Wellness elements – from healthy food to fitness classes to spiritual healing – are ranked as more important for travellers under age 49 (Gen X and Millennials) than for Baby Boomers (age 50 and older), according to a new study from Spafinder Wellness 365.

The results were released today in Part II of Spafinder’s State of Wellness Travel Report, based on a survey of travel agents in North America and Europe and designed to offer ongoing insight into wellness travel trends.

The most significant differences in generations are in outdoor adventure – such as hiking and surfing – as well as environmentally-friendly properties, voluntourism programmes and fitness or yoga classes and facilities, all of which matter more significantly to younger travellers.

The most desirable property types for Baby Boomers are luxury spa resorts, while for Millennials and Gen X, eco/adventure resorts and authentic yoga retreats rank much higher.

“As Millennials and Gen X become the core wellness tourism demographic, trends are emerging,” said Spafinder Wellness COO John Bevan. “Not only do younger travellers demand more wellness offerings in general, they seek more intensive, out-in-nature adventure and fitness. And a property’s ‘values,’ such as respect for the environment and whether it gives back to the local community, aren’t niche considerations – they’re more important than traditional sports like golf or tennis.”

Agents rated the importance of 16 different wellness components or programmes to their clients. Every component – from weight loss to healthy sleep programmes – ranked as ‘important’ for every age demographic, scoring at least 5.9 out of 10 points.

Agents also noted which age groups are more likely to book wellness travel; as Baby Boomers age, each year they’re increasingly being replaced by Gen X and younger. The top two age groups for wellness travel are 46-55 (which includes older Gen X clients and the very youngest Baby Boomers) and 36-45 – the heart of Gen X.

“The survey shines light on what’s ascending for the next generation in wellness travel, but also shows that Boomers still rank traditional spa resorts first,” said Bevan. “The landscape is expanding, more complex and less one-size-fits-all than ever.”