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health and wellness travel, Hotels & Resorts, Uncategorized

6 Epic Experiences at Wellness Resorts

August is National Wellness Month and it’s an ideal time to plan a self-care getaway. Wellness seekers are constantly looking for the newest and most exclusive experiences, and these resorts, events, and packages are providing just that in some of the most beautiful, relaxing destinations in the world.

Ananda in the Himalayas goes global to the Maldives, Switzerland and Wales

World-renowned global wellness retreat, Ananda in the Himalayas takes its traditional wisdom and expertise around the world to these three destinations. From August 17-25, 2024, Ananda Wellness Residency at The Nautilus in the Maldives offers a transformative wellness experience that combines Ananda’s expertise in Ayurvedic therapies, Yogic energy work, and healthy gourmet cuisine with The Nautilus’s timeless hospitality offering. The Nautilus Maldives in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, provides an idyllic setting in the Indian Ocean.

From August 28-September 1, 2024, at the Nira Alpina in St. Moritz, Switzerland, Ananda in the Himalayas offers Ananda in the Alps, a unique Hatha Yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic culinary workshop in the Swiss Alps led by Ananda’s Yoga expert and therapist, Reema Saikia and Executive Chef and Ayurvedic cuisine expert Diwaker Balodi. One of the most unique hotels in the Swiss Alps, Nira Alpina is located amidst the beautiful snow-capped mountains and glassy pure lakes.

From September 30-October 4, 2024, Dreams of Ananda combines the ancient Indian sciences of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Meditation from the foothills of the Himalayas to the enchanting Celtic lands of Mid Wales. Personalized wellbeing and facilitators at The Dreaming, a wellness retreat in Wales, work to bring harmony back to attendees as they practice yoga, meditation, and more.

Hotel Belmar offers new wellness experiences in Costa Rica

Carbon neutral Hotel Belmar, a family-owned luxury eco-lodge situated in Costa Rica’s renowned Monteverde cloud forest highlands, adds to its wellness offerings with new yoga programs and more. Arantza joined in April as a certified yoga teacher, breathwork and lightwork facilitator, gene keys student, and dedicated guide. With over five years of experience, she curates mindful experiences, blending traditional yogic practices, tantra, pranayama, and more. Arantza’s sessions, grounded in self-empowerment and love, invite guests to discover their dharma, embrace transformation, and connect with the elements.

The hotel now offers a new Wellness Enhancement add-on package to elevate any stays into a thematic self-retreat. This add-on package includes daily farm-to-table breakfast, daily yoga sessions, healthy juice smoothies, a relaxing massage, a private breathwork session, and immersive nature experiences—all for $220 USD. For corporate or group travelers, Hotel Belmar also has new wellness packages available for groups of 8 – 20 people.

Scenset invites travelers on an Indonesian island getaway

An exclusive itinerary prepared by Carl Junior, Senior Travel Curator for luxury travel-tech company Scenset, promises wellness, adventure, and luxury in the captivating Indonesian islands. Discover the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury on this exclusive journey to dream destinations including Bali. Indonesia invites travelers to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit in a culturally rich environment that promotes relaxation, rejuvenation, and holistic well-being.

Whether it’s yoga in Ubud’s lush rainforests, exclusive spa retreats in Uluwatu’s cliffside havens, or Sumba’s pristine beaches, Indonesia provides a perfect backdrop for immersive wellness experiences. Top-tier resorts, beach yoga, wellness consultations, sunset horseback rides, and gourmet dining are all part of the itinerary — available here.

Las Catalinas welcomes XTERRA Costa Rica event

From August 23-25, 2024, the town of Las Catalinas will host its first ever XTERRA Costa Rica. The event is an off-road multisport endurance competition featuring a full distance triathlon (individual and relay) with a 1600 meter open-water swim, 28-kilometer mountain bike and 9-kilometer trail run. The sprint triathlon includes an 800-meter open-water swim, a 20-kilometer mountain bike and a 5-kilometer trail run and covers over 42 kilometers of trails, beaches, and waterfront. Las Catalinas has also been the home to the Tri Las Catalinas, one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated triathlons since 2013.

The town has become an ideal destination for training, wellness, healing and recovery. With trails, biking, and water sports all nearby, it’s the ideal destination to reconnect with nature and seek some rejuvenation. Find out more about the triathlon here.

Naya Traveler takes wellness seekers to Argentina’s Patagonia

Offering tailor-made experiential journeys to a curated selection of destinations, Naya Traveler invites travelers to the heart of a 50,000-acre working cattle ranch in Argentina’s Patagonia region where Tipiliuke Lodge puts wellness at the forefront, welcoming guests to indulge in a variety of relaxing experiences. Naya Traveler works with local hosts and expert guides to design a personalized wellness journey from the very start. Amenities like a nutritionist, wood-fired sauna, hot tub with stunning vistas, and yoga studio with views of natural beauty are all part of the package, helping guests reconnect with nature and themselves.

Personal treatments from masseuses, yoga instructors, physiotherapists, and osteopaths from the nearby town of San Martin de los Andes complete the wellness offer. End each rejuvenating day under a canopy of stars, savoring renowned Argentinian Malbecs around a fire. Learn more about Naya Traveler’s wellness journeys.

Calabash Cove Resort & Spa provides top-notch rejuvenation in Saint Lucia

Known for its commitment to sustainability and eco-minded practices, Calabash Cove Resort and Spa is one of the most popular all-inclusive, adults-only boutique hotels in Saint Lucia. Its 26 villas feature old Caribbean charm coupled with luxurious and modern resort amenities. The resort’s Ti Spa offers a wide range of treatments that combine European technique with St. Lucia’s storied tradition of using plant and food-based curatives. Treatments are designed to cleanse the body with locally produced coffee or papaya scrubs. The signature Spa Sampler features holistic treatments like hot stone massage, aromatherapy, and counter stretching among other techniques. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s diverse vegan and vegetarian menu. The resort is one of the only properties in Saint Lucia to offer a vegan menu.

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health and wellness travel

Global Wellness Summit Unveils Packed, 3-Day Agenda, This Year’s Hot Topics, and Dozens of New Keynotes and Panels

Dan Buettner, who famously identified the Blue Zones–those five places around the world where people live significantly better, longer lives–will keynote the Global Wellness Summit convening in Tel Aviv from October 31 to November 3.

Global experts will tackle what’s ahead in medical-wellness innovation, longevity science, and health and wellness technology; how wellness will continue to transform travel and hospitality, real estate and beauty; and the future of everything from food and faith to wellness policy and wellness investment

Miami, FL – The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), one of the most prestigious conferences on the $4.4 trillion business of wellness, today unveiled the full, three-day agenda–and 30-plus new keynotes and panels–for its conference being held in Tel Aviv from October 31 to November 3.

This year’s Summit will bring together a historic number of luminaries from the wellness, medical, scientific, tech, academic and investment worlds to explore the dramatically different and bright future for wellness and preventative health that lies ahead after the shocks of the pandemic. The agenda clearly illustrates a wellness industry with unprecedented momentum, and with a future that is more serious and science-backed, as well as more innovative and authentic. 350-plus high-level entrepreneurs and leaders in wellness from 50 nations have already registered.

VIEW THE FULL AGENDA HERE.

REGISTER HERE.

“Third time’s the charm! This journey to bring the GWS to Tel Aviv began in 2020 but the world had other ideas. It took chutzpah to bring this Summit to life, and the caliber and variety of speakers, the soulfulness and creativity, and the sheer breadth of content, confirm that we have delivered a powerful agenda,” said Nancy Davis, GWS chief creative officer and executive director. “Getting to know the country, the people and the palpable energy that courses through Tel Aviv is something I want every delegate to feel. Producing a global gathering centered around wellness, at a time in the world when that’s needed more than ever, is an honor and a responsibility.”

Topics and Speakers Announced Today:

Future of Longevity:

Longevity science is the buzzed-about topic in both medicine and wellness, and keynotes include: Tzipora Strauss, MD, Sheba Medical Center-Israel, on the medical science for longevity; Shai Efrati, MD, associate professor, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, and co-founder of Aviv Clinics, on how unique protocols for hyperbaric oxygen therapy can actually reverse the biology of aging: Blue Zones discoverer, Dan Buettner, on how the world’s longest lived eat; Richard Carmona, MD, 17th US Surgeon General, on the epigenetics of wellness; Naveen Jain, CEO, Viome, on making illness irrelevant; Anna Bjurstam, wellness pioneer, Six Senses, on curiosity’s role in longevity; and a panel on the future of functional medicine, including Bill Kapp, MD, CEO of Fountain Life, and Michael Roizen, MD, Emeritus Chief Wellness Officer at the Cleveland Clinic.

Future of Travel, Hospitality & Spa:

With wellness travel the big tourism gainer post-pandemic, travel leaders will predict the future, including: Neil Jacobs, CEO, Six Senses, on the future of hospitality; Tal Danai, founder of Artlink, on how to disrupt hospitality; Sue Harmsworth, MBE, founder of ESPA, on “Spa and Wellness Under Threat;” and Ömer Isvan, president, Servotel, on what customers want and what we’re not delivering.  A panel with top execs from Accor, Six Senses and Chiva-Som will explore the future of wellness travel, while another panel on the booming business of thermal parks features leaders from Peninsula Hot Springs, Danubius Hotel Group, Therme Group and Castle Hot Springs. Cathy Feliciano-Chon, founder of CatchOn – A Finn Partners Company, will present critical new research from the Mabrian Institute: the first big data study that identifies the wellness travel activities most in demand today, the wellness destinations with the most future potential, and emerging trends.

Future of health and wellness technology:

With Israel the global hotbed for health and wellness tech innovation, the conference has the biggest focus on digital health in its history, with Israeli disruptors on full display. Keynotes include: Noam Gabison, industry manager for digital health at Meta, on how the future of wellbeing is in the metaverse; Mickey Beyer-Clausen, co-founder, Timeshifter, on the future of circadian solutions; Ilan Samish, founder and CEO, Amai Proteins, on how they cracked the sugar code; Sharon Handelman-Gotlib of Sompo Digital Lab on how multi-national insurance giants are using tech to innovate wellness; Aradhana Khowala, founder, Aptamind Partners, and chair of the advisory board for Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project, on the future of femtech and wellness; and Varda Shalev, MD, co-founder of Alike.Health, on how crowdsourcing is the future of health and wellness. Amir Alroy, co-founder of Welltech Ventures, will present “From Start-Up to Scale-up: A Lightning Round of Israeli Innovation,” a panel of of high-profile founders of Israeli health and wellness startups, including Ben Enosh, co-founder of Antidote Health; Avishai Ben-Tovim, CEO and co-founder of MDI Health; Ziv Pereman, CEO of X-trodes; and Racheli Vizman, founder of Savor Eat. A Welltech Ventures-sponsored Tech Pavilion will immerse delegates in innovations from around the world.

Future of wellness real estate and communities:

Keynotes and panels include: Marian Herman, CEO of the global real estate developer HB Reavis Group, on “Wellness Real Estate: In Pursuit of Office Wellbeing;” Robbie Hammond, president of Therme Group US and co-founder of New York City’s High Line, on the future of public spaces in urban settings; and a high-powered panel on the evolving, explosive wellness real estate market, including Ricky Burdett, CBE, director, LSE Cities and Professor of Urban Studies, London School of Economics and Political Science, and John Fitzgerald, CEO and founder of Australia’s JLF Group.

Future of beauty and wellness:

Talks include: Zarina Kanji, TMall Business Development, Alibaba Group, on “Beauty and Wellness: Unpacking the Young Chinese Consumer’s Quest” and an expert-packed panel exploring why beauty doesn’t get the respect it deserves in the wellness industry, featuring Rupert Schmid, co-president and co-chairman, Biologique Recherche; Anna Bjurstam, Six Senses; Sarah Camilleri, editorial director, European Spa magazine; Chunxia Gao, Minor Hotel Group; and Jessica Smith, senior analyst at The Future Laboratory.

Future of wellness, governments and policy:

The Global Wellness Institute will release the first study to define wellness policy and argue for why it it’s so desperately needed at the government level–and how it can complement public health policy and happiness/well-being policy efforts. Using quantitative analysis, it’s the first research to provide answers to these questions: Does spending on wellness actually lead to better health and happiness outcomes and greater longevity?

Future of faith:

An extraordinary panel on how faith increasingly impacts business, moderated by Jean Sung, head of Philanthropy Centre, Asia, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, includes Brian Grim, founding president of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation in the US; Judith Richter, MD, founder of Medinol Ltd. and The NIR School of the Heart in Israel; and Isaac (Yitz) Applbaum, chair of The Western Wall (Kotel). Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, president of the India’s Divine Shakti Foundation, will keynote on “From I to We: The Power of Spirituality in Moving from Illness to Wellness.”

Future of Sustainability:

Planetary wellness is a key topic, and keynotes include Itay Zetelny, groups leader of Innovation, Global Incentives & Cleantech at Ernst & Young, on the future of sustainability and Oded Rahav, Business & Strategy, Dead Sea Guardians, on their incredible sustainability project to save the Dead Sea.

Future of investment and the wellness economy:

With the wellness market estimated to grow from $4.4 trillion to $7 trillion by 2025, the conference will explore where investment and the wellness economy are headed. Thierry Malleret, global economist and founder of the Monthly Barometer, will analyze the triumphs and future challenges for the wellness economy. To provide a window into what global wellness investors are seeking today, the “Reverse Pitch” will have major investors–including Nichol Bradford, executive director and co-founder of Transformative Technology; Nimrod Cohen, managing partner of TAU Ventures of Tel Aviv University; Dr. Modi, founder and chairman of India’s Modi Holdings; Rick Stollmeyer, founder of Mindbody and CEO of Inspired Flight Technologies, Inc., David Stoup, chairman and CEO of Healthy Lifestyle Brands; Yoriko Soma, CEO, Conceptasia, Inc.; Amir Alroy, co-founder, Welltech Ventures; and Alejandro Weinstein, co-founder, WM Partners–pitching delegates on what they’re looking to invest in in wellness and why. A new feature, “What’s Bubbling Up in the Wellness Economy?”, will have delegates contributing the new ideas and trends they see emerging across every wellness sector.

Amazing networking and parties–and musical, cinematic and wellness experiences–every day:

The Summit is renowned not only for its future-focused content but for its networking opportunities, social events, and creative wellness experiences. Each day, delegates will be immersed in incredible music, film, art and wellness experiences. Myndstream is bringing stunning musical performances; Louie Schwartzberg, director of the blockbuster film Fantastic Fungi, will debut healing films, and BBC StoryWorks will premiere its groundbreaking, awe-inspiring new series, “In Pursuit of Wellness: The Art & Science of Living Well.” One night, delegates will dine at authentic restaurants in historic Jaffa, another evening they will dance the night away at the Gala.

About the Global Wellness Summit —The Global Wellness Summit is a premier organization that brings together leaders and visionaries to positively shape the future of the $4.4 trillion global wellness economy. Its future-focused conference is held at a different global location each year and has traveled to the United States, Switzerland, Turkey, Bali, India, Morocco, Mexico, Austria, Italy and Singapore. GWS also hosts other virtual and in-person gatherings, including Wellness Master Classes, Wellness Sector Spotlights, Investor “Reverse Pitch” events and Global Wellness Symposiums. The organization’s annual Global Wellness Trends Report offers expert-based predictions on the future of wellness. The 2022 Summit will be held in Tel Aviv, Israel from October 31 to November 3.

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Active Travel, European travel, Hotels & Resorts, Wellness & Health

Adler Thermae Spa and Resort in Tuscany Redefines Wellness Travel

ADLER Thermae Resort & Spa in Bagno Vignoni, Italy, the groundbreaking five-star hotel fed by the Bagno Vignoni’s thermal waters, takes full advantage of its breathtaking location in the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Bagno Vignoni, Italy – It would be easy for a guest at ADLER Thermae Resort & Spa, the groundbreaking five-star hotel fed by the Bagno Vignoni’s thermal waters, to be tempted to check in for several days and never leave the property. After all, the baths, saunas and pools cover 1,000 square feet of the property, and the spa menu has more than 120 treatments, including carefully customized facials performed with signature ADLER products and massages using techniques such as craniosacral and Ayurveda.

But they would be missing out on one of the most distinctive things about the hotel: Its breathtaking location in the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Adler Thermae offers the perfect home base for exploring the area through half-day excursions led by local guides—which still leave plenty of time to luxuriate at the spa.

Guests who want to immerse themselves in eating, drinking, walking and relaxing—activities that have arguably been perfected in Italy—should look at two packages: “Enjoy Tuscany” and “Explore Tuscany.”

Visitors who’ve booked “Enjoy Tuscany” will have the chance to take a morning cooking class taught by a local home cook (or “mamma”) at Tenuta Sanoner, the hotel’s hilltop winery. After working in the kitchen, they’ll savor their creations during lunch on the terrace overlooking the valley. They’ll also experience a tasting in the wine cellar featuring local varietals, cheeses and meats. Not only will they return home relaxed and full of fabulous food, they’ll have new recipes in their cooking repertoire and everlasting memories of Tuscany.

Another highlight of the package is the Adler Luxury Aetos Ritual treatment, which is designed for couples. A detoxifying peel is followed by a soothing massage using grapeseed oil. Next comes a regenerating bath in mix of the hotel’s thermal mineral waters and local red wine, which is rich in antioxidants. To further engage the senses, the treatment concludes with a glass of sparkling Aetos Rosé and a taste of wine-aged pecorino cheese.

“Enjoy Tuscany”
4 to 7 nights; from €1,021.00 per person
Through 10/31/19
Included:

  • 1 cooking class in the enchanting Tenuta Sanoner, followed by lunch
  • 1 ADLER Luxury Aetos ritual for two: a luxurious wine therapy ritual with a cleansing dermatological peel, relaxing massage, a regenerating bath in thermal water and final tasting of Aetos wine and pecorino cheese.
  • 1 Tasting of wine and typical products in the ADLER cellar

The “Explore Tuscany” offer gives guests the chance to be active with local hikes and walks, which are especially pleasant during spring and autumn. Led by local guides, visitors will climb the rolling Tuscan hills and have the chance to see some of the area’s most famous sites, including the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, and the Vitaleta Chapel. Should they prefer to cycle, they’ll have complimentary access to the hotel’s fleet of mountain bikes and electric bikes.

Other excursions might include the classic Renaissance towns of Pienza, with its famous cathedral and Papal residence, and Montepulciano and Montalcino, known for their namesake wines. Finally, gourmands will appreciate the chance to meet some of Tuscany’s renowned artisanal producers, and they’ll be able to taste wine, olive oil, cured meat, saffron, pasta and cheese. Depending on the season, they also will be able to see ingredients like herbs, fruit, vegetables and truffles growing in their natural environment. The perfect partner to a week spent hiking and biking? A €100 spa voucher for each guest, so they can decide which treatment will best soothe their sore muscles.

“Explore Tuscany”
4 to 14 nights; from €854.00 per person (excluding local tastings, which cost approximately €15 to 35 each)
Through 12/20/19
Included:

  • Up to 5 hiking tours or excursions per week
  • 1 €100 spa voucher per person
  • Free use of mountain bikes and e-bikes

Adler Thermae Spa and Resort in Tuscany, set between the vineyards of Montepulciano and Montalcino, has redefined the idea of wellness. Its peaceful surroundings in the UNESCO Tuscan site, warm thermal waters and the staff’s fierce dedication have proven to be a magical combination. The spa menu is always improving, capitalizing on the highest quality natural products and state-of-the-art equipment. Treatments address both inner harmony and outer beauty while encouraging deep relaxation. A team of more than 40 staff members and physicians provide individual counseling and treatments for body and soul.

The five-star hotel spa offers not only relaxation and beauty treatments, but also modern western medicine and alternative healing methods. The ADLER MED medical competence center has its own team of doctors from disciplines like general medicine, laboratory medicine, aesthetic medicine, modern Mayr medicine, homeopathy, herbal medicine and nutrition.

The hotel has a total of 90 luxury rooms and suites: The Superior is for two people, while Junior Suites accommodate three to four. The spacious rooms offer a sitting area with tea table, sofa, writing desk and armchair. The decor features rich wood furnishings with warm-toned draperies. Rooms and suites have “Bio air-conditioning” (room temperature and humidity individually adjustable) and private terraces or balconies overlooking the splendid Orcia Valley. The marble bathroom features a separate glass-enclosed shower, toilet and bidet. Hypoallergenic and handicapped-accessible rooms are also available.

For more information:  https://www.adler-resorts.com/en/

 

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Wellness & Health

Winners of First Global Wellness Travel Awards Announced

The Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, Iceland won a Wellness Travel Award as "Best for Mineral or Hot Springs“© 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
The Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, Iceland won a Wellness Travel Award as “Best for Mineral or Hot Springs“© 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Spafinder Wellness 365® announced the winners of the inaugural global Wellness Travel Awards, which were presented at a press event held at the World Travel Market in London. The new awards reflect the significance of the $494 billion worldwide wellness tourism market and are the first to honor destination spas, hotels, resorts and retreats around the world dedicated to offering experiences and environments that leave visitors healthier when they check out than when they checked in.

An elite panel of 26 travel and wellness industry journalists and experts nominated 373 locations for the awards; consumers across the globe then cast votes for the nominees. Online voting took place June 18 through September 19, and those nominees that received the most votes were named winners.

The results indicate that “wellness” means different things to different people:

Many consumers voted for  five-star hotels like the Four Seasons, which won 10 awards, two Crystal/continent awards and eight county awards –and has introduced creative offerings on the wellness front.

Some picked family-friendly options such as “Best for Families” winner, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Oahu, Hawaii, where the family can choose from healthy food options and mom can relish a relaxing massage. And others cast their votes for exotic locations like Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, Iceland (“Best for Mineral or Hot Springs“) or designations where they can practice their fitness favorites, like Parrot Cay by Como in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (“Best for Yoga”).

In all, people around the world cast votes for six Crystal Awards, 41 Country Awards and 18 Category Awards

Crystal Awards Honor Top Properties on Six Continents: Coveted Crystal Awards were given to the top wellness travel destinations on six (habitable) continents. Notably, Four Seasons properties won Crystal Awards in both Asia and Europe.

Africa: La Mamounia (Marrakech, Morocco)
Asia: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (Bali, Indonesia)
Australia: Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat (Queensland, Australia)
Europe: George V Paris Four Seasons (Paris, France)
North America: Canyon Ranch (Brand-Wide, U.S.)
South America: Lapinha Spa (Lapa, Brazil)

Country and Category Awards: In addition to the Crystal Awards, consumers voted for their favorite wellness travel destinations in 41 countries, from Vietnam to Chile. Four Seasons properties were once again in the spotlight, winning awards in Argentina, Egypt, France, India, Malaysia, the Maldives, Morocco and Russia. The Lifehouse Spa & Hotel, located in Essex, took honors for the UK, and Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, Ontario, won the Country Award for Canada.

Voters also recognized top destinations in 18 “Best for” categories, with well-known Miraval Resort and Spa and Canyon Ranch Tucson, both located in Arizona, garnering five and four awards, respectively. Additionally, category winners included Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, Iceland (“Best for Mineral or Hot Springs“); Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Oahu, Hawaii (“Best for Families”); and Parrot Cay by Como in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (“Best for Yoga”). Salamander Resort and Spa in Virginia was voted “Best New Wellness Travel Property.”

Mia Kyricos, chief brand officer of Spafinder Wellness, Inc.®, who announced the awards at the press event alongside John Bevan, managing director of Spafinder’s European division, said, “We are honored to recognize the importance of wellness tourism to consumers worldwide who are seeking healthy travel options, whether they are in St. Petersburg on business or enjoying a rejuvenating vacation in New Zealand. As a company that has been in this business for nearly 30 years, it’s gratifying to see so many engaged by this awards program, and it is just the beginning.”

Spafinder Wellness 365 defines wellness travel “as vacations, getaways and business trips that help travelers stay (or get) healthy by offering unique options, such as healthy cuisine or programs that allow guests to relax and rejuvenate.”

Kyricos also noted wellness tourism grew 74 percent faster than global tourism overall (12.7 percent versus 7.3 percent) between 2012 and 2013, and that growth was especially strong in developing regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa (57 percent); the Middle East/North Africa (39 percent); Asia-Pacific (21 percent); and Latin America (16 percent), during that same timeframe**. The Wellness Travel Awards recognized numerous spas, hotels and resorts in these regions, many of them new to travelers.

“The awards are an industry accolade and an important consumer guide,” said Kyricos. “And these winners are just a few of the thousands of wellness destinations that are dedicated to providing healthy travel experiences for every budget and every interest. Keeping well differs for everyone, and the awards reflect the many paths to wellness that are offered around the globe.”

See all Wellness Travel Award winners at: spafinder.com, spafinder.co.uk and spafinder.ca.

 

See also:

Canyon Ranch Miami Beach reinvents health/wellness luxury resort and slideshow

 

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