3 Wellness Travel Trends Taking Off In 2025—And Where To Try Them

The wellness travel market was poised to exceed $1 trillion in global spending by the end of 2024, according to the Global Wellness Institute, as people all over the world prioritize their health and overall wellbeing. From a new style of yoga on the slopes to alpine escapes that take guests back into nature, these are the next wave of transformative experiences in Europe.

Racquet Sports Are Enjoying A Renaissance At Resorts

Racquet sports are emerging as a top choice for boosting longevity and wellness, with players enjoying 3.7 additional years of life compared to non-players. Tennis, squash, and badminton are at the forefront, showing a 47% lower risk of premature death, according to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

These activities not only enhance physical fitness but also elevate mental well-being, releasing endorphins that combat stress and anxiety. As a result, hotels and resorts are embracing racquet sports, creating vibrant environments where fitness and fun intersect.

At Marbella Club in Spain, guests can experience the world’s-fastest growing racquet sport at the birthplace of padel in Europe. Against the backdrop of La Concha Mountain, guests can enjoy expert coaching or friendly matches with family and friends at Europe’s renowned gathering place for the elite.

Located within the 3,700-acre Reschio Estate, Hotel Castello di Reschio offers a top-tier tennis experience with immaculate courts, private coaching, and a pavilion for guests to unwind between matches, all framed by the estate’s Umbrian landscape.

The Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery in Croatia has unveiled its new on-site tennis courts featuring an exclusive residency with Goran Ivanišević, the Croatian champion and former coach of Novak Djokovic. As a haven for tennis enthusiasts, the nearby Pula amphitheatre hosts the legendary ATP Croatia Open, while the Umag Tennis Academy stands out as one of the best in the Mediterranean, attracting renowned players to the region each year.

Forest Bathing Continues To Fascinate Travelers

Travelers are increasingly seeking nature-centric experiences. The World Economic Forum Travel & Tourism Development Index highlights a rising trend towards nature-filled stays that offer physical and mental health benefits. This shift towards biophilia—the innate connection to nature—has been shown to lower blood pressure, boost immune function, and reduce stress hormones.

Joining this movement is eriro, a brand-new alpine retreat that opened in August 2024, set at the foot of the Zugspitze mountain range in Austria’s Tyrol. Accessible only by cable car to limit environmental impact, the exclusive nine-bedroom hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in the region’s alpine traditions.

Guided hikes across mountains and meditation in the forests help guests connect to nature, and with no TVs and WiFi only accessible in suites, guests can fully detox from the world around them. eriro's spa is positioned in the basement among rugged rocks, lush meadows, and Tyrolean forests. Here, guests can enjoy bespoke wellness treatments while soaking in the panoramic views of the Tajakopf mountain.

Practice Snowga After A Day On The Slopes

With “a growing number of wellness travelers seeking a fusion of physical adventure and relaxation”, according to Luxury Travel Magazine, The Arula Chalets has introduced a new, restorative mountain experience for the upcoming ski season. After a day of skiing or boarding the 200km of high alpine, the property's antidote for sore muscles is a slow ‘Snowga’ practice, led by Arula’s in-house yoga teacher, Anna Kanonier.

The practice focuses on the essential yoga poses for skiers, including Taksanda, Utkatasana, and Warrior poses, while helping to prevent injury on the slopes. Guests can rejuvenate through a synergy of breathwork, sound healing, and ayurvedic body treatments to peacefully connect with themselves, body, mind, and soul.