WANT A PEEK INTO THE (NEAR) FUTURE OF THE SPA AND WELLNESS INDUSTRY? WE GOT OUR HANDS ON SPAFINDER’S 13TH ANNUAL GLOBAL SPA & WELLNESS TRENDS FORECAST, WHICH HAS TAKEN A DECIDEDLY SOCIAL STANCE IN HIGHLIGHTING HOW WE’RE ALL GOING TO RELAX IN 2016.
If you’ve ever wished there was a way to be active at the office, a spa for stressed-out kids, or a taboo-free way of discussing sexual wellness, then you’re not alone. You’re also in luck—these topics are trending, and you’ll hear a lot more about them over the next 12 months. Read on to discover more of what your “Me time” will mean in 2016.
Waves of Change
Did you know that surfing lessons are available in 160 countries around the world? But don’t think you have to be a Beach Boy to ride the waves—get your girls together for an all-female surf retreat such as Surf with Amigas. Land lovers, you’re also in luck—SpaFinder reports a “new wave” of surf-simulating fitness classes.
SpaFinder recommends: Hotel Komune Bali, a destination spa located on the world-famous Keramus surf break. This beyond-chic resort offers surfing and paddle board lessons, and even a special night surfing option. Out of vacation days? Try SurfSet Fitness, which has expanded to 250 studios in 20 countries.
Sexual Healing
We’re all adults here, so in 2016 expect the wellness industry to (finally) open up about sexual wellbeing. From sex-forward hotels to high-tech sex fitness trackers, the industry is doing its best to improve your sex life.
SpaFinder recommends: SoCal’s WOMANOLOGY + RESTORE HIM clinics at the Hoag Memorial Hospital and Shh Retreat. Held in pressure-free, home-like estates, these clinics give women a chance to recharge their sexual health, through pilates, acupuncture, guided imagery, and more.
Temazcal
Since this ancient Mexican practice has been healing indigenous people for thousands of years, we can’t really call it a trend. But if you’re searching for an authentic wellness offering, look no further than this elaborate ritual. A trained shaman uses heat, steam, aromatic herbs, prayers and chants to invigorate guests and leave them feeling more attached to both the physical and the spiritual world.
SpaFinder recommends: Luxury resorts such as El Dorado Royale, located on the Maya Riviera.
Parental Guidance
We’ve covered how stress wreaks havoc on our skin, and how younger demographics are most at risk. Luckily, schools, yoga classes, and massage studios have taken notice, and are starting to offer mindfulness and mediation therapy for the under-18 set.
SpaFinder recommends: The David Lynch Foundation’s Quiet Time program, a youth-oriented TM therapy class now taught in low-income urban schools. Want to plan a wellness retreat the whole family can enjoy? Look up the resort Six Senses, located in the Maldives.
Adrenaline Junkies
Love both the thrill of almost dying and the chill of a good, safe, meditation sesh? Well, contrary to what you might believe, that doesn’t make you crazy—just foresighted. SpaFinder reports an increase in “high-octane adventure topped off with ‘apres-adrenaline’ relaxation” at resorts everywhere. According to science, this therapy can prove addictive, as it both resets the brain and blisses you out.
SpaFinder recommends: Rio Peridido in Costa Rica, which offers both high-flying adventure and hot springs relaxation.
Well-Fests
Remember that road trip you and your friends took to Bonnaroo back in college? Of course you don’t! Turns out, kids these days are a little less hardcore. Enter wellness festivals. Imagine a health-oriented Coachella.
SpaFinder recommends: Wanderlust, a yoga festival series that’s held on six different countries. Want to go off-the-grid? Kent, England’s Innocent Unplugged music festival bans technology, and there’s only a people-powered hamster wheel to provide power.
On Demand
Thanks to apps like Uber and Seamless, we’ve gotten used to being able to get whatever we want through the touch of a button. The wellness industry is following suit, to give customers the same level of flexibility and convenience.
SpaFinder recommends: Zeel, an on-demand massage (yes, please!) provider, and Manicube, like Uber but for nails.
The Korean Beauty Explosion Continues
This should be news to no one, but South Korea produces some pretty innovative and affordable beauty products. From spas to facemasks to flawless skincare routines, SpaFinder predicts that South Korea will become the “global leader” in all things beauty.
SpaFinder recommends: Retailors Peach & Lilly and Spa Castle, U.S
All Aboard
SpaFinder advises us to “think less cruise ship and more floating retreat” when it comes to picking our cruise lines, as more and more are offering some impressive wellness programming and spa facilities.
SpaFinder Recommends: Lines like Raison d’Etre’s LivNordic, Canyon Ranch SpaClub aboard the Seven Seas Explorer (which sets sail in July 2016), and Carnival Corp’s Fathom brand for a socially responsible tropical cruise.
Work It
Want to work for a company that offers free yoga and meditation classes, financial counseling, and mandatory vacations? 2016 might make your dreams come true. Thanks to forward-thinking global companies, CEOs have noticed that a healthy workforce is a productive one, and have started to offer wellness programs designed to help.
SpaFinder Recommends: Learning more about workplace wellness at companies such as Google, Apple, and Virgin Group Ltd.