Will mind-body therapy "take over" the resort tourism industry?

Will mind-body care "take over" the resort tourism industry?

The concept of “wellness” in tourism has gradually expanded since the end of 2021, when physical illness is no longer the only concern of people. People around the world have adapted to isolated life, the sudden disappearance of a series of social interactions and forced changes in daily routines. This has resulted in all kinds of self-care - from physical to mental - gradually becoming a necessary factor that people - especially urban residents, are willing to spend (a lot) money to have.

In its Global Wellness Economy report released in late 2021, the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) forecast a 21% annual growth rate for wellness tourism from 2020 to 2025. The report also revealed that this type of tourism is expected to outpace all other sectors of the overall wellness industry.

Around the world, hotels and resorts that focus on body-mind-body care have begun to appear with huge investments, most commonly in Western countries such as the United States, Mexico, France, and Greece. These tourist centers mainly focus on the process of connecting the human body with the mind, aiming at sustainable tourism and using therapies such as: purification through nature; caring for and raising animals; enjoying regional cuisine associated with indigenous culture; meditation and yoga... In general, each place will have its own approach, but all aim at the style of experiencing relaxation with nature, combining indigenous values ​​and body-mind-body care services.

In Vietnam, resort tourism combining body-mind-body therapy has gradually become familiar to tourists in the past two years. Zannier Hotel Bai San Ho, Avana Retreat Mai Chau, Topas Ecolodge Sapa... are typical names that can be mentioned. Or, most recently, the return of An Lam Retreats Saigon River resort with a new concept, aiming at a comprehensive and in-depth experience of body and mind for tourists.

What elements make a body-mind-body resort?

Relaunched in March as a mind-body resort,An Lam Retreats Saigon Riverquickly received the attention of travel enthusiasts recently. Familiar names such as Miss Thuy Tien, Miss Tieu Vy, singer Quang Vinh, Cam Cam's family, food blogger Dino Vu... all checked in here with positive reviews.

According to An Lam,conceptThe resort's body-mind-body balance is built on four main elements: Enjoy, Rest, Balance and Exercise. Specifically, how will these elements be expressed in a resort? Let's explore with Travellive.

Enjoy & Relax

The first advantage of An Lam Retreats Saigon River is its special geographical location. Quietly located on the Saigon River, the resort is located in the "khang thuy" position, meaning "a river flows in front". This factor makes the living space airy, people's health is always stable and less affected by the surrounding environment. Here, guests can feel the relaxation and harmony of nature connecting their body and mind, even when sleeping.

Interestingly, both the restaurant and lounge of An Lam Retreats Saigon River are named "Sen". Not reminiscent of foreign delicacies, the cuisine here is associated with natural, local elements. Sen Restaurant serves Asian dishes combined with Western cooking techniques, using fresh, clean, seasonal local ingredients. Similarly, the drinks are also a blend of tradition and modernity: from classic high-class wines, to fruit juices, filter coffee, kombucha, herbal tea or lotus tea, etc.

Balance & Exercise

The two remaining elements to create body-mind-body balance at An Lam Retreats Saigon River are Balance and Training, expressed through health therapy services or experiential and discovery activities.

The resort's spa treatment program system includes body-mind healing therapies such as acupressure, physiotherapy, yoga, meditation, singing bowl therapy...; specially designed by health expert Avinash from India, with 20 years of experience in the field of health therapy.

In particular, during the stay, guests will receive specific advice on their health status, as well as receive treatment and culinary advice, aiming to improve from the inside out.

In addition, An Lam Retreats Saigon River offers "green", useful experiences that take place every day such as: fishing, learning how to roast coffee by hand, learning how to make coconut oil, making soap from recycled materials,...

"What impressed me most about An Lam is the way the resort utilizes the flow of the Saigon River in its resort design. Water is one of the elements that brings balance to body-mind-soul. I feel that the water here carries great energy: peaceful, spreading throughout the resort" - musician Duc Thinh shared his feelings when staying at An Lam Retreats Saigon River.

Duc Thinh is not a strange name to Vietnamese music audiences. In recent years, he has also been known for his musical activities associated with the philosophy "music heals all" (music heals all). On the reopening day of An Lam Retreats Saigon River, musician Duc Thinh was also a special guest, bringing performances - "healing" through music.

The development potential of mind-body therapy in Vietnam

Although it has been present in Vietnam for several years, the concept of combining body-mind-body therapy is still unfamiliar to many Vietnamese tourists. When An Lam Retreats Saigon River introduced the methodhealing through musicAt the resort's opening event, not all audiences were immediately receptive.

As the direct coordinator of this program, musician Duc Thinh recounted: "There were people who already knew about the healing effects of music, so they were excited to participate; then there were people who participated out of curiosity; and there were also people who participated 'reluctantly' because this was a program available during their stay at the resort. But when my performance ended, some audience members proactively contacted me to schedule a private experience later. They were conquered, even though they were not excited before."

With professional and intensive therapy programs gradually being widely introduced in Vietnam, along with the increasing need for mental relaxation of urban residents, it is possible to "predict" the development of body-mind-body care services in the near future. "Mindfulness" style resorts, sound therapy activities, detox tours... will soon become diverse and familiar to Vietnamese people.

But, will this be a short-lived trend?

"It is true that mind-body care has blossomed since the Covid-19 pandemic, but when the pandemic is over, I don't think this need will disappear. Because I believe,closeNo matter how far or deep a person goes, in the end they only return to themselves.mind"I" - musician Duc Thinh said.

Lam Oanh (Photo: Ngoc Tran)