Preferred Hotels & Resorts has launched a new global designation programme that brings together more than 50 member hotels and resorts that deliver holistic and transformative wellness experiences, of which four are in Asia-Pacific.
Introducing the new Preferred Wellbeing programme at ILTM Asia Pacific 2026, president Michelle Woodley said the initiative was borne from the group’s desire to “anticipate what’s next and guide the conversation in luxury travel”.
“Wellness is definitely become a defining force in travel decisions,” said Woodley, adding that it is also becoming a core reason that travellers are choosing a hotel or resort.
The launch of Preferred Wellbeing was informed by insights from the company’s recently released Luxury Travel Report. The report finds that more than a third of luxury travellers are actively seeking transformational wellness journeys, and 77 per cent agree that true luxury today means escaping the pressure to post and impress online. Today’s luxury traveler is increasingly motivated by experiences that support genuine disconnection and reset.
To help luxury travellers discover and book hotels and resorts that would satisfy their wellness needs, Preferred Hotels & Resorts has carefully curated the collection to feature “properties that go beyond the traditional spa offerings, creating immersive journeys through things like hydrothermal circuits, nature-based retreats, and nutritionally driven culinary programming”, shared Woodley.
Selection abides by a 12-point criteria, and qualified hotels and resorts must check off at least 10 requirements. These include Environmental and Sustainability; Purpose-built Wellbeing Spaces; Nourishing Culinary Philosophy; Nature Immersion & Outdoor Renewal; Welcoming & Adaptive Guest Experience; Mental Presence & Inner Practices; Local Connection & Cultural Exchange; Personalised Wellbeing Journeys; Learning, Discovery & Self-Development; Advanced Wellness Technologies; Human Centred Hospitality; and Ethical Operations & Culture.
In Asia-Pacific, the four highlighted properties are: The Meru Sanur in Indonesia; The Leela Palace Udaipur in India; The RuMa Hotel & Residences in Malaysia; and Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo in Japan.
In her media address on June 30, Woodley also discussed top trends in wellness tourism.
She identified longevity in wellness, where travellers are drawn to “intentional results-driven experiences centred in long-term health”; a convergence of ancient rituals and modern science; the growing importance of hydrotherapy as the “centre piece of the wellness journey”; the shift away from one-off treatments towards personalised multi-day wellness journeys; and a growing momentum in nature as part of the healing experience.
