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In the post-pandemic world, travellers are choosing mountain meditations, forest walks, rest, and relaxation over champagne brunches.
Luxury travel is shifting from opulence to nature-led wellness. (Image: AI)
The definition of luxury travel is undergoing a quiet, powerful transformation. Opulence is no longer measured by marble suites or Michelin stars. It’s being redefined by silence, sunlight, and stillness. In the post-pandemic world, travellers are swapping champagne brunches for mountain meditations and spa circuits for forest walks. Wellness in the wild has emerged as the next great travel movement, blending indulgence with intention and luxury with landscape.
From Five-Star to Five Elements
“Today’s travellers are drawn to places with elements of peace, sustainability, and holistic wellness. Whether it’s a Himalayan yoga retreat, forest bathing in Uttarakhand, or an eco-luxury resort in Madhya Pradesh – it’s all about re-establishing harmony with nature,” says Ravi Gosain, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO).
According to the IATO, the wellness tourism sector is expected to surpass USD 1.3 trillion by 2027, with nature-led experiences driving this growth. Gosain adds, “Wellness in the Wild helps travellers detox from technology, reset their biological clock, and rediscover stillness through activities like meditation, trekking, or spa therapies in pristine natural settings.”
Luxury That Heals
For many, the new benchmark of luxury lies in self-restoration. “Luxury travel today is evolving beyond indulgence. It’s about inner renewal and authentic connection. In a world that’s constantly connected, travellers are increasingly seeking spaces where they can disconnect to truly reconnect with themselves and with nature,” explains Karan Agarwal, Director at Cox & Kings.
“This mindful escapism – the choice to trade digital noise for riverbank yoga, forest silence, or starlit solitude – is the new marker of luxury. Imagine practising yoga in national parks as the Great Migration unfolds before you – blending wellness, adventure, and wonder,” he adds.
“From forest lodges in Wayanad and Vagamon to Arctic saunas in Sweden and fjord-side cabins in Norway, nature is becoming the new spa. People want raw, grounding experiences that heal – digital detoxes, cold plunges, forest breathing – where the rhythm of nature replaces the rush of cities. That’s the new definition of luxury,” notes Chitra Gurnani Daga, Co-founder & CEO of Thrillophilia.
Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com, said, “We’re seeing Indian travellers embrace more immersive and meaningful journeys rooted in culture and wellness. One in three plans a spiritual or religious trip, while 71% travel for cultural events – both rising sharply year-on-year. This shift reflects a growing desire for self-discovery, authentic experiences, and comfort-driven stays, from boutique resorts to countryside retreats.”
The Wild as a Wellness Destination
Hotels and travel brands are quickly adapting to this shift. “We view wellness in the wild as more than a trend. It’s an evolution in luxury travel. Our properties blend wellness with adventure through activities like horseback riding, archery, and yoga in the wilderness,” says Amruda Nair, Founder & CEO of Araiya Hotels and Resorts.
Echoing this sentiment, Abhilash Ramesh, Executive Director of Kairali Ayurvedic Group, adds, “True luxury is rejuvenation that stays with you long after your journey. Nature remains the greatest healer.”
A New Kind of Luxury
As more travellers seek authenticity over excess, India finds itself uniquely positioned to lead this global shift. From Himalayan highlands to tropical forests, the country’s diversity offers the perfect canvas for slow, soulful travel.
In this new era of exploration, luxury isn’t about escaping the world. It’s about finding your place within it.
Delhi, India, India
October 06, 2025, 17:22 IST
