Retreat and replenish

With more people looking to explore their potential and reset their connection with the world, retreat programming is a crucial growth area for spas.

Mental health issues, trauma, anxiety and stress will drive demand for educational tools and deep emotional healing. Renowned destination spa Ananda in the Himalayas is to showcase new emotional health programmes, while across Europe, master therapists, shamen and mindfulness coaches are offering heart-based healing through Wellbeing Escapes and the Global Retreat Company.

Many new spas will take a corporate focus, helping businesses to take better care of their people. Blazing a trail in Greece is Euphoria Retreat’s Holistic Leadership Retreat. Personal growth and self-discovery short breaks, as found at retreat.guru, are set to attract a younger demographic of aspirational leaders. Also expect more retreats for men, including breathwork, nature immersion, cold-water therapy and spiritual escape, as offered at SenSpa at Careys Manor, UK.

Finally, a seismic shift in intergenerational wellbeing is coming, particularly in EMEA. Renowned spa destinations such as Zulal by Chiva-Som in Qatar, put family first. Red Sea Global, part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious 2030 vision, will also have family time at its heart. The first 16 of its resorts will debut by the close of 2025, totalling 50 by 2030.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR SPAS…

Personalised and imaginative retreat time can enhance any spa programme, but only with the right expertise, planning and execution. Build a portfolio of local talent to make it meaningful and memorable.