According to a recent feature by Times of India, wellness travel continues to thrive in 2025, with Asia leading the trend thanks to its strong foundation in traditional healing methods and holistic practices. Among the five standout destinations listed—Minakami (Japan), Chiang Mai (Thailand), Kerala (India), Bali (Indonesia), and Hoi An (Vietnam)—each offers a distinctive take on restorative travel for both the body and mind.
Hoi An (Vietnam): A tranquil haven steeped in heritage
Hoi An, Vietnam’s ancient coastal town and a UNESCO World Heritage site, has become a rising star in Asia’s wellness scene. Beyond its architectural charm and cultural depth, Hoi An is now gaining recognition for its wellness offerings tailored to modern travelers.
Visitors can indulge in morning meditation sessions, yoga by the river, detox programs and traditional Vietnamese herbal therapies at resorts across the region. The lantern-lit streets, peaceful courtyards and rhythmic slowness of local life provide a nourishing environment for inner balance and reflection.
Bali (Indonesia): Mindfulness in a tropical paradise
In Bali, particularly in Ubud, nature and spirituality converge to create an ideal wellness ecosystem. The island is home to yoga studios, detox retreats, and eco-conscious resorts tucked into rice terraces or hidden in jungle clearings.
Guests can start their day with a sunrise yoga session, followed by a Balinese massage using essential oils, and meals made from locally grown organic produce. Wellness here is a lifestyle—one that harmonizes the mind, body and environment through ritual and simplicity.
Kerala (India): The birthplace of Ayurvedic wisdom
Kerala is synonymous with Ayurveda, India’s 5,000-year-old medical system rooted in holistic healing. Wellness centers here offer extensive treatment programs like Panchakarma and Shirodhara, supported by personalized diets, herbal remedies and mindful living.
Along the beaches of Kovalam or in the forested interiors, travelers find purpose in every routine—from morning yoga and herbal teas to massage therapies that detoxify and rejuvenate. Kerala doesn’t just offer relaxation; it offers transformation.
Chiang Mai (Thailand): Northern serenity and spiritual depth
For travelers who seek mountain air and a slower pace, Chiang Mai in northern Thailand delivers a compelling wellness narrative. Known for its Buddhist temples and laid-back culture, the city is a nurturing space for rest and renewal.
Traditional Thai massage, meditation retreats, and organic vegan meals are staples of the wellness experience here. Whether hiking through terraced fields or taking part in silent meditation, travelers often find a sense of grounding in Chiang Mai’s sacred calm.
Minakami (Japan): Forest healing in the Japanese Alps
Minakami, located in Gunma Prefecture, exemplifies Japan’s mindful approach to wellness. Forest bathing, or “shinrin-yoku,” is widely practiced here—a form of therapy that encourages immersion in the sights, sounds and scents of the forest.
A walk beneath cedar canopies, a glimpse of Mount Tanigawa and a soak in a natural onsen collectively offer both physical relief and emotional reset. In Minakami, wellness isn’t a trend—it’s a quiet return to nature’s wisdom.
