Wellness travel isn't what you think it is; it's better (and cheaper)

Travel is no longer about ticking off temples or pub-hopping through London. Many of us are looking for experiences that improve our wellbeing, because living longer is not enough; we also want to live better.

Wellness tourism is booming. The sector was worth US$830 billion in 2023, according to the Global Wellness Institute. That same year, the institute reported the ‘Global Wellness Economy’, encompassing tourism, nutrition, exercise, medicine and more, was valued at US$6.3 trillion. The wellness industry is a juggernaut shaping our spending habits and holiday choices.

In the not-too-distant past, wellness was for travellers who frequented luxury resort day spas. The rest of us traipsed to Phuket and Kuta to get massages in ramshackle huts on unkempt beaches. Now, however, wellness tourism has evolved to encompass what we eat, how we move, how we think, our sleeping habits and even how we can slow ageing. Some treatments come with exorbitant price tags and are offered in remote locations, but a growing number are free and can be found in your neighbourhood, allowing many more of us to improve our physical and mental health.

What is wellness travel?

Woman in nature on a Winter Wellness Retreat with Elements of Byron — Winter wellness retreats, like ones offered by Elements of Byron, are one way to embrace the trend.

It sounds straightforward: put wellness and tourism together and you have a relaxing holiday filled with swimming, gold facials and smoothies sprinkled with bee pollen. Essentially, we no longer want to drink ourselves silly in Greece nightclubs or overeat at hotel buffets, preferring to stay in destinations that complement the healthy habits we’ve created at home. That’s why we’re seeing run clubs springing up in hot spots such as Queensland’s Hamilton Island, and why there’s been a 51 per cent year-on-year increase in demand for active trips, based on a 2025 report by Explore Worldwide .

Such growth proves that a wellness holiday does not need to feature a medi spa (spa treatments with medical procedures), state-of-the-art gyms or biohacking (e.g. intermittent fasting). A wellness holiday can be your average trip with a dose of fitness on the side, a ski holiday with daily sauna sessions, or even a staycation where there’s no wi-fi. Women’s health is also a growing segment, with new mums booking themselves into postpartum retreats. Clinical Nutritionist Katherine Hay says the rise in postpartum retreats comes down to one simple truth: modern mothers are stretched thin.

“Postpartum retreats offer mothers the chance to press pause in an environment designed for rest and rejuvenation," says Hay, the founder of Kaptured Nutrition. “Many retreats are now integrating holistic care, from postnatal nutritional plans to counselling, pelvic floor therapy, and even newborn sleep support."

When did wellness travel start?

Woman doing yoga at a Winter Wellness Retreat with Elements of Byron — Wellness travel now embraces a mix of old, like yoga, with the new and trendy.

Travelling to improve our health is not a new trend; we’ve been doing it for hundreds of years. As far back as the mid-1600s, UK doctors prescribed sea air and cold-water bathing as a cure for numerous ailments. Fast forward to the 1970s and a desire for non-genetically modified food started a much-needed examination of industrial agriculture. In the last few decades we’ve seen the rise and fall of resort zumba classes and bootcamps, and celebrity endorsement of cosmetic procedures such as ‘vampire facials’, touted for collagen stimulation. Nowadays, spas and retreats are mixing the old (yoga) with the new (vitamin drips) and the trendy (sleep therapy).

What’s driving the growth?

Overwater bungalows in Cambodia's Song Saa Private Island Resort — Wellness travel has become a kind of “modern pilgrimage", according to Melita Koulmadas, CEO of Song Saa Private Island Resort (pictured) in Cambodia.

The wellness tourism industry is evolving at an overwhelming rate, most likely as an antidote to a Western lifestyle that values busyness. Melita Koulmadas, CEO of Song Saa Private Island Resort, Cambodia, says the growth of wellness tourism is “a response to disconnection, overstimulation, and the growing realisation that health is not just physical, but deeply emotional, mental, spiritual, and planetary". She says people need more than just rest: “They are seeking remembrance of who they are, of what matters, of how to live in harmony with themselves and the world around them. In that sense, wellness tourism has become a kind of modern pilgrimage."

How is wellness travel evolving?

The new signature treatment menu at Osprey Spa, Elements of Byron, created in partnership with Vanessa Megan.

Not only are we seeing more retreats targeting stress, grief, sleep and digital overload, but chain hotels are also integrating wellness into their promotions. Travelodge advertises sleep kits containing ‘pillow mist’ and essential oil, while Hyatt has a Sleep Ritual Pack with an aromatherapy roll-on and herbal tea. It’s not uncommon to see hotel pillow menus and fitness apps for in-room exercise. All of these offerings are a good thing, even if they’re gimmicks created by in-tune marketing teams.

A more authentic wellness holiday is when a resort has a long-time ‘slow stay’ philosophy. This is the case with Elements of Byron, a high-end resort on the outskirts of Byron Bay. Michael Skinner, Elements of Byron General Manager, says wellness travel is shifting away from rigid schedules and intense programs.

“Instead, travellers are seeking environments that naturally support their wellbeing – places where they can move at their own pace, choose what feels good in the moment, and have the freedom to rest or engage as they need," Skinner says.

“Guests are gravitating toward experiences like forest bathing, ocean swims, and immersive nature walks – simple yet powerful ways to de-stress and recharge through the rhythms of the environment."

Guests kayaking while on Tasmanian Walking Company's Bay of Fires Long Weekend — Achievable hiking holidays, like Tasmanian Walking Company’s Long Weekend, blend time in nature with luxury stays.

It’s these kinds of accessible and affordable experiences that are helping to drive the wellness tourism sector, and luxury resorts aren’t afraid to lean into this. In Santorini, the five-star Andronis Concept Wellness Resort has introduced a hands-on ‘henhouse experience’ where guests can feed the chickens and enjoy collecting their eggs for breakfast – a simple pleasure too many of us never experience. Even just walking in nature has wide appeal, and multi-day hiking trips don’t have to be out of reach. Tasmanian Walking Company’s Bay of Fires Long Weekend is the perfect example of this; striking a balance of achievable hiking trails and luxury lodge stays that still deliver wine, dessert and spa treatments.

hen in Greece — Wellness travel can be as simple as doing something you’ve never done before, like collecting fresh eggs for breakfast. (Image: Getty/Pnik)

The pitfalls of wellness travel

Aside from our need to slow down and switch off, there’s a growing global interest in alternative therapies over Western medicine, as highlighted in the 2025 Netflix show Apple Cider Vinegar. Yet the TV series, which follows the sad stories of two wannabe influencers, also throws the wellness sector into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The show asks the ultimate questions: Can I trust this treatment and will it work? That’s why long-standing, reputable retreats are worth their weight in gold.

Elements of Byron has been integrating nature with the guest experience since its opening in 2016. Native and locally sourced ingredients are used in the resort’s on-site restaurant, while Osprey Spa offers treatments featuring native botanicals, as well as cutting-edge cryotherapy facials using the recently launched Vanessa Megan Naturaceutical skincare range. There are also sunrise yoga classes and rainforest walks.

Another pitfall of wellness tourism is that it can be confused with medical tourism, that is travelling to Thailand to get dental surgery. Some resorts promote wellness treatments alongside cosmetic surgery, blurring the lines between what is good for us and what most certainly isn’t.

What is the future of wellness travel?

Wategos Beach in Byron Bay — There is a growing hunger for unhurried time in beautiful places. (Image: Wategos Beach/Getty/lynnebeclu)

Wellness tourism is predicted to only get bigger as more of us seek to address mental health challenges, have more meaningful travel experiences, switch off from devices, and ultimately restore balance to our lives. Song Saa’s Koulmadas says travellers are looking for science-backed programs that promote longevity, mental clarity, and physical resilience, combined with rest, beauty, and experiences that nourish the soul.

“There is a hunger for experiences that awaken and integrate, especially when offered in sacred, beautiful places like ours," adds Koulmadas. “A global return to ancient and indigenous healing is redefining what it means to be well."

*To read the latest report from the Global Wellness Institute, go to globalwellnessinstitute.org

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

Stress, grief, sleep and digital overload – there’s a holiday for that