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Hot Springs as Wellness Destination Takes Hold in U.S.

Leslie Barrie

Photo Credit: The pool at Ouray Hot Springs in Ouray, Colorado. In the U.S., travelers have traditionally viewed hot springs as a recreational activity, but that's changing as the industry starts to professionalize and boost its wellness roots.  Ouray Chamber Resort Association

Skift Take

This week in wellness news, the hot springs movement gains traction in the U.S. Meanwhile, mental health apps aim to address the rising tide of anxiety in the U.S. Admirable, yes, but it’s debatable whether apps that gamify the quest toward beating anxiety can really catch on.

Anxiety is on the rise in the U.S., and a steady stream of companies are trying to capitalize on that phenomenon. You have weighted blankets, CBD ointments, and calming meditation apps, all vying to become the must-have tools to help Americans on the go unwind — at a cost, of course. Apps like Calm and Headspace have had some success, evidenced both by the number of downloads as well as partnerships with airlines, celebrities, and more. But the meditation app field is crowded, and smart developers are getting creative in how they seek to help people dealing with anxiety or other mental health issues. The latest trend? Using gaming techniques to lower people’s anxiety levels. Apps like SuperBetter and Happify employ video game techniques to make dealing with mental health issues more approachable. You score power-ups when you choose healthy habits, engage in quests as you strive to meet your goals, and confront “bad guys” as things that keep

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