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Accor reveals its 2025 Wellness Travel Trends

The 2025 Wellness Travel Trends have been identified by Emlyn Brown, Accor’s global SVP of wellbeing

Global

By Wendy Golledge

03 December 2024

all.accor.com/
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Accor has predicted the key wellness trends set to shape 2025.

Its predictions focus on evidence-based health practices and the rise of athletic wellness escapes.

A leader in luxury hospitality, Accor predicts the growing influence of brain health and a return to simplicity with nature-based retreats, as well as a shift toward science-backed, holistic wellbeing.

Accor’s annual Wellness Travel Trends report has become a barometer for wellness professionals looking to meet consumers’ ever evolving needs.

The 2025 Wellness Trends Report is a collection of insights that forecast the future of spa and wellness, guiding the industry in its planning of experiences and offerings.

A headshot of Emlyn Brown, Global vice president Wellbeing, Accor

“2025 is shaping up to be a year of meaningful change. Wellness will become more grounded in science and authenticity. People have realised that the path to true holistic health is through informed choices, sustainable habits and a focus on the whole self."

Emlyn Brown

Accor’s global SVP of wellbeing

“As wellness in 2025 takes shape, the industry will undergo a shift away from quick fixes and influencer-led crazes to more authentic, science-backed approaches,” Brown continues, speaking exclusively to European Spa.

“These approaches will prioritise whole-body health, supported by technology. The confluence of ‘back to basics’ values and advanced technology will create more possibilities than ever for spas.”

Trend #1 Backlash against biohacking

Accor predicts that, in this era of heightened wellbeing consciousness, consumers will move away from unverified biohacking advice from social media influencers. The shift will be towards dependable, evidence-based health information.

“This shift reflects a mounting demand for authenticity; for fundamentals over fads,” says Brown. “At Accor, we’ll be focusing on science-backed practices that contribute to genuine wellbeing.

“We prioritise tested-and-true fundamentals and practices, and recognise that wellbeing thrives not in fleeting trends but in the steady pursuit of evidence and integrity.”

Person climbing a mountain at sunset
Transformational sports and nature experiences will flourish

Trend #2 Athletic wellness escapes

Wellness travel will evolve beyond passive relaxation to include active, athletic experiences that prioritise both health and adventure in 2025.

“Wellness retreats will shift their focus to outdoor challenges,” says Brown. “These transformational sports experiences will be led by experts and designed to build endurance, create community, and foster a sense of achievement.”

This active engagement creates a powerful sense of belonging and motivation, leading to transformative experiences for participants.

Super food. Glass of natural strawberry collagen protein powder in glass of water for skin regeneration. Trendy food additives. White background with sunlight and deep shadow of glass. Hard sunlight.
Functional beverages are set to take a prominent role in hospitality

Trend #3 Functional wellness drinks

As alcohol consumption continues to decline globally, functional wellness beverages will increasingly take centre stage.

“This trend is especially appealing to the growing number of consumers seeking healthy socialisation options that support their wellbeing,” says Brown.

Infused with health supplements such as adaptogens and immune-boosting herbs, these wellness beverages provide balanced energy without the side effects of alcohol.

Trend #4 Rediscovering wellness fundamentals

In 2025, simplicity and emphasising the core pillars of wellbeing – movement, nutrition and mindfulness – will take centre stage.

Consumers are moving away from complex wellness regimens, embracing more accessible practices such as walking, sauna sessions and open water swimming.

This off-grid philosophy also fosters social connections andh reflects the growing democratisation of wellness.

Trend #5 Cognitive performance as a wellness priority

“With increased life expectancy, longevity has become a key focus in wellness,” Brown says. “True long-term health now means nurturing the brain as much as the body and holistic wellness has a growing role in promoting cognitive health.”

 

Consumers across all age groups, from 25 to 75, are actively seeking ways to enhance cognitive function and mental clarity. Responding to this demand, the wellness market is introducing brain supplements and brainwave programmes.

 

“Wellness offerings will increasingly integrate these brain-boosting technologies. As life extends, so does the quest for a sharper mind,” says Brown.

Trend #6 From aesthetics to functional fitness

The trend toward over-muscularity is fading as fitness enthusiasts shift their focus to balance, flexibility and functional muscle development.

In the realms of fitness and activity, a shift is occurring. Since 2022, low-impact workouts have risen by 176%, with reformer Pilates gaining popularity among all genders.

Pilates is now gaining traction among men as well, as seen in the rise of the hashtag #RealMenDoPilates, with men increasingly recognising its numerous benefits.

Yoga class doing the half-moon pose and breathwork. Generative AI
There was a 176% rise in low-impact workout bookings on ClassPass from 2022

Trend #7 The continued rise of personalised health experiences

Customisation and personalisation are transforming the wellness industry, with 82% of consumers stating that tailored experiences are key to their brand choices.

“Personalised health experiences will continue to reshape wellness,” says Brown. “Advances in wearable technology are making hyper-personalised wellness plans, real-time fitness adjustments and tailored nutrition widely accessible.”

This shift creates exciting opportunities for the hospitality sector to offer hyper-personalised programming, bespoke nutrition plans, enhanced spa treatments and individualised sleep therapy – all powered by the latest technology.

Master chef cook man hands precisely cooking dressing preparing tasty fresh delicious mouthwatering gourmet dish food on plate to customers 5-star michelin restaurant kitchen close-up detailed artwork. High quality photo
Expert nutritionists are emerging as influential figures

Trend #8 The new influencers of culinary wellness

With the personalised nutrition market projected to reach $23.3 billion by 2027, individuals are increasingly seeking tailored dietary solutions.

Expert nutritionists are emerging as influential figures, in many cases replacing celebrity chefs. At Accor, this trend is embodied by Pillar Kitchen at Raffles London at The OWO.

Part of the Pillar Wellbeing concept, this health café puts plant-based food and nutrition at the forefront.

With a menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, the programme also offers one-on-one nutrition coaching sessions, helping individuals deepen their understanding of diet and supplements.

To download the full Accor 2025 Wellness Travel Trends report click here.

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