Globally the wellness tourism market has grown as travellers place more emphasis on physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. On the KZN South Coast, where the natural beauty supports overall health, the first-ever South African wellness travel route – The Wellness Way - is being launched by Odyssey Magazine and The Southern Explorer, supported by South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). The official route will be available for holistic-minded travellers from 14 December 2023.

“There is an international trend that has emerged the past few years, prioritising health and wellness through travel and new experiences,” explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of SCTIE. “The KZN South Coast boasts 58 golden beaches, extensive nature reserves, and a positive ethos that supports wellbeing, making it the ideal location to establish a wellness route. Coinciding with the festive season, this will give visitors a wonderful opportunity to experience the region while taking care of themselves after a long year.”

Explaining the concept behind The Wellness Way, Debra Robbins, Editor of Odyssey Magazine says: “This tourism initiative was conceived following the success of the KwazuluSpirit Festival 2023 by Odyssey Magazine and Wozani Africa Events. This route-based initiative was launched on 6 September 2023 at a business networking brunch and the support and sign-ups received were an unwavering buy-in from the KZN South Coast’s healing community.”

There are currently 82 therapists and practitioners to be found along The Wellness Way, dedicated to therapies of natural health and holistic healing from Amanzimtoti to the Wild Coast. The route will be divided into seven regions for ease of use:

Region 1: Amanzimtoti to Umkomaas

Region 2: Widenham to Ifafa Beach

Region 3: Hibberdene to Oslo Beach

Region 4: Shelly Beach to Margate

Region 5: Ramsgate to Marina Beach

Region 6: Trafalgar to Wild Coast

Region 7: Oribi Meander to Ingeli

Tourists wanting to access The Wellness Way route can do so via links to The Wellness Way web portal on The Southern Explorer and Odyssey Magazine websites from 14 December 2023. The next KwazuluSpirit Festival will take place 9 to 11 August 2024 at The Laughing Forest in Elysium where The Wellness Way members will offer healing modalities and therapies.

In addition to wellness tourism, the Golf Coast (as the region is also known!) is home to 11 quality golf courses, and remains a favourite destination for both leisure and MICE [meetings, incentives, conferences, and events]! The subtropical climate and diverse natural landscape also set the scene for the ultimate in agri-tourism and extreme adventure.

Uncover all the adventure on the KZN South Coast by downloading the ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app, visiting the website, checking out the Events Calendar, the KZN South Coast Meeting Planner Guide and more! Don’t miss out on the action by following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Follow the hashtags #uncover #uncoverkznsouthcoast #uncoveradventure #kznsouthcoast