Wellness Travel
Go North, Young Man. Chiang Mai’s healing and relaxing powers bring forth happiness for the body and the mind
Nestled amidst the mist-shrouded mountains of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has quietly but confidently cemented its reputation as a premier global destination for health and wellness tourism. Far beyond its ancient temples and vibrant markets, the “Rose of the North” offers a holistic embrace, inviting visitors to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit in serene settings.
The appeal of Chiang Mai’s wellness offerings is rooted in a unique blend of traditional Thai healing practices, world-class modern facilities, and an inherently tranquil environment. As the Global Wellness Institute notes, Thailand has become an “undeniable global reference in the wellness tourism sector,” and Chiang Mai plays a pivotal role in this. The country’s wellness tourism market was valued at a staggering USD 22.8 billion in 2024, with projections for continued robust growth at an annual rate of 10-20%. This significant financial impact highlights the growing demand for the transformative experiences Chiang Mai offers.
One of the cornerstones of Chiang Mai’s wellness allure is its deep-seated tradition of Thai massage and herbal medicine. This tradition is a living testament to the words of the Buddha, who wisely stated that ‘Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth.’ Visitors to Chiang Mai can experience this ancient art in various settings, from humble, authentic massage parlors to luxurious spa resorts. The art of Thai massage, which combines acupressure, yoga postures, and stretching, is used to restore balance and relieve tension. Many facilities also incorporate traditional herbal remedies, such as the use of lemongrass for detoxification and turmeric for inflammation, which have been passed down through generations to enhance detoxification and promote overall well-being.
Beyond physical treatments, Chiang Mai excels in offering programs for mental and spiritual rejuvenation. The city boasts over 50 yoga studios and numerous meditation retreats, often nestled in lush rainforests or serene mountain settings. These retreats cater to a diverse range of preferences, from intensive detox programs to silent meditation camps and trauma-healing workshops, ensuring that everyone can find a program that suits their unique wellness needs.
Chiang Mai’s appeal is also amplified by its affordability and accessibility. While offering services of international standards, the cost of wellness experiences in Chiang Mai is significantly lower than in many Western countries, often 40-70% less for a similar experience. This value for money, coupled with a wide range of luxurious accommodations and world-class clinics, makes it an attractive destination for a broad spectrum of travelers, ensuring you get the most out of your travel budget. For instance, a week-long wellness retreat in Chiang Mai can cost as little as $500, including accommodation, meals, and a variety of wellness activities.
Renowned facilities contribute significantly to Chiang Mai’s standing. While Chiva-Som International Health Resort, a global leader in holistic wellness, is found elsewhere in Thailand, Chiang Mai is home to highly rated establishments like Oasis Spa and numerous boutique jungle retreats that offer personalized wellness experiences. Places like Suan Sati Yoga Retreat and True Nature Chiang Mai are lauded for their immersive yoga and meditation programs, often praised for being budget-friendly without compromising on quality.
The city’s embrace of holistic healing extends to integrated medical tourism. Thailand is a leader in this field, offering advanced medical care alongside traditional therapies and rehabilitation programs. This comprehensive approach allows visitors to combine health check-ups, post-operative care, and various treatments with the rejuvenating power of Chiang Mai’s wellness environment.
In the words of Virgil, “The greatest wealth is health.” Chiang Mai embodies this philosophy, offering a unique tapestry of ancient wisdom, modern expertise, and natural beauty to help individuals achieve optimal well-being. As the world increasingly seeks meaningful travel experiences that go beyond mere sightseeing, Chiang Mai stands as a shining example of a destination that truly nourishes the soul.
To underscore this fact, Chiang Mai is gearing up to submit its candidacy to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seven ancient temples in the city embody the wisdom of centuries through their stunning architecture, priceless artifacts, and their role in both old and modern Thai society. All of them date from the 13th to 15th centuries and were religious centers of the Lanna Kingdom. They played integral parts in shaping how northern Thailand thinks and how people live their lives. Chiang Mai and its historical sites laid the foundation for Thailand as it is known today, a country that regards the well-being of the physical and spiritual planes as essential to life.
About the Author
“Frequent foodie and occasional craftsman of travel stories, Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya (Chat) draws on his nearly 4 decades of promoting Thailand’s tourism industry to highlight everything from world-class attractions to hidden gems. When not writing stuff, he makes it a mission to catch rom-coms and DC superheroes whenever they show up in theaters.”
Welcome to a new era of wellness, a term that is no longer defined by simple treatments, such as massages and facials, but rather a holistic concept that, these days, means a 360° approach to how we look and feel. What’s more, the appetite for ‘deep dives’ into the culture of wellness has become a top reason as to why people travel in 2025, with wellness tourism reported as one of the fastest growing sectors in the industry.
The 2024 Wellness Tourism Initiative report, by the Global Wellness Institute, pinpoints a ‘diagnostic boom in wellness travel’ as a major trend for this year. This surge, says the report, reflects “a growing preference for tailored and proactive health approaches among travellers. Many health and wellness operators now offer comprehensive diagnostic assessments alongside traditional wellness activities, enhancing the overall visitor experience.”
Inside the HVN in Knightsbridge, one of London’s ‘super clinics’.
(Credit: AVC)
The report continues: “These offerings empower individuals to gain profound insights into their health status and make informed lifestyle choices while indulging in the rejuvenating benefits of travel. As travellers increasingly prioritize preventive healthcare and holistic well-being, the diagnostic booms in wellness travel are set to continue to reshape the tourism industry by seamlessly blending medical expertise with luxury hospitality.”
When it comes to the wellness scene in London, this couldn’t be truer. The city has witnessed a growth in state-of-the-art clinics and wellness hubs, of late, that are offering personalised, cutting-edge treatments all with diagnosis at their heart. The luxury club Surrenne, at the five-star hotel The Emory, for instance, is focusing on longevity with functional diagnostics ranging from cardiovascular and hormone tests to microbiome mapping. While the The HVN in Knightsbridge puts personalisation as its priority and offers everything from acupuncture to aesthetic treatments.
In fact, the field of aesthetics has grown to become one of London’s big draws for wellness travelers, with a host of expert names, working out of Harley Street and from their own clinics across the capital. Perhaps, unexpectedly, luxury hotels are also catching on to the trend with big name properties offering the latest in skincare by partnering with well-respected aesthetic doctors to offer guests scientific-led treatments.
The Langham is one of London’s top hotels which has collaborated with a leading aesthetic doctor, Dr Soni.
(credit: AVC)
The Corinthia hotel in Whitehall, for instance has collaborated with The London Regenerative Institute, which has opened up at its ESPAlife spa. Founded by renowned plastic surgeons Mr Tunc Tiryaki and Dr Steve Cohen, the clinic offers restorative aesthetic treatments that enhance longevity.
While at The Lanesborough Club and Spa, guests can book in for ‘advanced aesthetic’ treatments, such as Soft Wave or Exosome facials, with Dr Galyna, an award-winning aesthetic doctor and wellness expert.
Dr Soni’s clinic at The Langham hotel offers the latest in aesthetic and holistic treatments.
(Credit: Rebecca Searle)
Dr Aswin Soni, a UK and US trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon (and the founder and owner of The Soni Clinic in Ascot) is the expert at hand at The Langham’s Chuan Spa. Known for championing ‘gentle rejuvenation’ when it comes to anti-ageing treatments, his client-list is full to bursting with A-listers, who arrive for his ‘light touch’, undetected at the luxury hotel via a private entrance to his consulting room.
Having studied at Imperial College, London, and trained in plastic surgery at Cornell in NYC, John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and Royal Marsden Hospital in London, Dr Soni brings a medical approach and advanced know-how to his procedures, which vary from polynucleotides injectables to dermal fillers, with a focus on natural-looking and subtle results.
With a background in plastic surgery, Dr Soni brings a science-led approach to skincare.
(Credit: Rebecca Searle)
“It’s not about changing how anyone looks,” he says. “It’s all about enhancing. A big part of my job is the consultation. I never give an opinion on what I think needs to be changed, because it is not about me. I listen and ask questions and then we come up with a plan that is bespoke for each of my clients.”
Being based in a central London hotel, many of Dr Soni’s clients are, in fact, frequent travelers (as well as high profile names), and he has adapted his approach to treat the effects that long-haul travel can have on their skin.
“Patients who travel a lot have more dehydrated skin in general, as there is lower humidity on planes which leads to skin dryness,” he says. “Dehydrated skin leads to more fine lines and wrinkles, issues with pores, and changes to the texture and quality of skin.”
The Alumier Aqua Infusion Mask is a must-have for travelers, according to Dr Soni.
(credit: Alumier)
He continues: “I always tell my clients to use a hydrating moisturiser when they are flying and, if they can, to take a hydrating sheet mask to use on board. AlumierMD Aqua Infusion Mask is my secret must-have when I am flying. You simply apply it like a moisturiser, but it infuses the skin with deep hydration.”
London’s current spike in wellness offerings has been described in a recent issue of Harpers Bazaar as ‘the rise of the superclinic’ with the “new generation of luxurious cosmetic centres here to cater for a discerning consumer for whom tweakments are as normal as a dental check-up.”
Travel and wellness go hand in hand, says Dr Soni.
(Credit: Rebecca Searle)
Dr Soni agrees that the landscape in the capital city has changed. “It certainly feels like an exciting time to be working here,” he says. “What’s more, the narrative within the aesthetic industry has aso evolved over the past few years. Patients no longer want a ‘quick fix’ but are focusing on long term skin health and quality. It feels more holistic, rather than surface level. As providers, we are not just thinking about what patients will look like in the next few months but, instead, it’s more about the next few years.”
“A big development of late has been regenerative injectables, with collagen biostimulators, such as Sculptra by Galderma, and Plinest HPT polynucleotides by Dermafocus, at the forefront of this movement. The worlds of aesthetics and wellness have truly merged.”
Sulptra gives a healthy-looking, youthful result.
(Credit: Sculptra)
An ‘alternative’ to filler, Sculptra is a regenerative injectable that helps stimulate your own natural collagen production to smooth facial wrinkles and improve skin tightness, revealing a ‘refreshed-looking’ you. Dr Soni explains: “After the age of 20, we lose about 1% of collagen per year. Sculptra is the first and original poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA) facial injectable that targets fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of ageing due to collagen loss, gradually helping restore skin structure and volume.”
Also in demand, says Dr Soni, is Dermafocus—a combination injectable which combines HPT polynucleotides with a skin booster. “You get the regenerative effects from the polynucleotides, which includes collagen and elastin stimulation, as well as the hydration from the hyaluronic acid, so it is an all-round winner.”
The Soni Clinic is a hub for those looking for subtle and natural skincare treatments.
(Credit: AVC)
“At times, the aesthetics industry has had a bad rep,” says Dr Soni. “That is mostly down to bad practitioners and horror stories when things go wrong. But, just like with any true luxury experience—including travel—it is all about a personalised, finessed approach, you can say the same for skincare. My advice is to choose your practitioner wisely.”
“At the moment, there is so much innovation going on within the world of skincare and London is at the heart of that. Many science-backed brands are really innovating and researching at an incredible rate. As the trends change towards collagen stimulation, and the health and quality of skin, certain brands are staying ahead, and innovating with thoughtful and innovative peptides, unique antioxidant formulations, and pioneering approaches to sunscreen. It is an industry on the rise and one that is at the forefront of science—the rockbed of the wellness industry, if you like. After all, if you look good, you will feel good.”
Wellness Travel
July 2025 Travel Trends: Texas, Puerto Rico, Anaheim, Coronado, Puerto Rican Initiatives, Wellness Escapes, Tech-Driven Travel, Luxury Glamping, Personalized Tours, and More
Sunday, July 27, 2025
The landscape of travel in July 2025 reveals a dynamic shift in how travelers approach their journeys. From accessible design and wellness retreats to tech-forward experiences and innovative family travel, the trends this month highlight how tourism is being redefined. Destinations such as Texas, Puerto Rico, Anaheim, and Coronado are setting the stage for these new approaches, blending inclusivity, luxury, and personalization into the very fabric of their offerings. Whether you’re exploring the tech-driven innovations in travel planning or enjoying a curated influencer-hosted group tour, the travel trends of this month promise a deeper connection to both the destination and the experience itself.
In addition to these trends, we also see the rise of luxury glamping, seasonal design collections, and new ways to engage with local culture and wellness. These developments aren’t just improving the traveler experience—they’re fundamentally reshaping the tourism industry’s approach to sustainability, inclusivity, and personalization.
Texas: Ultra-Accessible Hospitality at Morgan’s Wonderland Hotel
One of the standout trends this July is the emphasis on inclusivity in hospitality. Texas is leading the charge with the introduction of an ultra-accessible hotel adjacent to Morgan’s Wonderland, a groundbreaking theme park designed for individuals with disabilities. This innovative project sets a new benchmark for inclusive design in the hospitality industry.
The hotel is designed with universal access in mind, ensuring that people of all abilities can enjoy a seamless, barrier-free experience. This shift toward accessibility is more than just a trend; it’s an essential step in making travel more inclusive for all. With more and more travelers seeking destinations that cater to their specific needs, this hotel’s development promises to be a model for future hospitality projects worldwide. Texas is not just accommodating a growing demographic; it’s also creating an entirely new market for accessible tourism that could inspire other destinations to follow suit.
Puerto Rico: Embracing Sustainability and Cultural Tourism
Puerto Rico has recently launched a series of initiatives aimed at revitalizing its tourism sector with a focus on sustainability and cultural experiences. Through eco-tours, community-driven initiatives, and educational programs that promote local traditions, Puerto Rico is offering travelers a chance to engage with the island’s heritage and natural beauty in an immersive and responsible way. These initiatives are not only bringing more tourists to the island but also providing an economic boost to local communities.
Sustainability in tourism is a growing trend, and Puerto Rico’s efforts to highlight its ecological and cultural richness are setting an example for other destinations to follow. Travelers are increasingly drawn to destinations that offer authentic experiences, where they can connect with local cultures and ecosystems while contributing positively to the community. As a result, Puerto Rico is attracting a new generation of eco-conscious travelers looking for more meaningful vacations.
Anaheim, California: Redefining the Family Vacation with Imaginagency
The concept of family vacations is evolving, as seen in Anaheim’s new “Imaginagency” initiative, created in partnership with actress Tia Mowry. This program invites children to actively shape their own adventures, allowing them to take the reins in creating personalized itineraries. This shift in how families plan their trips emphasizes empowerment and creativity, giving children a voice in their vacation experience.
With families increasingly seeking more meaningful experiences, this initiative represents a major step forward in how vacation destinations engage with young travelers. By allowing children to influence their family holiday, Anaheim is leading the way in family-friendly travel that goes beyond traditional offerings. The impact on tourism here is clear: destinations that provide interactive, personalized experiences for children will likely see an uptick in family visits, particularly from those who prioritize inclusivity and creativity in their vacation planning.
Coronado, California: A Wellness-Focused Luxury Escape
Wellness tourism continues to surge in popularity, and Hotel del Coronado in California is embracing this trend through its collaboration with Lumati to offer high-tech wellness services. From cutting-edge spa treatments to health devices in guest rooms, the integration of wellness technology offers guests the opportunity to prioritize their health and relaxation during their stay.
This fusion of luxury and wellness is not only a response to the growing demand for rejuvenating travel experiences but also a reflection of a larger societal shift towards self-care and mindfulness. Coronado’s focus on health-driven luxury is resonating with travelers looking to combine relaxation with personal well-being. As the wellness industry continues to expand, destinations offering these types of integrated experiences are likely to see a rise in affluent visitors who are seeking retreats that allow them to rest, recharge, and rejuvenate.
Other Emerging Trends in July 2025 Travel
1. Tech-Driven Travel Tools: AI-Powered Travel Solutions
Technology continues to revolutionize travel, and one of the most innovative advancements this July is the rise of AI-powered platforms like SurfOS from Surf Air Mobility. These platforms help travelers navigate through the complexities of booking, navigating, and enhancing their travel experiences. With AI making the process more streamlined and efficient, travelers can expect more personalized, hassle-free journeys.
2. Luxury Glamping: Fusing Nature with Comfort
The growing interest in luxury glamping is reflected in the rise of partnerships like World of Hyatt’s collaboration with Reese’s Book Club to offer literary-inspired glamping experiences. These upscale outdoor accommodations combine the beauty of nature with the comfort of high-end amenities, offering a new way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing luxury.
3. Personalized Tours with Influencers: Socially-Driven Experiences
EF Ultimate Break’s “Influencer-Hosted Tour Program” is blending social media with travel by offering curated itineraries led by popular digital creators. These tours offer a unique opportunity to engage with destinations through the eyes of influencers, creating experiences that are highly shareable and digitally interactive.
4. Seasonal Design Collections: Bright and Optimistic Travel Gear
Brands like Away have embraced seasonal collections, such as their “Sunshine Yellow” range of travel accessories. These vibrant, travel-ready accessories are more than just functional; they bring a sense of joy and optimism to the travel experience, reflecting the vibrant spirit of summer.
5. Sustainable Road Trips: Marriott Bonvoy’s Road Trip Planner
Marriott Bonvoy has introduced the “Road Trip Planner,” a tool designed to help travelers plan sustainable, flexible road trips closer to home. This reflects a shift towards domestic exploration, offering more personalized and eco-friendly travel options that cater to the growing desire for environmentally conscious adventures.
The Future of Travel: Personalization and Purposeful Experiences
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the trends of July 2025 reflect a larger transformation in how we approach travel. From inclusive hospitality in Texas to wellness retreats in Coronado, and from tech-driven solutions to personalized tours led by influencers, the travel industry is evolving to meet the needs of today’s travelers. More than ever, people are seeking vacations that allow them to connect with the world in a deeper, more meaningful way. The rise of sustainability, wellness, and technology-driven experiences demonstrates that the future of travel is not just about visiting new places—it’s about making those experiences more personal, impactful, and accessible.
The impact of these trends on tourism is significant. Destinations that embrace inclusivity, wellness, creativity, and technology will be well-positioned to attract a new generation of travelers. As travelers continue to prioritize connection, purpose, and personalization in their trips, the tourism industry will need to keep evolving, offering experiences that reflect the values and desires of modern explorers.
Saturday, July 26, 2025
With global wellness tourism on the up, beach breaks across destinations such as Thailand’s Koh Samui have become the destination of choice for holidaymakers on the lookout for rejuvenation and relaxation. With an increasing trend toward holistic healing, slow travel, and wellness-first escapes, Koh Samui emerges as a refuge for the wellness-seeking. This is not just a beach getaway; this is a sanctuary where healing occurs, where experiences that change your life take place, where you become bound to the sea and the bountiful landscape of the tropics.
Wellness Tourism Increasing Worldwide
Wellness tourism is a rapidly growing industry, and estimates by the Global Wellness Institute suggest the market will nearly double in size from $651 billion in 2022 to $1.4 trillion in 2027. Wellness-focused travel is increasingly in demand throughout the Asia Pacific, with more than 90% of travelers wanting wellness options on their next vacation, a significant uptick compared to previous years. Especially so in the case of Thailand, the leader in this wellness revolution.
Koh Samui: The Jet Set Hub of Health and Rejuvenation
Koh Samui is one of the best examples of the booming wellness tourism in Thailand. With its beautiful beaches and peaceful ambiance, the island presents the ideal mix of ancient and modern healing to visitors, looking to balance and restore their body, mind, and spirit. Wellness experiences in Koh Samui extend beyond pampering sessions in high-end viewing spas, and into nature-driven therapies that extend not only your physical but mental health, and beyond even the magical and peaceful healing island of Koh Samui.
The Ocean’s Role in Wellness
The ocean has played a starring role in the wellness experiences curated on the island. While nature-led therapies among travelers are on the rise, the ocean’s restorative powers continue playing a key role. Studies show that time spent near the coast lowers stress, improves mood, and increases mental clarity. On Koh Samui, the calming sound of the waves and the gentle sea breeze provide a strong, tranquil backdrop for guests on their healing journey.
Thalassotherapy – The Therapy Of You And The Sea
Thalassotherapy, which uses seawater and marine ingredients to assist with healing, is one of the most defining elements of Koh Samui wellness retreats. Seawater contains various minerals that are good for circulation, inflammation, and serotonin. In its blending of the ocean into the wellness experience, from the therapy of water to that of nature, Koh Samui just takes an immersive stance to healing.
Koh Samui’s Top Wellness Retreats
Koh Samui is also home to some of the best wellness retreats in the world, such as the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, recently ranked as one of the best luxury wellness retreats on the continent. Situated at the bottom of a secluded bay on the Gulf of Thailand, this beachside wellness resort offers an authentic wellness journey combining nature, culture, and modern delights. The healing comes via sound healing, Reiki, Nam Vibration, and training at its outdoor Muay Thai ring…everything is designed here to mend the mind, body, and soul.
The Tradition of Healing in Thailand
“At Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, we’ve had a long tradition with Koh Samui, being where visitors have come to detox and rejuvenate,” says Jasjit Singh Assi, General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. But in recent years, the island has emerged as a world epicenter of oceanfront wellness, drawing travelers who want a close connection to nature and health. The personalization of wellness experiences is central to the resort’s service philosophy, which allows guests to connect with themselves among the tranquil natural beauty of Koh Samui, says Assi.
A New Era of Wellness Travel
This focus on the individual, tailored treatment, and attention toward mind, body and soul is reflected in the island’s wellness offerings. Numerous resorts and spas offer ancient Thai healing methods that have been inherited and preserved over centuries. Today, we are seeing these traditions incorporated into contemporary wellness experiences: blending something old with a bit of something shiny and new to help foster the body’s natural capacity for healing.
The Future of Wellness Tourism: Koh Samui Will Lead The Way
While wellness tourism is rapidly expanding, one thing is for certain: Destinations such as Koh Samui are in the driving seat. The emphasis on overall well-being, along with the island’s natural beauty and the healing properties of the ocean, is why Koh Samui is a destination of choice for healthy travel-minded individuals.
Conclusion: If Wellness is a Duty in Our World Today
In today’s fast-moving world, stress and burnout have become chronic, but the significance of self-care and mental wellness can never be overstated. We help you reconnect with your inner self and start a process of transformation on this personalized retreat package with a luxury private pool villa, yoga classes, wellness menu, and outstanding world-class service. For some, these healing vacations are no longer considered a luxury but rather an essential and integral part of maintaining one’s overall well-being or finding harmony in a world that grows increasingly frenetic.
To conclude, wellness tourism and destinations such as Koh Samui are leading the trend, demonstrating an increasing understanding of well-being. As wellness tourism grows, the days of a trip simply being time away are over — people now want a departure and a return in the same trip, all under the auspice of transformation, spiritually and physically. Koh Samui has long been a haven of natural splendour, natural healing, and beachfront wellness retreats, and now it’s breaking ground on delivering these life-altering experiences, making it the wellness destination of choice for anyone looking to put their health front and centre in 2025 and beyond.
(Source: Global Wellness Institute, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Koh Samui Tourism Authority, Thai Travel News)
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