According to a recent presentation given by the Global Wellness Institute, there’s a macro shift from experiential to transformative wellness travel, with travelers seeking more emotional, life-changing wellness journeys rather than a series of treatments and classes.
“The buzzword in travel today is ‘transformative,’ and while it can never be precisely defined and often gets misused, for the wellness travel sector it’s the very brand and promise,” said Susie Ellis, chairman and CEO, Global Wellness Institute. “Wellness travelers increasingly demand true brain, body and soul shake-ups — intense personal growth rather than just pampering — and destinations are creatively heeding the call.”
The organization noted seven major trends in wellness travel due to this shift. Destinations are creating immersive, story-based, epic wellness journeys, such as a multi-property, multi-stage itinerary based on a promised spiritual transformation.
More performance, music and art is incorporated into wellness, for example, with resorts offering calligraphy classes in addition to spa treatments, or even performances to enjoy from the comfort of a hot springs.
Hyper-personalized wellness based on DNA is on the rise, using deep-view testing to recommend health, diet, fitness and skincare regimens, as are “brain hacks,” a focus on optimizing one’s brain power for better health.
Transformative travel also takes fitness to a more extreme level, with mind-over-matter challenges (extreme ice/cold experiences are popular).
Happiness travel is a part of the transformational trend, particularly at resorts that focus on social connections and tech disconnections.
Lastly, there is a new focus on all-women wellness travel, for a part-female empowerment, part-wellness focus.
The Global Wellness Institute also touched on the growing wellness tourism industry in the MENA region, as more lifestyle travelers flock to the region and its ultra-luxury properties. Wellness resorts and hot springs resorts are popping up from Qatar to Morocco, Algeria to Dubai.
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Jan 22, 2025What’s in Store in Seattle This Year?
From a newly renovated waterfront and new hotel openings to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Seattle is a must-visit city this year. Find out why:
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Hotel
Jan 21, 2025Treehouse Hotels Opens First U.S. Location
Dream of staying in a treehouse overnight, but prefer the amenities of a hotel to staying in a specialty Airbnb? A new type of property might be up your alley. Treehouse Hotels, a brand within the same family as 1 Hotels and Baccarat Hotels, opens its first U.S. location this spring, in Sunnyvale, California.
Sustainability
Jan 21, 2025Exodus Adventure Travels Unveils Innovative Approach to Responsible Travel
Exodus Adventure Travels, the leader in active, guided small-group adventures, recently announced a new innovative approach to responsible travel. The Thriving Nature, Thriving People initiative supports conservation efforts driven by local communities to help ensure a lasting impact.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Slideshow
Jan 21, 20257 Must-Visit European-Looking U.S. Towns
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s seven must-visit European-looking U.S. towns.
ShareThis