Grounded in Nature

Captain Whidbey Inn, Coupeville, Washington

Step back into another era and a slower pace at this historic log cabin inn, built in 1907. Nestled in the heart of Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve, on the shore of Whidbey Island’s Penn Cove, you’ll find a variety of special excursions, including the Nature Lovers’ Package, featuring a guided kayak bird-watching tour. captainwhidbey.com

Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, New York

Relax in the pristine natural beauty of Adirondack Park—a magnet for great romantics like Ralph Waldo Emerson—at a resort built from regional timbers. There’s lots to do outdoors; try whitewater rafting on the Saranac River, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, dog sledding, and much more. thewhitefacelodge.com

The Sacred Garden Retreat, Makawao, Hawaii

Run by S&H online columnist Eve Hogan, this retreat is a quiet jungle getaway, about 10 minutes from the beach and 50 minutes to Haleakala National Park. But you might not want to leave the property because of the adjacent Sacred Garden—a magical labor of love made up of meditation gardens, walking labyrinths, and fairy gardens. Plan a stay in the renovated 1930s Gingerbread House. sacredgardenretreat.com

Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, New York

Located on the grounds of what once was Camp Boiberik, Omega is renowned for its speakers and workshops, but it’s also a great place to simply escape. Leave your cell phones and laptops behind, and get ready to explore nature by walking one of the many wooded trails, or kayaking on the lake. The Institute spreads over 250 lush acres and offers Rest & Rejuvenation Getaway Retreats from May through October. eomega.org

Stoweflake Mountain Resort, Stowe, Vermont

A stay at this resort, with majestic Mt. Mansfield in the background, is an ideal getaway if you enjoy Nordic skiing or walking, mountain biking, and swimming in streams. There’s also the noteworthy Spa at Stoweflake’s Center for Growth, offering esoteric treatments, such as shiatsu and Reiki, sound balancing treatments, and Ayurvedic therapies. Added bonus: This is a dog-friendly resort. stoweflake.com

Stanford Inn by the Sea, Mendocino, California

Joan and Jeff Stanford run this eco-resort that’s nestled on a hillside overlooking the Mendocino Coast. The inn is home to the Mendocino Center for Living Well, where you can explore the natural world through offerings like seaweed walks, mushroom hunts, solar canoe rides, and bioluminescent water tours. At Ravens Restaurant, a fine-dining vegan and organic venue, much of the produce comes from the couple’s USDA-California Certified Organic Farm. stanfordinn.com

Rancho la Puerta, Tecate, Mexico

For seven-plus decades, guests have come for sun and sanctuary to this beloved destination, nestled at the juncture of the Laguna and Sierra Juarez mountain ranges. Over the years, the owners have created a 3,000-acre nature preserve that includes hiking trails, 32 acres of gardens, plus a six-acre organic farm. The ideal way to experience Rancho is to spend a full week to get back in sync with your own natural cycles. rancholapuerta.com