Guide to Best And Latest Wellness Tourism Trends By Dr Prem – Concept, Features, Facts, And Programs

Guide to Best And Latest Wellness Tourism Trends By Dr Prem – Concept, Features, Facts, And Programs

A dynamic shift in the consumers’ mindset towards wellness is continuously reshaping the best and latest wellness tourism trends. The world seems to be preoccupied in wellness.  You have more escape routes to get your mind and body fully invigorated. Even if not under stress, wellness travel of any kind can infuse freshness to enjoy a better quality of life. Wellness resort trends are also on the way to adopt the ever-shifting consumer demands through product and service diversification.

GWI reports, global wellness tourism is growing at a much faster pace of 6.5% annually more than twice that of conventional tourism growing at 3.2%. The forecast – the growth rate will accelerate to 7.5% through 2022.The $639 billion wellness tourism market in 2017 is projected to touch $919 billion by 2022. According to GWI projection, wellness tourism is likely to reach $1.1 Trillion in 2025 growing 20.9% annually.

Guide to Best And Latest Wellness Tourism Trends By Dr Prem – Concept, Features, Facts, And Programs

What is wellness tourism?

men on wellness tourism
Wellness tourism
is one of the earliest forms of travel that has been taking place for centuries. In the olden days, those that could afford it would make long distance trips to engage in traditional practices in hopes of improving their wellbeing. Ancient Greeks and Romans used to travel to thermal springs and spiritual temples as they believed it bettered their health.

In modern times, wellness tourism is the process of a traveller seeking a journey specifically in order to improve or promote their health and wellbeing. The tourist will stay in a particular destination where they will be provided with various health-promoting physical activity, relaxation methods, and nutritious food in a comprehensive package. With the increase in individuals actively seeking out to better their health, there has been a burgeoning growth in the wellness tourism industry. This has led to several holistic centers, spas, wellness retreats, spiritual pilgrimages and others setting up shop to bring in foreign, health-seeking people.

In short, wellness tourism can be defined as a form of travel to enhance health and well-being through various physical, psychological and spiritual activities to make mind and body act in sync.

Underlying principles of wellness tourism

programs of treatmentThe concept of wellness is made up four key underlying principles:

Wellness is holistic and multi-dimensional.

All research and practice associated with wellness should be on identifying ways to promote health rather than causes of disease.

Wellness aims to restore balance and homeostasis of the body.

Wellness is subjective to each individual requiring customized programs of treatment for each person. For the most effective wellness treatments, all aspects of the body must be accounted for—including physical, emotional and psychological symptoms.

Amazing Wellness Tourism Facts

workplace stress

  • A whopping 936 million domestic and international wellness trips happened in 2019.
  • Wellness tourism occupies 15% of global travel just next to cultural tourism
  • Wellness tourists spend 130% more than average tourists.
  • Secondary wellness travelers accounted for 92% wellness trips and 90% of tourism expenditures in 2020.
  • Nearly 17 million travelers project themselves to be health and wellness focused with 40% of them taking regular trips.
  • More than half of the global business workforce has been experiencing a steady rise in workplace stress creating the demand for wellness tourism.
  • Almost 50% of respondents in a survey say overall wellness is a top priority in travel. In 2023, they will be seeking experiences that match their wellness goals and mind-body-spirit harmony.
  • 1 out of 2 travelers (47%) in the survey said physical wellness and accessibility to fitness is a priority in travel. For others, emotional wellbeing, mindfulness, and sleep are important.
  • 35% of global travelers in the survey said mental health during travel will also be their top priority.
  • Travelers will prefer authentic experiences to fulfill their holistic wellness needs.
  • 41% of global travelers will prefer healthier diet options and 32% will prefer locally-sourced meals.
  • 70% of respondents in a recent American Express Survey expressed their desire for new adventures.
  • 74% of respondents in the same survey plan to travel more in 2023 with well-being as the focus.
  • 88% respondents are eager for local experiences and culture during travel.
  • 73% are willing to spend more for the itinerary.
  • The desire to be in nature dominates once again in 2022 WTA survey with higher demands for accessible nature and outdoor activities.
  • Overall reboot is the top wellness tourism goal among the WTA survey respondents. This should be accompanied by meditation or other mental well-being practices.
  • Peace and quietness ranks 3rd among must-haves in wellness vacation. (WTA)
  • A vast majority of respondents (80%) prefer self-guided programs with multiple options to choose from.

How shifting traveling mindset is driving the growth of wellness tourism?

OvertourismHave you heard of travel fatigue or travel burnout? It is real. Overtourism has a serious impact on destinations threatening its sustainability. The joy of travel gets diluted from overtourism or hectic itinerary.

Travel is getting more intent-driven where people want to come back ‘renewed’ and ‘rejuvenated’ instead of exhausted and stressed needing another relaxing break. Even the non wellness-inspired travelers are seeking wonder, awe, and meaningful engagements and connection to enjoy vacation to their heart’s content.

People see travel as an essential part of their wellness routine. They want to be taken care of more than ever. They also seek frictionless experiences and innovations to get awe-inspired.

Shaping up of travel intent in wellness tourism

Family with small children hiking outdoors in summer nature, walking in High Tatras.Every penny counts and so are the outcomes. Travelers have become more mindful as travelers ask themselves the following:

  • What do we want to experience from travel and what to learn from those?
  • Is it the trip duration, activities or the quality of experience that matters?
  • How to get the feeling of awe and wonder?
  • What is more important – materialistic accumulation from travel or more conscious about footprints?
  • Being present at the moment to experience the ‘awe’ or impulsive documentation through mindless photoshoots and social media sharing?
  • Is hectic destination hopping or savoring a specific site more enjoyable?

There are enough indications that the frightening pandemic has accelerated the trend for slow travel, transformative travel, green travel, regenerative travel, etc. which are value-driven and goal-based that involves personal growth, awareness of the society and environment and transcendence. Emerging wellness tourism trends set perfectly in this shifting travel intent and travelers’ mindset. 

complementary and alternative medicines

Aromatherapy

Acupressure

Acupuncture

Ayurveda

Bach-flower Remedies

Chiropractic

Colour therapy

Osteopathy

Herbal medicine

Homoeopathy

Hydrotherapy

Hypnosis

Magneto therapy

Massage

Meditation

Music therapy

Naturopathy

Nutritional therapy

Reiki

Shiatsu

Tai chi

Unani

Yoga

Linking leisure, lifestyle and wellness tourism

Reiki healingWellness is linked to leisure, relaxation, movement and health. It is the process to reach the state of well-being and feel comfortable. On the other hand, fitness means suitability, ability and health and can be interpreted as ‘feeling comfortable, wellbeing and healthy.

We can define wellness as the balanced state of mind, body and spirit. It includes the holistic aspects, such as self-responsibility, physical fitness, beauty care, healthy nutrition, relaxation, mental activity and environmental sensitivity. It is also viewed as way of life that aims to create a sound body and mind through acquired knowledge and positive interventions.

Tourism, as the expression of the modern time leisure industry, recognizes the needs of the modern man and adjusts to them. The quality of wellness tourism products depends on two factors, i.e. offers diversity and potential and personalized services.

Technology has revolutionized work and leisure allowing every individual to customize it as per their needs. Tourism has emerged from a leisure break to seeking enhanced well-being through relaxation and purposeful activities in great settings.

The purpose of the wellness tourism is to promote healthy lifestyles through leisure. As people become more skeptical about traditional forms of medicine or therapy and they are turning to alternative sources of wellness.

Healthy eating habits, emotional health and physical activities are the crucial parts of wellness equation. This is the reason why there is a continuous shift in the best and latest wellness tourism trends all over the world where tourists are on the lookout for unique services to satisfy their personal wellness goals.

The Best and latest trends in wellness tourism

meditation in mountains

Wellness travel this yearwill get seriously wild! The prime motivators? It would be the 3Ws of Wellness Tourism – Wake, Wise, and Wonder.

We bring to you a curated list of wellness travel trends with an eclectic mix of 3Ws of Wellness Tourism. Load your travel wishlist this year with these unique immersive wellness experiences.

Preventative Spa – the new buzzword in wellness tourism trend

gene analysisWellness spas have been integral in wellness tourism trends. For a majority of wellness travelers, relaxing spa hours is a must. But the new thing is the ‘preventative spa check’ or diagnostic spa where you are likely to go through a series of tests to create a bespoke spa experience tailormade to your needs. The diagnostic tests may cover mRNA-based gene analysis for aging, 100+ biomarker tests to prevent disease and create plans for longevity, and putting up wearables to analyze data about your fitness, recovery, and sleep.

Pro-aging and longevity programs

 Senior-couple-holding-glasses-of-wine-on-sailbotThe term anti-aging is getting politically incorrect as it creates a negative perception about aging. Pro-aging is the approach of being satisfied with aging that can lead you towards healthy behaviors and choices. It helps you take control of your aging process and even make you live longer. A Yale and Harvard University Research in 2001 found that a positive attitude towards aging enhances longevity. Popular wellness resorts in the world are introducing innovative skin rejuvenating treatments with peptides, stem cells, PRP, Hydrafacial, photo-biomodulation, and mechanical body detox and skin repair, etc.

Mindful movement retreats

Female hiker wading through river between cliffsSitting is the new smoking. With more than 80% of jobs in the world pushing people to sit more, moving mindfully is emerging as the new wellness tourism trend. The objective is to enjoy movements like walking, running, hiking, trekking, workouts, etc. and be mindful of which movement is giving you more benefits. Nature wellness retreats are including a mix of forest bathing and sound bathing as you walk through a trail where different instruments at different points create amazing sound to reduce your stress. Walking in forest counting steps and mindfully watching the surroundings is another popular activity in nature wellness resorts.

Unique experiences to create connections

Job loss or loss in earnings due to Covid-19Discerning wellness travelers are looking for authentic experiences unique to a destination to create connections and ignite new ways of thinking and leading life. The pandemic has done enough damage to keep people away from their roots and connections, which is psychologically detrimental. The super-competitive materialistic world has left people miserable and lonely. The new wellness tourism trend is to go to the roots of a specific culture or tribe and discover its unique community support system that can be replicated to modern lifestyle as well.

Biohacking Spa and Retreats

biohacking is evolving fastThe exciting DIY biology aiming to augment your health, wellness, and productivity by strategic changes is also another growing wellness tourism trend. People are participating in retreats for expert guidance to understand the impact of these strategic changes in their daily lifestyle. Meditation is a great biohacking tool. But people are going few steps ahead by adopting intermittent fasting, gene therapy, and change in eating habits to enhance their functionalities.

Travel for the Soul (not for social media)

Woman standing barefoot and looking at the travertine pools in Pamukkale TurkeyTime to get out of the scroll trap. Wellness travel trends will see more immersive soul-nourishing adventures and explorations. People will seek unplugged escapes to immerse in the moment savoring the sights, sounds, and settings without filters. Forging authentic connections, breathtaking discoveries, and cultural bonding will replace mindless clicks and social media sharing. Personal experience and the wonder matter more than superficial validation. The fulfillment of wellness travel is in the journey itself!

Biohacking Beach Vacations

Woman practicing yoga at sunrise.Wellness on beaches is evolving beyond beach yoga and mindfulness sessions. Expect surfing lessons infused with cryotherapy sessions, sunrise yoga overlooking volcanic craters, and personalized vitamin IV drips delivered poolside.  Wellness getaways step into a new era with cutting-edge biohacking techniques seamlessly integrated into tropical paradises. 

Reconnecting with Nature’s Rhythm

Balasana And Stretching For HealthCircadian rhythms are all the rage, and wellness retreats are tailoring experiences to sync with your internal clock. Think sunrise meditation sessions led by shamans, bioluminescent night swims, and stargazing guided by astronomers who double as sleep experts. It’s all about harmonizing with the natural world for deep physical and mental restoration.

Nature Bathing gets a new name- Naturecations

woman-feeling-closed-to-nature

After workcations and staycations, naturecationsare the emerging wellness trends taking nature bathing to the next level. Instead of 2-3 hours of spending time in nature, travelers will book long-stay nature retreats to connect with nature 24X7. Whether it is a hike, trek, swim, or mind-body session, it is a break-free connection with nature. It is like giving your body and soul a high five amid wilderness.

Forest Bathing with Biofeedback

male-practicing-forest-bathing

Take the traditional Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) to the next level by incorporating biofeedback technology. Imagine walking through ancient redwoods while real-time sensors track your stress levels, heart rate, and brainwave activity. You can use the data to personalize your experience through guided meditations, nature soundscapes, and even aromatherapy tailored to your individual needs.

Embracing Harmonious Wellness Travel

passionate-drive-to-visit-legendary-place

Wellness travel is no longer about self-well-being practices and retreats. It’s evolving into a holistic practice that extends beyond the individual, embracing harmonious wellness blending cultural immersion and social connection.

Whether it is sipping tea with nomadic Tibetan families or volunteering in a vibrant Peruvian village sharing meals with locals and joining their cultural fests, harmonious wellness travel is about embracing diversity and learning from their wisdom. It is not just enhancing self wellness but earning global citizenship. 

Star Bathing in Remote Wilderness

The Milky Way And Star With Some Trees In Seoraksan Park In KoreForget light pollution, another emerging wellness trend is immersing yourself in the unfiltered glow of the Milky Way. Remote desert camps in Namibia, treehouse villages nestled in Chilean rainforests, and even floating stargazing pods in the Maldives are popping up to offer the ultimate celestial spa experience.

The Rise of Women’s Wellness Warriors

Female Guide Is Telling A Group Of Tourists About SomethingThere has been a surge in holistic women-centric wellness experiences focused on hormonal health, fertility issues, sexual wellness, menopause support, and nurturing communities. Expect more re- and post-natal workshops in womb yoga workshops in exotic destinations, full moons reiki sessions, and adventure treks led by female guides also experts in women’s health.

Sound Healing Sanctuaries

Healing with sound

The power of sound to heal is well-documented, and wellness retreats are incorporating it in innovative ways. Imagine floating in crystal-clear cenotes in Mexico while listening to underwater sonic vibrations, joining didgeridoo circles in the Australian Outback, or receiving personalized sound therapy sessions with Tibetan singing bowls in office settings. These immersive experiences use different frequencies and rhythms to promote relaxation, reduce pain, and balance your energy.

Cosmic Consciousness Retreats

high altitude atacama desert in boliviaEscape the earthly plane and embark on a journey to stargazing observatories in Chile, remote cloud forests in Ecuador, or even high-altitude deserts in Bolivia. These retreats will combine traditional astronomy with holistic practices like breathwork, guided meditations, and sound baths under the celestial tapestry above. Imagine aligning your chakras with the constellations or communing with the cosmos through ancient stargazing rituals.

Multigenerational Wellness Adventures

A Multi-Generational Family Walking Up A Grassy Hill Together At Sunset With The Ocean In The BackgroundBridge the gap between generations with multigenerational wellness retreats in historical villages or eco-friendly communities. There will be more shared journeys with grandparents, parents, and children combining physical activities like hiking or kayaking with storytelling sessions. People will get into more intergenerational workshops on mindfulness and gratitude, and even playful bonding activities like cooking classes or campfire ceremonies.

Generative AI –Your New Wellness Travel bestie

advanced-AI-integrationConfused about planning your wellness trip?  Say hello to your new travel bestie – Wellness AI! Whether it is a mindfulness retreat, weight management workshop, or exploring nature and cultural attractions, expect enhanced use of generative AI for wellness travel planning. It will even collect personal data and past health information to curate the best wellness itinerary. Ready to recharge and explore? Go on, whisper your wish to the AI, and get ready for an adventure your soul will thank you for.

Socialization by soaking and steaming

young attractive awesome man is testing new wooden bathtub which is situated in the forest.Traveling to another destination to have a dip in thermal springs or mineral baths for healing dates back to thousands of years. But emerging wellness tourism trends takes a different way to socialization by soaking in hot pools and public saunas. Providers are catching up with this trend by including the traditional formats like Himalayan rock salt sauna, Russian banyas, and cedar soaking tubs, barrel saunas, wood burning saunas, and the like.  What used to be a firmly-ground culture among the Finnish,  this traditional wellness practice is spreading fast among other cultures with a rich tradition of bathing ritual.

Going off-grid and permaculture training programs

woman with organic vegetables

People are interested in the health of the planet as well as their own. The trend of sustainable methods of farming in a small or big way is catching on, as people want to eat food grown without the use of chemicals. Programs offering travelers on how to go off-grid and integrate permaculture into a person’s life is one of the new trends to watch out for. Included in this trend is “extreme wellness” programs, such as therapy with ice cold water.

Country funded wellness development

covid-safety-measuresCountries all over the world are realizing the importance of wellness, especially during the pandemic. Many countries are therefore injecting funds into wellness concepts dedicated to the betterment of the locals as well as travelers. Wellness investment from other sources have also increased in countries adopting various wellness strategies.

Insurance and organizations supporting wellness

Insurance

Employers as well as insurance companies are now allocating funds for wellness programs, including wellness tourism. Most people will be able to take advantage of this trend and travel to a destination of choice to attend wellness programs of their choice.

Less duration travel experiences

woman availing opportunity to work remotelyThe value of work-life balance as well as the opportunity to work remotely has led to the trend of wellness experiences which are of lesser duration, but are attended regularly. This would enhance health and keep up with the wellness training and sense of well-being.

Growth of natural plant medicinal programs

psylocybin-psychedelic-mushroomsTo treat mental and emotional trauma, a rise in programs using natural plants such as ayahuasca, CBD has been observed. Psychedelic wellness retreats are growing in specific destinations where microdosing of psychedelics is applied to treat various mental and emotional issues.

Traveling for animal wellness

Equine therapyPets support wellness and this came to the fore during the Covid 19 crisis. Therapies which use animals to provide well-being have skyrocketed. Equine therapy and goat yoga are some of the therapies that use animals are finding place in wellness resort programs.

Nature Hunger to rule wellness tourism trends

Family relaxing and enjoying beautiful view of gazer on vacation hiking tripRampaging global health crisis once again has taught us to value ‘nature’.  The Global Wellness Institute has reported of several surveys indicating the rising ‘nature craving’ among people. They are losing no opportunity to rush out to socially-distanced outdoor nature settings to breathe fresh and free. Bookings for National Parks and sanctuaries, and hiking trails has surged as never before. Travelers are in vehement look for less-travelled remotely-located nature destinations.

One of the interesting wellness travel trends has been the growth of rustic tree houses that topped the choice list beating luxe wellness resorts. The travel world is on the new track of great reset with people following ‘Nature Prescriptions’ that listed spending relaxing hours amid nature, forest bathing, and Vitamin Sea (spending time near water bodies). Spectacular valleys, picturesque landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and trails of flora and fauna that evokes ‘awe’ have a tremendous impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing. Travelers are taking note of this fact.

Tourism explosion in the coming years is set to happen amid natural settings as new studies coming out daily establish the impact of nature on our physical and mental wellbeing. More you spend time with nature healthier you are. Slow travel will topple overtourism. No wonder global travelers are on the way to embracing outdoor nature without disturbing or causing any harm to it.

Wilderness retreats or holidays offering a great package of nature, healthy food, rest and exercise to refocus mind, body and soul are set to be one of the craziest and best wellness travel trends in the coming years. It could be a 7-8-night Detox program or an absolutely relaxing holiday without any curated schedule.

Mindfully reducing overtourism with technology

prebooking of travel destinationTopmost tourist destinations of the world have suffered from overtourism. As travel had completely stopped due to Covid, new strategies are planned to reduce the overtourism phenomenon. With the help of new technology, especially with apps, destinations such as Venice, are now prebooking only a limited number of tourists. This is a win-win situation for the cities as there is no more resource drainage, and tourists too can bask in the serene atmosphere of lovely tourist spots.

Cultural tourism

planning-in-cultural-tourismDealt a blow by Covid-19, cultural tourism is making a comeback in wellness tourism. People enjoy the “tangible and intangible heritage” (according to UNESCO) as well as the modern aspects of a place to experience the many facets. Wellness resorts are arranging local culture-based programs and activities for an immersive wellness experience.

Frugal travel

couple on tuk tuk rideFrugal travel concept is saving money and resources when you travel, having fun along the way.

For example, riding the tuk-tuk when in Bangkok, taking the ferry instead of a yacht, public transport and trains. Travelling off-season is another great way to travel frugally. The fans of frugal travel are experts in working the best deals etc, and do not sacrifice on style or comfort. Frugal travel not only help in tourism sustainability but travelers also get enough space and time to enjoy and take care of their well-being.

Seeking the spiritual connectedness

people practicing yoga in a Spiritual wellness retreatUnprecedented crises have led to unprecedented uncertainties. People are having a tough time in accepting the loss and grief.They are eagerly looking for resurrecting their souls and improved connectedness to the self. Radical shifts in situations are leaving mind and thought process in a turmoil. At this phase, the need is there for enhanced spiritual connection to find one’s life purpose and existence. Health and wellness tourism trends indicate that spiritual wellness retreats are helping improved connectedness with nature and to accept challenges and prosper in professional and personal fronts.

In the quest for peace

woman In the quest for peaceDark tourism and peace tourism would be a part of the future wellness tourism. People will be eager to seek emotional solace from the past dark events and get inspired to bounce back. It could be also an educative experience of how life and culture emerged from destruction and devastation showing ways of resurgence from the ongoing crisis. Events and festivals themed on peace will be in the wish list of wellness travelers.

Collective wellness retreats to grow more

people maintaining social distance to stop the spread of covid19Wellness tourism would see more of group participation as people are sick of social distancing, zoom calls cannot be the substitute. Collective wellness conversation is more effective than individual pursuits of wellness. Intentional participation in groups stimulates our limbic system reducing depression, stress, and worries. Crises give an opportunity to create collective conversation for a peaceful and enjoyable living. Intimate group settings with selective individuals can make a retreat program more fulfilling and enjoyable. This is one of the wellness tourism trends for the future.

Destinations of choice to rule wellness tourism

woman relishing the destination experienceTraveling for wellness is not only about visiting earmarked destinations like spas and wellness resorts. Any place that will relieve you from daily tensions and anxieties could be your wellness destination. The most important thing, you relish the destination experience not the commercialized products or service. One of the significanthealth and wellness tourism trends is seeking  experiences that will help you slowdown, refocus your senses and make you mindful where you rediscover yourself. Your destination of choice could be thousand miles away or near your home.

Wellness Staycation

senior-couple-on-wellness-staycationIn every likelihood of the unprecedented surge of domestic travel, wellness staycation vacation is seeing a boom. People are looking for nearby spots to recharge and rejuvenate, and wellness staycations have been the top choice. Staycations could be short weekend relaxing trips or objective-oriented long duration wellness holiday. Wellness resorts are reorienting their offerings with tailor-made wellness-enhancing programs to cater to various needs of customers. Most importantly, many wellness staycations are soft on wallets too, and is emerging as one of the key trends wellness tourism.

Remote Workcations

woman-opted-for-flexible-workingIt is not the work from home, but work from anywhere that has emerged as one of the best and latest trends in wellness tourism. With flexible working options, one of the wellness travel trends among travellers is taking month-long wellness vacations in any safe holiday destination. Picturesque destinations are providing all sorts of facilities and amenities to boost their tourism prospects through remote workcations. It could be like working from a treehouse in Costa Rica or from a houseboat in the back waters of Kerala India, or by the sunny beachside of the Caribbean Islands. Workcations have become almost a permanent feature in wellness resorts where people can work and pursue their wellness in different curated programs.

Medical wellness retreats

weight management programWellness tourism objectives are changing where travelers are willing to combine specific medical treatments with wellness programs. For example, a cardiovascular disease management program through proper nutrition and exercises may need some medical interventions. The same is with weight management programs. Common health screenings and diagnostics, and medical rehabilitation are also getting included in various wellness programs in selected destinations.

Death Positive retreats:

Death Positive retreatsAs the world gears up to embrace death in a positive manner through ‘death positive’ movement, the trend for death positive vacations is also picking up. Coping up with the grief of loss from death is not easy as most of the sufferers remain in the denial mode for long.

Death Positive Retreats help in accepting death in a healthy way offering sessions of counseling, meditation, yoga, hiking, healing massages and other natural activities transforming the mental attitude and philosophy of the sufferer. Retreats held amidst natural ambience holds the key to fast healing of the sorrowed soul.

Healthy hibernation wellness holidays

couple on trip at sunny healthy destinationExpect people to take long healthy hibernation winter vacations in the coming months to make up for the loss of summer holidays owing to the pandemic. Preferred destinations naturally would be those with low-infection risks and Covid-safe certified wellness resorts will be seen as key trends wellness tourism. Wellness travel is likely to pick up in sunny healthy destinations namely St. Lucia, Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, and Mauritius who have done exceptionally well in controlling the pandemic.

Hibernation wellness holidays come with attractive benefits luring travelers amid the prevailing travel restrictions. These long-duration holidays offer a great respite from the year-long stressful restrictions and the travelers will seize the opportunity to build immunity through healthy eating, body movements and plenty of rest. This seasonal migration of travelers is likely to become a permanent wellness travel trend.

Self-care to be integral in the wellness travel

Mother and daughter doing yoga at top of mountainSelf-care, in recent times, has become a serious motivator in wellness travel. Travelers are likely to focus on their health and wellness more on the go by staying out of unhealthy activities. Limited drinking, healthy eating and no over-stressing in activities would be the prime objective. Some self-pampering would serve the purpose best.

Wellness resorts and destinations are gearing up with bespoke self-care wellness programs to ensure better health and wellness of travelers even when they are away from home. Personalized guided sessions in yoga, meditation, spa therapies, nutrition and wellness-oriented outdoor activities are likely to top the resorts’ wellness menu. Self-care themed wellness travel is likely to attract more travelers regardless of the location and dominate wellness travel in the coming years.

Social distancing wellness trips

Social distancing wellness tripFor quite some time, avoiding crowded destinations has been the unsaid wellness travel trend and the sudden health crisis has further fueled it. Wellness travelers are choosing far-flung destinations more for effective social distancing. Instead of the crowded reputed European cities, tranquil countrysides, remote beaches and hill stations are in their bucket list where the health risk in travel is much less. Good news for the travel and hospitality industry that such travelers are likely to book long holidays to make the best of their wellness-seeped vacation.

Social distancing wellness holidays are equally attractive to solo travelers, families and travel groups. Families could enjoy the vacation within a closely-knit circle. Many luxury wellness resorts and homestays offer ample opportunities for travelers intending social distancing in vacation. Island nations like St. Lucia, Mauritius and others are ideal where travelers can put up in private villa resorts and health retreats with enough space and enjoy a self-isolated holiday amid great natural settings.

Mindful and sustainable travel shifting from me to we

voluntourismTravelers have become more mindful than ever in choosing destinations and activities. Given the current scenario, they will look for sustainability more. Reduced harmful emissions caused by travel restrictions have once again brought the harmful effects of global tourism to the forefront. People have experienced the dramatic impact of restricted travel as skies appeared brighter and waterbodies clearer than before.

The growing trend of staycations and daycations is a clear sign of the travelers’ inclination to sustainability. They are enjoying staycations in nearby locations reachable in a few-hour drive. The result, fewer flights are crossing the skies causing lesser emissions.

Destinations too are responding to this growing wellness travel trend uniquely. Wellness resorts in Bali and Thailand are taking innovative holistic measures by offering lucrative staycations to domestic travelers aiming to promote themselves as safe and sustainable destinations.

Altruistic activities boost the travelers’ wellbeing. Volunteering activities shoots the happiness levels equivalent to a pay hike according to the 2019 Harvard Health report. Altruistic retreats and voluntourism will grow more. Travelers will be mindful of such activities that bring goodness not only to one’s self but also to the community and region.

Multi-generation trips

family camping adventureIn times of crisis, people leaned more towards sharing and caring. Spending more time with near and dear ones has been on the top of the priority list. This new wellness travel trend will see more people enjoying vacations with their extended family members who have been living separated for quite some time.

Feeling connected brings in a different level of life satisfaction that boosts emotional wellbeing. Having fun with them through healthy activities would be great for everybody’s wellness. Wellness travel in the coming years will see more such family reunions and get-togethers in some quaint location.

Mental health retreats

magic mushroom breadsWellness travel is mainly motivated by the desperate urge to get rid of stress and anxiety but it has reached its height in the pandemic. The year 2020 has inflicted enough damage to the collective global mental health, and people will be seeking more such anxiety escapes in wellness getaways. Wellness resorts and retreats with tailor-made stress and anxiety management programs catering to the unique needs of travelers would be the most preferred choice.

But people will look for more immersive experience through an array of programs ranging from yoga, meditation to adventurous activities. Niche mental health retreats offering mind-altering experiences would grow more. Affluent millennials are keen to take part in non-western rituals like premium magic mushroom retreats and psychedelic journeys with ibogaine treatment to improve their emotional and psychological well-being.

Wellness music and sound healing experiences

Healing-with-soundHealing with Tibetan sound bowls has been into the wellness space for quite sometime which is likely to grow more. Wellness travel in the next few years will get redefined with wellness music and healthy sound experiences. Ample evidence from research has shown the positive impact of music and sound in easing symptoms of anxiety, blood pressure, PTSD and other mental conditions.

Urban noise pollution and other stress-triggering factors are linked to hypertension. Wellness resorts in quaint natural destinations offer healing with sound experiences incorporated with other wellness programs to treat a specific condition. Immersing in healthy sound experiences has a calming effect on mind and body helping a person to recover from mental distress fast.

Luxury wellness travel in private jets

High-end travelers are taking luxury wellness trips in private jetsThe abrupt stalling of commercial airlines has led to the boom of private jets. High-end travelers are taking luxury wellness trips in private jets to Covid-safe destinations and putting up in luxury resorts and hotels. Flying in private jets lessens the risk of Covid exposure by several times that also continues in luxury hotels and resorts where occupancy rates are also lower comparatively. With luxury and safety guaranteed, private jet flyers looking for bespoke wellness experiences will grow in the next couple of years till travel resumes to normal levels.

Growing wishlist of adventurous trips

mother, kid in snorkeling mask dive underwaterPeople are eager to get out of the fearful situations created by the pandemic. They are looking for adventurous trips to bring back the zeal of life and would love to spend weeks in thrilling and adrenaline-rushing activities. The objective is to shrug off the mounting insecurities regarding everything that is taking a toll on their quality of life.

South Asian destinations with wonderful climate and luxury wellness resorts are likely to be the most favored ones especially those of Bali and Thailand. On-site spas and fitness regimes and adventurous sports in pristine private beaches or hill stations offered by these resorts would fulfill the guests’ wellness needs enabling them to get back their optimal wellbeing that is so essential to lead a quality life.

Regenerative tourism

Regenerative tourismAnother interesting trend that is gaining pace in wellness tourism is regenerative tourism based on the “build back better” concept. Very soon, it would be the key to quick recovery of global tourism industry. Regenerative tourism, as the name implies, is something beyond sustainable tourism that has been talked about since the last few years. It aims not only to cause less damage to the surroundings but also go on to restore the destination by creating flourishing conditions based on natural activities. Travelers contribute to the restoration process through meaningful activities respecting nature, culture and the communities. It is like engaging in unique experiences but leaving the place in a better condition that would serve the greater purpose of wellbeing. Regenerative tourism facilitates holistic wellness where wellbeing could be viewed wholly not in parts.

Immunity Retreats

science-backed natural therapiesIn another emerging wellness travel trend, people are now travelling for immunity. Stressful times and crisis have forced people to reassess their body immunity to build fighting capacity. Destination and resorts are gearing up with special Immunity retreats to meet the latest needs of wellness travelers. Curated Immunity rejuvenation programs or Immunity packages comprise of science-backed natural therapies and their effects on human physiology and psychology. Duration of such retreats may vary from few nights to couple of weeks.

Soft Wellness Retreats

families and friends are experiencing transformative wellnessTravel for wellness is evolving beyond solo remote resort visits in the quest of transformational experience. Right now, the trend is ‘togetherness in wellness’. A surge is soft wellness is being observed where couples, families and friends are experiencing transformative wellness together through various activities like meditation, trekking, hiking and all.

Your partner, family members or your friend may need self-healing which can be achieved in conjunction with spending some precious time with each other. Soft wellness retreat is not only about making up the deficiency but making your life more fulfilling with love and togetherness.

Male mental health

Male mental healthWellness holiday bookings by men aged 45-70 years have increased dramatically since the last decade. This is quite obvious as 1 in 8 men is likely to suffer from depression and 1 in five will face anxiety at some point in their lives.

Although most wellness spas and resorts are designed catering to the female wellness needs, the time has come to make special arrangements for men’s wellness needs as well right from male-specific wellness programs, personalized nutrition to other body and mind-boosting activities.  Male-focused wellness holidays give an opportunity in lifestyle overhauling and reconnect in a safe and healthy environment.

Sabbatical wellness holidays

healthy nutritionTo be off the grid totally might not be possible for all given the hardbound professional commitments. But don’t they deserve a wellness break? Sabbatical wellness getaways provide the right answer where you can spend 1-2 weeks amidst relaxation, healthy nutrition and workouts along with a few hours of tech access to meet your professional commitments.

You will be in touch despite being out of touch. Wellness resorts are designing their programs where people can indulge in long term wellness programs and continue to work as well. This helps them embrace the transformed lifestyle without much difficulty after coming back to their normal routine.

With most of us becoming ‘Digital Nomads’, remote working has seen a steady rise where we can work from anywhere. Amid the crisis, sabbatical wellness vacation trend picked up faster than any other.  Wellness-seekers are easily opting for a longer vacation punched with work and wellness experience. Destinations are moving into creating wellness experiences for the sabbatical-seeker. Wellness travelers can easily work in an exclusive office space along with proper scheduling of wellness activities for proper work-life balance. People are also enjoying the luxury of moving from one property to another through reasonable subscriptions in virtual wellness platforms.

Genetic profiling retreat

saliva testingWhich diet is right for me? All of us get overwhelmed at this question. Keto, vegan or Paleo – we do not have the right answer. This year, expect to see a rise in wellness program booking offering genetic profiling test, the test that helps you in creating the right diet for you.

Just by testing your saliva, the experts can say which food is right for you and which is not. Such wellness retreats are likely to have exercising, meditation and other holistic approaches for mind-body health as other features.

Nature Immersion Gateways:

Nature Immersion GatewaysNature is the best healer of pains and stress has been scientifically proven. However, urbanization has robbed much of the nature factor from our lives. Nature trails, hiking, walking along creeks and water bodies and forest bathing Shinrin Yoku) are more demanded in wellness travel. You not only get a fresh dose of Vitamin D but also detox your mind and body. Glamping (glamorous camping), a popular feature in wellness travel gives a complete nature immersion experience and is poised to be a $1 billion industry by 2024 reports Mindbodygreen.

Active Lifestyle retreats:

Active Lifestyle retreatsThis is an even more interesting wellness tourism trend helping people to come out of the sedentary lifestyle. The retreats seem to be shouting wellness changing the perspective people normally have towards travel.

These retreats incorporate small daily-to-perform activities that will go a long way in upholding wellness.  Guests come across a diverse range of activity-oriented experiences that may have not been considered.

Painmoons:

PainmoonsIf there can be honeymoons, why not painmoons? Recovering from personal loss, grief or break up needs special space and place. Painmoons give that environment where it considers your feelings and allows your emotions to flow naturally without any social taboo. Quaint places or wellness retreats create special coping up ambience allowing you to take care of yourself and put efforts to get back your mental happiness and overall wellbeing.

Divorce retreats:

DivorceGetting over from separation is not easy. One door has closed and you should try to open another. Calming down the rage, fury, bitterness and all negative emotional flows need a suitable environment too. Divorce retreats are occupying space in wellness travel guiding participants with a range of stress management techniques, emotional healing therapies and life coaching services.

Tough and transformative wellness

motivationFeeling lazy or losing drive and motivation? Tough and transformative wellness experience may give you the required push. Travelers are embracing this emerging wellness trend by indulging in endorphin-inducing activities like kayaking, paragliding, mountain trekking etc.

These are being considered as tools to experience a transformative wellness bringing back the motivation. Many hotels and retreats are offering a mix of luxury spas and transformative wellness experiences helping you to relax as well as taking you to the root of the underlying problems that you may be facing.

Wellness mumcations

solo travel gives you the chance to recharge your worn out cells.Modern mums need to realize that taking a wellness break leavings kiddies and family responsibilities at home is good for them and their families. Although, this emerging trend in wellness travel is yet to pick up, given the benefits of freeing own selves from nappy-changing and baby- feeding sessions for “me time” is a healthy choice.

A brief wellness break of this sort be it an all-women trip or solo travel gives you the chance to recharge your worn out cells. These breaks allow you to get the desired sleep time as you wish and the freedom from round-the-clock commitments bringing back the enthusiasm of life. Kids would also love to see a happier and livelier mum.

Menopause retreats

Menopause-a-natural-eventMenopause, a natural event in a woman’s life brings a host of physiological and emotional problems that are hard to battle. Neither she nor the family members are fully aware of menopause-related issues. Women find it hard to accept that they are aging and perceive it as the end of life’s bliss.

Women prefer taking a wellness break in menopause retreats away from home to find a fruitful solution to mood swings, emotional surges, hot flushes and other physical issues with wellness experts. The retreats guide with the advanced relaxation techniques and coping mechanisms along with taking care of the nutritional needs to instill the confidence of enjoying a blissful life even at this phase of life.

Sleep retreats

frequent sleep disturbance at nightAstonishingly, 35% of Brits have problems in sleeping. An estimated 50-70 million adults have some form of sleep disorder. Whether it is anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, sleep apnea, frequent sleep disturbance at night, your quality of life suffers and your productivity dips.

More people will be taking sleep performance trips in special wellness retreats to enhance the quality and duration of sleep. These retreats offer a holistic approach to improve sleep by tweaking lifestyle and providing effective sleep tips to help in maintaining sleep quality.

Tech Detox

Tech DetoxTech devices have gripped us thoroughly. Hardly do we take our eyes off the blue screen. The addiction is eroding our wellness. TV, laptops, tabs and smart devices – life is totally dependent on them. Another emerging trend in wellness travel is to get completely detached from tech devices.

No calls, no push notifications, no email or message pings. Life can be absolutely peaceful. A growing number of retreats and resort chains are offering Tech Detox programs where tech devices are not allowed. They help you in overcoming screen attachment guiding you towards smart time investment.

Retreats for the Mid-Generation

generation is eager to invest more in wellness and healthThe middle aged generation in the age group of 50-70 is stepping out more for wellness travel. To them, half of the life left need to be spent well. The generation is eager to invest more in wellness and health. While aging cannot be reversed, the pace can be reduced. Wellness retreats are designing men-specific programs for the middle-aged class planning a new life after 60.

Fertility trips

FertilityFertility trip is the in thing in wellness travel. Maintaining physical and emotional health is conducive to conception.  Partners planning to have a baby are taking up wellness travel to enhance their fertility factor that would help in conception.

The healthy ambience of destinations and retreats enhances fertility factors placing the couple in the most favorable condition for conception. Apart from this, fertility wellness trips help in modifying nutritional needs, arranging for mild workouts, improving sleep, reducing stress and maintaining optimum weight.

Silence retreats

Silence retreatsNoise is one of the biggest spoilers of wellness. Not only the mechanical noise but digital cacophony is no less disturbing. Maintaining absolute silence and tranquility gives clear vision to our lives. Maintaining silence has been practiced since centuries that helped in building mindfulness.

Silence retreats where absolute silence prevails are being chosen by wellness travelers. All service person and staff maintain absolute silence and guests are guided to follow a wellness schedule amidst it.

Sexual wellness retreats

sex-education-to-yogaSexual wellness is getting redefined with growing openness towards various forms of sexuality and respective sexual needs. People are eager to set mindful sexual connections for healthy physical and emotional balance. Traveling for sexual well being is picking up. Sex and intimacy retreats for couples and singles are catering to various sexual wellness needs through curated programs that would renew or deepen the erotic connection. Retreats offer various wellness-enhancing programs right from sex counseling, sex education to yoga, mindfulness, massage, healthy nutrition, de-stressing programs and even hands-on body work by experts. IntimacyMoon Barbados, Kim Anami Retreats, Bali & Mexico, Wild Tantra Path of Reawakening, Netherlands, 31 Day Intimate Transformation Intensive Retreat, Thailand, are few of the notable retreats.

Healthier flights to occupy airspace

flying phobiaNo more polluted interiors or questionable menu. Passengers of long haul flights would finally receive a range of wellness treatments. Many reputed airlines are arranging for guided meditation session with Headspace, reduce flying phobia finally allowing you a peaceful sleep aboard.

Noteworthy sleep promoting innovations include noise-cancellation headphone, smart sleep masks adjusting light waves matching the brain wanes to minimize jetlag. Some airlines are planning to include herbal teas and probiotic-infused juices in their menu to prevent jet lags of passengers. Calorie content of other foods is likely to be reduced significantly. Chef-curated healthy meals would also décor the platter of business class passengers.

Wellness-centric hotels to follow up with your wellness

special culinary skillsYour quest for wellness should not end when you are back. It needs to be prolonged. Many hotels are providing follow up wellness services even after they head towards home after vacation. Hotels are partnering with different service providers to teach special culinary skills to the travelers which they can continue at home as well.

Cookbooks are offered to facilitate healthy eating. Wellness Gurus teaches the guests some long-lasting wellness habits and lifestyle tweaks to maintain low-stress levels even when they are back to their normal life track.

Budgeting apps to fulfill the wellness travel dreams:

Acorns appWellness is permeating to people of all categories. Lack of smart financial planning often restricts commoners to pursue their wellness travel dreams. More travelers than ever before are using digital banking tools to save for their wellness vacations. In a significant emerging trend in wellness travel, there is a growth in the use of apps like Mint, Acorns, Qapital etc. that help in easy tracking of travel fund.

7 Popular wellness travel trends that continue to occupy the hot seat

Wellness travel has become an integral part of everyone’s lifestyle today. Almost every other individual opts for a regular holiday in a wellness retreat that would help him/her rejuvenate his/her body, mind and soul. With the industry all set to grow in the next couple of years, here are 7 wellness trends one would need to look out for in 2015.

Mindfulness and stress reduction take front seat

beautiful woman feeling good and happyA recent survey has revealed that over 90% of individuals who opt for wellness trips, do so to relax their minds and reduce the stress their bodies accumulate over a period of time. Most consumers of wellness tourism have been noted to seek out destinations that offer them mental relaxation and restoration. Hence, they tend to seek out places that offer a combination of meditation, qigong, yoga and journaling, etc. that would help them retain their emotional equilibrium.

Personal enrichment is more sought after

wellness tourism benefits

Most individuals who travel these days tend to look out for destinations that offer more than just a fun filled holiday. These clients focus more on destinations that offer programs aimed at personal enrichment in order to foster a positive change in their lives. As a result, we would be able to see a number of similar retreats popping up everywhere in the coming years.

Spa on arrival in demand

Wellness vacations

Gone are the days when hotels and resorts used to offer spas as add-on services/packages. Increase in wellness tourism has prompted more of these hotels to start offering complimentary wellness treatments for arriving guests. In addition to this trend, we would also be seeing the rise of airport spas that help travelers relax while waiting for their next flight. We would also likely see the rise of more services related to seeking spa on arrival doing the rounds in the near future.

Increase in wellness travel agents

getting started for wellness

Until a few years ago, the term Wellness Travel was hardly recognized let alone understood. However, with more people starting to understand the benefits of wellness travel, the number of agents catering to these trips has risen dramatically. Terms like Wellness travel agent or specialist are no longer considered strange today as more and more consumers and industry professionals have started accepting these agents as well as giving them credibility for their work.

Rise of food tourism

friends joined cooking clubAnother trend that seems to have taken off thanks to wellness travel is food tourism. More and more individuals are opting to travel to foreign locations in order to learn the native cooking and eating habits of these places. Right from attending cooking classes to gaining an in-depth knowledge of the local agriculture, these individuals seem to benefit a lot from this trend as they use is to attain social, emotional and sustainable wellbeing.

Acceptance of wellness traditions from the Islamic world

Health spas

One cannot hide the fact that countries from the Middle East offer some of the best wellness treatments in the world. Infusing a beautiful blend of natural beauty and healing practices along with advanced foods as medicine, the wellness possibilities in these regions are countless. As such, we will probably start to see a lot of people flocking to these destinations for various wellness treatments and therapies.

Growth of Voluntourism

CAM therapy

Wellness tourism has given rise to another form of travel called ‘Voluntourism’. This trend involves affluent travelers getting in touch with wellness agents to reach out to those destinations that offer wellness treatments and therapies. However, an added feature of this trend is that these individuals would also ask the agents to look out for local communities and charitable causes in the destination where they can volunteer to help while vacationing.

Wellness tourism has been on the rise for quite some time now. It has also given rise to some trends which will only gain more prominence in the coming years.

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