Wellness trips give escape from pressure

"We are not focusing on sales, or asking people to buy products from us. We are doing the similar things done by sqyer.com, a popular site for travel tips," said Zhu.

The health travel trend began in the United States and Europe. But in China, people are just becoming familiar with niche resorts around the world.

Wang Yang, a 36-year-old freelancer who used to work for an ad agency in Beijing, said that health tourism is totally unlike his traditional trips.

"Sometimes, I just feel that I need to care more about myself. I do not want to rush from one place to another, walking or flying frequently, which makes me tired," he said. When he saw information about wellness trips on daizhe.cn, he registered immediately.

Wang's destination was the Fusion Maia Resort in Vietnam, where he spent four days at the end of February.

"The resort set up a tailored schedule for me according to my time, interests and also my condition. The schedule included massage, yoga, meditation and other activities," said Wang. "I enjoyed the trip and felt refreshed even after the short treatment. I hope to discover similar resorts," he said.

Wang said he saw few other Chinese guests at the resort, which was filled with customers from Europe or the United States. The managers of the resort were from France or Japan, and all of the service staff were hired locally.

Zhu said the team is focusing on promoting health tourism among Chinese consumers. "Most of our members are middle-class people aged 30 to 40, who have their own ideas and have some overseas experience," she added.

Life is tough, that's for sure. But one day, or a few, spent indulging in spa treatments, simply lounging by a pool and eating organic food, is becoming a prime strategy to recharge.