A focus on East-Meets-West medicine offers travelers an integrated approach to health and longevity that lasts long after the trip comes to an end.
Travelers take note: All-inclusive resorts with all-you-can-slug pina coladas and endless buffets are out. Instead, we’re trading hedonistic vacations for holistic travel. As in, trips are no longer focused solely on wild escapism; a time where one can eschew exercise and eat mindlessly. Holistic health emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit while promoting a comprehensive approach to wellbeing. According to a June 2022 report by Grand View Research, the global wellness tourism market is expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of nearly 10% over the next eight years.
Sherrie Shen, MS, RDN, CDN, explains that the shift toward integrating Eastern and Western medicine reflects growing demand for holistic, preventive care, and that Eastern practices like acupuncture, Ayurveda, and meditation complement Western medicine’s focus on diagnostics and acute care. She adds, “Scientific validation of Eastern methods, coupled with a globalized interest in wellness, has driven this trend; integrative health offers personalized approaches, addressing root causes and promoting longevity, and resorts are combining these traditions to cater to travelers seeking transformative, sustainable, long-term solutions for their health and wellness.”
A global pandemic ushered in a priority for wellness, along with the ability to work remotely. Shen says, “Rather than the ‘go nuts’ approach of traditional vacations, these programs appeal to those seeking rejuvenation, improved longevity, and tools to sustain wellbeing after their trip. The appeal lies in leaving not just refreshed, but healthier and more balanced, making wellness a lasting part of their lifestyle rather than a fleeting escape.” Many resorts are now adding the integrative health component in addition to traditional spa services to attract travelers. Shen says, “Travelers are increasingly prioritizing wellness-focused trips over indulgent escapes, think sunrise yoga and organic food tours over all-you-can-eat and drink experiences—this reflects a shift in travel culture. Resorts are responding by offering integrative health programs that blend Eastern and Western approaches, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, personalized nutrition, yoga, meditation, sound therapy, and high-tech diagnostics.”
From a medical-led retreat in the Dolomites to a sanctuary in Koh Samui, here are four integrated health retreats for your next wellness vacation.
“Our guests prioritize wellness and seek experiences
that blend mindfulness, education, and self-care.”
—Jacqueline Berry, group director of spa and wellbeing at Miraval Resorts & Spas
Miraval Resorts
Ushering in its 30th anniversary in 2025, Miraval Arizona is the original Miraval Resort & Spa property that set the standard for transformative wellbeing in 1995. Jacqueline Berry, group director of spa and wellbeing at Miraval Resorts & Spas, says that for the last 30 years, Miraval has offered transformative escapes that celebrate integrative wellbeing and the conscious exploration of the mind, body, and spirit connection. “Each of the three full-scale resorts offer regularly rotating collections of immersive wellbeing workshops, classes and other activities that support long-lasting mental and physical wellbeing for all guests with impact that extends beyond time spent on property. Designed to support a life in balance, Miraval Resorts incorporate wellness modalities and practices from around the world—from globally inspired treatments at the Life in Balance Spas that blend ancient wisdom with time-honored techniques and modern technologies, to musical experiences influenced by global rhythms from Trinidad and Tobago.” Berry says that the resorts have seen a rise in integrative wellness travel, reflected in the growing demand for programs and experiences. “For example, the total number of participants in our classes, lectures, and workshops has increased 12% over the last two years, and that this growth demonstrates our guests prioritizing wellness and seeking experiences that blend mindfulness, education, and self-care,” she says. Here, the guests gain pivotal life experiences during these trips. Berry says, “I often hear from guests about the profound, sometimes unexpected transformations they experience during their stay. One guest shared how, during a massage, they were reminded of a childhood memory that helped them understand patterns they were ready to release. Another guest told us they return for equine therapy every visit, and each time, the lessons feel new, reflecting their personal growth, changing challenges, and evolving perspective.”
Photo: Palace Merano nutritionist
Palace Merano
This medical-led longevity retreat is located in the foothills of the Dolomites in Merano, Italy. All programs are built around The Revital Method, which is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, combined with the most advanced techniques and practices of Western medicine, all led by a team of medical specialists with a sole purpose to improve the quality of life and longevity, along with physical and psychological wellness. So, what to expect in a day? Programs are completely tailor made, but often start with an energetic awakening in the morning and an early breakfast. The beginning of the morning is usually taken up by consultations with specialists who adjust the treatments and monitor the guest. The day will be chock-full of Revital Method signature treatments (like the Bioenergy treatment and the Hydro-energy treatments, including three phases: Hydro-aromatherapy session, Phyto-mud therapy session, and Hydro-jet session). There will be free time for the guests to dedicate to fitness, either with a personal trainer in the gym or outside. On that note: The property is located in the Alps, surrounded by untouched forests and apple trees, where guided hikes help the guests to reconnect with nature.
Photo: Hydro mud therapy
Photo: Longevity House IV treatment
The Longevity House at Kamalaya Koh Samui
“True healing comes from acceptance, not resistance,” is the mantra at Kamalaya, a retreat that takes a refreshingly liberating humanistic approach to wellness. With the absence of strict controls and rigid rules, the guests can naturally let go and open up with the support, advice, and inspiration that are always on offer. Kamalaya says that it’s the guests’ innate wisdom that guides their experience. The new Longevity House at Kamalaya is grounded in marrying Eastern medical traditions with scientific research from the West as a core principle, offering guests more than 100 treatments and 17 different programs from more than 50 certified wellness professionals, including naturopaths, doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western medical doctors, registered nurses, nutritionists, life transformation experts, Ayurvedic and Thai therapists, fitness specialists, and yoga, meditation, and pranayama teachers. Perhaps even more compelling is that the long-established wellness retreat is located in Koh Samui, which was the location for season three of White Lotus.
Top: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Bottom: Enriched gut therapy
Photo: SHA Watsu therapy
SHA
SHA is a pioneering wellness clinic in Spain, Mexico, and the Emirates (opening 2026) whose mission is to help people live longer and better lives through a holistic and comprehensive approach to health. Alejandro Bataller, vice president of SHA, says that, “there has been a significant rise in integrative wellness travel as individuals seek approaches to proactive health management.” The unique Integrative Method at SHA seamlessly combines advanced medical diagnostics with natural therapies, nutrition, and mind-body practices to create a comprehensive health experience. “Each guest undergoes in-depth assessments, including cognitive evaluations and bioenergy scans to design a personalized health program; SHA’s nutrition emphasizes healthy, energetic, alkaline, mainly organic, and seasonal foods, supported by expert consultations,” Bataller adds. “A guest’s day at SHA is thoughtfully curated to balance medical care, holistic therapies, and relaxation. A morning might begin with a well-aging consultation and a personal fitness session, followed by a nutrition consultation with meal planning support. Midday could include innovative treatments like cryotherapy or VR-based fitness with ICAROS technology.” Afternoons might be dedicated to a group cooking class or stress-reducing acupuncture. Bataller says, “The day often winds down with a soothing massage, a session of moonlight meditation, and a nourishing dinner at SHAmadi, offering a harmonious blend of science-backed treatments and mindful relaxation.”
Photo: Cooking class