Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has expanded its Wellbeing Collection with seven new properties, bringing the portfolio to 21 independently operated hotels across the globe. The expansion highlights the growing demand for travel experiences that combine relaxation, nature, healthy living and personalised wellbeing. The new additions span destinations including India, Italy, Finland, Bali, Panama and Transylvania, offering travellers a range of wellness experiences shaped by local landscapes, cultures and traditions.
SLH Expands Wellness Tourism, Moves Beyond Traditional Spa Experiences
Launched in 2025, SLH’s Wellbeing Collection focuses on a broader approach to wellness, incorporating physical, mental and emotional wellbeing throughout the guest experience. The newly added properties offer experiences ranging from Ayurveda and yoga to forest bathing, sauna rituals, surfing, sound healing, nutrition and outdoor activities. The collection reflects a growing trend in international tourism where travellers increasingly seek meaningful experiences that help them rest, reconnect with nature and improve their overall wellbeing.
One of the notable additions is Dharana at Shillim in Pune, India, which combines modern health assessments with Ayurveda, therapeutic nutrition, yoga and breathwork. Located within the Sahyadri Mountains, the retreat uses its natural surroundings as an important part of its wellness programmes.
Seven New Properties Bring Diverse Wellness Experiences
The new members represent different approaches to wellbeing tourism. REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort in Bali combines fitness, hydrotherapy and mindfulness with traditional Balinese healing practices, while Zabola Estate in Transylvania focuses on woodland activities, horse riding and wildlife experiences.
In Panama, Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort combines surfing and yoga with creative dining, while Finland’s Skýra Retreat centres on sauna traditions, cold-water immersion and forest bathing. Italy’s Hotel Saltus in South Tyrol uses its alpine environment to create a nature-focused wellness experience, including a forest spa and panoramic pools. Meanwhile, The Retreat Costa Rica combines yoga, nutritious cuisine, sound healing and mountain experiences.
Growing Demand for Holistic Travel
SLH said the wider collection demonstrates that there is no single definition of a wellness holiday. Existing members include properties offering traditional medicine, meditation, thermal experiences, outdoor adventures, local cuisine and cultural healing practices. The expansion comes as wellness becomes an increasingly important part of destination selection, with travellers looking beyond conventional sightseeing for experiences connected to health, nature, culture and personal restoration.
For tourism destinations, the growing demand for wellness travel presents a significant opportunity to develop specialised experiences built around traditional healing, local cuisine, nature, mindfulness and cultural practices. By integrating these elements into tourism products, destinations can attract new segments of travellers, encourage longer stays, increase local spending and create greater economic opportunities for communities. At the same time, promoting authentic and sustainable wellness experiences can help destinations strengthen their international identity and offer visitors more meaningful reasons to return.
