Viceroy Hotels & Resorts has introduced a new global wellness partnership with The Class, a music-driven practice founded by Taryn Toomey. Launched in June, the collaboration offers Viceroy guests complimentary access to an exclusive series of in-room videos and live experiences.
The six video modules are designed to support “daily grounding, energetic resets and intentional movement.” Each starts with a centering warm-up, followed by repetitive movements to build strength and endurance, with breathwork woven throughout. Some courses are specially focused on the needs of travelers, such as “The Class for Jet Lag” and “Post-Travel Reset.”
The programming will debut at Viceroy Chicago, Viceroy Washington DC, Viceroy Los Cabos, Viceroy Snowmass, Viceroy Santa Monica and Viceroy at Ombria Algarve in Portugal, with more properties to follow.
“Viceroy set out to create a wellness experience designed to meet the modern traveler’s needs — something that helps guests reset, recharge and reconnect from the moment they arrive to when they return home,” said Jessica Luzzi, senior vice president of brand marketing for Viceroy. “Through our partnership with Taryn Toomey and The Class, we are introducing a powerful new dimension of wellness, one rooted in intentional movement and the art of being present. Together, we’re giving our guests a one-of-a-kind, in-room experience that is as enriching internally as it is externally.”
Beyond the screen, the collaboration will offer on-site activations and retreats, which began with a May pop-up at Viceroy at Ombria Algarve. The event marked the first in a series of immersive wellness experiences hosted by The Class and planned for global Viceroy destinations.
“Bringing The Class to Viceroy Hotels & Resorts is a beautiful meeting of intention — two brands rooted in creating spaces that invite presence, depth and meaningful experience,” said Taryn Toomey, founder of The Class. “I created The Class 14 years ago to explore the alchemy of the body, and it’s been a gift to watch it resonate with people across the world.
With this partnership, we’re offering guests something deeply needed in travel: the ability to land in the body, reset the nervous system and reconnect — whether navigating jet lag, arriving in a new place or simply wanting to feel more grounded while away from home.”
“Heal in India: Catalysing medical and wellness tourism for a healthier global future” is a comprehensive thought leadership report developed by KPMG in India in collaboration with the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI). This report outlines a strategic roadmap to position India as a premier global destination for medical tourism and wellness tourism, leveraging the country’s unique strengths in both modern healthcare and traditional healing systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH).
India’s healthcare ecosystem is rapidly evolving, offering a compelling blend of clinical excellence, cost-effective treatments, and holistic wellness experiences. The report highlights how the ‘Heal in India’ initiative, a sub-brand of the Incredible India campaign, is designed to integrate these strengths into a seamless, patient-centric journey for international medical travelers. With over 1,700 NABH-accredited hospitals, 63 JCI-accredited institutions, and a growing network of AYUSH wellness centers, India is well-positioned to meet the rising global demand for affordable, high-quality healthcare.
Over recent years Istanbul, the dazzling metropolis straddling Europe and Asia, has emerged as a global beacon for luxury wellness, where cutting-edge medical expertise meets cultural indulgence. For the discerning traveller seeking transformative self-care, the city offers a seamless blend of world-class cosmetic surgeries, opulent accommodations, and a vibrant lifestyle scene that caters to those with a taste for the extraordinary – and from rejuvenating treatments to curated experiences, Istanbul redefines wellness tourism with sophistication and allure.
The city’s allure lies in its ability to intertwine wellness with opulence. Affordable yet luxurious, it offers five-star experiences at a fraction of European prices, spanning everything from flights to fine dining. Not only that, but it’s also famous for its advanced healthcare sector and luxurious private facilities – and has made a name for itself as one of the top places in the world to visit for medical tourism, and in particular, hair transplant procedures.
Here, we take a closer look at why Istanbul is becoming irresistible to the luxury wellness traveller – and why you should add it to your 2025 trip list.
Istanbul is becoming irresistible to the luxury wellness traveller. Image credit: Halit-Sadik/Bigstock.com
Where to stay
For the ultimate stay, the nearby Istanbul Marriott Hotel, a five-star haven boasting a state-of-the-art spa where guests can unwind with tailored massages and rejuvenating therapies, alongside a pristine tennis court for those who blend fitness with leisure, serves as the perfect base for a wellness-themed escape. Its modern, minimalistic design and panoramic city views make it a perfect retreat after a day of pampering, exploring Istanbul’s historic hammams, such as the opulent Çemberlitaş Hamamı, where centuries-old rituals cleanse body and soul in a setting of marble elegance.
Luxury experiences
For the luxury traveller, Istanbul is a destination where the senses are thoroughly indulged; a private yacht cruise along the Bosphorus offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, dotted with Ottoman palaces and modern mansions like the waterfront Sait Halim Pasha Mansion, a symbol of Istanbul’s grandeur. Dining at Michelin-starred Nicole, perched above the Bosphorus, where innovative Turkish cuisine meets global sophistication, or indulging in cocktails at The Roof at The Ritz-Carlton, a hotspot for the city’s elite, are both musts.
If you’re craving exclusivity, Nişantaşı’s high-end boutiques offer bespoke Turkish designs, from silk kaftans to artisanal jewellery, perfect for curating a polished wardrobe.
Medical tourism
The Istanbul Marriott works alongside two of the most famous cosmetic clinics in Europe: Dr. Serkan Aygin’s Clinic and Doku Medical. The Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic received the Best Hair Transplant in Europe award at the Paris Ritz Hotel in 2019, and is considered by far the best option for getting a hair transplant in Turkey. Doku Medical, which places a focus on dermatology, skin rejuvenation and cosmetic surgery, is its sister clinic, and a lush private facility offering a holistic approach to beauty and wellness that resonates with luxury seekers.
The Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic received the Best Hair Transplant in Europe award at the Paris Ritz Hotel in 2019
Nightlife and entertainment
Istanbul is becoming increasingly fashionable for its vibrant clubs and nightlife scene too, only comparable in energy and flamboyancy to Berlin or Barcelona. Socialites will find in the vibrant Taksim district a contemporary edge, with its queer-friendly bars and upscale cafes along Istiklal Avenue. Here, Istanbul’s progressive spirit shines, rooted in a history of fluid identities, and this cultural depth, paired with modern inclusivity, makes the city a welcoming haven for all.
Cultural heritage
Much has been discussed about the city’s cultural heritage. While Istanbul’s past is certainly dazzling, its modern art scene has nothing to envy of the New York’s MoMA or London’s Tate Modern. Curated experiences through the Pera Museum or the contemporary Istanbul Modern showcase Ottoman miniatures and avant-garde installations, guided by expert curators for a bespoke journey with these tours, often paired with private access to historic sites like the Topkapi Palace, certain to appeal to the cultured traveller who values rarity and refinement.
Food and drink
Istanbul is also amongst the main cities in Europe in the number of Michelin restaurants located within it. Beyond Nicole, Sunset Grill and Bar in Ulus serves up exquisite sushi and Turkish fusion dishes with panoramic views, and is frequented by the city’s elite – while for an intimate experience, book a table at Tugra, located in the Çırağan Palace Kempinski, where Ottoman-inspired cuisine is served in a setting of gilded opulence. These venues elevate Istanbul’s culinary scene to a global stage, and are more than enough reason to visit alone for self-confessed foodies.
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is the oldest covered market in the world, built at the beginning of the 15th century. Image credit: Gilmanshin/Bigstock.com
Luxury shopping
Shopping aficionados will find in the Grand Bazaar’s hidden ateliers 100-year old Patek Philippe collections, among all sorts of other true wonders and unimaginable gems. In Bağdat Avenue’s designer boutiques, rivalling Bond Street for exclusivity, master artisans craft handwoven carpets worth tens of thousands.
The bottom line
Istanbul’s magic lies in its ability to cater to the sophisticated traveller’s every desire, from the serenity of a hammam to the thrill of a Bosphorus yacht. If you’re looking for a luxurious city break with a difference in 2025, then look no further, because it ticks all the boxes for a visit that is memorable for all the right reasons.
Home»Travel News Pick» India’s New Strategy Promises To Revolutionize Medical And Wellness Tourism Worldwide
Friday, July 18, 2025
Dworked international medical and wellness is to become India’s calling card, as a new national strategy to raise the country’s status in global healthcare was unveiled. FHRAI, in association with KPMG in India, released a path-breaking report, “Heal in India: Catalysing Medical and Wellness Tourism for a Healthier Global Future”. The future of India as the world’s most preferred destination for MVT is reliant on its strategic approach, such as those outlined in this report, which was unveiled at the Heal in India 2025 Medical & Wellness Tourism Summit.
The summit opened with a welcoming speech from Shri Suman Billa, IAS, Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, emphasizing India’s robust competence to emerge as the leader of medical tourism. Representatives from the healthcare, wellness, tourism, and hospitality sectors participated. Mr. Billa underlined the need for cooperation between all players and said that India’s quest to become a global healthcare destination will be successful only if it connects hospitals, tourism service providers, and hospitality providers.
Healthcare Industry in India and Global Increase in Demand
India has been known for its prestigious health care centers for years, especially in Tier 1 cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. But “The new approach consists in taking such high-quality medical care to smaller cities, and the need of smaller towns for good healthcare looks promising, as this trend looks promising because in these smaller cities and regions too, international patients will find the same excellent health care that draws millions to the top-of-the-line hospitals. The biggest issue, says Mr. Billa, however, isn’t about increasing the size of the market; it’s about ensuring that growth in the sector has a real impact on the nation as well. That translates to driving GDP growth, generating employment, and enhancing forex inflows, along with establishing a reputation with overseas patients.
India has had international patients travelling from the United States, Canada, the UK, Bangladesh, and Iraq over the years, who have come down to the country due to the low-cost, high-quality health care it offers. The fresh figures indicate that more than 2 million medical travelers make their way to India every year, availing varying types of services such as complex surgeries, dental treatments, and traditional recovery therapies such as Ayurveda and Yoga.
Ayurveda and Wellness: The Healing Advantage of India’s Traditional Medicine
The “Heal in India” campaign likewise brings out India’s heritage in Ayurveda and wellness therapies. Dr. Manoj Nesari, a senior official at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, identified India’s centuries-old healing tradition as driving the interest in medical tourism to the country. In a world increasingly keen on alternative medicine, the country’s ancient healing traditions are coming more and more to be seen as viable and effective alternatives to Western cures.
There has been a growing effort by the government to make Ayurveda, Yoga, and Panchakarma more visible on the world map, of late.” These ancient treatments are becoming popular as people increasingly look for holistic and preventative treatments, making India the destination for wellness tourism. Combining Ayurveda and Yoga with modern medicine has made it a more attractive and holistic practice to those who are looking at techniques to promote healthy living and to offer remedies to people.
Releasing India: Unlocking the Potential of Our Medical and Wellness Tourism Industry
Besides bettering India’s medical quotient, the Heal in India initiative is concentrating on creating an ecosystem that interests global patients to come to the country for their treatment. As the article points out, India’s medical tourism market is projected to jump from $18.2 billion in 2025 to $58.2 billion in 2035, increasing at 12.3% each year. To achieve this growth, we will need the public and private sectors working together, investing in healthcare infrastructure, and nurturing the healthcare talent of the future, enabled by digital tools that make healthcare easier and more effective.
Apart from augmenting the healthcare infrastructure, the government is thinking of setting up specialised wellness clusters in states such as Kerala, which is known for its Ayurveda, and Maharashtra, which has multispecialty hospitals. These clusters will offer a single stop for the tourists to get their medical treatment as well as wellness therapies, ensuring that the treatment is complete in all respects.
World Core Protection Selling The Planet: Global Brands Go The Strategic Marketing Library
The report also gives several strategic suggestions, including having national and state-level ‘Heal in India’ missions to bring coordination of all efforts from all sides. The government also plans to use global branding campaigns via embassies, expos, and digital media to promote India as a top spot for medical and wellness tourism.
Additionally, with the adoption of technology, like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), there can be operational efficiency in healthcare and a superior patient experience. These tools will be part of what will help to foster trust, in which patients can access their medical records, make informed choices, and have virtual visits with their provider.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
But, buoyant as it India’s prospects may be, the country’s medical tourism industry has its headwinds. There is a fundamental issue, and that is around QA (Quality Assurance) & PS (Patient Safety) throughout the entire healthcare VC (Value Chain). The government will work to overcome these challenges by enhancing infrastructure, developing human resources to global standards, and introducing multilingual hospitality services to serve foreign tourists.
One member of the “Heal in India 2025 Summit” stressed that services need to be high-quality in order to meet international standards. India seeks to make for itself a brand on the foundation of clinical excellence coupled with compassion, not just medical therapies, but healing experiences that make patients feel valued and safe.
Conclusion: Emergence of India as a World Health Superpower
India is poised to become a global leader in medical and wellness tourism. With the rollout of the “Heal in India” initiative, the country has pledged to deliver holistic healthcare solutions that integrate modern clinical knowledge with traditional healing. With the growing demand in the world for cost-effective, high-quality, and holistic healthcare options, India’s status as a favourite destination for medical tourists will only expand.
Given adequate policy encouragement, infrastructure investment, and global engagement, India is to be the world’s healing capital. The ‘Heal in India’ is the first of its kind global healthcare diplomacy, redefining how health and wellness are experienced throughout the world, a confluence of the country’s rich medical history and innovative modern medicine and technology.
(Source: Government of India, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, FHRAI, KPMG India)
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