“Your reason for wanting to be in or around water is valid,” writes Laura Studarus in her piece on the healing powers of water for Service95, in which she explores the restorative effects of wild swimming (for her, that began with a mermaiding class in Tahiti). Below, she shares recommendations for five idyllic spots around the world to bookmark for your next travels, so you can immerse yourself in water and discover the benefits for yourself...
1. Maldives
It really needs to be said, the Maldives lives up to the hype, particularly at AVANI+ Fares. The resort’s 2.6km lagoon contains a burst of prismatic biodiversity, just begging for a snorkel session.
2. Hawaii
The Fairmont Orchid resort has its own private bay, where sea turtles are among the frequent aquatic guests. For more adventures, go further afield and book a night dive or snorkel to experience oversized manta rays coming out to feed.
3. Ventura, California
Channel Islands is a string of eight islands off the coast of California, with flora and fauna you’re unlikely to see anywhere else. That includes a towering kelp forest where divers often are joined by pods of friendly sea lions. See them down under with Ventura Dive & Sport, or join Channel Islands Expeditions for a day of snorkeling and sea caves.
4. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
You don’t have to get your feet wet to experience water’s benefits. Plitvice Lakes National Park features multiple hikes across its 114.6 square miles, all of which circle around the fairytale-like collection of deep blue waterfalls and lakes.
5. Helsinki, Finland
Going from a hot sauna into a cold body of water is an incredible way to activate your parasympathetic system (the nerves that help relax your body and support digestion and cardiovascular health). Start your journey at Allas Sea Pool or Löyly, where you can cool off by jumping directly into the Baltic Sea.
Laura Studarus (@laura_studarus) is a Los Angeles-based travel journalist who contributes to titles including BBC, Thrillist, Vice, Marie Claire and more
