tourism development in rotorua

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Destination Management Plan

The Rotorua Destination Management Plan was developed during 2021 in partnership with Te Arawa, Central Government, Rotorua Lakes Council, and members of our local tourism, hospitality and accommodation sectors. It sets out a strategic pathway for sustainable tourism development to ensure Rotorua is a thriving visitor destination for the benefit of the local community.

He painga mō te ao katoa 

For the betterment of all 

The vision - He paianga mō te ao katoa, for the betterment of all – was a special clause in the 1880 Rotorua Township Agreement that set aside thermal springs ‘he painga mō te ao katoa.’ The spirit of this statement is very relevant today to the Destination Management Plan, albeit with a wider scope. It has important historical and contemporary context and is consistent with the destination values identified through the engagement process. Together they highlight an overriding desire for visitation to result in an enhanced destination.

Underpinning the vision are six destination values developed through a series of workshops with destination stakeholders and Te Arawa. They have guided the development of the strategy, and capture what is important about the destination, how the vision is to be achieved, and have given direction on the options and actions that needed to be considered as part of this plan. 

The opportunities or initiatives which align with these values will assist the destination in meeting and applying its vision. The six destination values, as illustrated in Figure 1, purposefully overlap and interrelate. For the values to be applied successfully, they need to be applied collectively and with a degree of balance, or tau utuutu. When applied collectively across all destination management activity, the values will ensure both community and visitor needs and aspirations are met concurrently, and growth is achieved for the region that is environmentally sustainable.

A discrete range of actions has been developed. These actions align with the destination vision, values and strategic directions and will help to leverage recent investment in infrastructure, including the forest and lakefront developments. Implementation of these actions over the next 10 years will result in sustainable growth and resilience for the Rotorua destination. 

These actions are classified into four general categories as follows: 

1. Implementation – actions to implement the plan to make sure that the actions are undertaken and reported against. 

2. Tier One – actions which are considered to be game changers for the destination, and will involve the private sector in place-making to leverage investment in physical infrastructure. 

3. Tier Two – projects that are focussed on investing in a positive future for the destination, adding significant value to the destination. 

4. Tier Three – enabling projects which provide a more resilient and effective foundation for the destination to grow in value.

If you would like to find out more please contact RotoruaNZ Destination & Marketing Team.

Destination Management Annual Report

We are proud to release the first Destination Management Annual Report outlining the progress that has been made toward achieving the strategic directions. We look forward to continuing this work into 2023 and beyond.

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This document provides a summary of The Plan. Please contact RotoruaNZ for more information. 

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You are here: Home / Blog / The Early History of the Rotorua Tourism Industry

The Early History of the Rotorua Tourism Industry

Rotorua is the tourism mecca of new zealand, with the city and its residents having boasted a world class and ever evolving tourism industry over the last two centuries. but the local tourism industry has had many ups and downs over its lifetime, all of which have shaped the city into the destination it is today., the 1880’s onwards.

The pink and white silica terraces in the thermal Rotorua region had become known as ‘the eighth wonder of the world’, and even today are still known as New Zealand’s most famous tourist attraction.

Intrepid nineteenth century tourists traveled the enormous three month journey from Europe to New Zealand by ship just to witness the famed Pink and White Terraces. However, their fame was short lived; in 1886 the Pink and White Terraces were tragically destroyed when Mt. Tarawera erupted, devastating most of the surrounding landscape, and killing more than 150 people.

With the destruction of the 8th wonder of the world, Rotorua’s blossoming tourism industry was thought to be over before it began. But the tragic eruption which destroyed the Pink and White terraces also created the worlds youngest geothermal Eco-system and attraction, now known as the Waimangu Volcanic Valley .

After the eruption, tourists and immigrants alike were still willing to travel to New Zealand to experience not only the geothermal activity but also the unique Maori culture only found in New Zealand. The Whakarewarewa Thermal Village became one of the most frequented attractions in Rotorua due to its distinctive Maori village the the famous Pohutu Geyser.

The early 20th century

During this time many visitors claimed that the mineral hot pools in the area had healed and even cured many illnesses, such as arthritis. The New Zealand government caught on to this opportunity and financed the creation of the the Rotorua Bath House, known today as the Rotorua Museum . This was a significant event as it was the New Zealand Government’s very first of many major investment into the New Zealand tourism industry.

The luxurious geothermal spa was opened in 1908 to offer therapeutic treatments to visitors from all over the world.

Unfortunately Rotorua’s tourism industry was threatened again when world war one was declared in 1914 which caused the halt of all international tourism. The Bath house was decommissioned and became a hospital to rehabilitate returning soldiers before becoming Tudor Towers and the center of the Rotorua night life in the 60’s.

These events are responsible for the creation of the Rotorua we know today. Stay tuned for next month’s blog on the modern history of Rotoruas Tourism Industry…

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Evolving community response to tourism and change in Rotorua

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Rotorua Sustainable Tourism

• Mark Burton

Introduction

Tena koutou katoa – good evening. Thank you for the invitation to speak to you tonight.

Tourism Contribution to the Economy

As many of you will know, tourism is the world’s largest industry, and tourism in New Zealand has emerged as an international success story.

In 2004, international tourism’s contribution to total exports was $7.4 billion—close to 18.5 per cent of our total exports. Combined with our strong domestic market, total tourism spending represents nearly 10 per cent of GDP ($17.2 billion), and is also responsible for one in ten jobs.

So clearly, tourism is fundamental to New Zealand’s economic well-being and to the economic well-being of many of our regions, our towns and our smallest and most remote settlements. Tourism has many positive spin-offs - the farming and horticultural industry for example, also benefit from tourism, through supplying produce to the food and beverage sector.

New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2010

But, tourism’s ongoing success requires partnership. When I became Minister, it was clear that we needed to work hard to build relationships between government and the tourism sector.

In 2001 when I launched the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2010, it was the first time the major sector interests in tourism, both public and private, worked together to identify a shared plan for the future.

The sector agreed that tourism had to be sustainable, it had to give strong focus to yield, and it had to grow tourism wider economic benefits while enhancing the experience of visitors, and the environments - natural, social and cultural, and quality of life of New Zealanders.

A tall order? Perhaps, but I absolutely believe that New Zealand is uniquely blessed to achieve the best of both wolrds - if we manage tourism development responsibly.

Quality is one of the key objectives of the Strategy, and of achieving those benefits - I cannot stress enough the importance of a commitment to, and delivery of quality to the tourism industry. New Zealand's 100% Pure New Zealand brand – is all about delivering an authentic, quality experience. To deliver on this promise, the tourism sector must focus on quality at all levels of the experience, from product inception to delivery.

Quality is at the heart of a sustainable tourism industry. Visitors who share good memories and experiences are our most effective ambassadors for New Zealand. They give word of mouth advertising that money just can't buy. So constantly striving to improve the quality of the visitor experience is a crucial goal for us.

We continue to work closely with the sector to resource and improve quality standards through initiatives such as Qualmark.

Since the launch of the Tourism Strategy, the Government has invested $2.5 million to develop Qualmark as an expanded business accreditation and quality assurance system.

Today, Qualmark is recognised as a reliable indicator of quality products and services across New Zealand's tourism industry - withing New Zealand -and increasingly in our key overseas markets.

Qualmark certification provides visitors with easily recognisable, independent assurance that they can book and buy with confidence, from a professional and trustworthy operator.

Marketing the Interactive Traveller

Tourism New Zealand focuses on marketing our product to those whose motivations best match New Zealand’s tourism offering.

We call them interactive travellers. People who are discerning, who demand quality, who are environmentally aware, who look for authentic experiences, and are prepared to pay well for them.

Increasingly, our visitors expect not only a pristine environment, but also clear evidence that the tourism services they consume while in New Zealand are actively contributing to keeping it that way.

Visitors will expect more than just recycling facilities – I understand that inbound tour operators believe that sustainable tourism experiences for visitors will increasingly become a priority.

Visitors to New Zealand will expect sustainable tourism products, particularly as the interactive traveller seeks out new experiences where they can engage and interact with the natural environment.

Sustainable Tourism in Rotorua

In February this year, along with my colleague the Hon Marian Hobbs, Minister for the Environment, I was pleased to announce funding of $1.2 million for six regions to take part in the three-year Environmentally Sustainable Tourism project. We all know Rotorua was one of those successful regions, and it is for this reason that we are here today – which is not just to launch the next phase of the Rotorua Tourism Charter, but also an acknowledgement of the leadership that your region has taken in driving the concept of sustainable tourism charters nationally.

Your journey to sustainability in this area started back in 1998, and you have come a long way indeed.

I would like to particularly acknowledge the support you have given to the Northland charter project by offering the ‘lessons learnt’ as the project progressed.

These are the types of relationships and partnerships that I referred to earlier, and that have contributed in no small way to the success of our tourism industry over the last 5 years.

You are now in phase two of your project. I was very pleased to learn of the large number of businesses involved and the progress you have made. Your charter, and actions by your members, place you in an excellent position to deliver on our 100% Pure New Zealand brand promise.

Not only is sustainability about protecting the environment, it also helps to develop community support for tourism. The sustainable tourism charters work is being received positively by the community in this region.

I know that without your commitment, particularly that of the charter members, we would not be here today. I would like to particularly acknowledge the work of the Board in shaping and developing this project.

Some of you have been involved from the very early stages. So, I thank you for your perseverance and commitment in getting this kaupapa off the ground. I will continue to follow Rotorua’s progress with great interest (over the fence from next door!)

I cannot stress enough the value of working together. Tourism’s unprecedented success is no accident. We have got to where we are today by working together.

To continue to make the most of the benefits that tourism growth can offer our communities, it is essential that these relationships continue. Without your support, enthusiasm, commitment, planning and investment the tourism sector could not be the success it is today.

There are huge opportunities for all of us to benefit as the tourism sector grows. We can expect increasing employment opportunities throughout New Zealand and we can expect increasing economic benefit as well.

I look forward to continuing to work closely with the sector to create enduring success stories for our communities. I have no doubt that Rotorua will be sharing many of your success stories in the area of sustainable development in the future.

Once again thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today, and congratulations on your work thus far.

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Tourism and Maori development in Rotorua

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Tourism development in Rotorua

First europeans view pink and white terraces.

John Bidwell writes Rambles in NZ

History of Tourism

Pioneer tourism phase, the treaty of waitangi.

Missionaries settle around Te Ngae

Notable visitor

Missionaries based at Kariri (Gallilee)

Te Wairoa developed

Hosted on marae

Mission school developed at Te Wairoa

New Zealand Land Wars

First mention of tourist charges

The cessation of the te kooti uprising.

Ohinemutu Hotel built in Ohinemutu

Transfers by coach

Tikitere opens

Rotomahana hotel opens.

Transfers to Terraces

The Pink and White terraces

Auto type process

Priest Springs named

Photographic prints for sale, signing of fenton street agreement.

Thermal Springs Act

Township of rotorua established.

The Pavilion Baths open

Coach road built over Mamaku Plateau

Palace hotel built

Tourist statistics 1250 for season

Pavilion baths fell down, brent's hotel established.

First Blue Baths open

Diversification and infrastructural development, tarawera eruption.

Phase 2: Diversification of Tourism

Waimangu volcanic and thermal valley created.

Rainbow Trout introduced to Lake Rotorua

Hamurana Springs opened up

Waitomo caves open

Pavilion baths rebuilt

Waiotapu discovered.

Sophia begins guiding at Whakarewarewa

'Bungalow' opens

Government gardens developed.

Sanitorium Baths

Railway reaches rotorua.

Postmaster's Baths open

Grand Hotel opens

Waiwera House opens

Pavilion baths expanded

Rainbow and fairy springs charges tourists.

Planting of Whakarewarewa forest

Waimangu geyser plays

Prince's Gate Arches erected

Rotorua population reaches 2000

Department of health and tourist resorts established, okere falls power station begins operating.

Royal Visit

Duchess Bath opens

Te Runanga tea house

Grandvue Hotel opens

Origins of Tourist

Four tourists killed by Waimangu geyser

Lake Rotorua and Rotoiti boat cruises and trout fishing

New Zealand International Exhibition

Te Wairoa Tearooms and accommodation established

Waimangu Round trip begins

DTHR assumes control of Rotorua

Rotorua bathouse opens.

Model pa developed at Whakarewarewa

Penny divers

World War One starts

The Princes Gate Hotel erected

Waimangu guesthouse destroyed

World War One ends

Hamurana fishing lodge opens

Rainbow Springs opens to public

Rotorua promoted as a conference centre

Economic depression.

Ward Baths open

Excavations begin at Te Wairoa

NZ Railways Bus Service

Blue Baths opened

Hell's Gate opens

Orakei korako opens.

P&O cruises

World War Two starts

Paradise Valley Springs opens

World War Two ends

Buried village opens after WWII

Phase Three: Mass Tourism

Health department controls main baths, bathhouse closed, development of fenton street resort zone.

Mass Tourism

Visitor numbers reach 20,000, tourist and publicity department, four laning of fenton street, jet aircraft technology.

Whakarewarewa upgraded

Visitor numbers reach 90,000

Maori arts and crafts institute opens.

Fairy Springs road upgraded

Rotorua airport opens.

Rainbow Springs developed as a major attraction

Orchid Gardens open

Agrodome opens

Aquatic centre opens

Ward baths privatised upgraded and reopen as Polynesian Pools

Visitor numbers reach 500,000

Waimangu privatised.

Rotorua Museum construction set to begin in June

Laura Smith

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Construction to reopen Rotorua’s museum will begin in June as the council secures the final funding needed and brings down the total cost.

Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa closed due to earthquake risk in 2016 .

Restoring it was initially expected to cost $53.85 million but cost increases took this to at least $81.4m.

Rotorua Lakes Council presented elected members and the public with several options; fully restore and reopen the museum as planned, stretch the project out in stages; or move the museum and find an alternative use for the Bath House building, which is more than a century old and has a category 1 historic places rating.

Councillors voted to fully restore the building following consultation and aimed to keep the council’s share within the $15.5m it budgeted for the project.

It has since been working to fill the funding shortfall, and announced today it succeeded in this, as well as bringing down the total expected cost to $73.55m.

Central Government this month agreed to add an extra $5m to its $17m contribution to the project through the Kānoa - Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit’s Provincial Growth Fund, meaning the build was entirely funded and the council would not need to put more ratepayer money into it.

Fundraising will continue for the exhibition work.

It also announced the construction contract was confirmed with Watts & Hughes, the company that managed the south wing extension completed in 2011.

Mayor Tania Tapsell told Local Democracy Reporting going out for a competitive tender enabled savings.

She said it also looked at how it could “de-risk” the building project to prevent budget blowout.

“Getting that last piece of the puzzle was a monumental achievement.”

More than 80 per cent of public feedback supported the project going ahead, so long as the council capped its contribution, she said.

“That was the best financial decision for us at these times.”

She said construction was expected to be complete in 2027.

In a statement, head of Kānoa Robert Pigou said it understood the significant role the museum played in the identity of the city and was pleased the build could go ahead with its support.

He said it, along with other nearby tourist attractions, would enhance tourism and economic growth in the city and region.

Bay of Plenty regional councillor and Rotorua Museum Centennial Trust chairman Lyall Thurston was “absolutely thrilled” by the news.

“I pay tribute to the council … it couldn’t have been easy but they have done it.”

“It will be a great day for Rotorua the day the doors open again.”

Project funding

• Kānoa - $22m
• Rotorua Lakes Council - $15.5m
• Rotorua Trust - $15m
• Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage - $9m
• Lotteries (Significant Projects Funding) - $6m
• Bay of Plenty Regional Council $4.1m (previously this was dedicated to exhibition development, but it now can be used for the building or exhibitions)
• Lotteries (Environment and Heritage Funding) - $0.35m.
• Joe and Jo-Anne La Grouw also committed the proceeds of sale from artwork from their personal collection.

Laura Smith is a Local Democracy Reporting journalist based at the Rotorua Daily Post. She previously reported general news for the Otago Daily Times and Southland Express, and has been a journalist for four years.

- LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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The people who pick up the pieces

Global Wellness Institute

Wellness tourism initiative trends for 2024, wellness tourism  initiative, 2024 trends.

Wellness Tourism globally is now worth $651 billion annually and has a forecasted average annual expenditure growth of 16.6% to 2027.  The sector provides sustainable benefits to both local regional and urban economies as well as improving the visitors mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. The GWI Wellness Tourism Initiative team are excited to share some of this year’s trends for you to consider for your destination or wellness travel offering or business.  

TREND 1: Wellness holidays with kids – it’s all about child enrichment

Families are increasingly valuing travel experiences that support their child’s wellbeing via education, personal development, and worldview expansion. This trend goes beyond traditional family vacations aimed solely at entertainment, focusing instead on immersive experiences that offer both fun and learning moments.  Programs include creative and hands-on workshops that focus on local traditions and foods, learning about local biodiversity and marine life conservation as well as personal growth elements that expose children to unexpected situations, teaching them to adapt to new environments and overcome challenges.  Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland offers an entire range of outdoor nature led activities for children while newcomer, Jayasom’s Family Wellness focus includes family counselling, enrichment activities, virtual reality and outdoor wellbeing excursions including a large hydrotherapy space that families can enter together. Austria’s Reiters Finest Family hosts sustainable family wellness holidays in Bad Tatzmannsdorf. This resort features over 125 ha of outdoor space plus over 400 animals for farm adventures as well as thermal waters, and a health and longevity centre for families to enjoy together.   

TREND 2: Recovery retreats shift their focus from Sport to Burnout

The rise of “recovery” as a trend among individuals with busy lifestyles reflects a broader shift towards prioritizing wellness and self-care in response to the fast-paced, often stressful nature of modern life. This trend encompasses a range of practices, products, and philosophies aimed at helping people recharge, rejuvenate, and heal from the physical and mental stresses of their daily routines .   Technology now plays a significant role in this trend, with wearable devices and apps that monitor stress levels, sleep quality, and physical activity to help optimize your downtime.  We are also seeing an increased accessibility to methods like photobiomodulation, hyperbaric chambers and red-light therapy which all contribute to improved cell recovery via increased circulation, reduction in inflammation and enhanced performance of normal cells. Urban wellness social clubs like “Remedy Place” in cities like California and NYC provide regular support across a variety of recovery modalities. For wellness travellers the opportunity to spend a whole week recharging at dedicated health resorts like Chenot Weggis Palace in Switzerland with the top technologies on hand to future proof your health and wellbeing.    

TREND 3: In Search of Calm

Mental wellness as a travel trend has been gaining significant traction over the past few years, reflecting a broader societal shift towards valuing mental health and self-care. This trend encapsulates a range of experiences and destinations designed specifically to promote emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. This trend is driven by two perspectives, the modern-day pace of life leading to stress and burn out, and a desire for more authentic experiences that created a deeper connection to self. Wellness retreats that integrate yoga, breathwork, meditation and more intensive therapy retreats are leading the industry continue to be in demand. Equine Therapy is another unique experience that incorporates horses for emotional healing.  Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in Australia and NIHI Sumba in Indonesia both offer experiences and retreats connecting with horses for a transformative journey of healing, self-discovery and therapeutic process. Purpose crafted activities allow participants to gain profound insights into their emotions, communication styles, and behavioural patterns learning to build trust, assert boundaries, and embrace vulnerability. Rewilding retreats that immerse us into natural settings continue to be popular across the globe for supporting our mental wellbeing. Properties like The Dreaming, in the heart of Wales or AroHa in New Zealand help visitors establish a new connection to nature and to oneself.  A weekend of play, curiosity, healing modalities, nature immersion and ceremony all support spiritual and emotional wellbeing.   

TREND 4: The Growing Exploration of Wellness Travel for Men

While wellness travel historically may have been more commonly associated with women, recent data and trends indicate that more men are recognizing the importance of and investing in their holistic well-being. Millennials and Gen Z are at the forefront advocating for a more integrated approach to wellness and also destigmatizing mental health issues. The trends show that men are gravitating more towards travel focused on executive health checks, adventure and fitness but are now also exploring mindfulness, breathwork and meditation retreats to reduce stress and reconnect with themselves. Eleven Experiences, at Deplar Farm in Iceland is an example of an off-grid experience that embodies an adventurous spirit fuelled by a deep connection to extraordinary landscapes of wild tundra of ice, ancient volcanoes and valleys.  The experience is complete with Viking saunas and geothermal pools- an experience made exclusively for men.  This growing interest is also supported by wellness tourism businesses and destinations developing offerings that appeal to a male demographic, promoting activities and environments where men can feel more comfortable engaging in wellness practices.   

TREND 5: 5 Diagnostic Boom in Wellness Travel   

The rising trend of Diagnostic booms in wellness travel reflects a growing preference for tailored and proactive health approaches among travellers. Many Health and wellness operators now offer comprehensive diagnostic assessments alongside traditional wellness activities, enhancing the overall visitor experience. At Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, for example, guests can undergo thorough health evaluations encompassing genetic testing, body composition analysis, and metabolic assessments for a customized wellness journey. Similarly, the new Longevity Spa at Hotel Portrait Milano, provides cutting-edge diagnostics like DNA testing and Longevity Molecular Profile, complemented by Integrative Wellness solutions and nutrition plans. Another notable example, KĒPOS by Goco at Daios Cove in Crete, Greece, features diagnostic services such as Metabolic Biometrics and Epigenetics testing alongside wellness programs and comprehensive spa & wellness offerings. These offerings empower individuals to gain profound insights into their health status and make informed lifestyle choices while indulging in the rejuvenating benefits of travel. As travellers increasingly prioritize preventive healthcare and holistic well-being, the diagnostic booms in wellness travel are set to continue to reshape the tourism industry by seamlessly blending medical expertise with luxury hospitality.  

TREND 6: Art and Wellness: The Perfect Pairing   

The emerging trend of Art and wellness signifies a harmonious fusion of creative expression and holistic well-being, offering travellers immersive experiences that nourish both the body and the soul. Destinations and local communities around the world are embracing this trend by integrating art-centric activities and therapies into their wellness offerings. On a global scale, the work of Refik Anadol , a Turkish-American media artist and designer is embedding media arts into architecture worldwide with data and machine intelligence for public art, data sculpture and paintings to create abstract, dream-like environments. The main goal behind these immersive art experiences is to activate as many senses as possible and transport the audience to a simulated reality that would encourage them to step out of their worlds and familiar sensations. In a different realm we see both large Wellness hospitality operators like Como Shambhala Estate in Bali and Miraval in Arizona plus many small artisans and practitioners globally hosting wellness retreats that blend yoga and meditation with artistic workshops encouraging guests to explore their inner creativity as a pathway to self-discovery and relaxation. By integrating art into wellness travel experiences, these destinations provide travellers with enriching opportunities to reconnect with themselves and the world around them, offering a perfect balance of inspiration and rejuvenation.   

TREND 7: Celebrating Cultural Traditions and Healing

Indigenous healing offerings have gained prominence as part of the broader trend towards holistic wellness and the search for authentic, transformative experiences. These experiences draw on the wisdom and practices of indigenous cultures around the world, offering healing techniques that have been developed and passed down through generations. The interest in and drive behind these retreats are linked to an acknowledgement of indigenous healing practices, the holistic approach, and reconnection with the land.  We are inspired by destinations such as Wai Ariki Hot Springs , in Rotorua New Zealand where you can discover the ancient healing methods of these indigenous cultures, from the deeply cultural touch of mirri mirri or romi romi massage to the revitalizing power of blessed stones and herbal remedies. Each experience is thoughtfully crafted incorporating local healers and wellness practitioners, herbal medicine practice and ceremonies that honour the community and the land. As the world becomes increasingly globalized and homogenized, the unique, rooted, and deeply spiritual practices of indigenous cultures offer a powerful counterbalance to other competitive wellness travel offerings.  Asian traditional therapies and medicine are growing in popularity for the wellness traveller across the globe. Traditional Thai, Chinese & Ayurvedic Medicinal offerings encompass rich diagnostic protocols, herbal formulas, and treatment techniques as part of the guest experience.  

TREND 8: It’s All About a Good Night’s Sleep

Did you know that 58% of people feel unsatisfied with their sleep based on the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine? This has led to sleep tourism now emerging as a trend catering to the growing demand for quality sleep for overall health and well-being. As stress and sleep deprivation become more prevalent, people are seeking ways to improve their sleep. The world-renowned LANS Med Concept combines modern Mayr medicine, traditional naturopathy, the most advanced medical techniques, and is based on the idea that digestive health is critical for wellbeing. The Sleep therapy program begins with a precise diagnosis done with state-of-the-art equipment and a detailed examination of your sleep phases. A dedicated sleep therapist then creates a bespoke sleep program, heavily focused on the gut, relaxation, exercise training, and mental coaching. At RAKxa Integrative wellness retreat in Thailand, they offer a Thai Deep Sleep & Skin Radiant Therapy, which focuses on enhancing sleep quality and integrating traditional Thai Medicine and CBD oils. At the Longevity Hub By Clinique La Prairie in Bangkok visitors are offered time in the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.      

TREND 9: The Menopause Revolution Hits Wellness Travel

By the end of 2025, according to the North American Menopause society, it’s estimated approximately  1.1 billion women  worldwide will either be experiencing or have already been through menopause. This hormonal transition and time has more than 40 different symptoms experienced by women. Women across the globe are now actively engaging in menopause retreats to share and learn from each other and gain support from health and wellbeing experts for their symptoms including brain fog, mood changes, fatigue, joint pain and night sweats, to name just a few.  

Large hospitality groups like Six Senses are catering to this segment running a three-day bespoke menopause retreat in Portugal’s Douro Valley. In Australia at the Great Ocean Road Resort, their Change of Life Retreats run regularly providing much needed time out and wellbeing experiences plus practical information and workshops. At Combe Grove, Bath UK, their metabolic health menopause retreats focus on prioritising health, managing symptoms and feeling supported.   

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