The Rise of Wellness Travel
As travellers increasingly prioritise their wellness, wellness is increasingly influencing travel.
Travel habits are changing; thanks to an increased awareness for personal wellbeing, travellers are progressively pursuing experiences that focus on relaxation and rejuvenation. Gone are the days when travel entailed lying on a beach with a cocktail; travellers in 2025 are seeking more wholesome endeavours; handpicked retreats and customisable health programmes.
Commenting on this trend, Tracey Stapleton, Founder of The Spa PR Company, explains: “The global wellness tourism market has seen unprecedented growth in recent years and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 12% to 2030. Two key factors are fuelling this; the fast-paced, stressful nature of modern life, and the influence of traditional media, podcasts, and social media, along with influencer culture.”
“Wellness travel is booming like never before,” adds Max Ball, Luxury Travel Specialist and Founder of Anchor & Atlas. “People are increasingly aware of how self-care directly impacts mental health, mood, and productivity. At the same time, the industry has evolved - no longer about extreme detoxes or quick fixes, but about holistic, sustainable programmes in world-class destinations that truly make a difference.”
For wellness enthusiasts in search of the very best and latest in healthy travel, these destinations, from the sunny foothills of Greece to the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong, have you covered.
EUPHORIA RETREAT, GREECE
Best for: High-end luxury, hillside setting, adults-only
Surrounded by the lush green forests of the Peloponnese is Euphoria Retreat, a 45-room spa hotel offering extensive wellness programmes and outdoor activities. Amid the fragrant pine trees, Euphoria Retreat spa follows its own philosophy called the ‘Euphoria Methodos,’ which mixes east with west, ancient Hellenic medicine with traditional Chinese medicine, and science with naturalism. The hotel provides a packed schedule of daily activities including energising morning runs, mountain hikes, HIIT classes, yoga, and mindfulness sessions. For history lovers, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mystras Castle, is a short walk away. Rooms are spacious with peaceful views across the Evrotas Valley complete with its olive groves and citrus orchards. Dining consists of regionally inspired, locally sourced, Greek and Mediterranean dishes that are tasty and nutritious.
LONGEVITY HEALTH & WELLNESS HOTEL, PORTUGAL
Best for: Sunny shores, medical spa, adults-only
Next to the coastal town of Alvor, Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel boasts 70 modern, airy, and sound-proofed rooms. From afar, the wave-shaped hotel looks like a futuristic wellness centre - because that is exactly what it is. It is partnered with HPA hospital group to create a 5-star medical spa, which is a first in Portugal. The medical spa emphasises that investing in your health today ensures a healthier tomorrow, and aims to treat complex and chronic conditions before they occur. It is led by a distinguished team of medical and wellness experts, and embraces modern integrative and regenerative medicine with the most advanced wellness and preventative diagnostics, therapies, and programmes.
THE UPPER HOUSE, HONG KONG
Best for: Opulence, sky-high surroundings, group fitness
A tranquil haven floating above Hong Kong’s bright city lights, The Upper House Wellness Residencies offer leading therapies and practices, from yoga and shamanic energy healing to light laser technology and hypnosis therapy, plus an exclusive make-up studio and resident chiropractors. The hotel’s signature scent, Ginger Verbena, is found throughout its soothing interiors, and organic beauty amenities are supplied by Bamford. Swanky feng-shui designed rooms start from the 38th floor and come with stunning harbour or mountain views. With breakfasts overlooking the city on the 49th floor and a central location, the hotel is also the perfect launchpad for exploring Hong Kong.
thehousecollective.com/en/the-upper-house/wellness/wellness-residencies/
THE CHATEAU SPA & WELLNESS RESORT, MALAYSIA
Best for: French luxury in a jungle setting, relaxation, serene spa
Hidden amidst a lush rainforest is The Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort, an 18th-century inspired health resort situated 1,000-metres above sea-level with jaw-dropping views, elegant rooms, and highly acclaimed spa treatments. The hotel’s multi-award-winning La Santé Spa is the first European spa concept in Asia; it houses a relaxing lounge, over 10 treatment rooms, and a variety of thermal wellness facilities including a Salt Grotto, Aquaveda heated bed, herbal bath, and an aroma hydro pool. The resort also provides complimentary yoga for all in-house guests. To celebrate its award-winning spa this year, the resort is offering 20% off spa treatments throughout the rest of 2025.
EQUINOX HOTEL NEW YORK, USA
Best for: Urban oasis, ultra-modern, high-performance fitness
Cult gym brand, Equinox, has expanded into hotels, promising visitors an urban oasis shaped around their mantra of ‘high-performance’ living to restore and recharge. Equinox Hotel New York is home to their largest gym yet (60,000 sq ft), with SoulCycle classes, a large open-air pool, and superstar personal trainers. An onsite spa offers relaxation and rejuvenation through signature treatments. Guests can refuel with superfood salads and protein-rich dishes at Electric Lemon restaurant. Rooms are ‘Dark. Quiet. Cool’ and come with 10-foot panoramic windows, blackout blinds, and heavy-duty soundproofed walls; all of which guarantee the perfect night’s sleep - and if that is not enough to send you to slumberland, Equinox Sleep Coaches are also on hand to help.
