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.”
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)
At the retreat, guided hikes in the fresh mountain air, sessions in the infrared sauna, and practices like meditation and breath work weren’t optional extras – they were considered essential tools, but so too was sleep. Quality sleep is one of the most underrated yet powerful ways to reduce inflammation in the body. While you sleep, your body enters a restorative state: it lowers levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, repairs tissue, and balances cortisol (the stress hormone known to drive up inflammation when chronically elevated). In fact, studies have shown that even a single night of poor sleep can increase inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation contributes not just to fatigue and mood swings but also to increased risk of inflammatory conditions like heart disease, autoimmune issues, and even skin flare-ups.
So, how can we optimize sleep to support lower inflammation? First, consistency matters – aim for 7–9 hours per night, going to bed and waking up at the same time daily. Keep your room cool and dark, reduce screen exposure at least an hour before bed (blue light interferes with melatonin production), and avoid heavy meals or alcohol late at night.
Magnesium supplements or sleep supplements with nervous-system calming ingredients can also help support more restful sleep. Incorporating a wind-down routine—like reading, gentle stretching, or breathing exercises—can signal to the body it’s time to switch off. The goal isn’t just more sleep, but better quality sleep, because that’s when the real anti-inflammatory magic happens.
Tyso Sadlo
Exercise is medicine, but dosage matters
I always thought the more intense the workout, the better. But inflammation doesn’t necessarily agree. While regular movement is key to reducing inflammatory markers, the type, intensity and recovery are just as important. Long runs, high-intensity classes, and back-to-back sessions without proper rest can tip your body into a state of oxidative stress, especially if you’re already depleted.
More isn’t always better. If you’re noticing persistent fatigue, poor sleep, or constant muscle soreness, your workouts may be stressing your system and driving inflammation up, rather than down. Pay attention to how you recover, and whether your energy, digestion, and mood feel balanced. The sweet spot lies in consistency, not intensity. Pairing movement with good sleep, proper rest, and nutrient support helps the body use exercise as a tool for healing, rather than harm.
What the retreat emphasized instead was consistency over intensity: long walks in the fresh air, mobility work, strength training, and low-impact movement like swimming, yoga or pilates. It’s about moving daily, but gently enough to support the immune system.
A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.
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