What is Wellness Travel? A Boon to Destinations & Resorts!
Longtime readers know we’ve been seriously blogging about health and wellness travel trends since 2018. (Check out one of our early posts here.) While some we’ve covered have staying power (we really don’t see the wellness and yoga retreat going anywhere anytime soon!), others are continually evolving. The Global Wellness Institute forecasts the worldwide market for wellness travel will hit $9 trillion by 2028. Want to claim a healthy slice of this (non-GMO) pie? Read on for our insights.
Wellness Travel Destinations
Looking at points around the globe that are renowned for attracting health and wellness-conscious travelers (we get into specifics under Wellness Tourism Examples), there are five commonalities underpinning their success:
- Authenticity: Offerings are integral to the local culture and traditions
- Personalization: Experiences can be tailored to individuals’ goals
- Holism: Addressing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness
- Gastronomy: A deep understanding that nourishment is healing
- Sustainability: A concern for the health of the planet that’s equal to the health of visitors
Wellness Tourism Examples
Let’s unpack exactly how two leading destinations — one close to home and one abroad — continuously win over wellness travelers:
Sedona, Arizona
This city taps into its spiritual significance as a vortex. Their tourism bureau unearths the definition and benefits of vortexes here. So it’s no surprise that wellness practitioners — including Reiki Masters, acupuncturists, massage therapists, yogis and more — have flocked to Sedona to offer their services to locals and visitors alike. The destination is also home to highly respected spa resorts and wellness retreats, including Mii Amo and Sedona Mago. Finally, the area’s unspoiled beauty encourages invigorating outdoor recreation and a restorative reconnection with nature.
India
As the birthplace of Ayurveda (defined by Johns Hopkins Medicine here) and Yoga, India is a pilgrimage for wanderlusters committed to improving their health and well-being. Travelers can immerse themselves in Panchakarma, Shirodhara, Naturopathy and Siddha. And governmental and professional entities actively work to accredit, standardize and promote wellness offerings in the country. No wonder India was a starring destination in Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling book, “Eat Pray Love.”
Even if your destination is not home to a vortex or where a holistic system of health and well-being was developed, you can look to these leaders in the sector for inspiration to carve out your own offerings and messaging around wellness.
Wellness Travel Experiences
Resorts need to think beyond traditional spa services to attract uncompromising wellness enthusiasts. Let’s break down some popular experiences by category:
Longevity Programming
- Blue Zone-inspired offerings — see our dedicated blog post on the topic here
- DNA-based and microbiome nutrition plans
- IV vitamin drips
- Cryotherapy
- Infrared saunas
Sleep Optimization — check out our sleep tourism blog here
- Tech-optimized sleep suites
- Digital detoxes
- Personalized sound therapy
- Deep relaxation techniques
Mental & Emotional Fitness
- Silent retreats
- Somatic therapies
- Journaling workshops
- Cognitive-boosting activities
Social & Regenerative Wellness
- Forest bathing
- Guided mountain biking
- Hot springs
- Thermal spas
- Cold plunges
- Contrast hydrotherapy
Wellness Travel Packages
As always, we recommend designing stay packages to bundle your guests’ overnight accommodations and specialized offerings. This is especially beneficial in the wellness realm, where there is peak interest paired with a need for guidance (especially for those new to the movement). Properties doing it well include Lansdowne Resort, SHA and Euphoria Retreat.
Feeling overwhelmed? Breathe in, breathe out, then contact Lynn Kaniper at 609.466.9187 ext. 117 or lkaniper@danacommunications.com to learn how Dana can help you bring in wellness travelers. As the Hospitality Business Review 2025 Travel Marketing Agency of the Year, we have the expertise to improve the health of your bottom line.