With the wellness industry set to reach an estimated £7 trillion by 2028, hotels and resorts are stepping up their game. Guests are no longer just looking for a place to stay. They want experiences that support their well-being. The latest Global Wellness Summit (GWS) report highlights ten key trends that are redefining hospitality. Here’s what’s shaping the future of wellness travel.
1. Analog Wellness: Joy of Missing Out
With screen fatigue at an all-time high, guests are seeking digital detoxes. Hotels are introducing device-free zones, low-tech retreats, and immersive sensory experiences. Expect to see more “dumb rooms” – spaces designed without screens or smart tech – helping guests disconnect and recharge.
2. Saunas: The New Social Space
Saunas are evolving from solo relaxation spots to vibrant social hubs. The number of Finnish-style public saunas in the UK has doubled between 2023 and 2024. Hotels are taking note. From waterfront sauna experiences to Aufguss rituals, communal wellness spaces are being designed for connection and rejuvenation.
3. Science-Backed Supplements
The supplement industry is shifting towards research-driven, personalised health solutions. Hotels are tapping into this by offering nutrigenomics consultations, AI-powered wellness assessments, and custom supplement programmes. As a result, guests receive targeted, evidence-based support.
4. Wellness for Teens: Supporting Mental Health
With mental health challenges rising among young people, hotels are introducing teen-friendly wellness programmes. Think mindfulness workshops, stress-relief retreats, and digital well-being initiatives. The result is meaningful, multigenerational wellness experiences.
5. Sustainable Water Use
Water conservation is now a priority in hospitality. Hotels are implementing eco-conscious spa treatments, water-efficient hydrotherapy pools, and drought-resistant landscaping. These steps align with guests’ increasing preference for responsible, sustainable travel.
6. Biohacking in Hospitality
Cutting-edge wellness technology is making its way into hotels. From AI-driven fitness coaching to cryotherapy chambers and neurofeedback meditation pods, high-end resorts are catering to guests looking to optimise their performance and longevity.
7. Preventative Health & Workplace Wellness
Hotels are rethinking corporate wellness. With professionals prioritising long-term health, expect to see longevity-focused retreats, age-inclusive fitness programmes, and wellness-driven co-working spaces designed to support productivity and well-being.
8. Wellness & Addiction Recovery
The hospitality sector is stepping into holistic recovery support. Hotels and retreats are blending traditional therapy with mindfulness, yoga, and nutritional coaching. Expect to see more alcohol-free wellness experiences and sober retreats, as travel and recovery are becoming more closely connected.
9. Slow Travel Meets Well-being
Luxury trains and cruise lines are redefining wellness travel. From Dior spa carriages on Belmond trains to dedicated wellness cruises, slow travel is gaining momentum. Guests have the chance to unwind, reflect, and explore at a more mindful pace.
10. The Middle East’s Wellness Boom
The Middle East is fast becoming a global wellness leader, with multi-billion-pound investments in health-focused tourism. From Saudi Arabia’s Neom project to the UAE’s wellness-driven religious tourism, the region is blending cultural traditions with cutting-edge innovations.
The Future of Wellness Travel
For hotels and resorts, these trends present exciting opportunities to create standout wellness experiences. Whether it’s a digital detox space, sustainable water initiatives, or AI-powered health programmes, staying ahead means meeting guest expectations for meaningful, wellness-driven stays.
In 2025, travel isn’t just about the destination. It’s about the experience. And the future of hospitality is all about helping guests feel healthier, happier, and more connected.
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