Industry News

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.

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

Global Wellness Day (GWD) is set to celebrate its 14th year on Saturday, June 14, 2025, with a powerful new theme: #ReconnectMagenta. In 2025, GWD shifts its focus to the art of reconnection—with ourselves, our communities, and the planet. More than ever, this year’s theme encourages individuals to pause, reflect, and actively rekindle meaningful connections that enhance their well-being. Photo credits: Global Wellness Day In today’s fast-paced world, where digital distractions and societal pressures often lead to isolation, #ReconnectMagenta is a reminder that true wellness comes from the bonds we cultivate—with nature, with our loved ones, and with our own inner selves. This year, Global Wellness Day Ambassadors, Key Supporters and volunteers around the world will call upon individuals to pause, reflect, and actively participate in meaningful connections that enrich their lives by outlining the diverse dimensions of reconnection through the five essential steps of #ReconnectMagenta; Reconnect with Mother Nature: Immerse yourself in the serenity and vitality of the natural world, and embrace nature’s healing power by spending time outdoors, listening to its rhythms, and adopting sustainable habits that protect our planet. Reconnect with Self: Dedicate time to nurturing your inner self. Prioritize self-care through mindfulness, reflection, and activities that bring joy, fostering inner peace and personal growth. Reconnect with Family & Friends: Strengthen the bonds with your loved ones through quality time and open communication. Organize family picnics, game nights, or shared meals to foster togetherness. Embrace the power of digital detoxes to be fully present in your interactions, creating lasting memories and deepening relationships. Reconnect with Community: Contribute to the wellbeing of your community by engaging in volunteer work or organizing local events. By fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose, we can create a supportive and vibrant community for all. Reconnect with Longevity: Embrace holistic health by prioritizing your physical, mental, emotional, and cognitive wellbeing. Establish healthy routines, strengthen emotional health and cultivate cognitive health by engaging in stimulating activities, practicing gratitude, and ensuring restorative sleep. Through these pillars, #ReconnectMagenta offers a roadmap to wellness, encouraging people of all ages to engage in activities that bring them closer to what truly matters. “Connection is at the heart of wellbeing,” says Belgin Aksoy, Founder of Global Wellness Day. “This year, we invite people to take a step back from the noise, reflect on what truly matters, and embrace the power of real, human connection. #ReconnectMagenta is not just a theme—it’s a movement towards a more harmonious and fulfilling life.” Founded in 2012, GWD is an entirely not-for-profit day celebrated on the second Saturday of every June in over tens and thousands of locations around the world. All participatory activities are completely complimentary. As a wellness movement that has brought the world together in an inspiring mission, Global Wellness Day continues to strengthen its influence with the support of many Hollywood stars, A-list authors, world-renowned athletes, musicians, business executives and entrepreneurs, private companies, multi-national hotel corporations, associations, foundations and governments. Look for the hashtag #GlobalWellnessDay and #ReconnectMagenta to follow what happens around the globe on June 14.

With a location amid ancient Hindu sacred sites and a legacy that deeply embraces Balinese culture, Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, is launching a menu of retreats that draw from Balinese wellbeing practices. The new multi-day menu of retreats dives deeper into holistic health, a facet of Bali that has long drawn spiritual seekers and wellness enthusiasts to the island. Photo credits: Tanah Gajah Guests can curate whether they want to dip a toe in or fully immerse themselves in wellbeing during their time at Tanah Gajah through the choice of three packages: The five-night Ultimate Healing Escape, the three-night Holistic Wellness Retreat, and the two-night Journey to Balance.   Designed to help guests feel more balanced and in alignment, Tanah Gajah’s Ultimate Healing Escape includes several therapies that work on a physical and energetic level. The highlight of the package and a new offering to the resort is the 90-minute Insight, Healing, and Harmonic Balancing session that incorporates palm reading, the energy healing practice of reiki and sound healing through tingsha, small cymbals used in Tibetan Buddhism. Other wellbeing elements incorporated into the five night stay include: ●      Daily healthy two-course lunch or dinner at The Tempayan, overlooking the rice paddies ●      90-minute Inner Harmony session including chakra balancing and a water blessing, a Balinese purification ritual. ●      75-minute chakra massage, working on the seven main energy centers of the body ●      60-minute private restorative yoga session at the resort’s open air Balinese pavilion ●      90-minute Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage, a traditional style of oil massage from India ●      120-minute Balinese Kitchen Culture experience that moves past just cooking to introduce cultural elements of preparing Balinese cuisine ●      60-minute guided village and rice paddy trek with a private butler. Photo credits: Tanah Gajah The Holistic Wellness Retreat and Journey to Balance each contain a smaller selection of the Ultimate package offerings. However the two-night Journey to Balance includes a new wellness offering that is not part of the other two retreats. The 60-minute Journey to Balance and Inner Peace treatment combines three healing modalities: palm reading to offer insight into opportunities and personality through the lines on one’s hands; a water blessing, a common practice in Balinese culture; and hypnotherapy, a guided hypnosis practice to help you tap into your subconscious.  Wellness packages also include daily breakfast and club benefits, and accommodation in the guest’s villa of choice with package prices varying by accommodation category. Package rates start at USD 1,195 nett for Journey to Balance, USD 1,798 nett for Holistic Wellness and USD 2,797 nett for the Ultimate Healing Escape. Packages are available till March 31st, 2026. For more information visit: https://tanahgajahubud.com/en/wellness.

Alma Resort Cam Ranh, a 30-hectare beachfront resort on Cam Ranh peninsula’s, has appointed a full-time resident yogi to bolster its array of wellness offerings that address “ambitions and ailments and everything in-between”. Photo credits: Alma Resort Cam Ranh Equipped with 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, with expertise in yoga and meditation from India’s “city of yoga” Rishikesh, Umesh Kumar Sharma joins Alma after working at a nearby resort as a yoga and gym instructor. In his new role as Alma’s health and wellness manager, Umesh offers a variety of restorative group and private yoga experiences as well as guided meditation for participants at all levels on their wellness journey. Group classes are held at Alma’s Yoga Room from Tuesday to Sunday. Suitable for all levels, the “Morning Hatha Yoga” classes from 6:30-7:30 am is underpinned by Traditional Hatha Yoga that combines joint movements, sun salutations, and standing and sitting positions. Dynamic, fitness-oriented practice rooted in Ashtanga tradition, “Power Yoga” classes from 7:45-8:45am focus on core strength, flexibility, and endurance. The “Evening Yoga Stretch” class from 3:45-4:45pm is a Hatha-based stretching session targeting the hip joints, hamstrings, shoulders, neck, and back that Umesh describes as “ideal for post-workday renewal”. Umesh also offers a broad spectrum of private specialised sessions focused on addressing various ailments. The “Core Strength and Weight Management” session, for example, involves targeted postures and breathing techniques to strengthen core muscles and support healthy weight management. The “Knee Pain Management” session comprises specialised yoga therapy combining gentle movements and postures to strengthen and support knee joints. A private “Pregnancy Yoga” session promotes comfort and wellbeing during pregnancy by adapting a safe, nurturing practice for expectant mothers. Private yoga sessions range from “Power Yoga”, a vigorous practice combining strength training with traditional yoga for a full-body workout, to “Deep Stretching and Breathing” based on extended hold poses combined with breath awareness for improved flexibility and relaxation. Guided meditation workshops, held from Tuesday to Saturday, encourage deep relaxation through Yoga Nidra, a transcendent practice that reduces stress and anxiety. Combined with Pranayama breathing techniques, this session is designed to calm the mind, improve focus, and promote overall mental wellbeing. “No matter your ambitions and ailments and everything in between, we customize our yoga practices to benefit your individual situation and health goals, and equip you with practices to take home with you to ultimately lay the foundation for better living and a longer life,” Umesh said. For further information or to make a booking, visit www.alma-resort.com or contact Alma on +84 258 399 1666, or email info@alma-resort.com Group yoga and meditation classes are priced at VND 100,000 VND per person. Private yoga and meditation sessions are priced per session at VND 600,000 VND for one participant, VND 900,000 for two participants, VND 1,260,000 for three people, VND 1,440,000 for four people and 1,800,000 VND for five people.

DIOR and Hotel du Cap Eden Roc (Oetker Collection) unite by the same vision of discreet, authentic luxury. Shared passions have forged links between them that have grown stronger over time. First of all, of course, there is the exceptional art of living and the unique philosophy of well-being, infused with the same desire to help everyone experience unforgettable moments and emotions. Then there’s the love, shared with Monsieur Dior, for nature and flowers, in particular the roses that flourish by the thousands in the estate’s rose garden. Photo credits: Hotel du Cap Eden Roc For this timeless paradise, Dior created a multi-faceted Spa. In a setting inspired by the rocks on which the hotel stands, four treatment suites and an experiential space await their guests. The perfect embodiment of the Mediterranean way of life, the Spa extends into the heart of the vegetation of the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, inviting you to discover two settings bathed in the light of the French Riviera and the extraordinary blues of the sea. This year, the House invites its guests to discover the first Dior Wellness Retreat at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. DIOR’s 3 day wellness retreat at Hotel du Cap Eden Roc (French Riviera) April 19-22, 2025 is priced of USD 27.000 per person. The price includes: exclusive group and personal customer service / transfers to and from the airport / three nights at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc / daily breakfasts at Eden-Roc (three breakfasts) / lunches at The Grill (three lunches) / dinners at The Grill (three dinners) / welcome drink and welcome pack Wellness Pack Dior / access to all workshops and experiences / four treatments at Dior Spa Eden-Roc / access to the hammam, sauna and swimming pool at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc.  

IHCL, Goa Introduces Aguada Pickleball Arena at Sinquerim Beach, Goa furthering the legacy of pioneering innovative leisure experiences and its commitment to redefining luxury through unique offerings. The Aguada Pickleball Arena, nestled with in emerald greens against the backdrop of the breathtaking Sinquerim coastline, is poised to become a key destination for sports enthusiasts and leisure travelers alike. As the sport of pickleball rapidly gains momentum worldwide, IHCL Goa’s strategic investment in this facility exemplifies its foresight in recognizing and catering to emerging lifestyle trends.   Reinforcing its position as an industry leader by introducing a first-of-its-kind recreational sports arena to Goa, the facility aligns seamlessly with the growing global preference for active tourism, creating synergies between wellness, fitness, and leisure.  Strategically situated opposite the iconic Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, the arena is set to provide a world-class sporting experience to resident as well as non resident guests thus enhancing the brand’s repertoire, creating new avenues for customer engagement while setting benchmarks for experiential offerings.   IHCL Goa’s initiative is particularly significant as it aligns with the government’s efforts to position Goa as a global hub for sports tourism. Moreover, it demonstrates it’s commitment to sustainable development by repurposing existing spaces to accommodate this innovative facility, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maximizing social and economic benefits.   From establishing India’s first luxury resort 5 decades back to introducing  the Aguada Pickleball Arena showcases IHCL Goa’s forward-thinking approach and its ability to stay ahead of the curve in identifying and delivering on customer aspirations.   Commenting on the launch, Mr Ranjit Phillipose Sr Vice President - Operations, Goa said, “Pickleball, a fusion of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is rapidly gaining popularity due to its accessibility, inclusivity, and social appeal.This sport is easy to learn, making it suitable for all ages and skill levels, while its low physical intensity attracts both recreational players and fitness enthusiasts. Smaller courts and slower-paced play foster friendly competition, encouraging social interaction and community building. As pickleball adapts to both casual and competitive formats, its growing presence among all sections of society and age groups further fuels its popularity.Here is to ‘Your New Favorite Hangout: Pickleball Courts Are Here”. As the Aguada Pickleball Arena prepares to welcome its first visitors, IHCL, Goa remains committed to delivering unparalleled guest experiences while driving long-term value for stakeholders. The initiative reflects the company’s strategic vision of blending tradition with modernity, creating spaces that resonate with contemporary lifestyles while staying true to the essence of Indian hospitality, reaffirming its position as a pioneer in the hospitality sector, setting a precedent for others to follow.

Javvu Spa at Amilla Maldives invites guests to discover an elevated realm of rejuvenation with the introduction of AMRA, a renowned skincare line rooted in nature and perfected by science. This carefully curated collection is now woven into the spa's bespoke treatments, reflecting Amilla's commitment to mindful wellbeing and sustainability.  Photo credits: Amilla Maldives Blending the healing power of the island's indigenous ingredients with AMRA's advanced formulations, AMRA Signature treatments at Amilla Maldives are designed to leave guests feeling renewed and deeply nurtured. Highlights include The Amilla Signature Journey by AMRA, which incorporates gold and vitamin C exfoliation, green caviar rhassoul mask, as well as a 24ct gold stone massage and a gold and green caviar facial to ease tension, refine skin and enhance deep hydration (USD 570 or approx. GBP 450, 180 minutes). Providing guests with a restored sense of balance, the AMRA Olfactory Sound Bath Experience combines cleansing foot rituals, aura misting, personalised facial and hair treatments, sound baths and chakra massage (USD 590 or approx. GBP 465, 180 minutes).  To ensure each treatment resonates with AMRA's philosophy, Amilla's Javvu Spa therapists have undertaken an immersive training programme led by AMRA experts. This hands-on experience enhanced the team's understanding of AMRA's innovative techniques and unique formulations, and ensures their ability to deliver personalised, transformative treatments for guests.   “With AMRA as our skincare partner, we are very excited about the variety of face and body treatments we will be offering our guests,” said Narelle McDougall, General Manager of Amilla. “The introduction of AMRA compliments our ethos of creating serene, nurturing experiences that reflect the natural beauty of Amilla and the surrounding ocean.”   Photo credits: Amilla Maldives Each AMRA product is crafted featuring rare botanicals, precious minerals, and pure oils designed to nourish the skin and soothe the soul. This blend of nature and purpose aligns with Amilla's dedication to preserving the island's tranquil surroundings while providing memorable moments of connection and care.   Guests are invited to explore the new offerings at Javvu Spa, where every treatment is a sensory journey—a moment to pause, unwind, and reconnect.   Key Points:  Javvu Spa introduces the AMRA skincare range, offering treatments infused with nature's finest ingredients.   Spa therapists have undergone tailored training to perfect their expertise in AMRA techniques and products.  This partnership underscores Amilla's ongoing dedication to sustainability, wellness, and thoughtful care.  

Find your flow and start the weekend with a hatha yoga session led by Talise Spa’s expert yoga instructor followed with a healthy breakfast

The Mandrake, the five-star boutique hotel in Fitzrovia, founded and owned by entrepreneur and art collector Rami Fustok, has announced the opening of its new spa, Damu (damu.uk), opening in January 2025. Damu will provide a one-of-a-kind spa offering, taking guests on a transformative journey of rejuvenation and renewal, where advanced treatments blend cutting-edge technology with timeless traditions. Extending the hotel’s existing spiritual wellness offering, Damu will offer a holistic approach, with the experiences targeting visible signs of ageing, and delivering unparalleled results. From head to toe, Damu's treatments will restore vitality and promote holistic well-being. Photo credits: The Mandrake  Showcasing groundbreaking design and interiors, Damu will include a world's first multi-sensory immersive ‘Wavess Wellness Pool’ with waterhaptics, combining the healing powers of sound and light therapy, whilst the body is at 0 gravity, and a specialist mud rasul experience, alongside treatment rooms and a tranquillity space. Named after Damu, a predominant Sumerian God of healing, rebirth and medicinal plants, also widely associated with transformation and transition; Damu will be a highly personalised and premium spa. Damu was believed to be able to find cures for diseases and heal the sick using pioneering medicinal methods, which relates to the benefits provided from the unique treatments Damu will offer. Designed by Tala Fustok Studio, the 700 sq m space holds a maximum of 12 guests at any one period, ensuring every step is an intimate and personalised experience. Tala Fustok Studio has designed a halcyon haven in keeping with the otherworldly nature of The Mandrake's core and tapping into the property's playful philosophy between dark and light.  Entering via the hotel’s portal, guests will arrive at a sleekly designed reception area, before being taken to the dressing rooms, boasting matte black mosaic tile detailing, mud micro-cement showers and dark tap and smoky stained eucalyptus timber features. The dark, candlelit Mud Rasul antechamber and space itself heralds an understated sanctuary, with shapes and textures formed by the micro-cement walls, complementing the abounding mud hue. Within these mud caves, encompassing rock-chiselled surfacing, recessed lighting and back lit surfaces, guests will embrace the boundless moody radiance and partake in The Damu Ritual - a sensual and immersive experience for couples - with a steam room, experience shower and two rain showers.  With a maximum capacity of eight, guests in the mud cave will be invited to use various types of mud, algae and salt scrubs, with each designed for a certain area of the body. The muds are sourced from the Austrian Alps and will be bespoke with the addition of supplements, such as ethnobotanical extracts, which can be personally chosen by each guest. For an alternative world’s first experience, Damu has partnered with immersive design studio, Metaspheric and wellness technology company, Wavess, to create a unique wellness experience, aimed to connect with the origin and heal your senses. The futuristic immersive wellness room, will be equipped with smart sensors and lighting to guide guests through the experience. Guests will enter a circular pool, where they will experience floating amidst sacred vibrations, controlling the water and reconnecting their body to the origin of perception. New to the global market and a first in the wellness world, the Wavess Wellness Pool experience uses a multi-sensory immersive media system as opposed to sensory deprivation. Metaspheric’s unique Wavess Wellness pool – made exclusively for The Mandrake - uses waterhaptics technology to make the entire body of water vibrate with sound at low frequencies. The Wavess Wellness Pool will see the human body floating into music providing a deep physical and mental massage with immersive soundscapes, colours and visuals, combining the known healing benefits of sound baths, with those of light therapy and flotation tanks, delivering a feeling of euphoria.  Photo credits: The Mandrake  Pre or post the Mud Rasul or Wavess Wellness Pool, guests can relax and recline in the spa’s Tranquillity Room, where pivotal greenery propelled into the skylight harks back to the floral paradisiacal essence of The Mandrake, and the insouciant botanical concept aligns with the property’s name itself. Landscape architect, Bas Smets, who designed The Mandrake's Jurema Terrace hanging gardens, has brought his expertise to the Tranquillity Room. He first studied its microclimatic conditions in order to understand with what natural climate it responds, enabling him to select a Bird of Paradise plant, and specifically its albino variant, with Beach Spider Lily and Maidenhair Fern growing at its foot. These plants together bring the beauty and mystery of an imagined far away landscape, while perfectly responding to its growing conditions in the spa. In this way, this installation completes the work started at The Mandrake, where 500 climbers respond to the specific conditions of the courtyard, surrounding the Jurema Terrace. Damu will offer a range of treatments to enhance your external aesthetic, inviting guests to treat multiple skin conditions during the same single treatment; Derma-pen micro needling Collagen Stimulation therapy (CST), and LED phototherapy for a truly rejuvenating and healing experience. The spa will also offer several spa packages for guests to experience everything the property has to offer. Rami Fustok, Founder and Owner of The Mandrake comments, “I am delighted we are finally opening our Damu spa. We have done extensive global research and trials to create what will be a world’s first treatment, like no other. The feeling guests will leave with, will be euphoric and the addition of the spa to the hotel, extends our existing creative ethos and core holistic values. There are spas in many hotels and The Mandrake always strives for innovation and creativity, and I believe Damu will deliver just that.” Prices at Damu will start from £250, with bookings opening from this winter Damu – taking guests on a transformative journey of rejuvenation and renewal, where advanced treatments blend cutting-edge technology with timeless traditions in London.

Nanku Wellbeing Spa at Punta Islita Resort: Chorotega Healing and Ancestral Rituals Punta Islita’s Nanku Wellbeing Spa introduces a range of unique treatments designed to reconnect guests with the earth’s healing energies. Signature offerings include: Ancestral Healing Workshop: Guests explore the therapeutic benefits of local plants like Juanilama and turmeric, known for their digestive, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties. The workshop features hands-on experiences with herbal infusions, essential oils, and traditional remedies passed down through generations. Ancestral Moon Circle Rituals: Tailored to align with the lunar phases, these deeply restorative sessions incorporate therapeutic massages, fire ceremonies, and crystal healing, using white quartz and locally sourced herbs. Available for individuals or couples, the experience is designed to release emotional burdens and foster a sense of inner peace and renewal. Beachfront Yoga Deck: A brand new space, surrounded by tropical vegetation and overlooking Islita Beach, offers daily yoga and meditation classes harmonize the body’s rhythms with the natural ebb and flow of the ocean. Photo credits: Punta Islita’s Nanku Wellbeing Spa Bearth Spa at El Mangroove Resort: Mindful Modalities and Sound Healing El Mangroove’s Bearth Spa elevates its wellness offerings with an new menu of holistic treatments. New highlights include: Cacao Ceremony: A heart-opening ritual using raw cacao, celebrated for its transformative properties. This experience is designed to foster self-love, emotional release, and a deeper connection to nature. Sound Healing Therapy: Harnessing the ancient vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls and chimes, this modality aims to relax the mind, balance the body’s energy, and promote deep meditative states.

Forte San Giorgio, a private Italian Fort situated on the little-known island of Capraia, is delighted to announce dates for the next Wildfitness Retreat in 2025 at the property, following a successful partnership this summer. Photo credits: Forte San Giorgio This secluded island escape, set in the Tuscan archipelago, sleeps 20, with incredible Mediterranean views and an authentic local cultural scene, and can be booked as part of a retreat or for private group hire. Wildfitness is a UK-based retreat experience that runs courses in Somerset, Menorca and Capraia, based on three core principles: respecting the body's natural rhythms, healthy eating and a holistic approach to movement, using the local environment as a natural gym. The team runs several retreats over the year, staying at the Fort and taking full advantage of the island's unique natural character. In 2025, two seven-day courses will take place 17th-24th May and 24th-31st May, and can be combined for a full 14 day transformative course. The retreats include three-four movement sessions per day – such as lifting, yoga, hiking and breath work – and organic meals prepared by the fort chefs, along with educational workshops, posture and movement assessment and complimentary massage. Single occupancy prices start from £2,975; double occupancy starts from £2,674. For more information please visit https://wildfitness.com/retreats/italy/. Forte San Giorgio available for exclusive hire For guests wanting a more private experience, Forte San Giorgio will once again be available for private group hire throughout the summer period from June to September. Accommodating 20 guests across 11 bedrooms, and having reopened in 2021 following extensive renovation and restoration, the fort is now a characterful island retreat, with a variety of drawing rooms, terraces for sunbathing and dining, two infinity pools, a games room for billiards and table tennis and a contemporary kitchen for entertaining. Photo credits: Forte San Giorgio The 'wild island' of Capraia is still relatively undiscovered, and makes for a perfect retreat from more crowded destinations in the summer months. While only around 50 people stay on the island in the winter season, summer months see the resident population grow to around 300 and a handful of small bars, restaurants, and seaside shacks, pop up in Porto and Paese, for guests to wander in and out of as their fancy takes, for a quick glass of wine or aperitivo. For those used to the crowded streets of Europe, the sleepy community of Capraia is a welcome respite, with a community served by just four policemen, two grocery stores, one school, and four fishermen. Capraia was borne out of a volcano rising from the seabed, to which it owes its rocky and rugged landscape. The island still plays host to two volcanos, the eruptions of which have left it with a kaleidoscope of strikingly coloured rock foundations, which can be viewed on foot or by air. The island is centrally located in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, which has become a much-praised conservation area, making it the ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, and meaning it is well protected both on land and sea, leading to incredible marine life in the surrounding ocean and unmatched landscapes and viewpoints from land, sea, and air.  A singularly individual property, Forte San Giorgio is the perfect destination for a group escape away from the crowds to reconnect with nature and community. Prices are available on request. For booking enquiries visit www.fsgcapraia.com or follow @fsgcapraia on Instagram.