From Fitness Classes to Hiking, Hotels Embrace Wellness Travel
As travelers seek experiences that promote their health and well-being, hospitality giants like Marriott and Hyatt are responding with on-site offerings
Major hospitality brands are ramping up their fitness and wellness offerings to lure travelers who have come to expect more than sitting poolside with a margarita, but desire an opportunity for wellness, movement and even professional sports coaching.
As the Global Wellness Institute recently reported, wellness tourism has outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade and has a projected annual growth rate of 14.7% for wellness trips and 16.6% for wellness trip expenditures through 2027.
Marriott Bonvoy’s luxury properties in the Caribbean and Hyatt are just two of the leading hospitality brands entering the wellness travel arena this spring, and for good reason.
Marriott Adds Yoga, Pickleball & More
To meet rising consumer demand for nature-based and physical activities, Marriott’s Puerto Rico location in Dorado Beach now offers yoga, pickleball and an 11-mile forest trail with the option of an evening hike under the stars. Its St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort also offers opportunities to connect with the great outdoors, participate in trainer-guided fitness classes at its Athletic Club, or book recovery treatments at its spa.
Marriott’s St. Regis Bermuda Resort caters to golfers and yogis, while its Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos Islands resort provides slow cardio and indulgent spa treatments such as muscle recovery and relaxation massages. Meanwhile, its Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman resort runs the gamut with professional tennis and pickleball coaching, kayaking, guided scooter snorkeling and golf.
Hyatt & Peloton Reward Travelers
While Marriott’s Caribbean resorts are focused on delivering rich fitness and wellness experiences in the spa, on the trail and on the court, Hyatt has teamed with Peloton to reward World of Hyatt members (its loyalty program) for using Peloton equipment at its properties. The collaboration sees the connected fitness company outfit over 800 Hyatt properties with its fitness equipment and providing access to its content in guestrooms at nearly 400 locations.
The hotel brand says its booking data demonstrates that travelers increasingly prioritize health and well-being amenities when planning vacations.
“Being able to maintain a wellness routine while traveling is difficult for everyone,” said Greg Hybl, senior vice president and general manager of Peloton for Business. “Our goal is to continue to find innovative ways to instill a little motivation so everyone can take some time for themselves, even if they are far from home.”
In the future, World of Hyatt members can earn points for Peloton workouts in Hyatt hotels, get a free 60-day app trial if they are new to Peloton and receive special deals on Peloton equipment. Peloton Bikes will be rolled out at Hyatt properties in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, Austria and Australia, while select Hyatt luxury and lifestyle hotels in the U.S. will feature Peloton Row.
Peloton also has a deal with Hilton that places its bikes at the hotel company’s properties across the globe.
Beyond Fitness
Celeb-loved Mii Amo, a wellness and fitness all-inclusive in Sedona, Arizona, allows travelers to select from several “intentional journeys” — connection, solace, discovery, indulgence or a recharge. Each experience offers a mind-based and physical component. For example, a traveler seeking “discovery” can experience a healing sound bath for their mind and a Boynton Canyon hike that includes a guided meditation. Along with a spa, Mii Amo offers fitness and movement studios that overlook a sensory garden, trails for hiking and biking, personal fitness and nutrition coaching.
While many travelers are eager to book a hike or massage, some are willing to book a stay to catch up on sleep and learn techniques to hack their snoozing.
Equinox Hotels, purveyors of all things health and wellness, is hosting a global sleep symposium June 19 – 21 at its Hudson Yards location in New York City to present research on sleep health and the emerging sleep tourism sector. Guests who book the two-day event receive a pre-arrival sleep prep kit and access to two spa circuits encouraging deep relaxation and better sleep.
