The Future of Psychedelic Wellness Tourism Globetrender Releases New Report, Featuring Beckley Retreats
Globetrender, the world’s leading travel trends forecasting agency, has today released The Future of Psychedelic Wellness Tourism, a new report exploring how psychedelic wellness is set to reshape the future of luxury wellness and transformational travel, featuring an in-depth spotlight on Beckley Retreats, the world-leading trailblazer of psychedelic wellness retreats.
Researched and developed by Globetrender, the report explores the forces shaping this fast-evolving sector, from a new generation of travellers seeking deeper, more meaningful transformation, to the changing role of the retreat experience itself. As part of its research, Globetrender undertook an in-depth case study of Beckley Retreats, which is founded on a science-led approach to psychedelic wellness and creates carefully designed, legal retreat experiences in the Netherlands and Jamaica that combine expert psychedelic facilitation with luxury hospitality.
Key takeaways from the report:
From wellness to transformation - At the heart of the report is a fundamental shift in consumer demand. Increasingly, affluent consumers are seeking experiences that create lasting behavioural and personal change, rather than simply providing relaxation or short-term escapism. This reflects the rise of the “Transformation Economy”, in which experiences are valued for how they change who people become, rather than simply what they do.
The rise of the “Intentional Seeker” - The report identifies the emergence of a new type of psychedelic retreat guest: the Intentional Seeker. Typically aged 40-55 and financially affluent, these guests include senior professionals, entrepreneurs, therapists and executives. While some have motivations ranging from burnout to major life transitions, others are seeking more general personal growth - pointing to a trend that these experiences are not only for those dealing with existing issues. Importantly, 61% have never previously used psychedelics, highlighting how demand is moving beyond the traditional psychedelic community and into a much broader audience.
The retreat is becoming more than a stay - The report highlights a growing emphasis on preparation, expert facilitation and post-retreat integration, with the guest journey extending well beyond the retreat itself. At the same time, the boundaries between hospitality and healthcare are increasingly blurring. Accommodation, food, nature, architecture and service are being reconsidered as integral elements of the therapeutic experience. For luxury hospitality, this points towards a broader evolution: from providing exceptional stays to supporting guests in achieving meaningful and lasting wellbeing outcomes.
Scientific credibility and trust will shape the sector’s future - As psychedelic wellness grows, the report argues that safety, scientific credibility and measurable outcomes will become incredibly important. The sector is expected to become more professionalised, with operators requiring rigorous screening, facilitator expertise, safety protocols, governance and evidence.
The impact on luxury travel & hospitality - While focused on psychedelic wellness, the report identifies several trends that are likely to influence the wider luxury travel and wellness industry - from the growing importance of transformation and personalisation, to the role of long-lasting support, and the convergence of hospitality, wellness and healthcare.
“What is particularly exciting about this report is that its implications extend far beyond psychedelics. It offers a glimpse into how the wider luxury travel and wellness industry could evolve, as travellers increasingly seek real transformation and greater personalisation, rather than simply relaxation.” Jenny Southan, Founder of Globetrender.
“We’re at a fascinating point for psychedelic wellness. What was once considered a niche or alternative space is increasingly attracting a new group of travellers who are looking for deeper personal connection and lasting change. The opportunity for the sector is now to evolve responsibly, putting safety, science and exceptional hospitality at the heart of the experience.” Neil Markey, CEO of Beckley Retreats.
Beckley Retreats’ upcoming retreats in the Netherlands and Jamaica can be viewed here.
You can read the full report here.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Globetrender: Globetrender is the world's leading travel trend forecasting agency and online magazine. It was founded by futurist and travel journalist Jenny Southan in 2019. Combining expert analysis, consumer research and global intelligence, Globetrender identifies the trends shaping the future of travel and helps brands understand what’s coming next. Working with companies across the travel, hospitality and aviation industries, Globetrender produces trend reports, strategic foresight, consultancy, workshops and thought leadership designed to turn emerging shifts in consumer behaviour into actionable opportunities.
About Beckley Retreats: Beckley Retreats is a leading holistic wellbeing company, based on decades of research from the renowned Beckley Foundation, and under the guidance of its founder, the late Amanda Feilding. The retreats combine world-class contemplative practices with the science-backed benefits of psilocybin to offer a comprehensive approach for people looking to make meaningful change in their lives. Held in a comfortable, luxurious setting, the retreats centre around ceremonies that feature truffles containing psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and include breathwork, meditation and mindful movement sessions, plus six weeks of “supported integration techniques” (therapeutic after-care) informed by psychotherapy and neuroscience.