Evolution of wellness 2.0

From spa breaks to stem cells, how India is reinventing wellness travel

- Nivedita

The Indian understanding of wellbeing is undergoing a quiet revolution.

With the world celebrating World Tourism Day on September 27, today's tourists want something much deeper - longevity. An eye-popping 83 per cent of Indians show interest in retreats that have dedicated treatments for longevity and technologies long confined to futuristic labs: cryotherapy (70 per cent), red light therapy (66 per cent), stem cell interventions (64 per cent), IV drip sessions, hyperbaric chambers on steroids, and vibe treatments.

Luxury has become more than indulgence to them; it's about intention-a life that is longer, healthier and vibrant.

The Ayurvedic panchakarma sits side by side with genomic testing, yoga and biohacking are philosophical cousins, and heritage wellness meets regenerative medicine at retreats all over India. Longevity escapes are redefining what it means to travel, from Kerala to Rishikesh, from beaches to the Himalayas.

Longevity as the new luxury

"Longevity is a new luxury within a luxury very quickly. Days of Traditional Travel Are Over Travelers Do Not Want the Standard Items Anymore. They want treatments such as cryo-therapy and IV drips, and stem cells, long vitality, you know?" says Trishal Rao, Chief Sales Officer, SKIL.

According to Louis D'Souza, Managing Partner, Tamarind Global, it is less about indulgence and more about aspiration: "Longevity is the new luxury currency."