Hotel & Spa
Insights

Market Players

Wellness-Centered Travel and Holistic Wellness Continues to Drive Hotel and Spa Innovations

In 2024, the hotel and spa industry is undergoing a significant transformation as wellness, fitness, and holistic health become central to the guest experience. Travellers are no longer content with standard spa services; they are seeking comprehensive wellness solutions that address physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This shift has prompted hotels to expand their spa offerings, with many including personalized fitness programs, mental health-focused therapies, and sustainable, nature-centric retreats.  Technology plays a key role, with many properties adopting AI-driven fitness plans, sleep-enhancement rooms, and virtual wellness coaching. Sustainability remains a priority, with eco-friendly products, energy-efficient operations, and local sourcing becoming more prominent. Moreover, post-pandemic travel patterns have shifted, with guests prioritizing wellness tourism and longer stays that emphasize rejuvenation and preventive health.  This convergence of luxury, wellness, and sustainability positions the hotel and spa industry as a key player in the broader fitness, health, and wellness market, meeting the evolving needs of travellers who increasingly view well-being as an essential part of their lifestyle.

Niamh O’Connell​​​​

Group Vice President Well-Being
Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts

Throughout 2024, the advancements in technology paired with the desire to live longer have ensured that longevity remains a prominent theme in the wellness industry. Today’s consumers are increasingly focused on optimising their wellbeing and taking charge of their health and happiness, and technology offers tangible solutions to these aspirations, exemplified by the growing popularity of wearable tech such as Oura. Looking ahead to 2025, technology is poised to continue to play a multifaceted role, influencing how wellbeing will enhance our lifestyles. The influence of technology on wellbeing will also go beyond individual devices, and we are now beginning to witness the emergence of master-planned wellness communities within broader residential developments, reflecting the growing consumer demand for wellness-integrated living environments.

As we look toward 2025 and beyond it is an exciting time for the spa and fitness industry. Our focus for well-being in Accor is firmly focused on the four Bs of development: Big Box fitness, Bio-Hacking, Bathing, and Boutique exercise. “Sweat Culture” is emerging as a globally relevant wellness practice. This resurgence, which blends ancient traditions with contemporary design and urban locations, is gaining momentum across generations and borders. The revival of bathing culture, including saunas and cold plunges, is embraced for its holistic benefits: detoxification, improved circulation, and stress relief and will see new concepts entering the market. Biohacking, especially its recovery modalities, continues to expand, providing people with personalized tools—such as wearable technology, compression therapy, red light and HBOT —to actively shape support physical and mental well-being. Fitness in hospitality, meanwhile, is evolving into exciting boutique or big box fitness, wellness-centered hubs, where members can enjoy a luxurious, holistic and socially connected environment focused on health.

Emlyn Brown

Global Senior Vice President,
Well-Being
Accor

Yuki Kiyono

Global Head of Health and Wellness Development
AMAN

Wellness has been central to Aman’s values since its inception. With wellness routines now integral to daily life and longevity a growing priority, Aman has embraced this shift with thoughtfully designed wellness spaces and holistic, cutting-edge treatments designed to enhance physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In response to the ever-evolving preferences of guests, we continue to innovate, dedicating larger, more dynamic spaces to meet these needs.

Most club owners I’ve talked to around the world say they’re still only back to 85-90% pre-covid membership levels. They’ve increased prices and cut costs to get back to profitability, but this is a trap. Customers notice the cost cuts and go looking for something better. Clubs that are investing exciting new workouts and products are getting great results. We also have a generational change with Gen Z, and with that new tastes and trends to be catered for. As always, under 30’s are by far our biggest new joiner group, and they will tend to come back to their first club over and over throughout their lives. New group workout trends are packing out classes in clubs worldwide. Don’t miss this huge opportunity!
Phillip Mills

Founder & Executive Director
Les Mills International