Blackpink-White-Lotus-effect, digital detoxes: Luxury wellness looks to Gen Alpha

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By Sadie Bargeron

Published June 19, 2025

Teenagers in 2025 have grown up online, with digitized lives that seldom see a day without a screen. Combined with the booming wellness industry, that internet-overload has carved a new generation in search for “digital detox vacations,” with Gen Alpha growing up to be a key target consumer-base for luxury wellness retreats.

Puspa Anggareni, General Manager at Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape in Bali, says that teenage guests want to “slow down, reflect, and reconnect” and are drawn to “silence, nature immersion, and raw luxury.”

This demographic’s tastes are increasingly shaping the strategies of luxury hotels and wellness stays.

A survey from HSBC released in the fourth quarter of last year revealed its predecessor, Gen Z predominantly works to splash out on vacations, not on homes or to build families.

With Blackpink’s Lisa joining the White Lotus cast earlier this year, in the latest season set at a wellness retreat in Thailand, the K-pop effect is likely to create demand for the premium spa stays across Asia in particular.

Wellness era vacations #

While hotels often double as party spots, alcohol consumption has fallen out of favor among Gen Z and older Gen Alphas. Therefore, high-end travel spots need to evolve.

Sober clubbing has reportedly hit Singapore, and according to 2024 China Trading Desk data, out of the 5,000 Chinese females surveyed, just 37.5% say they rarely drink alcohol and 60% drink only occasionally.

Reportedly in Singapore, 33% of the population now prefers non-alcoholic beverages.

From East Asia to the West, this young sober, wellness-driven consumer is curating their lifestyles with self-care experiences and products, from nail salon trips to extensive skincare regimes.

MorningConsultAI reports that in the U.S., Gen Z wellness lovers have higher levels of consumption than the average Gen Zer, as well as being significantly trend and status-driven.

Luxury wellness hotels and spas are thus recognizing the high economic potential of this new generation.

For instance, RXV has introduced personalized wellbeing programmes for teenagers “facing modern pressures.”

In an era when “teenage life is increasingly influenced by algorithms, expectations, and constant connectivity, the rapid rise in adolescent anxiety, burnout and disconnection has become a global concern for parents,” reads the press release.

“Each person requires a radically different approach, which is why we begin with a thorough consultation that listens to what’s happening in their body and brain. They’ve tried everything from meditation apps to standing desks, but what they need is comprehensive recalibration,” Piyarat Tanjaputkul, RXV’s Executive Vice President, Health & Wellness, tells Jing Daily.

Offering botanical massages, sound therapy, hormone support (such as lady health therapy for menstrual discomfort), and gut-brain balancing and more, the personalized programmes start at 54,900 Thai baht (around $1,685). Perhaps a lot for teenagers to spend, but not their parents.

That focus on “gut-brain harmony” also taps into a trending fascination across global social media channels. On TikTok, the phrase “gut health foods” is featured in 49.9 million videos. A trending topic all over the world, it has spurred a move to gut-oriented consumption, from probiotics to kimchi and fasting.

Global searches for “gut health” surged 35% last year, “microbiome” rose 31%, and probiotics climbed 8%. Luxury hotels need to be tapped into these online health and wellness insights to the digital native generation.

Mindful consumption #

Another luxury resort aiming to attract this is the all-inclusive Songsaa Private Island in southwest Cambodia.

“We’ve observed a marked increase in interest from Gen Z travellers across East Asia — particularly from South Korea, China, and Japan. This generation is highly values-driven; they are seeking experiences that reflect their identity, contribute to a larger purpose, and offer meaningful connection,” says Melita Koulmandas, CEO and founder of ecological group Song Saa Collective.

“They care deeply about environmental integrity, cultural authenticity, and emotional wellbeing,” she adds. “For them, luxury is no longer about opulence — it's about alignment: with their values, their aspirations, and the kind of world they want to help shape.”

The young’s approach to wellness encompasses mental wellbeing and bodily health, as well as caring for the planet. Many spas targeting Gen Alpha and Gen Z are incorporating this sustainability selling point into their marketing strategies.

Like Asian luxury retreats, Western locations are similarly courting Gen Z consumers.

The recently opened Rosewood Amsterdam hotel’s Asaya spa combines ancient Eastern healing and Ayurvedic philosophies with innovative Western therapies, aiming to target the needs of luxury Gen Z travelers.

Across The Channel, sustainable West London-based hotel Inhabit offers device-free zones, mindful menus, and other wellness-focused amenities like mindfulness sessions — all motivated by youth consumer characteristics.

There has also been an upsurge of interest in non-Wi-Fi stays, prompting the formation of “digital detox” vacation businesses, such as Unplugged, which offers 40 internet-free cabins across the U.K. and Spain.

As digital fatigue deepens, luxury wellness travel is evolving to meet young travelers’ sober, values-driven, and health-conscious mindset.