In its annual Best of the World list for 2026, National Geographic highlighted some of the most unique travel experiences across the globe. The list includes everything from seaweed bathing in Ireland to trekking through Africa’s first designated wilderness, a quiet park. Among those experiences was Anamaya Resort, a wellness retreat center located on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula.
For the wellness industry, this recognition represents more than a travel accolade. It reflects the growing global demand for immersive wellness experiences rooted in both science and tradition. The growth of immersive wellness travel reflects a broader shift across the health industry. As we explored in our article on the rapid rise of the wellness industry, consumers are increasingly seeking experiences that support long-term health and lifestyle transformation.
For wellness founders, retreat operators, and lifestyle brands, Anamaya’s recognition offers valuable insight into what today’s wellness consumers seek.
1. Wellness Is Becoming Experience-Driven
One of the most important shifts in the wellness industry is the move away from isolated products toward holistic experiences. Consumers are no longer just purchasing supplements, meditation apps, or fitness programs. Many are searching for environments that help them reconnect with their health in a deeper way.
Anamaya reflects this shift. Guests participate in:
- Daily yoga overlooking the Pacific Ocean
- Breathwork and sound healing
- Sacred cacao ceremonies
- Nutrient-dense meals sourced locally
- Biohacking tools such as red-light therapy and cold plunges
Rather than relying on a single intervention, the retreat creates an ecosystem of wellness practices that support the body and mind together. For wellness brands, this highlights an important trend. Community, environment, and ritual are becoming just as important as the product itself.
For many companies, this means thinking beyond standalone products and focusing on how their brand fits into a larger lifestyle experience. This shift is especially important for supplement brands looking to connect with consumers in a more meaningful way.
2. Location Matters More Than Ever
Anamaya is located on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world’s five Blue Zones, regions where people live measurably longer and healthier lives.
Researchers have studied Blue Zones for their unique combination of lifestyle habits, including:
- natural daily movement
- plant-forward diets
- strong social relationships
- sense of purpose
- stress-reducing rituals
This natural environment plays a major role in the retreat experience. The peninsula’s mineral-rich water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, while fertile volcanic soil supports a traditional diet centered around corn, beans, squash, and tropical fruits.
For wellness brands, the lesson is clear. Place can be part of the product. Consumers increasingly seek wellness experiences tied to natural environments, culture, and authenticity rather than curated aesthetics alone.
3. Ancient Practices and Modern Science Are Converging
One reason National Geographic highlighted Anamaya is its blend of traditional healing practices with modern wellness technologies.
Guests may experience:
- sound healing
- breathwork
- cacao ceremonies
- yoga rooted in ancient lineages
Alongside:
- heart rate variability analysis
- oxygen therapy
- infrared sauna sessions
- heavy metal testing
- cold plunge therapy
Rather than presenting science and spirituality as opposing ideas, the retreat integrates both approaches. Across the wellness industry, this hybrid model is becoming increasingly common. Consumers are embracing ancestral wisdom supported by modern health data, creating a new category of wellness that blends biohacking with tradition.
We are seeing this same convergence across emerging health categories as well. Innovations like peptides in the wellness industry are part of a growing movement toward science-driven approaches to health and longevity.
4. Human Connection Is the Ultimate Luxury
National Geographic specifically noted Anamaya’s extraordinary 1:1.5 staff-to-guest ratio, which enables the retreat to create a deeply personalized experience. Guests often describe the feeling of being genuinely cared for, something that is becoming increasingly rare in an always-connected digital world.
This highlights an important insight for wellness businesses. Connection may be one of the most powerful wellness interventions available.
For brands, this translates into building stronger communities around their products and services. Many wellness companies are prioritizing building community around a wellness brand, recognizing that connection and belonging are essential parts of the modern wellness experience.
5. Nature Is Becoming a Core Wellness Modality
Anamaya sits at the intersection of three ecosystems: rainforest, mountain, and ocean. Guests wake to the sound of howler monkeys, practice yoga overlooking the Pacific, and hike to nearby waterfalls.
Research continues to show that immersion in nature can:
- reduce cortisol levels
- lower blood pressure
- improve immune function
- reduce anxiety and depression
Practices such as forest bathing, once considered niche, are now widely studied and integrated into wellness programming.
For wellness businesses, this reinforces the importance of designing experiences that reconnect people with the natural world.
A Sign of Where Wellness Is Headed
The global wellness industry is now valued at more than $6 trillion, and it continues to evolve rapidly. Recognition from institutions such as National Geographic signals something important. The future of wellness is not just about treatments or technologies. It is about integrated environments that support human health physically, mentally, and socially.
For brands operating in this space, understanding these broader trends is essential. Wellness companies that combine science, lifestyle, and community will be best positioned as the industry continues to evolve. Anamaya’s recognition as one of the World’s Best Wellness Experiences for 2026 reflects this shift.
For wellness entrepreneurs, it offers a powerful example of how thoughtful design, authentic experiences, and community-centered hospitality can shape the future of the industry.
Learn More
Read the National Geographic feature
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/best-of-the-world-2026/article/best-wellness-destinations
Explore the full story behind the retreat
https://anamaya.com/why-national-geographic-named-this-costa-rica-retreat-center-one-of-the-worlds-best-wellness-experiences-for-2026/
Visit Anamaya Resort
https://anamaya.com