The Art of Wellness – We travel for Wellness not to escape life, but for life not to escape us
To awaken with heightened senses to bird song and the wind rustling leaves is an altogether different dimension to experience living. What a delight to wake up to another world and re-centre yourself!
I remember a heritage hotel in India reminiscent of a Mughal palace and a redolent lifestyle, which sported a large swing – jhula bed of yesteryears – in a verandah that had been converted into a sunroom with a glass ceiling and huge mesh floor-to-ceiling doors facing a wide garden. It was as good as sleeping outdoors – with the night sounds and sky above. When I visited the resort, some years later, it had been demolished and was an expansive, fully enclosed Luxury Suite. I believe the pendulum has come full circle.
Feeling well is now a need that is being sought consciously or unconsciously, on every front. There are eight dimensions of wellness.
Nothing better than Nature
Whenever I’m planning a quick getaway—whether it’s a beach escape, a forest retreat, a cosy hill station, or even some outdoor adventure—the first thing on my mind is always nature. There’s just something about being surrounded by the great outdoors that makes everything feel right again. And it seems like I’m not the only one! The whole back-to-nature trend is booming, and right at the heart of it is the age-old practice of forest bathing. So, what is back-to-nature therapy? Put simply it is a leisurely stroll through the woods, where you soak in the calm and beauty around you. Sounds easy, right?
Forest Therapy, as it’s now called, is a self-care movement that’s gaining serious traction. And it’s no wonder why—spending time in nature offers a ton of benefits. Research from the Journal of Environmental Psychology highlights that natural settings are just what we need for a mental refresh. Being near a forest, a lake, or the ocean can recharge your mental batteries. Plus, the sheer beauty of these places often sparks a sense of awe, which gives your brain an extra boost.
No wonder activities like bungee jumping or canopy trapezing are all the rage on vacations these days. Whether it’s a high-octane adventure or a peaceful escape, as long as it’s in nature, it’s a winner in my book.
Similarly, research by Frontiers in Psychology has a paper by the Human Health Laboratory, University of Illinois, US, that reports: “Time spent in and around tree-lined streets, gardens, parks, forested and agricultural lands is consistently linked to long-term health outcomes. The less green a person’s surroundings, the higher their risk of morbidity and mortality.”
“The range of specific health outcomes tied to nature is startling, including depression and anxiety disorder, diabetes
mellitus, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), various infectious diseases, cancer, healing from surgery, obesity, birth outcomes, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal complaints, migraines, respiratory disease and others, reviewed below. Finally, neighbourhood greenness has been consistently tied to life expectancy and all-cause mortality.”
How Nature Therapy Works
I’ve always felt that there’s something magical about being out in nature, and it turns out that science backs me up! A fascinating research paper published in Frontiers in Psychology explains that many plants give off phytoncides—those amazing antimicrobial compounds—that can lower blood pressure, balance our autonomic nervous system and even boost our immune system.
And if that’s not enough, the air in forests, mountains, and near-flowing, water is packed with negative ions that have been shown to reduce depression. Plus, these natural spots are home to mycobacterium vaccae, a microorganism that also gives your immune system a little extra love.
Nature truly works wonders on our bodies and minds. It promotes relaxation and enhances parasympathetic activity, which can improve sleep, strengthen immunity, and counteract the negative effects of stress on things like energy metabolism and insulin secretion. How cool is that?
One report even highlights that taking forest walks on consecutive days can increase the number and activity of anti-cancer NK cells by 50 to 56%! And get this—the benefits stick around even after you return to city life, with activity levels still 23% higher than before those nature walks. Not to mention, spending time in the forest can cut down inflammatory cytokines (those pesky players in chronic disease) by about half.
And it’s not just about deep forest therapy. Researchers at the University of Essex found that even just five minutes of exercise in green spaces can boost your mood and self-confidence. All this just goes to show that we really do need to embrace the connection between mental and physical health—and what better way to do that than by immersing ourselves in the natural world?
Health Centres and Therapies
When it comes to feeling well, it’s all about keeping our bodies in top shape, clearing our minds, staying productive, and, let’s be honest, feeling fabulous both inside and out. I’m all for anything that boosts confidence and makes us feel like the best versions of ourselves. That’s why I’m so excited about the incredible Health retreats available these days—they’re perfect for hitting the reset button and finding a bit of inner peace.
These retreats, along with Yoga and meditation, Spas, and Salons, are like little sanctuaries where you can relax, rejuvenate, detox, and recharge your body, mind, and soul. India, in particular, is overflowing with top-notch health options, from workplace programs to speciality spas, hot thermal and mineral springs, cutting-edge fitness gyms, and some seriously delicious and nutritious food.
What I love most is how these places blend ancient traditions with modern practices. You’ll find treatments rooted in Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation, Acupuncture, Naturopathy, and Panchakarma—think herbal massages, detox therapies, Sattvic meals, and holistic healing that really help you find your balance. It’s no wonder that Health and Rejuvenation retreats are booming across India; there’s just something so special about taking the time to reconnect with yourself in such a meaningful way.
Restorative Experiences
Rejuvenation is all about working from the inside out, though I have to admit, the outside does have a pretty big impact on how we feel inside—sometimes even more than we realize!
Hannah Bronfman, who’s an entrepreneur and all-around rejuvenation guru, breaks it down perfectly in her book Do What Feels Good. She keeps things simple: “It comes down to one simple equation: Do more of the things that feel good and less of the things that don’t.” Whether it’s enjoying delicious food, getting a good sweat on, pampering your skin, or just taking a moment to chill, your self-care rituals should always be about what makes you feel healthy and happy. After all, as Hannah says, “everybody deserves to feel good.”
The thing is, feeling well isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works wonders for one person might not do much for someone else, and that’s okay. It’s like playing a piano—each note is unique, and we’ve got to pick the ones that resonate with us. Maybe for you, it’s a swim, a relaxing bath, a sauna session, or even dancing in the rain or belting out your favourite tunes in the shower. Water has this amazing restorative power, and honestly, all these activities work in their way!
The same goes for exercise—whether it’s an intense workout, a simple walk, or even just getting stuff done around the house, it all counts. And let’s not forget about diet. From mindful eating to cooking healthy meals, or even trying out the latest food trends, it’s all about finding what makes you feel good. The key is to be smart about it and choose what works for you, in moderation of course.
At the end of the day, feeling good is personal. It’s about picking and choosing from the endless opportunities around us and crafting a routine that feels just right for you.
Multisensory rejuvenation
One of the coolest trends for 2024 is all about “A New Multisensory, Immersive Art for Feeling Well.” We’re talking about art installations that go way beyond what you’d expect to find in a museum or gallery. These experiences are popping up everywhere—from public spaces to hospitals, hotels, spas, and health centres. And they’re not just about admiring art; they’re designed to actively enhance your mental well-being. Think of it as “Well-being-art-tainment,” where cutting-edge tech like generative AI, VR, holograms, projection mapping, LED screens, and spatial sound come together to create a whole new level of sensory immersion.
If you thought a spa day was all about a nice massage with some aromatherapy, get ready to have your mind blown. These high-tech, multisensory experiences are anything but your typical feel-well fare. They’re innovative, visually stunning, and definitely not something you’d find in a stock photo. These experiences are designed to draw in crowds and are quickly going viral.
Take Davos 2024, for example. They had this amazing multisensory art installation using generative AI to make people feel connected to nature—like, really connected. You could see, hear, and even smell these vibrant “generative nature simulations” of rainforests, waterfalls, colourful birds, and flowers. The idea was to create a deep sense of urgency in people to protect our natural world, and from what I hear, it was pretty powerful.
Well-being and sensory art are becoming the same, and the results are truly next-level.
Well-being through the ages
Well-being isn’t just a buzzword we toss around today—it’s something people have been chasing for centuries! Travel has always been about more than just seeing new places; it’s been a way to rejuvenate, heal, and reconnect with ourselves. Take the ancient Romans, for example. They were all about feeling well long before it was trendy. They’d pack their bags and head to baths, hot springs, and seaside resorts, not just for a fun getaway, but for treatments, healthier climates, and even spiritual purification rituals. They knew how to blend relaxation with a bit of self-care!
And it’s not just the Romans who were onto something. For centuries, pilgrims from all over the world have flocked to the Dead Sea, drawn by its legendary therapeutic properties. Meanwhile, over in Asia, the Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans were way ahead of the game, travelling to hot springs for some much-needed relaxation and community bonding. They understood that feeling well is just as much about the mind and spirit as it is about the body.
India began as early as the 3rd century BCE, as a destination for spiritual growth, healing, and profound inner transformation. From the serene banks of the Ganges to the tranquil ashrams in the Himalayas, India has long been a place to rejuvenate, heal, and reconnect with their deeper selves. Take the ancient yogis, for example. They didn’t just wander into the forests to escape the world—they did it to find inner peace and balance.
Whether it’s through the wisdom of Ayurveda, called the “science of life,” and one of the oldest healing systems in the world, the practice of yoga, or the spiritual pilgrimages that dot the country, India has always been a destination for those on a quest for holistic well-being.
Even Russia got in on the action nearly 300 years ago. The country’s first resort spa was built in Karelia during the time of Peter the Great. It was all about harnessing the healing power of nature, and it set the stage for a long tradition of rejuvenation travel.
It’s fascinating to see how rejuvenation has evolved, yet the core idea remains the same: taking time to care for ourselves, whether through travel, treatments or simply soaking in the beauty of nature. We might have fancy new terms and high-tech spas today, but the desire to feel good and be well has been with us all along.
Authentic Rejuvenation Tourism Destinations
As we wrap up our chat about rejuvenation tourism, I can’t help but get excited about how some places nailing the whole authentic feeling-good experience. Take Kerala, for example—this stunning state in India embraced its rich Ayurvedic heritage over two decades ago and proudly calls itself the “Land of Ayurveda.” It’s like stepping into a whole new world of health where tradition meets rejuvenation.
And it’s not just Kerala doing this; countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan are weaving together their own unique rejuvenation vibes, blending Yoga, Ayurveda, Meditation, Spirituality, and even the pursuit of happiness into their travel experiences. It’s all about connecting with something deeper while you unwind.
But it doesn’t stop there! Costa Rica is all about that “Rejuvenation Pura Vida” life, and they’ve nailed it with their tourism campaign. They’re inviting travellers to dive into a lifestyle that’s all about well-being, nature, and embracing the pure joy of life—the Pura Vida spirit.
And then there’s Beverly Hills, which is flipping the script on luxury. Their “City of Wealth” campaign isn’t just about glitz and glamour anymore. They’re redefining luxury to focus on health, purpose, and happiness as the true markers of a rich life.
It’s so inspiring to see these places not just offering a vacation, but a chance to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. Whether you’re soaking up ancient traditions in Kerala or embracing the Pura Vida lifestyle in Costa Rica, rejuvenation tourism is about more than just a getaway—it’s about finding a better, more balanced way of living. And honestly, who doesnt need a little more of that in their life?
Wellness Tourism is now a whopping $651 billion industry
Did you know that Wellness Tourism is now a whopping $651 billion industry? According to the Global Wellness Summit 2024, this sector is booming, with an expected annual growth rate of 16.6% until 2027. But it’s not just about the dollars—this trend is bringing real, sustainable benefits to both local and urban economies while also giving a serious boost to visitors’ mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Physical Health and Rejuvenation Therapies in a nutshell:
Here’s a list of therapies that can be connected to each of the 8 dimensions of health and rejuvenation
- Massage Therapy: Relieves muscle tension, improves circulation, and promotes relaxation.
- Exercise Programs: Personalized fitness routines, including outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and yoga in nature, which support physical health.
- Nutritional Therapy: Tailored dietary plans using natural and whole foods, incorporating outdoor experiences like gardening or foraging to connect with the food source.
Emotional Therapies:
- Art Therapy: Uses creative expression to process emotions and reduce stress, potentially incorporating natural materials or outdoor settings.
- Music Therapy: Employs music to enhance mood and emotional well-being, with options to engage in this therapy outdoors, surrounded by nature’s sounds.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Techniques to manage stress, increase self-awareness, and cultivate a positive outlook, enhanced by practicing in natural environments such as forests, beaches, or mountains.
Intellectual Therapies:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on developing healthy thinking patterns, with opportunities to incorporate outdoor activities like reflective nature walks.
- Reading and Discussion Groups: Engaging with new ideas and perspectives to foster intellectual growth, potentially held in serene outdoor settings like parks or lakesides.
Social Therapies:
- Group Therapy: Provides support and fosters connection with others, with sessions that can be conducted outdoors to create a calming and open atmosphere.
- Community Programs: Activities that encourage social interaction and community building, such as group hikes, outdoor fitness classes, or community gardening, park clean-ups, tree planting, or conservation efforts.
Spiritual Therapies:
- Meditation and Prayer: Practices that connect individuals to a higher purpose or inner peace, especially effective when performed outdoors in peaceful natural settings.
- Reiki and Energy Healing: Techniques that balance the body’s energy and promote spiritual harmony, which can be enhanced by conducting sessions outdoors in natural environments.
- Nature-Based Spiritual Practices: Rituals and meditations performed in natural settings like sacred groves, mountains, or near bodies of water, connecting deeply with the earth.
Environmental Therapies:
- Eco-Therapy: Nature-based therapies that promote well-being by connecting with the natural environment, such as forest bathing or wilderness therapy.
- Feng Shui: An ancient practice of arranging living spaces to create harmony and balance with the environment, integrating natural elements indoors and promoting outdoor living spaces.
- Green Building and Design: Creating living or working spaces that promote health and sustainability, including the integration of natural light, greenery, and outdoor spaces.
Cultural Therapies:
- Cultural Immersion Experiences: Engaging in activities that allow individuals to explore and connect with different cultures, including outdoor cultural festivals, traditional ceremonies held in nature, or outdoor cooking classes featuring local cuisines.
- Ancestral Healing Practices: Involving traditional methods of healing passed down through generations, such as indigenous rituals, storytelling in natural settings, and herbal remedies sourced directly from nature.
Creative Therapies:
- Expressive Arts Therapy: Involving various forms of creative expression, such as painting, writing, dance, and theatre, potentially conducted outdoors to inspire creativity through nature.
- Crafting and Handicrafts: Engaging in creative activities like knitting, pottery, or woodworking, which can incorporate natural materials or be performed in an outdoor setting for added inspiration and relaxation.
These therapies, enhanced by nature and outdoor experiences, provide a more holistic approach to well-being, allowing individuals to connect with the natural world while fostering physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental, cultural, and creative well-being.
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