Wellness Travel Focusing on the Mind, Body & Spirit in 2021 & Beyond
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Wellness Travel ASHLEY-BATZ-BETMVWGYCLY-UNSPLASH Focusing on the Mind, Body & Spirit in 2021 & Beyond Wellness travel was already emerging as one of the most important segments in travel pre-pandemic, but in this new travel landscape, it has catapulted onto tourism’s main stage. This past 16 months have taught us that health and safety are priority number one, and with that has come a new mindset for many—that personal wellbeing is of utmost importance. And once someone has embraced healthy habits at home, they are sure to take them on the road. So, how does wellness travel fit into this new travel landscape? For this Wellness Travel Trends Report—a complement to the Wellness Travel Trends Survey conducted on recommend.com as well as the Tips on What Makes a Perfect Wellness Vacation Webinar (both conducted in partnership with the Wellness Tourism Association)—we reached out to experts in the wellness travel segment to gain insight into what will drive demand and what travelers will be looking for now and into 2022. This report also contains the survey results, which provided some interesting data, including that travelers are looking for an overall reboot while on a wellness vacation; are seeking accommodations with access to a range of outdoor activities; and their must-haves while on a wellness vacation include healthy food options; a range of fitness activities; spa treatments; and peace & quiet.
BY MICHELANGELOOP Embracing Wellness Travel Yes, a day at the spa or an early signal is that travelers want wellness in This New Landscape morning beachside yoga class as an integral part of their vacation, “The pandemic has made more of us might be part of the picture, but a and still others are now seeking— realize the value of good health and wellness vacation is so much more and are going to continue to the increasing importance of being than that. Even if you’re planning seek—immersive wellness retreats, proactive with our own self-care,” a more traditional vacation where vacations, getaways—as couples, says Anne Dimon, president of the wellness isn’t the sole focus, your as a group, as a solo traveler, even Wellness Tourism Association client might ask about incorporating as a family. In other words, your (WTA). “Industry studies show that wellness components—eating demographics for tapping the right the main drivers behind the growth healthy throughout; having access to client is wide open. of wellness travel are those who a range of activities; having a space As Rebecca Platt, corporate already incorporate wellness into for meditating; having access to the director of sales & marketing for their lives and want to take those outdoors (those wide-open spaces SunSwept Resorts (BodyHoliday healthy practices and priorities we’ve been talking about), etc. What & Rendezvous, both in Saint Lucia), with them when they travel. As the the data and the experts seem to points out, “Wellness travel has “ industry recovers, your clients will certainly be looking to you to help There’s nothing wrong with creating an experience with wellness them meet their wellness needs and wants.” in mind, but it forces the experience designer into a very traditional path. In speaking with Dimon and the Wellbeing, on the other hand, is a much more broad and a holistic take other industry experts, it’s apparent on helping people feel good. Wellbeing encourages us to look at the that although pre-pandemic the variety of ways that people achieve their peace of mind, joy, confidence, concept of wellness travel was greater on, etc. — not just health on a physical level.” already shifting from simply being -- Luis Ramirez, Spa & Wellness Director, Mexico, a spa-immersed vacation, the & Arabelle Del Pilar Rosario, Spa & Wellness Director, last year-and-a-half has resulted Dominican Republic, Melia Hotels International in even more of a change in how travelers view a wellness vacation.
The age demographic you should be focusing on, according to the Wellness Travel Trends Survey: Sixty-seven percent of respondents say 46-73, so a broad range. That said, don’t discount Millennials as they too are seeking a reboot after these last 16 months. Resort and Naladhu Private Island (a cluster of three resorts just half BY KORNEEVAMAHA an hour by boat from Male and all located around a stunning lagoon in the South Male Atoll), adds, “There is an importance in being able to always been an important element workouts and virtual classes, etc., access or being able to keep up with within the travel industry, however the physical strain also has an impact our daily wellness practices. Most of the past 18 months has really on our overall wellness. With all the us live in the ‘hustle and bustle’ but highlighted the need for self-care above in mind, wellness travel is a we have learned to make time for an and enhanced wellbeing for all of vital part of the new travel landscape hour in the gym, yoga before or after us. The tumultuous time we have all as it allows us to enter this post- work or a weekly IV infusion to keep endured recently has inevitably taken COVID world with the opportunity to it all together. Wellness travel now its toll on our mental wellbeing—not reset our body, mind and soul.” offers the opportunity for us to ‘stick seeing family and loved ones, having Bodina Qureshi, director of spa with it’ even if that is in the middle of movements restricted, not being at Anantara Dhigu Maldives the Indian Ocean or on the top of a able to travel, not to mention the Resort, Anantara Veli Maldives mountain range.” emotional struggle so many people have been through if they have lost someone close to them. Then there is the physical elements of being restricted and as much as we all have tried to compensate with home “ We all deal with situations differently and to be able to experience wellness within travel is important in achieving your overall optimal wellbeing. The new travel landscape we are seeing as the world starts to reopen is seeing a wider emphasis on self-exploration and immersive experiences that allow today’s travelers to evaluate what they need to maintain and enhance their own physical and mental wellbeing.” -- Rebecca Platt, Corporate Director of Sales & Marketing, SunSwept Resorts BY MBLACH
“ Wellness travel has been a growth phenomenon even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognized that trend some time ago and we’re continuing to explore ways to deliver a variety of wellness experiences to our guests when they travel with us.” -- Stijn Creupelandt, Director, Hotel Services, Seabourn BY ABOUTIMAGES Now’s the time to truly do away sums it up nicely: “In a lot of with yesterday’s concept of a ways, the very nature of travel is wellness vacation. The pandemic connected to wellness, seeing added to the shift that was already yourself in a different place, having occurring pre-pandemic within a different experience. However, the segment and it allowed it to the pandemic put a new focus for blossom in different directions. In people on taking care of themselves, BY TYCOON101 fact, says Teresa Ostler, registered that life can be unfortunately short, nurse, general manager of Skyterra so wellness has emerged as an even Wellness Retreat, “We have a new greater concern.” demographic of guests who have not “Gone are the days of simply eating specific foods or going to incorporated wellness into their past travel. We have seen a significant Travelers the gym,” says Stijn Creupelandt, increase in teachers, healthcare Looking to Reconnect, director, hotel services for workers and solo travelers who have Heal from the Pandemic Seabourn. “Sure, those things are high-stress lives and may have even There’s a new demographic of still important, but today’s wellness- lost loved ones. This demographic people invested in traveling with minded traveler has developed desires stress reduction and a reset wellness top of mind—as Olster new habits that focus on mental from the past 18 months.” mentioned, people who never and physical wellbeing.” In fact, Both Luis Ramirez, spa & wellness would’ve even looked at this type says Pedro Castillo, spa & wellness director, Mexico, and Arabelle of travel before are doing so now. director at Eden Roc Cap Cana, Del Pilar Rosario, spa & wellness Dimon notes that, “People who “We learned that staying active is director, Dominican Republic for might not even consider themselves crucial to having good health. The Melia Hotels International, to be part of the ‘wellness travel’ “ inspiration for creating [the resort’s agree that “wellness is the new new wellness] Lifestyle program future.” Today’s traveler seeking a There has been an undeniable is founded upon the concept that wellness vacation wants to “travel shift in the way people perceive simple and effortless changes in to places that connect to wellbeing our daily routine can significantly in all aspects. Wellness is also a big wellness and their personal improve our quality of life. From my business, and the hospitality industry wellbeing and a substantial personal perspective, we not only is no exception. This is the beginning movement to feel better.” need to boost our immune system; to match the travelers’ desires with -- Bodina Qureshi, Director of Spa, we need to keep better health and the wellness path.” Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, a strong immune system on a Dan Gibson, sr. director of Anantara Veli Maldives Resort and daily basis.” communications for Visit Tucson, Naladhu Private Island
BY VOIMAGES surge will become so based These travelers are now planning spent so much time inside, plus the simply on the fact that they will be purposeful vacations so they can experience of being near people making their personal health and return home rested with energy and takes some getting used to again— wellbeing a top priority at home and, optimism, prepared to continue their but a full wellness vacation more subsequently, taking those newly wellness journey. Travelers want often includes activities like hiking, formed habits and practices with to make the most of their wellness biking, climbing, outdoor yoga, etc.” them when they travel.” vacation, often seeking unique Beaches, mountains, forests… And Olster’s colleague, Jeffrey experiences in beautiful places. They anything that brings them closer Ford, executive director of Skyterra want a renewed sense of health to nature—that’s what travelers Wellness Retreat, says, “Travelers and wellbeing achieved through want. As Colin C. James, CEO of are looking for a reset now more experiences and activities.” the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism than ever due to the pandemic. Purposeful—that’s a word I’ve Authority, points out, “It has been Prior to the pandemic, many been hearing a lot lately when it proven, that persons want to go to travelers expressed the need for comes to what today’s traveler is places that are less crowded, with a vacation after their vacation. seeking. Loulu Lima, chief travel less noise and pollution. They want “ guru/owner, Book Here, Give Here, to visit a place that is pristine.” In the new travel landscape, says, “The pandemic has made Notes Andrea Dragosits, founder, my clients be more purposeful in Souljourn Adventure, “We will wellness travel is more important their travels. They are focused on continue to see more domestic travel than ever. Travelers re-evaluated mind, body and spirit. They want and staycation experiences with a their priorities and are more to connect with locals more. They whole new meaning to ‘slow’ and focused on health because of the want to have more connections with mindful travel. There will also be a pandemic. We have also seen a local communities and help make a demand for nature-based travel and significant shift in our collective difference.” a focus on sustainable tourism.” thinking about the importance of But what specifically can you be “Many,” adds Jill Radin- a holistic wellness routine, which recommending to your clients who Leeds, president, Just Spas & has extended beyond daily habits might want a wellness vacation Adventures, “are looking for a to include healthy vacations.” in those wide-open space? “The destination that offers a range of -- Teresa Ostler, Registered outdoors are more a part of the activities from walking/hiking, yoga Nurse, General Manager, wellness vacation now,” says and lots of fitness classes, while Skyterra Wellness Retreat Gibson. “It checks out—people have many want a structured program of
Creupelandt says to look around you for new wellness travel clients. “Just look at your friends and family that have discovered or rediscovered walking or biking or quiet meditation.” Additionally, he points out, “One of the most important facets of wellness that many of us realized as vitally important is the ability to socially interact with other people. Travel enables that social interaction powered by an underlying desire to learn about the world around us.” Survey Says… We wanted to hear from you— you gave us the 4-1-1 and here’s what the Wellness Travel Trends BY VOIMAGES Survey says: The pandemic most certainly “ contributed to what Dimon calls the “wellness wave,” with more Travelers want to experience nature, the outdoors and space. It has been than half of survey respondents proven, that persons want to go to places that are less crowded, with less noting that COVID created a surge noise and pollution. They want to visit a place that is pristine.” in travelers seeking a wellness -- Colin C. James, CEO, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority vacation. Of course, given the ongoing crisis, travel advisor’s fitness and eating so they can both have healing therapies and focus clients, said 63 percent of survey lose weight and return home with more on sustainability. Secondary respondents, are still nervous about the tools to continue on a better path wellness travelers are looking for at travel restrictions in destinations, for themselves. Our clients want a least something that can fulfill their with many still choosing to stay destination that offers healthy eating own wellbeing. The Coronavirus has closer to home. choices. In addition, everyone wants upended every aspect of life and Whether it’s a staycation or a far- some pampering and enjoying the heightened mental health concerns flung destination, wellness travelers, total spa experience because once for most people. Given this, many say survey respondents, are looking returning home you are in a better people now wish to take wellness for certain must-haves while on mental and physical place.” trips to recover mentally, spiritually a wellness getaway: healthy food Melia Hotels International’s and physically.” options; a range of fitness activities Ramirez & Del Pilar Rosario say One of the ways to do that says including yoga, tai chi and similar that advisors need to keep an open Qureshi is by recommending your activities; spa treatments; and peace mind when it comes to who is clients opt for healthier alternatives— & quiet. The top three reasons seeking a wellness vacation: “We “Travelers are selecting vitamin wellness-minded travelers are truly believe that even a business IV infusions over deep tissue looking to get away? According to traveler is seeking wellness in massages. They are waking up at the survey: overall reboot; a few business trips. Primary wellness 6 a.m. to take part in yoga and stress-free days; and learning how travelers are seeking more of a fitness activities to start their day. to become more proactive with conscious vacation where they can They are gravitating towards healthier their own health. Most important nurture their inner peace and find more wholesome food options and for most travelers in this new travel a wellness improvement where ending their days with immune- landscape—accommodations with they stay, where they can eat well, boosting shakes.” access to many outdoor activities.
BY MINT IMAGES body and soul) and restoration. stay focused on their overall goals Catering to the Activities and treatments include and routines. First and foremost, New Wellness Traveler everything from ocean swimming wellness starts with our onboard “As the industry begins to recover, and bike rides, to personal box fit, facility, Spa & Wellness with Dr. there will be greater demand Pilates, tai chi, meditation, Ayurvedic Andrew Weil, The Spa has a resident by more travelers for the basic treatments, chanting, Bhutanese Mindful Living Coach and offers a amenities, attributes, activities and healing and osteopathy. It can be full array of services such as yoga programs that will help [travelers] undertaken as 5-, 7-, 14- or 21-day classes, crystal sound therapy, maintain their health-focused retreats. The COVID Convalescence massage services and our onboard lifestyles, or assist in launching them is a 5-day non-medical program fitness center that rivals any land- on the path to becoming a healthier created especially for COVID based resort in terms of variety human being with a stronger and recoverees, many of whom will have of strength and cardio equipment. more resilient immune system,” says been asymptomatic or had the virus We’re also offering more healthy Dimon. With that in mind, here are in a mild form. The program targets menu choices. For example, our few recommendations. and strengthens the respiratory newly enhanced breakfast service ❂ Launched upon BodyHoliday’s system, and treatments include at The Patio now features a healthy reopening in May 2021 are three meditation, yoga and Reiki as well as lifestyle bar with freshly made juices, new wellness programs: Wellness Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), nuts and dried fruits. I would also Rehabilitation, COVID Convalescence hypnotherapy and osteopathy. The offer that a ship provides a perfect and Boost Your Immunity. Platt says Immunity program, meanwhile, “ that the programs are a combination focuses on mental wellbeing, of both active and mindful elements nutrition and fitness, including The opportunity to regain some and are designed bespoke for each holistic metaphysical approaches. of your humanity through a and every guest. With the Wellness ❂ Seabourn’s small ship vacation with wellness Rehabilitation, guests will be able environment, says Creupelandt, is integrated into the itinerary is an to fully immerse themselves in ideal for today’s wellness traveler. important and welcome one.” all aspects of the four pillars of “During a Seabourn vacation,” he wellbeing that incorporate relaxation, -- Dan Gibson, Senior Director, says, “there are a number of ways fitness, holistic nutrition (for mind, the wellness-minded traveler can Communications, Visit Tucson
environment to truly relax and kit as well as a personalized menu at fitness spaces, classrooms, and unwind with plenty of quiet spaces all F&B outlets, the program features a dining room with expansive to meditate or even treat yourself to a variety of customized activities and mountain views. “We are also in the some well-deserved extra sleep.” classes such as yoga, meditation, process,” says founder and owner ❂ The three Anantara resorts in aeroyoga, healthy cooking classes Sue Crowell, “of adding an indoor/ the Maldives where Qureshi is the and a consultation with the outdoor pool and pickleball courts, spa director, offer guests, she says property’s natural medicine guru. both of which should be completed “an all-encompassing wellness • Skyterra Wellness Retreat, by the end of this year. We’ve seen platform offering comprehensive located in North Carolina, recently more guests seeking healthy weight wellness programs that include moved to a new campus with all- loss, and our LoseSmart program lifestyle consultations, treatment/ private lodging and accommodations, also supports the needs of many activity recommendations and more than nine miles of trails that new wellness travelers. With a specially crafted wellness food menu cross streams and lead to a waterfall, holistic approach to weight loss, options. Our wellness dishes & a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, guests focus on safe and effective beverages include fresh, unrefined indoor and outdoor yoga spaces, long-term exercise habits and and wholefood ingredients designed exclusively for nutritious balance and to promote greater wellbeing. Our wellness team is dedicated to helping guests feel better through movement therapy, nutritional guidance and innovative new therapies. This includes now having a resident Naturopath and Nutritionist as part of the team, offering nutrition and lifestyle consultations and hosting workshops and seminars such as ‘Peak Performance Nutrition’ and ‘Simple Tips for Eating Healthily.’” ❂ The Dominican Republic’s Eden Roc Cap Cana, says Castillo, “truly believes in personalization and thinks this is what wellness travelers are looking for, especially BY FURMANPHOTO in this day and age.” With that in mind, the resort debuted an Endless Wellbeing package “as an escape where people can reset their reality and bring a new sense Anne Dimon, WTA president, offers these tips for selling wellness travel: of peace into their daily life through ❂ First of all, familiarize yourself with the lexicon countless activities, amenities, (wellnesstourismassociation.org/glossary-wellness-tourism- classes and experiences here in our industry-terms); tropical paradise.” Guests will be ❂ Second, know that wellness travel is not all about the spa guided by the property’s Wellness experience. Also, it’s becoming more accessible, meaning that wellness Concierge, who will customize the travel experiences are available in various price categories both with program for their specific wellness, fitness, dietary and mental health and without spa treatments; goals and needs. In addition to ❂ Third, be aware that according to the most recent consumer survey overnight accommodations in one conducted by WTA, the most highly rated motivation for planning a of the property’s wellness suites post-pandemic wellness vacation is ‘to return to everyday life feeling that includes customized in-room rejuvenated.’ This motivation was rated most important across the aromatherapy and an in-room fitness board by Millennials, Gen X and Boomers.
BY PHOTOLOGY75 nutrition. LoseSmart is a personalized their soul and others; a Sensorial Space in the Sun,’ was specifically program that offers a wide variety space where they can have the most created to take into consideration of individual services and aftercare. healing therapy to release pain or just their desire for space. The Many new wellness travelers also stress; a Culinary space with multi- destination provides travelers with all come to Skyterra seeking help with flavor dishes taking advantage of the space they need, space to move, healthy aging through increased the local tastes and KM0 products; space to play and space to just be, mobility and strength training.” a Silent space where they can in an unrushed, beautiful location ❂ Melia Hotels International, find their own peace reading a surrounded by calming, turquoise meanwhile, offers a wellness- book, meditating or simply hearing beaches and tropical sunshine. inclusive concept where the main the sound of nature; and finally a A lot of our properties offer physical focus is to balance the wellness Personal space where guests can fitness and spa experiences wheel through five spaces that cocoon themselves in a wellness from yoga to massages, there is together provide a mental, physical, suite by Stay Well, which features fresh farm-to-table dining in al emotional and curative wellbeing: A a Deepak Chopra welcoming video, fresco restaurants and great Social space where your clients can the award-winning wellness program outdoor excursions.” meet the culture and learn through of Cleveland Clinic that includes ❂ For those clients who prefer special experiences to connect with guided meditation and stress-free staying a bit closer to home, Tucson, section, vitamin C-infused shower, says Gibson, offers “experiences air purifier, essential oil aromatherapy that fit all wellness travelers, I diffuser and an all latex memory believe, especially as our properties foam 100 percent organic mattress. have evolved. Miraval offers classes ❂ Says James, “Antigua and about beekeeping and local honey to Barbuda’s tourism product is really make a deeper connection to their suited to the needs of the wellness unique surroundings; Canyon Ranch traveler. Our new campaign, ‘Your offers opportunities to experience “ Tucson’s unique gastronomy culture. Quarantine opened the eyes Many local resorts use products of many to the reality that living from the Sonoran Desert in their treatments, plus opportunities to be a balanced life and incorporating outside in the unique environment both exercise and family time Tucson offers. There’s something is both a blessing and necessity healing and restorative about the in a healthy lifestyle.” desert and Tucson’s wellness -- Pedro Castillo, Spa & Wellness community works to provide that Director, Eden Roc Cap Cana experience to visitors.” BY DRAGONIMAGES
WELCOME TO SAINT LUCIA! One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies’ Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia is nestled halfway down the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a tropical rainforest, the highly Instagrammed mud baths at the Sulphur Springs Park and one of the world’s only drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in Castries, quaint coastline fishing villages and internationally inspired cuisine. Saint Lucia’s wide range of accommodations includes five-star hotels, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns and value-oriented properties. The destination also offers world-class cruise and yachting facilities. The island is continually recognized as one of the leading wedding and honeymoon destinations worldwide. The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is the official destination marketing and promotion organization for Saint Lucia. Check out Instagram for Augmented Reality (AR) Filters that transport users on virtual cultural and island adventures. Learn more at www.stlucia.org and follow on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. It’s Time for Saint Lucia! Take advantage of Covid-certified hotels, resorts and villas offering incredible savings this spring and summer. Scoop up room credits, spa treatments, dining perks, yoga, activities and more. stlucia.org/en/its-time-for-saint-lucia #SaintLuciaTime #TravelSaintLucia #LetHerInspireYou
At Seabourn, we believe that traveling for pleasure has a redemptive power that enriches people’s lives. It expands your mind to new perspectives, recharges your body, and feeds your soul. Our gracious team members on board are passionate about ensuring your client’s every comfort is taken care of so they can focus on learning about new cultures, meeting new people, enjoying farm-to-table local cuisine, rejuvenating in our award-winning spa and having once-in-a-lifetime adventures. They only need to unpack once as their ultra-luxury resort at sea travels to the most sought after destinations across all 7 continents. About Seabourn Seabourn’s ultra-luxury resorts at sea represent the most advanced evolution of small ship cruising with all ocean-front suites and exceptional amenities. The official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage, Seabourn offers immersive destination experiences on all seven continents. Prestigious partnerships enhance our award- winning cuisine and world-class spa, and our heartfelt hospitality provides unforgettable Seabourn Moments on every voyage. Seabourn.com Seabourn seabourncruise Seabourn
True Dream by Live Aqua—The perfect design for a sensory experience. Designed as an oasis of rest and relaxation for true hedonists, True Dream is the ultimate dreamlike stay. Here, every detail has been thoroughly planned and executed to live unforgettable sensations in and out our guestrooms. You will find everything you need to envelop your senses: the sensory design of our rooms, the warmth and seduction of Live Aqua’s exclusive aromas; an exceptional pillow menu and our featured Live Aqua bed. In addition, the personalized “Your Wish My Wish” room service experience elevates each stay to a new level, where our guests’ wishes are not just commands, but a fundamental part of our deepest sense of purpose. This is your space, your place, your moment. Enjoy it. Live it. Dream it. For you to live in your home our unique sensory experience, we have created Live Aqua Home Collection, our exclusive selection of iconic items, to bring pleasure and sophistication into the most refined homes, such as our spectacular Live Aqua aroma kit, pamper yourself with the soft, comfortable textures of our kimono robes and slippers; bring a playful touch to your days with our iconic rubber ducky. The experience include: • True Dream bed • Sensory design • Bed linens • Turndown service • Pillow menu • Entertainment • Edgy Tech • Select Minibar • Your Wish My Wish” assistance • Luxury Amenities • Scents • Double vanity area • Customized ambiance lighting • PRIVATE Spa • Perfect acoustics • Bathtub • Digital temperature control • Music Experience Music About La Colección La Colección Resorts by Fiesta Americana is a distinctive selection of 30 beach and urban resorts located throughout Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Their brands include: Live Aqua Resorts & Residence Club, Grand Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts, Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts, and The Explorean Discovery Resorts. lacoleccionresorts.com/travelagents/promotions
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