Discover 'Wellcation' Trend: Perfect Blend Of Wellness & Vacation

The nascent holiday trend of "wellcation" has emerged as a popular concept that blends gastronomy, spa indulgence, and fitness pursuits to invigorate the inner being. The portmanteau of "wellness" and "vacation" encompasses a gamut of activities, including zero-calorie menus, silent zones, transformative workshops, and exploring the ethereal beauty of nature.

In the post-pandemic era, the demand for retreats, resorts, spas, and homestays is surging, highlighting the growing popularity of wellcation. This vacation concept transcends age brackets, with younger generations also embracing it. The trend mirrors an evolving consciousness among people to replenish their minds, body, and spirit through a rejuvenating holiday experience.

India's tourism industry is embracing the wellcation trend, offering a holistic and immersive travel experience that focuses on augmenting health and wellness. The country's timeless cultural legacy, diverse gastronomic delights, and illustrious history have made it a quintessential tourist destination for ages. India's rich cultural heritage makes it a natural fit for wellcation enthusiasts, with ancient wellness practices such as Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation garnering worldwide recognition for their efficacy.

Luxury wellness retreats have become increasingly popular among not just ailing individuals but also those seeking a break from their hectic lifestyles. These retreats offer a unique blend of ancient Indian practices and modern amenities, making them the perfect destination for those seeking a luxury getaway with a holistic approach. From yoga and meditation to Ayurvedic treatments and healthy cuisine, luxury wellness retreats in India provide a completely rejuvenating experience for the mind, body, and soul. Overall, the wellcation trend is gaining momentum worldwide, with India poised to become a leading destination for those seeking a transformative holiday experience.

Fazlani Nature's Nest recognises the significance of mental health, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Managing Director of Fazlani Nature's Nest Asif Fazlani believes that mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, and the luxury retreat has curated specialized programs and treatments to cater to the unique requirements of its guests.

Fazlani further contends that wellness retreats have the potential to flourish in the current scenario due to various factors, including increased awareness of the significance of wellness, demand for safe travel options, more vacation time due to remote working, and the impact of the pandemic on mental health. In addition, the Indian government's emphasis on promoting traditional Indian wellness approaches such as Ayurveda presents a strong growth potential for the Indian wellness sector in 2023. 

“Our approach towards wellness is holistic, emphasizing the significance of physical as well as mental well-being of our guests. To cater to the physical well-being of our guests, we rely on traditional approaches such as Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and Yoga practices, coupled with an active lifestyle to address a wide range of health conditions. On the other hand, Fazlani Nature's Nest offers some unique therapies that are exclusive to our facility in the country. For instance, our 'Equine therapy' is an experiential treatment method that leverages the bond between individuals and horses to enhance physical or emotional healing," he shared.

Fazlani Nature's Nest - The Wellness Retreat has been witnessing guests who are eager to indulge in various experiences that aid the wellbeing and involvement of family and friends.  The luxury wellness retreat has been appreciated by many guests for its ‘Farm To Fork’ concept.

Allen Machado, CEO of Niraamaya Wellness Retreats & Business Groupfeels that India has all the necessary ingredients to emerge as a leading global destination for wellness tourism. The world is increasingly looking for alternative ways to deal with modern-day health issues, and India's traditional wellness practices have proven to be effective in this regard. Furthermore, India's diverse geography offers a range of wellness experiences, from mountains to beaches and from tropical forests to desert landscapes.

“From personalized Ayurvedic treatments to luxurious accommodations, every aspect of our 'wellcation' experience is designed to enhance the wellness of our guests,” Machado commented.

India's wellness retreats are seeing a surge in booking queries from the younger generation. This shift is due to the growing interest of younger individuals in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and their desire to incorporate wellness into their holiday experiences. The trend towards wellness-focused holidays is a promising sign that more people are prioritizing their health and seeking to integrate wellness into their daily lives.

Taking advantage of its location Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort located in Parwanoo utilises the natural beauty of the surrounding area to enhance guests' wellness experience. “We believe that connecting with nature is an essential aspect of overall wellness, and we have incorporated several elements into our property to ensure our guests can enjoy and immerse themselves in nature,”Akash Garg, CMD of Moksha Himalaya Spa Resortcommented.

The 70,000 square feet spa at Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort offers Ayurveda and Western treatments is said to be the biggest in the entire region and has been attracting many luxury seekers in a while. “Our priority is to provide a personalized and exceptional wellness experience to all guests who book our wellness packages or come to the resort for a wellness experience. Our wellness philosophy is grounded in a holistic approach that considers each guest's unique needs and preferences, encompassing diet, exercise, beauty, and health. Our wellness experts and doctors work closely with guests to create customized programs that cater to their specific health goals, providing guidance in the areas of nutrition, exercise, stress management, detoxification, deep relaxation, and anti-aging,” Garg further added.

A survey by travel agency Agoda found wellness to be one of the top three motivations for Indians to travel in 2023. As per Agoda, “Many (people) wish to embark on trips to recharge themselves, mentally and physically, with wellness contributing to the number two spot in the ‘reasons to travel’ ranking of Agoda’s Travel Trend survey. Countries with high inclination include India (20 per cent), South Korea (24 per cent), Singapore (25 per cent) and Thailand (29 per cent).”

As the wanderlust takes over and travel plans are made, among the chaos of packing, there is one bag that seems to receive special attention - the wellcation bag. It is a testament to the fact that a holiday in today's times is incomplete without indulging in wellness. From soothing spa treatments to invigorating yoga sessions, wellness has become the guiding light of travel experiences, a beacon of hope for weary souls seeking respite from the fast-paced modern world.