an afternoon nap at a charming inn are relaxing ways to spend your vacation. These are just some of the ways to spend your time.
Located in rural West Cape May, New Jersey, Beech Plum Farm is a 62-acre farm that grows a variety of fruits and vegetables and raises chickens and Berkshire pigs. Guests can choose to help harvest crops, feed animals, and collect eggs. Of course, it's perfectly fine if you just want to hang out in the spacious cottage, stroll through the herb garden, or enjoy a farm-to-table dinner in the evening.
Looking for an ultra-luxury experience for your entire farm stay? People seeking carefree relaxation have long been camping away at blackberry farms to relax and get close to nature. Fostering well-being on Earth is one of the main pillars of his 4,200-acre estate in the Great Smoky Mountains. The garden provides fresh ingredients for the restaurant's signature Foothills dishes. There's also a curated list of hands-on activities, from horseback riding and fly-fishing to foraging and cooking demonstrations, and there's also a spa, yoga classes and an outdoor swimming pool. The facility also hosts the annual Deep Healing Woods Wellness Retreat.
Those drawn to sophistication over rough-and-tumble should also consider Wildflower Farms, the Auberge Resorts Collection, a new luxury nature resort in the Hudson Valley that has an agritourism spirit but a five-star twist. You might want to try it out. Highlights include a spa offering seasonal treatments and wellness journeys, a 3,000-square-foot fitness center and movement studio, a sound bath, and an indoor saltwater pool, as well as honey tasting, on-farm sheep shearing, and natura These include list-led walking. . When it's time to rest, retreat to your cabin overlooking a perfectly designed meadow and enjoy some rest.
Just 30 minutes outside of Nashville, Southall Farm & Inn attracts nature-hungry travelers with a penchant for luxury. The picturesque grounds are dotted with gardens, greenhouses, crops, apiaries, leafy paths and lakes. The relaxed atmosphere and upscale accommodations allow visitors to unwind in style. Activities such as falconry, aerial ropes courses and beekeeping will take guests out of their comfort zone in the best way possible. “I think people are drawn to unique and memorable experiences. Would you like to take a selfie in a beekeeper's suit and safely make your way to the hive to taste honey while 100,000 bees buzz around your head? ?We can do that and make sure you arrive on time for your spa appointment after your apiary tour,” says Jay Williams, pollination program manager at Southall Farm & Inn.?
international property
One of the best wine hotels in Portugal, Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, a member of Relais & Châteaux, is a hidden gem tucked away in the agricultural region of Alentejo. This expansive property includes horse stables, beehives, a winery, an award-winning restaurant, and a luxurious underground spa. Basically, this is a great place to drink wine, taste local produce (I'm still dreaming of honey and olive oil), and ride horses.
Ebbio, an eco-conscious mansion nestled in a Tuscan evergreen forest, invites visitors to slow down and appreciate simplicity. Guests are free to engage in immersive experiences such as foraging for wild asparagus and edible flowers, truffle hunting (September to November), cooking classes and jam-making workshops, without being constantly interrupted by daily routines. You can participate.
Many tourists visit South Africa's beautiful and biodiverse Franschhoek Valley on wine-focused tours from Cape Town. One of his oldest farms in the Cape Netherlands, Babylonstoren is lined with lush vineyards and has a stylish tasting room. Day trips are great, but why not enjoy a tension-relieving massage at the spa, snooze in the farmhouse with its fireplace and soaking tub, stroll through the gardens, or refuel with a farm-fresh breakfast spread? Even better is spending the night there. largely It's too beautiful to eat.
