With a fresh new year upon us, it’s time to focus on spa, wellness and travel trends to look forward to in 2014. It looks like lots of great things are on the horizon, as wellness travel in particular looks to be poised for strong growth. That’s great news for those of us who love to get away from it all and simply relax!
There are many factors that explain why wellness travel is becoming so popular. More and more people are learning that they are responsible for their own health and well-being, and what better way to take charge than with a spa trip? Baby boomers in particular are interested in increasing their longevity and their health, while taking an enjoyable trip to boot. In response to growing demand, more wellness and spa facilities are available at all different price points.
In addition, with a brand new year comes a lot of good intentions. Many of us make resolutions to lose weight, get fit, reduce stress and take better care of ourselves. A wellness vacation is a great way to do just that. It’s all about taking care of yourself while getting away and joining the best of two worlds: travel and well-being.
What to Expect This Year
- More people are expected to schedule wellness vacations each year in order to improve all aspects of health. Hey, it’s much more fun than a trip to the doctor or dentist!
- An increasing number of hotel brands are expected to fully integrate their wellness approach. Many already offer healthy food options, fitness rooms and spa treatments, but we will begin seeing hotels that seek to draw customers solely for these health aspects. For example, EVEN Hotels, which launches this year, bills itself as a wellness hotel brand. Its focus is on the customer’s health and well-being as opposed to just being a place to sleep. In this regard, it’s a destination in itself!
- More and more wellness travel opportunities will be available in 2014. In addition to destination spas and resorts, smaller companies and sole proprietors are expected to open meditation getaways, healthy-cooking retreats and other nourishing escapes. It’s more than simply a spa, it’s about complete wellness both inside and out.
- Along those same lines, more traditional spas will also embrace these other aspects of a healthy lifestyle, such as fitness, improved sleep and overall wellness.
- Doctors are expected to increasingly prescribe trips to accredited health and wellness facilities before resorting to prescription drugs. Patients with issues like obesity, insomnia or eating disorders in particular will reap the benefits of these doctors’ orders.
- Finally, even businesses are expected to embrace the wellness travel trend as a great company perk. It’s predicted that some companies will offer wellness vacations as an incentive to motivate employees to reach performance goals. That would surely motivate me!
More Trends to Watch For
In addition to an increased focus on health and well-being, many more trends are expected for the spa industry in 2014.
- More spas will respond to consumer demand for environmentally friendly practices. Use of solar power and lighting, recycled wood, recycling bins, homegrown organic food and other green initiatives are on the radar for many spas. In fact, there’s even a Green Spa Network that focuses on how spas can become more sustainable and earth-friendly.
- More emphasis is expected to be placed on staff training and education and on better delivery of the spa experience. A focus on core services, not newfangled treatments, and how these services are presented will come to the forefront. In addition, spa staff will be directed to encourage groups to spend more time at spas as more alternatives for relaxation become available.
- Spas have long been known as the perfect place to distress, but now more spas will offer other options to help their clients truly relax. This means more yoga, meditation and relaxation massages will be put on many spa menus. Also, other wellness options meant to sooth the spirit, such as self-improvement courses, art classes and healthy-cooking lessons will become more popular.
- One thing that has always been popular and will continue to be is great deals. Consumers are always on the lookout for bargains, and spa-goers are no different. Value-added deals and discounts will continue to be offered even though the economy is showing improvement as spas compete for loyal customers.
- Spas will begin looking for ways to cater to the younger, Gen X and Gen Y generations. These people view spa-going as a necessity, not as an indulgence like Baby Boomers, for example. Therefore, spas will begin tailoring treatments and décor to better suit these younger customers. Many of them visit spas in groups and have more concern for environmental, social and wellness issues. For them, a spa is not simply about pampering, and more spas will shift their focus to appeal to these consumers.
These are just some of the new spa and wellness travel trends on the horizon for the new year. In general, more focus on health and wellness, the environment and medical treatments seem to be the biggest trends coming up in 2014 and beyond. Why not jump on board and try out some of these new offerings this year? It’s a great way to get 2014 started out on the right path!
Photos by Glen Carrie and Pan Pacific.