6 February 2023: More than 50 wellness experiences and events in the Adelaide Hills have today been announced to launch the 2023 Wellness wander three-day weekend in April, building on the overwhelming success of the inaugural event last year.
In line with the growing appetite for wellness tourism experiences across the globe, this year's event will champion even more local wellness practitioners and operators who are abundant in the region, with events that traverse the Adelaide Hills from Stirling, to Hahndorf, Mount Barker to Lobethal, Crafers to Paracombe and the greater surrounds.
With even more diversity on offer this year, wellness seekers can expect brand new events to join last year's favourites, all of which fall under one or more of the five event wellness pillars; Provenance, Relax & Unwind, Nature, Learn & Create and Stay - providing more ways to fill your wellness cup!
The Hon Zoe Bettison, Minister for Tourism said that the Adelaide Hills is one of Australia's wellness hotspots and that this event will contribute to supporting the thriving and resilient local tourism community.
"An estimated 2500 people participated last year, generating more than $750,000 in economic value for our tourism industry. The event model heroes the local wellness experts in the Hills – operators who are authentically operating in this space, to offer a truly diverse program to connect, no matter where you are on your wellness journey," she said.
Martin Radcliffe, Chair of Adelaide Hills Tourism Board said that one of the many highlights this year was the increase in overnight retreat experiences; improved accessibility to events where possible; and an expanded program that welcomes new event operators and more than 25 new events.
"Passionate operators have collaborated and are throwing open their doors, farm gates and studios to provide unique wellness experiences across the region, giving wellness seekers plenty to choose from to help them escape, unwind, relax and refresh.
"Today we launch with more than 50 events, with further experiences expected to be announced over the coming weeks," he said.
The event program is diverse, from more well-known wellness experiences like; walking, wildlife, yoga, pilates, spas and mindfulness through to newer experiences like reiki, forest bathing and sound healing – there is a wellness experience for everyone, from solos, friends and couples, through to the whole family.
Some new events on offer include one of the hills most celebrated cellar doors, Barristers Block where you can learn clay techniques with ceramic artist Maddie Deere. Enjoy a glass of Barristers Block's own bubbles and a seasonal grazing board while creating your own pottery masterpiece. Nourish, pamper, heal, learn and connect at the must attend event, Sensory Journey the Ukaria Cultural Centre. Hosted by Well Traveller, you will immerse yourself in wellness, with inspiring speakers, delicious and sustainable food, the magic of sound, holistic pampering and connection. Barry Du Bois, from Network Ten's The Living Room and from Well Traveller TV, will join you for an intimate conversation to support your own health and wellbeing. Indulge in an afternoon tea by Kane Pollard, Executive Chef and Founder of Topiary, one of Adelaide Hills award-winning dining experiences. Adelaide Hills' skincare icon, Jurlique, will help you feel pampered with a lounge for hand massages and product sampling, with each guest receiving a wellness gift from Well Traveller and Jurlique.
Want more from Jurlique, book the Jurlique Farm Tour with Aloe Vera Immersion Experience and connect with nature and learn about biodynamic farming principles amongst other Jurlique insights with the 90 minute behind the scenes tour of their Farm. Mount Lofty e-Wheels and Wildlife by Bike About travels along the empowering 'Pioneer Women's Trail', under the pristine canopy of century old trees in Cleland Conservation Park to the summit of Mount Lofty and Mount Osmond or enjoy Aleenta Barre Pilates, Brunch and Mimosas at Lot100. Indulge in a two hour spa treatment at Pamper Me at Longview Day Spa, followed by a picnic and receive a basket of goodies to bring home, or try your hand at Mandela art at the Journey to the Centre | Meditate, Meander, Mandala at Pirralilla Estate.
Many great events are returning to the program including; Easy Cheesy Home Cheese Making Class with Udder Delights and Sanctuary Serenity at Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary. Reconnect with nature at Mount Lofty Botanical Gardens with their Mindfulness class or Nature Journaling Workshop for an intimate and mindful workshop to engage the senses and soothe the soul or learn the restorative well-being practice of nature journaling. Perhaps wellness to you means adventure and action with the whole family along with a digital detox. Challenge yourself at Family Digital Detox by Woodhouse Activity Centre where unlimited access to all their recreational activities will have you crawling, climbing and splashing around over 30 obstacles.
Katherine Droga, Founder of Wellness wander, the Wellness Tourism Summit and Well Traveller, Executive Producer of Well Traveller TV and Chair of the GWI Wellness Tourism Initiative said that the flow on effects of the pandemic has seen a significant increase in people prioritising their own mental, physical and social wellbeing.
"This goes far beyond simply forming a new exercise or health regime and instead is becoming a key driver for travel itself with huge growth in wellness travel predicted over the next three years globally – in fact spending by wellness travellers is expected to grow 20.5% every year through to 2025," she said.
Research released from the Global Wellness Institute's Wellness Tourism Initiative found that as the pandemic eased, 56% of respondents intended to increase their focus on their own wellbeing, with 42% intending to travel more for wellness. Pre-COVID, wellness travel in this country was valued at $14 billion USD and was growing at twice the rate of regular travel, showing how valued this market is by consumers.
Droga went on to say that the Adelaide Hills ticks all the boxes when it comes to what's important for wellness experiences.
"Wellness wander harnesses what the hills has on offer, allowing wellness seekers to not only connect direct with a local operator, but experience; fresh, healthy and locally grown produce, pristine nature and wildlife, refreshing spas and springs, refined sustainability practices, award winning accommodation and venues and local cultural connection in a unique and effortless way. It really is the perfect way to enhance, kickstart or increase your mental, physical and/or social wellbeing journey," she said.
The South Australian Tourism Commission and Adelaide Hills Tourism, along with Jurlique and The Advertiser are the proud partners of Wellness wander which runs from Friday 31 March to Sunday 2 April 2023. To purchase tickets and to view the full event program visit https://wellnesswander.com.au. Events will sell out, so get in quick. ENDS.
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