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The wellness trends set to shape 2026 according to Riverhills Health Club & Spa
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| Credit: Getty Images |
In 2026 wellness will move beyond surface-level self-care and into a more meaningful, personalised, and education-led space. According to the team at Ipswich’s Riverhills Health Club & Spa, guests are no longer just seeking an escape; they want experiences that restore, empower, and adapt to how they truly feel.
Drawing on emerging guest behaviours and new initiatives launching at the Suffolk spa, Riverhills’ Spa Manager Debbie Lawes shares the key wellness trends set to define 2026.
Wellness with Purpose: Learning-Led Retreat Days
In 2026, spa days are becoming smarter. Guests want to leave feeling not only relaxed, but informed, inspired, and equipped with tools they can use in everyday life. This shift has given rise to education-led wellness experiences, where expert knowledge and spa rituals are combined. Riverhills’ new Invest in You Days reflect this growing demand, blending workshops on nutrition, energy, and sleep with restorative spa time.
“People are craving depth,” explains Debbie Lawes. “They don’t just want to switch-off, they want to understand how to look after themselves better. Wellness in 2026 is about empowerment, not indulgence for indulgence’s sake.”
Sleep, Energy & Emotional Balance Take Centre Stage
While fitness and nutrition remain important, 2026 will see a sharper focus on sleep quality, sustained energy, and emotional wellbeing, the foundations of long-term health. Rather than extreme routines or rigid plans, guests are looking for small, science-backed changes that fit into busy lives. Workshops centred around sleep optimisation and energy management are increasingly popular, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards balance over burnout.
“Sleep and energy are no longer ‘nice-to-haves’, they’re essential,” says Debbie. “We’re seeing guests prioritise rest and recovery just as much as exercise. Wellness is becoming gentler, more realistic, and far more human.”
Personalisation Over Prescription
One of the biggest wellness trends for 2026 is the move away from one-size-fits-all treatments. Guests want experiences that respond to how they feel on the day, not what they booked weeks ago. Riverhills’ ‘book time, not treatments’ concept taps directly into this demand for flexibility, allowing guests to choose their treatment following a consultation on arrival. This intuitive approach is especially resonating with gift buyers and groups, where freedom of choice is becoming a non-negotiable part of the luxury experience.
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| Credit: Usen Parmanov |
“Wellness shouldn’t feel restrictive,” Debbie explains. “Your body and mind change daily. In 2026, the best spas will be those that adapt to the guest, not the other way around.”
Rituals That Support Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
In 2026, spa treatments are evolving into rituals with emotional intention. Guests are increasingly drawn to experiences that support mood, calm the nervous system, and create a sense of inner balance.
The rise of sleep-focused and mood-enhancing rituals reflects a wider understanding that wellness is as much emotional as it is physical. Slow, sensory treatments using natural, sustainable products such as the Tribe517 treatments at Riverhills, often with take-home elements, are becoming a defining feature of modern spa culture.
“These rituals meet people where they are emotionally,” says Debbie. “They’re about slowing down, reconnecting, and creating moments of calm that extend beyond the spa walls.”
Affordable Luxury, Redefined
Perhaps most importantly, 2026 wellness is redefining what luxury really means. Rather than excess or exclusivity, guests are seeking thoughtful, high-quality experiences that feel accessible and meaningful. At Riverhills, this translates into beautifully designed spaces, expert-led care, and flexible spa days that offer genuine value; without feeling intimidating or out of reach.
“True luxury in 2026 is feeling understood,” Debbie concludes. “It’s time, space, expertise, and experiences that genuinely improve how you feel — long after you’ve left the spa.”
To find out more about Riverhills Health Club & Spa, visit www.riverhills.co.uk
