Vacayou
,
a new online platform for discovering and booking wellness travel experiences,
has raised $3.3 million in combined angel and seed rounds to support its
launch.
The
funding is led by investor and Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik, Relevance
Ventures and additional angel investors.
Vacayou
is launching in beta with more than 100 package options such as spa getaways,
wellness retreats and active travel experiences.
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“Wellness
tourism is one of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry
and is projected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2027,” says Muirelle Montecalvo, Vacayou’s founder and CEO.
“While countless brands use the term ‘wellness’ in their
marketing, Vacayou breaks through the hype and hand-selects only the best
wellness and active experiences around the world. Then we educate travelers - many
of whom are first-time wellness travelers - on the types of retreats, spas,
tours and resorts available.”
Montecalvo
says the company will use the funds to develop the platform, streamline the
onboarding of new partners and advance marketing to consumers.
Current
partners include Canyon Ranch, Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, Intrepid Travel
Adventures, Miraval, Shou Sugi Ban House and Kamalaya Koh Samui.
“Vacayou
is launching at a time hospitality brands are operating with reduced marketing
budgets and staff,”
says Thomas Klein, Vacayou advisor and former
president and COO of Canyon Ranch.
“Vacayou serves as a
much-needed extension of a brand’s marketing team by attracting high-yielding
guests. Unlike other travel sites that focus on the transaction, Vacayou
focuses on the experience. Services and amenities are just as perishable as
rooms and Vacayou’s platform increases revenue per guest by packaging spa
treatments, fitness classes, tours and other experiences into the booking.”
The
site includes property reviews, a glossary of wellness terms and filters that
enable users to sort and combine experiences. Vacayou also has a customer
service team available 24/7.