Featuring a takeover at Malpeque and a cooking demonstration at Chaya, guests will enjoy unique offerings by Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal Executive Chef Gustavo Pinet and Director of Bars and Agave Expert David Hernandez
CANCUN, Mexico – This June, Waldorf Astoria Cancun will launch a partnership with Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal at the resort’s signature restaurant Malpeque. Joining forces on June 7th and 8th, the luxurious Cancun resort will welcome Executive Chef Gustavo Pinet and Director of Bars and Agave Expert David Hernandez from Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal to offer an exclusive food and beverage tasting experience open to guests and locals who find themselves at the resort.
As the resort's signature dining venue, Malpeque honors the splendor of the sea and the intensity of fire, featuring an abundant raw bar. This summer, Malpeque will host the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal TRAVESÍA pop-up, led by Executive Chef Gustavo Pinet. Guests can embark on a journey through the distinct regions of Mexico with a tasting menu all surrounding the beloved taco. Rooted in native cooking techniques to spotlight the flavors and ingredients of the country, guests can indulge in delights like Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, Shrimp Empanadas, Scallop and Snail Tostadas, among other exquisite dishes.
Waldorf Astoria Cancun - Chaya
In addition to the takeover, Waldorf Astoria Cancun invited Executive Chef Gustavo Pinet to lead a cooking demonstration at restaurant Chaya on the same weekend. Chaya is the resort’s all-day brasserie, offering a relaxed, comfortable, and revitalizing menu that showcases the beauty of hyper-seasonal ingredients, unique products, and small-scale producers. The demonstration will be called Baja Shells Cooking Class and will showcase dishes such as Grilled Clams, Chocolata Clams and Garlic Butter, Reyna Clam & Miso with Yuzu Butter, and Oysters with Kimchi and Machaca.
Complementing these extraordinary culinary events, the resort is introducing the Waldorf Astoria Cancun Culinary Passport. This convenient passport allows guests to receive a special collectible stamp of Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal whenever they travel to Waldorf Astoria Cancun throughout the year, ensuring a seamless and rewarding culinary journey.
Waldorf Astoria Cancun - Lobby
"We are thrilled to welcome Executive Chef Gustavo Pinet and Director of Bars and Agave Expert David Hernandez from Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal for this unique culinary collaboration," said Jimena Fernández, marketing director, Waldorf Astoria Cancun. "This event exemplifies our commitment to providing unparalleled dining experiences, and we look forward to offering our guests an unforgettable gastronomic journey."
Executive Chef Gustavo Pinet has been part of the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal team since 2016. He oversees all culinary operations for El Farallon, Don Manuel’s, The Beach Club, Crudo, weddings and social events (including cooking classes), poolside dining, and the resort’s in-room dining program. David Hernandez, director of bars and agave expert, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, has been with the resort since 2021 and has a seasoned professional background with over two decades of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, specializing in the art of mixology.
"I am delighted to be part of the Waldorf Astoria Culinary Passport and bring the flavors of Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal’s cuisine to Malpeque in Cancun. This collaboration is an incredible opportunity to share our passion for gastronomy and create memorable experiences together," said Executive Chef Gustavo Pinet, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal.
Waldorf Astoria Cancun - Aerial
Opened in 2022, Waldorf Astoria Cancun is a 173-room luxury resort set among the verdant mangroves of the Yucatan Peninsula, offering panoramic ocean views, world-class dining, and destination-worthy wellness offerings. The opening of Waldorf Astoria Cancun marked the 200th hotel in the Caribbean and Latin America for Hilton, as well as the first Waldorf Astoria hotel in the Mexican Caribbean and second in the country. With menus crafted by consummate connoisseurs, guests can indulge and imbibe in various dining options across five food and beverage venues. From the chic Peacock Alley Lounge to signature restaurant Malpeque, Waldorf Astoria Cancun has refined dining experiences spanning light fare to expertly prepared regional and global dishes that showcase premier local ingredients.
A new chapter is unveiled for the iconic Sofitel New York, symbol of the beloved French hospitality brand’s grand renewal led by visionary CEO Maud Bailly
The Island Spa at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa has enhanced its holistic wellness offerings with the launch of The Healing Tent: a dedicated 18-foot (5.5 metre) sanctuary for private wellbeing journeys that offer an intimate connection with nature, ancestral knowledge and one’s own core being.
Revered across cultures for their grounding energy, healing tents are transformative havens where spiritual wisdom and self-awareness align. The ground represents the earth; the canopy walls represent the sky – and the supporting poles connect the earth to the energetic realm.
The Healing Tent Experience: Transform in Nature
Within the cocooning embrace of The Healing Tent, visitors to The Island Spa can choose from four transformational experiences:
The Healing Tent Ritual: A holistic blend of Reiki and sound healing followed by guided breathwork and ice bath therapy for complete rejuvenation.
Breathwork and Ice Bath Therapy: Breathwork followed by an invigorating ice bath immersion to boost blood flow, immune system function, muscle recovery, stress relief and sleep quality.
Chakra Meditation: A balancing experience featuring pranayama (breathwork) and meditative relaxation techniques, enriched by the warmth of energy crystals.
Reiki Energy Healing: Therapeutic healing combined with energy crystals and powerful singing bowl therapy to align the chakras, reduce stress, and boost health and vitality.
Commenting on the launch of The Healing Tent at The Island Spa, Luisa Anderson, Regional Director of Spa says: “Far from being just an uplifting treat, research increasingly shows that incorporating meaningful holistic practices into our lives has profound and lasting effects on our overall wellbeing, from reducing anxiety, depression and burnout to improving emotional regulation and self-awareness. With the launch of The Healing Tent, we hope to encourage more visitors to Kuda Huraa to take a proactive approach to their own wellbeing; it’s a beautiful way to boost physical and mental care in one.”
Located on its own private island – just a minute's sail across the sparkling lagoon – The Island Spa is a sanctuary unto itself. Pioneering marine-based OSEA therapies and rituals draw on the healing properties of the ocean and the surrounding nature via three “depths” of treatment experience: Deep, Deeper and Deepest. Each treatment journey is designed to restore guests' primal connection to the natural sources of wellness and the essence of their true self.
Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Maldives announces the operationalization of Maldives’ largest operational floating solar park. Executed in partnership with Swimsol, the global leader in offshore marine photovoltaics, the 1,080 kWp solar park is the largest operating Solar Sea system in the Maldives.
Speaking on this occasion, Ms. Corinna Luebbe Cluster General Manager of Taj Maldives said, “Elevating its stance on sustainable luxury, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is now operating with one of the lowest carbon footprints in the Maldives. This initiative, in line with IHCL’s ESG+ framework – Paathya, is a reflection of our commitment towards energy conservation, minimisation of ecological impact and preserving the natural beauty of the Maldives.”
The SolarSea system, in conjunction with a battery, will enable it to operate completely on renewable energy throughout the day. The largest operating Solar Sea system in the Maldives saves around 475,000 litres of diesel annually and reduces the resort’s carbon footprint by 1,200 tons each year.
“This is a very proud moment for Swimsol,” said Martin Putschek, Managing Director of Swimsol. “It has been our goal since the establishment of our company to enable island resorts in Maldives to switch off gensets completely throughout the day and save a significant share of their diesel consumption, and Taj Exotica is amongst the first resorts in the Maldives to do so. The cooperation with the resort team has been excellent; we thank each and every one of them for the great support and trust.”
Spread across Emboodhu Finolhu island, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is an environmentally responsible resort in the archipelago and is one of the only two properties in the Maldives to receive an EarthCheck Platinum certification.
ELE|NA, a leader in wellness, is proud to announce a groundbreaking commitment to ocean conservancy through its strategic partnership with OCEANR+, a brand dedicated to ocean conservation. This collaboration unites ELE|NA's focus on wellness with OCEANR+'s innovative approach to sustainable apparel, emphasizing a shared dedication to tackling environmental challenges and enhancing the wellness experience.
Plastic Pollution: A Global Challenge
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, with an estimated 13 million tonnes entering our oceans annually. To combat this crisis, ELE|NA and OCEANR+ are joining forces, leveraging OCEANR+'s expertise in transforming post-consumer plastic waste into high-quality, eco-friendly clothing and products. This partnership underscores both brands' commitment to sustainable practices and responsible business operations.
Key highlights of this partnership include:
Recycled Fabrics Impact: Together, we have prevented a significant number of plastic bottles from polluting our ecosystem by choosing recycled polyester.
Shared Sustainability Objectives: OCEANR+'s pillars of sustainability—focusing on people, product, and planet—resonate with ELE|NA's ethos of responsible and mindful business practices.
"A Kilo for the Planet" Initiative: In collaboration with NGO Enaleia, OCEANR+ funds the removal of 30,000KG of ocean plastic annually, engaging with fishing communities across the Mediterranean and Indian oceans.
Introducing Sustainable Wellness Apparel
ELE|NA is delighted to unveil an exclusive range of sustainable wear, including rash guards and caps, thoughtfully designed for the unique climatic conditions of the Maldives. This eco-friendly attire not only respects the environment but also elevates the wellness experience for ELE|NA's guests.
ELE|NA's wellness practitioners are now adorned in OCEANR+ apparel while delivering the OCEANFLOW treatment—a therapeutic amalgamation of global healing traditions such as Watsu, Water Dance, Ayurveda, and more. OCEANFLOW is designed to foster healing and rejuvenation for the mind, body, and soul.
OCEANFLOW: A Revolutionary Healing Experience
OCEANFLOW is effective in addressing various health conditions, reducing stress, improving mobility, alleviating discomfort from arthritis and rheumatism, easing back pain, relieving headaches and migraines, aiding insomnia management, supporting post-operative rehabilitation, assisting accident recovery, addressing trauma, helping overcome aquaphobia, and providing care for expectant mothers.
This partnership between ELE|NA and OCEANR+ marks a significant milestone in combining sustainable luxury with holistic wellness, setting a new standard in environmental stewardship and health.
The Chedi Andermatt is taking Swiss hospitality into new realms, as it announces today its arrival in the metaverse. Tech-savvy travellers will be able to visit a new virtual showroom and book three exclusive packages for future stays at the five-star deluxe hotel.
The Chedi Andermatt’s arrival in the metaverse was made possible thanks to a partnership with Worldline. Visitors will be able to book three packages directly through the virtual showroom, and pay for future experiences and stays via various online channels, including cryptocurrencies.
In 2021, the hotel became the first Swiss hotel to accept payments in Bitcoin and Ethereum, two of the most-used cryptocurrencies, for on-site payments at the property. Today’s announcement reinforces The Chedi Andermatt’s reputation as a crypto and digital pioneer, not just in the Swiss hospitality scene but on a global scale.
The metaverse is the internet of the future, overcoming the limits of today’s e-commerce platforms, aiming to facilitate payments and connetions between billions of people. Dubbed ‘Web 3.0’, the metaverse will extend the possibilities of work, socialising, shopping and payments in a three-dimensional virtual world. Worldline, already a leader in payment services, was the first payment provider to recognise the metaverse potential and create a showroom in this new universe.
A fixture on any serious traveller’s itinerary for centuries thanks to its abundant architectural marvels and important historic sites, Egypt is now a favoured destination for those seeking deep cultural immersion, craving the thrill of adventure, treasure hunting in the markets, thirsting for pan-Arab dining and delighting in Insta-worthy views at every turn. This summer, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano and Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh invites travellers to discover – and rediscover – it all.
“The incredible thing about Egypt is that there’s always more – from exciting archaeological finds and newly restored landmarks to its more recent emergence as a playground for desert and sea adventures, and the many exciting new attractions just waiting to be experienced,” says Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations - Europe, Middle East and Africa. “With the insider knowledge and genuine care that only Four Seasons can provide, a truly memorable experience will leave guests with only one question: when are we coming back again?”
Well-established in Egypt for more than two decades, Four Seasons can customize the perfect holiday for families, couples and friends in one, two or more Egyptian destinations, completely tailored to individual needs and wants. With insider access, trusted local guides and seamless travel arrangements – not to mention the comfort of luxurious accommodations at the end of each adventure-filled day - all that’s left to do is enjoy every moment.
Top of the list for any visitor to Egypt is the highly anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo. None other than Ramses II (in the form of an 11 metre statue carved 32 centuries ago) welcomes visitors to the largest archaeological museum in the world. The striking contemporary building houses most of the treasures unearthed a century ago in King Tut’s tomb, plus more than 100,000 additional artifacts spanning 7,000 years of Egyptian history and culture. GEM is partially open now, with an expected grand opening later this year.
From there, the opportunities are endless. Below is a taste of the possibilities, a few recommendations, and ways to get started on planning an Egyptian adventure this summer.Cairo: An Ever-Changing City of Secrets
“The Pyramids of Giza are a must of course, and particularly for those who have seen them before, we offer the opportunity to experience their majesty in a new light with a very special private dinner under the stars amid one of the Seven Wonders of the World,” says Yves Giacometti, Regional Vice President and General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza. “And to see something that much fewer have seen until now, we suggest the Step Pyramid at Djoser, recently reopened after a 14 year-restoration and the centre of a tomb complex that is older even than the Pyramids of Giza, by several hundred years.”
To journey even deeper into history, a trip to Luxor and the paradise city of Arwan is a day not soon forgotten. Four Seasons offers a door-to-door experience, including limo transfers and a Four Seasons escort through the airport. Then, after a short flight, Four Seasons guests are met with a carefully chosen guide who will be at their side for the entire day before returning to Cairo that evening or the next day. Often called the world’s greatest open air museum, treasures are continuing to be discovered.
Those preferring to stay in the city will be spoiled for choice, from the city’s many restored palaces to its performing arts centres, contemporary art galleries (tip: check out the extensive art collection at Four Seasons as an introduction to the city’s burgeoning arts scene), numerous museums and the Cairo Opera House, home to international and local musical performances with first class productions of ballet, opera and symphonic works.
No visit to the city is complete without a trip the Moez area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Khan El Khalili, the 1,000-year-old markets, in search of everything from artisan pieces to funky souvenirs. Then as the sun sets, a leisurely cruise on calm waters of the Nile in a traditional felucca takes you past the evening-lit Cairo Opera House, sparkling Cairo Tower, the celebrated Cairo Yacht Club and several palaces as you sip on Bedouin-style mint tea.
To begin planning exploration of the city and its surroundings, book a getaway by the Nile at the riverside Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, and contact the Concierge team for personalised recommendations to suit all interests.Alexandria: The Pearl of the Mediterranean
Relatively youthful in comparison to Cairo, Alexandria was founded by, and named for, Alexander the Great in 331 BC. The arrival of the Macedonians in Egypt was just another moment in a long history of cross-cultural influences that can be seen all over the city.
For example, take Pompey’s Pillar, erected to honour the Roman Emperor Diocletian around 300 AD. “Climbing it is forbidden of course, but it’s fun to think about those who did in the past, and the stories of its construction and its role in many periods of history are fascinating,” says Chief Concierge Shaimaa Youssry, Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano.
A visit to the Roman Amphitheatre takes one through the remains of the ancient city of Alexandria during the Roman Period. Then, venture on a tour of where the legendary Pharos Lighthouse once stood - The Citadel Qaitbay. The 15th-century landmark is now a naval museum with lookout towers and a unique collection of weapons.
“A must-see landmark is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina; one of the major cultural centres in the world with space for eight million books and a massive main reading room,” recommends the Hotel’s General Manager Nihat Yucel. The complex houses four museums, 15 permanent art galleries, a planetarium, and a manuscript restoration laboratory.
Another of the many attractions in Alexandria is the Royal Jewelry Museum, set within an opulent palace built about a century ago. Here, Four Seasons can arrange an expert guide through its magnificent rooms and priceless treasures on display including gold objects and jewellery once worn by the queens and princesses of Egypt’s royal family. For something truly special, Chef Concierge Shaimaa Youssry hints at the possibilities afforded by a private evening tour of the palace, followed by dinner and live music in the Royal Gardens: “Can you imagine a more romantic setting for a proposal, or a celebration of enduring love?”
Those who want to experience modern day Alexandria at its best will enjoy an evening at the beautiful Alexandria Opera House – check in with the concierge team for the tickets to upcoming performances of music, ballet, opera and more.
To begin planning the perfect seaside vacation, book a Mediterranean getaway at the beachfront Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano, and contact the Concierge team for the best ways to experience the city.Sharm El Sheikh: An Oasis for Adventurers
For those who shun darkened museums, busy markets and crowded tourist sites, Egypt’s Peninsula is a vast wilderness for adventurers on land and underwater. The Red Sea waters surrounding the southern tip of the peninsula are teeming with marine life and intriguing shipwrecks, making it popular with divers and snorkellers of all levels. First stop: the new dive centre at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, where training and first glimpses of colourful aquatic life can be seen in the Resort’s private reef. From there, escorted trips and yacht charters to the area’s 76 recognised dive sites await. “Try night diving too,” says Leo Baum, the Resort’s General Manager. “On a moonlit night you can see as far as 10 metres or 32 feet deep, and witnessing the glittering bioluminescence of tiny particles of glowing plankton is something you’ll never forget. Beyond diving and the dramatic reefs, guests will enjoy water activities on a sea kayak and stand-up paddle boarding.”
Recently expanded to double its original size, Four Seasons now offers numerous pools, 12 diverse culinary experiences, a new spa fitness centre with floor-to-ceiling windows, tennis and squash courts – but for those who want to expand their horizons, there’s as much to do in the desert as at the beach. Quad biking the dunes, a sunset camel safari, or a Bedouin-style dinner under the stars are all easily arranged, and the region’s historic sites are worth a look too.
“Said to be the very place where God appeared to Moses in the Burning Bush, Mount Sinai is an overnight climb rewarded by the beauty of sunrise over the shining Red Sea the next morning,” says Ahmed Nazmy, Chief Concierge. “The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Saint Catherine’s Monastery, built in the sixth century and one of the world’s oldest working monasteries today.”
For a look at modern Sharm El Sheikh, a visit to the Heavenly Cathedral with its elaborately painted ceiling, stained galls windows and Biblical illustrations will have cameras snapping, as will the glorious Al Sahaba Mosque with its striking minarets – both were built in the 21st century, with the latter being close to the Old Market for souvenirs, spices and local handicrafts.
To begin planning the adventure – or simply a few days of sun-soaked relaxation – book a Red Sea getaway at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, and contact the Concierge team to help tailor each fun-filled day at the recently enhanced resort.
From sound bath sessions and deep relaxation yoga to tension-melting treatments in a Cave Spa, here are five reasons why you should consider Crete for your next wellness retreat.
Spa Treatments in Unique Settings
The Sea Cave Spa at Seaside A Lifestyle Resort offers a heated indoor pool, massage rooms, a steam room, and even an ice fountain all within a unique setting. The retreat has an extensive list of treatments including facials, nail, and hair services so guests can look and feel their best selves while making the most of their Cretan holiday. Try the Sea Cave Signature Ritual and enjoy a full body and face massage that will leave your skin deeply hydrated and glowing for days.
The Bath House at ACRO Suites is the place where guests can refresh and take the weight of the world off their shoulders. Inspired by the notion of hammams, this luxury spa promotes wellbeing, health, and purifying the soul. There is a plethora of rejuvenating treatments to help you unwind, including the Aromatic Wandering treatment, an aromatherapy massage using a blend of gentle to firm techniques combined with organic essential oils from Greek aromatic plants. For those who prefer the ambiance of their quarters, the treatments can also be booked in your suite.
Sound Bath and Deep Relaxation Yoga Sessions
Both resorts are hosting NEW sound bath and deep relaxation yoga sessions at the Asana Yoga Shala, a magnificent piece of architecture, built entirely out of bamboo, dedicated to wellness.
In June and July, Manolis Zografakis, a certified sound therapist and meditation practitioner, will be hosting sound bath sessions with the aim of guiding guests through a spiritual journey of reconnection and discovery of the inner self, back into a natural state of balance and harmony.
This season, guests can also enjoy a new weekly deep relaxation session every Sunday evening. The practice taps into the art of yoga nidra (conscious yogic sleep) complete with a guided meditation. This type of yoga refers to conscious sleep, where the body rests while the mind remains aware and active.
Features That Will Elevate Your Sleep
To ensure high-quality sleep, the team at ACRO Suites has invested in top-of-the-range Simmons mattresses that are hypoallergenic and aerated. The hotel also offers a special pillow menu for guests with a variety of options to satisfy different density preferences. With every turn-down service, guests are offered a special pillow mist that contains a blend of calming essential oils with a note to inform guests that their wellness crew is at their disposal in case any tips or advice is needed to improve their sleep.
Suites and Villas with Panoramic Sea Views
Seaside A Lifestyle Resort boasts 245 rooms and suites, some with private pools, which offer all the tranquillity and comfort guests could ask for. Each room is elegantly decorated and draws on the island’s natural palette of whites, terracotta, and neutral tones with a boho-chic design. All rooms and suites have contemporary amenities with a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere in each space.
Muted tones, sleek décor and minimalistic aesthetics run throughout each accommodation option at ACRO Suites, from sea view suites with private infinity pools to the Sunset Villa on the West Cliffside, offering a divine mix of ocean blue and golden sunset views. A firm favourite for many guests is the Cave Suite featuring custom-made wooden furniture, stone, and natural elements throughout, raw silk bed covers, spectacular sea views and a private pool.
Local Dishes with a Fine-Dining Twist
The signature restaurant at ACRO Suites, Cremnos, offers a highly nutritional menu, derived from fresh, organic ingredients sourced from farms around the island. Each dish has been specifically curated to provide the optimum amount of nutrients that are so beneficial to our health. For those who favour Asian plates, the Umi restaurant offers delicious Nikkei cuisine – a combination of delicate Japanese dishes infused with the punchiness of Peruvian flavours.
Veranda, the main restaurant at Seaside A Lifestyle Resort, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with spectacular views overlooking the bay. The Minoan Cretan Tavern introduces guests to natural and local ingredients while Kullinarium offers dinner in a romantic candlelit setting. This season Seaside will has unveiled a NEW bar which boasts a sleek design for those looking to enjoy a drink in a cosy setting.
Most excitingly, both resorts are organising special dining events this summer hosted by two Michelin Star chefs, Bjorn Swanson, and Liam Rogers, with the resort’s exemplary chefs by their side. Guests can look forward to fine dining dishes featuring seasonal Cretan produce, all expertly cooked and beautifully presented.
The Spas at Mandarin Oriental harness the transformative energy of music with a new Wellness Music Programme. Debuting on the Global Wellness Day across the Group, the Programme has been carefully curated drawing on regional cultures and philosophy with healing traditions in their music.
The Wellness Music Programme is the latest innovation by the Spas at Mandarin Oriental designed to elevate guest wellness journeys. Music, long viewed as a formidable tool for enhancing mood or calming the body, was identified as a distinctive and valuable part of a Wellness practice.
The music programme, which enhances Mandarin Oriental holistic signature treatments based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, draws inspiration from ancient Oriental philosophies and is designed to further nurture guests and deliver a deeper sense of renewal.
The latest innovation by the Spas at Mandarin Oriental designed to elevate guest wellness journeys, the music programme, which enhances Mandarin Oriental holistic signature treatments is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and draws inspiration from ancient Oriental philosophies to further nurture guests and deliver a deeper sense of renewal.
Awaken – Spring: Jue relates to Wood and traditionally associates with the Liver and Gallbladder, representing the season of Spring and the energy of youth and growth. This series of music is composed of ancient vertical and bamboo flute. The Jue sound is clear, melodious, deep to provide a gentle energy boost and deep sense of renewal.
Bloom - Summer: Zhi relates to Fire and associates with the Heart and Small Intestine, representing the season of Summer and provides us warmth, and the capacity of love and enables us to mature and blossom. This series of music uses the guqin instrument in combination with other silk‐string instruments. The Zhi sound is distinct, flowing, soothing and melodious designed to relax and revitalise the body and open the heart.
Flourish – Indian Summer: Gong relates to Earth and associates with the Stomach and Spleen, representing late summer season providing us the ability to nurture ourselves and others. This series of music is composed of the Gong combined with xun and sheng. The Gong sound is equivalent to ‘1’ in Chinese musical notation designed to stabilise emotions, release stress and recenter the body and mind.
Release - Autumn: Shang relates to Metal and associates with the Lung and Large Intestine, representing the Autumn season providing us with our capacity to look at what lies beyond ourselves and the power to let go. This series of music is composed of metal instruments such as Chimes and singing bowls. The Shang sound is deep, sonorous, bright, and powerful, providing a deep exhalation to let go and restore harmony in the body and mind.
Reflect - Winter: Yu relates to water and associates with the Kidney and Bladder, representing the Winter season providing us with adaptability and willpower. This series of music is composed of a combination of struck instruments and free reed pipes. The Yu sound is graceful, quiet, soft, gentle but warm, like the slight waves of water designed to provide a time to pause and gather inner strength.
“Caring for mind, body and spirit is the cornerstone of Mandarin Oriental’s spa and wellness philosophy,” said Jeremy McCarthy Group Director of Spa and Wellness. “Our Global Wellness Music Programme is designed to create the right healing atmosphere for our holistic spa and wellness services."
