Wellness trends for 2017

January 27, 2017

Puurenkuur has witnessed huge growth within wellness travel. We have also identified a number of key industry trends.

Although the travel industry at large is experiencing tough times, wellness represents one of the key growth sectors. This is due both to the fact that people are wanting to holiday in new places, and to the significant changes that have taken place in the world of wellness over the past decade. Rustic juice fasts have given way to luxurious retreats. “Wellness holidays are the new way to holiday”, says Marleen van Griensven, director at Puurenkuur. “We’ll see many more people going on holiday with a specific view to boosting their health.”

Trend 1: healthy choices

Going away and returning a new person – energised, fitter and healthier – is the main holiday objective for an increasing number of people. “In today’s society, there are fewer people doing more work. We can no longer feel confident that what we have is a job for life. This is a stressful situation to be in. What’s more, from dawn to dusk (and beyond), we are constantly surrounded by stimuli. This leaves us in desperate need of time for reflection and time to be still” says Marleen van Griensven. “One option is to lie on a beach for a week. But a wellness holiday is a more effective option that will leave you feeling revived for a matter of months.”

Trend 2: destination spas

A hotel with a sauna is standard. A hotel with a beautician and treatment rooms is nothing out of the ordinary either. These facilities are considered add-ons. But over the last ten of so years, we’ve seen a surge in numbers of so-called ‘destination spas’. These are luxury hotel resorts chosen on merit of their spa or wellness centre.

Trend 3: customised treatment

The number and types of treatment that are now available are extensive. Whereas historically, the only option would have been to sit in a steam room and follow a detox programme, nowadays you can take your pick as to where it is you have your weight loss, thalasso therapy, stress management, yoga, mindfulness or smoking cessation programme. And all that, tailor-made around you.

Trend 4: east meets west

There are increasing synergies between western medicine and the traditional eastern, more holistic philosophy and therapies. Many wellness destinations now provide the best of both worlds.

Trend 5: new start

A wellness holiday not only helps clear your head, it also helps you to ‘reset’ your lifestyle button, giving you that much needed kick-start and a supportive environment.