THE ROLE OF THE ARTS IN HEALING
This year’s Synergy - The Retreat Show explores the role of the arts in healing, with a powerful focus on creativity as a catalyst for transformation. As we dive into the topic with Synergy’s Founder, Laura Montesanti, we uncover how artistic expression—from movement to writing, sound and cultural crafts—is being deeply woven into wellness travel experiences. As the industry evolves, there’s a growing recognition that creativity is not just an enhancement, but a vital pathway to emotional healing, deeper connection, and meaningful, transformational guest journeys.
Why was the role of arts in healing chosen as the focus for Synergy 2025?
“Art, in all its forms, has a unique ability to touch parts of us that words and logic often cannot reach. Healing is not only physical or intellectual—it’s emotional, energetic, and deeply personal.
Art allows us to express, release, and transform emotions. Whether through painting, music, dance, writing, or sculpture, creative expression offers a bridge between our inner and outer worlds, inviting self-discovery and renewal.
Gathering this year in Italy—a country known for its deep artistic heritage and healing traditions—it felt natural to honour the arts as a vital element of holistic wellbeing. We wanted to inspire attendees to tap into creativity not only for personal healing but also as a catalyst for professional growth and community connection.
In a world that often prioritises productivity over introspection, celebrating the role of the arts in healing feels both timely and essential.”
How is art and creativity incorporated into retreat and wellness travel experiences?
“The retreat, hospitality, and travel industries are increasingly recognising the arts as a core element of the wellbeing journey. Rather than treating creative expression as a secondary offering, many retreats, hotels, and wellness experiences are now integrating the arts in deeply intentional ways. From art therapy and expressive dance to journaling, storytelling, and craft-based practices, these activities provide powerful, non-verbal avenues for emotional release, self-reflection, and transformation. Guests are seeking more than relaxation — they crave meaning, connection, and personal growth. The arts bring emotional depth and authenticity, helping participants reconnect with themselves while engaging with the culture and energy of a place.
In hospitality settings, this evolution is emerging through offerings like artist residencies, sound healing ceremonies, writing workshops, and immersive cultural arts programming. These experiences not only enrich the stay but also deepen a guest’s relationship to the destination. As wellness becomes central to modern travel, creativity is proving essential to healing on emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.
Moreover, elements like music and colour can be thoughtfully incorporated into the hospitality experience to work on a subconscious level, subtly guiding guests through a journey of healing and transformation through vibration and visual stimulation.
For retreat leaders and travel advisors, integrating the arts into wellness journeys is giving a new dimension and depth to experiences. Creative practices like movement, poetry, and local crafts allow participants to access inner transformation that verbal methods alone can’t unlock. Designing these experiences with care ensures they resonate with the energy of the location and the personal journeys of each guest. Furthermore, those curating these experiences are discovering that tapping into their own creativity brings new inspiration and emotional depth to their work.
Ultimately, by weaving the arts into the fabric of wellness travel, facilitators offer guests not just restorative getaways, but opportunities for true healing and self-discovery. Creativity becomes a vehicle for transformation — for guests and guides alike — making the experience more meaningful, memorable, and life-affirming.”
What kinds of artistic experiences are travellers most drawn to when seeking restoration or transformation?
”Travellers are increasingly drawn to experiences that are immersive, participatory, and emotionally resonant. Some of the most popular include:
Sound Healing: Using gongs, bowls, and voice work, sound sessions guide guests into deep states of relaxation and release.
Expressive Movement & Dance: Movement is a rising pillar of modern wellness. Whether through ecstatic dance or intuitive flow, these practices unlock emotion and build body awareness. At Synergy, we’ve seen powerful examples—like Sanctum’s guided movement journeys or Hanna Poikonen’s therapeutic dance.
Art Therapy & Creative Workshops: Ceramics, painting, and crafting help express what words cannot. These tactile, mindful practices offer powerful paths to healing.
Writing & Storytelling: Poetry, journaling, and narrative therapy help guests process life experiences and rediscover purpose. Writing in nature—away from distractions—can awaken the inner voice and spark deep insight.
Immersive Cultural Arts: Intentional engagement with local crafts, music, and traditions is on the rise. Guests seek not just cultural “access,” but connection—experiences that honour heritage while catalysing personal growth.
What unites all of these is active participation. Travellers today want experiences that awaken their creativity, stir their emotions, and return them to themselves.”
What advice would you give to travellers looking to deepen their healing journey through creative exploration?
“Keep an open mind. Let go of expectations. Creative healing is not about perfection—it’s about expression.
Earlier this year, I took a watercolour class. As I learnt to let the water lead, I saw how surrendering control reveals unexpected beauty—and the same applies to healing.
Choose experiences that invite participation—painting, dance, writing, music—and approach them with curiosity, not performance. Nature is a powerful ally; it softens resistance and invites authenticity.
Above all, trust the process. The arts invite us to reconnect with our inner selves—one brushstroke, movement, or word at a time.”
How will we see the role of arts in healing reflected in this year’s programme?
“This year’s Synergy programme is designed to be immersive, interactive, and creatively rich. We’ll explore artistic expression through a range of sessions—improv, vocal activation, sound healing, conscious movement, and more.
Guests will unmask personas, follow their inner rhythms, and explore how frequency and vibration impact wellbeing.
The experience begins with a vibrant Welcome Cocktail, where guests work with colours that reflect their essence—and ends with a surprise Closing Party designed to unleash their creative spirit.
It’s more than a programme. It’s an invitation to transform, through art.”
Registration for the 2025 event closes 30th June. Places are limited. If you’re interested in joining the movement, contact info@theretreatshow.com for further information or register here.