Sophie Hatton the founder of Reformer Retreats exclusively shares her insights into the key wellness travel trends shaping the year ahead...

1. TRANSFORMATIVE TRAVEL: For women at life’s crossroads

Wellness tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of travel and it will continue to shift toward deeply personal transformations. Many of the amazing women I welcome onto my retreats are navigating pivotal life moments – from career transitions to menopause, empty nesting, or a post-relationship reinvention.

In 2026, this is why retreats will continue to evolve into safe, structured spaces where emotional wellbeing, identity renewal, and personal growth are central. Each of my itineraries blend transformative duet or small group classical Pilates sessions that celebrate the original method from Joseph Pilates with restorative wellness such as breathwork, hot/cold therapy, shamanic energy healing and floating sound baths. In 2026 wellness travellers seek not just rest but a reset, choosing retreats that support meaningful self-discovery and sustainable changes long after they return home.

2. DESIGN-LED WELLNESS: Architecture and nature as a pathway

I believe that a beautifully designed space is no longer a luxury; it is part of the wellness experience. The global rise of design-led wellness means travellers expect environments where architecture, interiors, materials, light, and landscape work in harmony to support restoration. This is why I personally handpick beautiful, architecturally led spaces that inspire, relax and encourage calm. My guests in 2026 choose Reformer Retreats because they’re investing in wellbeing experiences that meet them exactly where they are, re-energising the body, rebuilding and restoring internal harmony, and enhancing both emotional and physiological calm.

3. PILATES IS THE NEW YOGA RETREAT

The emerging hero category

Pilates has broken records in the last few years with its popularity skyrocketing globally. This is why I believe that Pilates retreats will become the new yoga retreat. I am proud that we were the very first of our kind to champion reformer Pilates retreats and feel in the coming years more people will look for Pilates-focused wellness escapes which follow itineraries built upon their favourite movement style, in new and inspiring environments. Women especially seek a retreat experience that feels structured, sculpting, and results driven. Yoga remains a staple, but Pilates retreats are emerging as the new hero category, reflecting a cultural shift toward strength, alignment, and functional movement. Pilates has broken records in the last few years with its popularity skyrocketing globally. This is why I believe that Pilates retreats will become the new yoga retreat. I am proud that we were the very first of our kind to champion reformer Pilates retreats and feel in the coming years more people will look for Pilates-focused wellness escapes which follow itineraries built upon their favourite movement style, in new and inspiring environments. Women especially seek a retreat experience that feels structured, sculpting, and results driven. Yoga remains a staple, but Pilates retreats are emerging as the new hero category, reflecting a cultural shift toward strength, alignment, and functional movement.

4. EQUIPMENT INNOVATION: Elevated expectations

Guests will expect retreat facilities to rival high-end boutique studios. As leaders of classical Pilates retreats, each of my retreats incorporates classical Pilates apparatus where possible, including reformer, tower, chair, barrels and mat. Our retreat guests look for elevated performance-led itineraries programmes allowing for measurable progress, enhanced recovery, connection and challenge in every session. All of our classes follow authentic, Classical Pilates exercises that encourage breath work, alignment and concentration.

5. WHOLESOME INDULGENCE: Gourmet, chef-curated menus

The year ahead will see retreats move beyond restrictive health menus and toward chef-driven cuisine that is both indulgent and deeply nourishing. As a personal foodie, I am passionate about serving delicious, gourmet led dishes that champion seasonality, using local ingredients and crafted using modern culinary techniques. At Reformer Retreats, we celebrate the joy and creativity of plant-based and pescatarian fine dining. “Healthy” no longer means going without, it’s about enjoying a beautifully considered, plant-forward menu that looks stunning and tastes even better.