Two spa guests enjoy a walk through a labyrinth.
Traveling in search of wellness is not a new concept. As early as 5,000 years ago, people trekked to India to seek benefits from Ayurvedic medicine, a holistic approach to physical and mental health. Although traveling for wellness dates back thousands of years, wellness tourism as a global industry is relatively new, notes the Wellness Tourism Association.
The wellness tourism landscape is evolving rapidly. Hilton’s 2023 travel report shows that 50% of travelers are looking for travel to address either physical or mental wellness. While spas and fitness centers have traditionally been staples of wellness travel, today's travelers seek more authentic and profound wellness experiences, and hoteliers must adapt. This includes remote retreats for holistic healing and rejuvenation, healthy food and beverage options, connecting travelers with the local community and overall peace of mind with a growing focus on sleep wellness.
Tired travelers crave the ability to enjoy restorative sleep.
As everyday stress mounts and continues to impede the nation’s ability to rest, “sleep tourism” is on the rise to offer tired travelers the ability to enjoy restorative sleep. Haley Payne, Head of Commercial at Pure Wellness, says, “As the market for nature-based healing continues to grow, hoteliers have a distinct opportunity to enhance their guests' experience by addressing air quality. Beyond providing a clean breathing environment, improved air quality actively contributes to guests' health and wellness. Favorable air conditions not only reduce stress but also facilitate relaxation and, notably, enhance sleep.”
Tara Cappel, founder and CEO of For the Love of Travel, a group travel company for millennials, says, “If 2023 was the year of revenge travel, I think 2024 will be the year of slow, intentional travel, with more of an emphasis on personal well-being, social connection and meaningful experiences. Travelers will be more intentional about the trips they’re taking, prioritizing those that make them feel happy and fulfilled, whether or not friends and family want to join. I also think we will see more buzz around eschewing phones for mental health purposes in 2024 and that will extend to travel. Travelers will embrace phone-free days and digital escapes for their mental and emotional well-being.”
The resort embraces Sedona's rich healing heritage.
The Wilde Resort & Spa, Sedona, AZ
Nestled at the foothills of the renowned Thunder Mountain, the striking rock formation resembling a lightning bolt, The Wilde Resort & Spa embraces Sedona's rich healing heritage. Offering a holistic approach, Haven Spa guests are invited to indulge in a spectrum of treatments that rotate seasonally, guided meditation in Sedona’s only outdoor labyrinth, mindful tea ceremonies, yoga and intuitive readings. Wellness intertwines with nature at Haven Spa to create a transformative experience for travelers committed to health, self-care and fitness as a new year’s resolution. Inspired by Sedona’s slide rock formations, a Seven Sacred Pool Treatment treatment ritual brings balance to the seven chakras of the body.
Guests receive a nature-based healing experience.
Bardessono Hotel & Spa, Yountville, CA
At Bardessono’s b Spa Therapy Center, select ingredients are carefully chosen from their organic garden and added to their collection of facial and body treatments for a nature-based healing experience. Director of Spa at Bardessono, Maritsa Victorian, says, “Indulging in private, in-room treatments at Bardessono is an essential way for every guest to begin their stay. This ensures their experience is spent in a state of relaxation, enriching their time exploring the beauty of Napa Valley. At Bardessono, we’ve incorporated body therapies which utilize Napa Valley’s most treasured, natural ingredients to meet the growing trend of nature-based healing travel. During the Vino Polish treatment, we use grape seeds sourced directly from nearby vineyards and the Garden Harvest Wrap treatment includes herbs from the same soil as Napa Valley’s world-class wines.”
The estate epitomizes the enchantment of the Irish coast.
Relais & Châteaux designated Liss Ard Estate, Cork, Ireland
An elegant mansion nestled in the midst of nature, Liss Ard Estate epitomizes the enchantment of the Irish coast. The property features two wood burning saunas, a yoga studio and spa treatments inspired by ancient Celtic healing rituals, such as Reiki, an Indian Head Massage and Tea Ceremonies with wellness practitioner Hayley Power. The Lakeside Wellness Center’s Indian Head Massage is a unique, holistic 90-minute treatment that uses acupressure massage to release accumulated stress in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, face, neck and shoulders. A Wood Burning Sauna & Lake Cold Plunge Experience begins in the warmth of a Scandi-style wooden saunas followed by an exhilarating natural cold plunge into the refreshing lake waters. This harmonious fusion of warmth and brisk rejuvenation promises a transformative escape for guests seeking renewal.
The hotel offer a Revitalize Retreat.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City, New Jersey
The hotel’s 2024 January Wellness Packages include The Revitalize Retreat which affords guests one weeknight (Sunday-Thursday) in a Borgata Stay Well King room, a $150 credit to Spa Toccare and Breakfast in Bed for $25. The Couples Escape: Stay, Spa & Savor is ideal for couples booking two nights in the Stay Well King room during the week (Sunday-Thursday). They will enjoy a $300 credit to Spa Toccare, $100 Dining Credit and Breakfast in Bed for $25. Relax & Renew in Luxury Package (Weekday) includes a two-night stay in a newly renovated MGM Tower Vista Suite. This package also includes a $300 credit to Spa Toccare, a $250 dining credit and Breakfast in Bed for $75.
The Challenge Course helps guests build confidence.
Miraval Resorts, Austin, Arizona and Berkshires
Transformative and well-being travel are core trends for 2024 at Miraval Resorts through experiences that foster growth and impactful, lasting change. It’s more than simply achieving wellness through habits and behaviors. Each of the brand’s full-service resorts dig deeper into the mental, spiritual and physical to uncover the reciprocal impact that each has on holistic well-being. The resorts prioritize mental well-being through experiences that help guests understand themselves, build confidence and overcome challenges. From sleep and dream experiences, Miraval Resorts nurture the body inside and out. Signature offerings include culinary, nutrition and cultivation experiences that support a better knowledge of food and its sources.
