The Hottest Spa and Wellness Trends in 2024, According to Travel Experts

What’s hot in the world of wellness? According to our A-List travel advisors, it’s high-tech treatments like cryotherapy, spa safaris, yoga in natural surroundings, and wellness retreats in beautiful settings like 14th-century forts in India and volcanoes in Rwanda.

Fitness Pioneer in London

“The long-awaited studio from global fitness pioneer Tracy Anderson has opened at Surrenne in London. As an Anderson fan, I went to the opening weekend to experience her body sculpting method. Her revolutionary equipment, including exercise bands in the ceiling and a MyMode apparatus — combined with silent workouts to heighten brain activity — engaged my mind-body connection for a metabolically effective workout.” — Nicola Butler, NoteWorthy

Cryotherapy in Greece

“The hottest trends in wellness retreats are centered around high-tech treatments and deep health offerings. One example is cryotherapy, which can reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being. My favorite place that embraces cryotherapy is the One&Only Aesthesis in the Athenian Riviera, which features the first Guerlain spa in Greece. The spa offers innovative treatments, personalized services, and a cryotherapy room.” — Christos Stergiou, TrueTrips

Spa Palace in India

“Six Senses Fort Barwara near Ranthambore, India, focuses on wellness in palatial settings. Imagine a beautiful 14th-century fort, converted into a sanctuary for those wishing to detach from the hustle and bustle of the city and daily life. The significant conservation efforts by Six Senses incorporate two palaces and two temples within the walled fort. The 30,000-square-foot spa and fitness center lies within the original women’s palace. Its extensive Ayurvedic healing system is a holistic retreat that should not be missed.” — Marion Miller, Micato Safaris

Lakeside Beauty in Italy

“The Cape of Senses is on a natural hillside terrace above Lake Garda, and it offers a sensorial place for mental, spiritual, and physical balance. It engages your senses, including smell (a sauna and pool is perfumed with lavender, citrus, and thyme), touch (gentle and warm massages), and sight (a garden accompanied by calming music, and a view of blue Lake Garda).” — Matteo Della Grazia & Daniela Mencarelli, Fuoritinerario — Discover Your Italy

Yoga Birthplace in India

“A wellness resort in a fascinating place makes for a fabulous combination. One of my favorites is the Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa, Uttarakhand. Set near the birthplace of yoga, this resort offers a unique wellness program, and the ability to explore a lesser-known area of India. Maybe it’s a visit to the Beatles Ashram or rafting the Ganges. The resort also specializes in Ayurvedic wellness.”— Jonathan Alder, Jonathan’s Travels

Spa Safari in Indonesia

“One of my favorite places in the world is Nihi Sumba in Indonesia. It offers a spa safari that defies everything you thought about the spa experience. It takes a standard treatment to a whole new level. Without ruining too much of the surprise, it’s something I recommend to all of my clients and requires nearly a full day to experience.” — Maria Diego, Diego Travel

Holistic Wellness in South Africa

“A hot trend is the integration of holistic experiences that cater to physical and mental well-being. Future Found Sanctuary, in my hometown of Cape Town, South Africa, epitomizes this trend by offering immersive programs that combine yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices with gourmet cuisine and nature excursions.” — Maija de Rijk-Uys, Go2Africa

Volcanic Sauna in Rwanda

“At the Virunga Lodge in Rwanda, guests can experience the African rungu massage at Ikirunga Spa & Sauna. A rungu throwing club — carved from eucalyptus wood and used by Masai warriors — helps relax tired muscles after a long gorilla trek. The long strokes and deep pressure reduces aches and pains, improves blood circulation, and [assists with] lymph drainage and muscle toning. Relax in the volcanic stone sauna afterward and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Virunga volcanoes.” — Praveen Moman, Volcanoes Safaris

Spiritual Renewal in Arizona

“I am obsessed with Mii Amo, a destination spa located in Sedona, Arizona. It recently completed a full renovation, and has always been one of my favorite destination spas in the U.S. Mii Amo’s spa services are wonderful and the location elevates the experience. Sedona is the perfect place for a spiritual renewal. You may think you need a few days of massages and facials, yet you also leave with a renewed sense of spirituality.” — Julie Jones, TopFlight Travels

Nature Healing in Tanzania

“The trend is for natural surroundings: an outdoor massage under a thatched roof; claw-foot tubs in an open plain as animals graze nearby. These spas make people feel relaxed and one with nature. Asilia Spa at The Highlands in Ngorongoro, Tanzania, offers treatments based on traditional healing methods. The care team specializes in therapies designed to nurture the body and mind and provide a blissful return to balance. Don’t forget to allocate some time for the sauna before your treatment.” — Susan Neva, Alluring Africa

Sha Wellness in Mexico

“The Sha Method has finally arrived in the Americas at Sha Mexico on the Riviera Maya. You need a minimum of four nights for this transformative experience that combines multiple disciplines to help you achieve and maintain an optimal state of health.” — Erina Pindar, SmartFlyer

Herb Apothecary in Qatar

“I can’t wait to send clients to The Retreat at Zulal Wellness Resort, located outside of Doha, in beautiful Qatar. This wellness resort provides amazingly unique treatments and a tea room with more than 120 teas and blends that each serve a medicinal purpose. Also not to be missed is the herb apothecary, where you can have custom blends based on your health journey. The grounds are beautiful and the dining offers chef-curated meals that nourish the mind, body, and soul.” — Tiffany Layne, LaVon Private Luxury