If the pandemic taught us one thing, it is to not take our health for granted. While the pandemic might have shone the spotlight on wellbeing, the wellness industry (estimated to be $1.5 trillion globally by international consulting firm McKinsey) has been steadily growing for years. Be it fitness, food, or even travel—the desire to be healthier, and consume what nourishes us holistically has permeated all aspects of our being, attracting younger audiences for preventive healthcare. As per Agoda’s recent Travel Trend survey, Indian travellers show a desire to embark on trips that allow them to recharge both mentally and physically. As per the survey, wellness ended up in the number two spot in the ‘reasons to travel’ ranking, between reuniting with loved ones (#1) and food, arts and culture travel (#3). It is no wonder that wellness tourism is trending in 2023, and thousands of wellness retreats have cropped up in India.

Many of these retreats have found themselves nestled in nature, although in close proximity to major cities, to provide city-dwellers the perfect escape from the hustle of their everyday lives. From doctor-prescribed diets to Indian Naturopathy, the modern wellness retreat offers a plethora of immersive wellness experiences that claim to offer you a chance to rewire your not-so-healthy routines. We spoke to Dr. Arun Pillai, wellness director of Dharana at Shillim, Sharmilee Kapur, and Nikhil Kapur, co-founders and directors of Atmantan Wellness Centre to trace the rise of wellness tourism, and understand how hospitality establishments are differentiating their offerings to keep their visitors engaged in an increasingly saturated market.