The new Luxury Travel Trend: Wellness Travel

I am medically retired from my full-time job because I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung cancer in November 2024, and the cancer had spread throughout my body. Currently, I’m recovering and doing much better than anyone expected.  Since I was no longer working a full-time job, I decided to get back into travel, but I wanted to find a niche that would be best suited. As I searched for a travel niche trend, I learned about Wellness Travel. There are several types of Wellness Travel.  There are wellness retreats in the United States that are all-inclusive, excluding transportation.  Then there are Luxury Resorts that offer wellness activities and classes. What is Wellness Travel?

Wellness travel is a purposeful trip designed to enhance or maintain one's health and well-being. Many times, it also includes digital detox throughout the day to be present during wellness activities. According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), wellness tourism encompasses "travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one's personal well-being" (GWI, 2023). The goal is to return home feeling revitalized, equipped with tools for sustained well-being, mind and body.

The Core Distinction: Wellness Retreat vs. Wellness Resort

If you are seeking Wellness travel, it is essential to understand the difference between a Wellness Retreat and a Wellness Resort to ensure you have the right experience for you or your group.

1. The Dedicated Wellness Retreat: A Deep Dive into Transformation

A wellness retreat is very structured, and you become deeply immersed in a detox program, yoga, meditation, spiritual growth, or stress reduction. These are smaller settings with the primary goal of personal transformation, deep healing, or another specific wellness goal. Participants may share a journey they have in common, thereby creating support for one another. Some wellness retreats include digital detox programs, where phone usage is not permitted in common areas.  These types of wellness retreats are typically all-inclusive, encompassing all meals, lodging, and scheduled activities.

2. The Luxury Wellness Resort Curated Indulgence and Choice

A luxury wellness resort is a full-service, high-end destination resort that integrates extensive wellness offerings into a broader array of amenities.

With this model, you have a choice, and it is less structured than a wellness retreat, yet usually à la carte. Travelers can choose from various wellness activities and combine them with golf, fine dining, shopping, therapy, and simply relaxing by the pool. The wellness services (spa treatments, specialized consultations) are add-ons. Some packages may include resort credits or specific wellness inclusions. Other examples include:  Nemacolin, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, or high-end properties that dedicate significant resources to their spa, fitness, and holistic centers.

Understanding the difference between a dedicated wellness retreat and a luxury resort with wellness offerings is crucial for selecting the right experience for you or your group.

Planning Your Transformative Journey

Whether you or your group seeks personal transformation at a dedicated retreat or curated wellness within a luxury resort, it takes much planning for a stress-free experience. It is essential to consider the budget for such wellness travel and the type of structure required to achieve personal wellness goals. With options ranging from holistic guidance to mindful immersion, your perfect escape awaits.

Ready to Design Your Bespoke Wellness Experience?

Let As You Wish Luxury Travel curate an unforgettable journey for you and your group. From navigating the distinctions between retreats and resorts to securing the best rates and confirming those valuable travel agent commissions, I handle every detail.

Call or text Sharon Pearson, CTA, today at 440.925.5568 to start planning your bespoke wellness retreat