In the past several years, one of the fastest-growing trends in the travel industry has been wellness travel.

This can range from a simple spa get-away, to complete medical care. Additionally, most of these wellness vacations are a chance to relieve stress and reset the psyche. Highly driven personality types take the same approach to their downtime. They seek purposeful therapies rooted in longevity and science to fuel their quest for success. According to travel-blue.com, the top wellness travel trends are:

• Remote wellness retreats: Escaping to secluded locations for wellness.
• Creating travel experiences that cater to women's wellness.
• Sustainable wellness tourism: Eco-friendly travel to save the environment.
• Indigenous traveling: Exploring wellness practices of Indigenous cultures.
• Blue Zone wellness travel: Visiting regions with high longevity and well-being.

This has led to traditional spas taking an innovative approach. According to Catherine Warren, Vice President of Arch Amenities Group in Boca Raton, “Looking to 2025, wellness travel will be shaped by hyper-personalization, sustainability, and the growing demand for hybrid wellness experiences. The future of wellness will increasingly be driven by data and personalization. Spas are investing in technology that allows for highly tailored wellness experiences based on individual needs and preferences. AI-driven systems and biometric data can help customize treatments in real-time, providing guests with experiences that feel deeply personal and unique.”

The following spas and resorts each address these top wellness trends and are LGBTQ-welcoming spaces.

RoseBar Six Senses Longevity Clinic in Ibiza has been spearheading high-tech wellness since it opened in 2023.

“The modern spa experience is evolving, becoming more immersive and multifaceted,” said Talana Bestall, part of RoseBar’s founding team, in a press release. “At Six Senses Ibiza, our spa facilities now focus on integrating health and wellness technologies with deeply holistic practices. A spa visit is no longer just about the sauna or steam room — it’s about creating a multisensory journey that combines meditation, breathing techniques, art, hot and cold therapy, vibration and sound beds, sound healing, DJ sessions, aromatherapy, and more. With advanced health checks and body monitoring systems that adjust in real-time, we offer an immersive, tailored experience designed to boost both mental and physical well-being.”

Women’s health retreats are becoming a cornerstone of wellness tourism, offering specialized programs tailored to address the unique health needs and life stages of women. From fertility optimization to post-natal recovery and menopause management, these retreats empower women with holistic solutions to enhance their overall well-being. Leading this trend, The Farm at San Benito provides transformative programs, including fertility programs, post-natal care, and menopause retreats. Designed to meet women’s evolving needs, these offerings create a sanctuary for rejuvenation, self-discovery, and sustainable wellness practices. The Farm empowers women to navigate life’s changes with grace, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose, fostering lasting wellness.

Castle Hot Springs is an 1,100-acre property nestled in the Sonoran Desert about 50 miles outside of Phoenix, with the backdrop of the Bradshaw Mountains, the resort provides a nature-driven wellness experience focused on self-care. The resort's restorative approach incorporates the surrounding natural elements and resources used by the Indigenous people for generations. This restorative concept is included in everything from invigorating soaks in the ancient thermal hot springs, to sound bowl meditation to taking a guided tour to see the remote slot canyons.

Sustainable farming is a priority here, focusing on the flavor of the produce rather than the size and yield of more than 150 different crops, including tomatoes, vegetables, greens, specialty produce, and herbs for the Harvest Restaurant.

Pritikin Longevity Center is in nearby Miami and its curated wellness programs are designed to meet the individual needs of each guest — and they feature one-on-one consultations with leading health experts, which may include registered dieticians, exercise physiologists, and cardiologists. To create a customized path forward, guests may be required to have comprehensive bloodwork analysis, exercise tolerance tests, heart rate monitoring during fitness sessions, body scans, sleep studies, and other assessments. After consulting with Pritikin's team of experts, you'll leave with the sustainable knowledge of how to shop for and cook healthy meals, continue the fitness and exercise plan, and build the resilience to rest and recover properly at home.

Located in the upscale town of Water Mill, New York, Shou Sugi Ban House provides a luxurious wellness experience in the Hamptons. Relax with mindfulness programs, pamper yourself with spa treatments, and enjoy fresh, farm-to-table meals. Hydrotherapy pools and therapeutic treatments enhance your journey toward well-being. Surrounded by lush gardens, this three-acre sanctuary is a peaceful and inclusive space where guests can unwind.

THE FUTURE OF WELLNESS TRAVEL

For those seeking journeys that nurture the body, mind, and spirit, wellness tourism has evolved from a trend to a lifestyle movement, shaping the future of travel. This is set to be a landmark year for wellness tourism, marking a global shift toward purposeful, meaningful, and health-focused travel. By addressing global health concerns and blending modern science with ancient healing traditions, wellness tourism is poised for continued growth.

PEOPLE LIKE US

LGBTQ wellness travel offers a chance to refresh your mind, body, and spirit while being true to oneself. Choosing a wellness retreat that celebrates your identity is essential for your self-care journey. These inclusive destinations listed above are perfect environments to recharge, rejuvenate, and focus on your well-being. With supportive communities, expert-led wellness programs, and a focus on inclusion, you’ll find a space where you can truly be yourself as you heal and grow. But sometimes you just want to be among your own people. These spaces have been designed specifically for the LGBTQ traveler.

Serving the LGBTQ community for decades, the Rainbow Mountain Resort sits high atop the Pocono Mountains in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. De-stress in the outdoor pool, unwind in the sauna, or enjoy the hot tub. The resort features an on-site restaurant and three bars, including a poolside bar, to enjoy both meals and drinks. This would be mostly self-directed as there are no spa facilities.

Easton Mountain Retreat in Greenwich, New York is a wellness center built specifically with the LGBTQ community in mind. You’ll find a peaceful space perfect for self-discovery and personal growth, with breathtaking views and tranquil nature trails. Step away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life and embrace the serenity of the surroundings. Whether you’re joining a workshop or simply soaking in the calm, you’ll experience an affirming and rejuvenating retreat that caters to your well-being.

As Arizona’s first black, woman-owned, adults-only wellness resort, The Jenesis House is blazing a trail in the wellness world. Located in Prescott, Arizona, and set amidst nature, this inclusive resort has a peaceful atmosphere for LGBTQ travelers when rest and renewal are the goals. Surrounded by desert landscapes, the resort provides a mix of relaxation and empowerment, ensuring you feel safe and supported as you unwind.

Gay Men’s Spiritual Retreat is an annual event that seeks to enhance the spiritual lives of gay men. Its mission is to help men set aside their preconceptions and fears that separate them from true spiritual freedom. Inspired by the South African philosophy of Ubuntu, they will create space for like-minded gay men to examine and improve their spirituality in a supportive, open-minded atmosphere, through workshops and activities — both individual and group, and always optional. Those participating can expect to be invited outside their comfort zone and supported along the way. There are several retreats around the country. Go to gmsr.org for more information.

EXPERIENCE WELLNESS IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

You needn’t travel halfway around the globe to experience a wellness retreat. Rock Spa & Salon has just opened at The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. It is redefining relaxation and rejuvenation and has recently launched a wellness-inspired food menu to go along with its exclusive signature treatments. The new offerings are designed to enhance the guest experience by seamlessly integrating nourishment, relaxation, and luxury.

"Rock Spa & Salon is redefining wellness with an exciting blend of indulgence and rejuvenation," said Kadir Marrero, Director of Spa at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood in a press release. "Our new food menu and signature treatments promise to elevate relaxation, energize the spirit, and create an unforgettable spa experience for our guests."

Guests seeking a mind, body, and soul reboot can start their wellness journey at the 42,000-square-foot oasis. The recently expanded spa offerings range from signature services such as massages and facials to healing therapies for individuals and couples alike.

Rock Spa & Salon’s new food and beverage menu features dishes that prioritize health, balance, and indulgence. Spa guests can enjoy nutritious bites, salads, bowls, and a varied selection of chilled juices and sparkling cocktails, ensuring their wellness journey extends beyond treatment. Menu highlights include: a skirt steak bowl, Greek salad, or club sandwich. Beverage options include flavored waters, mimosas & bellinis. In addition to the culinary offerings, Rock Spa & Salon offers premium treatments and healing therapies including:

• CBD Sleep Therapy Serum Treatment: a 90-minute treatment designed to help relieve tension and restore peaceful sleep.
• Four-Handed Massage: A massage with two therapists working in sync to maximize relaxation and stress relief.
• Polynesian Ritual: inspired by South Pacific traditions, the massage restores balance and harmony.
• Rock Royalty: releases tension with deep tissue techniques and soothing aromatherapy.
• Unplug to Reboot: a transformative experience that rejuvenates both mind and body.

The Rock Spa & Salon experience incorporates natural elements and living walls within an atrium filled with natural light from overhead skylights. The wellness-focused enclave offers 21 individual treatment rooms; women’s and men’s locker rooms with steam, sauna, hot tubs, and relaxation areas; a 3,200 square-foot fitness center, and a 3,600 square-foot salon; as well as co-ed lap pool, hot and cold plunge pools, sauna, and a Himalayan salt room.

To book a spa experience at Rock Spa call 800-509-8862 or visit seminolehardrockhollywood.com/amenities/rock-spa-and-salon.