If you’re a long-time wellness traveler with a penchant for spas and yoga retreats, you may have already noticed industry changes. If not, you’re sure to notice soon. As Spafinder Wellness 365 points out in its annual report, the face of wellness travel is changing, attracting a new crowd and bringing new attractions and perks to resorts.

While baby boomers founded the wellness travel movement, Gen X and millennial travelers are increasingly replacing this generation at the spas and retreats. The top bookers of wellness travel are those ages 36–55, followed by baby boomers and millennials.

As these new generations of travelers change the landscape of wellness travel, the industry moves from a luxury spa focus to a fitness and eco-friendly one. Millennials especially prefer properties that offer outdoor adventure programs, fitness facilities, authentic yoga experiences, voluntourism opportunities and strong environmental standards. Baby boomers, on the other hand, prefer luxurious spas, beach access, natural surroundings and wellness cruises.

“As Millennials and Gen X become the core wellness tourism demographic, trends are emerging,” said John Bevan, COO, Spafinder Wellness, Inc. “Not only do younger travelers demand more wellness offerings in general, they seek more intensive, out-in-nature adventure and fitness. And a property’s ‘values,’ such as respect for the environment and whether it gives back to the local community, aren’t niche considerations — they’re more important than traditional sports like golf or tennis. The survey shines light on what’s ascending for the next generation in wellness travel, but also shows that Boomers still rank traditional spa resorts first. The landscape is expanding, more complex and less one-size-fits-all than ever.”

Another growing group of wellness travelers? Men. The study shows men are much more likely to positively respond to this sort of travel when referred to as “wellness travel” rather than “spa travel.” When men do travel to wellness resorts or spas, they are more likely to travel alone rather than with another individual or a group. This is the opposite of female travelers, who prefer traveling to wellness resorts and spas in groups of other women rather than with a male companion or solo. While travel agents interviewed agree the industry is slowly moving beyond the idea of wellness travel and spas being only for females or the wealthy, there’s still a long way to go.

Do you prefer more traditional spa offerings or an adventure and eco-friendly focus? Have you noticed a change on the wellness travel scene? Has it influenced you to choose one resort or destination over another? Email us and let us know. Please include your full name and location with your email.