A NEW WAVE OF
wellness
Wellbeing is subjective. But no matter how you define it, the vast majority of us are missing out on some much-needed ‘me time’. With the popularity of wellness retreats on the rise, we explore where to book your next getaway and what you might discover
Life’s ever-quickening pace is making Brits increasingly more time poor. Half terms, Easter breaks, summer holidays and everything in between are giving us tailspin as we try to keep up with demands of everyday life.
Weary and burnt-out jetsetters are, thus, on the hunt for some well-earned downtime – and wellbeing retreats might be just the ticket.
No longer reserved for ‘Trustafarians’ on a quest for self-discovery, wellbeing getaways are being tipped as this year’s top travelling trend.
“Regardless of generation, the number one reason people want to travel in 2024 is to rest and recharge,” a report by the Hilton group explains. It found that Baby Boomers and Gen X were those who were most in need of a restful trip at 67% and 68%, respectively.
Interestingly, Gen Zs and Millennials are driving the trend too as they become more comfortable with traveling, particularly solo, notes a spokesperson for boutique travel group and Vitality partner, Mr & Mrs Smith.
They say these generations are “not eager to wait, but keen to live in the moment and [make the most of] life’s opportunities, and are responsible for [their] own happiness.” Carpe diem, as the saying goes.
of Baby Boomers and Gen X admitted they were most in need of a restful trip
Feed your head
Mental wellbeing is a top priority for many Brits, but just 11% believe that their emotional health is where it should be1. Almost a third don’t believe they have time to focus on it and 67% cannot be the best version of themselves when their wellbeing is low.
Mindful retreats are, therefore, taking centre stage for travellers. These are an important outlet for people to explore their emotional landscape and take learnings into their everyday life.
Here, meditation, mindfulness and yoga are accompanied by counselling sessions and group therapy – you could even head to a silent retreat if you really feel the need to escape the noise.
A dream holiday?
Sleep can often be the victim of life’s chaos and Vitality findings show that we are a nation who struggle with getting the right amount of shuteye2.
Anxiety was one of the top culprits for causing disrupted sleep (50%) along with physical pain, while one in five of us say that they never get a restful night’s kip.
Unsurprisingly, then, putting a spotlight on sleep is one of the top priorities for many wellbeing warriors in 2024.
Safe and sound
If you’ve ever been to a spa, beauty salon or even a fitness class, you might have noticed the dulcet tones of waves crashing or songbirds in the background.
This is because low frequency sounds can induce a deeply restorative state within the brain, which can alleviate anxiety and reduce stress, as well as a host of other benefits.
Sound healing retreats are then a great option to restore harmony between the body and mind.
There are a variety of retreats that offer a selection of immersive sonic experiences in an effort to help those reach a deep state of relaxation.
A pinch of salt
Salt floating - or flotation therapy as it’s known – is designed to encourage relaxation and a host of other benefits.
From reduced blood pressure to improvements in blood flow, it’s also been hailed as a tool to improve creativity and help with problem-solving.
It works by immersing into a tank of water and Epsom salts, or magnesium sulphate, and gently lying back to let the buoyancy of the water help you float.
Relaxing music might play for the first 10 minutes and then it’s simply about floating, leaving users feeling relieved of old aches and pains, as well as energised.
On the wagon
Health-conscious consumers are kicking the booze for a ‘no’ or ‘low’ lifestyle3, and it’s spilling over into travel trends, too.
Dry Tripping, as Vitality partner Expedia has dubbed it, is where travellers are seeking travel experiences that offer zero-proof options for those wanting to improve their health, away from societal pressures.
“Flotation therapy is designed to encourage relaxation and a host of other benefits.”
At Vitality, we understand life can be hectic, and recognise the importance of taking time off to go on holiday or reconnect with yourself. That’s why we offer our members with qualifying health and life insurance plans discounts on a range of hotels with Mr & Mrs Smith and Expedia.
You can also get up to 75% off selected Champneys health spa breaks.
To find out more on how to book your next escape, log into Member Zone.
CLOSE TO HOME
You don’t always need to visit a far-flung destination for a sense of escapism. There are spots closer to home than you may have realised.
Click the three locations below to reveal more.
1 Global Wellbeing Report 2023, lululemon
2 Vitality research into Brits sleeping habits, 2023
3 Health Survey for England, 2021 part 1
