Wellness retreats are booming — here’s where to reboot this spring

Wellness retreats are booming — especially in spring 2025 — as people rethink how to spend their time off. More travelers are stepping away from packed itineraries and choosing a slower, more intentional kind of break. From digital detoxes to sleep-focused escapes and holistic healing, the travel mindset is shifting toward restoration.

Retreats today go beyond the spa menu, integrating movement, nutrition, sleep support and expert guidance into full-day schedules that reflect a more complete approach to wellness. With spring’s lighter days and milder weather, the season makes it easier to recharge.

The rise of wellness travel in 2025

Wellness tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments in the global travel industry, reshaping how people approach time away. According to the Global Wellness Institute, this sector, defined as “travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal well-being,” is projected to reach an impressive $1.3 trillion USD by 2025. The focus has shifted from sightseeing to self-care, with more travelers seeking rest, movement, nutrition and deeper meaning from their time away.

FINN Partners also mentions that, by 2033, one in six people globally will be aged 60 or older, and by 2050, the number of individuals aged 50 and up is expected to reach 3.2 billion. As populations age, many are choosing to redefine how they grow older. Baby Boomers, in particular, are prioritizing wellness and longevity, not as a luxury, but as a necessary investment in aging well. David Harry Stewart, founder of Ageist, describes a growing gap between actual and perceived age — on average, a 20-year difference — highlighting how this group sees wellness travel as part of an active, empowered lifestyle.

Top emerging trends

Longevity retreats and biohacking vacations are on the rise. “The passage of time is inevitable, but how we experience it is within our control,”  says Tatiana Geue, Marketing & Communications Director of ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea, in an MSN article. She added, “There is a clear shift towards proactive health management, with individuals seeking science-based approaches to longevity, prevention and overall wellbeing.” Figuring out how to live a longer, healthier life is becoming a key focus in wellness, blending tradition and tech, science and holistic practices to create personalized programs aimed at better aging. 

Sleep tourism is also gaining traction, with entire itineraries built around rest and recovery. The growth comes as part of a wider shift toward viewing health from a 360-degree perspective. “People have long been looking at their diet and physical health via fitness, but the next chapter is sleep,” explains Charlie Morley, a sleep and dream expert who has partnered with wellness-forward hotels like Nômade in Tulum and Kimpton Fitzroy in London. “Hotels have realised that people are using these trips, where they’re away from work or their children, as a chance to really prioritize good sleep,” he adds.

Other trends include digital detox retreats, where guests give up devices and reconnect with natural rhythms through nature walks, journaling, and screen-free evenings. These retreats are often set in remote or eco-conscious locations to help support deeper disconnection from tech. Celestial wellness is also gaining traction, blending astrology, stargazing and lunar-aligned practices such as moon-phase yoga, intention setting and guided meditations under the night sky.

Must-visit destinations for spring 2025

Considered one of the most renowned wellness destinations in the U.S., Sedona offers both a scenic and spiritual escape. Known for its vortex sites and red rock formations, the area blends metaphysical energy with outdoor adventure. With more than 200 hiking trails spanning 400 miles, visitors can easily find space to reconnect. Uptown Sedona offers New Age shops and art galleries, while resorts like L’Auberge de Sedona and Enchantment Resort offer sound baths, tarot readings and nature-inspired programming.

For those looking to unplug in luxury, Casa Retreats in Tulum delivers yoga, nutrition and rest inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. Their spring 2025 program, the Welcome Home Retreat, runs from March 27 to April 1 and includes daily yoga practices, farm-to-table meals, guided ceremonies and time to recharge by the sea. For a science-backed wellness program, just outside Los Angeles, the Four Seasons Westlake Village includes integrative health consultations, fitness training, spa treatments and healthy culinary workshops. Guests can access personalized care from licensed health professionals and focus on long-term habits in a luxurious, serene setting.

In Europe, travelers can explore eco-friendly spa hotels and detox retreats that pair sustainability with modern wellness. Notable options include VIVAMAYR in Austria, which combines modern medical diagnostics with holistic detox programs including guided fasting, functional movement and personalized nutrition plans focused on digestion and long-term energy balance. Across Asia, Kamalaya in Thailand offers holistic healing with a focus on stress and burnout recovery.

Unique program offerings

Fitness-focused retreats give travelers a chance to stay active while away from home. Retreats often build movement into each day with early morning runs, small-group yoga, strength training and long hikes. These sessions are designed to work with the body’s energy levels and are often set outdoors to take advantage of natural light and open air, often taking place in scenic, natural surroundings where fresh air and open space support both focus and recovery.

Mindfulness and nutrition continue to play a big role, too. Meditation retreats now offer more than just quiet time — they include personalized coaching, breathwork, and workshops that guide guests toward better balance. For a wide range of options, including island settings, forest escapes and culturally immersive experiences, travelers can explore programs like those listed on BookRetreats.

Mindful eating is another key part of the experience. Health Travel Magazine shares that retreats often include guidance on slowing down at meals, paying attention to food and building healthier habits around eating. Some programs offer personalized meal plans to accommodate allergies, dietary preferences or specific health needs, while others have nutrition programs that pair organic, farm-to-table meals with structured detox plans to support physical reset.

The shift toward personalized wellness

A 2022 academic review of wellness tourism revealed how the industry has evolved from 1998 to 2021, with technology and expert guidance transforming how wellness retreats approach personal care. Wellness travel offers flexibility across a wide range of experiences and destinations, allowing travelers to tailor their journey based on personal goals. This includes options for improving sleep, reducing stress, boosting fitness or focusing on nutrition, where guests can select programs that align with their individual needs and interests. Some retreats now also use tech tools like DNA analysis, real-time biomarker monitoring and mobile apps to personalize health guidance.

Specialized treatments are also becoming standard. Cryotherapy, IV therapy, red light therapy and contrast bathing are no longer fringe — they’re featured services at many retreats. Experts suggest that the future of wellness travel will blend traditional practices with tech-supported programs that adapt to each guest’s needs. As more travelers seek targeted solutions for long-term health, personalized care is becoming a standard part of the retreat experience.

Family and group wellness

Wellness travel is no longer just a solo experience. More retreats now design active holidays that welcome the whole family, offering a mix of movement, mindfulness and fun for all ages. Parents and kids can take part in outdoor excursions, nature-based workshops and wellness meals that suit a variety of dietary needs. Programs often include family yoga, kid-friendly cooking classes or guided hikes that keep everyone engaged.

Accommodations such as Aro Hā Wellness Retreat in New Zealand offer family-friendly programs with eco-luxury lodging and daily mindfulness activities for all ages. In the U.S., Red Mountain Resort in Utah includes family hikes, kid-inclusive yoga and cooking classes. Mexico’s Palmaïa, The House of AïA, designs wellness programs that incorporate nature exploration, meditation and creative learning for both children and adults. These destinations show how wellness can be shared without compromising personal time to recharge, reflecting a shift and growing interest in shared wellness experiences — time spent together that still allows each person to recharge in their own way.

The business of wellness retreats

Luxury hotels and resort brands are investing in wellness as a core part of the guest experience. From plush bedding that supports better sleep to in-room wellness kits stocked with aromatherapy or guided meditation tools, amenities are shifting to meet the needs of health-focused travelers. Guests can now expect curated spa menus, customized lighting designed to support circadian rhythms, and access to fitness and mindfulness resources without leaving their suite.

As demand grows, wellness isn’t an add-on; it’s becoming a central part of what defines luxury travel in 2025. The wellness retreat market itself is experiencing significant growth. According to The Business Research Company, the market is projected to grow from $225.89 billion in 2024 to $249.59 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5%. This growth has been driven by rising health consciousness, an increase in business travel, growing interest in anti-aging care and the broader appeal of wellness tourism. Looking further ahead, the market is expected to reach $366.82 billion by 2029. Trends shaping this growth include the development of retreats focused on stress management, spa therapy innovation, digital wellness tools and integration with eco-conscious practices.

Sustainability and community impact

In the world of retreat planning, sustainability is now a foundational approach that combines environmental care with a strong guest experience. Basundari highlights that retreats that focus on sustainability often consider the environmental, social and economic impact of their programs. From reducing plastic use to using local ingredients, these practices show up in the day-to-day details of retreat life. As more travelers prioritize eco-conscious choices, these efforts help retreats stand out for the right reasons.

Many retreats now emphasize locally sourced food, waste reduction and natural materials. Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia integrates permaculture gardens and zero-waste principles into its daily operations. In Costa Rica, The Retreat Costa Rica offers organic, farm-to-table meals and uses sustainable building practices. Finally, Iceland’s The Retreat Hotel sources geothermal energy and eco-certified materials throughout its wellness spaces. These destinations show how environmental responsibility can enhance the overall guest experience that supports local communities through employment, organic gardens and water conservation programs.

Wellness, your way in 2025

Wellness travel isn’t one-size-fits-all — and that’s the point. Some travelers arrive to reset, others to train, unplug or simply sleep well for a few nights. What unites them is a shift in how time away is valued: less about escape, more about intention. The growing retreat scene reflects that change, offering travelers real choices to support the life they want to return to.

Zuzana Paar is the visionary behind four inspiring websites: Amazing Travel Life, Low Carb No Carb, Best Clean Eating and Sustainable Life Ideas. As a content creator, recipe developer, blogger and photographer, Zuzana shares her diverse skills through breathtaking travel adventures, healthy recipes and eco-friendly living tips. Her work inspires readers to live their best, healthiest and most sustainable lives.