Winter holidays have historically drawn many travelers from Russia to mineral-water resorts, a trend noted by major tour operators and tourism observers. The rise in spa and health tourism during the colder months reflects a preference for destinations that combine restorative waters with access to outdoor winter activities. The latest industry data indicate that this preference for mineral-water resorts remains strong, with several regions standing out for their appeal during the winter season.
Data show that a notable share of travelers seeks mountain and health-focused retreats in the North Caucasus and the surrounding area, including towns known for their mineral springs and health resorts. Within this group, a portion of visitors prioritizes northern and western Caucasus locations for their combination of climate, resort infrastructure, and wellness amenities. Leisure travelers also increasingly choose accommodations that offer spa facilities and heated pools, particularly in hotel districts that cater to extended stays and wellness itineraries during the winter months.
Regional shifts among popular destinations are visible in the Krasnodar Territory and adjacent coastal areas. Hotels in coastal towns offering therapeutic treatments and winter recreation report rising occupancy, with some locales experiencing double-digit growth in bookings compared with the previous year. Snow-sport hubs in the region, along with health-resort clusters, contribute to a diversified winter tourism portfolio that attracts families, solo travelers, and wellness-focused visitors alike.
Beyond Russia, interest in nearby market options remains steady among a segment of travelers who consider cross-border wellness experiences. A subset of visitors allocates part of their winter plan to neighboring countries that specialize in local health services and resort facilities, reflecting broader regional travel patterns where wellness and relaxation are highly valued components of a winter getaway.
In related domestic trends, the Moscow metropolitan area continues to draw vacationers who prefer hotels with integrated spa complexes and оn-site leisure facilities, including heated swimming pools. This preference aligns with a growing demand for convenience, high-quality service, and year-round recreation options within a compact urban footprint. The appeal of curated wellness experiences is further reinforced by the presence of resort hotels that combine therapeutic programs with comfortable lodging, enabling travelers to combine rest with light outdoor activity, even in the deepest winter months.
Considerable interest is observed in thermal destinations beyond the most active resort belts. Regions known for their geothermal pools and therapeutic climates contribute to a multi-destination winter map, offering travelers varied environments from mountain towns to spa-rich farmlands. These thermal resorts attract a diverse audience seeking recovery, relaxation, and the healing benefits attributed to mineral-rich waters in winter settings.
Finally, a wide spectrum of Russian tourists explores a broad array of other destinations during the winter season. The appeal of lesser-known spots and popular alpine centers remains intact, as travelers balance traditional wellness routines with new experiences in scenic locales such as mountain resorts and cultural capital cities across the country. This broad distribution of interest underscores the resilience of winter tourism and its capacity to adapt to evolving traveler preferences while maintaining a strong emphasis on wellness, scenery, and seasonal recreation.
Shared experiences of winter travel also include lighthearted anecdotes from various regions that remind readers travel can yield memorable moments beyond planned itineraries. Stories of encounters with wildlife and unexpected local events add color to the wide tapestry of winter tourism, illustrating how travel enriches personal experiences across diverse settings. These narratives, while lighter in tone, reflect the enduring human appeal of exploration and the joy of discovering new places during the cold season.