Inside the wellness tourism craze: Why wellness tourism is drawing visitors to Phuket

Phuket, one of Thailand’s tourism hotspots, has become a health haven. Health fanatics from across the world are setting foot on this tropical island to experience its world-class facilities and healing techniques. Here is a look at why it is so popular among fitness-seeking travellers and wellness advocates. 

What is wellness travel?

Wellness travel is defined as a form of tourism that is especially aimed at restoring, enhancing or maintaining a person’s health and wellbeing. Unlike traditional holidays, which primarily focus on leisure, this new trend prioritises experiences that will help you keep in shape, elevate your appearance and aid you in getting an overall reset in mind and body. Today you can make this the prime goal of your stay or even incorporate these activities into a business travel setting or a leisure stay where you enjoy the attractions and activities at this destination while eating clean and maintaining your wellbeing through gym sessions or taking part in yoga classes. Guided meditation sessions are on offer to overcome issues such as mental plateaus.

Wellness experiences that exceed regular holidays

Luxury eco-resorts and cutting-edge medical science have been combined to produce immersive and results-driven programmes. These are out-of-the-box experiences which you will not find during regular holidays with your loved ones. While the latter focuses on your wellbeing and rejuvenation, the former focuses on entertainment and pleasure. Some of the unique wellness experiences that are found in Phuket include holistic and spiritual healing programmes such as Himalayan salt saunas, ice baths and sound bath sessions. Layan Life by Anantara has wellness and medi-spa treatments in one location. Set in a destination surrounded by nature, the resort blends wellness facilities with advanced technology. This creates a link with ancient Thai healing techniques and modern science. The place also includes hyperbaric oxygen chambers, cryotherapy, and custom-made hydrotherapy.

Image via  Layan Life By Anantara

Why travellers are seeking this experience 

Travellers are increasingly seeking travel tourism to escape from daily pressures. It gives them space to counter unhealthy habits and get over the digital overload we seem to be getting from everyday life experiences. Therefore, today many destinations house events and facilities to cater to this demand. Phuket is no exception. Thailand’s largest island blends tropical serenity with top-tier medical and holistic facilities with perfection. This place houses everything from ancient therapies to modern biohacking. Therefore, travellers can simply disconnect from burnout and rebuild healthy habits in its serene tropical settings. 

Phuket as a holistic health hub 

There are a myriad of reasons why Phuket is considered a hotspot for wellness travel experiences. One of the main reasons for this is that it embodies a warm, year-round tropical climate. Such amenities, in conjunction with facilities like white sand beaches, are perfect destinations for undertaking practices such as yoga sessions and meditation. All kinds of outdoor physical activities, from hiking to paddle boarding, and even Muay Thai training in the outdoors, can be incorporated into your schedule. Many wellness retreats in Phuket offer luxurious amenities along with holistic healing and fitness regimes. Eating clean is part of the way of life there, where food is derived from nature and the sea.

Things to keep in mind to make the maximum use of your Phuket wellness getaway 

Wellness resorts in Phuket offer experiences that can be tailored to your needs and preferences. Therefore, do not hesitate to take advantage of that to maximise your experience. Also, make sure that you have your own space and privacy to focus on the goals of your experience, as crowds can be both distracting and disturbing. Take advantage of the island’s organic produce so that you will feel energised and nourished rather than undergo a punishment like you are being starved on bland food. Refrain from crowding your days with treatments and excursions. You need some space to breathe so that your experience is not overwhelming.