Destination spas fund one of the world’s first published studies examining
the experiences of more than 2,500 health retreat guests in multiple locations
Relaxation is still the main reason people seek out spa retreats / photo: shutterstock/Perfect Wave
Despite the popularity of health retreats globally, little to no research explores who goes to them, why and for what benefits.
With this in mind, a new study in the International Journal of Spa and Wellness* looked at the demographics and motivations of 2,600 retreat-goers from more than 60 countries.
The research was supported by destination spa operators worldwide including Lapinha in Brazil, Bodyholiday in St Lucia, Danubius in Europe, Sheenjoy in China and Elysia (previously Golden Door) in Australia. Industry figure Marc Cohen was also a co-author.
Retreat motivations One of the main reasons for going on a retreat is relaxation and a holiday (30 per cent), according to the findings, followed by improving general health and learning coping mechanisms (18 per cent) and reducing stress and improving mental health (also 18 per cent).
Nearly all respondents felt better (74 per cent) or somewhat better (22 per cent) after a retreat stay. In addition, the vast majority felt so happy that they would return or recommend the stay (71 per cent) or were satisfied that it was worth the time and money (25 per cent).
Managing disease Forty-one per cent of respondents had one or more medical conditions and of those, 45 per cent experienced considerable relief from symptoms and another 26 per cent said it helped slightly. The greatest relief was most commonly experienced by those suffering from stress (64 per cent), fatigue (61 per cent), back pain (57 per cent) and arthritis (50 per cent).
Yet longitudinal and randomised controlled studies are still needed to prove the efficacy of programmes.
Self-funding majority Other findings confirm the importance of local source markets, with 64 per cent living less than 5 hours away from retreats.
The ongoing need to strengthen ties with medical institutions was also highlighted. Despite the potential for retreats to help with escalating healthcare costs, very few participants were referred by practitioners. Instead, they visited retreats following recommendations (50 per cent) or online searches (37 per cent). What’s more, a mere 3 per cent of people received either health insurance or government funding, with an overwhelming majority valuing their health so much that they paid for themselves.
*Source. Naidoo, D et al. Vacation or therapy? Demographics, motivations and experiences of wellness retreat guests around the world. Intl Journal of Spa and Wellness. July 2023
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2023 issue 4
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After receiving the highest civilian award for services to the French nation, Riadh Bouaziz, CEO of RKF Luxury Linen, reflects on his company’s many achievements and considers what lies ahead
Association focus: Thermal Heritage
Jane Kitchen finds out how two key associations – the European Historic Thermal Towns Association and the Great Spa Towns of Europe – are protecting and promoting the unique cultural relevances of Europe’s spa towns
Interview: Paul Simons
As he retires from the Great Spa Towns of Europe, the industry leader reflects on his long and esteemed career
Sponsored: New ways with water
Working globally with architects and interior designers allows Myrtha Wellness to embrace the latest trends in the international hospitality sector, as director Stefano Cattaneo explains
Sponsored: Cutting edge
Ara Patterson from Equinox Hotels talks about a partnership with
Gharieni that’s delivering ROI and innovative treatments for guests
Interview: Niamh O'Connell
What does Jumeirah’s first vice president of wellbeing have planned for the Middle East-based hospitality group?
Sponsored: Lasse Eriksen on contrast therapy
Contrast therapy is gaining attention for its healing effects. We ask aufguss and sauna expert Lasse Eriksen to share his views on the perfect experience
Nature spas: Tree of life
Lisa Starr discovers two retreats in Austria and Italy which base their wellbeing concepts on forests
Sponsored: Spirit of Excellence
Rupert Schmid and Pierre-Louis Delapalme, owners of Biologique Recherche, discuss the global rollout of its ‘Ambassade’ flagship spas
Sponsored: Outstanding performance
Bicester Hotel & Spa is working with Matrix Fitness to enable wellness guests to train like athletes with a unique offering
Destination spas fund one of the world’s first published studies examining
the experiences of more than 2,500 health retreat guests in multiple locations
Relaxation is still the main reason people seek out spa retreats / photo: shutterstock/Perfect Wave
Despite the popularity of health retreats globally, little to no research explores who goes to them, why and for what benefits.
With this in mind, a new study in the International Journal of Spa and Wellness* looked at the demographics and motivations of 2,600 retreat-goers from more than 60 countries.
The research was supported by destination spa operators worldwide including Lapinha in Brazil, Bodyholiday in St Lucia, Danubius in Europe, Sheenjoy in China and Elysia (previously Golden Door) in Australia. Industry figure Marc Cohen was also a co-author.
Retreat motivations One of the main reasons for going on a retreat is relaxation and a holiday (30 per cent), according to the findings, followed by improving general health and learning coping mechanisms (18 per cent) and reducing stress and improving mental health (also 18 per cent).
Nearly all respondents felt better (74 per cent) or somewhat better (22 per cent) after a retreat stay. In addition, the vast majority felt so happy that they would return or recommend the stay (71 per cent) or were satisfied that it was worth the time and money (25 per cent).
Managing disease Forty-one per cent of respondents had one or more medical conditions and of those, 45 per cent experienced considerable relief from symptoms and another 26 per cent said it helped slightly. The greatest relief was most commonly experienced by those suffering from stress (64 per cent), fatigue (61 per cent), back pain (57 per cent) and arthritis (50 per cent).
Yet longitudinal and randomised controlled studies are still needed to prove the efficacy of programmes.
Self-funding majority Other findings confirm the importance of local source markets, with 64 per cent living less than 5 hours away from retreats.
The ongoing need to strengthen ties with medical institutions was also highlighted. Despite the potential for retreats to help with escalating healthcare costs, very few participants were referred by practitioners. Instead, they visited retreats following recommendations (50 per cent) or online searches (37 per cent). What’s more, a mere 3 per cent of people received either health insurance or government funding, with an overwhelming majority valuing their health so much that they paid for themselves.
*Source. Naidoo, D et al. Vacation or therapy? Demographics, motivations and experiences of wellness retreat guests around the world. Intl Journal of Spa and Wellness. July 2023
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2023 issue 4
Sponsored: Highest French distinction for RKF's CEO
After receiving the highest civilian award for services to the French nation, Riadh Bouaziz, CEO of RKF Luxury Linen, reflects on his company’s many achievements and considers what lies ahead
Association focus: Thermal Heritage
Jane Kitchen finds out how two key associations – the European Historic Thermal Towns Association and the Great Spa Towns of Europe – are protecting and promoting the unique cultural relevances of Europe’s spa towns
Interview: Paul Simons
As he retires from the Great Spa Towns of Europe, the industry leader reflects on his long and esteemed career
Sponsored: New ways with water
Working globally with architects and interior designers allows Myrtha Wellness to embrace the latest trends in the international hospitality sector, as director Stefano Cattaneo explains
Sponsored: Cutting edge
Ara Patterson from Equinox Hotels talks about a partnership with
Gharieni that’s delivering ROI and innovative treatments for guests
Interview: Niamh O'Connell
What does Jumeirah’s first vice president of wellbeing have planned for the Middle East-based hospitality group?
Sponsored: Lasse Eriksen on contrast therapy
Contrast therapy is gaining attention for its healing effects. We ask aufguss and sauna expert Lasse Eriksen to share his views on the perfect experience
Nature spas: Tree of life
Lisa Starr discovers two retreats in Austria and Italy which base their wellbeing concepts on forests
Sponsored: Spirit of Excellence
Rupert Schmid and Pierre-Louis Delapalme, owners of Biologique Recherche, discuss the global rollout of its ‘Ambassade’ flagship spas
Sponsored: Outstanding performance
Bicester Hotel & Spa is working with Matrix Fitness to enable wellness guests to train like athletes with a unique offering
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick
Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and
private membership under one roof.
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana
Heritage
Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive
storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade-
long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas
attraction.
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are
progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef
education and conservation.
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise
business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play
in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers
confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor,
creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme
that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi-
day destination.
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
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