Ireland becomes wellness destination
Owing to its unique location on the edge of Europe, Ireland has long attracted travelers seeking health, wholeness, and inspiration. Blessed with abundant natural beauty, this magical island on the edge of Europe, where the wild Atlantic Ocean meets a rugged coastline that gives way to a green and fertile landscape.
Lately it seems Ireland has provided fertile ground for an explosion of growth in the Health and Wellness segments. Everywhere you look, from big cities to the most remote rural spot, there seems to be a health and wellness centre opening. In 2006 alone, over 30 facilities opened, Last year there were approximately 140,000 ‘wellness tourists’ in Ireland, numbers that are expected to continue for years to come.
And all these new spas come seem to be branded: Espa, Thalasso, Absolute, Enliven. From the outsider looking in, at times it can all seem a bit silly and self-indulgent. But in the realm of health and wellness to experience is to believe. Hyperbole aside, a good pampering at one of Ireland's luxury spas can be an experience of a lifetime.
Two factors have led to this explosion. Ireland's tourism industry is maturing, with hotels making a push to keep up with a worldwide trend toward enhanced services. And second of course is the change in Ireland itself. Ireland's prosperity has fueled a blossoming Health and Wellness industry. Fully 70 percent of spa visits are from Irish people. Given the country's new-found prosperity, its not surprising that Irish people should resonate toward such luxuries. Irish people are increasingly in tune with their personal health and wellness and are highly informed about what is required to lead a healthy life, both physically and mentally. This desire is also driven by a growing need: a hectic commuter culture, stress-related health problems and a tiring pace of life. 10% of workers now travel over 60miles to work and 1 in 3 motorists spend 2hrs+ in traffic each day.
For visitors the upshot is that there's no shortage of opportunities to escape, reconnect, restore, pamper, and inspire yourself. Health farms, destination spas, seaweed baths, yoga centres. Many of these spas are located in hotels hoping to expand their offerings. Ireland’s health and wellness industry has grown from offering a few select, dedicated health farms and spas, to offering a significant choice to the consumer.
With this awareness comes demand for greater quality and accountability. At the moment there is very little to distinguish between a two or three room outfit shoved into old storage rooms of a small hotels with the finest of destination spas. So there's a move afoot by Failte Ireland to assign categories, inspect properties, and promote them for the specific services they provide.
In the meantime, Ireland Adventures will endeavor to provide a voice of authority, placing a spotlight on the growing list of Ireland's finest Health and Wellness providers. Among our featured health and wellness centres, we recognize and celebrate those providers who're truly delivering a unique, inspired, and authentically Irish experience. Relax, escape, and enjoy the indulgence.
