Biophilia: Why Our Brains Need to Be Surrounded by Nature

Biophilia explains why we instantly feel better when we are surrounded by nature. Do you remember the last time you walked through a forest, breathed in fresh air or simply sat watching the sea without looking at your watch? You probably experienced a sense of calm that is hard to describe, greater mental clarity and an almost immediate escape from everyday stress.

It is no coincidence. There is a scientific explanation for this feeling: human beings are biologically wired to connect with nature. For thousands of years, we evolved among forests, oceans and mountains, and our brains still need that connection to find balance.

At a time when we spend much of our lives surrounded by screens, offices and urban environments, travelling to a place where nature takes centre stage is about more than simply taking a holiday. It is also a way of looking after both our physical and emotional wellbeing.

A view of the El Cedro forest on La Gomera, an ideal setting for enjoying nature and wellness.

What Is Biophilia?

The term biophilia, popularised by biologist Edward O. Wilson, describes the innate human tendency to seek a connection with nature and other living organisms.

Scientific research has shown that spending time in natural environments brings genuine health benefits. These include lower stress levels, reduced cortisol production, improved sleep quality, greater concentration and an overall sense of wellbeing.

You do not need to embark on long expeditions to experience these effects. Even a walk among trees, listening to the sound of the ocean or admiring a natural landscape helps the brain switch off from its constant state of alert and relax.

This is why more and more wellbeing experts recommend making time for nature in our everyday lives and choosing destinations where the natural environment is an essential part of the experience.

La Gomera: A Destination Where Nature Comes to Life

If there is one place where the true meaning of biophilia becomes clear, it is La Gomera.

The island boasts an extraordinary landscape where the Atlantic Ocean, dramatic cliffs, deep ravines, palm groves and ancient laurel forests exist in perfect harmony.

One of its greatest natural treasures is Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking its trails means stepping into one of Europe’s finest preserved laurel forests, where silence, lush vegetation and the gentle humidity create a unique feeling of peace and tranquillity.

La Gomera also offers an extensive network of hiking trails leading to spectacular viewpoints, volcanic landscapes and hidden corners of outstanding natural beauty. Whether you’re passionate about going on hiking trails or simply enjoy leisurely walks outdoors, the island invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature.

Here, nature is not simply a backdrop; it is part of everyday life. The sound of the Atlantic, the fresh air and the peaceful atmosphere accompany every moment, making La Gomera the perfect destination for a truly restorative nature holiday.

A Wellbeing Experience at Hotel Jardín Tecina

Set in this exceptional natural setting, Hotel Jardín Tecina offers an experience where nature is at the heart of every stay.

More than 70,000 square metres of subtropical gardens surround the rooms and public areas, creating an environment where lush greenery, the Atlantic Ocean and peaceful silence become part of everyday life.

Beach Club at Hotel Jardín Tecina. Pool and restaurant surrounded by nature and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean

Waking up to sea views, strolling among palm trees and colourful flowers, listening to birdsong or watching the sunset from the gardens are simple pleasures that help guests disconnect from daily routines and enjoy deeper, more restorative rest.

The experience continues with facilities and activities designed to make the most of the surroundings: swimming pools that blend naturally into the landscape, wellness spaces, cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients, an ocean-view golf course and direct access to some of La Gomera’s finest hiking routes.

More than a collection of facilities, Hotel Jardín Tecina offers a different way to experience a holiday, where wellbeing develops naturally through a genuine connection with the environment.

The Luxury of Reconnecting with Nature

Today’s travel trends reveal a clear shift in priorities. More and more travellers are looking beyond ticking destinations off a list and are instead seeking meaningful experiences that leave them feeling refreshed and inspired.

Concepts such as slow travel, wellness tourism and regenerative tourism reflect a growing desire to restore balance, reduce stress and make time for what truly matters.

In this context, nature has become one of the greatest luxuries of the 21st century—not because it is exclusive, but because places where we can genuinely hear silence, breathe fresh air and escape the pace of modern life are becoming increasingly rare.

La Gomera offers exactly that. And at Hotel Jardín Tecina, this connection with nature becomes part of everyday life, thanks to an environment where subtropical gardens, the Atlantic Ocean and tranquillity come together in perfect harmony.

If you feel the need to rest, sleep better or simply rediscover a sense of calm, perhaps you do not need to do more. Perhaps you simply need a change of surroundings.

Because biophilia is not a passing trend.

It is a reminder of how we feel when we return to the place where, deep down, we have always belonged: nature.