The Growing Importance of Culinary Wellness in Travel

Plant-based and mindful dining experiences are redefining the future of wellness tourism.

As wellness travel continues to surge globally, the role of food within that experience is gaining unprecedented attention. Beyond spas, yoga retreats, and digital detoxes, what travelers eat — and how they experience it — is increasingly seen as a vital component of physical, emotional, and even spiritual wellbeing.

According to American Express, 81% of travelers say that tasting local cuisine is what they most look forward to on a trip. Another global survey found that 67% prioritize destinations offering healthy dining options. These findings highlight a shift: in wellness travel, food is no longer a supporting element — it’s central to the journey itself.

The Expanding Landscape of Culinary Wellness

The wellness tourism market has seen remarkable recovery since the pandemic, reaching an estimated $830 billion in 2023 (Global Wellness Institute). Today’s travelers are seeking to sustain their healthy lifestyles even while abroad, and the travel industry is responding fast — integrating food-focused wellness programs and destination dining concepts into their offerings.

Recent data shows that nearly 40% of travel operators who expanded their experiences in 2024 added new culinary activities, from local cooking workshops to nutrition-based retreats. American Express Travel’s 2023 Trend Report even named “food” as one of the defining themes shaping the next era of travel — right alongside “wellness.”

In short: the appetite for wellness-centered dining is real, measurable, and growing.

Three Key Drivers: Gut-Brain Connection, Mindfulness, and Sustainability

1. The Gut-Brain Connection

Scientific research continues to uncover the profound link between the gut and the mind — often referred to as the gut-brain axis. Mental health, immunity, and emotional balance are all influenced by what we eat.

In Japan, where traditions like kampo (herbal medicine) and probiotics have long been part of daily life, awareness of this connection runs deep. The country’s emphasis on food education — from assigning licensed nutritionists to schools, to its cultural reverence for balanced meals — is now being studied and emulated internationally.

Fermented foods like shio-koji and amazake, rich in probiotics and enzymes, are finding renewed popularity in wellness resorts and dining programs worldwide.

2. Mindfulness Through Eating

Mindful eating — the practice of slowing down, engaging the senses, and savoring each bite — has become a defining ritual in the new wellness movement.

At The Westin Singapore, guests can experience a “silent breakfast,” where conversation is intentionally limited to encourage inner calm and reflection. In an age of constant screens and multitasking, such immersive, sensory dining experiences help reduce stress and enhance satisfaction.

Even science supports this: mindful eating improves digestion and lowers strain on the gut compared to distracted, hurried meals.

3. Sustainability and Regenerative Food Systems

Wellness and sustainability are increasingly inseparable. The future of food — and by extension, of hospitality — is being shaped by practices that nourish both people and the planet.

From organic and regenerative agriculture to plant-based cuisine and closed-loop kitchens that eliminate waste, wellness dining is becoming a platform for environmental and social responsibility. Locally sourced ingredients not only reduce carbon footprints but also foster meaningful connections between travelers and regional producers.

In this sense, “healthy for the body” is now understood as “healthy for the earth” — a mindset that’s redefining what luxury and wellness mean in hospitality.

Case Studies: Food Experiences in Wellness Hospitality

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• Farm-to-Table Retreats

Guests harvest ingredients from on-site organic gardens or nearby farms, then learn to cook regional dishes under the guidance of local chefs. Many luxury resorts now feature seasonal cooking workshops or guided tours to local producers as part of their wellness itineraries.

At a retreat in India, for example, guests dine on traditional village recipes prepared over wood fire by local women — an intimate encounter with culture, nutrition, and sustainability in harmony.

• Plant-Based & Organic Cuisine

Wellness resorts are increasingly centering their menus around vegetables, grains, and legumes — what some call “feasts from the garden.” One U.S. wellness ranch found that guests who followed a plant-based diet for just one week saw measurable health improvements, including reduced blood pressure and waist circumference.

• Ayurveda & Nutritional Consultation

Some properties now employ in-house Ayurvedic practitioners or nutritionists who tailor meals to each guest’s constitution (dosha). After a wellness consultation at check-in, menus are personalized with herbs and spices designed to balance digestion, immunity, and energy — blending ancient knowledge with modern hospitality.

Toward the Next Chapter of Wellness Hospitality

There’s no single formula for integrating food into wellness travel — but those who do it well stand apart. Facilities that combine health-conscious, sustainable, and locally rooted culinary experiences are increasingly seen as the new standard for modern luxury.

For Japan, where food and wellness have long been intertwined, this presents a unique opportunity. From fermentation culture to mindful dining rituals, Japan’s culinary heritage can inspire new forms of hospitality that resonate globally.

At VIVIFY, we help develop concepts that fuse international trends with local authenticity — designing culinary wellness experiences that enhance brand value, attract high-spending travelers, and bring wellbeing to the heart of hospitality.

If you’re exploring how to integrate food-driven wellness into your property or brand, we’d be delighted to collaborate.