Tub retreat: In Gatlinburg, Tennessee (U.S.), a tucked-away spot called Creekside Hideaway offers a getaway with a twist. Spread across a peaceful property, guests can stay in tiny cabins, cast a line in the pond, or wander beside the creeks. But the highlight is floating in a wood-fired hot tub that’s on a boat. These circular tubs drift across the lake using electric motors, combining the ease of a spa with the calm of open water. With firewood stacked and temperatures customizable, it’s as cozy as it is creative. Surrounded by forest and fresh air, guests can soak in silence or share the experience with friends. It’s a mix of comfort, novelty, and nature, making this mountain escape feel both whimsical and well-earned.
Sacred springs: When a woman in the hills of Uttarakhand, India, bent toward a small stone shrine nestled between orchard trees, she returned with a jug of clear water. This structure, known as a naula, is one of many ancient water temples built over natural springs across the Himalayan slopes. Once neglected, these sites are being revived by local communities that face unreliable piped water and worsening droughts. Restoration efforts involve mapping underground catchment zones, planting native trees, and digging contour trenches to improve groundwater recharge. For many, it’s become a practical way to secure water and preserve what has quietly sustained them for generations.
