Wellness travel now accounts for nearly 8 percent of global trips and is a $900 billion industry, with demand rising for retreats that prioritize rest and renewal.A new study ranked Switzerland—specifically the Valais region—as the most expensive wellness destination worldwide.On average, a multiday vacation in Valais can set travelers back as much as 700 euros (a little over $837 USD), and massages cost about 150 euros (about $180 USD).
The start of a new year is always a great time to reflect on wellness and adopt a healthy new routine or two. For a growing number of travelers, the wellness journey is starting far from home.
Once a niche part of the travel industry, wellness travel now represents nearly 8 percenr of all trips and, according to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness travel is a nearly $900 billion industry. And that figure is only poised to rise, as more and more travelers choose restorative escapes over traditional sightseeing, prioritizing the chance to feel refreshed as much as the destination itself.
As wellness travel’s popularity grows, so too does its price tag. BookRetreats.com, a travel experience booking platform, recently released its 2025 Wellness Cost Index map, which examined over 40 destinations around the world. Specifically, the report sought to find the places where travelers can find the greatest value for their money on a wellness holiday. For the study, the company analyzed factors such as the cost of a wellness treatment, the price for healthy food, the fees for a multiday retreat, the cost of a drop-in yoga class, and the rate of a local taxi fare.
The findings were clear. For wellness travel, Switzerland is the most expensive destination in the world. Renowned for its chocolate, fresh Alpine air, and stunning natural beauty, Switzerland simply does things well—but at a cost. The country is also home to some of the most famous luxury spas and resorts in the world, including Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, the Spa at the Chedi Andermatt, and Clinique La Prairie, to name just a few.
Specifically, the canton of Valais, located in southern Switzerland, topped BookRetreat.com’s list. It’s long been a popular travel destination thanks to its ski slopes, resorts, spas, and thermal pools, including the legendary Leukerbad, which is one of the largest in the Alps. The average multiday retreat here will set travelers back about 700 euros (a little over $837 USD), and massages routinely cost over 150 euros (about $180 USD). But for those who can afford it, a visit to Valais is the perfect way to make it through a long, cold winter.
Interestingly, BookRetreat.com’s Wellness Cost Index map found that international wellness travelers are willing to spend quite a bit more—over 40 percent more—than other international travelers on their trips. In other words, those who prioritize wellness are often willing to open their wallets—but where they choose to go can dramatically influence how far their dollars stretch.
