Spotlight On: Sacred Journeys
MONUMENT VALLEY
Exp Journeys, USA & Canada
This is Navajo land, a place steeped in spirituality, where the landscape never fails to awe. See it all from on high with EXP’s Heli Landing experience, which drops you to the top of bucket-list Tower Butte. There’s no view like it on Earth.
After that, it’s a scenic float around Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River, which Andrew from EXP Journeys, says is, “A great chance to slow down and reflect.” Finish the day with Peter MacDonald, who’ll regale you with fascinating stories of his time as a Navajo Code Talker for the Marine Corps during WWII.
THE WATER TEMPLE OF THE WORLD
Ahipara, New Zealand
At first glance, Lake Rotopounamu is a pretty spot for a day of wild swimming in beautiful nature. But actually, it’s one of the most spiritual places in New Zealand. “This is where I’d start a sacred journey through the country,” says J-M at Ahipara. “It unblocks emotional energy, leaving you refreshed.”
On the South Island, there’s Castle Hill (Kura Tawhiti in Maōri), which the Dalai Lama says is one of the spiritual centres of the universe. Guests sit at the top of the remarkable rock formations to welcome the arrival of dawn with the help of a trance medium.
PRIVATE PRAYER BY THE GANGES
Banyan Tours, India
Spiritual moments are woven into every trip with Banyan Tours – whether it's preplanned or spontaneous. But there are a few activities that stand out. How about starting the day with morning prayers in a Buddhist monastery? It’s a beautiful moment of pause on a trekking adventure in either the Ladakh or Sikkim regions.
In magical Varanasi, meanwhile, there’s the chance to have a private prayer ceremony on the banks of the Ganges, followed by evening prayers at the main ghat. I’ve done both and they really are moving.
AN OFFERING TO MOTHER EARTH
Enigma, Peru
Silvia at Enigma invites her clients to be part of a special Peruvian ceremony where you make offerings to Pachamama, or Mother Earth. The experience is led by a shaman who evokes the spirit of healing using sacred incense like sweet-smelling Palo Santo.
This is combined with the sounds of pre-Hispanic instruments that act as collective prayers to create healing frequencies. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to honour the culture of the indigenous people and connect with the remarkable nature of the Andes.