20 Beautiful Places in the World to Find Peace of Mind

With stress becoming a global epidemic, a growing body of research shows that being close to nature, through visits to green spaces and natural environments, can reduce mental stress. For chronic conditions that are related or exacerbated by stress, being in nature can have a positive impact not only on stress, but on overall health as well. Daily time spent in nature is recommended, but sustainable nature travel can help recharge your mind, body and spirit. We’ve compiled a list of the 20 most beautiful and peaceful places in the world.

Marietta Islands, Mexico

Also known as “Hidden Beach,” Mexico’s Marieta Islands, now closed to the public due to conservation efforts, are made up of two types of volcanic rock. Turtles, manta rays, squid, whales and thousands of fish inhabit the area while the reef is recovering. To visit the island, you must swim or hire one of the few tour companies approved by the Mexican government to continue operating tours there.

norwegian fjords

Known as the soul of Norway, there are more than 1,000 fjords in the country. They are famous for their pristine natural scenery, full of mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and glaciers, and the air is clean. The four fjords include Møre og Romsdal, Sogn og Fjordane, Hordaland and Rogaland. To reconnect with nature, leave the cruise ship behind and spend time hiking, kayaking or biking and enjoying the great outdoors. Spend a few days in this treehouse with panoramic fjord views. You can also try the cheaper route and get close to nature while camping.

Palawan, Philippines

The Philippine island of Palawan is a nature lover’s paradise, with beaches, mountains, caves and jungles to explore and reconnect with. While you can do island hopping on a tour, you can also hire a private boat to explore on one of the many pristine beaches, or find tranquility to enjoy the pristine wilderness around you. You can also enjoy the meditation that bird watching brings and spot some of the rarest birds in the country.

Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

Patagonia is for those interested in lakes, mountains, waterfalls and glaciers looking for tranquility. Spread across Argentina and Chile, Patagonia offers endless natural vistas where you can find serenity. Often referred to as the end of the world due to its proximity to Antarctica, Patagonia is a nature lover’s dream. Visit Torres del Paine National Park, an area teeming with wildlife, peaks, flora, and exquisite hiking. For sustainable travel, stay at the park’s domed eco-camp to fully immerse yourself in the experience, and enjoy free daily yoga sessions.

Soča Valley, Slovenia

Soka Valley, Slovenia. Imprint squarespace.com

Slovenia’s Soča valley is perfect for summer or winter travel, offering multiple opportunities to be under the trees, on the water, fly in the air or slide down the mountain. Grafenwasser has some of the best water in the world and it is famous for its cleanliness and mineral richness. Near Grafenwasser there is a mountain elm tree that absorbs water from its roots and is said to have positive energy for all seven chakras. For a bird’s-eye view of the tranquility of the Soča valley, try paragliding over it.

Taos, New Mexico

Taos, New Mexico is an area rich in culture and history and home to the Rio Grande de Norte National Monument. With more than 242,555 acres of public land, the landscape is filled with steep canyons, ravines, rivers, and volcanic ash. Taos has a rich history dating back to the Pueblo Indians and is home to the Taos Pueblo, the town of Taos is made entirely of adobe (mixed water and straw soil). While enjoying nature and learning about the rich history of the Pueblo Indians, it offers a wide range of holistic therapies, including yoga, meditation, fitness and Ayurveda.

Aleutian Islands, Alaska

Skip the outdated commercial cruise ships. Explore Alaska beyond the tourist ports and head to the Aleutian Islands. The Aleutian Islands are a chain of small islands that separate the Bering Sea from the main body of the Pacific Ocean. Visit Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve and see the 6-mile-wide Aniakchak Crater, the result of a 7,000-foot volcanic collapse. The ecosystem is filled with lava plugs, hot springs and cinder cones, offering views of the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea on a clear day.

Uluru, Australia

Filled with red sand, stones and the iconic Ayers Rock, Australia’s Uluru is a unique natural experience that can fade in and out. Uluru, in the Australian outback, is full of stunning gorges and boulders dotted with verdant flora, towns and villages. To enjoy a few days here in the comfort of your room, book a luxury tent at Longitude 131 and meditate on your own private patio as the sun rises.

Black River Gorge National Park, Mauritius

The Black River Gorge National Park on the island of Mauritius is a haven of flora-covered mountains, lowland forests and swamps. The park protects the last remaining tropical rainforest on the island. On the more than 50 kilometers of hiking trails, visitors can enjoy the picturesque landscape and walk through the forest.

Indian Tosh

For a plethora of options for a quiet getaway and avoid the tourist crowds, head to tosh India. It is the closest base to the Kheerganga Trek, an amazing trek through h