Wellness tourism isn’t just a trend: it’s a movement, and it’s gaining serious momentum. According to the Global Wellness Summit, wellness-related travel spending is on track to jump from $830.2 billion in 2023 to more than $1.3 trillion by 2028. Travelers, especially older ones, are prioritizing their health more than ever, seeking everything from forest sound baths and cruise spas to mindfulness retreats.
As travel companies race to meet this rising demand, powerful themes are shaping the wellness travel landscape for 2025. These themes reflect not just preferences but a deep shift in how people want to rest, recharge and return home feeling better than when they left.
The rise of wellness-focused getaways
Wellness vacations are now becoming a major economic force. Zion Market Research reports that the global wellness tourism market hit $792.35 billion in 2023, spanning North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. The forecast? A staggering $1.84 trillion market by 2032.
North America is expected to lead the charge, with the U.S. taking the top spot thanks to strong disposable incomes, easy travel access and digital booking tools. But what kind of wellness experiences are consumers prioritizing? Five trends are drawing the most attention: mental health retreats, women’s health-centered programs, sleep vacations, digital detox escapes and personalized wellness offerings.
Prioritizing mental clarity
Mental health has taken center stage as more people seek meaningful support through travel. Retreats now go far beyond meditation — they offer cutting-edge options like neurofitness training and psychedelic-assisted feedback designed to boost brain performance and emotional balance. These immersive experiences aim to build resilience, reduce stress and help participants reset on a deeper level.
Women-centered wellness
There’s been a noticeable spike in wellness offerings tailored to women navigating everything from menopause to postpartum recovery. Programs are becoming more specialized, incorporating expert guidance from gynecologists, hormone specialists, and wellness coaches. A report from Finn Partners notes that women’s sexual and reproductive health is a particularly strong driver in this space.
As influencer Bella Bucchiotti of xoxoBella explains, wellness travel lets her genuinely unwind: “I’m a new mom and business owner. When I invest in feeling good, it benefits everything — my creativity, my patience and my energy.”
Better rest, by design
Sleep has gone luxe. Tired travelers are now planning entire trips around catching up on rest and fixing sleep habits. From sleep pods and white noise earbuds to circadian therapy and light-based treatments, this trend is moving beyond gadgets into deeper, more holistic territory.
Expect to see more hotels and resorts offering sleep-focused experiences, complete with smart beds, sleep hygiene education and tech designed to track and improve rest in real time.
Logging off to recharge
With tech overload reaching critical mass, digital detox vacations are on the rise. These retreats encourage guests to unplug completely, trading notifications for mindfulness and screen time for nature walks. Whether it’s a no-phone retreat in the mountains or a beachside escape with zero Wi-Fi, travelers are craving the peace that comes from disconnecting.
Customized wellness journeys
Personalization is everything in 2025. Travelers aren’t just booking a wellness trip — they want a journey designed around their individual goals and needs. That might mean a week-long gut health retreat, a month-long stay tailored to chronic fatigue recovery or an immersive solo escape.
Nomadic lifestyles are also influencing this shift. With more people working remotely or embracing longer travel stints, wellness sabbaticals, stays of three weeks or more focused on self-care while maintaining a work connection, are becoming increasingly popular.
Solo travel fuels the shift
As solo travel continues to grow, it’s also shaping the wellness space, and single travelers are a major driving force behind this evolution. Hospitality brands are adapting everything from seating arrangements at meals with delicious food to retreat structures to better serve individuals traveling on their own.
Wellness properties are stepping up by offering solo-friendly classes, programs and dining setups. It’s all about creating space for people to heal, reflect and grow without needing a travel companion.
Alex from Delish Knowledge adds a practical perspective: “As a dietitian, I look for vegetarian or high-fiber options on cruises to help with digestion, especially when traveling abroad. And after a long flight? A yoga class is an absolute must.”
A market that’s not slowing down
It’s clear that wellness travel isn’t just growing — it’s transforming. More travelers want meaningful rest, improved health and real rejuvenation. As a result, the travel industry is evolving rapidly to meet those expectations.
From mental clarity to deep sleep, hormone balance to total digital disconnect, wellness trips in 2025 offer more than pampering: they’re built to restore, reenergize and recalibrate. If the forecast is right, these trends aren’t just game-changing — they’re here to stay.
Karen Kelly is a nationally syndicated freelance food and travel writer and the founder of Seasonal Cravings. She is a regular contributor to MSN, Yahoo and the Associated Press.