When one thinks of wellness or self-care, spa days and yoga classes often come to mind. While those are integral aspects of the self-care mindset, wellness has evolved beyond the occasional facial and a day off work to a holistic movement in which community is as important as meditation and solitude. Started by Live Love Spa in 2018, August is National Wellness Month, and this year the focus is less on perfection and more on simple choices that support mental, physical, or emotional well-being.
Instead of chasing the latest wellness trend, this year’s campaign invites participants to commit to a single healthy habit, whether that’s getting more sleep, taking a daily walk, practicing mindfulness, or spending less time on their screens. The idea is simple: small, intentional actions are often the ones that last. Hotels and spas across the country are embracing the movement with special wellness experiences, from immersive retreats to recovery-focused treatments.
The approach is supported by research. A 2024 meta-analysis published in Healthcare found that people are more likely to stick with wellness habits they choose for themselves than those driven by outside pressure. To inspire participation, Live Love Spa is encouraging individuals to take the “I Choose Wellness” pledge and share their commitment throughout August using #NationalWellnessMonth and #IChooseWellness.
“Wellness sticks when it’s your choice,” says Lisa Michaelis, founder and CEO of Live Love Spa. “That’s the idea behind our month-long initiative: daily acts of self-care can lead to a lifetime of wellness.” Based on Live Love Spa’s wellness trends survey, longevity and healthy aging dominate what spa clients and consumers seek from wellness offerings and in their lifestyle choices. Spas and concierge medical services are answering the increased demand with diagnostics, preventative testing, and whole-body integrative services.
At-home therapies such as red light and sleep technology are also on the rise, as consumers now see wellness as a lifestyle rather than an indulgent treat. There is also a tangible increase in wellness in a more social setting. According to Michaels, “We’re seeing a clear rise in social wellness. It began during the pandemic, when people realized how essential community and in-person connection are. “Financial well-being is also a growing trend that Michaels believes needs more attention. “It’s so important to overall stress reduction and well-being, but it’s often the first thing overlooked.”
Wellness travel and sustainability are becoming essential to physical and mental wellness, which means manufacturers are expected to pay strict attention to clean formulations and sourcing, fair practices, and zero-waste packaging.
On August 3rd & 4th, Live Love Spa hosted spa industry professionals, media, and influencers across four floors and over 60 wellness brands at Hudson Loft in downtown Los Angeles. Attendees participated in guided sound meditation, workshops, and seminars with leading wellness experts, plus a healthy lunch sponsored by Sweetgreen, and a cocktail party hosted by SpaFinder in honor of their 40th anniversary.
Among the show highlights were on-site high-tech facials offered by Skin Moderne and Candela, organic facials from Eminence, or the Rosée Glow Facial by luxury French brand Phytomer. In fact, French skincare was well represented this year, with Yon Ka and Nelly De Vuyst showcasing their latest skincare innovations, while premium skincare brand FactorFive debuted their latest human stem cell hair care line. Guests were also able to sample the latest in red light therapy, lymphatic massage beds, and an immersive sound bowl session/