LuxeBook September 2022

W hy does one travel? Many have attempted to answer the question. Travelling, on its own, can be therapeutic for many. Travelling to seek out newer experiences, being amidst of nature, or even meeting new people can be powerful enough to change one’s life. At the very least, it is a rejuvenating experience that helps you unwind and relax. When it comes to travelling for wellness, individuals seek out a wholesome experience, that not only revives your body but your mind and spirit as well. Holistic travel isn’t merely yoga and/or spa therapy programmes. It is a more complete experience that involves your body, mind and soul. While wellness centres across India adhered to many yoga and ayurvedic programmes, it is only recently that luxury hotels and resorts have adhered to the demands of a weary population. One of the largest hospitality chains in India, CGH Earth has a total of 20 properties, divided into CGH Earth – experience hotels and CGH Earth – experience wellness. These include sixteen holiday experiences, three healthcare facilities and one well-being retreat. Other luxury hotels like The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, and Taj Hotels introduced programmes like Aujasya by Leela and Innergise respectively, which catered to individuals looking for a health-focused wellness getaway. BY SCHENELLE DSOUZA A more authentic wellness journey Holistic travel isn’t just about doing some yogasanas and spas. LuxeBook explores how properties have been innovating to offer their guests a more complete experience Not all those who wander are lost. — JRR Tolkien The Leela Mumbai LuxeBook spoke toRiteshSharma–GeneralManager, The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai, Anuraag Bhatnagar – COO, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, and Mridula Jose – Vice President, Product Development &Marketing at CGH Earth to understand how wellness and luxury hospitality have come together to offer a newer kind of experience. The emergence of holistic travel Holistic getaways ideally are a one-stop solution to rejuvenating one’s body, mind and soul. “Your mind has time to unwind and rejuvenate, helping you become more conscious of your lifestyle, or what you eat. A regular holiday might be a culmination of activities that guests can indulge in, whereas a holistic getaway solely focuses on aspects like sleep and creativity, nutrition and immunity, vitality and movement, serenity and mindfulness, and purpose and solidarity,” said Ritesh Sharma of The Taj Palace Mumbai. Holistic getaways have gained popularity over the years with Covid being heavily credited for the health scare. Additionally, these getaways encourage people to prioritize their health, whether it be a lifestyle change or an occasional getaway. CGH Earth’s Mridula Jose believes that wellness tourism was rampant for years before Covid, with a larger international audience, primarily from Europe and CIS market, and a smaller percentage from India. “During Covid, the international travel reduced considerably, and we started to see an increase of Indian audience. Through Covid, there was an increase in awareness about the importance of fortifying and strengthening one’s body to fight viruses and diseases, especially using medical sciences that are more natural and chemical free,” Jose says. Adding to this, Ritesh Sharma spoke about the wellness industry being one of the fastest growing segments in the global tourism market with an increased interest in in transformative experiences — digital detox, outdoor activities and sleep enhancement. He added, “Following the pandemic, individuals are more concerned about their health and are reinforcing the notion of ‘health is wealth’. The need to preserve one’s physical, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing has therefore Aujasya by The Leela MIND, BODY AND S OUL 26| L U X E B O O K | S E P T E MB E R 2 0 2 2 S E P T E MB E R 2 0 2 2 | L U X E B O O K | 27