Well, well, the islands are calling

For the post-pandemic traveller, recovering from the stress, anxiety, and physical impact of Covid-19 is going to be a top concern regardless of destination — and it will take more than “feel-good” spa treatments to fulfil this need.

According to the 2021 Global Wellness Economy report by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), wellness tourism is poised to grow by as much as 21% per annum through 2025 as travellers prioritise nature, sustainability, and mental wellness. But as a McKinsey survey shows, consumers’ definition of wellness has evolved to include better nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness in addition to health and appearance.

Wellness tourism also offers another benefit over leisure packages: less reliance on seasonality or location, and a greater focus on the personal experience. And regardless of market positioning, hotels across Southeast Asia are coming up with more exceptional wellness programmes for guests.

Eat well

A complimentary tea appreciation class at Oasia Resort Sentosa. Photo Credit: Oasia Resort Sentosa

The desire to eat healthy is an easy one to meet: just like catering to clients with dietary restrictions, travel agents can highlight accommodations that tout nutrition as a specialty. Hospitality players are also evolving to offer tailored meal plans to guests based on food sensitivities, weight loss goals, and more.

Rosewood Phuket, for one, offers its Asaya Cleanse programme to guests who want to redefine their relationship with food, and helps them discover the physical and mental benefits of eating well. With a mix of physical and emotional treatments, guests can achieve a more mindful approach to food choices and meal preparation.

On the other hand, Oasia Resort Sentosa involves guests in a more hands-on approach with holistic programmes in partnership with local wellness brands. These include a Food Myths, Nutrition, & Herbalism workshop by Asmara, as well as a Tea Appreciation workshop by Pryce Tea.

“Post-pandemic, health and wellness will be a key hospitality niche and we want to be ready to capture this market segment when recovery happens,” said Arthur Kiong, CEO of Far East Hospitality Management at the resort’s opening. “From the curated programmes to amenities, every offering in the resort and spa is designed to imprint on guests the importance of self-care.”

According to Liza Tan, hotel manager at Oasia Resort Sentosa, there has been overwhelming interest in the wellness workshops and occasions where the hotel has to arrange for additional classes. To complete the wellness experience, guests can take their pick of complimentary activities such as AquaZumba and Qi Gong, or even loan Lululemon yoga mats for their own in-room workouts.

Cleanse the mind and spirit

Arjan Cave at Kamalaya Koh Samui, once used by Buddhist monks, remains a space for meditative practice. Photo Credit: Kamalaya Koh Samui

The stresses of adjusting to new ways of working, parenting, and living have left many frazzled or burned out. Even going overseas presents its own set of hurdles, which means travellers are especially keen on seamlessly organised, hassle-free retreats.

Kamalaya Koh Samui is a pioneer in this aspect. Since opening in 2005, the resort — which encircles a centuries-old cave once used by Thai Buddhist monks for meditation — offers a plethora of wellness programmes that combine traditional practices with modern innovations.

“We see from our guests that the holistic wellness programmes at Kamalaya are more in demand now than ever before,” said Kamalaya’s founder and chief wellness officer, Karina Stewart. “Even those who have not been directly affected by the virus have been forced to deal with a variety of concerns, including isolation and stress-related anxieties as an indirect result of world events and prolonged uncertainties.”

Stewart says Kamalaya’s most popular programme is “Embracing Change”, a five- or seven-day experience that includes full board meals, up to 17 treatments, and consultations with a naturopath, TCM practitioners, and a Life Enhancement Mentor. The resort offers programmes that extend as long as 21 days.

For shorter stays, travellers can look to the Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam, which offers one-day mental and emotional wellness programmes. In addition to guided meditation, yoga, and massage sessions, each programme includes a personalised lifestyle or sleep consultation to help target specific concerns like grief, anxiety, or bad habits.

Get fit

Guests can learn the national sport of Muay Thai at Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta. Photo Credit: Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta

The physical restrictions of lockdowns also mean that more travellers are looking for ways to get active while they travel, especially on an idyllic island retreat. The Wellness Tourism Association’s 2021 Wellness Travel Consumer Survey showed that access to fitness activities in nature was among the top travel offerings rated “extremely important”.

In addition to spa facilities, travel agents can look out for properties boasting unique workout experiences. Hotels around the world are now offering personal training, coaching sessions with world-class sports figures, and exclusive activities like rock climbing and surf beaches.

Pimalai Resort & Spa in Koh Lanta is one such property. Not only does it have tennis courts and bicycles on its grounds, but it also features a fitness centre for Muay Thai and aerial yoga. Guests may also opt for private yoga, TRX, or paddleboarding sessions with a personal trainer.

On the other hand, with international tourism still on the mend across the Asia-Pacific region, more hotels have sought to grow revenue from local residents by offering day programmes. At Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, guests can book a daycation-style workout in lush, tranquil settings.

The hotel has partnered with Inhale Yoga to offer a one-hour yoga session along with two hours’ usage of the Sofitel Pool and a detox drink; alternatively, one can book a personal training or circuit training workout that includes goal-setting and professional guidance.