Why South Africa is Becoming a Destination for Wellness Tourism

According to a new report from Global Wellness Institute, a leading industry player, 2023 marked the year the global wellness industry, valued at USD 6.32 trillion, surpassed both the sports and pharmaceutical industries. In years past, luxury travelers headed to the USA, Japan and Europe seeking out all things wellness. South East Asia, in particular, offered the perfect blend of affordability with the exotic touch. However, the global pandemic of 2020 turned everything upside down, and when the world opened back up — South Africa had emerged as a highly sought-after wellness destination.

This gorgeous country has everything sophisticated wellness enthusiasts are seeking—natural beauty, exotic wildlife, safari experiences and active adventures combined with luxurious spa treatments, yoga and meditation—all in a stunning location. Here, both domestic and international guests with high expectations are getting great value for their money. By providing quality services and offering advantageous and customised service packages, many consumers are now opting for experiential wellness travel. In fact, by 2025, the Africa Wellness Tourism Market size is estimated to be worth USD $94.04 billion and is expected to reach USD $120.02 billion by 2030.

With a favourable exchange rate and a large English-speaking population, South Africa is poised for takeoff to become the destination for an elite market seeking wellness tourism.

Increasing number of wellness tourists in South Africa

South Africa is blessed with a rich heritage and bountiful natural resources. With an increasing number of wellness tourist destinations opening up, the country is developing a competitive edge in the international market. Health-conscious customers today are not only interested in a safari experience, but they are also keenly attracted to wellness destinations that focus on maintaining their health and well-being.

With an increasing number of people leading sedentary, stressful lifestyles, those with disposable income are demanding wellness tourism, not just another wellness retreat.

In South Africa, the wellness tourism industry incorporates more than your typical retreat. Here, you can fully embrace outdoor activities like horse riding, hiking, forest bathing and cycling while surrounding yourself with the awe-inspiring natural beauty only found in South Africa. This country’s cultural diversity and remarkable natural landscapes create an extraordinary blend of wellness experiences that extend far beyond the traditional offerings you might find in other countries.

Wellness starts in South Africa

While luxury tourism in South Africa still remains focused primarily on wildlife safaris and wilderness adventures in the great outdoors, a growing number of luxury travellers are seeking wellness and holistic hospitality experiences. Upscale clients looking to South Africa for a wellness tourism retreat are seeking more than just pampering and relaxation (although they definitely want that, too!). The wellness tourism market is now being driven by increasingly hectic lifestyles characterised by work-related stress and burnout that result in a preference for active tourism plus services such as indulgent spas, yoga programs, luxury accommodation, and upscale dining, amongst other things.

Financial considerations for wellness tourism

At White River Manor we offer clients the option of 7, 10, 14, and 21-day wellness programmes—to help you rest and reset. For most people, financial considerations are a huge part of where they decide to seek out a wellness destination. The high price tags of luxury wellness centres found in the USA, Europe, Japan and the United Kingdom can seem excessive while not offering much value for the money. With costs exceeding £50,000–£100,000, these centres are out of reach for many.

However, due to the strength of foreign currencies against the South African rand, your US dollars, Euros and British pounds go much further than they do back home. Here at White River Manor, South Africa, we offer wellness tourism programmes starting at only £4,300 ($5,500 / €5,100).

Who doesn’t want to experience lower costs with higher quality?

The perfect balance of therapeutic processes

At White River Manor, we offer a personalised wellness experience that helps you step away, switch off and disconnect while you reset and regain clarity. Set on a private five-star estate in the South African Lowveld, our wellness programme combines world-class therapeutic care with luxury, privacy, and natural beauty. It’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and focus on your personal growth—supported by a multidisciplinary team in a peaceful, nurturing environment.

While nearly all South African wellness programmes offer luxury spa treatments, yoga sessions and safari experiences, at White River Manor, we go the extra mile by incorporating a holistic approach to healing and reconnection.

Guests at White River Manor Wellness benefit from various therapeutic modalities such as:

• Solution-focused therapy and positive psychology sessions with members of our experienced professional team
• Person-centred and psychodynamic therapy
• Occupational and lifestyle therapy
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
• Yoga therapy
• Equine-assisted therapy
• Meditation, mindfulness therapy, breathwork, and guided nature walks
• Creative therapies, including art and music-based approaches such as pottery, mandalas, painting, mosaic, macramé
• Nutritional guidance and support with our onsite nutritionist
• Private fitness lessons and assessments with our dedicated trainer

With these specialised therapeutic methods, we ensure our client’s goals are perfectly aligned for optimal renewal and reconnection. 

Wellness, adventure and luxury go hand-in-hand at White River Manor

If you’re looking for five-star luxury accommodations with a side of adventure and a focus on optimised wellness, we’ve got you. Every client at White River Manor stays in spacious, exclusive five-star accommodations with satellite TVs and ensuite facilities. Some suites feature private gardens with plunge pools, secluded outdoor showers, and tranquil courtyards. We also provide daily room service, complete with an evening turn-down and a full laundry service.

Looking for fine dining? Our in-house chef prepares a daily gourmet menu using only the finest and freshest local ingredients. Dietary concerns? No worries—we’ve got you covered and can meet all individual dietary needs. In addition, we also feature an onsite delicatessen and café for those moments of quiet relaxation or connection.

All of our clients have the chance to join a safari for chance encounters with the stunning wildlife at Kruger National Park. You can also choose from many adventurous activities, such as cycling, horseback riding, or a game of tennis or golf. If a slower pace is more your speed, you can take a relaxing dip in the pool, walk in the garden, or simply read a book by the river’s edge. Our wellness centre is designed for your comfort, with cosy lounges for connection and serenity.

At White River Manor, you’ll find a plethora of options and amenities, and your wellness programme will be specifically designed to meet your unique preferences and needs.

Why White River Manor, South Africa?

White River Manor is ideal for the upscale client seeking a financially available wellness tourism destination. With our custom-designed programmes, holistic therapies, and stunning views, our luxury wellness centre is the perfect choice for the discerning client—and you can have it all for a fraction of the cost of a wellness centre in the USA, Japan, or Europe.

At White River Manor, we pride ourselves on offering the best treatments to honour your body, mind, and soul. Whether you’re here for our executive burnout programme or our wellness retreats, you can count on a personalised, tailored approach.

If you’re looking for a life-changing experience with an awe-inspiring landscape to reconnect with your spirit, South Africa is waiting for you. There’s no other country quite like it for wellness tourism. Contact us today for a confidential and free chat with one of our highly-trained professionals to learn more!