The spa experience is largely sensorial, where muted lighting and rich aromas create a pleasant atmosphere. Massages are aimed to relax and soothe guests, often alongside wraps, facials and complemented by facilities like hot and cold soaks and pools to promote tranquility. Wellness centres, in contrast, focus on health with an educational component to self-care. The atmosphere tends to be more professional, and can incorporate Eastern and Western healing methods, ranging from sports massage to acupuncture, osteopathy and physical therapy.

Consumer expectations continue to demonstrate an acceleration in the adoption of health and well-being practices, with up to 80% of guests taking a proactive part in improving health, and 55% of wellness travelers spending more time on-property at hotels and resorts. This will only continue to grow within the context of Covid, with rising demand for nutrition, movement and mindful practices within the hospitality landscape. The implementation of health and wellness offerings, in addition to spas and recreational activities, promises to be a key driver in appealing to today’s traveler.

Authenticity is key to the success of a wellness resort, particularly as ‘wellness washing’ becomes ever present as competition grows within this profitable business space. A wellness resort that can facilitate lasting transformation over merely a relaxing holiday will motivate guests to return and continue on a journey of self-improvement. A strong-performing concept needs to be consistent in providing a deeper level of wellness woven consistently through F&B, recreation and design. It would go beyond standard relaxation and offer an immersive experience that incorporates traditional healing, and spiritual well-being.

Getting specific with offerings is essential to appealing to your niche audience, whether through a program dedicated to meditation and mental health, or a retreat targeting a demographic such as girl’s trips with a more mass-market approach to wellness. Mainstream stays are also capitalizing on the value of incorporating wellness as an option in conventional hotels and resorts, where detoxes and juice cleanses are available alongside the typical holiday indulgences, making well-being accessible to all.

To help you keep pace with the ever-evolving world of wellness in 2021, GWS has, for the first time ever, issued a Trends Report Update. The forecast includes the full Global Wellness Trends Report issued in January with new insights from the original authors of each of nine trends“ says the Global Wellness Summit“ For more information, explore the below links: https://www.globalwellnesssummit.com/trends-2021/ https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/industry-research/global-wellness-tourism-economy/