The HVN: An Urban Adaptation of Forest Bathing

The HVN, London’s newest health and wellness haven, brings an urban adaptation of Forest Bathing to the heart of Knightsbridge. Forest Bathing, rooted in the Japanese art of Shinrin-Yoku, is seamlessly integrated into The HVN’s design to provide immediate health benefits upon first walking through the door. Recognizing the challenges of practising Forest Bathing in urban environments, The HVN employs thoughtful design with biophilic elements that echo natural biomes and a signature forest bathing scent to activate the senses.

There are a significant number of studies that have measured physiological and emotional states and health-related quality of life following the forest bathing experience. These studies have proven the health benefits of Forest Bathing including reduced blood pressure, lowered stress, improved weight loss, concentration, and pain thresholds.

Below you will find further detail on how The HVN implements the ethos of Forest Bathing through Sight, Scent and Sound, to ensure that each guest is decompressed from daily stresses and taken on a journey that is beneficial to their health and wellbeing. The HVN recommends that clients arrive 15 minutes early in order to benefit from the forest bathing experience pre-treatment:

Sight
Wherever the eye travels you are treated to a relaxing, natural environment of curves and arches with earthy pinks, complemented by a forest aesthetic. GoldFinger crafted the beautiful Cove Curve Seat within the Forest Bathing experience; their goal was to explore natural and organic forms while highlighting the beauty and unique characteristics of the sustainably selected wood, and add a tactile element of nature thhough wood carved in organic forms.

Complementing this experience is Circadian Lighting, strategically implemented throughout The HVN. This lighting supports the body’s natural clock, aiding in hormone regulation for optimal rest and daily functions. Dappled light, echoing that which is found in a forest, has been replicated to recreate the feeling of sunlight streaming through trees.

Scent
The HVN Forest Bathing fragrance, containing phytoncides that improves immunity, permeates the space to create an immersive eco-therapeutic practice. These biologically active substances within plants and trees prevent the growth and development of bacteria and microscopic fungi. Additionally, they have major health benefits for humans such as purified air, stress relief, improved mood with less fatigue and a stronger immune system. Studies have found that forest bathing, in particular phytoncides, can increase NK (natural killer) cell activity. These white blood cells are important fighters in the immune system and protect from infection and cancer.

Sound
To enhance the health benefits from the forest bathing experience, The HVN has specifically recorded birdsong within an ancestral forest, which is known to offer relief from burnout, mental fatigue and stress. This natural lowering of stress is an evolutionary reaction to birdsong which is synonymous with safe surroundings (no predators)