The 5 Wellness Travel Trends of 2025
Athletech News shines a light on five of the health and wellness travel trends from Tripadvisor’s Trendiest 2025 report
If anyone has insight into current and future travel trends, it’s Tripadvisor. The online travel review and booking platform has released its first-ever 2025 Trendcast, analyzing millions of reviews, bookings and discussions to uncover what’s shaping tourism now—and what’s next.
Unsurprisingly, several of Tripadvisor’s key travel trends align with the growing focus on fitness and wellness.
Here are 5 new categories that are poised to shape the wellness tourism industry this year and beyond, according to Tripadvisor.
Waves of Wellness
Travelers today want more than just an infinity pool—they’re seeking immersive water experiences that promote wellness and connection. From modern bathhouses to water therapy sessions to transformative diving trips, aquatic-based healing is on the rise. Still, cold plunges remain hot, with mentions in Tripadvisor reviews and forums up 73%, while bookings for thermal spas and hot springs have surged 157%.
For those who want to explore wellness modalities on the high seas, several cruises are launching this year, such as Viva Cruise, which will take travelers on a wellness trip across the Rhine. Guests on the ship can expect an onboard wellness coach, nordic walking, health and wellness lectures, daily yoga and qi gong, detox drinks and smoothies, massages and more.
Eating Adventures
The growing interest in healthy and mindful eating has translated into a deeper focus on locally sourced foods, education and eating with intention. While a trip to the local farmers’ market may sound quaint, today’s travelers are booking experiences like “steak-cations” to enjoy sustainably raised meats and learn the farming process or foraging trips hunting for wild mushrooms. Tripadvisor data reveals mentions of food sustainability up 65%, while farm-to-table experiences have jumped 80%.
Game Day
While some travelers still seek relaxation, many crave adventure that pushes them to their edge, such as heli-hiking and seawalking – two adrenaline-fueled activities that Tripadvisor noted in its report. Sporting events are also drawing attention, with a 219% spike in engagement on related Tripadvisor pages. Meanwhile, bookings for niche sports and activities have risen 329% over the past two years.
The enthusiasm for sports has also paved a path for travelers to book experiences where they can learn like the pros. Canyon Ranch, a chain of upscale wellness resorts, partnered with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) to create athlete-inspired health and fitness experiences for its guests.
Those who book the program embark on a four-day curated experience featuring strength and conditioning, recovery treatments, mindfulness practices and nutrition optimization.
Sensational Senses
Immersive experiences like forest bathing are also trending, as are multi-sensory events. According to Tripadvisor, bookings with both forest bathing and multi-sensory keywords have increased by 75% and 267%, respectively. Getting back to nature is also a key offering at Marriott’s Puerto Rico location in Dorado Beach, where the hotelier offers guests a chance to explore an 11-mile forest trail with the option of an evening hike under the stars.
Sound healing also falls into this category. New York City’s Sage + Sound has carved out a niche in the wellness space by providing a sanctuary for physical and emotional well-being, offering acupuncture, facials, energy healing and immersive sound baths. The brand has plans to expand in Greenwich, CT.
Health-aesthetic
Despite all of the exciting new trends in travel, self-care remains a staple for many travelers, who will be happy to find time to book self-care services like massage or assisted stretching.
Head spas saw a +389% increase in mentions, while red light therapy saw a similar upward trend (+433%), according to Tripadvisor. At the Los Angeles Fairmont Century Plaza, guests can book a red light therapy experience in the OvationULT Zero Gravity Bed, a somewhat newer addition to its spa.
Bonus: Don’t Snooze On Sleep
In addition to Tripadvisor’s findings, other trends, such as sleep optimization, are emerging in the wellness tourism space. Luxury hotelier Equinox is leading the way when it comes to catching Z’s, having recently
partnered with Dr. Matthew Walker, a sleep scientist and professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. The two are creating guest rooms carefully crafted for the best sleep ever.
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