Men’s Wellness Travel Boom: The Rise of Men-Only Retreats for Physical and Mental Rejuvenation

Published on December 9, 2025

In recent years, wellness travel has expanded beyond the traditional scope of luxury spa resorts to include a new demographic: men. This growing trend in men’s wellness travel is centred not only on relaxation but also on personal development, physical recovery, and mental renewal. More men are taking time away from their daily lives to find solace in outdoor adventure trips, wellness retreats, and transformative experiences. These trips have a far-reaching impact, giving men the tools they need to face life’s challenges while rejuvenating their body and mind.

The Power of Outdoor Adventures and Connection

Outdoor adventures have long been known for their ability to help individuals disconnect from modern distractions. For men, these trips are more than just an opportunity to escape; they serve as an environment where meaningful connections can be made. Whether it’s trekking up the slopes of Kilimanjaro or participating in men-only expeditions, these experiences encourage physical exertion, mental clarity, and the creation of lasting bonds. Men who embark on such adventures often find that these trips offer them the rare chance to communicate authentically and share profound experiences with their peers, whether they are reconnecting with school friends, bonding with family members, or navigating independence for the first time.

For example, Sean Burgess, an experienced leader of mountain expeditions, explains how these trips create a space for men to strip away the distractions of modern life. Away from the noise of everyday pressures, these trips offer a return to simplicity — trekking, eating, and sleeping — which helps quiet the mental clutter and brings men into the present moment. Whether climbing a mountain or journeying through a wilderness, the challenges encountered along the way provide a sense of purpose and a powerful opportunity for reflection and growth.

Men-Only Wellness Retreats: A Growing Trend

Men’s wellness travel has been steadily increasing, and one of the most notable trends is the rise of men-only retreats. These trips focus on well-being, self-development, and empowered vulnerability, offering men a chance to focus on their mental and physical health. A report from Booking.com indicates that men’s wellness retreats are gaining momentum, with nearly half of survey respondents saying they would encourage a male friend or family member to take part in such a trip. The desire for well-being and personal growth is clearly a significant driver of this trend, with more men looking to move away from the toxic masculine stereotypes associated with traditional “bro-culture”.

These retreats aim to provide more than just a getaway; they offer immersive experiences designed to help men regain control over their health, build resilience, and achieve mental clarity. From fitness-orientated retreats to those that focus on emotional well-being, these trips allow participants to step away from daily pressures and focus on holistic growth. Whether it’s overcoming burnout, managing stress, or improving physical fitness, these retreats have become a sanctuary for men seeking self-improvement.

Wellness Retreats Focused on Physical and Mental Recovery

Various retreats across the globe now cater specifically to men, offering a combination of physical exercise, wellness treatments, and restorative practices. For instance, the Strength & Recovery retreat at TIA Wellness Resort in Da Nang, Vietnam, targets men looking to improve their physical performance and recovery. The retreat features high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions, recovery treatments like ice baths and saunas, and sports-focused sightseeing. It focuses on sustainable strength-building and aims to improve physical performance, reduce tension, and promote better sleep and mental clarity. These retreats, typically lasting between four and seven nights, provide a balanced approach to fitness, with a focus on long-term transformation and resilience.

Another notable destination is Nihi Sumba in Indonesia, where horse whisperer Carol Sharpe guides men through mental health programmes focused on grounding, emotional release, and clarity. The wellness offerings at Nihi Sumba include working with horses, a unique approach to addressing emotional burnout and anxiety. The deep work with horses helps men reconnect with themselves, heal their nervous systems, and enhance their emotional leadership skills. This form of therapy has proven to be effective for those looking to recover from stress and build mental resilience.

In India, Dharana in the Shillim village, located in Maharashtra, offers a different kind of retreat. Combining Ayurveda and naturopathy with modern scientific diagnostics, the retreat offers personalised therapies, guided meditation, and immersion in nature. Guests looking to address burnout, boost fitness, and enhance mental resilience can partake in structured wellness routines tailored to their biometrics. With round-the-clock medical and wellness care, this retreat focuses on long-term vitality and physical restoration.

The Benefits of Stepping Away from Modern Life

The benefits of stepping away from the noise of everyday life are numerous. Dr Yasir Shafi, a homoeopathy practitioner at the UAE-based holistic medical centre Wellth, notes that immersive travel experiences, such as treks through the Himalayas or desert retreats, help slow down the body’s stress responses and allow clarity to emerge. These experiences are especially effective for men dealing with burnout, anxiety, or emotional numbness. The change of pace provides a reset for the body and mind, enabling participants to find balance and direction once again.

A key theme in these men-only retreats is the ability to disconnect from constant connectivity. Whether through hiking in remote areas, practising yoga in peaceful surroundings, or simply enjoying time in nature without the constant pull of digital distractions, these experiences promote a deep sense of presence and well-being. They offer a space where men can focus on themselves, their relationships, and their personal growth without the demands of modern life.

The Rise of Hybrid Experiences in Wellness Tourism

As wellness tourism continues to grow, hybrid experiences are emerging as a new trend. According to data from Trip.com, searches for combined experiences such as “golf and spa resorts” and “ski and spa holidays” have seen significant growth, with interest in such experiences increasing by 300% and 250%, respectively. This trend highlights the increasing demand for multi-faceted retreats that offer a blend of physical activities, relaxation, and wellness treatments. These hybrid experiences are ideal for men seeking a well-rounded approach to their well-being, combining fitness with recovery and mental health support.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Wellness Retreat

As men’s wellness travel becomes more popular, it is important to choose retreats that align with personal goals for relaxation and emotional growth. While many retreats offer benefits like fitness programmes or mindfulness practices, it is essential to ensure that the retreat is designed by healthcare professionals and provides personalized care. This is especially important for men with chronic health conditions or those seeking a clinical approach to their well-being.

Choosing the right wellness retreat requires understanding the goals of the retreat and the qualifications of the practitioners involved. Whether looking for physical recovery, mental health support, or personal development, a retreat should offer a safe and supportive environment for men to focus on their health and wellness.

Conclusion

Men’s wellness travel is no longer a niche market but rather a rapidly growing trend catering to men who want to improve their mental and physical health. Men are discovering new ways to reconnect with themselves, recharge their bodies, and clear their minds through outdoor adventures, wellness retreats, and immersive experiences in nature. As the demand for men-only wellness retreats grows, the travel industry responds by providing more personalised experiences centred on self-development, resilience, and mental clarity.

Whether trekking Kilimanjaro or attending a wellness retreat in a peaceful location, these experiences allow men to disconnect from their daily stresses and focus on what is truly important: their health and well-being.