3 wellness travel trends gaining popularity in 2025 — and where to try them

According to the Global Wellness Institute, global wellness travel market spending will exceed $1 trillion by the end of 2024 as people around the world prioritize their health and overall well-being. From a new style of yoga on the slopes to alpine escapes that bring guests back to nature, this is the next wave of transformative experiences in Europe.

Racket sports are experiencing a renaissance at resorts

Racket sports are becoming the top choice for longevity and health, with players enjoying 3.7 extra years of life compared to non-players. According to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, tennis, squash and badminton take the lead, showing a 47% lower risk of premature death.

These activities not only improve physical fitness, but also improve mental well-being by releasing endorphins, which fight stress and anxiety. As a result, hotels and resorts are embracing rocket sports, creating vibrant environments where fitness and fun intersect.

on Club Marbella in Spain, guests can experience the world’s fastest growing racquet sport in the birthplace of padel in Europe. With La Concha Mountain as a backdrop, guests can enjoy professional training or friendly matches with family and friends at Europe’s renowned gathering place for the elite.

Located on the 3,700-acre Reschio Estate, Rescio Hotel offers tennis of the highest level with immaculate courts, private coaching and a pavilion for guests to relax between matches, all framed by the Umbrian landscape.

The Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery in Croatia presented its new private tennis courts with the exclusive residence of Goran Ivanisevic, Croatian champion and former coach of Novak Djokovic. A haven for tennis lovers, the nearby Pula Amphitheater hosts the legendary ATP Croatia Open, while the Umag Tennis Academy stands out as one of the best in the Mediterranean, attracting big-name players to the region every year.

Forest bathing continues to fascinate travelers

Travelers are increasingly looking for nature-centric experiences. The World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index highlights the growing trend towards outdoor recreation, which provides benefits for physical and mental health. This shift toward biophilia—an innate connection to nature—has been shown to lower blood pressure, boost immune function, and reduce stress hormones.

Joining this movement is erirothe new alpine resort, which opened in August 2024, is located at the foot of the Zugspitze mountain range in the Austrian Tyrol. Accessed only by cable car to reduce environmental impact, the exclusive nine-bedroom hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in the region’s Alpine traditions.

Guided mountain hikes and forest meditation help guests connect with nature, and since there are no televisions and Wi-Fi is only available in the suites, guests can completely disconnect from the world around them. The eriro spa is located in the basement among rocky cliffs, lush meadows and Tyrolean forests. Here, guests can enjoy individual wellness treatments while immersing themselves in the panoramic view of Mount Tayakopf.

Practice at Snowga after a day on the slopes

According to the “growing number of wellness tourists who are looking for a combination of physical adventure and relaxation.” Luxury Travel MagazineThe Arula Chalet introduced a new restorative mountain experience for the upcoming ski season. After a day of skiing or riding a 200-kilometer high-altitude board, the antidote to sore muscles is a slow Snoog practice led by staff yoga teacher Arula, Anna Cannonier.

The practice focuses on basic yoga poses for skiers, including Taksanda, Utkatasana and Warrior poses, which help prevent injuries on the slopes. Guests can rejuvenate with the synergy of breathwork, sound healing and Ayurvedic body treatments to peacefully connect with themselves, body, mind and soul.