More travelers are now choosing their destinations with one question in mind: Will this make me feel better—body, mind, and soul?
Whether it’s to join a yoga retreat, recover from burnout, explore alternative therapies, or simply eat clean and sleep better, health-conscious travelers are reshaping how hospitality operates.
According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness tourism is expected to reach a staggering $1.3 trillion by 2025, driven by demand for meaningful, restorative experiences. And with travelers spending significantly more per trip than the average tourist, this is a segment no hotelier should overlook.
What Is Wellness Tourism (and Why Should You Care)?
Wellness tourism is all about travel with purpose — aimed at maintaining or improving one’s personal well-being. It spans everything from yoga retreats and spa treatments to forest bathing, sound therapy, clean eating, and even medical wellness checkups.
The pandemic, growing mental health awareness, and rising burnout culture have shifted what travelers are looking for. Today’s guest isn’t just after a break — they want to return home feeling healthier, calmer, and more connected to themselves.
Here’s the kicker for hoteliers: wellness travelers spend 53% more than the average international tourist.
And they’re not heading only to the usual luxury retreats.
Top 5 Destinations Trending for Wellness in 2025
1) Bali, Indonesia – A favorite for retreats, healing centers, and holistic therapies.
Credit: Merusaka Nusa Dua, Bali
Want more insight into Bali? Discover what our STAAH representative, Yuni Listiari, loves about it in this article: 10 Reasons Why Yuni Listiari Loves Bali.
2) Costa Rica – Eco-conscious living meets wellness tourism, with strong focus on nature immersion.
Credit: Origins Lodge, Costa Rica
3) Japan – From onsens to Zen temples, a cultural deep dive into wellness.
4) India – Home of Ayurveda, yoga, and spiritual tourism, increasingly popular among Gen Z and Millennials.
Travel tips straight from the STAAH team! Discover why our representatives love Kerala and Delhi.
5) Thailand – Detox resorts, Muay Thai training, and wellness getaways all in one.
Want a local take? Explore Chiang Mai through the eyes of our STAAH representative, Nipaporn Sukdee (Mimi) – 10 Reasons Why I Love Chiang Mai, Thailand.
These aren’t just vacation spots—they’re wellness destinations. The question is, can your hotel position itself as part of this ecosystem?
How Your Hotel Can Ride the Wellness Tourism Wave
Wellness travelers may not always stay at a spa resort—but they’ll still need a base that aligns with their goals. Here’s how to position your property as a smart choice:
1) Create a Wellness Identity
- Dedicate space on your website to highlight any wellness-aligned services: healthy F&B options, fitness centers, yoga spaces, or quiet zones.
- Add relevant tags to your online travel agents (OTA) listings—“wellness,” “health-focused,” “meditation-friendly,” etc.
2) Partner with Local Practitioners
- Team up with nearby yoga studios, nutritionists, physiotherapists, or even alternative wellness clinics.
- Example: A boutique hotel in Chiang Mai partnered with a reiki practitioner and runs monthly wellness weekends.
3) Become the Mediator
- Position your hotel as a “stay hub” for guests engaging in nearby wellness retreats, detox programs, or health tourism (e.g. dental tourism, checkups).
- Offer shuttle services, easy access, flexible meal options, or relaxation kits.
4) Host Micro Wellness Events
- Think sound baths in your rooftop garden. Or breathwork mornings in your lounge. Even a 3-day “Unplug and Recharge” staycation package.
5) Showcase Stories
- Share testimonials from guests who found peace, healing, or clarity during their stay.
- Post content like “A Day in the Life of a Wellness Guest at [Your Hotel]” on social media or your blog.
Wellness Tourism Packages: Hotels Meeting the Rising Demand
Don’t just talk about wellness—package it. Craft experiences, not just room rates. Ideas include:
- Weekend Wellness Escapes: Two nights, yoga classes, organic breakfast, and late checkout.
- Digital Detox Stays: No-TV rooms, phone lockboxes, mindfulness kits.
- Pre- or Post-Retreat Recovery: For travelers attending off-site programs who need a soft landing.
- Fitness-Focused Packages: With access to local gyms or personal training add-ons.
- Mental Clarity Getaways: Journaling prompts, sound meditation, aromatherapy sets.
5 Emerging Wellness Travel Trends for 2025
To stay ahead, tune into these rising wellness travel trends:
1) Sleep Tourism
- Yes, people are traveling to sleep better. Expect demand for blackout rooms, soundproofing, pillow menus, and circadian lighting.
2) Biohacking Experiences
- Think cryotherapy, infrared saunas, IV drips. Collaborate with local clinics offering cutting-edge wellness.
3) Men’s Wellness Retreats
- More men are actively seeking mental health support, mindfulness, and fitness-based getaways.
4) Blue Mind Travel
- Travelers seeking peace by the sea, lakes, or rivers. Hotels near water should highlight this connection in messaging.
5) Nature-Integrated Wellness
- Nature walks, outdoor spas, forest stays. Urban hotels? Create vertical gardens, offer balcony plants, or link with local parks.
Wellness isn’t just a spa service, it’s a lifestyle, a choice, and increasingly, a reason to travel. Whether you’re a five-star resort or a boutique city hotel, aligning your brand with wellness values can make you stand out in 2025’s saturated travel landscape.
This isn’t about transforming your property overnight. It’s about tuning in, adapting, and being part of the wellness conversation.
Start small. Think big. Your guests and your revenue will thank you.
