From fitness classes to hiking, hotels are embracing wellness travel

As travelers look for experiences that promote their health and well-being, hospitality giants like Marriott and Hyatt are responding with on-site offerings

Major hospitality brands are expanding their fitness and wellness offerings to attract travelers who expect more than sitting poolside with a margarita, but want an option for wellness, exercise and even professional sports coaching.

As the Global Wellness Institute recently reported, wellness tourism has been outperforming the overall tourism industry for more than a decade and has an expected annual growth rate of 14.7% for wellness travel and 16.6% for wellness travel spending 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 and 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 stroll under the stars. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort also offers opportunities to connect with the outdoors, participate in trainer-led fitness classes at the Athletic Club, or book restorative treatments at the spa.

Marriott’s St. Regis Bermuda Resort caters to golfers and yogis, while the Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos resort offers slow cardio and indulgent spa treatments such as muscle recovery and relaxation massages. Meanwhile, the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman resort offers a range of professional tennis and pickleball coaching, kayaking, guided scooter snorkeling and golf.

Hyatt & Peloton Rewards Travelers

While Marriott’s Caribbean resorts focus on delivering rich fitness and wellness experiences at the spa, on the track and on the field, Hyatt has partnered with Peloton to reward World of Hyatt members (the loyalty program) for using Platoon equipment in his properties. Through the partnership, the affiliated fitness company will equip more than 800 Hyatt properties with its fitness equipment and provide access to its contents in rooms at nearly 400 locations.

The hotel brand says booking data shows travelers are increasingly prioritizing health and wellness amenities when planning their vacations.

“It’s difficult for anyone to maintain a wellness routine while traveling,” said Greg Hybl, senior vice president and general manager of Peloton for Business. “Our goal is to continue finding innovative ways to instill a little motivation so that everyone can take some time for themselves, even if they are far from home.”

In the future, World of Hyatt members can earn points toward Peloton workouts at Hyatt hotels, get a free 60-day app trial if they’re new to Peloton, and receive special deals on Peloton gear. Peloton Bikes will be rolled out at Hyatt properties in the US, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Austria and Australia, while select Hyatt luxury and lifestyle hotels in the US will include Peloton Row.

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Peloton also has a deal with Hilton that places its bikes with hotel companies around the world.

Beyond fitness

Celebrity-beloved Mii Amo, an all-inclusive wellness and fitness center in Sedona, Arizona, offers travelers the opportunity to choose from several “intentional journeys”: connection, solace, discovery, pampering or recharge. Every experience offers a mind-based and physical component. For example, a traveler seeking “discovery” can experience a healing sound bath for the mind and a Boynton Canyon hike with guided meditation. In addition to a spa, Mii Amo offers fitness and exercise studios overlooking a sensory garden, walking and cycling trails, personal fitness and nutrition coaching.

While many travelers are eager to book a hike or massage, some are willing to book a staycation to catch up on sleep and learn nap techniques.

Equinox Hotels, a provider of all things health and wellness, will host a global sleep symposium at its Hudson Yards location in New York City from June 19 to 21 to showcase research on sleep health and the emerging sleep tourism sector. Guests who book the two-day event will receive a pre-arrival sleep preparation package and access to two spa circuits that promote deep relaxation and better sleep.