Soraya Jouzy, founder of Pearl Tree, champions luxury beauty and wellness. She spoke with five spa experts from the Middle East and beyond to reveal the wellness trends that are shaping the year ahead.

Nouf Abdulrahim,
Founder and creative director 
Spa Social, Bahrain 
@spasocialofficial 

Healing experiences

In 2025, the spa and wellness industry steadily shifts toward longevity-focused treatments that prioritize healing rather than quick cosmetic fixes. Moreover, this emerging trend emphasizes the use of chemical-free, natural ingredients designed to support sustainable health and long-term well-being. Additionally, guests are increasingly drawn to restorative experiences that improve physical vitality while nurturing emotional balance and enhancing overall mental clarity. As a result, these experiences are offered in warm, welcoming environments that promote relaxation, comfort and a deeper sense of connection.

Sara Codner,
Area director of spa and wellness, Middle East
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
@mo_downtowndubai

Wellness for all generations

Over the past six months, I’ve observed two major wellness trends that, interestingly, continue to gain momentum. Firstly, social wellness has emerged as a vital element, increasingly becoming central in many people’s daily lives and personal well-being journeys. Consequently, from social wellness clubs to curated group experiences, especially for Gen Z, demand for authentic connection is rapidly growing. Simultaneously, nature is playing a larger role, offering both the setting and often the catalyst for these meaningful shared wellness experiences.

Secondly, people are becoming more aware of how their bodies feel and function, prioritizing sustainable, long-term physical and mental health. Therefore, it’s not just about living longer anymore but about living better, with intention, balance and a greater quality of life. What’s truly compelling is how deeply intertwined both trends are, creating a powerful synergy between connection, vitality and overall well-being. As a result, social interaction is no longer optional — it’s recognized as essential to achieving complete mental and physical wellness.

Gina Da Costa, 
Director of spa, wellness and recreation
Mandarin Oriental Muscat
@mo_muscat

Wellness trends

In 2025, the pursuit of longevity continues to shape wellness trends, as travelers actively seek meaningful experiences rooted in ancestral traditions. Moreover, sleep optimization is gaining momentum as an essential pillar of overall wellbeing, encouraging new approaches within luxury hospitality settings. As a result, these evolving trends are significantly transforming how wellness is designed, delivered and experienced across the luxury hospitality industry.

Cassandra Forrest,
Senior director of spa and wellness
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Doha
@mospa_doha

Wellness in digital disconnection

Digital disconnection plays a vital role in restoring balance in our lives, especially in today’s constantly connected and fast-paced world. Moreover, stepping away from nonstop notifications and excessive screen time offers a chance to reconnect deeply with our inner selves again. In addition, journaling provides mental clarity, helping us process emotions, while spending time in nature reminds us of life’s simplicity. Equally important, engaging in a skincare routine or any mindful activity allows us to disconnect intentionally and boost self-awareness daily. Furthermore, setting clear boundaries with technology is essential for self-care, protecting mental health and encouraging stronger, more authentic human relationships. Ultimately, when combined, these mindful practices support a healthier connection with ourselves and create more meaningful interactions with the world around us.

Lindsay Madden Nadeau,
Senior director wellness strategy
Red Sea Global
@redseaglobal

Integrative mental health retreats

As mental health crises rise globally, wellness travel is shifting towards dedicated bespoke retreats and experiences that combine clinical psychology with holistic therapies. This emerging trend addresses mental well-being through evidence-based treatments like psychotherapy, complemented by practices such as meditation, yoga, and breathwork to support emotional resilience and nervous system recovery. Leading examples like The Dawn Wellness Resort in Thailand and Quantum Prana in Bali provide immersive programs designed for deep healing, blending professional psychological care with nurturing, off-grid environments. This integrative approach reflects a growing demand for mental health-focused travel experiences that offer both scientific credibility and holistic restoration for a client who needs genuine attention to depression, anxiety,  PTSD and trauma.