Wellness travel is booming, projected to reach $9 trillion by 2028. Six Senses’ 2026 forecast highlights trends like workplace wellness, AI-enhanced therapies, breathwork, analog experiences, Middle East growth, and longevity combining science with spirituality
As 2025 draws to a close, wellness is no longer a side note in travel—it's the main story. The Global Wellness Institute projects the industry will hit nearly $9 trillion by 2028, fueled by travelers seeking experiences that leave them feeling better than when they arrived. Six Senses, a pioneer in holistic hospitality for over three decades, has released its 2026 Wellness Forecast, blending insights from ancient traditions and modern science. Gone is the quick-fix mindset; in its place is a lifestyle of intentional well-being. From AI-powered diagnostics to spiritual longevity, here are the trends Six Senses believes will define the way we travel in 2026.
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1. Workplace Wellness
Photo: Six Senses
Six Senses predicts workplace well-being will dominate conversations as leaders realize peak performance starts with peak health. CEOs and entrepreneurs are prioritizing sleep, mindfulness, and movement to sharpen judgment and build resilience. Research shows those who invest in wellness are up to 30% more resilient under pressure. Six Senses properties—from Vana in India to urban hubs like Rome and Kyoto—are tailoring programs to help professionals recharge and lead with clarity.
2. AI Meets Ancient Wisdom
Technology is transforming wellness, but Six Senses emphasizes that it works best when paired with human intuition. Guests begin their stay with integrated wellness screenings, assessing stress resilience, energy, and cognitive clarity. AI-driven tools like wearables and DNA testing are combined with traditional therapies—mindfulness, bodywork, and energy medicine—creating personalized programs that deliver measurable results and soulful benefits.
3. The Rise of Contrast Therapy
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Biohacking has evolved into a lifestyle, and thermal therapies—alternating between heat and cold—are becoming everyday rituals. Six Senses spas offer cryotherapy pods, infrared saunas, and Roman-inspired bathing circuits to boost circulation and detoxification. The home sauna market is booming, but resorts like Six Senses Crans-Montana elevate the experience with sensory rituals and Aufguss ceremonies led by skilled Sauna Meisters.
4. The Power of Breath
Breathwork is moving into the mainstream, with growth comparable to yoga's rise in the 1990s. Six Senses is expanding guided breathwork sessions and retreats across its properties, teaching guests how to regulate the nervous system through simple inhale-exhale techniques. Whether pranayama or transformational breathing, these practices offer relaxation, focus, and emotional balance—making breath one of the simplest yet most powerful wellness tools.
5. Appetite for Analog
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In an era of hyperconnectivity, Six Senses sees analog living as the antidote. Guests are invited to unplug through tactile experiences—craft workshops, mindful journaling, and unplugged festivals. At Six Senses Vana, devices are confined to rooms, allowing travelers to be fully present. These curated “pinch-me moments” reconnect guests with the real world and local traditions, from fire ceremonies in Bhutan to stargazing in Saudi Arabia.
6. The Middle East's Wellness Wave
The Middle East is emerging as a global wellness hub, and Six Senses is at the forefront. With properties like Amaala and The Palm, Dubai set to open, the brand is blending traditional hammams with cutting-edge therapies. Saudi Arabia's wellness tourism is growing at 66% annually, and Six Senses Southern Dunes offers immersive experiences that combine luxury, sustainability, and holistic well-being.
7. Longevity with Soul
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Six Senses believes true longevity isn't just about adding years—it's about adding meaning. Retreats at Six Senses Vana and Bhutan combine epigenetic testing with spiritual practices like meditation and moon ceremonies. This approach weaves measurable interventions with soul-nourishing rituals, creating a new paradigm: living longer and living better, with purpose at the core.
