Wellness travel is evolving in 2026 to include everything from indulgence to intention.
In 2026, the evolution of wellness has accelerated. No longer limited to escapism, it has evolved to help us switch off, slow down, improve sleep hygiene, rebuild strength, steady stress levels, reset hormones or mark a personal turning point. When it comes to travel, one-size-fits-all retreats are out, giving way to outcome-driven experiences worth your time and money. Here, we reveal the top trends for the year ahead.
Transformative retreats
From menopause and burnout to career reinvention and a post-relationship reset, these retreats focus on providing structure during transitional periods. Programmes offer emotional support and tools for long-term change.
Where to try it:
Eremito, Italy
This modern hermitage offers relaxation and renewal for mind, body and spirit, close to a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy solitude, nature and plant-based meals, and disconnect from digital distractions. eremito.com
Read more: Discover the Alpine retreat proving that true luxury travel is sustainable
Pilates over yoga
Pilates-led retreats are an emerging new benchmark as travellers seek strength, alignment and measurable results. While yoga is equally popular, classical Pilates is being repositioned as a longevity practice by these retreats, with a focus on posture, joint health and functional movement, prioritising resilience and injury prevention in older age groups.
Where to try it:
Reformer Retreats, across Europe
Purpose-built Pilates and wellbeing retreats combining structured movement with breathwork, sound healing and restorative therapies, aimed at meaningful personal resets. reformerretreats.com
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Design-led experiences
Wellness, but make it aesthetic. Design-led retreats use light, materials, acoustics and landscape as active wellness tools, creating environments that support calm and mental clarity.
Where to try it:
São Lourenço do Barrocal, Portugal
A restored estate where minimalist design, open landscapes and natural materials are central to the restorative experience. barrocal.pt
Nervous-system regulation
Tackling stress, poor sleep hygiene and over-stimulation, spas are introducing practices to calm your nervous system — from breathwork to sound therapy, cold exposure and thermal bathing.
Where to try it:
SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain
A clinically informed wellness destination specialising in stress regulation, sleep optimisation and emotional balance. shawellness.com
Read more: Expert tips on how to get better sleep
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Longevity travel
This trend is not really about living forever — it’s focused on living better and longer, seeking modern ways to do so. Wellness trips now look at prioritising prevention, and blend medical guidance and restorative therapies to boost health and resilience. The focus is on practical habits for long-term wellbeing, which can be continued after returning home.Â
Where to try it:
Lanserhof Tegernsee, Germany
A medical-wellness retreat offering elite facilities, diagnostics and movement spaces designed for measurable results. lanserhof.com
Wholesome indulgence
Finally, a move away from rigid ‘clean’ or ‘detox’ eating towards chef-led, pleasure-forward cuisine. This prioritises seasonal, locally grown, plant-based and pescatarian menus, leaning into flavour, satisfaction and nourishment.
Where to try it:
Euphoria Retreat, Greece
Mediterranean-rooted wellness cuisine that balances nourishment with flavour, creativity and abundance. euphoriaretreat.com
Read more: The world’s best hotels for fitness fanatics
Quiet & nature-first escapes
Forest bathing, cold-water swimming, walking and seasonal rituals are at the forefront of nature-led escapism. Travellers seek nature immersion, gentler schedules and time offline. Experiences focus on minimal digital connectivity and experiences rooted in the natural world.
Where to try it:
Arctic Bath, Swedish Lapland
A floating hotel situated on the Lule River in the small village of Harads, with an open-air river pool. Embrace the cold-water immersion, forest bathing and seasonal rituals, and indulge in a gastronomic adventure in the floating restaurant too. arcticbath.se
Sources:
- Booking.com, Travel Predictions 2026 — survey of 29,000+ travellers across 33 countries
- WTM Global Travel Report 2025 — macro travel and consumer behaviour trends
- Reformer Retreats, Sophie Hatton, Founder — Wellness Travel Trends 2026
- Explore Worldwide, Travel Trends & Consumer Data 2026
Feature image: PexelsÂ
