Psychedelic wellness tourism is attracting a new generation of affluent travellers, with retreats combining psilocybin experiences, expert facilitation and therapeutic after-care to support personal growth and lasting change.

Globetrender has released a new report examining the rise of psychedelic wellness tourism and its potential impact on the wider luxury travel and hospitality industry. The Future of Psychedelic Wellness Tourism (free to download) explores how demand is developing for retreats that combine psychedelic experiences with structured preparation, professional support and high-end hospitality.

The report features in-depth insights from Beckley Retreats, a psychedelic wellness company offering legal retreats in the Netherlands and Jamaica. Its programmes combine facilitated psychedelic experiences with accommodation, contemplative practices and support before and after each retreat.

Globetrender identifies a broader shift from conventional wellness towards what it calls the "Transformation Economy". Instead of simply looking for relaxation or short-term escape, some affluent travellers are seeking experiences intended to produce longer-lasting changes in their behaviour, outlook or sense of purpose.

The report also identifies a new type of retreat guest called the "Intentional Seeker". Typically aged between 40 and 55, these guests include senior professionals, entrepreneurs, therapists and executives.

Their motivations range from burnout and major life transitions to more general personal growth. Significantly, 61% of Beckley Retreats' guests have never previously used psychedelics, suggesting that interest is moving beyond people already familiar with psychedelic substances.

The retreat itself is also changing. Rather than treating the experience as a standalone holiday, operators are placing greater emphasis on preparation before arrival and support after guests return home.

At Beckley Retreats, programmes include breathwork, meditation and mindful movement alongside ceremonies featuring truffles containing psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms. Guests also receive six weeks of supported integration techniques informed by psychotherapy and neuroscience. Integration is the process of helping people reflect on their psychedelic experiences and apply insights to everyday life.

The report suggests that this approach could have implications beyond psychedelic wellness tourism. Accommodation, food, nature, architecture and service may increasingly be considered part of a wider wellbeing experience rather than simply features of a hotel or retreat.

Jenny Southan, CEO and founder of Globetrender, says: “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.”

Safety and scientific credibility are also expected to become increasingly important as the sector develops. Globetrender says psychedelic wellness operators will need rigorous screening procedures, experienced facilitators, safety protocols, governance and evidence of outcomes.

This could contribute to a closer relationship between hospitality, wellness and healthcare, particularly as travellers expect more personalised programmes and longer-term support.

Beckley Retreats draws on research from the Beckley Foundation and operates under the guidance of its founder Amanda Feilding. Its retreats are designed around psilocybin experiences combined with contemplative practices and therapeutic after-care.

Neil Markey, CEO of Beckley Retreats, says: “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.”