Wellness travel is carving out its own space as more people seek escapes not just for leisure, but for their mental and physical well-being. Increasingly, travelers are prioritizing experiences centered around self-care, healing, and rejuvenation. Whether through luxurious retreats or adventures on the high seas, the trend is gaining momentum as individuals recognize the importance of mental health alongside physical wellness.
Dr. Sheridan Lathe, affectionately known as Dr. Sheddy, is at the forefront of this movement. Her unique approach combines her love for veterinary medicine, travel, and wellness. Originally from Queensland, Australia, she graduated with her veterinary degree and has since dedicated herself to animal care. Yet, it was her passion for sailing and encounter with animal rescue work, particularly with Asiatic Black Bears, which propelled her toward promoting well-being adventures.
Dr. Sheddy has since turned her sailing excursions with her 37-foot boat, Chuffed, to provide free veterinary care to underserved communities. Through her non-profit, Vet Tails, she sails around the globe, offering aid and promoting animal welfare. But with the addition of wellness retreats, she emphasizes mental and physical health for both her human guests and those she serves.
“Life aboard Chuffed is anything but ordinary,” Dr. Sheddy shares. “Every day begins with sunrise and can include yoga or meditation before embarking on our daily work.” This blend of service and self-care is what she believes is key to avoiding burnout especially relevant for those working under the pressure of veterinary medicine.
While Dr. Sheddy offers wellness journeys on the open seas, another entrepreneur, Stephiney Foley, founder and CEO of Yuzi, focuses on postpartum care. Yuzi aims to change how new mothers experience postpartum adjustments, highlighting the need for dedicated support systems. The foundation of Foley’s vision rests on her own experiences with postpartum depression. After realizing her struggle, she sought to create facilities where mothers can heal and connect.
“We need to do more for mothers who are facing challenges after giving birth. Ideally, we want postpartum care to feel as normalized and accessible as possible,” Foley explained.
Yuzi’s retreats, located at The Lodge at St. Edward Park, offer comprehensive support—from around-the-clock access to specialists, nutritious meals, and personalized programs aimed at self-care, education, and bonding with newborns. “We cater to each family’s specific needs which means every stay is different. Our facilities target what mothers truly require to recuperate and bond with their children,” she said.
It’s not surprising to find statistics indicating 1 in 5 new mothers might face postpartum depression, with many experiencing some form of hormonal changes affecting their mental wellness. At Yuzi, families receive care and guidance on topics ranging from lactation to returning to work, ensuring they leave feeling informed and rejuvenated.
While traditional vacations offer occasional relaxation, wellness travel provides participants with tools to manage mental health and stresses long-term. The focus is on creating sustainable practices which attendees can adopt upon returning to their daily lives. With this trend gaining traction, destinations like Antigua are also adapting to meet the burgeoning interest. The Ayre Group is set to launch Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Antigua, which promises to be more than just another luxury stay.
Slated for completion by 2028, this expansive resort will feature comprehensive wellness facilities, including specialized spas, health-focused dining options, and exclusive lounges. Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua welcomed the project, stating, “This will not only cater to luxury travelers but will also pave the way for significant local investments.” The resort aims to transform Antigua’s image as both a leisure destination and health retreat, creating job opportunities and stimulating local businesses.
The notion of wellness travel is changing the way we see vacations. Gone are the days when relaxation merely meant lying on beaches with frozen drinks. Today’s travelers seek restorative experiences interwoven with health benefits. It’s about healing, connecting with nature, and embracing self-care practices amid stunning backdrops.
Dr. Sheddy’s and Foley's endeavors exemplify this new trend whereby wellness travelers are increasingly concerned about their impact on their health and the world around them. Combining travel with activities such as yoga, meditation, and restorative therapies ensures participants are not just escaping stress but also equipped with strategies to manage their mental health moving forward.
Retreats like these do more than provide relaxation—they initiate dialogues about mental wellness, promote community interaction, and built connections among attendees. At the end of her retreats, Dr. Sheddy often encourages sharing experiences—allowing participants to articulate their struggles and triumphs, creating stronger bonds.
The blending of health, nature, and travel will only rise as more people seek meaningful endeavors during their time away from everyday pressures. The greater recognition of postpartum struggles reflects broader societal changes, as wellness becomes more than just personal; it’s about how we nurture communities and support one another’s journeys. Dr. Sheddy and Foley’s work are just two examples of the transformative potential wellness travel can offer as the quest for balance and harmony continues to resonate deeply across cultures and generations.
Future initiatives may expand on these foundations. More resorts like Nikki Beach are bound to emerge, offering targeted wellness programs, creating opportunities for job growth, and providing markets for local products, directly impacting economies. This intertwining of travel and well-being is set for exponential growth, proving self-care isn't just beneficial—it's necessary.
