The travel industry has seen its share of ups and downs over the last few years, and at at times felt very uncertain during 2022, but research from global luxury travel network Virtuoso recently revealed that luxury travelers in particular have led the way forward despite COVID variants, travel restrictions, and overwhelmed airports. This has led to an increase in flights and booking around the world.
What's more, as travel continues to increase, the interest in wellness tourism is more evident than ever. According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness tourism grew 8 percent annually from 2017 to 2019 (reaching $720 billion) and then took a major hit in 2020. The market went down -39.5 percent to $436 billion, while wellness trips dropped from 936 million to 601 million. However, wellness tourism now is projected to have a 21 percent annual growth rate through 2025, which reflects the values of travelers today (a quest for nature, sustainability, and mental wellness) as well as a period of rapid recovery from pent-up demand in 2021 and 2022. To meet the needs and desires of guests, it's exciting to see that many resorts have recently launched new wellness programs and offerings. Here's a look at some of the most recent wellness programs and offerings:
Preidlhof's Launches New Wellness Retreats: Preidlhof, the wellness resort in Northern Italy, has developed retreats that allow travelers to focus on re-claiming inner peace and prioritizing themselves. There are nine retreats to choose from: Integrated Healing, Energy & Healing for Two, Transformational Journey, Glowing Flow, Wellness for Two, Menopause, Sleep Better, Lighten Up, and Holistic Fitness.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Debuts New Spa Experiences: Waldorf Astoria Chicago Spa & Health Club has partnered with Biologique Recherche to offer several new treatment options, including The Custom BR Uplift Facial, which is designed to balance, lift, and firm skin using products from Biologique Recherche paired with lymphatic drainage, muscle sculpting manipulation, and cryotherapy. A second couples treatment room is now available for intimate treatment experiences where guests can enjoy a romantic 60- or 90-minute couples’ massage, and with optional enhancements such as CBD oil or Knesko Collagen masks.
The Oberoi, Marrakech Launches SAHA, a Holistic Wellness Program: The Oberoi, Marrakech has launched SAHA, a holistic wellness program. Four cornerstones form the foundation of the program; these include "Soul & Spirit," "Active Body," "Holistic Treatments" and "A Better Plate." Guests can choose from a three- to seven-night program. Those who extend to the five- to seven-day program will benefit from additional therapies such as horse whispering, a practice that, according to the hotel, helps guests understand themselves better.
Ananda in The Himalayas Launches New Wellness Programs: Ananda in the Himalayas, the destination spa and wellness retreat, has announced new wellness programs, besides extensive renovations.Ananda’s wellness programs have integrated traditional Ayurveda with classical yoga and meditation; now, it also includes an entirely new platform of emotional healing and therapy. Emotional healers with expertise in spiritual healing, hypnotherapy and energy work help guests understand their challenges from a deeper level of awareness to create emotional balance. Expanding the range of traditional healing techniques are Oriental therapies including acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, Tibetan Ku Nye, and other practices to rebalance and center the physical and energy systems.
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino Launches Couples Escape: The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino has introduced a Couples Escape offer. The experience begins before the couple arrives on the island with a consultation from a romance concierge to plan a curated itinerary. The concierge can book private experiences including a cabana at the new adults-only Trankilo pool, a photoshoot on the beach and throughout the property, mixology and culinary class, meditation and yoga, volunteer experience, snorkeling and ATV tour, and more.