(This Time) I would have laughed uncontrollably if you had told my younger self that one day people would pay thousands of dollars to unplug from Wi-Fi and spend their holidays in Bali meditating on a beach. But now, in 2025, it feels like every other person in my group chat is either seriously considering forest bathing in Japan or going on a yoga retreat to find their "inner peace." Wellness tourism is booming for whatever reason—be it self-discovery, burnout, or simply a fancy way to enjoy a vacation. And truthfully? I understand.
What Exactly Is Wellness Travel? In the past, "wellness" on vacation just meant getting a Swedish massage at the hotel spa and possibly forgoing the third beverage. Right now? It is an entire industry, and a very large one. According to international sources, about a trillion dollars will be spent this year on travel aimed at regaining physical and mental well-being as well as sightseeing. These figures are mind-blowing. However, who are these individuals? Although they are present, celebrities and influencers are not the only people performing juice cleanses in the jungle. It is overworked techies, parents, and stressed-out teachers—in fact, it is pretty much anyone who feels exhausted by the never-ending grind of everyday life.
Why Do We All Feel So Exhausted? It may seem apparent, yet the world feels heavier and faster than it has in the past. Even weekends are filled with "productive" self-care activities, work follows us home, and our screens are always buzzing. Try unplugging from everything; it is not as easy as it seems. It is no surprise that "digital detox" is the hottest term for vacations. After a vacation, I honestly cannot recall ever feeling truly refreshed instead of being as exhausted as before. According to market research (yes, I did some study), millions of people are exchanging packed tours for quiet monasteries, yoga ranches, or nature reserves where the Wi-Fi password is kept a secret. It seems like I am in good company.
These Days, It Is Not Just About Spa Treatments. The 2025 health holiday could take many different forms. You may take mindful cooking classes and experience traditional therapies in Thailand, or you can go on a group hike in the Alps where the goal is to decompress, not to post on Instagram. Others reserve forest cabins in Canada for sleep retreats, while others travel to India for Ayurvedic treatments. I am still not sure what a gong bath is, but it sounds soothing—or confusing?—But I heard of a "sound healing" weekend recently. Everything appears a little... extravagant at first glance. However, the data indicates that more people are choosing their holiday activities based on what would help them heal, regain their strength, or simply reset their minds.
What Is Causing It? Most of us, in my opinion, are merely in dire need of something tangible. We desire a solution to stop the mind from racing and take a respite from doom scrolling. The goal of wellness tourism is to leave with more than just a sunburn and a few souvenirs: peace, clarity, and perhaps even a better night's sleep.
Additionally, there is a need for authenticity—learning about local customs and practical ways to improve our health rather than merely being peddled another "magic product." Long after they return home, some travellers talk about how these journeys have changed the way they live. Oh, and there is a pragmatic side as well: government regulations and health insurance are now encouraging people to seek preventive care even when they are traveling, particularly in Asia and Europe.
But is it just Savasana and sunshine? No sector is flawless. Copycat retreats that promise enlightenment at luxury hotel rates or tourist destinations that start to look, well, kind of exhausted themselves are becoming increasingly common as health tourism gains popularity. Online discussions center on whether certain locations are actually benefiting the local ecology or merely offering peace to the highest bidder. It is difficult to overlook the appeal, though. Whether it is true or not, individuals consistently return from these journeys looking... lighter. And is that not the main idea?
So, should you go? Perhaps you have doubts. Perhaps you believe that wellness travel is just another fad, similar to wearable fitness monitors and superfoods. That is reasonable! However, you are not alone if you have ever had the desire to simply go somewhere, switch off your phone, and gaze up at the sky. Perhaps it is more important to feel like yourself again than to be "better." Who is to say it is not worth attempting, whether it is silently strolling through a Japanese forest or doing yoga at sunrise in Kerala? There is no denying that both travel and we are evolving. These days, a little peace of mind could be the most important memento.