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Last Updated:June 21, 2025, 12:40 pm

Travel, today, has evolved into much more than just sightseeing. Travellers are seeking for newer experiences that lean on wellness and self-care.

Travel today is no longer just about snapping photos at famous sights – it’s about pressing pause and reconnecting with yourself. In an age of constant connectivity, wellness tourism is fast becoming the much-needed ‘unplug’ button. From digital detox hideaways to nourishing retreats that focus on better sleep, mindful eating, and inner balance, more travellers are swapping packed itineraries for purposeful introspection. And the best part? You don’t have to sacrifice comfort or luxury to feel recharged.

Rajeev Kale – President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited and S.D. Nandakumar – President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited share six emerging trends that are reshaping wellness travel in 2025.

Ayurvedic Escapes: Ancient Healing, Modern Retreats

Ayurveda, the cornerstone of India’s wellness heritage, is witnessing renewed global interest. Travellers are embracing its time-tested practices for detox, rejuvenation, and mental clarity. Panchakarma treatments, herbal therapies, and yogic routines are offered in immersive retreats across Kerala, Rishikesh, and Karnataka. These experiences blend modern comfort with Vedic science, offering personalised healing journeys rooted in balance and prevention.

Sleep Retreats: Luxury is a Good Night’s Rest

Gone are the days of over-scheduled holidays. A growing number of travellers are now seeking rest-centric getaways. Resorts are offering curated sleep programs featuring blackout suites, melatonin-enhancing meals, circadian lighting, and even sleep coaches. Kerala and Rishikesh remain popular within India, while Thailand and Sri Lanka are emerging as international hubs for such restorative experiences.

Spiritual Journeys: Seeking Stillness in Sacred Spaces

From Vipassana retreats and ashram stays to temple trails, spiritual tourism is growing steadily. Travellers are no longer escaping; they’re evolving by seeking clarity through meditation, silence, rituals, and communion with nature and the divine. Key destinations include Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Rishikesh, Dharamshala, Nepal, and Bali (Indonesia), each offering deep spiritual resonance and transformative experiences.

Culinary Healing: Wellness on a Plate

Food is becoming central to wellness travel, but not in a restrictive sense. Experiences now include seasonal, locally sourced menus, fermentation workshops, and mindful cooking sessions that celebrate nourishment and joy. It’s a shift from diet culture to holistic food philosophy. Key destinations include Japan, Mexico, Greece, and within India, Auroville, Goa, and Sikkim.

Green Wellness: Healing the Earth While You Heal

Sustainability is at the heart of modern wellness tourism. Travellers are actively choosing retreats that promote ecological balance, offering activities like organic farming, forest bathing, tree planting, or beach clean-ups. Leading global destinations include Norway and Portugal, while domestic favourites like Coorg and Puducherry offer eco-conscious sanctuaries closer to home.

Community-Centred Wellness: From Festivals to Family Retreats

Wellness is no longer a solo pursuit. Multi-generational families, couples, and groups are increasingly exploring shared healing experiences. Wellness festivals and community retreats now offer inclusive programming – children’s mindfulness, seniors’ aqua therapy, and group sound baths. Popular destinations include wellness festivals across Europe, immersive retreats in Jaipur, and family-friendly escapes to the Maldives and Thailand.

Location :

Delhi, India, India

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