A new kind of traveler is reshaping the hospitality industry – and they are not checking in.

According to new data from ResortPass, a growing number of wellness-focused consumers are opting for hyper-local experiences instead of traditional overnight stays, driving a shift in how hotels design and sell their offerings.

Rather than boarding flights or planning extended trips, many travelers are choosing nearby hotels for short, flexible wellness breaks. Often just a short drive from home, these “daycations” allow guests to access premium amenities like pools, spas and fitness facilities without committing to a full stay.

ResortPass now connects more than six million users to experiences across 250 cities in over 30 countries, working with major hospitality brands including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Waldorf Astoria, Auberge Resorts Collection and 1 Hotels.

The data points to a sharp rise in wellness demand. Spa treatment bookings have surged 84% year over year, while bundled experiences – combining amenities such as pool access and spa treatments – are becoming one of the fastest-growing segments. In January 2026 alone, these bundled bookings accounted for more than 10% of all reservations on the platform.

Hotels are adapting quickly, moving away from single-amenity offers toward customizable “wellness menus.” Guests can now design their own experiences, pairing services like massages with cold plunge therapy or combining pool access with infrared sauna sessions.

This shift is also driving investment in recovery-focused infrastructure. ResortPass reports that 126 partner properties now offer cold plunge experiences, with 44 added in 2025 alone. Sauna access has also become a staple, included in more than half of all wellness bookings.

Geographically, demand is increasingly local. While warm-weather destinations still attract winter travelers – with 20% of January bookings taking place in the Caribbean – much of the growth is coming from nearby, repeat users. Cities such as Miami, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Austin and Dallas are leading the trend, fueled by strong weekday demand.

Another notable shift is the social dimension of wellness. Couples bookings rose 135% in 2025, while group bookings increased 78% year over year. Family participation has grown even faster, surging 260%, as wellness experiences evolve into shared activities rather than solo pursuits.

With summer approaching, the data suggests that some of the most valuable guests this season may never step into an airport. Instead, they are redefining travel on a local scale – prioritizing convenience, flexibility and personalized well-being over traditional hotel stays.