Why wellness is taking precedence over indulgence while making travel plans

Resort life, yoga retreats, sound therapy—alternative healing is likely to become the key driver of the travel industry

The travel industry worldwide saw one of the biggest overhauls through the COVID-19 pandemic. While sanitation at every single touch point was unavoidable, of course, consumer demands changed significantly as well. It comes as no surprise that the Maldives was named the World’s Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards for three years in a row, since 2020. The archipelago worked well for tourists from a social distancing perspective, and considering that it promotes resort-living focused on recuperation, it fit well into what the world was looking for then. 

Most Indian travellers have chosen to book themselves the occasional wellness getaway in the past, as a once-in-a-while detox opportunity, as opposed to the surge in its demand today. Properties like Ananda In The Himalayas and The Roseate Ganges in Uttarakhand; Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa and Atmantan Wellness Resort in Maharashtra; and Shreyas Yoga Retreat in Kerala all have the notion of wellness at the heart of their hospitality.

The same travellers who refused to step into a hotel gym are now making sure they pack their exercise gear for an itinerary that prioritises health and wellness. “Travellers today seem to be more health-conscious and focus on living in the moment,” says Saadhvi Mehra, Market Director, Communications, Marriott Bonvoy–Maldives Resorts. “Even though they are on vacation, we see guests sparing some time for a workout more often, trying to find a balance between leisure and maintaining their routines. Guests are looking for activities that give a sense of relaxation and calmness, and help them to break free from the shackles of stressful thoughts.” 

This shift in the way most choose to travel comes from the fact that people all around the world have become more aware of their holistic wellness as opposed to signing up for a one-off nutrition plan or fitness routine. “Post pandemic, guests are seeking harmony with themselves–to calm their anxious and racing mind, sleep better and regain their physical strength to get back to their pre-pandemic fitness routine,” confirms Frans Westraadt, General Manager, Six Senses Fort Barwara. “People are not only seeking a spa getaway for solitude but also physical and mental activities that give them a complete wellbeing experience.”

A post-pandemic phenomenon?

According to Aparna Manghnani, travel planner, founder, East West Travel & Tours, who boasts of a roster of Bollywood celebrities as clients, the demand for wellness-focused services and getaways has been around before the pandemic as well. “Mindful holidays, meditation retreats and yoga and anti-aging programmes are becoming increasingly popular. The most requested wellness-related services are for a balanced programme for your mind and body, those which offer a mix of tranquil surroundings and nutritious meals with guidance to make this a lifestyle.” 

Ayurvedic body therapies, and those focused around sleep and sound are popular requests by travellers planning their itineraries. As we oscillate between ‘Will there be another COVID wave or not?’, local travel and trips to countries close to home are becoming increasingly popular. “Clients don't want to plan too much in advance, fearing a rise in COVID-19 cases again. They prefer short-distance travel with personalised tours over group itineraries. There has also been an increase in the demand for private villas as opposed to hotels,” explains Manghnani. She lists Uttarakhand and Kerala in India as the most requested destinations for wellness travel, along with Thailand, Switzerland, Austria and Spain for trips abroad.

In pursuit of the good life

While traditionally, travel was associated with escaping your everyday life—a diet of cocktails and fries, anyone?—today, those with a healthy lifestyle are choosing to follow it on their getaways as well. “If tourists have a strict personal regime that they adhere to at home, they most likely look for those options at our resorts as well,” says Mehra. 

“At The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, we offer an ‘Eat Well’ menu that caters to those looking for healthy yet tasty meals while on their holiday. On the other hand, fine dining is gaining traction in the tourism sector. For those seeking  a break from their daily routine back home, delicious meals prepared by chefs served at luxurious restaurants add to their travelling experience.” The Six Senses Vana has seen guests ask for more than just a balanced meal. “Most requests are for external and internal therapies or processes to cleanse out toxins from the body. In terms of nutrition, guests demand for options that improve gut function and immunity and not just a low-calorie diet,” says Jaspreet Singh, General Manager, Six Senses Vana.

Thought a vacation was all about sleeping in? Not anymore. “Requests for tennis lessons, private yoga sessions, guests joining running sessions every day or going to the gym very early in the morning are all indicators of how travellers are consciously choosing to focus on a healthier lifestyle,” says Mehra. Resorts that are part of the Marriott Group in the Maldives offer wellness activities for everyone, from couples to mothers-to-be and special menus for children as well. Closer home, at the Six Senses Fort Barwara (yes, the one where actors Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal tied the knot), their roster of activities includes aerial yoga and hiking along with pottery, block-printing and heritage and horticulture walks.

However, not all travel is solely about the wellness aspect, even if it may be a significant part. The W Hotels announced their ‘FUEL’ weekends back in 2019 where they encourage guests to detox over the course of the day with fitness-oriented activities such as workouts led by celebrity trainers, sun salutations, beach volleyball and surfing lessons. This is coupled with light, tastefully curated meals without fitting into a particular diet bracket, followed by a poolside party with DJs from around the world and craft cocktails in the evening. No matter the destination you choose or the kind of traveller you are, it’s likely that wellness is going to be a significant part of upcoming holiday itineraries, in one form or the other.

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