Mindfulness in the Mountains
In our ecotourism and mindfulness newsletter series, we write about Green Pearls® Hotels which combine these two future trends in a very special way. Especially after the pandemic, our Green Pearls are the ideal place for bringing mindfulness back into focus, to travel sustainably and to bring body, mind and soul into harmony. The Green Pearls® hoteliers work day in and day out for more sustainability in tourism, focusing on the well-being and health of their guests. Today we take you to the Green Pearls in the mountains amidst breathtaking scenery. Nature has tremendous potential and a wide variety of opportunities for promoting positive mental and physical health and overall well-being.
Mindfulness in the Ligurian Mountains
In the northwest of Italy, between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the magnificent Maritime Alps, lies Liguria. A region with soaring mountains and rolling hills, small bays, long beaches, picturesque villages and impressive hiking trails. Liguria, with its pristine countryside, authentic mountain villages and unique culture, is a wonderful place to unwind. The Ligurian Alps, which impress with peaks up to 2,600 metres high, provide a mild climate all year round, so swimming in the Mediterranean is possible from April to October.
The 4* Hotel Albergo Diffuso Relais del Maro is located in the picturesque Ligurian town of Borgomaro. It is only a few kilometres from the exclusive beaches of the Ligurian Sea and only an hour's drive from the Côte d'Azur. The hotel consists of several houses scattered around the village, as well as a main house with reception and a beautiful garden and pool. Relaxation, nature and tradition combined with a sustainable stay are the focus of the host family Scalambrin. Besides the possibility to relax in the garden by the pool, there are numerous offers for guests. A professional masseuse and beautician offer a variety of treatments and the yoga teacher specialises in Kundalini Yoga and also offers private lessons. Nature, enchanting mountain villages and hidden paths around the Relais del Maro can be discovered on guided hiking tours. If you prefer to find your own way, roadbooks with descriptions and photos of the routes are available at the reception.
Relaxation and Wellness in the Maira Valley
The Maira Valley is part of the Cottian Alps and lies on the border with France. It stretches for about 60 km from west to east in the Italian province of Cuneo in the Piedmont region. Nestled in the unspoilt nature of the Maira Valley, there are two Green Pearls® partners that offer the best conditions for a relaxing getaway in the mountains.
The eco-village Sagna Rotonda with its self-catering holiday flats in traditional houses is the perfect destination for the whole family. Whether it is an active holiday or relaxation surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of the Valle Maira, every guest will find what they are looking for. An abundance of unspoilt nature invites you to take a deep breath and switch off.
Not far from the Sagna Rotonda is the small boutique hotel Locanda Mistral. The hotel consists of two converted farmhouses in Occitan style and has 14 cosy rooms. The 900 square metre garden with lush greenery and sun loungers is perfect for relaxing. The direct access to the Maira stream allows for a regenerating Kneipp cure after extended excursions. A sauna in the garden of the Locanda Mistral is planned for the 2021 season.
The Maira Valley offers some of the most beautiful hiking and trekking routes in the Cottian Alps. The offer ranges from easy walks to challenging high mountain tours. More than 800 km of hiking and mule trails lead through once cultivated fields and connect villages that are still preserved and steeped in history. The Maira Valley is considered a true paradise for mountain bikers and climbers. A multitude of field and forest paths make it possible to cover long distances between the alpine pastures and historic via ferratas provide adventurous experiences.
In our last newsletters we also reported on the combination of ecotourism and mindfulness. Let yourself also be inspired by API wellness, yoga or holistic retreats.