Hotels Respond To The Demand For Wellness Travel

Forbes

05-05-2025

TAFER
As interest in wellness-focused travel continues to rise, hospitality companies are evolving their offerings to meet changing consumer preferences. TAFER Hotels & Resorts, a Mexico-based operator of luxury all-inclusive properties, is responding with the return of its annual Wellness Month this June—an initiative now in its fourth year that reflects broader industry trends toward immersive, health-oriented travel experiences.
'Wellness travel has grown exponentially over the past few years,' said Sasa Milojevic, Chief Operating Officer at TAFER. 'Guests are looking for experiences that support mental, physical, and emotional well-being, not just typical beach vacations.'
The initiative spans all of TAFER's properties in Los Cabos, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and the Riviera Maya, offering a range of programming that includes fitness classes, healthy dining options, mindfulness activities, and workshops. While the wellness category is not new, the scale and depth of TAFER's approach highlights how hospitality brands are differentiating themselves in a competitive market.
Nutrition cooking class at Garza Blanca Puerto Vallarta.
Though marketed broadly, the programming has found particular resonance with younger professionals and wellness-focused travelers, especially women. 'We've seen rising interest from solo travelers and multi-generational families, but younger demographics—particularly wellness-minded women—are among the most engaged,' said Milojevic. 'That said, our goal is inclusivity, from first-time wellness travelers to returning guests.'
TAFER's data and guest feedback suggest travelers are less interested in highly regimented wellness itineraries and more drawn to unstructured, locally inspired experiences. Milojevic pointed to offerings like beachfront yoga, plant-based cooking classes, and nature hikes as examples of this shift toward authenticity and simplicity.
Yoga By TAFER's Signature Orange Tree
The timing of Wellness Month in June is intentional. 'It marks the beginning of summer, which is often associated with renewal and personal reset,' Milojevic noted. 'It also aligns with favorable weather conditions across our destinations, making it ideal for outdoor programming.'
The 2025 iteration will again include wellness-related culinary options, such as cold-pressed juice stations, vegan dining menus, and healthy cooking demonstrations using local ingredients. On the fitness side, guests will have access to guided activities ranging from Zumba and pilates to paddleboard yoga and meditation. Additional elements include spa workshops, hydrotherapy circuits, and evening rituals focused on relaxation and sleep quality.
Paddleboard yoga at Garza Blanca Puerto Vallarta
TAFER's Wellness Month reflects a broader trend within the hospitality sector: the movement toward purpose-driven, experiential travel. While traditional vacation models remain popular, guests are increasingly prioritizing value beyond luxury—seeking programs that support health, connection, and personal growth.
'Wellness is no longer a niche,' said Milojevic. 'It's becoming a core expectation for a growing segment of travelers.'
TAFER's approach aligns with industry data showing wellness tourism is projected to grow faster than overall tourism in the next five years. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the sector is expected to surpass $1 trillion globally by 2027.
By integrating wellness into its all-inclusive offerings, TAFER is positioning itself to capture a share of this expanding market—while also using its properties as platforms for differentiated guest experiences.