More than three-quarters of travelers report that they want to travel more sustainably over the next 12 months. 43% say they are willing to pay more for an earth-positive travel experience.
Wellness travel and tourism seems to be here to stay. Niche markets are more than just emerging markets. It has grown at an incredible rate of 36% per year since 2020 and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. But is wellness travel good for the planet, or just for its human inhabitants?
Especially among luxury travelers, environmental awareness has become the new minimum standard, even when planning wellness trips with the ultimate goal of reconnecting with oneself. From secluded eco-friendly lodges to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, popular wellness travel destinations are now combining wellness and environmental stewardship in some very special ways.
wellness wave
The wellness economy is booming. The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) reports an annual growth rate of 12.1% in its latest Global Wellness Economy Monitor report. Wellness tourism is the fourth most valuable vertical market within the larger wellness economy. Wellness tourism is expected to maintain an annual growth rate of 16.6% until 2027.
What is travel wellness? The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) defines the term as “the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to overall well-being.” But for travelers, this goes beyond experiences traditionally associated with wellness, like spa treatments and self-care.
Achieving a sense of well-being during the holidays often means creating a connection with yourself and your environment. In pursuit of local knowledge, customs, and wisdom, your itinerary leaves out your run-of-the-mill beach resorts and run-of-the-mill spa treatments.
Examples of travel wellness include luxury farm-to-table culinary experiences with local flavors and ancient Mesoamerican temazcal treatments at resorts in Mexico's most popular beach towns. But for those looking to build deep connections, preservation should be a top priority.
Introduction to oil nut bay
An increasingly earth-friendly experience is the highlight of Oil Nut Bay in the British Virgin Islands. “David V. Johnson, chairman of Victor International and the respected developer behind Oil Nut Bay, is passionate about sustainability, which is why we “We are prioritizing environmentally friendly practices in all areas,” said Emily Oakes, Vice President of Business at Oil Nut Bay.
Tucked away in a pristine corner of the Caribbean island of Virgin Gorda, Oil Nut Bay is equally attentive to eco-friendly design and luxurious ambiance.
“The resort is classified as low-density, with only 180 homesites spread over 400 acres,” Oakes said. “We maintain 50 percent of the land as open space to protect the island's diverse topography and beautiful ocean views.”
Oil Nut Bay's resident environmental team strives to have as little impact on the site as possible. The resort adheres to his LEED energy standards and utilizes solar panels to meet the development's power needs. Intensive water management, including gray water reuse and desalination, protects the resort's resources.
Resort users themselves can also participate in conservation efforts. Oil Nut Bay encourages guests to participate in green initiatives to “revitalize your connection to nature, reduce stress, and promote mental clarity.” Oil Nut Bay's interactive nature center immerses visitors in eco-tourism through wildlife education, topography, and marine conservation.
Some of the most memorable activities at Oil Nut Bay include turtle banding with a marine biologist. Back on the island, the animal shelter is home to all kinds of animals, from emus to red-footed tortoises.
This unspoiled land offers the best opportunities for people whose definition of health includes activity. Numerous hiking trails offer expansive ocean views, and picnic spots are scattered throughout the grounds. The Ranger Program provides young people who travel around the world the opportunity to scuba dive, stargaze, and identify island flora and fauna. The resort's other adventurous activities, such as kiteboarding, snorkeling, and windfoiling, are targeted at thrill-seeking wellness travelers.
A new definition of wellness
Concern for the environment and respectful interaction with wildlife unite every element of the resort. The traditional elements of Oil Nut Bay's upscale wellness destination, including a state-of-the-art gym, in-villa spa services, and private yoga and meditation sessions, are just the beginning of its extensive menu of experiences. Oil Nut Bay's new overwater spa, Sundara, promises to bring an exciting new dimension to your wellness journey when it opens in 2025.
This holistic approach allows “travelers to explore and embrace wellness in a way that personally resonates, whether they seek relaxation, adventure, spiritual growth, or physical rejuvenation.” ,” says Oakes.
