Sunday, January 26, 2025

The rise of wellness holidays

A new survey by the Global Wellness Institute’s Wellness Tourism Initiative names Australia as the number one wellness destination in the world. Travellers are craving experiences that can keep them healthy, helping them to experience nature and wildlife, which supports them to achieve physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.

The survey revealed that travel decisions are increasingly influenced not only by the destination, but also by an expectation for unique hotel experiences, spa and fitness offerings, meditation and mindfulness, and nutritional food and beverage options.

When asked what’s most important for travellers when selecting a wellness tourism destination, 55 per cent of respondents said they are looking for experiences that provide them with healthy local food and 55 per cent said nature and wildlife were important to them. Sustainability, a local cultural connection, and mindfulness were also cited as significant in decision making.

Tapping into these trends, Accor is embracing wellness as an increasingly important component of its guest journey from Power Fitness at Pullman Hotels to ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation at a Sofitel Spa.

Sarah Derry, CEO Accor Pacific, said, “Hotel and resort guests want to recharge and get inspired to improve their overall health and wellbeing. Our hotels integrate wellness in meaningful ways throughout the customer journey to deliver an authentic and highly considered wellness offering. We take the time to connect with our guests, providing experiences that includes the consideration of wellness for mind, body and soul – it is the future of hospitality.”

The hotel group offers an array of experiences, amenities, and programs that promote physical and spiritual wellbeing. Some of these include:

Peppers Salt Resort & Spa and Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff NSW

Located in the seaside-village atmosphere of Kingscliff, sit Peppers Salt Resort & Spa and Mantra on Salt Beach. These resorts offer stunning options to take time away, unwind, and reconnect with self, nature, family, or friends; take a walk on the beach only minutes from the resorts or book in to The Spa At Salt. Stay midweek and save, with three-night stays from $193* per night in a one-bedroom spa suite at Mantra on Salt Beach or luxuriate at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa from $234* per night in a king hotel room.

Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort, Sunshine Coast QLD

Located in the heart of Noosa’s French Quarter on Hastings Street, Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort epitomises relaxed luxury. Disconnect in the very best way in a poolside cabana, at Aqua Day Spa, or take time out for a mindful hike in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Travelling in the holidays? Then, you will want to join in wellness mornings including poolside yoga. Make unforgettable memories from $774* per night on the resort’s Saver Rate.

Palm Cove, Tropical North Queensland QLD

Located between Cairns and Port Douglas, this picture-perfect village is known for its stunning beachfront lined with centuries old paperbark Melaleuca trees, delicious array of dining choices, and quiet charm, and with a choice of hotels including Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa, Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove, The Reef House Palm Cove, and Mantra Amphora Palm Cove, you will find yourself returning time and time again. Stay longer and save, with offers like Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove from $360* per night for two adults.

Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, Margaret River WA

Escape to a tranquil place, a place where wellness is nurtured, a place where care is personalised and life is celebrated. Experience Pullman Bunker Bay Resort in Margaret River and rejuvenate at its award-winning Vie Spa. The popular seaside resort provides the ultimate in luxury experiences, designed to leave guests feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and balanced. Stay from $450* per night in a Studio Villa.

Peppers Silo Hotel, Launceston TAS

Rich in heritage and story, Tasmania is Australia’s wonderland. Launceston in the island’s north is known for its scenic drives, cool-climate wineries, culture and Cataract Gorge. As iconic as the city itself is Peppers Silo Hotel, a hotel developed from four silos, now housing beautifully designed rooms and suites. Try a Gorge River Room from $314* per night for two adults midweek.

SO/ Auckland NZ

SO/ Auckland, a boutique hotel in downtown Auckland, offers its guests bespoke wellness at SO/ SPA. Knowing that the spa experience is not a one-size-fits-all model, SO/ SPA has put together a new concept in spa packages, design your own. There’s also an Urban Detox Facial for the busy city-dweller, Body Strategist Therapies™ for those wanting to shape up, or the Tranquility Pro Sleep massage for those who struggle to relax. Massages, facials, wraps, peels, scrubs – the list on offer is endless. Stay at SO/ Auckland from NZD$419* per night in a SO URBAN room.

Peppers Christchurch Clearwater Resort, Canterbury NZ

Whether it’s action or stillness on your wish list, Peppers Christchurch Clearwater Resort is a wonderful choice in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. Take in the views of the striking Lake Kaikainui from your lakeside villa, enjoy a game of tennis, or take advantage of the 18-hole championship golf course on which the resort is built. Whatever the season, this stunning home-away-from-home fills your soul, with midweek offers in a spacious Lakeview Suite from NZD$318* per night for two adults.

For more information and to book, visit ALL.com

Kate Webster
Kate Websterhttp://www.travellerkate.com
Kate Webster is a travel journalist who is passionate about conservation, Africa and the ocean. Born out of a life-long love of travel and fascination with the world around her, is Kate’s inspiration behind her writing and photography. When she’s not bouncing around the world on ramshackle buses, overcrowded trains, or on the back of a rickshaw, you can find her based in the Gold Coast, Australia eagerly planning her next adventure. www.travellerkate.com

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