The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about health and hotels are spas, which have been a staple in the hospitality sector for decades. Since the golden age of spas, from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, seeking accommodations that not only provide a place to sleep but also offer a range of health-improving services has been primarily associated with the benefits of water and complemented by the perks of a good massage.
Far from being outdated, health tourism is currently thriving. According to the Wellness Tourism – Global Market Trajectory & Analytics report, the wellness tourism market is expected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2027, with an annual increase of 6.6% from 2020.
This market includes traditional spa hotels but also those that, often associated with luxury, take the experience and treatment offerings a step further. Saunas with light therapy, consultations with medical professionals specializing in anti-aging therapies, intravenous serums…
Technology serving health in hospitality
To train its astronauts and help their bodies better cope with space stays, NASA has developed a range of technologies that, gradually and adapted to Earth, are making their way into the hospitality sector. One example is LED phototherapy, which has long been offered in hotels and is used to heal wounds faster, improve circulation, and generate collagen.
Other health-related services in hotels include sensory deprivation tanks, cryotherapy, or even a neuroacoustic helmet that “calms the mind and nervous system.” This is part of the biohacking package offered at the Fairmont Spa Century Plaza in Los Angeles, where treatments are conducted in a zero-gravity chair under a PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) mat.
Personalized health experiences in hospitality
Personalization is another basic characteristic of the health offerings found in many hotel establishments: itineraries that combine personal trainers, consultations with nutritionists (and the creation of a specific menu), meditation sessions tailored to the individual…
In many of these hotels, it is also possible to undergo medical tests, based on which a customized package will be designed for each client. An example is the German retreat Lanserhof (“the best longevity clinic in the world,” as they claim in their advertising), where guests can undergo various tests, obtain diagnoses, and follow a treatment plan designed from a holistic health perspective.
