As wellness tourism continues to be one of the fastest-growing travel segments, with the global wellness economy projected by the Global Wellness Institute to reach $8.5 trillion by 2027, there’s a variety of ways to prioritize one’s health while traveling outside of the traditional massage.
Hydrotherapy refers to a type of therapy that provides healing using water. Whether it’s a treatment using water at different temperature levels (hello to the ever-trending cold plunge!) or at different pressure points, there’s an array of hydrotherapy treatments at luxury resorts offering various benefits that can be used to target specific ailments amongst travelers.
Conrad Orlando (Orlando, FL) – Conrad Orlando, located at the 1,100-acre Evermore Orlando Resort, is home to the Conrad Spa, which is conveniently perched above the spa’s Water Garden. The Water Garden was inspired by Florida’s breathtaking natural springs and provides guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in various types of hydrotherapy. Laid out with pathways winding through local flora and private treatment tubs, the Water Gardens feature: a Vitality Pool (95-100° F) for muscle-relaxing hydrotherapy, a Cold Plunge (60-68° F) to alleviate join and muscle pain by stimulating the immune system and release endorphins, and a Hot Plunge (98-104° F) to relieve pain, reduce stress, relax muscles and improve sleep; as well as outdoor showers for rinsing and cleansing prior to any of the above. The Conrad Spa offers Bathing Rituals where the Water Garden’s multiple pools and baths are utilized such as their Auromatic Flower Bath where guests take in the nurturing aromas of Florida flowers in a fragrant bath using a custom-tailored blend of botanical aromatics with muscle-easing bath salts as they enjoy a gentle facial and scalp massage while soaking in the tub.
Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands) – Occupying the most expansive stretch of Grand Cayman’s famed Seven Mile Beach, the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, only 32 steps exactly away from the shore, offers unrivaled views of the crystal clear Atlantic. Through Westin’s Six Pillars of well-being (Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well), Westin Grand Cayman is one of the few properties on island that prioritizes wellness through various thoughtful amenities and services guests from all over can enjoy. From oceanfront yoga to daily guided runs on the beach to reiki sessions, there’s a wellness offering fit for everyone. The resort is home to the Hibiscus Spa where guests can enjoy a menu of over 60 wellness treatments, including indulgent Rain Shower Experiences, featuring the ultra-relaxing Vichy shower which use both pressure and temperature to induce relaxation and even an improvement in circulation. Fun fact: The Hibiscus Spa is the only spa on island to offer Vichy showers!
Carillon Miami Wellness Resort (Miami, FL) – This Miami hotel not only boasts the largest spa on the Eastern Seaboard (70,000 sq. ft.), but also provides an unparalleled array of hydrotherapy services for its guests. Whether you're seeking relaxation or revitalization, the spa is designed to cater to every need. The journey begins in state-of-the-art thermal suites which envelops a rejuvenating European spa experience. Carillon Miami’s hydrotherapy circuit takes guests through a variety of immersive treatments, starting with soothing tropical rain showers that gently wash away stress, followed by the herballaconium, a therapeutic steam room infused with aromatic herbs to calm your senses and enhance relaxation. As people move between the contrasting hot and cold hydrothermal therapy suites, the experience is crafted to stimulate circulation, relieve muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and ease joint pain, all while promoting deep relaxation. Spend the afternoon or a full day in this serene retreat, to emerge feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and completely transformed.
