Globally, the wellness tourism market has grown as travellers place more emphasis on physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
On the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, where the natural beauty supports overall health, the first-ever South African wellness travel route – The Wellness Way – is being launched by Odyssey Magazine and The Southern Explorer, supported by South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE).
The official route will be available for holistic-minded travellers from 14 December 2023.
“There is an international trend that has emerged the past few years, prioritising health and wellness through travel and new experiences,” explains Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of SCTIE. “The KZN South Coast boasts 58 golden beaches, extensive nature reserves and a positive ethos that supports well-being, making it the ideal location to establish a wellness route. Coinciding with the festive season, this will give visitors a wonderful opportunity to experience the region while taking care of themselves after a long year.”
Explaining the concept behind The Wellness Way, Debra Robbins, editor of Odyssey Magazine, says: “This tourism initiative was conceived following the success of the KwazuluSpirit Festival 2023 by Odyssey Magazine and Wozani Africa Events. This route-based initiative was launched on 6 September 2023 at a business networking brunch, and the support and sign-ups received were an unwavering buy-in from the KZN South Coast’s healing community.”
There are currently 82 therapists and practitioners to be found along The Wellness Way, dedicated to therapies of natural health and holistic healing – from Amanzimtoti to the Wild Coast.
The route will be divided into seven regions for ease of use:
- Region 1: Amanzimtoti to Umkomaas
- Region 2: Widenham to Ifafa Beach
- Region 3: Hibberdene to Oslo Beach
- Region 4: Shelly Beach to Margate
- Region 5: Ramsgate to Marina Beach
- Region 6: Trafalgar to Wild Coast
- Region 7: Oribi Meander to Ingeli
Tourists wanting to access The Wellness Way route can do so via links to The Wellness Way web portal on The Southern Explorer and Odyssey Magazine websites from 14 December 2023.
The next KwazuluSpirit Festival will take place from 9 to 11 August 2024 at The Laughing Forest in Elysium, where The Wellness Way members will offer healing modalities and therapies.