From flamingo yoga to lomilomi lessons, these are the wellness travel trends you’ll see over the year ahead.

‘Flop and drop’ holidays that involve little more than sipping cocktails by the pool or seeing the same old sights are so yesterday. The latest trends in wellness travel suggest that today’s travellers want to prioritise their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Rather than emerging sunburnt, hungover, or needing another holiday to recover from the first, wellness travel experiences blend deep rejuvenation with the opportunity to cultivate lasting healthy habits.

The opportunity to blend relaxation with spa therapies, healthy eating, bodywork, mindfulness practices, and holistic healing is the reason wellness tourism is estimated to be worth USD 830.2 billion globally, according to the latest report by the Global Wellness Institute. Further, the trend is growing at a rate of 10.2% per annum. Based on current projections, wellness tourism will be worth a staggering USD 1350 billion by 2028. From apitherapy cabins in Slovenia to long-distance pilgrimages in Spain, these wellness experiences are fuelling our wanderlust.

1. Apitherapy enthusiasts say it’s the bee’s knees.

From royal jelly to medicinal honey, products derived from bees have a centuries-long history of healing. But how would you feel about sharing your personal space with members of the hive? At the Spa and Wellness Summit 2024 in Byron Bay, I climbed into a hexagonal hut made of hoop pine. I then shut the door, lay down, and breathed in the volatile compounds released by more than 10,000 honeybees, which busied themselves on the other side of a mesh screen near my head. As they did, I let their gentle hum and vibration lull me into a deeply relaxed state of near-sleep.

Bee healing huts like this are the next frontier in apitherapy – and the buzz about them is building. Candace Foo and Willow Hankinson of Mullumbimby-based BeeAlive make and sell the huts – and even have some available for overnight guests. Yet while apitherapy remains uncommon in Australia, it’s booming in parts of Europe. In Slovenia, apiculturist Andrej Trontelj built a clay cabin with beehives embedded in the walls which he rents out on Airbnb. The country even promotes ‘honey wellness’ in the form of honey wraps, massages and baths. Other countries with prominent apitherapy traditions include Romania, Lithuania, and Bulgaria.

2. Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) takes a twirl.

Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) is a 1000-year-old set of healing practices, beliefs, and philosophy that, compared with Traditional Chinese Medicine, has largely flown under the radar in the West. The principles of TAIM were first captured in the Canon of Medicine, which was written in the 11th Century by Persian polymath Avicenna. It became the most influential medical textbook in the West until the 17th Century, introducing the germ theory of disease, a framework for clinical trials, and related health concepts still in use today.

TAIM is now finding contemporary expression in luxury retreats such as Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar. My five-night stay incorporated herbal medicines, Middle Eastern superfoods, and traditional mind-body practices. (To read the full account of my stay, click here.) Different forms of massage (tadleek), including the traditional Qatari hamiz (deep tissue) full body massage with sweet almond oil, are also an integral part of the program. Zulal means ‘pure natural water’, with the resort’s positioning as a desert oasis apparent in its meandering lagoon, dramatic waterfalls, picturesque ponds and other water features. Expect to see TAIM and other ancient healing traditions gain further momentum in the years to come.

3. Wellbeing weekenders highlight our shift in priorities.

The demand for short but sweet getaways is rising. Hospitality company Accor predicts ‘wellbeing weekenders’ will be one of the biggest travel trends in 2025. According to its trend forecasting report, 3 in 10 people intend to take a wellness focussed mini-retreat in the coming year. There’s also been a 22% uptick in searches for ‘wellness retreat holidays’ over the past year. Driving this trend is the post-pandemic shift in priorities, a growing awareness of the importance of self-care, and the desire to escape digital overload. Many people also just wanted a relaxing break that doesn’t demand extensive planning, the report says.

Other research shows that short breaks can be just as rejuvenating as longer ones. The two-night Gwinganna Wellness Weekend which blends organic, chef-prepared cuisine with movement sessions and spa therapies, is a great example of this trend. (To learn more about Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, check out my review here.) Accor says that these mini-retreats offer a chance to reconnect with personal wellbeing in a fast, effective manner. “Whether it’s a meditation retreat in the mountains, a spa weekend by the sea, or a digital detox in the countryside, travellers are prioritising self-care and mindfulness during their brief escapes from everyday life,” the report reads. (Visit my story on how to soothe your soul with a mini break for some inspirational tips on where to travel for your own.)

4. Holiday makers seek out animal-assisted therapy options.

From spirited horses at Nihi Sumba to airport therapy dogs pressed into service to calm anxious flyers, there is a growing demand for therapy programs, especially those which involve interactions with animals. The holistic benefits of animal-assisted therapy make it a compelling choice for travellers who seek restorative experiences while interacting with the natural world. The benefits are said to include a reduction in stress levels, enhanced emotional well-being, and deeper levels of relaxation.

Equine-assisted therapy is a popular offering at Miraval Resorts in the United States, where guests engage in mindful activities with horses to improve emotional awareness and decrease anxiety. (To read more about the benefits of equine therapy, read my guide, or to find other prominent practitioners, explore Horses for Courses.) In Thailand, the Elephant Nature Park allows visitors to care for rescued elephants, fostering a sense of connection and compassion. Meanwhile, Japan’s cat cafes, like Neko no Mise in Tokyo, offer urban travellers the soothing presence of cats in a tranquil environment. Elsewhere, at Ojo Spa Resorts Santa Fe, guests can soothe their stress by spending time with rescue puppies and silkie bantams, while the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar has a swim-up wildlife sanctuary and flamingo yoga classes.

5. Indigenous tours and treatments provide a soulful path to health.

As travellers seek authentic, culturally immersive experiences that promote well-being, Indigenous-led tours and treatments are thriving. Rooted in ancient traditions, these offerings connect visitors with the land, history and healing practices of First Nations peoples, fostering a deeper appreciation for their wisdom. 

At Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia, travellers can join guided tours with the Adnyamathanha people to learn about bush medicine and traditional healing practices. Similarly, Mungo Lodge in New South Wales offers cultural tours led by Indigenous guides, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the land and its therapeutic benefits. (To learn more about four Indigenous-led tours in South-East Queensland, read this story.)

Turning to spa treatments, the Auriga Spa at Capella Sydney offers Indigenous-inspired treatments such as its Connect to Country which using gathered Australian stones plus a clapping stick ritual to realign the body, mind, and spirit. Guests who want to dive deeper can even speak to elders. Indigenous traditions offered elsewhere include Maori Mirimiri massage, offered at the new Wai Ariki spa in Rotorua, which aims to free energy blockages.

6. The classroom becomes a compelling stop on the itinerary.

As travellers seek deeper and more authentic experiences, they are bypassing ‘do nothing’ holidays in favour of expending time and effort to learn something new. From lomilomi lessons in Hawaii to learning to surf in the Seychelles, holidays devoted to learning a new skill (or language) go beyond pursuing a hobby. Sometimes, they even set people up for a new career.

Holidays that combine relaxation with learning a new skill are rapidly gaining popularity, reflecting travellers’ growing desire for experiences that enrich their minds and lives. A 2023 survey by the Adventure Travel Trade Association identified that the most popular motivations for traveling include seeking new experiences, going off the beaten track, traveling like a local, and cultural encounters. These motivations suggest a growing interest in immersive and experiential travel, which often encompasses learning new skills.

Learning holidays offer more than just relaxation and diversion. They offer a sense of accomplishment and provide lasting memories. As travellers increasingly place a premium on meaningful experiences, this trend is only set to continue its upward trajectory. (To read further details on how to learn new skills while travelling, read Learning in luxury the latest holiday trend.)

7. Spiritual travel becomes a force for greater good.

A Gallup World Poll (2012-2022) found that people who were religious had better wellbeing than people who were not. That may help to explain the paradox that in an increasingly secular world, wellness travellers are searching for spirituality. Whether it’s staying in monasteries, visiting sacred sites, or embarking on pilgrimages, these experiences provide opportunities for introspection, mindfulness, and connection to something greater than oneself.

Monastic stays such as at Le Monastère des Augustines and programs focussed upon ancient healing (including Mayan) traditions tap this wellness travel trend. Pilgrimages are also a great example. In 2023, for instance, a record-breaking half a million pilgrims walked on the Camino de Santiago. Around two in five (42 per cent) pilgrims cited spiritual reasons for walking on the Camino de Santiago, while one in five (nearly 23 per cent) were motivated by non-religious factors, such as personal growth, cultural exploration and a sense of adventure.

In Bhutan, visitors can explore monasteries like Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), perched dramatically on a cliffside, immersing themselves in the country’s Buddhist traditions and its Gross National Happiness philosophy. Closer to home, retreats at monasteries such as Australia’s New Norcia offer a chance to disconnect and engage in silent reflection.

8. Peak travel experiences will hit the heights.

Mountain ranges offer the perfect synergy of adventure, and serenity, making them a rising star in luxury wellness travel. And they are poised to become the ultimate destination as Generations X and Z crave fresh air high above the treetops, according to the latest Pinterest Predicts report. Searches for high altitude destinations are surging as people seek rejuvenation amid breathtaking natural landscapes. The allure lies in their pristine, tranquil environments, and opportunities for both adventure and relaxation.

Pinterest data suggests that searches for ‘Atlas Mountains Morocco’ are up 30 per cent, searches for ‘Dolomites’ are up 45 per cent and searches for ‘Portillo Chile’ are up a staggering 195 per cent. In the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot is a luxurious retreat blending Berber culture with wellness. Guests can enjoy hammam treatments and yoga sessions overlooking the rugged peaks while breathing in crisp mountain air.

Meanwhile, The Dolomites in Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage site, combines wellness and alpine adventure. High-altitude spas such as Adler Lodge Ritten integrate forest bathing, thermal pools, and treatments inspired by the surrounding landscape. In Portillo, Chile, the Andes Mountains host luxurious ski resorts with wellness amenities. After a day on the slopes, visitors can relax in outdoor hot tubs or indulge in Andean-inspired spa treatments.

9. Astro-adventurers take to the (dark) skies.

Astro-tourism is emerging as another unique wellness travel trend, offering the chance to connect with the cosmos while promoting mental clarity. Stargazing has been shown to reduce stress, encourage mindfulness, and inspire awe – which is all linked to improved mental well-being. Under a blanket of stars, travellers often experience a profound sense of perspective, helping them disconnect from daily pressures and reconnect with the vastness of the universe.

The latest Skyscanner Travel Trends report describes astrotourism as ‘rocketing’. ‘As it’s becoming easier and more accessible to understand our place in the universe, so does our shared, collective appreciation of being part of something bigger than ourselves,’ the report notes. According to search data, two of travellers’ biggest questions this year were, ‘Where to see a solar eclipse?’ and ‘Best places to see the solar eclipse?’

Several destinations worldwide cater to this celestial trend. In Namibia, the NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of the world’s first International Dark Sky Reserves, where luxury lodges like &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge provide private telescopes and expert-led stargazing sessions. In New Zealand, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve offers unparalleled views of the Milky Way. Luxury stays like the Lindis Lodge combine stargazing with fine dining and wellness activities.

10. Preventative health retreats gain traction in wellness travel.

Preventative health retreats offer proactive solutions to enhance long-term well-being. They appeal to travellers who are seeking more than pampering by delivering programs that prioritise longevity and vitality. Retreats focus on addressing potential health issues before they arise, combining medical expertise with holistic practices to empower travellers to take charge of their health amid growing awareness of lifestyle-related illnesses.

Lanserhof Tegernsee in Germany exemplifies this trend, blending state-of-the-art medical diagnostics with detox therapies and personalized nutrition plans. Guests undergo comprehensive health assessments, including blood tests and body composition analyses, so treatments can be individually tailored. 

The SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain also stands out with its focus on integrative medicine and preventative care. Its programs address sleep disorders, digestive health, and even genetic predispositions through cutting-edge diagnostics and therapies. The new Aman New York also offers consultations with licensed medical professionals and clinicians, and assessments using tools such as the InBody 507 Analysis of body composition and the Brain Gauge Pro to screen for cognitive health. Detox pods and cryotherapy chambers are also on site.