The time we are living in today has created robots out of humans. Today, people are more busy behind their laptops and smartphones than ever before. The problems faced by us are more mental. Stress, depression, anxiety, anger issues, personality disorders and mood swings are getting more prominent in the medical field. And one of the prime reasons behind these would be lack of communication with your nature, mind, body and soul. Yes, you read that right. That’s why specialists dealing with such problems ask people to travel, change their environment or tell them to ‘Go where you feel most alive’! Because these problems need no medication but just being barefoot on sand or watching the sun go down behind a peak can cure 80% of your issues. And here enters the concept of wellness travel.The concept of wellness travelWellness travel has evolved in recent years. From being a niche concept to an international trend, today wellness travel attracts millions of soul-searchers seeking balance and self care. People these days are increasingly becoming aware of the significance of mental and physical wellbeing and wellness tourism.

Talking to Times Travel, Mr. Tarun Gulati, CEO Himalayan Hotels, said, “As lives are getting busier and more stressful, and environmental conditions in the cities are deteriorating, lifestyle illnesses are seeing an alarming rise. The rise of wellness-focussed retreats is inevitable, especially in towns such as Rishikesh where yoga, meditation and healing therapies in the lap of nature are a way of life”. He further said that there are several resorts in Rishikesh that are becoming sanctuaries for those pursuing holistic experiences. “Ayurvedic doctors and physicians conduct pre-visit and on-site consultations to tailor customised wellness programmes that encompass Ayurvedic treatments such as Panchkarma and dosha analysis, yoga, pranayama, meditation sessions, massages, aqua therapy, ancient sacred text gyan, bhajan sandhyas, sound healing and much more”.Dr. Narendra Shetty, Chief Wellness Officer, Kshemavana- Naturopathy and Yoga Wellness Centre, Bengaluru says, “These days, there are a lot of spas, wellness centres, and resorts. People are becoming more interested in these kinds of facilities throughout time. In our hectic lives, we began searching for new methods to maintain our health. This is how wellness tourism has expanded. Wellness travel is a combination of travel, health, and fitness. It does more than just treat symptoms; it provides users with a whole experience”. As an industry specialist he further commented, “Despite not being a novel idea, awareness is causing it to gain traction. Our contemporary way of life is increasing stress and having an impact on our health. As a result, demand rose. This trend was favourably received by the hospitality sector, which began creating specialized wellness facilities”. History and wellness

If we go back in time, wellness travel was mainly focused around traditional healing practices and destinations. It included hot springs, spas, and yoga retreats. But with the advent of the internet and better connectivity, people have become more connected and aware of wellness travel. At present, wellness tourism is not just an idea. It comprises everything from yoga and meditation centers to adventure travel and sea holidays as well. The idea has expanded from escaping to engaging in mindful and rejuvenating activities that help people to disconnect from their mundane daily lives. It gives people a chance to reconnect with their soul and do some introspection.Explaining the concept further, Mohak Nahta – Founder and CEO of Atlys said, “Wellness tourism offers a variety of experiences, including traditional retreats, digital detoxes, renowned spas, and nature-focused activities like hiking and forest therapy. Destinations such as Japan, Iceland, and Costa Rica have become go-to spots, offering travellers unique opportunities to recharge both mentally and physically. This trend highlights how self-care is becoming an important aspect of travel, as people look for experiences that combine exploration with rejuvenation”.India as a wellness destination

India has played a significant role in this journey. The country is noted for its ancient wisdom and has long been a destination for wellness seekers from across the globe. The country’s traditions of holistic healing, spiritual growth, and wellness practices have made it an unparalleled destination for those looking to restore their mental and emotional wellbeing.According to the industry specialist, Raj Rishi Garg, Managing Director, Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam, “India has been a hotspot of wellness practices like Yoga and Ayurveda. The focus on spiritual and mental well-being is deep-rooted in the Indian culture which has been fueling wellness tourism in the country. Wellness today is holistic in nature so it encompasses both physical and mental health besides inner healing. The wellness journey starts with a location which ideally needs to be serene and naturally blessed”. He also said that today fitness is becoming a crucial component of wellness travel. Sharing his experience, he further mentioned that at his centre, they see a lot of visitors who view physical and mental fitness as an integral part of leading a healthy lifestyle. “The younger generation especially prioritises holistic wellness and believes that the foundation of all achievements, growth, and development is keeping the body, mind, and soul in a good shape”.Dr Vipul Lunawat, Fitness expert and Founder Director Institute of Sports Science andTechnology ( ISST), Pune, says that in today’s world, being physically fit is of vital importance. However when fitness is combined with emotional, psychological and social wellbeing it is collectively termed as wellness. Travellers want to spend on wellness camps and workshops as it helps in total rejuvenation of mind, body and soul. There are many organizations which offer wellness tourism packages at exotic locations”. Speaking about sportsmen and professionals, he said, “In the world of sports, professional athletes push themselves to extreme limits to win at the highest level. This not only exhausts them physically, but they get mentally drained too. If an athlete gets injured or can’t handle failures he/she gets psychologically exhausted. Top athletes often indulge themselves into wellness programs like sound therapy, mental training sessions, yoga, ice baths etc. to name a few to rejuvenate their minds and bodies”. Appeal of wellness travelWellness travel attracts a variety of demographics. Be it solo travellers seeking to reset their minds or friends looking forward to spending time together or families seeking relaxation and adventure, wellness travel offers something for everyone.

Commenting on the same, Pragya Arora, mental health expert on coto said, “Taking wellness holidays has become a common trend among travellers of all age groups, with many new wellness programs being designed by various experts. As an entrepreneur, sports and fitness expert I often take up wellness programs like sound therapy, yoga, meditation etc which gives me the much needed peace. It helps me to balance my mind to attain higher productivity.”Comparing the concept with Bollywood, she further said, “Much like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, wellness travel is all about stepping away from the rush of life and reconnecting with yourself. Just as each character in the movie found healing through experiences like deep-sea diving, skydiving, or simply being amidst nature, wellness travel invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect”. Mr. Raj Singh, Founder & Chairman, Antara Cruises – Heritage River Journeys Pvt Ltd. also shared his experiences and said, “At Antara Cruises, wellness and fitness are at the core of our guest experience, especially as sailing on the Ganges offers a unique backdrop for holistic rejuvenation. The rise of wellness travel in recent years reflects a growing desire to disconnect from the hustle and reconnect with oneself. We’ve seen a surge in demand for wellness-focused journeys, and we’re thrilled to offer yoga as part of our itinerary. Guests aboard our cruises participate in yoga sessions led by expert trainers with great enthusiasm, enjoying the tranquil surroundings of the Ganges. The serene atmosphere enhances mindfulness, making it the perfect environment for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. As the demand for wellness travel grows, we continue to provide an enriching and immersive experience, where fitness and well-being meet the peaceful rhythms of the river”.Waking up blessed, not stressedThese days, people are travelling more as the pandemic left a lifetime deep-rooted effect. The virus accelerated the rise of wellness travel, as many people started looking for ways to improve their physical and mental health while navigating the uncertainty and stress by being jailed inside their homes. Today, travel has become therapeutic and people feel that life is better barefoot.

Maldives is another top spot for wellness seekers. Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director, Kuda Villingili Resort, Maldives, said, “Wellness has become an integral part of travel, including family vacations and leisure trips, reflecting a growing emphasis on holistic health and well-being. We embrace this trend with immersive wellness programs such as yoga, meditation, personalized fitness, and plant-based culinary experiences”. He further stressed that travellers today seek authentic experiences that connect them to their destination, moving beyond generic offerings which highlights the importance of integrating wellness into travel, enabling guests to recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally. Calling wellness and fitness a intertwined journey towards holistic well-being, Shreans Daga – Spiritual Teacher and Chairman, Pyramid Valley International says, “ True wellness exceeds fleeting five-minute activities, demanding commitment, focus, and hard work. Fundamental transformation is achieved when the mind, body, and soul are in harmony”.Advancements in the wellness industryModern advancements in the wellness industry have also played an important role in the rise of wellness tourism. Today we see more spa centres, Yoga retreats and resorts offering wellness experiences like never before. Locations such as Bali, Thailand, and Costa Rica and India are becoming hotspots of wellness travel.

Stressing on the point, Chamindra Goonewardene, VP of Sales & Marketing at Resplendent Ceylon, said, “Wellness has evolved to include more than just exercise and appearance, now focusing on overall well-being. Resplendent Ceylon’s approach to wellness is seamlessly woven into the guest experience across its properties, with Kayaam House standing as a prime example. Located on the Rekawa coastline, the accommodations are designed to create a peaceful atmosphere, and guests can participate in customised wellness programs focused on Ayurveda, tailored to their individual needs. From deeply satisfying massages to oil-based therapies designed to awaken the nervous system, all treatments will incorporate remedial Ayurvedic elements”. With all the expert statements and views, it can be concluded that wellness travel is a booming industry today. The reason behind this is purely human’s need for relaxation, personal growth, and mental relaxation. As society continues to prioritise health and self-care, the demand for wellness tourism will only grow, making it an essential part of the global travel industry.