Wellness tourism is experiencing a surge in popularity among affluent travelers, with over 70% of respondents preferring to dedicate 4-8 nights to intentional wellness getaways, according to the latest Buzz vs. Reality: APAC edition research. This wellness focus is reflected in the programs showcased by hotel and resort exhibitors at the ILTM Asia Pacific luxury travel tradeshow.
The report found that almost half of respondents have taken a specifically planned wellness holiday before, and are open to taking wellness trips with their children (54%) or extended family (34%). Additionally, 55% of respondents say wellness facilities and services are very important or essential to their choice of hotel, with the same number willing to pay more for hotels with wellness amenities.
To meet this demand, luxury accommodation providers are crafting comprehensive wellness programs that cater to mind, body, and soul. At the soon-to-open InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, the Hidden Lagoon Spa draws inspiration from the iconic landscape of Halong Bay, offering treatments that incorporate local elements and traditions, such as pearl-based facial treatments. The spa also features collaborations with international wellness brands like Margaret Dabbs London and Sodashi.
The newly-launched 1 Hotel Melbourne boasts the Bamford Wellness Spa, created in partnership with Carole Bamford, a pioneer in organic, sustainable, and holistic living. The spa offers a range of all-natural treatments, as well as a wellness area with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi-style spa. The hotel’s Field House Gym further enhances the wellness experience with new equipment, personal trainers, and a variety of movement and mindfulness offerings.
Toni Stoeckl, Chief Marketing Officer at Starwood Hotels, which operates 1 Hotels as well as Baccarat Hotels and Treehouse Hotels, emphasizes that wellness is a core part of the 1 Hotels brand, with all properties’ wellness programs developed in partnership with Bamford.
The wellness tourism trend is so strong that Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is preparing to launch a Well-being Collection, which will showcase hotels that have invested heavily in longevity and preventive treatments, allowing health-conscious guests to easily identify specialized properties.
However, not all wellness-focused hotels and resorts see the need to boast high-tech solutions. At the luxurious Espacio The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu resort in Japan, the ultimate wellness experience lies in the simple pleasure of doing nothing, as guests immerse themselves in a routine of meals, onsen baths, and relaxation within the tranquil forest setting.