New Delhi, December 10, 2025

In 2025, wellness stopped being something people squeezed into their busy schedules and became a luxury that Indians willingly invested in. The idea of a vacation changed completely. Instead of rushing through sightseeing tours and returning home more tired than before, travellers began seeking places that helped them slow down, breathe easier and reconnect with themselves. From sunrise breathing sessions to personalised meal plans and long healing spa rituals, Indians made rest the new definition of luxury.

This shift did not happen suddenly. It grew from years of high-pressure living, burnout and the after-effects of the pandemic. Travel started to feel less like running away from life and more like repairing what stress had damaged. Himalayan yoga retreats, Ayurveda detox holidays and international programmes in places like Africa and Southeast Asia became the preferred escape for many Indians who wanted meaningful breaks instead of hectic itineraries.

Wellness travel also turned into a social marker. For young and wealthy travellers, going on a wellness retreat became a symbol of refinement and self-awareness. A weekend of digital detox in Goa or a yoga-based celebration in Uttarakhand carried the same status once held by luxury shopping sprees. As one travel expert noted, today’s travellers want curated wellness experiences that focus on personal transformation instead of traditional tourism.

The numbers tell a strong story. India’s wellness tourism sector generated nearly USD 27.92 billion in 2025. The industry, worth around USD 21.23 billion in 2024, is expected to double over the next decade. A major share comes from Ayurveda, yoga and meditation-focused retreats. Most of this demand is driven by domestic travellers, with North India emerging as the fastest-growing region. Surveys also show that more than one in three high-net-worth individuals preferred wellness retreats over any other luxury experience.

Luxury destinations such as Amanbagh and Ananda in the Himalayas became top choices, attracting both Indian and international guests. Many of these retreats blend ancient healing practices with world-class hospitality, offering privacy, personalised plans and peaceful surroundings. More than half a million international guests visit India each year specifically for wellness experiences, showing the country’s strong global reputation.

Luxury brands also stepped into the wellness space. Dior launched seasonal spa experiences at high-end resorts and even opened its first dedicated spa in New York in 2025. These collaborations show how luxury labels are using wellness to build deeper connections with their clients.

Experts say the emotional benefits outweigh the financial cost for most travellers. Wellness has become a form of luxury that offers mental clarity rather than material excess. People now value trips that help them reset more than tightly packed holidays. This shift has pushed hotels and resorts to redesign their offerings with wellness at the centre. New features include meditation terraces, nature-inspired interiors, customised nutrition plans and night-time yoga events.

Looking ahead, wellness destinations are becoming popular for milestone celebrations, from bachelorettes to corporate retreats. Technology is also beginning to play a role through health-monitoring wearables and AI-based wellness plans. With India’s strong roots in yoga and Ayurveda, growing incomes and rising health awareness, the trend is set to grow even stronger.

In 2025, Indians proved one thing clearly: rest is not an indulgence, it is an investment. And for many, wellness is no longer just another part of a holiday — it has become the luxury they value the most.

 How Wellness Became a 28-Billion-Dollar Luxury Choice for Indians in 2025

Wellness in India has moved far beyond spa days and quick weekend breaks. In 2025, it turned into a full lifestyle choice — one people are willing to travel for, spend on, and proudly share. Instead of rushing through crowded tourist spots, many Indians now look for calm spaces where they can breathe, rest, and reset. Trips once meant for taking photos are now about slowing down, eating better, and feeling lighter inside.

This change didn’t appear overnight. After years of stress, long work hours, and the push to stay “always on,” people began choosing holidays that actually heal them. Yoga retreats in the Himalayas, Ayurveda detox stays, and wellness resorts in places like Goa and Kerala became the new go-to. For many young travellers, these trips even became a quiet status symbol — a sign that they value themselves enough to pause.

The shift is strong in numbers too. India’s wellness tourism touched nearly USD 27.92 billion in 2025 and is on track to double in the coming decade. Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, and personalised healing journeys make up most of this demand. North India is leading the growth, and surveys show that one in three wealthy travellers prefer wellness breaks over any other luxury experience.

Destinations like Ananda in the Himalayas and Amanbagh became favourites for both Indians and international guests. These places blend old healing traditions with modern comfort, offering privacy, clean food, quiet nature, and personalised plans. More than half a million global travellers now visit India each year just for wellness.

Luxury brands are stepping in too. Dior launched seasonal spa pop-ups and its own spa in New York, showing how wellness has become part of global luxury culture.

In short, 2025 proved something powerful: real luxury is peace. People no longer want holidays that drain them — they want ones that restore them. And that’s why wellness is now India’s favourite form of indulgence.