What's in store for Global Wellness in 2023?
We look to future predictions for the global wellness industry, to get a sense of the some of the topics that might circulate discussion at Synergy - The Retreat Show.
A Rise in Regenerative Farms
Many wellness resorts are turning their attention from traditional spa and fitness experiences, to those offered by working farms. One step further than the passive, farm-to-table cuisine narrative we've become accustomed to, guests are seeking new ways to connect and interact with the land. This might be through immersion in educative practices, talks by resident farm experts, or even immersion in innovative soil health experiences.
This trend forms part of the forecast for agritourism as a whole, which is set to reach $63 billion by 2027. It's no surprise, then, that wellness destinations are experimenting with other ways guests can "get their hands dirty", including growing and foraging their own food, or soul bathing. With just a single handful of soil containing 50 billion life forms, research is pointing to the potential benefits of soil exposure on human health – from our immune system to mental wellbeing.
The trend for "dirty wellness" (a deliberate contrast to the clean wellness movement) is also expected to continue into food labelling, with terms such as 'regen' or 'soil-certified' taking centre stage. With the intention of offering meaningful insight into the nutritional value of food, compared to 'organic' alone, it is part of the wellness brand pivot towards regen-agrihoods and regen-farm-sourced ingredients.
Moving Towards Technological Wellness
It's no secret that humanity is more immersed in technology than ever before. With a relationship spanning everything from home gyms to fitness wearables, it poses the question of how well the tech-wellness industry is actually serving us. Instead, perhaps, there is an opportunity for reset; a healthier, new kind of engagement where we see our tech intake like we do food.
In other words, taking the time to understand how it affects our state of being – mentally, physically and emotionally. Coined as Digital Nutrition by AeBeZe Labs, the future is pointing towards an appreciation of the "nutritional value" of the technology we engage with. This might involve, for example, looking at how it determines our energy levels, endorphins and more.
A wellness resort or retreat, therefore, might consider the role of technology in the experience they are offering. This doesn't necessarily mean a blanket elimination or detox but thinking about its role at different stages of the guest journey. What is the "nutritional value", if any? Are there any trade-offs between enhancing and detracting from the experience?