Welcome Wellness Travel Trends
Nurturing Your Mind, Body, and Soul This Summer
By, Sabrina Aguilar
As the world gradually emerges from the shadows of the pandemic, one thing is certain, people are more health conscious than ever, I would even say health anxious. Following the pandemic, preventative measures and personal hygiene were given more importance. Due to prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields, our phones and electronics have become major health hazard. Families are more conscious of indoor and outdoor toxins, such as contaminants in our food, water, and air. And more study has been done on the connection between chronic stress and our mental health.
However, it is crucial to strike a balance and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of factors to consider when pursuing a healthy lifestyle. The goal should not be to live a life consumed by burnout but to find sustainable ways to prioritize well-being. It is taking proactive steps, seeking support when needed, and finding a personalized approach to wellness. And with summer rapidly approaching, many of us eagerly anticipate vacations as a means of rest and renewal.
The Wellness Tourism Market Size & Trends Analysis reports an anticipated annual growth rate of 12.42 % between 2023 and 2030.
It’s clear that health-conscious travelers have a high desire for travel places that promote wellness and self-care. In fact, 8,000 people were questioned by American Express Travel, and the results showed that 73% of respondents said they planned their trips to improve their mental and physical health. If you want to combat stress and burnout this summer, read along to learn more about emerging wellness travel trends:
Wellness Retreats
If you are looking for an opportunity to focus on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, a wellness retreat will be your go-to getaway. These retreats typically provide activities such as yoga, pilates, meditation, spa treatments, nutritional workshops, mindfulness practices, fitness classes, and even educational seminars! A lot of wellness retreats also focus on whole foods and healthy eating for an all-over rejuvenating retreat. Last year, we featured an amazing wellness retreat, Six Senses. They have gained significant recognition and popularity throughout the years, and currently operate in many places such as Ibiza, Portugal, Fiji, and more! If you are looking for wellness retreats, check out these destinations:
Civana Wellness Resort and Spa in Arizona
COMO Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos
Aro Hā Wellness Retreat in Glenorchy, New Zealand
Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs
Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in Switzerland.
Wellness Workcations
Who said you can’t answer emails while enjoying a beautiful view with a side of margaritas? Wellness workcations, often referred to as working wellness holidays, are retreats that are designed to assist you in working while on a wellness getaway abroad. Due to the growth of remote work and internet connectivity, people can now work from a variety of settings, including spa resorts, beachfront homes, and calm natural settings. Workcations destinations often offer yoga studios, meditation spaces, and spa treatments to allow individuals to engage in wellness practices during breaks from work. If you are looking for a wellness workcation, check out these destinations:
Wellbeing Sabbatical in Kamalaya
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua in Hawaii
Digital Detox Retreats
In a world where our screen time is at an all-time high, digital detox retreats offer a much-needed remedy. The retreats encourage human connection, mindfulness, and relaxation by taking a little break from technology. The use of electronic devices is frequently restricted or prohibited in certain locations or by specific policies during these retreats. The intention is to establish a setting where people may fully participate in activities, interact with others, and give attention to their own personal well-being. If you are looking for a digital detox retreat, check out these destinations:
Pine Cliffs Resort in Portugal
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Travel
No matter how much we all like traveling, there is no getting around the fact that doing so leaves a significant carbon footprint. So how can we get around that? Many resorts can actually transport you by trains, buses, and boats. Putting an emphasis on slow travel or also known as air-free travel. Plus, a lot of these resorts plan the whole trip for you, making things simpler and easier for you to enjoy! If you are looking for sustainable or eco-friendly travel, check out these destinations:
Gleneagles in the United Kingdom
Chumbe Island Coral Park in Tanzania
Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel in Switzerland
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Peru
Holistic Healing Retreats
In an era of information overload and heightened health concerns, health anxiety has become an issue for many individuals. Now more than ever, people are actively seeking tailored solutions and experiences that address their unique wellness needs and empower them to take control of their health. A holistic retreat is the perfect solution. This isn’t a hospital check-up, as these resorts offer alternative therapies such as massages, acupuncture, reiki, or even herbal medicine. Making for not only a relaxing vacation but truly a rejuvenating one. If you are looking for a holistic retreat, check out these destinations:
Mii amo Spa at Enchantment Resort in Arizona
Blue Spirit Retreat in Costa Rica
Multigenerational Travel
Vacation isn’t exclusively for just yourself and your partner, travelers are now using their vacation time to spend quality time with their families, friends, and new friends! Numerous vacation spots provide programs suitable for people of all ages, including young children, seniors, and everyone in between. This way of traveling will bring you and your family so many memories you can all cherish for years to come. If you are looking for multigenerational travel, check out these destinations:
Chiva-Som International Health Resort in Thailand
Farm-to-Table Retreats
We know food can heal, and recent years have shown us that people are taking extra steps in knowing where their food comes from exactly. Farm-to-Table retreats are perfect for travelers who want to learn more about sustainable farming practices,
where they can engage in activities such as harvesting fresh produce, tending to animals, and even fun cooking classes. These kinds of retreats will provide visitors with a better understanding of nutrition as well as a stronger connection to the environment, the food, and the community they choose to visit. If you are looking for farm-to-table retreats, check out these destinations:
The Inn at Dos Brisas in Texas
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort in Costa Rica
The Lodge at Woodloch in Pennsylvania
Roadtrips, Camping & Glamping
Road trip camping has become a popular wellness travel trend, combining the freedom of a road trip with the benefits of camping in nature. This style of travel offers a range of advantages that contribute to its popularity, including the rise of "glamping" experiences. Road trips offer a unique opportunity to explore new places, embark on adventures, and maintain a sense of independence and control over your wellness-focused vacation. If you are looking for road trip camping, check out these destinations:
Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort in British Columbia
The Resort at Paws Up in Montana
No matter what type of vacation you'd like today there are many destinations to choose from that will elevate your experience and bring you home feeling more connected and rejuvenated. Happy Traveling!
By, Sabrina Aguilar In-house writer and Marketing Strategist for WellnessRE Magazine