From crystal rooms to cacao ceremonies, here’s your guide to the trending rituals currently capturing the world’s imagination.
Some experiences promise deep relaxation, others a spiritual jolt, and many are just delightfully woo-woo. From crystal-lined therapy rooms and cacao ceremonies, the modern wellness world, now valued at around $1 trillion and growing, is a fascinating mix of science, ritual, and imagination.
Whether you’re a seasoned wellness traveler or simply curious, these are the trending experiences that deserve a spot on your radar.
Temazcals
Mayan temazcals – also known as sweat lodges – involve a shaman pouring infused water on heated rocks, causing steam to engulf the dome-like hut. The experience lasts up to three hours, all in near darkness; singing, chanting, and crying is common. Think: sauna on acid. Hotels across Mexico – Chablé, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, and Amanvari, which is set to open in 2026 – have refined versions.
Facialist residences
As skincare gets ever-more technical, top hotels are bringing leading facialists inhouse: Teresa Tarmey and her arsenal of tools have a residency at Claridge’s, and Iván Pol was just at Chenot Palace Weggis. The idea has taken to the skies, too: VistaJet has partnered with Dr Barbara Sturm.
Calmcations
An evolution of ‘fly and flop,’ calmcations encourage travelers to switch off: no itineraries, no rules, no stress. Try Four Seasons Resorts Bali or Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for a proper dose of relaxation.
See more: Back to Basics: The Hotels Redefining Modern Wellness
Cacao ceremonies
In Mesoamerican lore, cacao is said to foster spiritual awakening and strengthen emotional connection. At Chablé Yucatan, guests grind beans to create their own cacao drink beside a sacred cenote.
Intimacy programs
Zem Wellness Clinic in Spain offers an Intimate Boost program, designed to enhance sexual wellness – for men and women – via hormone analysis, genetic studies and physiotherapy.
Equine therapy
Harnessing the calming presence of horses, Rosewood Mandarina is launching an equine therapy program, in which the animals’ supposedly healing energy is used to foster self-discovery. There’s polo and horseback riding, too.
Fitness retreats
Siro opened under the Kerzner umbrella, which also includes One&Only, and identifies itself as a ‘base for world-class fitness, recovery, and leisure,’ translating roughly to ‘exercise hotel.’ Dubai opened first, Montenegro followed in spring and Miami is slated for 2026.
Crystal rooms
Taking crystal therapy to a new level, Rosewood São Paulo has unveiled its new spa area – which includes a mirrored therapy room, lined floor-to-ceiling with geodes. Inside, treatments include crystal reiki, crystal sound instruments, and crystal meditation.
The moon
The moon’s influence on our health is contested, but hotels have begun moonwashing wellness. In Napa, Stanly Ranch hosts ritualistic full-moon ceremonies and in Riviera Maya, Auberge Collection’s Etéreo is using la luna to guide treatments.
Longevity programs
A crop of hotels offer holistic life extending programs, combining bio-metric and prognostic tests with overall lifestyle adjustments – from diet to social circles. Try out Minos Palace in Crete or The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.
Silent retreats
Zoom calls, Teams meetings, email notifications: kill ’em all. Silent retreats remove the distractions of normal life but can be surprisingly taxing. Mandali in Italy offers silent therapy amid its wider programming, while at Gaia House in the UK, all programs are silent (and communication of any form is prohibited).
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