Latest news with #wellnesstravel
Khaleej Times
10 hours ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
OV Traveller Club tailors exclusive Maldives getaways for Middle Eastern women
OV Traveller Club, a luxury travel specialist, has announced a series of exclusive retreats designed to address changing preferences among Middle Eastern women. The itineraries-spanning destinations like the Maldives, Bhutan, and Bali-prioritise privacy, cultural authenticity, and holistic well-being, reflecting a broader regional shift toward personalised, purpose-driven travel. Recent data indicates 27 per cent of Saudi travelers and 25 per cent of UAE travelers now prioritise fully customised trips, while 73 per cent of Saudis and 61 per cent of the UAE residents seek wellness-focused travel. OV Traveller Club's retreats directly respond to these trends, offering private accommodations, culturally immersive activities, and wellness programmes developed with local experts. These exclusive retreats blend privacy, cultural authenticity, and personal well-being. With each retreat designed around private, culturally attuned spaces that prioritise comfort, discretion, and alignment with local traditions. Guests are invited to experience holistic well-being and personal growth through expert-led wellness programmes and immersive activities. The club's itineraries include storytelling sessions with Bhutanese monks, textile workshops in Sri Lanka, and Balinese wellness rituals led by local healers. Spearheading these exclusive retreats are Dr Nisha Abu Bakar and Nacera El Fakir Dr Abu Bakar, a leader in responsible travel, believes true luxury is about personal transformation. She states, 'Luxury is about finding spaces that restore and inspire you.' Nacera El Fakir, an expert in Arab heritage, emphasises the importance of privacy and cultural authenticity, stating, 'Privacy isn't an indulgence, it's essential. These retreats provide women with a sense of belonging, security, and cultural alignment.' Additionally, every journey offers authentic cultural engagement, featuring hands-on workshops and meaningful interactions that connect travelers to the heart of the local culture.
Hospitality Net
20-05-2025
- Health
- Hospitality Net
The Overlooked Amenity: Why Air Quality is Essential for Guest Experience
The wellness travel sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the Global Wellness Summit predicting spending on wellness tourism to reach $9 trillion by 2028. This surge reflects an evolving consumer focus on health, relaxation, and holistic well-being, as travelers increasingly seek experiences that allow them to recharge mentally, physically, and emotionally. Hotels, in turn, have responded by integrating wellness-focused amenities—such as state-of-the-art fitness centers, spa services, nutritious dining options, and mindfulness experiences—into their offerings. But while these amenities are crucial, one important factor is often overlooked: air quality. Beyond offering basic amenities like air conditioning and standard HVAC systems, the future of wellness travel includes fresh, purified air as an essential part of the guest experience. As guests increasingly look for restorative and health-conscious stays, the quality of the air they breathe is emerging as a defining element of the guest experience. Clean air doesn't just support physical comfort; it plays an integral role in helping guests feel mentally rejuvenated and physically restored. Hotels that integrate optimal air quality into their offerings are ahead of the curve in meeting the demands of today's wellness-conscious travelers. The Hidden Impact of Air Quality on Guest Experience Why is air quality so important? Air quality is something most of us take for granted. However, when we enter a space filled with stuffy, stale air, the negative impact is immediately apparent. Guests staying in hotels are no different. Poor indoor air quality can have a profound effect on how they feel. Common complaints related to poor air quality in hotels include headaches, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and general discomfort, all of which can undermine the overall guest experience. These negative effects are often exacerbated when guests have allergies or respiratory conditions like asthma. Poor air circulation, airborne pollutants, allergens, and contaminants in the air can disrupt the body's natural rhythms and hinder guests from getting the restful sleep they need to fully recharge. On the flip side, clean and well-ventilated air can make a significant difference in a guest's overall wellness and experience. It can reduce stress, improve sleep quality, boost energy levels, and create a sense of comfort and relaxation. Air quality is fundamental in facilitating the body's transition into a restful state, preparing the environment for a good night's sleep. Without the disruption of poor air quality, guests are more likely to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day, making it a crucial element in the guest experience that hoteliers can't afford to ignore. Improved air quality also enhances mental clarity, which is especially beneficial for business travelers or those seeking to rejuvenate their minds as much as their bodies. A calm, clean-air environment promotes a sense of well-being and mental peace that allows guests to truly disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. In a world that is increasingly mindful of the impact of environmental factors on overall health, ensuring optimal air quality should be seen as an essential step in providing a complete wellness experience. Beyond Comfort: Air Quality as a Competitive Differentiator As travelers' expectations evolve, so must the amenities that hotels offer. Wellness rooms, which include features such as purified air, hypoallergenic bedding, and allergen-free environments, are on the rise. These specialized rooms are designed for guests who prioritize their health, whether due to sensitivities to allergens, concerns about pollution, or simply the desire to enjoy an environment that actively contributes to their wellness. Many hotels have taken wellness a step further by dedicating entire floors specifically for wellness travelers. These floors are designed to offer a healthier, more rejuvenating environment and are often located near spas and fitness centers. Beyond air quality, wellness floors also incorporate features such as circadian lighting, which mimics natural light patterns to support guests' sleep-wake cycles, and in-room fitness equipment, offering guests the ability to maintain their workout routines without leaving the comfort of their rooms. Additionally, some wellness floors offer enhanced soundproofing to ensure a quiet, restful atmosphere, while providing amenities like essential oil diffusers or wellness minibars stocked with healthy snacks and hydrating beverages. Guests may also enjoy access to guided meditation apps, white noise machines, or even digital detox programs designed to reduce stress and encourage mindfulness during their stay. By prioritizing air quality and holistic wellness offerings, hotels can differentiate themselves in a competitive market, providing guests with an environment that meets their expectations and enhances their overall well-being. Highlighting air quality in hotel branding, from guest testimonials to wellness certifications, helps properties stand out in the growing wellness travel market. — Photo by Pure Wellness Revenue Potential: The Business Case for Air Purification Wellness travelers spend significantly more than traditional leisure travelers, with studies showing they are willing to pay up to 56% more for accommodations that prioritize their well-being. Hotels that cater to this segment report increased revenue per available room (RevPAR), longer stays, and stronger guest retention. By integrating air purification as a core component of the guest experience, hotels can create new upsell opportunities. For instance, premium wellness room packages featuring advanced air filtration systems, hypoallergenic amenities, and enhanced environmental controls can appeal to guests with respiratory sensitivities or those simply seeking a higher-quality stay. These offerings provide a compelling way to increase perceived value while driving additional revenue. Beyond direct guest spending, hotels can unlock additional revenue streams through strategic partnerships. Collaborations with fitness and wellness companies, and health-focused product lines offer co-marketing opportunities, exclusive product placement, and potential revenue-sharing models. Hotels can also create tailored wellness retreats, corporate wellness programs, or co-branded experiences that attract niche audiences and position their property as a leader in health-conscious hospitality. For properties with tighter budgets, even small-scale air quality enhancements can yield significant returns. Simple yet impactful changes—such as installing high-quality air filters, refreshing outdated rooms with cleaner air systems, or offering hypoallergenic room upgrades—can improve guest satisfaction and keep hotels competitive without requiring a full-scale renovation. By strategically leveraging air purification as both an amenity and a revenue driver, hotels can enhance the guest experience while achieving long-term financial success. Marketing the Invisible Amenity: How Hotels Can Highlight Air Quality While the benefits of enhanced air quality are significant, they can often be invisible to guests unless hotels actively promote them. Unlike other more tangible amenities, air quality is something that only becomes noticeable when it's lacking. When guests understand the importance of clean air and the role it plays in overall health, they are more likely to choose a hotel that goes the extra mile to provide it. Therefore, hoteliers need to focus on how they market air quality to prospective guests. Transparency is key. Hotels should actively showcase their commitment to air quality in their marketing materials—be it on their website, in-room brochures, or through social media channels. Featuring air quality metrics, such as the types of air filtration systems used, the results of air quality tests, and specific certifications related to wellness standards, can give potential guests a clear picture of the property's commitment to their health and comfort. Guest testimonials also play a significant role in building trust. When previous guests speak to the improvements in air quality they've experienced, particularly regarding how it helped with sleep quality or general comfort, it helps future guests feel more confident in their choice of accommodation. Furthermore, wellness certifications and adherence to sustainability practices can further elevate a hotel's brand positioning. These practices will resonate with environmentally conscious travelers who prioritize both their health and the planet. The Future of Hospitality Wellness Air quality isn't just an amenity—it's a necessity for modern travelers. As wellness tourism continues to evolve, hotels that prioritize air quality will become leaders in guest satisfaction and profitability. In the competitive landscape of wellness travel, air quality will no longer be considered an optional luxury but a fundamental aspect of any health-conscious hotel experience. Hotels that invest in enhancing air quality will create healthier, more comfortable spaces for their guests but will also set themselves apart as wellness destinations. By embracing cutting-edge air filtration systems, hypo-allergenic options, and clean-air practices, hotels will provide the sanctuary guests crave. As travelers continue to prioritize well-being, air purification will become an expected standard—an invisible amenity that drives the future of hospitality. By addressing both the physical comfort and mental rejuvenation needs of guests through better air quality, hoteliers can ensure that their properties stand out, build lasting loyalty, and capitalize on the rapidly growing wellness tourism market. *Reprinted from the Hotel Business Review with permission from
Condé Nast Traveler
15-05-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
Running Through the Land of Happiness
On a foggy, wet Thursday afternoon in April, I tightened the laces of my trail running shoes, hoping that this would somehow save me from slipping on the spongy terrain. My first run in the tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan would be in the rain on a pine-scented dirt trail leading to Wangditse Lhakhang, a 300-year-old temple at the top of a ridge overlooking the breathtaking Thimphu valley. Just hours earlier, I sat with my eyes closed while listening to the humming engine as my plane descended through dense clouds that enveloped 18,000-foot granite peaks. The approach into Paro International Airport—the sole international gateway to this remote nation sandwiched between China and India in the southern slopes of the Eastern Himalayas—is considered to be one of the most perilous and technically difficult in the world. Perhaps the notoriously dangerous landing is by divine design—a cleansing ritual of sorts before entering Bhutan, a spiritual cocoon where approximately 80 percent of the country's 800,000 citizens identify as Buddhist. I came with a group of six women in their late 40s and early 50s for a 10-day mindful running trip organized by Run Wild Retreats—a US-based company that specializes in upscale all-women running and wellness travel. As part of the itinerary, we'd cross verdant valleys and rice paddies, venture to sacred cliffside monasteries, and indulge in traditional cuisine. We'd also learn and practice techniques for cultivating awareness, and hopefully in the process get a sense for what it means to live mindfully.
Travel Daily News
14-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
New ATTA report reveals how today's global tourism trends originated in Africa
ATTA releases 'Rooted in Africa' at Indaba 2025, reframing wellness, sustainability and slow travel as traditions born on the continent. DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – The African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA) haslaunched a new report at this year's Africa Travel Indaba that challenges how global tourism trends are understood, and where they started. Titled 'Rooted in Africa', the publication shows how today's most talked-about concepts – wellness travel, sustainability, slow travel and authenticity – are not recent innovations but longstanding practices across African communities. 'What the world now celebrates as innovation is how Africa has always travelled,' says Kgomotso Ramothea, CEO, ATTA Memberships. 'We don't need to reinvent ourselves to stay relevant. We need only recognise the value of what we already have and tell that story with clarity and pride.' The report includes contributions from leading voices across the continent including Singita, Green Safaris, Jacada Travel, Natural Selection, Lemala Camps & Lodges and African Bush Camps. It highlights locally grounded approaches such as: Wholeness-based wellness models rooted in ancestral wisdom Community-led conservation that predates ESG frameworks Slow safari journeys shaped by patience and presence Cultural exchange based on lived experience rather than performance 'When we recognise that Africa hasn't been behind but ahead all along, we change not just how the world sees us, but how we see ourselves,' continues Ramothea. 'That's where true transformation begins.' ATTA (The African Travel and Tourism Association) is the leading pan-African trade association promoting tourism to Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. Known as the 'Voice of African Tourism,' ATTA® serves over 900 member businesses, including accommodation providers, tour operators, and travel specialists. It provides accurate industry news, hosts networking events and trade shows, and delivers valuable member training and resources.
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Condé Nast Traveler
06-05-2025
- Health
- Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Wellness Travel Experiences in the Middle East, From Yoga Retreats to a Digital Detox for Kids
The global trend for wellness travel has shown no sign of slowing down, with 94% of travelers now incorporating some form of self-care into their trips, according to a report by trend forecaster Virtuoso. Traditionally, travelers from the Middle East might head to the likes of Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the Maldives to embark on a wellness escape, spa-cation, or fitness boot camp, but many are now looking for something closer to home. From one-night escapes to inspire better sleep and educational healing festivals led by experts to week-long tailor-made programs that call for a more drastic change in lifestyle, the Middle East is fast becoming home to wellness-focused experiences to suit everyone, from the time-poor stressed CEO to the stay-at-home mom with burnout. Here are some of the best wellness experiences in the Middle East to book in 2025. The Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay Longevity Programme at The Medi-Spa at Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay, Morocco The Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay on Morocco's northern coastline opened its doors in 2024, bringing with it a 46,285-square-foot state-of-the-art medi-spa. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea within a 10-hectare estate, the hotel is a contemporary homage to its homeland with all the hallmarks of its opulent parent property in Marrakech—and a dreamy location in which to undergo a wellness retreat. The seven-day Longevity Programme takes a holistic approach to rejuvenation through a packed itinerary of diagnostics and wellness protocols. The first day focuses on health consultations to analyze sleep quality, fitness, stress levels, and longevity, coupled with lymphatic drainage to kickstart the detox process. The following days combine personal training and fitness classes with a tailored nutrition plan, personalized treatments based on diagnostic test results, cryotherapy, acupuncture, Chi Nei Tsang, and relaxation experiences like breathwork and sound healing. Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, One&Only One Za'abeel, Dubai Rupert Peace City Wellness Retreat, Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, Dubai The City Wellness Retreat is a three-night detox program that harnesses Clinique La Prairie's 90 years of scientific knowledge, designed to inspire a healthier lifestyle. Led by experts in medicine, nutrition, fitness, and aesthetics, the retreat combines detoxifying treatments, an anti-inflammatory diet and personal training sessions that come together in a packed itinerary of 13 services. Day one is about gathering data and diagnostics in order to analyze the body's overall ability to detox and fight inflammation by measuring metabolic health, energy, immune health, total body water, and distribution of fat and muscle. You will also have a blood test to investigate the presence of heavy metals and micronutrients, and a face scan brutally predicts how you'll age. The following days begin with a detoxifying breakfast, followed by a personal training session with in-house fitness expert Adonis and a slew of detoxifying treatments like a Chi Nei Tsang stomach massage, hydrafacial, infrared sauna, and a Longevity Path to Detox treatment that includes a salt bath, mud mask, and a powerful hosing down—a quick fix that works. Six Senses Zighy Bay Courtesy Six Senses Zighy Bay Discover Yoga Program at Zighy Bay, Oman Available over three, five, and seven nights, Zighy Bay's Discover Yoga retreat is fully focused on the synergy between the body and mind. The program consists of daily one-on-one yoga sessions with an expert teacher to ensure correct posture, push your limits, and explore the theory behind each individual asana. To accompany the movement sessions, there will also be guided pranayama to explore the benefits of yogic breathwork, meditation, and signature massages to soothe tired muscles. Suited to all experience levels, the program acts as the perfect initiation for those beginning a yoga journey and is a great refresher course for anyone returning to the practice. Zighy Bay appeared on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List 2025. Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som Family wellness retreats for children at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Qatar Answering the call for more education around physical and emotional wellness for children, Zulal Wellness Resort in Qatar has introduced three family-focused retreats aimed at arming kids with healthier habits. The Fit for Life program combines a workout schedule with a personalized nutrition plan to encourage a more positive relationship with food and fitness. The Thrive with Confidence itinerary is packed with confidence-boosting workshops that provide kids with the tools to overcome anxiety in social situations. Activities like games created to enhance social skills, role playing, and storytelling are combined with guided meditations, breathing exercises, and journaling sessions that give children the ability to thrive. A hot topic right now and one most parents struggle with is how to get kids away from their phones. The Digital Detox retreat encourages families to reconnect with the real world on guided hikes and nature walks, yoga and meditation, and creative pastimes like art and music therapy. There are dedicated digital-free zones throughout the resort where technology is banned, and parents will be taught how to create a balanced environment at home, away from social media and other digital distractions. The infinity pool at Banyan Tree AlUla Banyan Tree Barry's x Beyond Wellness in AlUla, Saudi Arabia This November, global fitness brand Barry's will host a luxury wellness retreat in partnership with Dubai-based Beyond Wellness at Banyan Tree AlUla. Surrounded by ancient rock formations, the bootcamp will focus on Barry's core workouts that take place throughout the weekend, fueled by a nutritionally balanced menu to ensure optimum performance. The retreat will also hold calming breathwork sessions, meditations, and sound healings to leave guests feeling fully relaxed and rejuvenated. The full itinerary is yet to be confirmed, but can be booked closer to the time online. Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia Fitness Program at Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia Let's face it, keeping up with your fitness goals is tough. If you've let your gym routine slip, the fitness program at Six Senses Southern Dunes—located deep in the rolling desertscape of Saudi Arabia's red-tinged desert—is designed to get you back on track. Don't expect an aggressive bootcamp style schedule, this fitness retreat is about taking it at your own pace to remind you of all the positive aspects that working out can bring: a fitter body and healthier mind. Played out over three, five, and seven days, the schedule is an indulgent mix of spa treatments, wellness cuisine, and personal training sessions that will leave you fighting fit to return to reality. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island Nicolas Dumont Longevity & Renewal retreat, Rosewood Abu Dhabi If looking for a quick wellness fix, check in to the Rosewood Abu Dhabi for a one-night Longevity & Renewal Retreat designed to create a pause for personal reflection and escape from city life. Located on Al Maryah Island, surrounded by the city and views of the Arabian Sea, the hotel is a peaceful bolthole in an ideal locale to retreat for a night of me-time away from the challenges of modern life. Beginning with a personal consultation with a health coach who will arm you with knowledge on how to live a more healthful lifestyle in a bid to improve your longevity overall, the program will be accompanied by a guided journaling session to allow you to set intentions and goals for the future. For physical wellness, a 60-minute longevity massage will set the tone for a peaceful night's sleep, and come morning a 45-minute session of yoga and breathwork will leave you calm and able to face the challenges of a new day. Snoopy Island, FujairahSnoopy Retreats, Fujairah Snoopy Island in Fujairah acts as the backdrop to a three-day active retreat which focuses on bringing a community of like-minded people together to enjoy meditation, hiking, beach games, and Wim Hof Method ice bath and breathwork sessions. Taking place over various weekends across the year with guests staying at Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort, the retreat starts with a Friday evening meditation, followed by a welcoming circle and group dinner. Day two begins with a sunrise hike into the picturesque rugged Hajar mountains and commences with a day of rest and relaxation on the shores of the Indian Ocean, taking part in beach games and making new friends. On the third and final day, Bechara El Khoury, a certified level three instructor of the Wim Hof Method, will guide an early morning ice bath session, followed by a day of snorkeling and kayaking around Snoopy Island. The retreats take place throughout the year, check the website for upcoming dates. The Four Seasons are expanding their wellness offerings in the Middle East in 2025. LumiNola The sleeping ritual, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeira Beach Four Seasons' hotels across the Middle East are entering 2025 with a definitive focus on helping guests to achieve great sleep, following the results of a Yougov survey that found only 19% of GCC respondents achieve the recommended eight hours of sleep, and 24% get less than six hours a night. At the Dubai resort, The Pearl Spa has introduced a number of experiences that can be booked onto an overnight stay, specially created to improve the sleep quality of its guests. The Sleeping Ritual begins with relaxing tea to calm the body and an accompanying foot bath, before a 40-minute back, shoulder, neck, and scalp massage kneads away any tension, stimulating the vagus nerve to reduce anxiety and instill harmony. For those who like to sleep outside, the Poolside Nap encompasses a 30-minute scalp and foot massage, blocking out light and sound with sleep mask and headset. Immersive in-room accessories include heady aromatherapy pillow sprays, CBD balm and bath salts, Therabody eye goggles, and a Morphee Sound and Meditation machine on-hand to further induce deep relaxation. Spiritual leader and yogi Sadhguru Kayan Wellness Festival A three-day festival focusing on wellness and conscious living is coming to Abu Dhabi on January 31, bringing with it a line-up of inspiring international guest speakers and leaders in the wellness sphere, who will be hosting talks and workshops to educate on how to live life to the best of your ability through knowing how to be—and stay—well. Situated on Fahid Island, the festival will be populated by pavilions centred around pillars of wellbeing: biohacking, physical vitality, mental clarity, and inner peace among them. There will also be a Feel Good Market with pop-ups serving nourishing food, Tea House, Kids' Hideout, and The Heart—a 360-degree stage where local talent will perform at the end of an interactive day of holistic wellbeing activities. The speakers include renowned Indian yogi and spiritual leader, Sadhguru, founder of Isha Foundation who will be giving a special talk on inner engineering and the power of holistic wellbeing; biohacker, longevity expert, human biologist, and host of The Ultimate Human Podcast, Gary Brecka, who will educate on how to live a chemical-free lifestyle; multi-disciplinary physician and microbiome expert Zach Bush; Mo Gawdat, former CBO at Google X discussing how AI is reshaping happiness; and Dubai-based therapist and best-selling author Marisa Peer teaching the fundamentals of manifesting your best life, among others. A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller Middle East..
