Spafinder Wellness 365™, the world's largest media, marketing and gifting company for the wellness industry, surveyed 3,352 global respondent and found that a huge 85 per cent have returned from a holiday feeling less revitalised than when they left unless they are opting for a 'wellness' break which puts relaxation at its core. Last year, 15.2 million days of work were lost in the UK due to stress, depression or anxiety and Spafinder believes that people are now demanding greater 'wellness' from their breaks so that they can relax and unwind away from the office.

According to research conducted for the Global Wellness Institute, wellness tourism is one of the fastest-growing travel categories, already representing one in seven tourism dollars and experiencing nearly 50 per cent more growth than global tourism overall. Spafinder defines wellness travel “as holidays, getaways and business trips that help travellers stay (or get) well when travelling” by offering distinct wellness-related programmes and facilities. From nutrition, healing and mindset to state-of-the-art spas, fitness and wellness centers, these travel destinations make the wellbeing of travellers a top priority.

Spafinder found that 82 per cent of travellers want a holiday where they could unwind and enjoy spa treatments. Meanwhile, 87 per cent want healthier food and 70 per cent would like to use a gym when they are abroad. Far more hotels are offering destination-spa-like programming during specialty weeks, often headlined by celebrity trainers and wellness gurus.

Properties like Four Seasons Resort Marrakech for example are now offering multiday, juice-regimen-themed retreats, combining the “cleanses” with daily yoga and nutritional counselling. More hotels are also offering healthy sleep fitness and treatments. For instance, Park Hyatt Tokyo has a free, instructor-led “Good Night Sleep Stretch” in its fitness studio.

This year, Spafinder has announced the nominees for the first-ever Wellness Travel Awards, the only awards that recognise the spas, hotels, resorts and retreats worldwide dedicated to offering experiences and environments that leave visitors healthier when they check out than when they checked in. Nominees were named on six continents, in over 40 countries and in 18 categories Wellness enthusiasts can vote for their favourite nominees at spafinder.co.uk, until 19 September 2014. Wellness Travel Award winners will be announced during the World Travel Market, which will take place on 3-6 November 2014 in London. An independent global panel comprised of 26 spa, wellness and travel journalists and industry experts selected the official nominees.

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Notes to Editors

Spafinder Wellness 365™ surveyed 3,352 global respondents in October 2013.

With over 25 years of experience as a spa and wellness authority, Spafinder Wellness UK Ltd guides the industry, partners, consumers and employers with the most comprehensive resource for wellness-related products, services and insight in the marketplace. Millions of people find inspiration to keep well every day via the Spafinder Wellness 365™ brand, also known for its widely distributed gift cards available at over 7,500 stores in the UK including Boots, Tesco, Costco, Clinton Cards and Asda. For more information, please visit http://www.spafinder.co.uk/ or call 0870 121 6066.

Media Enquiries

The Brighter Group:  Verity Ramsay / Jenny Groutage 

Tel 020 7326 9880 / Email: spafinder@brightergroup.com