There’s no better time than the start of a new year to think about wellness. But focusing on wellness doesn’t have to mean ultra-luxe alpine spas, exclusive retreats, and multifigure price tags. In fact, a restorative wellness getaway doesn’t have to break the bank at all.
BookRetreat.com, a travel experience booking platform, recently released its 2025 Wellness Cost Index map. The study examined over 40 destinations around the world to see where travelers can find the greatest value for their money on a wellness holiday. The study analyzed destinations across five data points, including the cost of a wellness treatment, the price of healthy food in the area, the fees for a multiday retreat, the cost of a drop-in yoga class, and the rate of local taxi fare.
The result decisively showed Asia as the continent with the most affordable destinations, and India was a clear country front-runner. The city of Rishikesh and the state of Goa took the first and second spots for the most affordable wellness destinations in the world.
Rishikesh’s first-place finish may not come as a surprise to seasoned wellness veterans. Nestled on the banks of the Ganges River and situated in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, Rishikesh has long been known as the “yoga capital” of the world, and spiritual practices and beliefs touch many facets of daily life here. Luckily for travelers, the city, which is home to many Ayurvedic, meditation, and yoga centers, has numerous multiday retreat options that cost well below $200.
Goa, which ranked second, offers a different yet compelling take on wellness. Long a hotspot for international travelers, the coastal state attracts visitors with its Arabian Sea beaches and famously laid-back atmosphere. The area has a long-established, thriving wellness scene, with numerous detox cafes, healthy restaurants, beachside yoga classes, and a wealth of wellness resorts and retreats. Affordability also remains a key draw, and it’s not unheard of to find a 10-night yoga retreat for under $500 in the area.
The top 10 list is:
Rishikesh, IndiaGoa, IndiaUbud (Bali), IndonesiaKathmandu, NepalAgadir-Ida-Ou Tanane, MoroccoGranada, SpainKandy, Sri LankaCape Town, South AfricaSiargao, PhilippinesHoi An, Vietnam
To learn more about the study, visit bookretreat.com.
