The wellness trends set to dominate travel in 2023
If you spent 2022 treating every day like a frat party, there's every chance this year will be the one that will help you regroup and take stock of any physical or emotional issues that have been making themselves known.
You won't be alone in taking a wellness break, of course; according to the Global Wellness Institute wellness tourism around the globe is expected to hit $US817 billion this year and $US1.3 trillion by 2025.
Where are you headed? Here are the trends wellness analysts and experts have declared will become big news in the coming months:
Wild swimming
We're not talking about sipping a cocktail or two in the pool, but active swimming in the ocean, rivers and lakes - particularly in cooler climates.
Heron Island, part of the Ocean Swim Safaris, is located in the southern part of The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland. iStockphoto
Although some hotels are offering wild swimming as part of their activities scheduling (examples include Hotel J in Stockholm and Budock Vean in Cornwall), you can also sign up for swimming getaways with the likes of Oceanfit and Ocean Swim Safaris.
Fancy doing your own thing? Check out all the top spots around Australia by visiting Wild Swimming Australia.
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Private wellness clubs
Australians are a little more egalitarian than most, so while this may not be a trend that's likely to take off here at home, members-only wellness clubs are also tipped to increase in popularity.
Linked to a post-pandemic longing for social connection, these are spaces where like-minded people can get together to socialise and improve their health together by engaging in a program rich with exclusive treatments and amenities. Hotels and resorts offering private wellness clubs include Aman (Aman Club), The Ned, and Canyon Ranch.
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Animal therapy retreats
There's no shortage of research that links personal wellbeing with proximity to animals, so it's not surprising that global wellness travel company Health and Fitness Travel predicted animal therapy retreats to be big news for the upcoming year.
Whether you're after a personalised equine retreat such as residential programs at The Banyans in Queensland, or a tour that's heavy on wildlife observation such as a safari or even a cruise, it's likely you'll come back feeling like a changed person.
You can go swimming with these pigs in the Exumas in The Bahamas. iStockphoto
A focus on sustainability
It's a difficult beast to focus on wellness in a world that's growing increasingly unwell so travellers can look forward to an increased focus on sustainable practices in 2023 (and beyond).
Properties are playing their part; Sani Resort in Kassandra, Greece, for example, was named the World's Leading Luxury Green Resort at the World Travel Awards – thanks largely to its commitment to running on 100 per cent renewable energy, while Voco Melbourne Central features bedding made from recycled plastic bottles.
Not only will travellers vote with their feet, they'll design their itineraries with sustainable practices in mind, such as tracking trains instead of planes where possible.
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Wellness retreats with a twist
Ericeira, Portugal has much to offer. iStockphoto
Traditional yoga retreats will always have their place, but travellers keen to strike a balance between a wellness getaway and fun times will find plenty more options on the table.
Soulshine Bali Resort in Ubud looks like a high-end yoga retreat, but teams traditional yoga with rock n roll, offering a 'perfectly healthy most of the time' alternative for those who want the best of both worlds.
Meanwhile in Portugal's Casa Paco D'llhas, you can enjoy a week-long retreat filled with nourishing food, relaxation and ceramics classes. Consider it a new form of mindfulness.
