Alma Resort Unveils Broad Spectrum of Yoga and Meditation Offerings

Banyan Tree Spa Krabi, recently lauded by the MICHELIN Guide as one of the seven “most luxurious” spas in Thailand, is floating a new idea to guests — complimentary weightless therapy classes. Photo credits: Banyan Tree Spa Krabi Weightless therapy is a holistic technique that involves floating in water, whereby the buoyancy helps alleviate pain and stress. Also known as flotation therapy, this sensory deprivation treatment is renowned for inducing a state of deep relaxation. At Banyan Tree Spa Krabi, Wellbeing Practitioner Dr. Subhash Shanbhag and his team guide and glide their clients gently upon the water in one-on-one sessions lasting one hour. Guests are offered the choice of a “Wave Stretch” session, which combines a rhythmic flow of water combined with gentle tension-point massage, or a “One Weightless” treatment, a fully immersive experience in a zero-gravity environment. Both private and complimentary group classes are available. “Weightless therapy is an alternative way to heal your body and mind,” said Banyan Tree Spa Krabi Manager Ms Montira Vichiankoo. “The meditative state obtained by floating in the water helps us relax as well as exercising muscles, joints and bones.” Photo credits: Banyan Tree Spa Krabi The weightless therapy experience is just one of several innovations at the award-winning spa, a “Sanctuary for the Senses” that offers massage and wellbeing treatments, including traditional Thai and oil massages such as the Restorative Detox massage, a deep tissue technique designed to stimulate the body’s circulatory system. Banyan Tree Spa Krabi’s signature experience is the Rainforest, the region’s leading luxury hydrotherapy facility, described by the MICHELIN Guide as a place “where tropical serenity meets holistic wellness”. “Dive into a luxurious hydrothermal circuit featuring a Rain Walk, Steam Room, Sauna, Ice Fountain, Vitality Pool, Outdoor Cold and Hot Plunge Pools, Jet Pool, and Heated Bed,” the MICHELIN Guide said. As a signature massage treatment, Banyan Tree Spa Krabi presents “Sense of Place - Krabi Tranquility”, a 150-minute treatment including skin polishing with jasmine and sky flower leaf, followed by a Naka Fusion stone massage and a Naka head massage. The soothing treatment is rounded off with an aromatic coconut milk bath. Alternatively, the Sleep Essentials massage is a unique ritual that brings the mind and body to a deep state of rest. One of the most popular innovations is the spa’s Tropical Rainmist treatment, where guests unwind face down under the gentle drizzle of a rain shower before an invigorating body scrub is applied to purify the skin. The experience culminates with the therapist kneading away all tension with a Thai massage. Spa therapists at the resort undergo an intensive course at the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy, which is hosted in Phuket, and involves extensive training in anatomy, massage techniques and spa treatments, with advancing students also able to receive accredited certifications in Thai massage and aromatherapy. “Have you tried a zero-gravity environment, so you can truly disconnect from the outside world and fully immerse yourself with a sense of deep relaxation and relief from anxiety and stress?” asked Dr. Subhash, an Ayurvedic doctor who has lived in Thailand for 13 years. “This is a unique opportunity to leave all the worries and stress of daily life behind, and embark on a journey towards restorative health and maximum relaxation.” The Resort Located on a tranquil beachfront, and tiered into a lush hillside facing westward towards the Andaman Sea and the sunset, Banyan Tree Krabi has 72 pool suites and villas, among them seven two-bedroom options, one three-bedroom villa, and a majestic seven-bedroom beachfront Presidential Villa. Facilities include two restaurants and a beach bar, a beach club, a kids’ club, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and the aforementioned rainforest-themed spa. In a recent announcement by the MICHELIN Guide, Banyan Tree Krabi was among a handful of top luxury resorts in Thailand awarded Two Keys - marking it as an “exceptional stay”. Banyan Tree Krabi was also recognised in this year’s prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, voted No 4 resort in Thailand. For more information or reservations, contact +66 075 811 888 or email krabi@banyantree.com.

The Hari Hong Kong has announced 19 shortlisted artists for its coveted The Hari Art Prize 2025, in collaboration with London-based art advisory A Space for Art, paying homage to Hong Kong’s compelling emerging art scene. Photo credits: The Hari Hong Kong Almost 600 Hong Kong-based self-taught artists and recent art graduates within the first 10 years of their art career have applied for the second annual art prize, more than double the number of applicants for the inaugural 2023 art prize. The winner and two runners-up of the 2025 art prize will be revealed during a special ceremony at The Hari Hong Kong on March 13 this year to a backdrop of selected artwork crafted by finalists. The winner will receive a HK$100,000 cash award generously donated by Dr. Aron Harilela, CEO and chairman of Harilela Hotels Limited and founder of The Hari Hong Kong and its sister property The Hari London. The shortlisted artists are APO, Chan Ka Kiu, YY Chan, Dony Cheng Hung, Itit Cheung (Weera it Ittiteerarak), Gianluca Crudele, Ho Hou Wun, Inkgo Lam, Vincent Lee, Jeremy Leung, Livy Leung Hoi Nga, Edwin Lo, Karen Mai, Geoffrey Palmer, Amy Tang, Gavin Tu, Nicole Wong, Wu Jiaru, and Angela Yuen Ka Yee. In addition to Dr Harilela, the prize’s esteemed judging panel features A Space For Art’s founder and director Charlie Smedley, TASCHEN’s Asia retail director Frankie Ho, Ben Brown Fine Arts’ managing director Amanda Hon and independent curator Anqi Li. “We are blown away by the imagination, the narratives, the substance and the depth evident in the talented finalists’ submissions; Hong Kong’s art scene has never been more exciting and inspiring,” said Dr Harilela. Photo credits: The Hari Hong Kong He said the call for all genres and mediums of artwork “has been well and truly answered and then some”. “There are wondrous things happening among the finalists’ broad spectrum of work with clay, oil on canvas and linen, watercolours, porcelain, red earthenware, acrylic on wood panels and Chinese silk, lenticular print, film photography, videos, installations, mixed media with upcycled materials and vintage objects, and so much more,” he said. “For example, there’s a digital print on a lightbox fronted by venetian blinds. Etching on stainless steel mirror. A suncatcher made of glass and Opalite. A hammerhead shark made of disposable cutlery. A circular urban acoustic barrier with a built-in community garden and insect hotel, designed to combat noise and create a quiet zone for the hearing impaired and neurodivergent. We could go on and on and the judging panel is of the opinion that the concepts and execution of all the finalists’ works are flawless.” “The talent and dedication of this year’s applicants are truly remarkable, showcasing the strength of Hong Kong’s art scene. It reaffirms the city’s status as a global art capital – one that will continue to thrive for years to come,” Mr Smedley added. Offering the likes of The Hari Art Prize and The Hari Chronicles, an ongoing series of conversations about art, design, culture and Hong Kong, The Hari Hong Kong makes for a gateway to art and culture. The art hotel is adorned with an exceptional rota of artwork curated by A Space for Art. For more details on The Hari Hong Kong Art Prize, please visit https://www.thehari.com/hong-kong/the-hari-art-prize/ where viewers will soon have the chance to delve into the creative process behind each winning artwork.

Throughout April, Chiva-Som, the acclaimed wellness brand that has led the field in holistic wellness since opening in Thailand in 1995, is marking its 30th anniversary with a curated array of wellbeing immersions and celebrations. Blending the practices found at its flagship in Hua Hin Thailand and its latest destination, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar, activities will immerse guests in the warm hospitality and leading wellness offerings Chiva-Som has been renowned for over the past three decades. Photo credits: Chiva-Som As part of the year-long anniversary celebrations, April's complimentary programme for guests will see a special dinner combining the approaches of Chiva-Som Hua Hin and Zulal Wellness Resort, multi-sensory classes with artist Notep, and an array of visiting consultants and cultural connections. 30th Anniversary Dinner – Saturday 19 April A highlight of the celebrations, Chiva-Som Hua Hin will host a special 30th Anniversary Dinner on Saturday 19 April at its tranquil beachside restaurant, Taste of Siam. Chiva-Som Hua Hin's Executive Chef Sinchai and Executive Chef Mayssam Abdulkhalek of Zulal Wellness Resort will team up to present a delectable array of dishes. The menu will combine the cuisine of both resorts, from the Thai and international gastronomy of the Hua Hin flagship to Middle Eastern cuisine rooted in Zulal Wellness Resort's Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) ethos. Immersing guests in local culture as well as its sustainability and community outreach initiatives, activities on 19 April will encompass tree planting at the resort, the Chiva-Som exhibition, and classic Khon masked theatre performances during dinner. Students who have been supported by Chiva-Som in their learning journey will share the culture and art of classical Thai and Khon performance, while a special draw will offer guests the opportunity to win exclusive Chiva-Som Hua Hin and Zulal Wellness Resort prizes. Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som at Chiva-Som Hua Hin Celebrations will see the family wellness and Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) principles of Zulal Wellness Resort, Chiva-Som's second destination and the first resort in the world to offer dedicated family wellness retreats and programmes, brought to Hua Hin. Guests embarking on a retreat during the month of April can further deepen their family wellness through a complimentary online consultation with Zulal Wellness Resort's Health & Wellness Advisor. Offering tailored, in-depth insights into healthy habits and approaches for the entire family, consultations aim to encourage all ages to embrace a culture of wellbeing and heathy living. On 16 and 17 April, Zulal Wellness Resort's Executive Chef Mayssam will present a sumptuous TAIM inspired wellness cuisine menu, featuring wild mushroom soup; TAIM chickpeas garden; and pumpkin texture at Chiva-Som Hua Hin's revered formal fine dining restaurant, The Emerald Room. Ammar Samad, General Manager of Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, comments, “I'm delighted Zulal Wellness Resort is joining Chiva-Som's celebrations of its exceptional three decades of leading wellness journeys. As Chiva-Som's first destination outside of Thailand, we're thrilled to be bringing our resort's TAIM philosophy and dedicated family wellness expertise to esteemed guests at the Hua Hin flagship.” “Embracing individual wellness alongside that of the community and planet has always been at the heart of Chiva-Som and at Zulal Wellness Resort, and we're honoured to be a part of its inspired journey to showcase how living well can transform lives.” Photo credits: Chiva-Som Breath, Sound and The Sea with esteemed artist Notep – 22 to 25 April Chiva-Som Hua Hin welcomes Notep—a multifaceted artist, musician and environmentalist—for an immersive journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation. This transformative activity weaves together the sanctuary of the resort with the power of breath, sound, and a deep connection to the sea, inviting guests to embrace the wisdom of the ocean and flow with its rhythms. Rooted in Chiva-Som's and Notep's shared philosophy of blending traditional and modern practices, this exclusive multi-sensory experience integrates sound healing, meditation, breathwork, and creative workshops — guiding guests toward a deeper connection with themselves, nature, and the world around them. Throughout April On 13 April, Chiva-Som Hua Hin will bring the charm of Songkran, Thailand's traditional New Year celebration, to guests with a colourful parade and special BBQ dinner menu at its Taste of Siam restaurant overlooking the beach. Throughout April, esteemed visiting consultants Jill Banwell and Masa Sugiyama will host a selection of complimentary wellness sessions, further elevating guests' wellbeing journeys. Renowned holistic wellness expert and founder of the pioneering Masa Methode®, Masa Sugiyama will lead weekly classes on Anti-Ageing Face & Neck Sculpting Exercises and Facial Shaping with Posture Correction. Acclaimed healing specialist Jill Banwell will lead a twice-weekly Chakra Balancing Meditation and weekly class guiding guests on The Power of Positive Affirmations. Supporting mind-muscle connection whilst improving movement quality by addressing muscular imbalances, Chiva-Som's physiotherapy experts will lead complimentary Neuromuscular Exercise Classes, each Sunday throughout April, supporting guests to improve flexibility, muscle strength and joint stabilisation. Helping guests deepen relaxation, reduce stress and connect with their inner selves, on 14 April the resort's expert holistic therapist will offer a complimentary Tibetan Bowls Sound Bath. Elevating guests' understanding of hormonal and gender lifecycles, alongside how wellness habits can support an individual's wellbeing and hormonal balance, Chiva-Som's Dr Joe M.D will lead complimentary Men's and Women's Health talks on 17 April. A class on adopting 'micro-habits' with the resort's Naturopath Doctor, Patience Sangwa, on 26 April is aimed at busy Gen Zillennials and will guide guests on creating small yet practical, sustainable and impactful changes to their daily lives to yield significant wellbeing benefits. On the celebrations, Vaipanya Kongkwanyuen, General Manager, Chiva-Som Hua Hin comments, “April will be a true highlight of the year of anniversary celebrations at Chiva-Som Hua Hin. Throughout our three decades, Chiva-Som has stayed true to our core philosophy of holistic wellbeing, while being consistently committed to innovation and evolution to truly support individuals, community and planet. We're delighted to welcome guests, both returning and new, to join us for this special celebration.” Over the past three decades, Chiva-Som Hua Hin has continually evolved its specialised retreats, programmes and treatments to support guests in reaching optimal health, while tackling life-disrupting health issues. As the resort celebrates its 30-year anniversary, it continues to look to the future, launching new programmes and retreats, ensuring that the best in wellness is still yet to come. For further information on Chiva-Som, please visit www.chivasom.com. Email: reservations@chivasom.com Phone: +66 32 536 536 | WhatsApp +66 82 796 7689 Facebook and Instagram: @chivasominternational