I love wellness! Spas, yoga, meditation, fitness—all of it. As a luxury travel advisor, I keep up-to-date on all things wellness travel. Contact me to plan your next getaway, and I will customize a trip for you that incorporates wellness, whether it is just one part of your trip or the central purpose of your entire journey.
Wellness tourism continues to evolve. Whether it's drawing from ancient traditions, prioritizing life stages like menopause, deepening relationships, embracing the healing power of water, or mindfulness, luxury wellness travel is offering bespoke experiences that cater to you.
Here are six key trends reshaping the luxury wellness landscape that we can take advantage of when we plan your next escape.
1. Ancient Wisdom for Modern Wellness
One of the coolest trends in luxury wellness travel is the growing interest in ancient practices and traditions. Many wellness resorts are tapping into the deep cultural roots of their regions, offering guests the chance to experience rituals that have been passed down for centuries.
In destinations like the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, travelers can immerse themselves in Mayan culture, participating in traditional ceremonies like the temazcal, a sweat lodge experience led by a shaman, believed to cleanse the mind, body, and spirit.
Likewise, Indigenous practices such as cactus leaf massages and teachings of ancient healing herbs are becoming an integral part of wellness programs. For example, in India, spiritual teachings rooted in ancient scriptures guide guests through holistic practices that promote balance, while in Peru, guests can engage in a Pachamama ceremony, honoring the earth and its life-giving force. This ceremony typically occurs in special outdoor location, often with a view of sacred mountains and is lead by shaman or Andean priest who prepares offerings of plants, food and/or beverages. Participants share in the offering presentation.
These experiences provide more than just relaxation—they are opportunities to connect deeply with the culture and history of the destination, creating a holistic approach to well-being.
If this sounds appealing, contact me for personalized recommendations for resorts and destinations specializing in these practices. Just one example would be Chablé Yucatan, where I get my clients extra perks including full daily breakfast and resort credit.
2. Wellness for Women During Menopause
Wellness retreats and treatments that cater specifically to women are also on the rise, especially those that focus on the unique health needs women experience during major life transitions. Menopause, in particular, is trending as an area of focus, with resorts around the world offering specialized programs that guide women through the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that accompany this stage of life.
From tailored nutritional plans to yoga and mindfulness practices designed to help women manage symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, these programs are educational and empowering, making you feel supported through the menopause journey.
Many retreats now also incorporate peri-menopausal education as well, helping women understand what to expect in the years leading up to menopause. Educational workshops on diet, exercise, and stress management provide holistic tools for navigating this transition.
Contact me for expert assistance if you would like to incorporate wellness related to your menopause journey into your next getaway.
3. Relationships and Romance: Wellness for Two
Travel is an excellent way for couples to reconnect and strengthen their bond, and wellness experiences are the perfect way to enhance this.
Romantic getaways that blend relaxation, rejuvenation, and bonding activities are gaining popularity. Couples are increasingly seeking experiences that promote both emotional intimacy and physical well-being.
From couples’ massages to private yoga sessions and customized rituals like creating an herbal pouch with a local shaman, this type of wellness travel is all about fostering meaningful connections.
Many resorts now offer all-inclusive romance packages designed to allow couples to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with each other, through activities such as couples yoga, nature hikes, and shared mindfulness practices.
You don't have to be celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary to reconnect with your partner! There are options to do this all over the world so contact me to explore the right experience for you. Just a couple of examples: Jade Mountain in St. Lucia or Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa in Tahiti.
4. Solo Wellness: A Path to Self-Discovery
Solo travel, especially in the realm of wellness, is becoming more popular than ever. For many, wellness retreats provide the perfect opportunity for reflection, relaxation, and introspection, offering a much-needed break from the demands of daily life. Traveling alone allows you to fully immerse yourself in personal growth, whether you are navigating a life transition—becoming a parent, new job, divorce, retirement, menopause—or simply seeking a deeper connection with yourself.
Wellness resorts catering to solo travelers often offer communal experiences that encourage connection, like group fitness classes, shared meals, and workshops. But for those who prefer solitude, there are plenty of opportunities for quiet reflection, personal development, and solo activities. Many of these resorts also create bespoke itineraries that include lectures on mindfulness, cooking classes, and nature hikes—helping solo travelers reconnect with their own sense of purpose and well-being.
One fabulous option is Six Sense Douro Valley in Portugal, where I can get extra perks for my clients. Contact me to customize the perfect wellness retreat for the type of solo experience you are seeking.
5. The Healing Power of Water
Water has long been known for its healing properties, and wellness travel with the healing power of water in mind is on the rise.
Luxury wellness resorts are increasingly incorporating water therapies into their offerings. Whether it’s a thalassotherapy treatment using mineral-rich seawater or simply the act of immersing oneself in a tranquil lakeside or oceanfront setting, water-based treatments are designed to promote relaxation, detoxification, and rejuvenation.
Hydrotherapy programs from Hungary to Tahiti are gaining traction, often incorporating hot and cold water treatments to help with muscle recovery, stress relief, and overall vitality. For those looking to experience the restorative power of water, resorts are offering immersive programs such as full moon kayaking, sea salt body scrubs, and water-based yoga classes.
The simple act of being around water has a positive effect on well-being, helping to lower stress and boost mood. River cruising, for instance, offers a slower, more peaceful pace compared to traditional ocean cruises, allowing travelers to relax and connect with their surroundings. For those seeking more active water-based experiences, resorts in places like Costa Rica provide access to natural waterfalls where you can benefit from both the mental calm and physical rejuvenation that water provides.
Even quieter, more secluded spots in places like Iceland, with its therapeutic, mineral-rich waters, help soothe skin and ease stress.
The options here are extensive, so contact me to find the best choices for you.
6. Mindfulness & Mental Wellbeing
Mindfulness and mental well-being are at the forefront of luxury wellness travel. This trend is growing rapidly, with more resorts and wellness centers introducing specialized mental health offerings, including cognitive performance boosting, sleep enhancement programs, and dedicated mindfulness retreats.
At the core of this trend is the growing recognition that mental well-being is just as important as physical wellness. There are cutting-edge programs in places like Spain that target cognitive function, stress management, and emotional resilience. You can participate in mental performance workshops, cognitive boost treatments, and other therapies aimed at improving brain health and clarity.
Resorts are also incorporating sleep enhancement programs that include everything from sleep clinics and therapies to mindfulness practices designed to help you fall asleep faster and wake up refreshed.
Ready to take the next step in your wellness journey? Contact me to discover the perfect vacation tailored just for you (or check out my dedicated wellness site for more information)!
—Daria Dimitroff, November 2024
Contact me to customize your next trip. My specialities are bespoke luxury vacations, group trips, and exclusive cruise experiences.
Using me is better than reserving on your own because I’m an expert. I do this every day and have contacts all over the world. I save you time. I give you personalized advice. I get you a better value including perks. I have clout and connections. I customize your trip, and I’m a real human who delivers exceptional service and takes care of you before, during, and after your journey.
Contact me at daria@journeysofalifetime.biz or 415-939-5773.
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