From the growing popularity of sober curiosity to the rise of post-partum retreats, here are the key wellness trends to know this year.
New year, new you. Instead of unrealistic resolutions, however, what about trying out something new that’s good for you? We’ve rounded up five wellness movements to know in 2026 and where to go for a self-care sojourn.
Book a ‘dry tripping’ holiday
Move over, Dry January. The sober-curious lifestyle is all the rage nowadays, and something to champion all year round. Just ask your Gen Z friends: Apparently 36% of this generation embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle, proving that it’s no longer a fringe movement.
And why not? There’s lots to love about eschewing alcohol with clarity of mind and better overall health as immediate benefits. Plus, there are a bounty of amazing non-alcoholic beverages ranging from established Seedlip to Bella Hadid’s Kin Euphorics should a craving for a G&T hit.
This year, take it even further by going “dry tripping”— a vacation focused on a wellness reset sans alcohol. You won’t be alone: Research by Expedia Group found that “50 percent of travelers say they’d be interested in staying at a place that offers easily accessible alcohol-free options”.
Where to go? Focus on nurturing healthy habits at Villa Pangi Gita in Canggu, nestled in a cascading landscape garden inspired by the paddy fields around it. If you feel like socialising, the cool bars, restaurants and beach clubs in Canggu are close enough — don’t worry they take their low and no alcohol menus seriously in this nomad hotspot.
In case you missed it: Nyepi Day: Why Bali Welcomes the New Year in Silence
Jump into social bathing
What’s the new way of networking that’s more popular than golf, padel or the good old round of drinks in a bar? According to the Wall Street Journal, it’s the simple health high of going to a sauna.
From Turkish hammams to the Japanese onsen, the healing power of heat has been known over millennia. Apart from the physical benefits, the social aspect of outdoor saunas and urban bathhouses are helping people improve their mental health and connect in a different way. In particular, there’s a strong buzz around contrast bath therapy — alternating dips in hot and cold water, which is known to reduce inflammation and aid in muscle recovery.
Where to go? Onsen, a treasured Japanese ritual practiced since the 7th century, is revered for benefits such as balancing the nervous system, relieving pain, reducing stress and more. If you’re not too keen on a public onsen, check into Corniche Hirafu, a brand-new luxury chalet in Niseko. This grand 580 sqm chalet marries alpine luxury with generous spaces. Best yet, it features a natural hot spring well that flows into a private onsen, as well as a sauna, plunge pool and stylish sky terraces.
Explore more: Spring is the Season Niseko Regulars Keep to Themselves — Here’s Why
Check into a post-partum retreat
Chinese culture has a ‘confinement’ period that lasts over a month, while Latin American countries have the ‘cuarentena’, which is 40 days of supported postpartum recuperation. In the rest of the world, however, the recovery process after childbirth is seen as something that happens during maternity leave.
Thankfully, there’s a lot more importance and focus given on the ‘fourth trimester’ nowadays, resulting in the rise of post-partum retreats. According to the Global Wellness Summit, these are “created in high-end hotels or residences, where mom and baby can go straight from the hospital, for precious days or weeks of 24/7 care.” It also doesn’t have to be right after giving birth either; any dedicated wellness holiday with baby in tow can be considered a modern post natal retreat.
Where to go? Thailand is known for its world-class medical services, making it an ideal destination for a medical-focused holiday. Escape the crowds of Koh Samui and head to hills of Chaweng Noi for some true rest and relaxation. Book Kelapa House, a sprawling fully-staffed luxury villa with panoramic ocean views and an infinity-edge swimming pool. It also has a gym, spa, and sauna making it the ultimate wellness escape.
For your next trip to Koh Samui: Koh Samui Guide for First-Timers: What You Need to Know Before You Go
Do self-care sustainably
Self-care is never selfish, but when we’re seeking out ways to better connect to ourselves, we shouldn’t do it at the expense of the environment. Be it supporting eco-certified brands or choosing refillable beauty products, we need to make sure it works for Mother Earth, too.
A surefire way to truly uplift mind, body and soul is immersing yourself in nature. From forest bathing in Rusutsu to meditating by Ayung river in Ubud, nothing beats being one with nature.
Where to go? Sun-kissed Koh Samui is blessed with white sands, azure waters and plenty of gorgeous islets. Base yourself at the beautiful Villa Akatsuki, a wonderful home away from home for a nature-filled wellness-centric holiday. With three swimming pools, a spa, jacuzzi, gym, tennis court, and more, it’s barefoot luxury at its finest.
If you’re looking for some activity: Game On: The Best Padel Courts in Koh Samui and Where To Stay With Your Crew
Go slow and heed ancient wisdom
Everywhere you look, the conversation is centred on AI. In the wellness world, however, it’s about going back to old ways of doing things. From Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to Ayurveda, more and more wellness practitioners and enthusiasts are leaning into ancient styles of medicine that have stood the test of time.
And with the proliferation of quick fixes like Ozempic, there’s an increased importance placed on the wonders of the human touch. If the algorithm has you moving at breakneck speed, consider this your cue to log off. This means embracing analogue ways of doing things, be it an authentic Balinese massage or Thai.
Where to go? In Bali, the antidote comes in the form of villas that favour presence over productivity. Designed with togetherness in mind, Villa Crystal Castle is less about solo soul-searching and more about a collective exhale. Its sprawling communal spaces, dedicated yoga shala, and just the right amount of stillness coax meaningful conversation that allow group getaways to evolve into something deeper.
Meanwhile, Nag Shampa Private Estate leans into something more timeless. Set in Taro Village, one of Bali’s oldest enclaves, dating back to the 7th century and often regarded as a spiritual epicentre, this riverside sanctuary hums with quiet significance. Here, ancient wisdom isn’t a trend, it’s simply a way of life.
Ready to embark on a wellness journey?
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