Wellness
Global Spa & Wellness Trends Forecast for 2016 by Spafinder Wellness 365
Spafinder Wellness 365™ today released its 13th annual Global Spa & Wellness Trends Forecast, the definitive guide to the top ten trends poised to shape the wellness, hospitality, travel and spa industries and chart new territory in wellness for consumers in the new year. The 2016 Forecast is unique for taking a detailed look at not just what, but why, where, and how, new directions in wellness will evolve in the year ahead.
This year’s Trends show wellness stepping in to meet the challenges of major societal crises, including a rising generation of children who are stressed, anxious and overwhelmed at unprecedented and alarming levels (“Parenting Well: Serious Spa & Wellness for Kids”), and adults who are suffering the effects of a hyper-connected workplace, demanding hours, and sedentary habits (“Workplace Wellness Wakes Up”). Another emerging issue? Healthy sexuality, as providers eschew the extremes of sensationalism and shame to shape new models for exploring and developing individual sexual wellness and happiness (“Sexual Wellbeing: Taboo No More”).
The Trends also reflect people’s ongoing desire to bring more health and wellness into their current forms of escape, including new hybrid sectors of wellness travel (“Surf’s Up! New Waves in Wellness”; “The Adrenaline and Zen Cocktail: Resetting the Mind & Body”; “Well-Fests: Festivals Shift from Wasted to Wellness”; and “Healthy Cruising: The Ship of Excess Has Set Sail”). And with travelers’ unquenchable thirst for ancient, authentic experiences, Mexico will see renewed attention for its Mayan temazcal rituals (“Temazcal [temas’kal]”).
“The 2016 Trends reveal innovation in and enthusiasm for wellness travel, and how wellness is an integral part of the most fundamental aspects of people’s daily lives: work, family, and love.” said Research Director Beth McGroarty, who steered the research team, along with Susie Ellis, president of Spafinder Wellness, Inc.® “Rather than focus on how “X is the new Y,” we strive to make sense of the sea of forecasts and identify mega-trends that are having, and will continue to have, the most meaningful impact on people’s lives, and on the industry, for years to come.”
The 2016 Spa & Wellness Top 10 Trends:
- Surf’s Up! New Waves in Wellness
Surfing (and spinoffs like standup paddle boarding) is fast becoming a new wellness travel genre. It’s rapidly expanding (to women, families, the wealthy—and in 160 countries from the North Shore to the North Sea) and we’re seeing a wide range of offerings: the cool surf + wellness property (blending spa and wellness offerings with surfing/surf classes, at every price point), an explosion of welcoming all-female surf retreats, and a new wave of surf-simulating fitness classes and wave-simulating surfing parks. Leading the trend: Hotel Komune Bali, which marries “destination spa” levels of wellness with surfing and paddle boarding lessons at a famed wave break, and SurfSet Fitness, which has expanded to 250 studios in 20 countries.
- Sexual Wellbeing: Taboo No More
Every kind of wellness is now promoted, but sexual wellbeing, in a culture where sex is often about sensationalism and shame, has been left out of the equation. Change is underway: more sophisticated sexual wellbeing and literacy programming at wellness retreats, spas, hospitals and fitness studios, and everything from new high-tech sex fitness trackers and “toys,” to some out there touch therapies, to sex-forward hotels. Leading the trend: The new WOMANOLOGY + RESTORE HIM® clinics at Southern California’s Hoag Memorial Hospitals and Shh Retreats, held in an European estate house, where women take a no-holds-barred dive into every aspect of sexual happiness.
- Temazcal (temas’kal)
After thousands of years healing indigenous peoples, the ancient Mexican practice of temazcal (an elaborate ritual in which a trained shaman uses heat, steam, aromatic herbs, and ancient prayers and chants to connect guests with forces of the physical and spiritual world) is the latest manifestation of travelers seeking out native, authentic wellness offerings. Leading the trend: El Dorado Royale, the Rosewood Mayakoba, and The Viceroy—just a few of the luxury resorts dotting the coast of the Maya Riviera that offer authentic temazcal sessions.
- Parenting Well: Serious Spa & Wellness for Kids
Poor diets, constant stress, and hours hunched over glowing screens are taking their toll on kids. This year look for more mindfulness and meditation in schools, kid-focused yoga classes, massage for toddlers, wellness-centric family vacations, or just an emphasis on local, organic eating, as parents reveal themselves willing to dedicate considerable time, attention, and, yes, money toward this niche that promises to be one of the industry’s most significant areas of growth. Leading the trend: The David Lynch Foundation’s Quiet Time meditation program and family-friendly and wellness-centric Six Senses resort in Laamu Atoll of the Maldives.
- The Adrenaline and Zen Cocktail: Resetting the Mind & Body
More extreme adventure travel is the zeitgeist, and we’re seeing a dizzying proliferation of high-octane adventure topped off with “après-adrenaline” relaxation at spas, resorts and wellness retreats. The medical science reveals why this seemingly paradoxical contrast therapy is addictive: adrenaline rushes followed by “Zen” relaxation uniquely reset and quiet the brain, and result in the most blissed-out relaxation. The new adrenaline + relaxation combos are less a paradox than a destination…and more destinations are serving up this mind-body cocktail. Leading the trend: Costa Rica’s Rio Perdido, with a balance of extreme adventure and spa/hot springs relaxation, or the new CREACTIVE By Cirque du Soleil program at spa resort Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
- Well-Fests: Festivals Shift from Wasted to Wellness
Move over Burners, ravers, and party animals—the latest festival trend is wellness. Wellness festivals are cropping up all over the globe, celebrating health and wellbeing while still embracing the spirit that makes music festivals so popular (many of which are also adding wellness components to their own lineup). Leading the trend: Wanderlust, which has a roster of festivals spread across a half-dozen countries, or the UK’s Innocent Unplugged, which bans technology and offers only pedal bikes and a giant people-powered hamster wheel to provide power.
- On Demand: Uber-izing Spa & Wellness
Apps and on-demand services are revolutionizing dozens of industries, including beauty and wellness. These new on-demand options provide an unprecedented level of flexibility, immediacy, and convenience, and many established industry leaders are also adding or partnering with on-demand services. Leading the trend: Zeel in the U.S. or Urban Massage in the UK, both on-demand massage industry leaders, and manicure service Manicube, recently acquired by famed Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa.
- Skin Care Gets Seoul-ful: The Korean Beauty Explosion 2.0
South Korean beauty was an emerging trend in 2015, but that was just the beginning. Whether it’s full-service spas, a seemingly limitless variety of facemasks, or 10-step skin-care routines, Korean beauty, for women and men, is much more than just a fad. Look for South Korea to become the global leader of affordable, innovative, and well-marketed products and more Korean-inspired spas, which combine spa and beauty with fun for the whole family. Leading the trend: Peach & Lilly, a South Korean beauty product distributor, and Korean mega-spa chain, Spa Castle, U.S.
- Healthy Cruising: The Ship of Excess Has Set Sail
Wellness is boarding ship, allowing travelers to de-stress and keep healthy while onboard and even once they dock. In 2016, think less cruise ship and more floating retreat as some of the most impressive spa and wellness programming and facilities in the world take to the high seas. Look for everything from yoga sessions on deck to medical beauty treatments to indigenous wellness and adventure activities while docked. Leading the trend: Raison d’Etre’s LivNordic; Canyon Ranch SpaClub aboard the Seven Seas Explorer, set to sail its maiden voyage July 2016; and Carnival Corp.’s Fathom brand, which fuses travel with social responsibility.
- Workplace Wellness Wakes Up
The idea of wellness in the workplace has been around since the ‘70s, but it remains a luxury for most global workers. Forward-thinking companies understand that a culture of wellness has a positive impact upon productivity, and narrowly focused programs are metastasizing into an all-encompassing environment that fuses company welfare to employee wellness. In the next five years, expect to see more spa and wellness integrated into the workplace in unique ways. (Think free yoga and meditation classes, financial counseling and mandatory vacations.) Leading the trend: Workplace wellness at Google, Apple and Virgin Group Ltd.
The 2016 Forecast is the result of research by the company’s team of analysts, editors and industry experts, and based on ongoing surveys of, interviews with, and visits to the 25,000-plus spa, wellness and beauty providers in the Spafinder Wellness 365 network. To read the complete version of The 2016 Spa & Wellness Trends Forecast, visit http://www.spafinder.com/trends2016.
Spafinder Wellness, Inc. is the world’s largest marketing, gifting, incentives and rewards company for the wellness industry and the leading consumer resource for feeling good and living well all year round. With now over 25,000 wellness partners worldwide, including wellness travel destinations, fitness, yoga and Pilates studios, spas and salons, plus access to 4,500 massage therapists through Zeel’s on-demand massage services, millions of people find the resources and inspiration to keep well every day via the Spafinder Wellness 365™ brand. The company’s widely distributed gift/wellness cards are available online and at 40,000-plus retailers worldwide, as well as through corporate incentive/rewards programs. Learn more at spafinder.com, spafinder.co.uk and spafinder.ca.
News
Restore balance to body, mind, spirit with Ashley Tan at Patina Maldives
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands has welcomed Ashley Tan, a distinguished sound healing practitioner who is a master of the art of singing bowls, tuning forks & gongs, for an exclusive month-long residency from 30th October to 30th November 2024.
Guests are invited to embark on a journey that transcends the boundaries of the known.
Get into a world where ancient wisdom and modern science create a transformative experience, restoring balance to your body, mind, and spirit.
In her work, she has traveled to Australia, Fiji, Germany, India, the Maldives, Vietnam, and many other parts of the world.
Guests at Patina Maldives can choose from a variety of programmes as per their interests.
Sound Sleep Journey
For those who want to improve their sleep quality or dealing with jetlag and insomnia, this specialised treatment offers a gentle path to a peaceful slumber. Drift away effortlessly on gentle waves of sound, lulling your body and mind into a state of no thoughts. The harmonising vibrations of specially selected sound instruments release tension, quiet the racing mind, and very often lead to several nights of better sleep.
Emotional Detox
Emotions can get stuck due to stress, trauma, catastrophic relationships, or resistance to certain emotions. These trapped emotional vibrations cause surrounding tissues to vibrate at the same frequency often resulting in physical disease over time. The sound and vibration from this session can help bring about awareness and release of negative emotions and trauma, inviting a sense of lightness into your being.
Personalised Sound Journey
A fully customised session using a combination of specially selected sound healing tools and applications to address a combination of physical and/or emotional issues. This will include a pre-session consultation and a post-session review. Additional consultation is possible in blocks of 15 minutes.
Tuning Fork Therapy
This therapeutic session utilises the precise frequencies of tuning forks to promote deep relaxation, balance energy, and enhance overall well-being. When applied to acupressure points, it can release tension and reduce stress. Ideal for those seeking a quick yet impactful therapeutic experience.
Upper Body Tension Release
A cellular massage with sound and vibration to soothe your head, neck, and shoulder areas. Ease the tension from headaches and migraines. These vibration helps lower your heart rate variability, reduce respiratory rates, and relax brain wave patterns.
Brainwave Relaxation Upgrade
This experience is one of absolute serenity, as deep relaxation and soothing sounds open the flow of energy and restore balance and well-being. You can upgrade to other treatments to enhance your overall well-being.
Featured
Journey to wellness: exclusive sound healing retreat with Urmi at Sirru Fen Fushi
Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has announced that Urmi, a renowned sound healing practitioner, will be leading an exclusive month-long wellness retreat throughout November at the resort’s private Arufen Spa. During this period, guests are invited to embark on a transformative journey through professional sound healing sessions, available either in the tranquil setting of the resort’s spa or in the peaceful privacy of their villas.
The Arufen Spa at Sirru Fen Fushi serves as a sanctuary of serenity, providing a holistic wellness experience. It features eight treatment rooms where skilled therapists offer an extensive range of services, including massages, body scrubs, Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, and aerial yoga. Guests can also unwind in the spa’s large jacuzzi, one of the Maldives’ most expansive, enhancing the relaxation experience.
Sound healing, an ancient therapeutic practice, uses vibrational frequencies to promote relaxation, relieve stress, and restore the body’s natural balance. Practitioners employ instruments like gongs, crystal bowls, and percussion to create immersive soundscapes that guide individuals into deeper states of self-awareness and tranquility.
Urmi specialises in restorative practices that facilitate immersive and impactful sound experiences. Her name, “Urmi,” meaning “wave” in Sanskrit, reflects her philosophy of bringing ancient practices into modern life. She seeks to deepen understanding of vibration through sound, language, music, nature, and meditation, offering individuals insights into their own inner landscape.
Retreat participants at Sirru Fen Fushi can reconnect with nature in the serene setting of one of the largest natural islands in the region. This unique environment provides an ideal backdrop for holistic wellness, allowing guests to rejuvenate and find inner peace in the midst of tropical beauty.
Guests have the option to book private healing sessions with Urmi, customised to their personal needs, either at the spa or in their villas. These sessions are designed to calm the nervous system, clear energetic and emotional blocks, and help individuals return to their natural state of balance. The therapeutic vibrations stimulate alpha and theta brainwave states, support physiological functions, and regulate the parasympathetic nervous system, offering a safe, supportive environment for self-exploration and personal growth.
Featured
The Nautilus Maldives launches 2025 wellness calendar with exclusive Ananda residency
The Nautilus Maldives begins 2025 with the launch of its “Masters for Masters” calendar, featuring a series of world-class wellness events. Guests are invited to start the year with a focus on inner calm, renewed energy, and stress relief. From January 22nd to 31st, 2025, The Nautilus will host two senior therapists from its renowned wellness partner, Ananda in the Himalayas, an acclaimed holistic retreat.
Following the holiday season, often packed with travel, social engagements, and high expectations, many people experience both physical and mental fatigue. Combined with the new year’s resolutions, stress management becomes essential for maintaining focus and commitment. To address this, The Nautilus offers an exclusive residency centred on stress management therapies, blending Ananda’s expertise with The Nautilus’s signature hospitality. This retreat allows guests to experience Ananda’s comprehensive stress management programs—typically lasting 7 to 21 nights—designed to foster a healthy lifestyle, reduce stress, and encourage lasting positive change.
Led by esteemed Ananda practitioners, Mr. Sandeep Dhamada and Ms. Laxmi Gupta, the residency includes transformative treatments such as Tibetan Ku Nye Massage, Grounding Aromatherapy, and Reflexology. These therapies aim to enhance balance and tranquillity. As part of the program, guests receive a follow-up online consultation with an Ayurvedic physician from Ananda to ensure continuity in their wellness journey. Additionally, guests can savour teasers of Ananda’s Ayurvedic cuisine throughout the island, featuring anti-inflammatory ingredients and flavours that support overall well-being.
With just 26 exclusive residences and exceptional spa amenities, The Nautilus is situated in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, surrounded by pristine beaches, coral reefs, and clear waters of the Indian Ocean. This private island offers an unparalleled ultra-luxury experience, positioning itself as the ultimate destination for relaxation and renewal.
Ananda, a multi-award-winning luxury wellness retreat nestled in the Himalayan foothills, is set on a 100-acre estate and surrounded by tranquil Sal forests. Combining traditional Ayurveda, yoga, and Vedanta with international wellness practices and organic cuisine, Ananda’s wellness programs are highly acclaimed. For a third consecutive year, Ananda and The Nautilus are extending their partnership to enhance wellness offerings for guests seeking a rejuvenating start to the year.
Stress Management Treatments Offered by Ananda at The Nautilus:
- Stress Release – Using invigorating essential oils like orange, peppermint, and eucalyptus, this full-body massage relaxes muscles, increases circulation, clears metabolic waste, and opens respiratory pathways, helping clients feel rejuvenated and grounded.
- Grounding Aromatherapy – Essential oils of rose, sandalwood, and vetiver are applied to lymphatic points to promote physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being, creating a truly holistic experience.
- Tibetan Ku Nye Massage – This Tibetan body massage, using five essential oils, balances the five elements and restores energy flow through techniques such as cupping, kneading, and acupressure with hot Himalayan crystal salt poultices. The aim is to restore the nervous system and promote harmony within the body.
- Reflexology – Reflexologists gently stimulate reflex points on the feet to restore the body’s natural balance. This gentle therapy encourages the body to regain its healthy equilibrium, enhancing overall well-being.
- Ananda Touch – A blend of sunflower and wheat germ oil with rose is applied in rhythmic movements over the back, neck, shoulders, and scalp, releasing deep-seated tension, soothing aches, and promoting relaxation for a profound sense of calm and unity with the body.
-
News1 week ago
Air Arabia launches daily Maldives flights
-
Action1 week ago
Kandima Maldives opens first oceanfront go-kart track
-
Drink1 week ago
Toast beneath waves: Krug Champagne’s exclusive underwater tasting at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
-
News1 week ago
MIC appoints Ali Shakir as Group General Manager
-
Featured1 week ago
‘Beyond the Equator’: Addu City’s new brand identity to elevate its tourism appeal
-
Cooking1 week ago
Michelin Chef Nino Di Costanzo’s exclusive residency at Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru
-
Featured1 week ago
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa plants 100 coconut trees
-
Drink1 week ago
Marriott Bonvoy Maldives Resorts offer guests unique taste of mixology with Aidy Smith