What if wellness retreats moved to the city?
The potential future for wellness travel
I’ve been thinking a lot about the future of wellness travel lately.
For years, the model has been pretty straightforward: one resort, one philosophy, one aesthetic. Everything from your morning smoothie to your evening ritual happens within a single space. It’s familiar, it’s safe, and honestly, it works.
But what if there was another approach?
One that isn’t about retreating from the world, but about engaging with it differently?
I recently came across a collaboration between Aesop X Design Anthology that got me thinking. Instead of creating a secluded resort experience, they curated a series of elevated moments across Tokyo. Moving between architecture, dining, and design. Each element was carefully chosen to create something immersive and memorable.
And that idea stuck with me: what if the best version of a wellness retreat isn’t contained within four walls at all?
Why the city might be the answer
Don’t get me wrong. Traditional retreats can absolutely offer top-tier experts, incredible treatments, beautiful food, and amazing amenities. But no single property, however luxurious, can house the absolute best of everything.
There’s always some level of compromise.
Thats why I think the next evolution of wellness travel is the city-wide wellness experience.
Picture this: a small group spending a few days in a city like Bali, Copenhagen, or Lisbon. Your morning starts with a private tour of a beautifully designed wellness space or boutique apothecary. Lunch is at a farm-to-table restaurant that’s been on your saved list for months. The afternoon brings a movement class at a studio the locals actually go to. Later, you’re getting a facial at a skincare boutique known for their specific approach, maybe even meeting the founder.
You’re experiencing the architecture, the design, the food culture. But you’re also getting the treatments, the movement, the expert consultations that actually support your wellbeing.
Each experience is independent, but they’re all connected through intention and thoughtful curation.
But won’t this be exhausting?
I know what some of you are thinking: “But I want to escape! A city is the opposite of a reset.”
You’re absolutely right. This isn’t for everyone.
If your primary goal is a digital detox and absolute silence, you should absolutely stick to a remote resort. This city model is for the person who loves culture, energy, and discovery, but also wants to keep their health on track.
Here’s the thing though. The logistical headache is ours, not yours. You don’t have to navigate Google Maps, worry about booking times, or figure out transit in a foreign language. We handle the transport. We make the transitions feel more like curated walks and less like a frantic commute.
I, for one, absolutely love a city break. But I usually come home feeling more tired than when I left because I try to cram in everything. This model is the solution. It lets me experience the city’s culture and energy whilst simultaneously supporting my wellbeing and recovery.
What this could actually look like
Here’s where it gets interesting. Imagine this curated by established wellness brands rather than thrown together randomly.
Think movement sessions led by ON. A stay at a hotel that’s genuinely invested in sleep health, where the rooms are designed with proper blackout, temperature control, and quality linens. Recovery treatments by Caudalie or Sulwhasoo, maybe even with a visit to their flagship stores.
When brands collaborate like this, it elevates the whole thing. You’re not just getting “a massage somewhere.” You’re getting a treatment backed by decades of research and formulation expertise. You’re not just staying at “a nice hotel.” You’re staying somewhere that’s genuinely committed to helping you sleep better.
The beauty of keeping it small
With a small group, you get the best of both worlds.
The experience stays intimate enough to feel personal, but you also get the benefit of shared discovery and connection. The real magic happens in the in-between moments. The shared meals, the walks through the city, the conversations during transit.
There’s something powerful about going through these rituals together. It creates connection and accountability that lasts well beyond the trip itself.
A different kind of retreat
This isn’t about replacing traditional wellness resorts. It’s about a different kind of retreat. One that allows you to explore, engage with local culture, and still feel supported by a thoughtfully designed programme.
What do you think? For the city lovers out there, is this the kind of wellness experience that would finally let you take a city break without needing a week of recovery afterward?