Leading hotels are increasingly focusing on wellness, as stated by the Global Wellness Institute, providing comprehensive physical and spiritual activities to draw in travelers who prioritize their health.
As we enter the golden age of wellness tourism - the industry is growing exponentially and will be worth US$1.4 trillion by 2027 according to the Global Wellness Institute - luxury hotel brands are looking to capitalise on the trend by creating next-level wellness experiences to lure in new customers.
“Today’s travelers are quite knowledgeable, and wellness travelers particularly so,” states Trisha Bannister, the wellness director at the recently launched Layan Life within the Anantara Layan resort.
Phuket
. "They are looking for places that go beyond the spa, the yoga retreat or an aesthetic-based quick fix that can be found in a lot of hotels."
Previously, individuals focused on maintaining their well-being often visited specialized wellness retreats like Thailand’s Chiva-Som or The Farm in the Philippines for advanced medical and wellness therapies. However, these establishments now encounter significant rivalry from high-end hotels providing comprehensive packages that integrate physical care, holistic practices, and spiritual elements, all while delivering top-tier service and luxurious lodging.
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"Hotels are enhancing their amenities to compete with wellness resorts, while wellness retreats are adopting strategies from hotels to improve guests’ experiences and overall satisfaction. These previously distinct sectors are becoming more interconnected," says Cathy Feliciano-Chon, managing partner at marketing firm Finn Partners, which represents brands like The Mandarin Oriental and Marriott International Luxury Brands.
"Often, they team up with well-known wellness centers since this is the fastest and most effective method for them to provide wellness services. After all, hotels focus primarily on hospitality. To achieve success in this area, they must incorporate expertise from wellness professionals," she explains, pointing out instances like the collaboration between Four Seasons Singapore and Chi Longevity, along with Six Senses Ibiza’s alliance with Rose Bar under the guidance of renowned wellness specialist Dr Mark Hyman.
The current trend involves hotels initiating and managing their own centers, providing top-notch facilities, treatments, and personnel. These centers frequently serve both locals and visitors alike. For instance, consider Surrenne, a London-based wellness and longevity membership club introduced by Maybourne Hotels at The Dorchester, which debuted last April. Spanning 2,000 square meters, this area focuses solely on health and wellbeing and features the nation’s premier Tracy Anderson Fitness Studio among its offerings.
The Wellness brand known as Soneva Soul, conceived by the founder of Soneva Resorts, Sonu Shivdasani, stands out remarkably. This venture integrates traditional therapeutic practices with cutting-edge technology to craft personalized wellness journeys encompassing exercise routines, restorative sleep programs, healthcare services, and advanced, rejuvenating procedures such as stem cell therapy—allowing guests to indulge in these experiences during their vacation.
New on the scene is the aforementioned Layan Life, which opened its doors in September last year. Located within the grounds of Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, this medical wellness concept is housed in a 1,767-square-metre, purpose-built facility designed using biophilic principles. A short walk from the hotel's main pool and restaurant, the stunning space blends contemporary architecture with nature and would not look out of place in a design magazine with its floor-to-ceiling windows, warm neutral tones, airy spaces and abundance of natural light.
The lower level, which is open to all hotel guests as well as members, features a state-of-the-art gym, yoga and Pilates studios, meditation rooms, and a hydrotherapy area with cold and hot vitality pools, Himalayan salt sauna and steam room. The upper floor is where guests can enjoy medical and holistic services, including physiotherapy, aesthetic treatments, IV procedures,
cryotherapy
, a hyperbaric chamber and colon irrigation utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
The centre also specialises in traditional Thai medicine (TTM). Guests can have consultations with a registered practitioner, experience a range of unique treatments and take home personalised remedies from the Thai herbal dispensary.
"Layan Life was created to burst the bubble on wellness retreat models that can be restrictive," says Bannister. "[We do this] by offering an approach that is inclusive of guests no matter their age or stage of life. They can come with friends and family, or choose a solo retreat, and this is what sets us apart. They can stay with us in the resort, or locally, as suits their needs."
Personalisation and evidence-based data is a core part of Layan Life. Although pre-designed programmes are available, guests are encouraged to take charge of their own health goals by undergoing a range of diagnostic testing before choosing their treatments, from epigenetic tests in the form of hair and heavy metals testing, to skin and postural analyses and body scans.
All this can be done while enjoying the comforts typical of a holiday, be it lounging by the pool or hanging out with friends.
"[Our guests] want to be understood when it comes to their health and needs, and for us to adapt to these while they are staying with us, creating a hyper-personalised experience," says Bannister.
Interestingly, some aspects of Layan Life are also integrated into the hotel, from the specially designed wellness menu at the main restaurant to a complimentary daily activity programme that includes boxing, strength training and stretching. There are also plans to launch programmes designed to target common problem areas such as menopause and sleep.
"One of our key indicators of success is ensuring that our guests have the time and space to integrate their experiences, be present - not feel the need to tick all boxes and have a performative experience," Bannister adds.
The combination of a wellness facility with a daily resort setting provides guests with a feeling of familiarity.
4 trending wellness travel concepts for 2025
1. Sexual well-being
- aside from menopause and fertility,
sexual health
is becoming clearer, as more women feel emboldened to take control of their sexual desires.
2. AI-powered wellness
-
AI
Is revolutionizing the way we analyze data, allowing us to better customize our health objectives and plans.
3. Returning to the natural world
- From grounding to forest bathing, deepening our bond with nature has shown benefits for both mental and physical well-being.
4. Longevity
- There are numerous advantages to
biohacking
, featuring programs that include brain health training, mobility exercises, and cognitive activities, all of which contribute to a longer, more healthy life.
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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.
Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
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