Here’s Why Holistic Health Travelers Are Celebrating!
The Luxury Group by Marriott International released its comprehensive new report, The Future of Food 2025, which primarily highlights the transformative power of the Asia Pacific region in shaping global culinary and dining trends. With insights from more than 30 top chefs and industry insiders, the report identifies ten macro trends influencing the food and dining industry and the region’s impact on global gastronomy. One of these trends stands out—food has become a key trend shaping the wellness industry.
Wellness is on the Plate
The wellness revolution is influencing food choices. While anti-aging foods that support hormone balance and enhance dopamine levels gain popularity, longevity is the new luxury. Food is considered medicine, with restaurants shifting to offering nutritious, chef-curated menus that prioritize fresh, whole ingredients and transparent sourcing. Hyper-personalized diets powered by AI can provide meal recommendations based on individual physiological and psychological states.
Food as Medicine Movements to Watch
Neuro-nutrition:
Concerns around brain health will influence an increasing number of food and drink choices via managing one’s gut health. Menus are evolving to include probiotic-rich fermented food and drink products that improve emotional well-being by balancing gut microbiomes.
Functional “mood foods,” such as adaptogens (plants and herbs that decrease mental and physical stress) and nootropics (plants and herbs that promote brain function and cognitive performance), are being added based on data-driven scientific testing.
Food “Farmacies:”
“Food as medicine” becomes a mainstream mantra as healthy eating becomes increasingly preventive, aimed at tackling or staving off conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, or for holistic wellness. Restaurants will be pivotal to promoting this paradigm shift by offering nutritious, chef-curated menus that prioritize fresh, whole ingredients and transparent sourcing practices.
This will empower diners to make health-conscious choices without compromising taste or enjoyment. It can also convert die-hard omnivores to embracing a more plant-forward way of life for better health.
Longevity is the New Luxury, and Food is a Primary Driver
Health centenarians are the new ambition for many of Asia Pacific’s super-aged societies, with technology and research in prolonging health spans paving the way. The convergence of the food and beauty sectors deepens as “edible beauty” gains popularity and public conversations around aging ailments such as menopause and dementia get destigmatized.
Food brands are capitalizing on this movement by offering anti-aging foods that support hormone balance, enhance dopamine levels, and cater to consumers’ holistic well-being.
Hyper-Personalized Dining Experiences
With biohackers at the forefront, the longer—term trend will be towards hyper-personalized diets powered by AI, providing meal recommendations based on analyzing individuals’ physiological and psychological states. To win over this consumer segment, food and beverage operators must keep operations agile and adaptable to offer tailored dining experiences that cater to each guest’s specific dietary and wellness needs.
Conscious Cuisine: Sustainability efforts, such as regenerative farming, addressing the water crisis, and digitizing the supply chain, are seen as enhancing food security and waste reduction.
Farm-to-Future: The integration of sustainable practices, from biodynamic farming to plant-centric dining to upcycled ingredients, is driving incremental improvements, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy diverse cuisines.
Using Food for Holistic Health is FINALLY Trending
None of these are considered “trends” for most health-conscious people because lifestyle medicine, food as medicine, and personalized nutrition have always mattered. However, using wellness travel to jump-start a new, healthier lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular.
Blending high-quality, plant-forward, and local food with exceptional wellness experiences may start as a trend but will inevitably persist. Once travelers can leave their environment, embrace new ways of nourishing their bodies, and push past any hesitation about eating in a way that best supports their optimal health, wellness-food travel will likely become the next “trend.” Gone are the days of using week-long drunken binges as a way of relaxing. Most travelers realize that life is short – and if longevity matters, so does feeling good through all those years!
Segments of the above article were taken directly from the newly released report. To read the report in its entirety, you can read or download it here: https://news.marriott.com/static-assets/component-resources/newscenter/news/2024/10/08/2025thefutureoffoodasiapacific.pdf.
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,000 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 141 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts worldwide. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.