The wellness travel trends we’ll be seeing in 2025

From biohacking and longevity to sustainability and AI innovations, wellness tourism has come a long way

As more people recognise the importance of self-care, wellness travel has skyrocketed. The global wellness tourism market is expanding at a rate of 11.6 per cent, and is projected to reach approximately AU$904 in 2024. By 2034, it could surpass AU$2 trillion, reflecting a surge in demand for experiences that promote physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. This trend is undoubtedly driven by our fast paced modern lifestyle, the need for stress relief, and the desire to return from a holiday feeling truly rejuvenated.

Wellness travel has evolved far beyond the classic yoga retreat at the foothills of the Himalayas. While yoga retreats are still a popular option, wellness travel today is about finding balance through diverse activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation, and experiences that nourish the body, mind, and soul. This could mean a luxurious spa experience in Bali, digital detox retreats, adventure-based wellness trips that include hiking or surfing, or thermal spa vacations in locations like Iceland or Japan.

These experiences offer a blend of luxury, adventure and self-care, making wellness travel not just a fleeting trend, but a lifestyle shift that more and more people are embracing.

So what trends can we expect to see in 2025, and where can you experience them?

1. Longevity-focused retreats

Travellers are now seeking wellness retreats that focus on long-term health and longevity. These destinations offer programs that include medical wellness, nutrition guidance, fitness routines and mindfulness practices aimed at improving overall health and vitality.

Consider:

RAKxa in Thailand is a leader in longevity retreats, offering tailored health assessments, anti-ageing therapies, and holistic wellness programs that integrate nutrition and fitness with traditional healing practices.

2. Eco-friendly wellness escapes

Sustainability is at the heart of many wellness retreats, with destinations focusing on eco-conscious designs, organic treatments, and farm-to-table dining experiences. Eco-friendly wellness escapes allow travellers to rejuvenate while supporting environmental sustainability.

Consider:

Six Senses resorts incorporate sustainability into every aspect of their operations, from renewable energy and organic spa treatments to on-site gardens that provide fresh ingredients for their wellness meals.

3. Digital detox retreats

The demand for digital detox experiences is rising as people look to escape the overwhelming presence of technology. Wellness destinations are now offering programs specifically designed to help guests disconnect and recharge, encouraging mindfulness, creativity and mental clarity.

Consider:

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in Queensland,  provides a tech-free environment where guests can engage in restorative activities such as nature walks, yoga, and creative workshops, encouraging full relaxation without digital distractions.

4. Personalised wellness journeys

A major trend in 2024 is the shift towards personalised wellness. Wellness retreats are increasingly offering bespoke programs that are tailored to each guest’s specific health needs and goals. These programs often include nutrition plans, fitness regimes, sleep and mental wellness practices.

Consider:

SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain leads the way with personalised wellness programs based on health diagnostics, offering bespoke treatments and wellness journeys focused on everything from fitness to fertility.

5. Wellness and adventure fusion

A growing number of wellness travellers are seeking a fusion of physical adventure and relaxation. Destinations that combine wellness with outdoor activities like hiking, surfing or mountain trekking are becoming popular, offering travellers the opportunity to challenge themselves physically while rejuvenating mentally.

Consider:

Aro Ha in New Zealand offers adventure wellness programs, blending physical activities like hiking and yoga with plant-based meals and mindfulness practices, set in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

6. Mindfulness and mental wellness

With increasing awareness of mental health, travellers are prioritising mindfulness and mental wellness during their trips. Many wellness destinations are incorporating meditation, breathwork, and sound healing to promote mental clarity and reduce stress.

Consider:

Aman’s Mindfulness Retreats integrate meditation, breathwork and sound therapy, providing guests with tools to manage stress and promote emotional well-being in serene, natural settings.

7. Wellness gastronomy

As the connection between food and wellness becomes more apparent, travellers are seeking out destinations that offer healthy, nutritious, and sustainable dining experiences. Wellness gastronomy focuses on plant-based menus, organic ingredients and farm-to-table dining.

Consider:

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary in Thailand is known for its health-focused menu, offering plant-based dishes, organic ingredients, and detoxifying foods that support overall wellness.

8. Thermal and hot springs destinations

Thermal and hot springs destinations are becoming increasingly popular in Australia and New Zealand, as travellers seek the healing and relaxing properties of mineral-rich waters. Bathing experiences are making a major comeback as part of the wellness boom, offering visitors rejuvenation through hydrotherapy and thermal treatments.

Consider:

Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula offer a range of hot and cold bathing, spa treatments, and wellness experiences designed to harness the therapeutic benefits of mineral-rich waters.

9. Bathing and hydrotherapy boom

The rise in bathhouses and hydrotherapy experiences is another significant trend in wellness travel. Bathhouses and thermal springs are attracting travellers who seek the restorative and detoxifying benefits of water-based therapies.

Consider: Aurora Bathhouse & Spa Victoria, offers a variety of hydrotherapy treatments, including outdoor thermal pools and wellness rituals that promote physical relaxation and mental rejuvenation. It is part of the Intercontinental Sorrento precinct making it an easy experience for hotel guests

10. Hotels introducing wellness experiences

To meet the growing demand for wellness travel, many hotels are upgrading their offerings by adding state-of-the-art wellness facilities. These enhancements cater to travellers seeking both luxury and holistic health experiences. Hotels are now incorporating features such as cutting-edge fitness centres, hydrotherapy pools, meditation spaces and wellness suites equipped with in-room aromatherapy and sleep aids.

Consider:

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River offers an expansive wellness centre featuring an advanced hydrotherapy facility, vitality pools, a Himalayan salt room, and an extensive spa offering treatments inspired by traditional Thai healing methods. The hotel also has a full sized Muay Thai boxing ring, provides fitness classes, mindfulness programs, and restorative yoga sessions. Similarly, Six Senses Ibiza in Spain focuses on holistic wellness, incorporating farm-to-table dining, sound healing, and spa treatments into the guest experience.

Kris Abbey is a spa and wellness industry expert, and the curator of The Wellness Summit, taking place in Byron Bay 20-21 October 2024. Australian and international spa, wellness and wellness tourism leaders will gather at the summit to discuss the latest developments and trends in wellness. Visit The Wellness Summit to see the line up of 25 speakers, panel discussions and immersions on offer.