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With another year upon us and new advancements and discoveries happening constantly in the world of wellbeing, Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists has curated an extensive list of all the latest wellness trends they believe will emerge to popularity throughout the year of 2024, and the destinations where each of these trends can be enjoyed to the fullest.
Health and Fitness Travel has seen a staggering increase in travellers looking to embark on multi-generational trips, athlete inspired programmes, as well as holidays to connect with nature and be immersed in culture. With clients looking to improve their sleep hygiene, nutrition, and overall health through use of the latest technology in order to fortify their immunity, vitality and wellbeing.
With their personalised wellness travel concierge service, they highlight the following wellness travel trends to prove most popular in 2024
Sleep Hygiene
In a world accelerating at an unprecedented pace, carving out time to prioritise both the quantity and quality of sleep can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Meanwhile, scientific evidence continues to grow, supporting sleep’s undeniable vitality to a healthy life. More people want to better understand this crucial aspect of wellbeing and unlock the powerful benefits for themselves.ADVERTISEMENTA sleep focussed holiday provides all the tools for a perfect night of deep rest in an expertly designed sleep-inducing environment and equips individuals with the life-changing knowledge to continue achieving refreshing sleep in their day-to-day lives back home. This allows for greater quality of life in every sense, from higher levels of happiness, energy and cognitive function, to reduction in stress and a multitude of life-threatening diseases.
Top 3 Destinations: Sleep at Six Senses Ibiza, Sleep Enhancement at Kamalaya, Sleep Well at Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda
Wellness Enhanced by Technology
Wearable tech and the powerful data it can produce is set to become the most exciting area of wellness technology in 2024. ICAROS is just one of many new technologies growing exponentially in popularity, this revolutionary form of exercise cleverly combines virtual reality with a sophisticated full-body apparatus, creating not only a highly engaging and rewarding way of building your dream body, but an incredibly effective one too.
Apps will also take centre stage as we increasingly use our phones for a number of different things. We’ll see AI capable of analysing a wide range of health information, including an individual’s fitness levels, preferences and limitations to generate highly detailed nutrition and workout plans, unlocking a game-changing level of results, as well as more accessibility to a wider audience.
Top 3 Destinations: Rebalance & Energize at SHA Wellness Clinic, Neuro@Mayr at Park Igls, Leader’s Performance at SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico
Multi-Generational Trips
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw many changes take place across the world, it was a very real reminder for us all that we must not take the time we have with our loved ones for granted, and that creating lasting memories as a family should not be put on hold without good reason. Wellness holidays that cater to each generation of the family provide the perfect opportunity to share such moments. Create unforgettable memories in a beautiful setting, something that the whole family can cherish together. Lots more trips are being arranged and even paid for by grandparents to help make that bucket-list experience possible for their families.
Top 3 Destinations: Family TimeTogether at Porto Elounda, Family Getaway at COMO Maalifushi,/
Family Holiday at Paradis Plage
Athlete Inspired Wellness Programmes
One of the more recent trends that Health and Fitness Travel has noticed are wellness holidays with the added element of training like an athlete. This might include taking ice baths or even using cryotherapy chambers, which produce powerful physical benefits by reducing things such as inflammation, thereby enhancing recovery. Even something as simple as cold therapy is known to stimulate the body’s hormone production, promoting dopamine, energy and sexual health, just to name a few.
The rapid growth that this style of wellness travel has seen may come as no surprise when one considers the vast health benefits that can be realised with it. The latest technologies in sports and science are now becoming increasingly accessible, available in wellness resorts across the globe and ready to be harnessed by anyone.
Top 3 Destinations: Comprehensive Optimal Fitness at Kamalaya, Fitness at Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel, Fitness Escape at Komune Resort & Beach Club
The Cultural Experience for Wellness Travellers
Recent advances in air travel and infrastructure have made it easier than ever for travellers to reach parts of the world they previously couldn’t, opening the doors for the exploration of cultures wildly different to what they’re accustomed to. There is a growing number of wellness enthusiasts looking to combine their love for wellbeing with their passion to discover different ways of life, fostering personal growth and enriching their worldly perspective.
Strikingly, it’s this adventure into something new that allows us to learn a great deal about ourselves, dispelling personal biases and developing a profound appreciation for the diversity that exists in the world. Health and Fitness Travel’s range of Discover Recover holidays offer the perfect opportunity to do just this, which includes a truly luxury discover and recovery experience that cares for both physical and mental well-being.
Top 3 Destinations: India Discover Recover, Italy Discover Recover, Costa Rica Discover Recover
A Rise in Retreats and Wellness Programmes for the Health-Focused Traveller
Given the abundance of new technologies that have recently emerged, there’s no better way to leverage them than by having the ideal, bespoke holiday tailored precisely to one’s preferences. A luxury travel concierge service can help – a dedicated team of experts with the right connections, ready to assist every step of the way, carefully hand-picking items for an itinerary and crafting a detailed, personalised plan to show its customers the very best wellness experience possible.
Not only does this mean access to 24/7 support should something unexpected happen, it will also likely result in additional perks and features being included with each package. The highest quality advice, accommodation, service, and overall experience are all so easy to achieve with the right team of professionals for the job.
Top 3 Destinations: Wellbeing Sabbatical at Kamalaya, Retreat Away in Portugal, New Life at Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel
Ageing Well
Health and Fitness Travel has observed a rising trend among travellers seeking high-end wellness holidays that focus on anti-ageing treatments. A programme with therapies specifically for mitigating both the internal and external effects of ageing offers a truly transformative experience that can greatly enhance quality of life.
From the get-go, guests are equipped with an optimised diet, luxury massage therapies, and treatments like laser therapy, all carefully selected to produce remarkable results in their appearance and overall well-being.  What follows could include anything from cranio sacral therapy to improve stress and emotional health, to pressotherapy for a reduction in the appearance of cellulite and to strengthen the immune system, or a vast array of other beauty and vitality treatments for a comprehensive and well-rounded anti-ageing experience.
Top 3 Destinations: Anti-Ageing at Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa, Anti-ageing at Santani Wellness Resort & Spa, Senior Wellness at Chiva Som International Health Resort Immersive Activities to Connect with Nature
All of us need to disconnect occasionally, and with day-to-day life seemingly only getting busier and more fast-paced, this topic becomes increasingly relevant. Many people dream of escaping the city life to reconnect with nature. The mindful activities on these retreats set the stage for deep healing to occur, letting go of all the stress we so often accumulate and opting instead for an environment of peace and tranquillity.
From sound therapies crafted to support those suffering from anxiety and depression to forest bathing, originating from Japan, used to find a genuinely sensual and spiritual place in amongst luscious greenery, this type of wellness holiday provides an almost countless number of opportunities to explore and develop one’s mental health.
Top 3 Destinations: Mindful Triathlon at Santani Wellness Resort & Spa, Mindful Triathlon at Ananda in the Himalayas, Emotional Healing at The Retreat Costa Rica
Colder Wellness Trips
Exploring the remarkable benefits of cold therapy mentioned earlier, it becomes apparent from various perspectives, that the demand for colder wellness trips is not only evident but also sensible in the context of the climate change crisis. A growing number of British travellers find the heat on typical sunny getaways overwhelming, leading to an increased preference for refreshing wellness retreats closer to home, potentially within Great Britain, thereby reducing their carbon footprint.
Whether its traversing through the dramatic, breath-taking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands or venturing abroad to explore Austria or Iceland, there’s a plethora of stunning destinations for everyone to enjoy this exciting new wave of wellness travel.
Top 3 Destinations: Spa at Grantley Hall, Wellness Tours – Iceland, Health Check-up at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
Active Nutrition
Whilst the body of the non-stop fitness enthusiast needs a diet that is heavier in calories, with more carbohydrates and protein, the mindful yoga practitioner will likely fare far better consuming less of such foods, and instead opting for different aliments. On a deeper physiological level – the seemingly healthy meal that works wonders for one person, may end up spiking gastrointestinal issues, inflammation or worse. Therefore, pinpointing exactly what works for an individual will be reflected greatly in their mood, energy, cognitive function and overall level of wellbeing.
Unveiling such information can indeed produce life-changing results. There are wellness destinations that can help to achieve exactly this, with expert teams of nutritionists and chefs working in unison to serve delicious, nutritious food, all the while, sharing invaluable information about one’s body.
Top 3 Destinations: Detox at The Farm at San Benito, Ayurveda Cleanse at Galo Resort, Detox & Cleanse at REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort
For advice, guidance and booking visit https://www.healthandfitnesstravel.com/wellness-holidays or call 0203 397 8891

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A first of its kind in European health retreats, offering purposefully designed therapy programmes and activities, has opened in the Serra da Estrela natural park in Portugal.  Open throughout the year, New Life Portugal is unlike other European wellness retreats, which focus on yoga, spirituality, mediation or another specialised themes. New Life Portugal brings together expert professionals to create personalised sessions combining wellness and spiritual therapies alongside psychology practices. The bespoke sessions are like no other as they look to support anyone looking to cultivate their sustainable wellbeing, not just purely from a spiritual perspective. The team of world class experts provide unrivalled scientific knowledge on how to reset and recover, understanding that for many it takes more than wellness therapies to deliver a true life reset.
World leading experts support guests in a variety of areas. Guests may wish to focus on anxiety, depression, grief recovery, review relationships or simply get away from their everyday stresses of life. New Life Portugal has a range of revitalisation package options tailored to every individual’s needs or stage of life. 
A trip to New Life Portugal promises much more than a beach escape, it aims to change your way of life, for the better. While regular holidays offer a few days with an opportunity to de-stress, New Life Portugal offers transformational travel, enriching getaways that provide a deeper physical and emotional withdrawal from the stresses and strains of everyday life. They are truly transformative experiences that provide an opportunity to disconnect from the chaos of daily life, reconnect with oneself, and gain clarity for making more meaningful decisions. New Life Portugal’s programmes deliver long term mental health and well-being value, not a quick fix. You no longer have to travel to Tibet or India to access such experiences. 
New Life Portugal is located in a serene location, surrounded by nature’s beauty in Portugal’s UNESCO World Heritage site. This setting provides the ideal ambiance to detach from the hustle and bustle of daily life and unwind. The benefit of being in Europe means you can go over a weekend from the UK. 
Luis Cunhal of New Life Portugal said: “After considerable research, we designed New Life Portugal to offer a series of bespoke programmes bringing together spiritual, wellbeing and science to truly deliver and make long term changes to the lives of our guests. We have an enviable team of world leading experts who can ensure a true reset both mentally and spiritually. There are so many wellness retreats that appear to have one or two focal areas, but do not tailor to meet specific needs and they do not have the scientific knowledge alongside the wellness techniques. Everyone is different, with different anxieties or focuses and we have recognised this in our comprehensive selection of packages. We will also work with the individual to develop exactly what they need. Being in Portugal makes us accessible to more people and we attract guests from across Europe and beyond. Some for simply a weekend, others for a full month programme.” ADVERTISEMENTNew Life Portugal offers a range of retreat options to suit budgets and diaries, including 3 days, 7 days, 14 days and 28 days, designed to provide guests with affordable solutions specific to their need.
Programmes include: 
Fundamentals Experience – 3 nights. A Short stay package for those tired of fast living
Relax and Recover – 7 nights. A sanctuary for busy minds allowing you to reconnect with the world around you
Reset and Rejuvenate – 14 nights. Replenish physical and mental resources and mindfully create new habits
Reconnect and Heal – 28 days. A transformative retreat for those experiencing burnout, chronic stress or depression
Read more here of upcoming retreats taking place. 
From €303.44 / £264.20 a night, with the new weekend retreat starting from (Sunday-Wednesday) €910.32 / £792.59
For more info visit New Life Portugal – Wellness Retreat & Mindfulness Centre

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Among younger travellers too the pandemic has created a new awareness of health offers. During discussions at ITB Berlin, examples from Romania, India and Croatia show how new target groups can be attracted and even mud baths can be promoted as sexy.
Since the coronavirus pandemic the subject of health has been high on the list of priorities for many travellers. The demand is not only confined to the treatment of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Ideally, with timely preventive measure, such illnesses do not occur at all, it was pointed out by Dr. Shubada Thorat, director of Fazlani Natures Nest, during the ITB Berlin Convention on the Medical & Health Tourism Pavilion Stage. Based to the southeast of Mumbai, this doctor uses equine therapy, ayurvedic oils and herbs to treat visitors from all over the world. She stimulates a greater awareness of the need to eat healthily, using cookery workshops, at which the participants use fruit and vegetables that they have harvested themselves to prepare nutritious meals.
On the Romanian Black Sea coast travellers can indulge themselves at establishments operated by the ANA HOTELS group. Whereas previously it older people tended to use these facilities, the clientele has become much younger in recent years, according to the director, Iuliana Tasie. They make use of the hotels for shorter stays to compensate for a stressful everyday life. In addition to the healthy climate there is particular interest in spa gas therapies, for example in Covasna. The gases are volcanic in origin and are reputed to have a number of positive effects including for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Health tourism will be assigned greater importance in the Croatian tourism strategy, explained Ivana Kolar, CEO at Julius Rose – Tourism 365. Her efforts to reach out to younger people include successful Instagram campaigns for mud saunas. Younger women will also be convinced by the positive effects on the skin. Glamping sites with wellness applications also provide a low-threshold access to a health-based form of travel. The speakers agreed that there should be state aid for health tourism, for example in the form of more favourable tax rates or voucher systems. In this way governments could play an active part in helping the population to stay healthy.

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