According to the 2023 Global Travel Trends Report by a leading international travel portal, 90% of Indian travelers are prioritizing personal health. A report by American Express Travel found that 77% of Indians plan to travel on at least three vacations.
“There has been an increase in the number of people seeking health-focused retreats. People look to detox from their stressful routines and visit destinations like Kerala and Uttarakhand, looking for programs that match their lifestyle goals,” says Malayanil Singh, Senior Vice President, Trail Blazer Tours India Pvt Ltd, adding weight loss management, clean diet, yoga, spas are some of the things people look for. are experiences. “Based on this, some properties are offering programs like Sowa Rigpa, which is a Tibetan healing method,” he says, adding that most health travel programs are at least a week long, allowing people to immerse themselves in new changes and adapt. “People spend three months They are happy to take such a vacation after a break so they continue with healthy practices in their lives,” he adds.
“Travel has evolved into a lifestyle change in which people want to address their health issues, heal themselves and relax. As a result, there has been a rise in wellness tourism. Wellness tourism is generally linked to the goal of people’s overall well-being – physical, psychological, spiritual and emotional, ” reaffirms Rikant Pitti, Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip.
Equine-assisted therapy
Equine-assisted therapy is an up-and-coming wellness practice that involves working with horses to improve self-esteem, self-awareness, confidence, and empathy. A powerful tool for emotional healing that helps individuals build better relationships, establish boundaries and improve communication skills, it is still a new offering in India. “Our equine-assisted therapy program is designed and led by experienced professionals who understand the therapeutic benefits of working with horses,” says Asif Fazlani, managing director, Fazlani Nature’s Nest, a wellness resort near Lonavala, Vadgaon, Maharashtra. In a tranquil environment, guests can choose from a variety of treatments from Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, physiotherapy, and traditional Chinese medicine (including acupressure, acupuncture, and personalized health meals). Surrounded by 68 acres of greenery, with views of the Sahyadri mountain range and the backwaters of the Indraani River, guests can explore organic farms, go on nature walks, bird watch and indulge in forest bathing.
Taste earthy, organic food
Located in the heart of the hills of Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, Tatwa Hills offers an intimate stay. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with its lush alpine meadows, living amidst nature is all healing. The nature-rich environment means the opportunity to practice organic farming, and the property strives to bring fresh produce to its guests’ plates. “We use a combination of traditional and modern methods to grow our own vegetables, fruits and herbs in our garden,” says Ranjan Chopra, founder of Tattva Hills. Guests can experience working in the fields, cooking together, all in the lap of the Himalayas. From picking fresh tomatoes to weeding, there’s a chance to experience farming first-hand.
Relax with a warrior style massage
An ancient warrior-style massage can be a deeply rejuvenating experience. Full-body massage uses the masseuse’s feet and not hands. At SaffronStays Amaya, a heritage property in Kannur, guests can experience this Ayurvedic massage and restore their health. “A historic property with a stepping pool and a traditional Kerala-style spa experience allows guests to experience an authentic and relaxing stay in Kerala. In-house Kalari Massage is offered by a local Gurudwara who specializes in this ancient art of warrior massage. originated in this area,” says Devendra Parulekar, founder of SaferStage. The massage room features earthy tones for a peaceful ambiance and refurbished Shirodhara massage beds. The result is a tranquil space that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation. Restored to its original glory, this 5-bedroom heritage The villa is amidst the tranquil greenery of Kerala.It is located 15 minutes (7 km) from Kannur International Airport.
Experience the ancient hammam
A traditional steam bath, the hammam finds its roots in ancient Indian and Middle-Eastern cultures. A luxury offer now, it is related to holistic bathing practice. At the Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort in Parwanu, Himachal Pradesh, one can indulge in the exoticism of the Hammam, designed to rejuvenate and heal the mind, body and spirit. “Guests can engage in the ancient Hammam Ritual, which is a purifying and detoxifying journey for the body, beginning with herbal steam, followed by a coffee scrub, aromatherapy massage with rose oil, rose clay paste application, and scalp massage. This luxurious experience leaves guests feeling refreshed and renewed. experience,” says Akash Garg, managing director of Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort. The resort also offers a variety of other wellness treatments based on ancient practices such as Ayurveda, yoga, and international spa treatments. Guests can also enjoy hiking in the nature-rich surroundings of the resort, a short drive from Chandigarh. can go
meditative state of mind
The Heartfulness headquarters on the outskirts of Hyderabad is home to one of the largest spiritual and wellness retreat centers in the world called Kanha Shanti Vanam. It has one of the largest meditation centers in the world with the capacity to host 100,000 people at a time. Spread over 1400 acres of lush greenery, boasting a perfect ecosystem of rainforests, water reservoirs and 167 migratory bird species, let people immerse themselves in nature. People can register online for stays that can be as short as a weekend or as long as a month. The meditation practiced here is based on Pranauthi, an ancient technique that helps one connect with their inner-self and is guided by an instructor. Apart from meditation, people can also go for wellness treatments like polar sessions, yoga classes, Ayurvedic treatments, homeopathic treatments, all of which are available for a nominal fee.