Wellness holidays are evolving, and they’re no longer just about strict routines or spiritual retreats.

That’s according to Sinead Kennedy, host of Zen and Tonic Wellness Activity Holidays, who feels that the growing appeal of these trips is based off of a more balanced outlook.

"It’s not brown rice and chanting,” said Kennedy.

She told Lunchtime Live that “wellness covers everything from emotional to physical wellbeing."

"For a lot of people, it's just about having a week away to sit down, hear their own thoughts and escape the humdrum of life.”

Having run wellness trips for over a decade, Kennedy said she has noticed a clear shift in what people want.

Rather than rigid programmes, travellers are looking for balance, combining yoga, gentle activity and wellness with fun, socialising and connection.

“A lot of people are looking for community,” she said.

“I get a lot of widows and solo travellers coming on my trips. They want connection. They want to find their tribe.”

Also joining the discussion was Clare McKenna, host of Alive and Kickin on Newstalk and author of Would You Be Well?, who said people are increasingly focused on feeling good without extremes.

“I think people are really embracing wanting to feel good in themselves,” McKenna said.

“You can eat well, go for walks, do a class and still enjoy nice food, drinks and time with friends. The more achievable it feels, the better.”

McKenna pointed to the pressures of modern life as a major driver behind the rise of wellness-focused breaks.

“We’re living in an always-on culture,” she said.

“We’re constantly taking in information, constantly pushing. Taking time to rest and reflect is more important than ever.”

Kennedy suggested destinations like Madeira often called the “Island of Eternal Spring” for those looking to dip a toe into wellness travel, as well as thermal spa destinations such as Iceland, Andorra and Bratislava.

But both women agreed that wellness doesn’t have to mean travelling abroad.

CXY561 beach, Lahinch, Co. Clare, Republic of Ireland

“Ireland is unrivalled,” McKenna said, praising counties like Clare for their combination of sea swimming, saunas, coastal walks and good food.

“You can embrace the pints of Guinness and the bit of craic too.”

Kennedy said that balance is exactly what her brand aims to capture.

“That’s why it’s called Zen and Tonic."

“The zen aspect is whatever you want it to be - and the tonic is the fun, the laughter and the connection," she added.