The rise of wellness tourism is reshaping the hospitality industry, as more travellers seek hotels that prioritise their health and wellbeing. From fitness retreats, healthy dining options and innovative spa services, hotels are evolving to meet the growing demand for holistic wellness experiences.
The Surge of Holistic Wellness Experiences
Wellness travel has become a significant force in the global tourism market. The Global Wellness Institute reported that wellness tourism reached $830 billion in 2023, and that the sector is expected to grow rapidly. According to a 2022 Travel Trends research by Virtuoso, conducted jointly with YouGov, 21% of global travellers are now travelling for health and wellness driven reasons. As noted by Orange Studio, “Whether it’s improving nutrition, enhancing sleep quality, or boosting physical fitness, consumers are increasingly seeking effective, data-driven, and science-backed solutions to their wellness needs.”
The demand for new wellness technologies is also growing, with Emlyn Brown, Vice President of Wellbeing at Accor, noting that “Health and wellness technology is moving forward at a very fast pace and creating exciting new possibilities,” including innovations such as sleep therapy, cryotherapy, and infrared saunas. To cater to the growing demand for comprehensive wellness experiences, hotels are increasingly focusing on providing a holistic approach that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit.
Therapy and Stress Relief
Mental wellness is becoming a key focus for many hotels. Warner Hotels, for example, offers couples therapy through their ‘Relax & Recharge Package,’ allowing guests to unwind and reconnect. This type of service highlights the growing emphasis on emotional wellbeing and therapeutic experiences that help guests reduce stress during their stay.
Yoga and Mindfulness
Yoga is another central aspect of wellness offerings at many hotels. Amilla Fushi Maldives, for example, offers ‘Sunrise Yoga by the Sea’, providing guests with an opportunity to start their day with tranquillity and mindfulness. Additionally, Mr & Mrs Smith now features a category of yoga-focused escapes and retreats, catering to travellers seeking a more immersive wellness experience.
Six Senses also leads the way in integrating mindfulness into their wellness programmes. Their wellness offerings include a focus on meditation, breathing exercises, and positivity, with a programme designed around mindfulness, gratitude, and mental wellbeing. This aligns with their ‘Six Wellness Pillars’ approach, which incorporates fitness, nutrition, sleep, and emotional wellness.
Nutrition and Healthy Dining
Nutrition is increasingly a key consideration for health-conscious travellers, and many hotels are responding by offering specialised menus. Hyatt Hotels, for example, has introduced its ‘Health & Balance’ menus, which cater to keto, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free dietary preferences. Other hotels, such as The Rooster in Greece, are adopting a farm-to-table approach, offering guests fresh, locally sourced ingredients that support healthy eating habits.
Restorative Sleep Solutions
Sleep quality has become a growing focus in wellness tourism, with hotels offering innovative sleep solutions. Park Hyatt New York, for example, has introduced five ‘Restorative Sleep Suites’ in partnership with Bryte. These suites feature AI-powered beds that adjust to the climate, providing guests with optimal sleep conditions. The beds also use multisensory technology to help lull guests to sleep and have a pressure release system to contour to their bodies for added comfort.
Mandarin Oriental has also introduced programmes aimed at improving sleep quality. Their ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’ package encourages guests to hand in their phones, laptops, and tablets upon arrival, promoting a digital detox.
Fitness and Active Travel
Fitness remains a central component of wellness tourism, and many hotels are incorporating fitness classes and community-based wellness activities. Amangiri Resort in Utah, for instance, offers an adrenaline-pumping fitness package designed for guests seeking outdoor adventure. Additionally, Mandarin Oriental London offers a ‘Hyde Park Runners’ club, allowing guests to join a local running community while on their travels.
These offerings reflect the broader trend towards active travel, where guests are not only seeking relaxation but also looking for ways to stay fit and engaged during their hotel stays.
In Conclusion...
As wellness tourism continues to grow, with the global wellness economy projected to reach nearly $7 trillion by 2025, hotels are responding by offering a wide range of wellness services designed to meet the needs of health-conscious travellers. Whether through yoga, sleep therapy, nutrition-focused menus, or fitness programmes, hotels are creating holistic wellness experiences that support both physical and mental wellbeing.
