From the growing popularity of sober curiosity to the rise of post-partum retreats, here are the key wellness trends to know this year.
New year, new you. Instead of unrealistic resolutions, however, what about trying out something new that’s good for you? We’ve rounded up five wellness movements to know in 2025 and where to go for a self-care sojourn.
Book a ‘dry tripping’ holiday
Move over, Dry January. The sober-curious lifestyle is all the rage nowadays, and something to champion all year round. Just ask your Gen Z friends: Apparently 36% of this generation embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle, proving that it’s no longer a fringe movement.
And why not? There’s lots to love about eschewing alcohol with clarity of mind and better overall health as immediate benefits. Plus, there are a bounty of amazing non-alcoholic beverages ranging from established Seedlip to Bella Hadid’s Kin Euphorics should a craving for a G&T hit.
This year, take it even further by going “dry tripping”— a vacation focused on a wellness reset sans alcohol. You won’t be alone: Research by Expedia Group found that “50 percent of travelers say they’d be interested in staying at a place that offers easily accessible alcohol-free options”.
Where to go? Focus on nurturing healthy habits at Villa Pangi Gita in Canggu, nestled in a cascading landscape garden inspired by the paddy fields around it. If you feel like socialising, the cool bars, restaurants and beach clubs in Canggu are close enough — don’t worry they take their low and no alcohol menus seriously in this nomad hotspot.
Jump into social bathing
What’s the new way of networking that’s more popular than golf, padel or the good old round of drinks in a bar? According to the Wall Street Journal, it’s the simple health high of going to a sauna.
From Turkish hammams to the Japanese onsen, the healing power of heat has been known over millennia. Apart from the physical benefits, the social aspect of outdoor saunas and urban bathhouses are helping people improve their mental health and connect in a different way. In particular, there’s a strong buzz around contrast bath therapy — alternating dips in hot and cold water, which is known to reduce inflammation and aid in muscle recovery.
Where to go? Onsen, a treasured Japanese ritual practiced since the 7th century, is revered for benefits such as balancing the nervous system, relieving pain, reducing stress and more. If you’re not too keen on a public onsen, check into Corniche Hirafu, a brand-new luxury chalet in Niseko. This grand 580 sqm chalet marries alpine luxury with generous spaces. Best yet, it features a natural hot spring well that flows into a private onsen, as well as a sauna, plunge pool and stylish sky terraces.
Check into a post-partum retreat
Chinese culture has a ‘confinement’ period that lasts over a month, while Latin American countries have the ‘cuarentena’, which is 40 days of supported postpartum recuperation. In the rest of the world, however, the recovery process after childbirth is seen as something that happens during maternity leave.
Thankfully, there’s a lot more importance and focus given on the ‘fourth trimester’ nowadays, resulting in the rise of post-partum retreats. According to the Global Wellness Summit, these are “created in high-end hotels or residences, where mom and baby can go straight from the hospital, for precious days or weeks of 24/7 care.” It also doesn’t have to be right after giving birth either; any dedicated wellness holiday with baby in tow can be considered a modern post natal retreat.
Where to go? Thailand is known for its world-class medical services, making it an ideal destination for a medical-focused holiday. Escape the crowds of Phuket and head to Natai Beach for some true rest and relaxation. Book Villa Saanti, a sprawling fully-staffed luxury villa with direct beach access and two infinity-edge swimming pools with a Jacuzzi area. It also has a gym and sauna making it the ultimate wellness escape.
Do self-care sustainably
Self-care is never selfish, but when we’re seeking out ways to better connect to ourselves, we shouldn’t do it at the expense of the environment. Be it supporting eco-certified brands or choosing refillable beauty products, we need to make sure it works for Mother Earth, too.
A surefire way to truly uplift mind, body and soul is immersing yourself in nature. From forest bathing in Rusutsu to meditating by Ayung river in Ubud, nothing beats being one with nature.
Where to go? Sun-kissed Koh Samui is blessed with white sands, azure waters and plenty of gorgeous islets. Base yourself at the beautiful Villa Akatsuki, a wonderful home away from home for a nature-filled wellness-centric holiday. With three swimming pools, a spa, jacuzzi, gym, tennis court, and more, it’s barefoot luxury at its finest.
Go slow and heed ancient wisdom
Everywhere you look, the conversation is centred on AI. In the wellness world, however, it’s about going back to old ways of doing things. From Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to Ayurveda, more and more wellness practitioners and enthusiasts are leaning into ancient styles of medicine that have stood the test of time.
And with the proliferation of quick fixes like Ozempic, there’s an increased importance placed on the wonders of the human touch. This means embracing analogue ways of doing things, be it an authentic Balinese massage or Thai.
Where to go? Savour life in the slow lane at Bali Amori Vista, a cliffside villa with front row views of Seseh Beach. Featuring Balinese design touches like wooden joinery, the boho-chic property’s open-air living concept allows guests to experience tropical living at its best. Enjoy a stroll at the verdant grounds, take a dip in the crescent-shaped private pool, and take in sunsets while lying on the hammock.
