Wellness for Men: Silent Retreats, Strength, and Mindful Masculinity

There’s a new kind of strength rising quietly across India, not the kind you build with biceps or featuring with bravado, but one rooted in stillness, silence and stoic self-mastery. This summer, as we observe Men’s Health Month, it’s worth pausing to notice a powerful and transformative shift: men are finally embracing wellness in its truest, most holistic sense.

Once considered a space largely designed for women, the wellness world is now seeing Indian men step forward with intention. This is no passing trend, it’s a redefinition of masculinity itself. More and more, men are choosing to prioritise mental clarity, emotional balance and physical resilience, often in ways that match with traditional expectations.

According to Global Men's Health and Wellness Market Report, the global men’s health and wellness market grew from $1.27 trillion in 2023 to an expected $2.57 trillion by 2029, expanding at a 12.4 per cent CAGR, driven largely by men’s rising interest in fitness, mental well-being, and personalised self-care . This change is especially visible in the growing number of men participating in wellness retreats and experiences across the country. In fact, some leading wellness centres have reported that Indian male guests now make up almost half of their clientele, a significant leap from the pre-pandemic years, when this figure was under five per cent. It’s a clear sign that outdated stigmas around self-care and emotional well-being are finally giving way.

And what are these men seeking? 

Surprisingly, not pampering or indulgence, but discipline, silence and stillness. Silent retreats have become a powerful draw, offering an escape from overstimulation and the pressures of constant productivity. These experiences offer a stripped-back setting, where men can take a break from the outside world, disconnect from devices, and reconnect with themselves.

At the core of many such retreats is a nod to 'Stoic philosophy', an ancient wisdom that feels especially relevant today. Ideas like acceptance, self-control and presence are explored not through lectures, but through practice. A Guardian piece (Mar 2025) highlights a growing movement of male coaches offering emotional resilience training, providing alternatives to toxic online male spaces. Daily routines may include breathwork at sunrise, long solo walks in nature, digital detox periods, or simply sitting in silence with one’s thoughts. In these moments of quiet, many are discovering strength not in doing, but in being.

That said, physical resilience remains an important part of the experience, just approached differently. Instead of weight machines and structured reps, there’s a growing preference for functional strength: primal movement, bodyweight training, and immersive ice baths. Cold exposure therapy, once fringe, has become a favourite among those seeking mental sharpness and emotional release.

What makes this movement so remarkable is its introspective nature. It isn’t driven by performance or aesthetics, nor is it about appearing ‘zen’ on social media. Resorts that were once female-dominated are now almost gender equilibrated. Pre-pandemic, men made up under 20  per cent of guests; now many operators report men account for 45–52  per cent especially ages 35–65. These men aren’t shouting about their wellness journeys, they’re simply living them, quietly and purposefully.

Importantly, this shift is helping to challenge long-standing social narratives. For generations, Indian men have been conditioned to suppress vulnerability, carry burdens silently, and prioritise productivity above all. The hospitality and wellness industry is also evolving in response. Retreats and resorts across India are beginning to tailor experiences specifically for men: curated stays that blend strength with serenity, introspection with intensity. And the timing couldn’t be more right.

As this summer unfolds, and as conversations around men's mental health grow louder, one thing is certain: the modern Indian man is ready for a new kind of strength. 

Because sometimes, the most courageous thing a man can do, is to be still. Peace!