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After a few years of living in Australia, the marketing specialist decided to return to her native Northern Ireland for work. Wanting a reset, and inspired by Australia’s wellness community, she stopped in Bali, Thailand, for a silent retreat. \u201cI wanted to be sure of my decision,\u201d she said of the 2024 move. \u201cThere’s no better way than being alone with only your own thoughts.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nOn arrival, she handed in her phone and other devices \u2014 a move that she says made her anxious at first. \u201cYou have no concept of time as well, which I actually find the hardest part,\u201d she says, adding that such retreats require the right headspace, as being silent for days requires adjustment. Other restrictions, such as no caffeine or sugar, also apply.
This retreat cost roughly \u00a3100 ($134) for three days, though others can cost thousands. \u201cI do think it’s a luxury, but something that I value,\u201d she says. Her latest retreat in April, which took place on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, was a more structured silent meditation weekend that cost \u00a3400 ($537).<\/p>\n
Although buying a home remains a long-term goal, Donnelly sees it as out of reach for now. In the meantime, she is focusing on what she can control \u2014 planning to attend at least one retreat a year, alongside shorter events. \u201cI just like to enjoy my life now as well instead of always thinking of the future,\u201d she says. \u201cTravel kind of fills the hole for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
THE WIDER TREND<\/p>\n
Younger generations are more likely to travel for wellness retreats \u2014 defined as trips intended to improve mental, physical or spiritual wellbeing \u2014 than older ones, according to McKinsey’s 2025 Future of Wellness survey, which found that Gen Z and millennials, who make up 36% of the US adult population, drive more than 41% of annual wellness spending.<\/p>\n
Uchechi Kalu, a Los Angeles-based certified financial planner and founder of Greenlight Financial Planning, says wellness spending can be considered an investment, within reason. \u201cAfterwards, people tend to feel a lot more clear, a lot less anxious, a lot more relaxed,\u201d Kalu says of silent retreats. \u201cThey have an ability to actually move forward despite the challenges of life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Still, she says it is important to spend responsibly. \u201cIf it’s travel, don’t just think about the ticket cost \u2014 you’ve got to think about gas, hotels, food,\u201d Kalu says. She also recommends making use of free activities or taking part in volunteering events.<\/p>\n
KEY TAKEAWAYS<\/p>\n
Wellness spending reflects a generational reality. For some young people, spending money on retreats is tied to economic uncertainty. It is a response to a world where housing, family and long-term security may feel harder to reach. \u201cMy wellness is in my control,\u201d Donnelly says.<\/p>\n
Don’t go into debt for it. Those who are financially unstable should be cautious about spending heavily on wellness travel. Financial stress can offset the benefits if someone returns home with added debt or insecurity.<\/p>\n
Free and low-cost wellness can be equally effective. Local or more affordable alternatives may serve the same emotional need without creating new financial pressure. Kalu advises people to \u201creally go line item by line …From there, you can either save for it or realise that’s not sustainable.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n