India: The New Spa Destination

According to research by SpaFinder Magazine , the Indian spa industry currently boasts over 2,300 spas, which represents about USD $384 million annually, and that’s only a tiny portion of the global $60 billion plus core economy.

Tourism to places like India and other Asian continents are continuing to increase, and now, India is poised to attract significantly more western tourists and continue to develop its own vibrant spa market.

Spa Finder presented a top ten of Indian spa trends. Here are the 5 that caught my eye.

Yoga, Ayurveda & Alternative healing continue to be big business
Yoga and ayurveda have been in the Indian culture for eons, and they’re only going to get bigger. Yoga is already one of the most profitable wellness modalities in the world, and it a lifestyle for millions of people. These yogis are already excited about traveling to the spiritual and cultural source, and they’re already very familiar with ayurveda and alternative healing.

Western consumers are learning more and more about Ayurveda, and if they’re in, or planning a trip to India, will want to experience authentic ayurvedic practitioners
Where alternative healing is concerned, spas will continue to strive to offer holistic, organic elements in treatments, as well as emphasize mind-body-spirit connections and advocate eventual lifestyle changes. In some cases, these treatments will combine elements such as massage, meditation, yoga, re-birthing techniques, past life regression and energy medicine like reiki.

The Spa-Savvy Indian Male
The urban Indian male increasingly wants to look good and feel good and now regularly goes for wellness treatments—like Champissage (head massage) and full-body massage on a regular basis—as well as grooming treatments and products designed especially for him. You’ll see a lot more polished and groomed men out and about in India, as well as other places in the world.

The Love of Luxury
The affluent Indian consumer loves brand names. This means that spas are going to start establishing themselves as multi-city brands, and will look to market their own spa products. These products will then also work to become popular in other countries as well – like Bindi Bath and Body Products, which are popular in the US.

Bollywood Stars Spice Up Spas
Bollywood stars, and the ongoing fascination with their personalities, may enjoy going to the spa themselves, we’ll see more of them actively promoting health and wellness initiatives. Much like the spa behavior of Hollywood stars has influenced the western population’s activities, that will happen in India as well.

Culture, Myth, History Catch Spa Fancy
Indian history, astrology and values are providing the opportunity to offer amazing, immersive spa experiences for visitors. Some spas provide regionally-specific treatments (the use of sandlewood and rosewater in Delhi to emphasize the overtones of the 16th century Mughal dynasty for example); others are introducing regionally-specific building materials like marble or stone. Others are showcasing ‘leharia’ folk art patterns; Indian love swings and Rajput water gardens (from the state of Rajasthan); ‘Madhubani’ paintings (from the state of Bihar); or Mughal landscaping and architecture).

Watch for India to become a force to be reckoned with in the Spa world – we’re going to be seeing a lot more from them.