Wellness tourism is not something new. In fact, it has been around since the 1700s, when the well-to-do from around the globe visited Europe for its mineral springs.
However, over the last 10 years, the term “wellness” and “vacation” have been paired together more frequently as people look for ways to re-energise themselves.
According to market research, wellness tourism accounts for 14% of all tourism revenues globally and might be worth as much as US$500bil (RM1.7tril) .
According to Forbes, although the exact size of the medical-tourism market is difficult to value, recent studies by market research company Frost & Sullivan suggests that it was worth around US$50bil to US$65bil this year alone, and is growing at around 20% a year.
Some experts are of the opinion that Hollywood is partly responsible for the rise in wellness centres and health tourism. When celebrities need to rejuvenate, they look for the best spa and wellness resorts around the world.
Willing to spend up to US$5,000 for a three-day stay, celebrities look for the best resorts across the globe to refocus the minds and re-energise the body after months of filming.
These retreats or wellness centres provide a holistic approach with a focus on overall health, and celebrities have vouched for them.
Some celebrities do not mind travelling halfway across the world for these exclusive services that allow them to escape their busy schedules.
Wellness tourism is definitely booming in this part of the world with more resorts promoting healthy activities.
In South-East Asia, exotic islands in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines are usually the popular destinations for VIPs and celebrities alike for their healthy retreats.
Thailand is home to one of the most sought-after wellness spas in the world. Combining international standards with Thai hospitality, the Chiva-Som luxury wellness resort delivers personal wellness programmes in a non-regimented way.
With prices starting from US$3,500 a week, Chiva-Som focuses on a comprehensive approach to health that incorporates mind, body and spirit.
In the Philippines, The Farm at San Benito has played host to celebrities such as Woody Harrelson.
One of the few truly integrated medical and wellness resorts in the world, ultra-elite from across the globe go to The Farm to balance their mind, body and spirit with nourishing food in an eco-friendly place.
Not wanting to lose out, Malaysia is also looking to become a hub for wellness tourism based on projections that this sector is expected to grow the most within the larger tourism industry.
Currently, Malaysia is the fifth most popular country when it comes to medical tourism behind Thailand, Hungary, India and Singapore.
According to market research company Euromonitor, medical tourism will be the main focus area within health and wellness tourism in Malaysia with a strong emphasis on various aspects to boost it.
The launch of The Orchard, a holistic spa and wellness resort located in Malacca, is evidence of the rise of wellness centres in Malaysia.
Arguably the first of its kind in Malaysia, The Orchard is an in-house treatment facility that provides a comprehensive programme for those looking to recharge their body, mind and soul.
Founded by a husband and wife team, The Orchard sits on 52ha of green environment with 400 varieties of exotic fruit trees from around the world.
“As a surgeon for more than 20 years, I have seen many patients in my career and I realised that most of them do not practice a healthy lifestyle,” said The Orchard co-founder and president Datin Dr S.J. Jong-Lee, who teamed up with her husband Datuk Lee Wah Chong for the project.
“When we are young, our body can recover more quickly, but as we start getting older, we need help. We took three years to build the entire facility and our overall concept is luxury. We want people to relax and have a comfortable stay while they are rejuvenating themselves,” she added.
The Orchard’s luxury suites and private villas are exquisitely designed and decorated with comfortable furnishings and offer expansive views of the surrounding park-like property.
Complimentary high-speed internet access and luxury amenities are provided in every room and villa but the use of electronic devices in common areas is prohibited.
“We want our guests to take a break from the stress and incessant pressures of daily life and take some time for themselves,” Jong said.
Hand-picked by Jong-Lee herself, The Orchard has in-residence physicians and wellness consultants available to all guests, together with full-time physiotherapists with specially equipped treatment rooms for those who require physiotherapy.
“At The Orchard, we try to bring together the best of technological advances in modern medicine and the proven, time-tested remedies of traditional natural healthcare to provide optimal treatment programmes,” she says.
The Orchard also provides a variety of beauty treatments.
With packages starting from RM810 a night, The Orchard provides premium services for those looking to revitalise themselves.
However, Jong-Lee prefers those who sign up for longer stays.
“You can’t do much within two days and one night. When you are doing a treatment, you need time. We have to control your food and teach you about your diet.
“You can’t enjoy the experience if you rush it. We want you to leave The Orchard feeling brand new,” she said.
The Orchard offers de-stressing and wellness packages for just that purpose.
On top of that, visitors can also choose from traditional Chinese and ayurvedic medicines, aesthetics treatments and a weight management programme.
Moving forward, The Orchard aims to become the go-to centre for those looking for wellness retreats.
“Malaysia has plenty of potential to become the leading centre for wellness in the region,” said Jong-Lee.
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