Developed by WITT (Wellness in Travel & Tourism) in partnership with the Wellness Tourism Association.
The Core Wellness Standards for Hotels were developed by WITT (Wellness in Travel & Tourism), in partnership with the Wellness Tourism Association, to provide hotels with a clear set of foundational practices for integrating wellness more intentionally across the full guest experience.
Grounded in WITT’s Five Pillars of Wellness—Healthy Eating, Holistic Healing, Nature, Movement and Local Impact—the Standards extend wellness beyond the spa to consider the broader hotel experience, from food and hydration to sleep, movement, connection to nature, local culture and community.
Together, they provide a practical reference point for hotels seeking to strengthen their wellness offerings and for travel professionals and travelers seeking greater clarity around wellness-focused hospitality.
Promote guest health and well-being through mindful food offerings and local culinary experiences. Ensure guests can maintain their dietary preferences while enjoying meals that support overall wellness.
Create a supportive environment for rejuvenation and restful sleep, complemented by knowledgeable staff and personalized experiences designed to optimize wellness.
Strengthen guests’ bond with nature through eco-friendly activities, nature-inspired design, and access to natural surroundings that enhance relaxation and well-being.
Support guest well-being and energy with opportunities for movement, supporting a balanced and active lifestyle throughout their stay.
Protect and support local communities and environment through engagement, sustainable practices, and responsible sourcing to foster long-term well-being.
The Core Wellness Standards translate the Five Pillars into practical considerations that can be integrated throughout the hotel experience. These include:
Provide nutritious options that accommodate a range of dietary needs and preferences.
Help guests identify local dining options aligned with their wellness preferences.
Provide convenient access to clean, filtered drinking water.
Maintain clean, welcoming spaces that support comfort, calm and well-being.
Equip staff to provide warm, informed and personalized guest experiences.
Create guest rooms and environments that support quality rest and sleep.
Prioritize local products, ingredients and suppliers where appropriate.
Create opportunities for guests to meaningfully experience local culture and place.
Support local communities through partnerships, initiatives and responsible practices.
Incorporate natural light, plants, natural materials and other connections to nature within the built environment.
Help guests connect with green spaces and the surrounding natural environment.
Provide accessible opportunities, spaces and resources that encourage movement throughout the stay.
Support a more thoughtful and holistic approach to wellness across the guest journey.
Give hotel teams practical guidance for assessing and strengthening wellness practices across the property.
Help properties better understand and respond to the expectations of increasingly wellness-conscious travelers.
Establish a shared reference point for hotels, travel professionals and travelers navigating wellness-focused hospitality.
The Core Wellness Standards for Hotels provide a foundational reference point for wellness-focused hospitality. Hotels seeking independent third-party verification of their wellness offerings can take the next step through becoming WITT Certified.
WITT provides independent assessment and certification for qualifying hotels and resorts, offering properties an opportunity to demonstrate their alignment with established wellness criteria.
The Core Wellness Standards are part of WTA’s broader work to bring greater clarity, shared understanding and responsible practices to the evolving wellness tourism industry. Hotels, hospitality brands and industry organizations interested in learning more about the Standards or engaging with WTA are invited to connect with us.
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