Wellness tourism is on the rise. In today’s busy world, we often don’t look after ourselves as well as we should. When vacation time finally rolls around, wellness is a top priority. Of course, logically we all know that it’s important to eat healthily, exercise regularly and get enough sleep but work, social activities and stress often get in the way of these things. A wellness retreat is the perfect chance to reset your healthy habits and get back in tune with your best self.

The wellness tourism industry was valued at $639 billion in 2020 and that’s only set to grow after the pandemic is over. If anything, covid-19 has made us more aware than ever just how important it is to look after our physical and mental wellbeing. 

I’ve always been an advocate for wellness and it’s one of the areas of travel that I’m most interested in. As a luxury travel expert, wellness travel certainly fits into my lifestyle. However, for some, wellness retreats are a slightly intimidating concept. Strict exercise regimes and vegetable smoothies may not be everyone’s idea of a good time but I promise you, wellness retreats leave you feeling absolutely wonderful. Here are the top ten reasons you should go on a wellness retreat ASAP. 

1. Renew Your Commitment to Wellness

Modern life makes it hard to stay focused on wellness sometimes. Ever felt like you just needed to press pause for a week and get your head together? That’s exactly what a wellness retreat is for. With personalized plans, expert advice and plenty of meditation sessions, a health holiday is a golden opportunity to hit the reset button.

2. Develop Healthy Habits 

Wellness retreats aren’t about quick fixes. The purpose of a wellness retreat is to kickstart your health journey and create lasting habits for a happier you. Many wellness retreats also offer diagnostic tests and consultation sessions, so you can learn how to create an effective diet and exercise regime that’s sustainable in the long-term and delivers maximum benefits. 

3. Better Sleep 

I always sleep so well during a detox, but the sleep benefits of a wellness retreat extend beyond that. Many retreats actually offer sleep-based programs that help you understand why you’re struggling to sleep and allow you to create lifestyle changes to alleviate the problem, without resorting to sleeping pills.

4. Fitness

Wellness retreats introduce you to so many new and different styles of training. Often, you’ll come away not just fitter and stronger, but also with a newfound passion for a particular type of exercise. A yoga retreat, for example, is a chance to break away from your typical vinyasa and try new styles, such as aerial, anti-gravity and rope yoga. 

5. It’s Great for Solo Travelers 

There are plenty of amazing wellness retreats out there for solo travelers. If none of your friends want to join you, it really doesn’t matter because you can join a group program and forge new bonds with people from all walks of life. In fact, going it alone can actually make a wellness retreat an even more meaningful experience. 

6. Digital Detox 

Most wellness retreats encourage minimal screen time and some even require you to hand over your phone on arrival. I love it. As a content creator, I live a lot of my life online and so I’m always grateful for the opportunity to unplug and get back to nature. 

7. Creativity

You’re much more creative when you’re relaxed. Ironically, all of my best ideas come rushing to me when I’m switched off and blissed out. If I ever want to write a novel, I think I’ll have to move to the Maldives for a year.

Seriously, though, a hectic working schedule can be a serious drain on your creative juices. If your blog or Instagram account is currently your side hustle, a wellness retreat might be just the break you need to spark some serious inspiration. 

8. Spa Treatments 

Need I say more?

Seriously, though, you can enjoy some truly wonderful detox spa treatments during a wellness retreat. There’s generally a focus on organic, locally sourced products and you’ll get to enjoy innovative treatments that may not be available in your local spa. 

9. Break Unhealthy Habits

Whether you want to stop smoking, curb junk food cravings or spend less time on your phone, a wellness retreat is the ultimate opportunity to go cold turkey and break free of those bad habits. Whilst going cold turkey isn’t always easy, doing so in the lap of luxury will certainly make things a little easier. 

10. Gorgeous Accommodation 

There really are some stunning wellness retreats out there. Whether you prefer the romantic Mediterranean style of Cal-A-Vie Health Spa in California or the modern desert pavilions at Amangiri in Arizona, the best luxury wellness retreats are awe-inspiringly beautiful. 

For more on wellness travel, check out the best wellness retreats in the USA and the best destinations for spa lovers around the world.