Wellness Travel is Moving Beyond the Spa
During the ’80s and ’90s, wellness travel meant a trip to a spa. Relaxation usually involved a massage or facial, followed by a session in the sauna. But times are changing and these days, wellness travel often involves some kind of fitness. EVEN Hotels, a new chain of wellness-focused hotels, is spa-free. Beth McGroarty, Director of Research for the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), says, “The pillars of what they think of wellness are fitness inside and out of the property, healthy food, healthy sleep, and inspirational messages.” Instead of lounging around in robes, travellers are now booking into hotels that offer yoga classes, spin sessions, and Pilates.
It’s All About Nature
Luxury resorts are also making some changes. They’re taking advantage of their stunning locations by moving spa treatments outdoors. The Remède Spa at St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico offers traditional massage, but guests are also encouraged to stop at quiet locations around the property for moments of self-reflection. This focus on meditating in nature is becoming increasingly popular. At Colorado’s St.Regis Aspen, spa guests can have private consultations with a local yogini, who also gives river blessings.
Nutritious Food is on the Menu
According to wellness tour operators, travellers aren’t just looking to get active on their trips – they’re also focused on eating well. According to Erica Gragg, co-founder of Escape to Shape, gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free options are regularly requested, but locally sourced food is also popular. Erica says, “Thankfully, anti-inflammatory fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy fats such as raw nuts, coconuts, olive oil, and avocados are indigenous to many of the locations we travel to, so with a little creativity and good-quality local ingredients, a little goes a long way.”
Airlines are Focusing on Passengers’ Well-being
British Airways (BA) recently announced plans to develop a ‘digital pill’ – an ingestible sensor that would collect and send health information about passengers to the crew. The aim, according to BA, is to improve the passengers’ overall travel experience and improve their wellbeing and wellness onboard. The data would be used by the crew to personalise passengers’ schedules, in terms of eating, sleeping, and in-flight entertainment. If it goes ahead, it could mark the beginning of a whole new era of wellness travel.
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