Wellness Travel

UAE travelers choose ‘calmcation’, ‘slowcation’ over packed tourist spots this summer

Published

17 hours ago

July 17, 2025

UAE residents are choosing peaceful escapes over packed tourist hotspots this summer. Whether it’s relaxing in a quiet village in Austria, taking a break at a wellness resort in Bali, or working remotely from the cool mountains of Georgia, the way people travel is changing.

Gone are the days of rushed sightseeing and crowded landmarks. Instead, travelers are now looking for calm, comfort, and connection. They are slowing down, staying longer, and focusing on their health and happiness, according to UAE travel experts.

“Travel is no longer just about ticking off destinations — it’s now deeply personal, intentional, and often slower,” said Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir.com. “UAE travelers are embracing new styles like townsizing and calmcations, while also turning to more mindful, meaningful holidays.”

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Calmcations and wellness travel

More UAE residents are booking ‘calmcation’ trips focused on rest, spa treatments, healthy food, and nature. Popular destinations include Bali, Thailand, Kerala, and wellness resorts in the Philippines.

“Wellness has always been a strong part of the travel industry,” said Subair Thekepurathvalappil, Senior Manager at Wisefox Travels. “For a long time, a few have been going to beach resorts and wellness villages, especially in countries like Austria.”

Townsizing and slowcations

Another growing trend is townsizing — choosing small, beautiful towns over big cities. These places offer local charm, fewer crowds, and a slower pace of life. From Europe’s hidden gems to peaceful towns in Southeast Asia, travelers are now spending weeks, not days, at their chosen destination.

This ties into slowcations, where people visit fewer places but spend more time in each, fully enjoying the culture, food, and local lifestyle.

“There are a few quiet and scenic towns that offer great food culture and immersive natural experiences, places where people can fully disconnect from the world,” said Subair. “They just stay there and relax. No sightseeing, no rush.”

Staycations and detour destinations

Not everyone is heading overseas. Many UAE residents are opting for staycations at resorts within the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These short breaks offer comfort and relaxation without the hassle of airports and long flights.

For those travelling abroad, detour destinations, lesser-known locations are on the rise. Spots like Abha, Salalah, Jordan, and Morocco are attracting visitors with their natural beauty, cultural richness, and lower costs compared to mainstream tourist hubs.

Workcations: Mixing business with travel

With flexible work options more common now, around 30 per cent of UAE residents are taking workcations, working remotely from scenic destinations like the Swiss Alps, Georgia, or Bali while enjoying a change of environment.

“Many residents are also adding wellness days after a business trip,” said Subair. “For example, they go to work events in Japan or China, then stay a few more days to relax in a serene mountainous region or at a beach resort.”

This year’s travel is all about balance, saving money, escaping stress, and making real memories. Whether it’s for wellness, culture, or quiet reflection, UAE residents are choosing experiences that feel good for the soul.

“This year, travel is less about location and more about experience,” added Babu. “It’s where curiosity, calm, and customization come together.”

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Wellness Travel

Wellness series premieres at regional properties under Marriott’s Luxury Group

Published

7 hours ago

July 17, 2025

the Editor

Travel and hospitality

July 17, 2025

The company is attempting to meet local demand for wellness travel. Image credit: Marriott International

By Zach James for Luxury Daily News Service

Hotel group Marriott International’s luxury division is introducing new holistic programming in Asia Pacific.

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Wellness Travel

Wellness Hospitality Series : Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025

Published

9 hours ago

July 17, 2025

Debra John

Marriott International’s Luxury Group will launch the ‘Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025’ this August, a transformative hospitality initiative set across prominent Asian destinations.

Designed to meet the growing demand for immersive wellness travel, the series “moves beyond traditional pampering to embrace a holistic approach centered on three core pillars: Sleep, Nutrition, and Physical & Mental Well-being.” The experience unfolds across a trio of culturally rich and naturally serene locations—Bali, the Maldives, and Goa—with participating properties including Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, and The St. Regis Goa Resort.

Each resort will offer a bespoke wellness program tailored to its environment, combining expert-led sessions, locally inspired therapies, and curated rituals. This series reimagines luxury travel as a meaningful path toward personal renewal, aligning physical vitality and mental clarity with regional authenticity. Overall, the initiative underscores Asia’s prominence as a wellness destination and Marriott’s continued leadership in luxury hospitality innovation.

Image Credit: Luxury Group by Marriott International

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Wellness Travel

Fusion Resorts Vietnam Launch Exclusive Wellness Retreats for Mind-Body Healing and Holistic Renewal

Published

10 hours ago

July 17, 2025

Two Bureau

Vietnam’s leading wellness-inspired hospitality brand, Fusion Resorts, has unveiled an exclusive series of transformative wellness retreats at three of its premier properties, offering guests immersive mind-body healing experiences that blend tradition, innovation, and personalized care. With a strong focus on holistic well-being, Fusion’s latest offerings reflect a commitment to nurturing mindful lifestyles and fostering sustainable wellness journeys for travelers at every life stage.

At the heart of this new initiative is the Healing Retreat at Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang, available until December 31, 2025. Guests can awaken to the serene sounds of meditative singing bowls and embark on a curated four-day program featuring sound therapy, breathwork masterclasses, and restorative yoga sessions guided by Fusion’s newly appointed Wellness Master, Sanjay Rawat. With over nine years of expertise in holistic health and yoga, Rawat leads daily sessions in pranayama, aerial yoga, meditation, and energy healing. The retreat also includes personalized wellness treatments such as Chakra Balancing and 5 Element Purification Meditation, complemented by a healthy plant-based menu with detoxifying juices and herbal teas.

Meanwhile, Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion, nestled in the tranquil Truong Son Mountains, will host a Panchakarma Retreat from 7th to 13th September 2025, rooted in the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda. This five-day program combines Ayurvedic therapies with morning meditations, yoga, and healing mineral hot spring soaks. Guests undergo personalized Ayurvedic health assessments and enjoy signature treatments like the Four Hand Massage, Shirodhara therapy, Swedena herbal steam baths, and an Ayurvedic vegetarian nutrition plan that supports detoxification and mental clarity. Recently named one of Vietnam’s Best Upcountry Resorts by Travel & Leisure Asia Pacific for the third consecutive year, Alba Wellness Valley continues to elevate wellness tourism in the region.

Fusion’s comprehensive wellness approach is enhanced through its Fusionlife loyalty program, offering exclusive perks on stays, dining, and wellness experiences, making it easier for guests to commit to regular self-care retreats.

With these new programs, Fusion is redefining wellness travel in Southeast Asia by harmonizing physical, mental, and emotional well-being through curated, inclusive experiences tailored to the needs of today’s mindful traveler.

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