As we look ahead to 2025, the global wellness landscape continues to evolve with the United Kingdom emerging as a global powerhouse in the wellness industry, boasting an impressive £178billion wellness economy. Hosted for the very first time in the UK at the iconic Old Course Hotel, St Andrews, the Global Wellness Summit (GWS) has unveiled exciting trends and insights that are set to shape our approach to wellbeing.
Key Wellness Trends to Watch:
Holistic Wellness Integration: Wellness is no longer a trend but a way of life. St Andrews exemplifies this perfectly, blending ancient traditions like the Sunday Pier Walk with cutting-edge wellness facilities. The message is clear: wellness is about creating a comprehensive lifestyle approach that connects physical, mental, and cultural experiences.
Therapeutic Water Experiences: With 80% of UK adults reporting calming effects from being near water, the country is pioneering innovative water wellness experiences. From over 400 wild swimming sites to a growing network of social bathhouses and advanced hydrotherapy, water is becoming a critical element of wellness strategies. Water therapy takes centre stage at Old Course Hotel with its Kohler Water’s Spa celebrating the healing power of water and its own annual Cold Water Wellness Retreat.
Innovative Wellness Technology: As wellness and modern technology converge, we are continually seeking out new ways to enhance wellbeing and to push the boundaries of innovation. Celebrating ground breaking wellness technologies, the GWS was home to its own Innovation Lab, showcasing market-leading creations such as the KOHLER x Remedy Place Ice Bath.
Social Prescribing and Community Wellness: The UK is leading the way in community-focused wellness initiatives. The NHS's social prescribing program is a prime example, bringing physical and mental wellness solutions directly to communities. This approach recognises that wellness is not just an individual journey, but a collective experience.
Wellness Tourism Redefined: With 175 rooms fully occupied during GWS, the Old Course Hotel demonstrated the growing demand for destination wellness. Offering everything from coastal walks to sacred healing tours, successful wellness tourism is about creating transformative experiences that go far beyond traditional travel.
As we move forward, the wellness industry shows no signs of slowing down. The global wellness economy is now valued at a staggering $5.6trillion, with the UK at the forefront of innovation. Consumers are seeking more than just quick fixes – they want comprehensive, meaningful wellness experiences that integrate into their daily lives.
The message from the Global Wellness Summit is clear: wellness is about joy, discovery, and creating a lifestyle that nurtures both body and mind. As Phyllis Wilkie, General Manager of the Old Course Hotel, eloquently put it, "Wellness should be something you fall in love with, not endure."
