New Almazara Forest homes
New Almazara Forest homes offer physical and mental health benefits
Leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is tapping into the increasing body of evidence that shows how positive the effects of forests are on people’s mental and physical health. The company’s €9 million new Almazara Forest development sits next to rolling forestland in Istán, Malaga, with the two- and three-bedroom apartments looking out over the greenery.
Countries around the world are gradually increasing their understanding of how forests can positively impact health. Finland has been leading the way. For the last decade, the country’s “health forest” project has been establishing forests next to national healthcare centres. Patients taken on guided treks through the forest have demonstrated a “clinically significant” increase in their mental wellbeing, according to a recent study by Helsinki University, the Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare and Sipoo municipality.
The Natural Resources Institute Finland has observed the physical health benefits that forests can deliver. Its study found that playing in grass and forest undergrowth boosted the immune systems of children aged three to five within just 28 days. The children benefited from increased microbial diversity on their skin and in their guts, a greater number of T cells and a higher proportion of anti-inflammatory molecules in their blood plasma – all indicators of healthier immune systems.
In the UK, research by Forestry England and Sport England has also shown the positive impact that spending time in the forest can deliver. The Active Forests Programme encompassed a range of forest-based events and activities, after which 97% of participants reported mental wellbeing benefits. Other benefits receiving a 95% or more positive survey responses included a sense of fun and enjoyment, a feeling of escape and freedom, physical wellbeing benefits and feeling close to nature.
“For many of us, daily life is disconnected from the natural world, meaning missed opportunities for improving mental and physical wellbeing. That’s one reason Almazara Forest is such a special place – it provides the chance to reestablish a relationship with nature and reap the myriad rewards that come with doing so.”
Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España
Almazara Forest’s 24 apartments all come with underground parking, a storage room for clutter-free living and a lovely communal pool and garden area. The homes are rated ‘A’ for their energy efficiency. They are available to purchase off-plan, with delivery scheduled for February 2026.
The new homes at Almazara Forest are part of the larger Almazara Residences development, which represents a total investment of €38 million in the local area by Taylor Wimpey España. The development has already attracted buyers of 17 different nationalities, with Dutch, Belgian and British buyers leading the field.
In addition to Almazara Forest, the wider development is home to a selection of beautiful apartments and penthouses at Almazara Hills, the first phase of which has already sold out. The second phase, due for imminent delivery in May 2024, currently has its last penthouses available. The homes provide panoramic views across the greenery to the stunning Istán reservoir, along with spacious solariums.
Almazara Residences is also home to a selection of attractive townhouses at Almazara Views. The semi-detached homes are nestled on the side of the mountain, commanding superb views towards Marbella Bay and Gibraltar.
Istán itself is an exceptional residential destination on the Costa del Sol. The idyllic town, which sits at the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves, just minutes away from the golden beaches of Marbella, balances luxury and serenity with easy connectivity. Its lush cork and pine forests provide plentiful opportunities for an active outdoor lifestyle.
Taylor Wimpey España’s homes in Istán have been meticulously designed to respect the bountiful natural environment and to blend sophistication with functionality for an unparalleled living experience.
https://www.londondaily.news/new-almazara-forest-homes-offer-physical-and-mental-health-benefits/