The Rise of Wellness Travel
All eyes are on the wellness tourism industry, and with a reaching $1.4 trillion by 2027, there鈥檚 no sign of slowing anytime soon. Many credit the industry鈥檚 growth to a significant generational shift as more consumers prioritize health and longevity. Increased accessibility to wellness and education, particularly through social media鈥檚 influence, have opened the doors for consumers of all ages to gain awareness and appreciation for mental and physical wellbeing, and embrace healthy lifestyles that leave them feeling fulfilled long-term.
When it comes to travel, wellness tourism is commonly associated with extended retreats in exotic locations where travelers can fully immerse themselves in holistic experiences for the betterment of their body and mind. Wellness in hospitality has expanded beyond this and is now considered in all aspects of a guest鈥檚 stay as travelers seek to maintain their healthy lifestyles on the road or prioritize health and wellbeing as a part of their travel experience.
Wellness includes everything from a luxurious spa or an expansive fitness and recovery space to health-conscious food and beverage offerings like farm-to-table cuisine, zero-proof cocktails, and free accessible filtered water for all guests.听Now infused in all areas of the hospitality experience, wellness has become a new guest standard when traveling.
When done right, hospitality can be a transformative experience where the guests leave feeling rejuvenated and inspired. Let鈥檚 explore how design can influence some of the top wellness trends in hospitality.
Elevated Luxury
True luxury destinations strive to provide a curated guest experience with the highest level of service and freedom to indulge in localized experiences, including remote high-end skiing, hiking, or holistic wellness with a view. These properties offer a range of exceptional amenities designed to provide elevated hospitality experiences and a tranquil escape for guests to fully indulge in their surroundings.听
Creating a comprehensive luxury experience where guests can choose their own adventure, luxury spa听experiences now provide full wellness centers equipped with spas, sauna and steam rooms, hydrotherapy rooms, contemporary fitness centers, yoga studios, and expansive heated pools. Additional amenities may include on-site full-service salons, five-star restaurants, entertainment, bakeries and cafes, elegant event centers, art galleries, and retail.
Elevated Standards for Guest Experience
Wellness can be integrated into nearly all aspects of hospitality. Hotel brands, owners, and operators continue to leverage technology and novel experiences and deliver new offerings听that听incorporate wellness into the guest鈥檚 daily routine. Examples include partnerships with popular health and fitness brands like Peloton and Theragun, which brings fitness and recovery right to the guestroom for those who are on-the-go or desire a more private wellness experience.
When considering the fitness experience across all hotel property types, these dedicated spaces are now larger and offer state-of-the-art equipment. Design considerations for these spaces could include access to natural light, hydrotherapy rooms, sauna and steam rooms, or yoga and meditation studios.
Guestrooms have the ability to transform the entire experience. Through intentional storytelling, these spaces become an oasis for guests to relax, reflect, and refresh. Additionally, sleep programs have emerged as a top amenity for guests to rest and recharge that two-thirds of American guests sleep better in hotel rooms than at home.
Medical Wellness
While different from wellness tourism in that these properties are adjacent to hospitals, medical facilities, or treatments centers, medical wellness in hospitality provides patients with an intentional space to rest, recover, and heal after procedures. As a space where loved ones may also spend a lot of time while waiting, these properties offer thoughtful amenities in suite-style guestrooms including wellness books and resources, sunrise alarm clocks, custom recliners, sleep study rooms, healthy food and beverage options, a pool oasis, and various outdoor spaces to ensure that all guests have what they need during their stay.
New Traditions
Human connection is at the heart of holistic wellness, strengthening a sense of belonging, shared experiences, and emotional wellbeing. Hotel properties have the ability to play a role in shaping these connections by not only providing spaces for gathering but also in revitalizing destinations with cultural and historical significance.
By integrating wellness-focused design, programming, and guest experiences, hotels can transform places where people come together 鈥� whether it鈥檚 a historic grand lobby reimagined as a social hub, a rooftop garden hosting community yoga, or a culinary experience that honors local traditions. These elements help guests forge deeper connections and create lasting memories filled with the sights, sounds, and shared experiences that build new traditions. By doing so, this reinforces a sense of wellbeing that extends from individual growth to the vibrant tapestry of community and shared spaces.
Environmental Connection
As travelers increasingly seek eco-conscious options, implementing planetary wellness not only helps protect the planet but also enhances a brand’s reputation, attracts conscious consumers, and contributes to the long-term viability of the industry. Planetary wellness, the integration of environmentally sustainable practices, emphasizes the importance of minimizing the environmental impact of hospitality operations and is a key factor in design. By prioritizing planetary wellness, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint, preserve natural ecosystems, and support responsible tourism.
No matter the destination, travelers are met with endless options for where they can choose to stay and spend their time. By creating a holistic wellness experience, hotels will attract more guests, keep them on the property longer, and be rewarded by guest satisfaction and brand loyalty.
Learn more about our integrated approach to hospitality design.
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