{green} traveller: Urnatur & Anthropologie

Often, my favourite part of the day is taking Rusty, my beloved pup, for a walk after a long day.  He's an active dog and won't settle for less than an long walk off the leash in the woods.  Even if I don't always feel like going, once I'm there, the day melts away and I feel more focused.  I often do my best thinking and feel the most creative on those walks.  Which may be why, after curiously reading yesterday's email from Amanda, who works on Anthropologie's PR team, I felt so drawn to the their latest feature on The Anthropologist, a site where Anthropologie features "the inspiring works of inspiring individuals. It {the site} is a testament to the idea that revealing the passions and pursuits of one person can result in the progress of many."  If you've had a gander at Anthropologie's gorgeous December catalog, you may have noticed the breathtaking, ethereal set location - the swirling mist, emerald greenery and dappled light, only a few of the things that makes the actual location, nature retreat Urnatur, hand built by proprietors Håkan Strotz and Ulrika Krynitz, so spectacular.  Urnatur in Swedish means "ancient nature," a principal that is embraced and embodied by the retreat (which has been awarded 5 green stars by Eco Hotels of the World)... the green roofs on the cottages look aged and ensure the landscape is uninterrupted; the tree houses give you new perspective on your surroundings; the interiors are simplistic and organic, emphasizing that the outdoors is your playground. "Urnatur is a refuge from many of the trappings of the modern world. Its approach extends not only to the pace of life at Urnatur, but also to its design. It has been said by guests and Urnatur’s creators that you must experience Urnatur to understand it. The video and photographic series {on The Antropologist}does just that. It brings viewers into the magical simplicity of Urnatur’s world."