. So, what's sparking this trend? 'I wouldn't call it a trend,' says Montesanti. 'I would call it innovative thinking, where you start looking at what you have in terms of space, facilities and natural surroundings. What can I do for others using this space? How can I help people find a refuge to heal and regenerate throughout the year?' That 'how' might mean hosting beach boot camps or cookery classes, yoga holidays or journalling retreats, surf schools or walking holidays. Diversifying brings all manner of benefits to all parties. For destinations, obviously it helps them attract visitors and make cash during months that traditionally used to be quiet. There are){kind=link}
From beach boot camps and journalling holidays to surf schools and walking festivals, off-season retreats can be cheaper and more calming
As the parasols are packed away; as the piste powder turns to slush; as the monsoon clouds start to glower; as the mercury plunges to goose-pimple climes… Surely it’s time to pick somewhere else for your holiday?
So you’d think. But these days plenty of hotels or whole destinations no longer close for their so-called off-seasons. When the conditions shift to suboptimal, they’re looking to attract a whole new type of traveller: the wellness tourist.
These explorers typically want more than cocktails and sunshine or guaranteed skiable snow. Rather, they are seeking detoxes, reboots, physical challenges, creative outlets and/or spiritual enlightenment; they are more centred around being calm, enjoying nature and focusing on their inner journeys and experiences.
“Many destinations are starting to look at their space with new eyes and understanding how much more they can offer in terms of wellness. You can see this happening in mountain and beach destinations – from small Greek islands to ski resorts – where they are already enhancing not only their high season but also what used to be their off season.”