The coronavirus pandemic has compelled all of us to slow down and focus on our health and well-being. Following the emerging trend of wellness tourism, Taj Hotels has launched Taj Wellness Retreats, which allow travellers to revitalise their mind, body and spirit. We caught up with Rakhee Lalvani, Vice President, Public Relations and Corporate Communications at IHCL to know more about these retreats.
Have you seen a renewed interest in the wellness tourism sector in recent times
It certainly seems so. As per several industry reports, wellness tourism is possibly the fastest growing segment of the global tourism market. And according to a report by the Global Wellness Institute, wellness tourism is slated to grow at an average annual rate of 7.5% by 2022. As things get back to normalcy, it is expected that wellness-based holidays will be an emerging segment. There has been increased interest in transformative experiences, digital detox, outdoor activities and sleep enhancement.
Please tell us something about Taj Wellness Retreats and what made you come up with the idea of focussing on wellness at Taj properties
Jiva&ndashthe award winning Indian and all-natural spa, has for decades offered a unique range of spa treatments for holistic well-being. It is the only Indian spa brand in the world, with signature spa experiences rooted in the rich and ancient healing traditions of India.
In response to the increasing focus towards wellness, Taj Wellness Retreats allow travellers to embark on a soulful journey to revitalise mind, body and spirit. Thoughtfully designed by Jiva Spa&rsquos wellness experts, these retreats combine holistic healing techniques with serene locations to indulge, nourish and re-energise oneself. Be it at Rishikesh, Coorg, Bengaluru, Goa or Hyderabad, each destination offers guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic local experiences. From the ethereal Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh, tranquil walks through Coorg&rsquos coffee plantations, or breathtaking sunsets, the wellness retreats encourage you to disengage from daily monotony and embrace a natural way of living.
How has the response of guests, who have availed these services, been in the post-COVID world
We have been receiving a really good response from guests, and have got many queries and bookings for Taj Wellness Retreats across all destinations. In the coming months, domestic leisure travel will pave the way in the industry&rsquos recovery. Within this, wellness holidays and the need to reconnect with nature, going on a journey of self-discovery and undertaking transformative breaks are all gaining a lot of momentum.
Which are the Taj properties offering Wellness Retreats
The offer is currently available at Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa, Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa in Coorg, Taj West End in Bengaluru, Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in Goa, Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa in Goa and Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa in Goa.
What are the company's future plans in terms of wellness tourism
Jiva is the wellness brand of IHCL with more than fifty spas across India and the globe. It is the largest branded spa in the world and we continue to look for suitable opportunities to grow the brand. Apart from India, Jiva is in our hotels in London, Cape Town, Maldives, Dubai, Bhutan, and Lusaka. Currently, we are offering the Taj Wellness Retreats in seven locations across India and we plan to take this to many more destinations in the country, as well as to our international hotels in Dubai and Maldives.