A holiday usually means escaping from everyday life: a change of scenery, some sunshine and somewhere new to explore. But there’s an interesting shift happening in travel at the moment. We’re no longer just asking, “Where should we go?” We’re increasingly asking, “How do I want to feel when I come home?”
As a travel business owner and mum of three, this really resonates with me. Life can feel like a constant juggle between children, work, school runs and everything else that comes with family life. Even on holiday, it’s easy to find ourselves organising everyone else’s days and making sure everybody else is happy. But what about us? It’s important to recognise that our own wellbeing matters too. A holiday doesn’t have to be about escaping everyday life. Sometimes it can simply be about creating space to slow down and put ourselves first for a change.
The evolution of wellness tourism
Wellness tourism has moved well beyond a traditional spa break with the girls. Today it includes sleep-focused holidays, yoga retreats, nutrition, mindfulness, fitness and even science-led longevity programmes. Hotels are investing in increasingly sophisticated wellness experiences, but I believe some of the most meaningful benefits of travelling are also the simplest.
Finding wellness in nature
California has always held a special place in my heart, particularly Yosemite National Park, where my husband grew up and where we’ve spent so much special time together as a family. There is something very grounding about being surrounded by enormous trees, mountains, rivers and beautiful waterfalls. The fresh air and wide open spaces give us the chance to slow down and simply be present. It’s where I feel most connected to nature, and where the everyday noise seems to disappear.
I love that the children get to experience it too. Watching them explore, play outside, cycle, hike and generally enjoy life away from screens reminds me how important these simple moments are.
California really embraces this connection between nature and wellbeing. From the breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite to the coastline of Big Sur and the giant redwood forests, there are endless opportunities to walk, explore and reconnect.
Forest bathing, simply slowing down and immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest, is also gaining attention as a mindful way to experience nature.
Perhaps the greatest luxury of all is simply giving ourselves permission to slow down.
A new generation of wellness retreats
For those wanting something more structured, hotels and resorts are now offering some incredible options.
The Ranch Malibu, in California, puts nature at the heart of its wellness programmes, combining guided hikes through the Santa Monica Mountains with movement, yoga and nourishing food.
COMO Shambhala Estate, in Bali, offers personalised wellness experiences surrounded by lush jungle, combining mindfulness, nutrition, movement and restorative treatments.
In London, Six Senses London brings wellness into the city, with experiences focused on sleep, recovery and personalised wellbeing.
It’s exciting to see how diverse wellness travel has become, and a wellness retreat is an incredible thing to do. But my favourite thing about wellness is that it doesn’t have to cost anything extra. Here are five small changes that I think can make a big difference on holiday.
My five simple ways to travel more mindfully
1. Start your day outside. Whether it’s a morning walk, a cup of tea on the balcony or ten minutes in the fresh air, give yourself a peaceful start before the day gets busy.
2. Put your phone away. Take the photographs, of course. Just make time to experience what’s happening around you rather than always viewing it through a screen.
3. Don’t overfill your itinerary. It’s tempting to squeeze everything in, especially somewhere new, but leave space for slow mornings and doing absolutely nothing.
4. Remember yourself. As mums, we’re often thinking about what everybody else wants. Choose something each day that makes you happy too, however small. My personal favourite is waking up before the children and enjoying my first cup of tea in peace.
5. Be present in the little moments. Listen to the waves, notice the smell of the trees, feel the sunshine on your face. These tiny things can make a big difference.
Ultimately, I don’t think wellness tourism has to mean replacing adventures and sightseeing with meditation and spa treatments. It’s about recognising that holidays can nourish us in more ways than one. Whether that’s a luxury retreat, a family adventure in California or a weekend camping in the Lake District, we can all be more mindful about how we spend our time away. Sometimes putting ourselves first isn’t about taking a holiday without the children. It’s about being more intentional with the one we’re already on.
Samantha Costello is a travel business owner and mum of three.
