There are many reasons for us as humans to head for warmer climates; for one thing, it makes living easier. Less rain, clear skies, warm weather, and the ability to actually enjoy the outdoors can have huge positive impacts on our day to day lives.

In fact, there is boundless proof that spending time outdoors can be a huge boost for your mental health, and the process is referred to as ‘biophilia’. It simply means spending time in nature, away from pollutants, noise, and the stresses that come with our modern lives- appreciating the natural world and allowing it to help us begin the healing process. 

Ecotherapy is actually used by many treatment centers around the world as a way to bring people to a calm state with the help of nature. It teaches aspects of mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and can be used to treat PTSD, nervous system recovery, and many more mental ailments.

So embracing biophilia is a great way to start the path to recovery, and giving yourself the best chance can mean heading to a warm, tropical climate. Long, dry days with perfect weather and abundant outdoor space work real magic for those struggling with mental health.

Let’s take a look at some of the best locations around the world where you can find true healing in the hands of professionals. 

Beachside Rehab, Florida | USA

If traveling around the world to find warmer climates seems like too much, then don’t fear; Florida has over 200 treatment centres and with a little something for everyone, you can look much closer to home for a tropical retreat that will allow you to prioritize your mental health.

Florida is the perfect location to begin rebuilding yourself as you enjoy the calming effects of the state’s beautiful climate. Warm sunlight, cool breezes, and gorgeous oceans are the perfect first steps towards feeling like yourself again.

Beachside Rehab can be found right on the shores of West Palm Beach and even offers direct beach access. With a maximum of 25 clients at a time, this facility uses a comprehensive fact based focus to build tailored treatments for each individual; whether that be in the water, on the sand or within the facility itself.

Florida is the perfect place to make the first step towards recovery with its blue skies and tropical warmth.

Kembali Recovery Center | Bali

If part of your recovery process requires a new setting then where could be better than one of the most exotic and beautiful destinations on the planet? The weather is amazing, the scenery is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before, and the people are calm and welcoming.

The Kembali Recovery is a great option for those looking for one of the very best budget friendly mental treatment centers in Asia. The staff are skilled, incredibly kind and patient, and the center itself offers a rather unique approach; 4 guests will arrive as a group and stay for 28 days, living and learning in each other's company. This builds an incredible bond and community vibe, all based in one of the world’s original centers for spirituality.

Kembali works on the ideology that addiction can be replaced by connection and teaches its clients to build real, positive connections in the present; allowing the mind to rebuild its correct state. Nowhere on earth is as calming, natural and peaceful, and the luxurious and beautiful location makes a huge difference.    

Costa Rica Recovery | Costa Rica

You don’t get much more tropical than Costa Rica, so if you’re looking for warm weather, stunning views and incredible culture to help you heal, then look no further.

You can attend Costa Rica Recovery for 20, 60, or 90 days and experience holistic therapies, energy work, and plenty of outdoor activity to aid with co-occurring conditions.

Every client will be assigned a psychologist, an addictions counselor, social worker and occupational therapist, so working through issues is done on a 1 to 1 basis. The care is impeccable and thorough, and a huge emphasis is placed on wellness and rest; meditation, yoga, or saltwater therapy is used to treat mental ailments to great effect.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas and will be encouraged to spend time on the beach enjoying the present, allowing your stressors to dissipate. Recovery is a long road but the steps forward are a lot easier with a coastal breeze, warm sunlight, and quality personalized care.     

Rise in Malibu, Malibu | CA

Rise in Malibu treats addiction with a strong focus on mental health as one of the key routes to recovery. Experts from all over the country work together and help to rebuild your pathways to wellness with self-care, spirituality, and emotional balance.

This luxury center offers chef cooked meals, gorgeous rooms, ocean views and plenty of grounds to wander. You’ll also have access to the surrounding countryside and be encouraged to explore yourself in nature. There is a pool and hot tub on site, and a team of top professionals who combine holistic, modern, and traditional methods to reach out to each individual's needs.

Not only will you find the path to recovery and learn the skills that allow self care, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime and new tools to combat mental issues going forward.   

The Wave Clinic | Malaysia

The Wave Clinic specializes in the care of young people and adolescents, with a focus on a range of disorders like personality disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and mental health conditions. They offer a 12 week program that works on community, self care, education, and much more, and the facility can meet the medical, clinical and spiritual needs of pretty much any individual.

There are specialists on hand to deal with persons who are self harm risks, and a full department to aid with eating disorders. You don’t even have to take time out of education as The Wave offers full qualifications in many subjects. With this much activity and community support, it’s easy to see how young people gain the tools for self care, and can recover in a place like this. 

Tropical Recovery 

Sometimes just getting away and experiencing a change of scenery or a new culture can be enough to spark a change, so you can see why these tropical recovery centers are the perfect location for people looking to begin the recovery process.

Spending time outdoors, interacting with peers and professionals, and being given the tools you need to be in control of your mental wellbeing are what all of these places offer; and the fact that you can do so with glorious weather, stunning views, great food and new communities only makes it easier. Break away from the norm, change your outlook and experience something truly incredible as you rover in these luxury facilities.