This article is written in partnership with Getaway—they’re dedicated to helping hard-working humans escape to nature and just be. We’re honored to work with them. ~ ed.

To say we’ve been dealing with a lot lately would be the understatement of the century. Now that we can, the folks at Getaway want to help us find ways to unwind and unplug in a safe, comfortable, healing environment. So, they’re giving away a 2-night stay at a Getaway cabin location of your choosing, worth up to $600. Enter here to win >>

Disconnect to Reconnect

There’s something otherworldly that happens when you go somewhere simple but beautiful, turn off your devices, and devote undistracted time in nature to the one you love most.

Getaway’s tiny cabins in nine different U.S. locations offer the perfect unplugged, intimate escape with minimal planning and prep required, since they stock their cabins with all the essentials, down to the salt, pepper & olive oil.

“Committing to locking away our cellphones, giving ourselves permission to rest and do things slowly, and just enjoying the beauty in the nature around us…and the beauty in each-other gave us space and time to dream. We reimagined our hopes for our lives, for both the immediate and the future. Our final day found us encouraged and filled up. We were ready to go home with the same intentionality we experienced at the cabin.” ~ Washington State-based fitness instructor, Emily Conway, who escaped to Getaway Mount Adams with her husband recently 

What you may want to give a little thought to is how to best spend your time together. Whether you’re in the comfort of your home or on a peaceful escape at your nearest Getaway cabins venue, this list of activities should help make your intimate weekend mindful and memorable:

Answer the 36 Questions that Lead to Love

This famous list featuring 36 questions meant to build intimacy was popularized by a New York Times Modern Love column in 2015. Originally created by a team of psychologists led by Arthur Aron, the questions are based on the idea that vulnerability fosters closeness. 

Try them with your partner to get to know them better and don’t let the length of your relationship stop you. Answers can change with time and remind you of why you fell in love with your partner in the first place.

Learn a New Skill Together

Whether it’s as simple as learning to tie a knot together or as challenging as learning a new language, let the process of learning bring you closer. 

Even just trying out a new recipe together can bring you closer. Talk about the shared experience and what may be easy or challenging about your activity. Ask each other for help when you hit a snag. It’s those little gestures that can foster a closer connection.

Write Each Other a Letter

Sometimes communication is easier through writing. Try penning a letter to your partner telling them your favorite qualities about them and ask them 3-5 questions. Then swap letters and write each other back. Writing together will bond you and can give you another avenue to connect with one another.

Enter to win a weekend away at a Getaway location of your choice >>

“This trip was one of the best things we could have done for our relationship. There’s just something special about being closed off from the world with the person you love. The feeling is indescribable!!” ~ Ashley Jones

Try Forest Bathing Together

Forest bathing comes from the Japanese term, shinrin-yoku which literally translates to “forest bath” is all about slowing down. You’re meant to enter nature and simply experience it with each of your senses—to bathe your senses in nature.

We are connected to nature, and returning to natural environments—even for short periods of time—helps us get out of the anxiety of our minds and relationship into the wisdom of our bodies and deep connection with one another.

In our over-stimulating and overwhelming world—with screens, noise, and busy work cultures—forest bathing is the exact opposite. This time is meant for you to focus on, and reconnect to your breath, nature, the present moment…and in the case of a romantic forest bathing session, one another!

Getaway together, enter to win a weekend of bliss >>

While you can also join a guided forest bathing session during your Getaway escape, here are some tips to try forest bathing on your own.

Dance it Out

If you and your partner want to lighten the mood, have a dance party. Dancing will get your endorphins going. Don’t worry if you don’t think your dancing skills are up to par—there’s no winners or losers in a dance party. It’s good to let yourself be silly around your partner and make each other laugh.

While you can do most of these just about anywhere, Getaway gives you a place to unplug from the regular routine of life, together. Let yourselves escape the city, put your phones away, and reconnect in nature together.

“You have space to breathe, reflect, think, allow your mind to wander, laugh, joke, and enjoy the moment shared. There is stillness surrounding you, and, holding tight to the hand of your mate sitting in the opposite chair, your love deepens as memories are in the process of being made.” ~ Emily Conway

Each cabin also comes equipped with A/C and heat, a picnic table, a two-burner stove, dishware, cookware, and silverware, and a fire pit complete with firewood and fire starters for purchase, in case you want to cook over an open flame. Oh, and for a small fee, your dog can come, too! Even better, you won’t have to pack any of the essentials for your furry friend, they have it all there for you, including bowls, treats, and an outdoor lead!

So, enter to win a weekend a cabin at Getaway for a mindfully intimate escape hitting the nearby trails, roasting s’ mores over a campfire, and reaping the benefits of a little outdoor therapy.

Sound like the perfect way to rekindle the fires of romance? We think so, too.