Published on
November 6, 2025
Marriott and Mandarin Oriental are deepening their wellness offerings as Greece and Spain expand their spa-tourism capacity, marking a significant shift in the global travel landscape. With wellness tourism becoming one of the fastest-growing sectors in the travel industry, both countries have become prime destinations for travelers seeking not only relaxation but also rejuvenation and vitality. In response to this surge, hotel giants like Marriott and Mandarin Oriental are enhancing their services, incorporating comprehensive wellness programs that include yoga retreats, detox treatments, and luxury spa experiences. This rise in wellness-focused tourism is not only transforming the hospitality industry but also reshaping the way tourists approach their travel experiences, making wellness an integral part of their journey. With Greece and Spain emerging as key wellness hubs in Europe, the expansion of spa facilities is poised to further elevate these countries’ appeal as top travel destinations.
Expanded Wellness Options Developed by Marriott and Mandarin Oriental as Spain and Greece Grow Spa-Tourism Facilities
Europe, and especially Greece and Spain, is investing more in spa and wellness facilities in response to increased demand for wellness tourism. Marriott and Mandarin Oriental, two top global hospitality companies, are increasing their wellness tourism offerings in Europe, especially Greece and Spain. With every European country investing in tourism, the growth of spa facilities means an increase in luxurious travel experiences focused on wellness and health.
Marriot is the Dominant Player in Greece Wellness Tourism
Apart from the natural attractions, Greece has a rich history and is now a top place for relaxation and spa facilities. In the last few years, Greece has also become popular for more wellness travel experiences. A perfect example is the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, which opened in June 2025 and has an extensive wellness tourism program. Marriott is aquiring new spa facilities and Greece is seeing the increase of tourist wellness travel.
The integration of wellness amenities at the resort allows for a complete experience. Guests are able to enjoy spa treatment and wellness cuisine alongside Mediterranean meals, breakfast, and lunch, participate in fitness programs, and attend yoga classes while taking in the breathtaking panoramas of Crete’s shore. With a spa and wellness center for a specified wellness tourism demographic, the JW Marriott Crete has distinguished itself for the first time in European luxury tourism for wellness and spa services.
For tourists traveling to Greece, and especially Crete, the Marriott wellness policy is an extra incentive to select the destination. Greece tourism continues to expand with 40.7 million obese tourists +12.8% forecasted for 2024. Demand for wellness tourism increases higher than average noticed especially in the upper luxury tier. Groups of customers traveling to Crete and selecting JW Marriott are expected to increase the trend.
Mandarin Oriental Expands New Wellness Offerings in Spain
Wellness services are rising in Spain, with its culturally diverse, historically rich, and magnificent coastal regions. Part of Europe’s wellness tourism market, Spain benefits from the increased demand. Spain rises to the top of the list for Mandarin Oriental Spain, due to the chain’s luxurious offerings and top-notch services. Mandarin Oriental has been improving its wellness offerings in Spain to captivate high-end wellness tourists.
An example is the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, which emphasizes holistic wellness and provides tailored SPA wellness retreats that range from detoxification to stress relief and the latest in mindfulness and sleep therapy. Wellness tourists are drawn to this SPA due to the tailored wellness offerings that consist of personalized treatments, yoga, and more meditation activities. This SPA embraces the demand for wellness and relaxation. As the destination shifts, the desire and need for rejuvenation become just therapy, mindfulness meditation, and sleep offerings.
The tourism sector in Spain is likewise flourishing, with an unparalleled 94 million international tourists in 2024. The Mediterranean climate, famous cuisine, and beautiful landscapes are alluring to wellness tourists. Spain is home to wellness tourism with its thermal baths in the Balearic Islands and Costa Brava region. Spain has wellness tourism with Balearic Islands thermal baths and Costa Brava coastal resorts. The presence of Mandarin Orientals in Spain has contributed to the establishments of wellness tourism industries with the luxury wellness spa services that travelers are seeking.
The Rise of Wellness Tourism and Its Impact on Airlines.
Greece and Spain have recently added to their spa tourism and this has greatly increased the need for airlines to provide a greater number of flights to the spa tourism hotspots. With the rise in popularity of wellness travel, airlines have been more likely to provide additional routes, specialized services, and collaborations with wellness resorts to provide integrated travel arrangements.
Airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and British Airways are expanding flight offerings to popular wellness travel destinations, notably Greece and Spain. For example, Qatar Airways now offers direct flights to wellness resorts on the Greek Islands of Mykonos and Crete, and has added several other Greek cities to its route network. Emirates has also stepped up its focus on Spain, and is increasing services on the route to Barcelona, a hub for wellness and high-end luxury tourism.
Airlines are increasingly enhancing the travel experience by improving on-board services to focus on the comfort, well-being, and health of the passengers during the trip. Many wellness Tourism programs on airlines include nutritious meal offerings, exercises in the aisles, and meditation exercises during the flight. These initiatives are improving the airlines’ appeal to wellness-focused passengers.
Airlines are also facilitating the planning of wellness tourism for their passengers by providing services tailored to the tourist’s wellness trip travel itinerary. For instance, passengers traveling to Greece and Spain are now offered direct flights with scheduled times that are designed for passengers to maximize time in country. Other offerings include ticket and accommodation packages that include wellness tourism. These bundled packages ease the wellness tourist’s experience in accessing other wellness services.
The Hospitality Industry’s Response to Wellness Travel Trends
The wellness travel boom is benefiting not only airlines but also the hospitality sector. In response to passengers demand for a more wholesome travel experience, wellness centers, hotels, and resorts have begun to integrate wellness services into their offerings.
Chains like the Four Seasons and Aman Resorts have begun revising their frameworks to meet the demand. Both have introduced elaborate wellness alternatives aimed to include detoxing, spa services, and healthy dietary options along with fitness and exercise amenities. For these hotels, the wellness experience becomes a promotional component that complements the holistic escape offered to the travelers.
Tourists have a greater choice for their next vacation because the hospitality sector has accepted wellness tourism. Whether it’s a spa resort in Spain or a wellness retreat in the Greek islands, tourists have unparalleled access to world-class well-being amenities and services. The industry is enthusiastically promoting a novel travel experience, integrating rest and health seamlessly.
Travel Tips from a Tourist Perspective for Wellness Seekers
When preparing a wellness trip to Greece or Spain, consider the following travel advice to maximize your potential experience.
Reserve Early: Due to the increase interest in wellness tourism, flights to Greece and Spain which are popular wellness destinations, will become fully booked very quickly. Therefore, booking your flights as early as possible will get the best prices while also guaranteeing your flights for when you are planning on travelling.Seek out Package Offers: Wellness travel packages which include flights, stays and wellness services are becoming very popular. These packages are designed to give you a seamless experience, and a stress free time designed for relaxation or rejuvenate wellness.Travel Off-Accord Times: For the most empty and tranquil wellness retreats when planning your visits, travel during off-designated travel times. Wellness tourism during spring and autumn are very nice. With Greece and Spain’s mild climate during these tranquil retreat times, you will come back very rejuvenated.Determine Desired Relaxation Wellness Programs: Each wellness retreat centers programs on certain types of wellness, including yoga retreats and detox retreats. Each wellness program has unique offers, and examining these will help you find a remedy resort that best aligns with your relaxation and wellness goals.5. Pack for Wellness: Should you partake in a wellness retreat, ensure that you pack appropriately. Bring comfortable clothes for yoga, exercise classes, and clothes for the outdoor activities. Don’t forget things like sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle to help you hydrate during outdoor activities.Health and Safety: Prior to travelling, review the most current health and safety guidelines in regard to wellness treatments. As the new the wellness resorts are incorporating wellness hygiene and safety protocols to maintain the integrity of their guests.
Flight Details: How to Get to Greece and Spain for Wellness Tourism
Direct flights to Greece and Spain have increased from a variety of major global hubs, and the rise of wellness tourism in these countries has made it easier to get to them directly. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and British Airways, among other major global carriers, operate non-stop flights to several key destinations in Greece and Spain, including Athens, Mykonos, and Barcelona.
For instance, Qatar Airways has non-stop flights from Doha to Athens and Mykonos, as well as from Mykonos to Doha and Mykonos. The Doha route is about 5 flying hours. Emirates also has non-stop flights to Athens and Barcellona from Dubai, thus allowing access to Greece and Spain to wellness tourists. These companies have a variety of services from Eco to First class so that the wellness tourists can have a pleasant and comfortable flying experience.
Marriott and Mandarin Oriental are enhancing their wellness offerings as Greece and Spain expand their spa-tourism capacity, catering to the growing demand for health-focused travel. This shift is reshaping the global travel landscape, blending luxury with rejuvenation for travelers worldwide.
The Anticipated Growth of Wellness Tourism in Greece and Spain
The impact of wellness tourism is positive and Greece and Spain as the first two countries have positioned themselves to take the greatest advantage. With the expected positive growth hospitality investments like those of the Marriot and the Mardarin Oriental in the spa and wellness facilities indicate the expected demand. The increasing demand for wellness tourism positively affects the growth of wellness and spa facilities available and built in the two countries to accommodate the newcomers. This result is also positive for the airlines, tourism, and hospitality industries in general.
With the rise of wellness tourism, clients have an increasing number of alternatives for booking a wellness vacation. From a serene spa retreat in Spain to a lavish resort in the Greek islands, these locations provide a comprehensive and integrated travel experience centered on well-being.
