Wellness tourism is booming. With the market projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2025, there’s no better time for small, independent boutique hotels to position themselves as in-demand wellness retreat destinations. If you’re wearing all the hats and juggling countless responsibilities, this blog is for you—we’ll show you how to take advantage of this opportunity without adding stress to your already full plate.
Why Wellness Tourism Is a Game-Changer for Small Properties
Wellness tourism isn’t just a trend; it’s a shift in how travelers approach their vacation planning. Today’s guests are prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional well-being—and they’re willing to pay a premium for experiences that support these goals.
For boutique hotels, this means:
Consistent Bookings: Retreat leaders often book months in advance, filling your calendar with multi-day stays.
Higher Per-Guest Spending: Wellness-focused travelers are more likely to spend on premium experiences, healthy meals, and spa services.
Repeat Business: Build lasting relationships with retreat leaders who will return year after year.
How Hosting Wellness Retreats Can Transform Your Revenue
Even if you’re managing a small team—or doing it all yourself—you don’t need a massive property to succeed in this space. Consider this scenario:
10 retreats per year
15 guests per retreat
5 nights per stay
$200 per person, per night
= $150,000 in new annual revenue.
And this doesn’t include add-ons like spa treatments, excursions, or premium packages that can further boost your income.
What Makes Your Property a Perfect Retreat Destination?
You may not realize it, but your property already has what retreat leaders are looking for:
Authenticity: Small boutique spaces offer a charm that large resorts can’t replicate.
Intimacy: Smaller properties create an atmosphere of connection and serenity, ideal for yoga or wellness retreats.
Flexibility: Your ability to tailor experiences is a huge advantage in attracting retreat leaders who want a unique offering for their groups.
3 Simple Steps to Attract Retreat Leaders Without Adding to Your Plate
Here’s how to start tapping into the wellness tourism market:
1️⃣ Showcase Your Property Online
Use Instagram to highlight your cozy spaces, tranquil surroundings, and amenities like yoga decks, healthy meal options, or nearby nature trails. Retreat leaders need to see the potential for their events.
2️⃣ Position Yourself as a Wellness Retreat Destination
Craft messaging that speaks directly to wellness travelers and retreat leaders. Emphasize the experiences you can offer—relaxation, rejuvenation, and connection.
3️⃣ Build Relationships with Retreat Leaders
Proactively reach out to retreat leaders on Instagram. Show them how your property is the ideal spot for their next retreat. Once you’ve hosted one retreat, word-of-mouth can quickly snowball into multiple bookings.
Swipeable Actions to Get Started
Audit Your Instagram Profile: Does it showcase your property’s best features for wellness retreats? Update your bio and recent posts to reflect this focus.
Create a Wellness Retreat Package: Include accommodations, meals, and optional add-ons like guided hikes or yoga classes.
Engage with Retreat Leaders: Spend 10 minutes a day liking, commenting, and messaging retreat leaders in your niche.
The Opportunity Is Here—Will You Take It?
Wellness tourism is growing rapidly, and small boutique properties are uniquely positioned to thrive in this space. The question is: will retreat leaders find you, or will they book somewhere else?
FREE RESOURCE TO HELP YOU GET STARTED BOOKING YOGA RETREATS AT YOUR HOTEL
Click here to get our YOGA RETREAT RICHES PLAYBOOK for Hotels for FREE right now. Get started today using Instagram to connect with retreat leaders that lead to bookings.
Ready to Turn Your Property Into a Wellness Retreat Hotspot?
If you're serious about transforming your property into a sought-after destination for wellness retreats and are ready to invest in expert guidance, keep reading…
Our co-founder, Ashley Steinmetz offers a limited number of complimentary 15-minute strategy calls per month to help independent property owners like you explore what’s possible.
Spaces fill quickly, so if you’re ready to take the next step, don’t wait. Click here to request your call with Ashley and let’s discuss how we can position your property to attract retreat leaders and unlock new revenue opportunities.
