Forget about retinol night creams. Travel is the new fountain of youth. New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) reveals that.
It’s not surprising that wellness travel is on the rise. Hilton’s recent report has found that more than one in five travelers plan to prioritize mental health and self-discovery during their leisure trips in 2025.
To elevate wellness travel, Hilton is offering perks like on-demand fitness content in guest rooms.
But wellness travel in 2025 is so much more than hotel amenities. It’s about transformative experiences that help travelers feel refreshed, recharged, and ready to take on the world.
So, what wellness travel trends will we see in 2025? Read on to learn about them.
More and more tourists are seeking experiences that focus on nature. That is why forest bathing is captivating travelers worldwide.
Don’t confuse forest bathing with a literal bath. Rooted in the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, forest bathing simply refers to immersing yourself in the forest’s atmosphere, says the Cleveland Clinic.
Forest bathing is more than just meandering through the woods. Therapy guides lead participants through sensory-rich activities that create deep connections with nature.
In 2025, destinations for forest bathing will get creative. Expect immersive overnight experiences, from guided moonlit walks to stays in treehouses or glass-domed cabins. That way, you can soak in the sights and sounds of nature from the comfort of your bed.
The best part? Science backs it up. Stanford Lifestyle Medicine states that this practice can increase immune cell activity and promote the expression of anti-cancer proteins. Walking in the forest can also reduce cortisol—the stress hormone—by 12.4%.
Whether you plan to stroll through a redwood forest or sit quietly in a bamboo grove, forest bathing will offer the perfect mix of peace and renewal.
Traveling for mind-altering psychedelic substances? It’s no longer a taboo.
Condé Nast Traveler informs that psychedelic retreats are becoming increasingly popular. A growing body of research into the long-illegal psychedelic compounds’ benefits is widely available. That is making their use less stigmatized.
Psychedelic retreats involving cannabis will also gain traction. The Mercury News states that many cannabis companies are expanding into the psychedelic space.
Koh Samui in Thailand is a case in point. Last year, a boutique resort launched cannabis-linked wellness treatments. It’s Asia’s first cannabis wellness retreat.
Likewise, in the U.S., retreats are popping up in places where the use of cannabis is legal or decriminalized.
Take Michigan, for instance. It’s legal for adults over the age of 21 years to consume and possess cannabis. The state even has licensed retailers for recreational cannabis use.
Now, suppose you’re heading for a wellness retreat near Quincy, Michigan. You’ll find cannabis-friendly sanctuaries offering spa treatments, mindfulness practices, and curated cannabis experiences in serene, natural environments.
Planning to bring your own cannabis? Stop at a Quincy dispensary, where you’ll find a range of products to enhance your retreat experience.
There, you’ll come across knowledgeable budtenders who are passionate about cannabis and eager to help customers find exactly what they are looking for, says Vibe.
How do you soothe post-ski muscle soreness? A hot bath or massaging creams—right?
A growing number of wellness travelers are looking for a combination of leisure and physical activity, states Luxury Travel Magazine. It’s no wonder they are swapping classic remedies to ease muscle soreness for snowga—yoga in the snow.
This emerging trend combines the mindful stretches of yoga with the invigorating chill of a snowy backdrop.
After a day of carving down slopes, skiers and snowboarders can join guided snowga sessions right at the mountain’s base. Guests can rejuvenate themselves through deep stretches in thermal yoga gear, poses designed to target overworked muscles, and breathing techniques that help calm the mind.
Many ski resorts are jumping on the trend. They are offering sessions led by certified instructors who incorporate mindfulness and grounding techniques tailored to winter sports enthusiasts.
The Arula Chalets is an example. Situated in Lech, Austria, the chalet has launched a restorative mountain experience for the forthcoming ski season.
So, if you’re heading to the slopes this year, don’t forget to pack your yoga mat. Snowga is the coolest après-ski activity yet.
In short, 2025 will shape up to be the year of transformative travel. Your vacation won’t just relax you, but it will also evolve you.
After all, it’s no longer just about spa days and yoga retreats. Instead, it’s about seeking deeper connections. From forest bathing to psychedelic retreats, there is something for everyone looking to rejuvenate their mind, body, and soul.
So, whether you’re an adventurer or someone just craving a break from the chaos, 2025’s wellness travel trends promise experiences that are both transformative and unforgettable.