Posts by: Dervla Louli

Dervla Louli

Dervla Louli

Dervla Louli is the founder of Compare Retreats, the luxury wellness travel booking portal and online publication described by Forbes as 'a bible of the best fitness and wellness retreats the world over'. She was formerly the digital editor of Hong Kong Tatler, the director of integrated content at Edipresse Media Asia and the managing editor of Sassy Media Group where she oversaw seven websites spanning Asia, the Middle East and Australia. She has moderated events at The British Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong University and Swire Hotels, and spoken about luxury publishing at Goldman Sachs' International Luxury Conference. Her work has been featured in international media outlets such as VOGUE, Tatler, The Times, Forbes and South China Morning Post. Dervla has a Master's in Finance from Trinity College and a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Law. In 2015 she was recognised as a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum and in 2018 she became a certified yoga instructor.

From Cure to Prevention: How The Wellness Industry is Travelling Back to its Roots

Dervla Louliby Dervla Louli

In Consumer Trends, Uncategorized.

From Cure to Prevention: How The Wellness Industry is Travelling Back to its Roots

Travel and wellness technologies might be trending, but wellness travellers are desiring a more holistic approach when they embark on healthy holidays. Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, nature bathing and plant-based detoxes are a few healing methods from wellness retreats in the East being adopted by medical doctors in the West. Compare Retreats founder and leading luxury wellness travel expert Dervla Louli shares the shift from cure to prevention happening globally, what current natural wellness trends we’re seeing being adopted by the Western medical world, and what she hopes to see in the future.

The traditional medical world is slowly shifting its focus to prevention instead of cure. The main driver is a desire from a government level to prevent diseases caused by lifestyle habits as there is predicted to be a global shortage of healthcare workers over the next ten years. Similarly, a key driver of the US$4.2 trillion wellness industry is a desire to prevent lifestyle diseases. As these worlds come together, one area that is inspiring shifts in traditional healthcare systems is wellness tourism. In Asia especially there has always been a focus of maintaining one’s health naturally whether that is through gentle daily movement, TCM or even being outside in nature. Now the West is taking note and adapting the below wellness philosophies into their systems.

Ayurveda and Yoga from India

Ayurveda and yoga from India are being integrated into the National Health Service in the UK. A project between Soukya Ayurveda retreat in India and an NHS community facility in North Kensington offers Ayurveda dietary advice and yoga classes. The project is supported by sound medical advice and research and recognises the benefits of Ancient Indian wellness practices on mental and physical wellbeing.

Traditional Chinese Medicine from China

Traditional Chinese Medicine follows a wellness school of thought that focuses on prevention over cure. Being recognised by the World Health Organisation in 2022 will see the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems including details about Traditional Chinese Medicine for the first time which will be a significant occasion. This document influences physicians, insurance companies and official health organisations decisions hence the importance of it being recognised and an indication that we will be seeing it becoming more mainstream in the future.

Forest Bathing from Japan

Shinrin Yoku or forest bathing from Japan is being adopted by the National Health Service in Scotland who have doctors prescribing nature to patients. The medical evidence for doses of nature is wide-ranging suggesting it offers powerful medicine for our bodies and minds. A daily 25-minute walk is said to add at least three years to your life and walking in nature is said to reduce stress and improve mental health.