New Year reset: 39% of Brits are planning a 'spiritual' holiday in 2025

Jan. 8, 2025 - PRLog -- For many Brits it was a fraught 2024, so it's no surprise that an increasing number of us, over one in 3, are planning a spiritual getaway this year. Topping many people's 2025 holiday plans are modern-day pilgrimages, staying in a retreat or simply taking a break from social media by embracing 'silent travel'.

Lily Smith, a leading travel expert from Monasteries.com, says: '39% of Brits say they are planning a dedicated spiritual or meditative holiday this year and a whopping 59% of us plan to incorporate some form of wellness into their holiday. That includes meditation and quiet time, walking and, above all, taking a break from the bleeps and bongs of our devices.

'Research from the travel association ABTA shows the main reason why people are planning to take part in wellness activities and retreats is to relax and unwind (60%), with young holidaymakers being the most likely to prioritise mental wellbeing (46% vs 35% average).

'Wellbeing and spiritual vacations are expected to be the fastest-growing trend in holidays this year. According to Allied Market Research, the global wellness retreat market is set to double by 2032, reaching £290bn ($364bn). It says demand is being driven by increased stress, a growing consciousness surrounding wellness and a "desire for digital detoxification". That's not surprising. We Brits now average 2.3 hours a day on social media and some health professionals are concerned that it can fuel feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness.

'While the whole idea of wellness retreats and escaping social media is very much a 21^st-century concept, the need to embark on a journey to recharge our spiritual batteries is far from new. Pilgrimages were to our ancestors what wellbeing retreats are to us today. And, while pilgrimages may sound a thoroughly medieval getaway, they are, in fact, still booming in popularity.

One spectacular site now working with its local community to offer accommodation and expert guided tours is the stunning St Catherine's Monastery at Mount Sinai in Egypt. It is the world's oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery, dating back 17 centuries. The monastery was built around the legendary Biblical sites of the Burning Bush and the Well of Jethro. While it is not possible to stay within the monastery itself, the Guest House of St. Catherine's Monastery is located just below the complex and has recently started offering guided tours (https://www.monasteries.com/en-GB/vendor/saintcatherinesinai) to the sites on Mount St Catherine and Mount Moses.

To discover more about amazing monastery retreats, see Monasteries.com's informative guide at: https://www.monasteries.com/en-GB/travel-inspiration/monastic-retreats-authentic-tours-and-stays-in-monasteries