With the wellness market and wellness retreats booming and expected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2025, it seems demand for new ways to improve our health and wellness has never been stronger.
With so many new fads and options to choose from, we asked Maria d’Orey, Global Director of Serenity Spa at Pine Cliffs Resort, Algarve for her thoughts on some popular global wellness trends, what works and what doesn’t, and her predictions for 2025.
What are your wellness trend predictions for 2025 and what do you think is losing favour?
“I believe the wellness trends in 2025 will emphasize personalization, mental well-being, sustainability, and technology-driven solutions. DNA-based wellness, hormone health, sleep optimization, eco-conscious practices, holistic approaches, and hybrid virtual-in-person retreats will dominate.
“Losing favor will be fad detoxes, extreme fitness challenges, rigid “clean eating” regimens, and generic advice and programs, as people shift toward balanced, evidence-based, long-term and personalized wellness strategies that focus on holistic health rather than quick fixes.”
Weight Management
Weight management is a strong concern for consumers in the UK with 64% of adults aged over 18 years old estimated to be overweight or living with obesity*with many considering taking weight-loss medication such as Ozempic. What approach works best?
“Weight loss drugs can sometimes offer quick results, particularly for those struggling with metabolic issues, but they often come with side effects and may not address the root causes of weight gain. Weight loss programs and retreats, on the other hand, tend to offer a more holistic approach, focusing on long-term lifestyle changes through personalized nutrition, fitness, and mental wellness, fostering healthy habits, and improving overall well-being.”
Addressing sleep issues
Lack of sleep is ranked as the second-highest health and wellbeing concern among consumers, which is attributed to factors such as stress and anxiety. 2024 saw a need for products to help aid stress management, such as CBD treatments, and products to restore the body. Are they popular?
“CBD treatments and products have been a best-seller at Serenity ever since we first introduced them, back in 2020, and the trend has kept steady.”
Digital Detoxing
2024 has seen a huge interest in digital detoxing, with people exploring different ways to relax and unwind. Do you find it hard to get people to put their phones down?
“I think that removing technology from the retreats can significantly improve mindfulness, allowing guests to be more present and deeply engaged in their experience, thus enhancing their relaxation, focus, and emotional connection. The overuse of technology often leads to fragmented attention, higher stress, sleep disturbances, and reduced social connection, which undermines the benefits of the retreats. Although some guests may resist the idea of disconnecting, a balanced approach can help individuals break free from digital distractions and fully embrace the restorative goals of the retreats.”
Data-Driven Tailored Retreats
“Considering the predicted trends for 2025, I think retreats will more likely be highly personalized, using data-driven insights and health technologies (like DNA testing, wearables, and biometrics) to create individualized programs. These retreats will probably offer customizable packages based on personal health profiles, life stages, and goals, ranging from mental health to fitness and nutrition.
“Advanced therapies like hormone testing, biohacking, and psychedelic-assisted therapy will further enhance customization. Personalized nutrition, functional fitness, and mental wellness practices will play a key role, ensuring participants have bespoke experiences that address their unique physical, emotional, and mental needs.”
Pine Cliffs Resort, a Luxury Collection Resort in the Algarve, offers a variety of wellness retreats where guests can indulge in the state-of-the-art facilities and treatments on offer.
Some of the most popular programmes at Pine Cliffs Resort this year are:
‘Fitness Journey’ -Aimed at those wanting to develop their workouts, whilst also finding a balance between intense exercise, relaxation techniques, optimum nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. The programme includes personal fitness training, stretching and nutritional guidance followed by selected therapeutic wellness treatments. The duration of this programme lasts for 5-7 nights. Prices start from €1865 for a 5-night stay.
‘Detox’ -The Detox Retreats combine various therapies, nutritional supplements, healthy cuisine and fitness classes, as an integrated approach to experience the ‘lightness of being’, while cleaning the mind, body and spirit. The duration of this programme lasts from 2-7 nights. Prices start from €615 for a 2-night stay.
‘Experience Yoga’ -Suitable for all levels of experience and invites guests to embark on a mindful escape dedicated to relaxation and rediscovery as they can work on chakras and powerful energy fields. Experience Yoga includes Thermal Oasis, yoga classes, breathing and meditation sessions, variety of massages and healthy meals. The duration of this programme lasts from 3-7 nights. Prices start from €915 for a 3-night stay.
Guests also have the option to embark on an enchanting evening of yoga under the full moon’s radiant glow, where they can expect a night of serenity and harmony, as they experience the magic of the Algarve on the breath-taking Praia de Falésia beach.
Cost is €20 per person, open to guests and non-guests.
Also included during any wellness retreat is complimentary access to Thermal Oasis at Serenity (steam room, Kneipp pool, hydrotherapy pool, herbal sauna, sauna with Himalayan salt, ice fountain, experience showers, outdoor jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas).
*Retreats are available all year round, except August.
For more information visit: www.pinecliffs.com / https://serenity-spa.com/en/programs/
To book, visit www.pinecliffs.com or call +351 289 500 100.
