What’s the go with wellness travel?

Being stressed at work isn’t exactly new – but there’s a new way to holiday that might help more than bottomless margaritas by the pool will.

And by might help we mean definitely will help. Wellness travel is on the rise – and specific types of wellness travel in particular are gaining more and more popularity.

A survey by Skyscanner has revealed that at least one in 10 Aussies are taking a wellness vacation this year with “mental exhaustion from work” being one of the key reasons for booking a much-needed holiday focussed on relaxation and wellbeing (read, yoga instead of unlimited fries).

The top motivation to take a wellness holiday is mental exhaustion from work – according to almost 30 per cent of the survey respondents.

Workplace burnout can be attributed to various reasons such as having to manage workplace conflicts, pulling long hours and a lack of work-life balance.

A separate nationwide workplace survey further revealed that almost half (46 per cent) of the Australian population are concerned about managing mental health and personal wellbeing in the workplace because the adverse impact of stress during the nine to five could also lead to increased pressure on one’s finances and relationship with loved ones.

Apart from exhaustion at work, the study revealed two other main reasons why Aussies are planning to take a healthy holiday.

A quarter (25 per cent) said they wanted to have a healthier lifestyle, and 19 per cent said they wanted to go on a wellness holiday to reconnect with themselves.

But what kind of wellness holidays can you take?

Over 30 per cent of Aussies are planning to take a mindfulness or meditation retreat this year, to reset their minds and focus on their mental and emotional wellbeing.

On a mindfulness or meditation retreat, guests can relax, unwind and focus on their mind in a quiet setting.

Some include daily meditation and whole foods, some include lush spa facilities and some retreats are completely silent.

Other wellness holidays include yoga retreats, detoxes and fitness and weight loss bootcamps.

According to the survey, 16 per cent of Aussies plan on taking a yoga retreat and 11 per cent are heading to a weight loss retreat.

Robyn Lee, Senior Growth Manager at Skyscanner Australia, said the survey results are not surprising, as maintaining mental and physical health is becoming more and more important.

“With the rising importance of managing mental health and maintaining a positive wellbeing, it is unsurprising that wellness holidays focussed on mindfulness and fitness are gaining popularity,” she said.

“A vacation is the perfect opportunity for travellers to recharge and revitalise the mind, body and soul as they offer respite from the daily grind, while still being able to experience some place new.”

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

skyscanner wellness holidays wellness retreats Wellness travel