In 2024 the global economy of consumer wellbeing will reach USD 1.8 trillion, and tourism related to it is expected to contribute USD 815 billion or roughly 45 percent. The wellness industry is expected to grow at a rate of nearly USD 1.4 billion by 2027. This is one of the fastest-growing segments. This rise is a result of the recovery from pandemics and an increased focus on wellness.
Focus on the Middle East and global reach
The health-related travel industry has grown in popularity worldwide. North America is the largest market followed by Europe, Asia-Pacific and Europe, all of which have a rich history in healing. These destinations include Australia, South America and Mediterranean.
In the Middle East and North Africa, wellness travel expenditures grew from USD 2,8 billion in 2019 up to USD 5,44 billion by 2022. The combined economy of Saudi Arabia, UAE and other countries in the region was USD 1.9 billion by 2024. This figure is expected to double in 2034 thanks to government initiatives.
Key drivers and consumer trends
The modern health tourism industry caters for physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and often emphasizes stress reduction, mindfulness, and immunity support.
* Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen X are the driving force behind demand for holistic therapies, including yoga, digital detox, and wellness education.
Stress and burnout have led to a demand for recovery retreats that offer sleep technology, stress diagnosis, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and infrared Saunas.
The traveler is increasingly interested in authenticity, nature and properties that have local healing practices, eco-sensitive designs and immersive landscapes. Designing wellness resorts now includes concepts like “bringing nature inside” through the use of wood, natural lighting and plant integration.
Typologies unpacked
The format of these offerings and the depth of immersion vary. Popular choices include:
Traditional spa hotels/wellness retreats
Hotels that are upscale or luxury often have wellness amenities such as yoga, spas, and fitness centers. The services are usually a la cart.
All-inclusive resorts with multi-day programs are called destination spas. Accommodation, health meals, therapy sessions, and fitness are all included in the packages.
Health/medical Spas: These spas offer clinical treatments, under the supervision of a doctor, including diagnostics, IV drips and longevity therapies.
They are geared towards specific objectives, like yoga, fitness bootcamps, or meditation. These tend to be minimalist and more organized.
The intensity of the programs varies, with 1-3 sessions per day devoted to health, depending on guests’ preferences.
Price and duration of stay
The resorts are usually more expensive and offer longer stays. Bookings can be made for 7-10 night stays and are usually all-inclusive.
The cost of a mid-range retreat is between USD 1500 and 3000 per week. This includes accommodation, food, and an itinerary for wellness.
The ultra-luxurious options are available for more than USD 10,000 per week, with private villas and bespoke nutrition programs.
spa access.
Size and Facilities
Many health resorts have smaller spaces to increase intimacy. Some even host fewer than forty rooms. Many larger operators like Six Senses or Four Seasons limit their wellness inventory to less than 100 rooms.
The following are key facilities:
* Complexes spa (steam baths, hydrotherapy, and massage).
Yoga and fitness studios
* Outdoor activities (hiking, paddle boarding and meditation gardens).
Workshops on wellbeing (nutrition and mindfulness, sleep coaching, etc.)
Enjoy a healthy, organic and detoxified diet.
Medical services are optional (lab tests, longevity testing and other medical diagnostics).
This design emphasizes tranquility, natural materials, and sensory comfort.
Leading global brands
The health-related hotel industry is a mixture of global chains and dedicated operators. The key players are:
Canyon Ranch is a pioneer of immersive health retreats.
Miraval, a Hyatt resort in the US offers an all-inclusive getaway with a mental wellness focus.
Six Senses is a global IHG brand that focuses on sustainable wellness. It aims to have 60 resorts in the world by 2030.
COMO Shambhala – Asia-Pacific – Combines a holistic and luxurious approach.
Chiva-Som combines advanced wellness with Thai hospitality.
Rancho La Puerta, Mexico – a longtime fitness and healing retreat.
Ananda, in the Himalayas combines Ayurvedic tradition with an approach that is holistic and high-end.
Now, large hotel groups have expanded their offerings in the health sector. Wellness is becoming more integrated into luxury resorts in the Middle East. This often coincides with tourism goals.
The Middle East, Africa and Wellness Resorts
Zulal Wellness Resort (Qatar), the largest resort in the region, blends traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine with modern practices.
Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman – a beachfront luxury sanctuary offering tailored experiences in health.
Six Senses Shaharut, Israel – a resort based on sustainability and serenity.
Habitas AlUla, Saudi Arabia – a community-led retreat with a focus on nature in an environment rich with culture.
Banyan Tree AlUla combines Arabian wellness traditions with luxury.
Al Maha, UAE – a holistic approach to health in a desert environment.
One&Only One Za’abeel, (UAE), features Clinique La Prairie’s award-winning Longevity hub.
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman – elevated canyon views with tailored programs.
Kuriftu Resorts, a luxury local chain that combines a health-related holistic approach with cultural design.
Serena Hotels East Africa – offers wellbeing services in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Profitability and performance
Due to the following:
Midweek occupancy is higher and longer stays.
All-inclusive packages increase guest spending.
• Strong ancillary revenue from retail and health-related services.
The spa and holistic wellness services contribute up to 30-50 per cent of the total hotel revenue. This is a far cry from just 7-10percent at luxury hotels. The cost of therapists and other operational expenses may be higher.
Nutritionists, and infrastructure related to them. Margin is often between 15 and 25 percent. This matches or exceeds traditional luxury resorts.
Strong returns on investment
As global travel trends continue to evolve, wellness resorts are becoming more popular. Health, sustainability and mindfulness have now become important factors in making decisions. Hospitality providers have responded to the growing preference of consumers for holistic wellness over traditional luxury by creating environments which blend science, nature and culture in order to improve physical and mental health. This segment has an impressive growth rate, which is further supported by lifestyle and demographic changes. It’s clear that this segment of tourism will not be a trend, but rather a transformation in the way we travel. This presents an opportunity for developers and operators to access a resilient, high-yield market segment. Wellness-focused offers can be a great way to align with the national goals of development in regions such as the Middle East where diversification is an important policy.