Leadership Insights
Evolving Landscape in the Global Wellness Tourism Industry
The hospitality industry offers a vast array of choices, spanning from majestic mountain peaks to serene beach shores, catering to diverse desires and preferences. Within this spectrum, the wellness retreat industry is experiencing a remarkable surge, providing a tailored experience for every individual.
Wellness retreats have transcended traditional notions of relaxation, evolving into holistic sanctuaries that address the diverse wellbeing needs of a wide audience.
These retreats promise a harmonious blend of experience, elegance, and ethereal charm, offering bespoke indulgences that cater to the unique desires of modern travellers.
As the demand for holiday retreats continues to grow, the possibilities are expanding globally, reflecting a commitment to providing unique and enriching experiences that combine luxury, culture, and wellbeing.
The motivations behind wellness travel are as varied as the individuals who seek it. Wellness travellers are driven by purpose, each with a distinct need. Some seek the transformative power of yoga retreats, aligning body, mind, and spirit. Others find solace in the soothing embrace of nature, where the therapeutic benefits of water and tranquillity foster rejuvenation.
The Rise of New Destinations around the Globe
With the increasing allure of holiday retreats, the demand for wellness tourism has experienced a corresponding surge. This escalating trend showcases a growing recognition of the profound connection between travel, relaxation, and personal wellbeing. Anticipated to reach a staggering $1.3 trillion by 2025, the wellness tourism industry stands as a testament to the escalating desire for personalised wellbeing experiences.
Recognising this demand, numerous companies have embarked on expansion initiatives to meet the surging interest in wellness travel.
Accor, a French multinational hospitality company that owns, manages, and franchises hotels, resorts and vacation properties, seeing the demand for wellness tourism, has aimed to double its room count in India over the next three years within the premium, midscale, and economy segments. The company plans to inaugurate one hotel in Asia (excluding China) in 2024.
Over a fifth (21%) of 2022's global nomads were driven by health and wellness motives.
Destination Spotlight:
While the world is brimming with wellness destinations, a select few emerge as true gems, distinguished by their luxurious and holistic experiences. Whether nestled in the pristine landscapes of exotic locales or gracing the vibrant heart of bustling cities, these select retreats redefine the meaning of luxury in wellness travel.
Amaala is an ultra-luxury tourism project in Saudi Arabia situated on the Red Sea coast. It offers a blend of opulent resorts, cultural experiences, and premium amenities, contributing to the country's ambitious Vision 2030 initiative.
Zooming in on Southwestern Asia, Saudi Arabia is witnessing a remarkable surge in wellness tourism, positioning itself as a sought-after destination for those seeking serenity and rejuvenation. Notably, a collaborative effort between Red Sea Global and Clinique La Prairie is shaping a luxurious health resort in Amaala, Saudi Arabia, presenting an integrated experience of 13 villas, 52 houses and suites, and innovative amenities such as a diagnostics lab, a museum, a beach club, workshops, and a cooking school. This development represents more than just accommodation; it signifies an immersive journey of wellbeing and self-discovery set against the picturesque backdrop of Saudi Arabia's northwest coastline.
Further amplifying the comprehensive wellness tourism narrative, Red Sea Global and Four Seasons announce the development of a new luxury wellness resort and Private Residences at Triple Bay AMAALA. Positioned as the pinnacle of luxury wellness tourism along Saudi Arabia's north-western coast, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay will offer 220 keys, including rooms, suites, and villas with private pools, along with 26 branded residential villas. Meticulously designed to showcase breathtaking bay and sea views, this venture combines the expertise of Four Seasons in luxury hospitality with the regenerative tourism vision of Red Sea Global, creating a distinctive blend of luxury and holistic wellbeing for guests and residents alike.
Turning our focus to the Indian subcontinent, Six Senses has made significant strides in redefining wellness retreats with its takeover of Vana, India's premier healing retreat nestled amid the lower Himalayas. Building on Vana's original ethos rooted in Ayurveda and Sowa Rigpa, Six Senses introduces a softer approach to holistic wellbeing, catering to a diverse demographic by welcoming teenagers, offering more flexible minimum stays, and incorporating biohacking into its wellness programs. With an alchemy bar featuring Himalayan-sourced ingredients, a forthcoming Earth Lab for sustainable living workshops, and a three-night reduced minimum stay, Six Senses Vana represents a contemporary evolution in wellness tourism. Despite these modern enhancements, the core philosophy remains intact – a deliberate disconnection from phones, personalised dietary guidance, and a team of therapists from esteemed institutes ensuring a profound and genuine wellness experience in the lap of the Himalayas.
From the mist-covered hills of Bali to the serene landscapes of Costa Rica, wellness retreats are cropping up in various corners of the world.
Shifting its strategic focus towards emerging markets, Como Hotels is capitalising on the immense potential offered by destinations like India, Indonesia, and the broader Southeast Asia region. With a specific interest in markets such as Bangkok, London, Bhutan, Phuket, and the Maldives, the brand aligns its expansion efforts with the preferences of upscale travellers seeking luxurious amenities and immersive experiences in diverse and exotic locales.
Coming back to Accor, as part of the broader hospitality landscape, the brand continues to make significant strides in adapting to changing consumer preferences. Accor's commitment to expanding its footprint aligns with the growing interest in upscale travel experiences, complementing the trend observed in Como Hotels. Accor's diverse portfolio, including renowned brands like Raffles, underscores its dedication to offering elevated accommodations in various international destinations. The expansion strategy encompasses iconic cities and emerging hubs, blending timeless elegance and contemporary luxury.
As a continuation of this narrative, luxury goods conglomerate LVMH is set to elevate premium hospitality by expanding its Cheval Blanc hotels and introducing a beachfront haven in the Seychelles. This strategic move reaffirms LVMH's commitment to global excellence and signifies a broader trend in the industry, where unique and opulent experiences are at the forefront of transformative travel.
As wellness tourism expands into new frontiers, the emphasis on diverse offerings becomes increasingly apparent. From ancient healing practices to wellness programs, destinations are crafting unique experiences that cater to the varied needs of travellers seeking rejuvenation. It's a global commitment to wellbeing, where luxury intertwines with culture, nature, and personal transformation.
Sources: https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/global-wellness-institute-blog/2022/01/11/industry-research-new-data-on-wellness-tourism-projected-to-hit-817-billion-this-year-1-3-trillion-in-2025/ January, 2022.
https://hotelsmag.com/news/four-seasons-to-launch-luxury-wellness-resort-residences-in-saudi-arabia/ March, 2024.