A Transformative Wellness Weekend, with Healing Earth at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa 4
From Spa to Suite 8
9 Steps to Build a Profitable Spa Membership Program 10
Bathing Traditions From Around the World, That Are Worth
Traveling For 12
Enhance your Wellness Routine with a Little Salt Therapy 14
Children in Spas: A Must or a Bad Idea? 16
Spa Industry Insights: Dr Nadine de Freitas 18
Your Guide to Japanese Spa Rituals 20
The Ancient Art of Japanese Head Spa Rituals 22
Getting Grounded 24
Focus with DrK 26
Making Ancient Spa Practices Modern 28
Biotechnology Treatments: Redefining the Spa Experience 30
Why an Ozone Sauna is a Must-Have 34
Led By Destination Spas, Wellness Travel Is Booming 36
Editors Welcome
This issue is devoted to the very heart of our industry: spa therapies — the touchpoints that connect, restore, and transform. We open with a soul-stirring journey through a Transformative Wellness Weekend at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa with Healing Earth — a perfect expression of what happens when spa therapy is curated with intention and rooted in nature. From there, we move from spa to suite, examining how hotel amenities complete the wellness experience.
Our 9-step guide to profitable spa memberships provides actionable business insights, while features on biotechnology, ozone therapy, and salt rituals showcase just how expansive the definition of spa therapy has become.
We also explore culturally rich traditions — from Japanese spa and head rituals to global bathing customs — and ask important questions, like whether children belong in spas and how to modernise ancient practices with integrity.
In all its forms — tactile, sensory, spiritual, scientific — spa therapy is a conduit for healing. And in this issue, we celebrate its power, potential, and place in a world that’s never needed it more.
Enjoy the read !
Nouvelles
Fondateur:
Dr. Nadine de Freitas e-mail: nadine@maxcafe.co.za
The Business of Wellness highlights the crucial intersection of wellness practices and business strategy in today’s rapidly growing wellness industry. Spa businesses are facing increasing pressure to not only deliver exceptional treatments but to also operate efficiently and profitably. This conference offers an invaluable opportunity to explore how businesses can align their services with the evolving needs of modern consumers. Through expert speakers and interactive panel discussions, the conference will provide actionable insights on growing your spa business while staying true to the wellness principles that attract today’s conscientious consumers. This event is designed to inspire spa professionals to elevate their offerings and strengthen the long-term sustainability of their businesses in an increasingly competitive market.
A Transformative Wellness Weekend with Healing Earth at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa
Tucked away in the heart of Johannesburg's vibrant Sandton district lies a serene sanctuary - Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa. From the moment I passed through its elegant wrought-iron gates, I knew this was more than just a weekend escape. It was the start of a journey inward - a three-day immersion into wellness, curated by Lorna Gourlay of Platinum Marketing in collaboration with Healing Earth Transformative Skincare.
In a world that moves at an unforgiving pace, this retreat offered a gentle pause - a chance to reconnect, reflect, and renew.
A Setting Made for Stillness
Once a private residence, Fairlawns has since blossomed into one of Johannesburg's most distinguished five-star boutique hotels. Set among acres of manicured gardens and shaded by ancient trees, the property is a tranquil contrast to the urban buzz of Sandton just beyond its walls. Each of the 41 suites is individually styled - some echoing French provincial charm, others inspired by the minimalist calm of Eastern design.
My suite, tucked along a quiet rose-lined path, featured rich wooden furniture, billowing silk drapes, and a private terrace that overlooked a koi pond. The air felt different here - lighter, quieter, more intentional. As I unpacked, I realised: wellness doesn't just begin with rituals. It begins with environment.
Even Fairlawns' operations reflect this ethos. The hotel is a proud advocate of sustainable luxury, using solar-powered heating, a grey water irrigation system, and eco-conscious landscaping to minimise its footprint while maximising peace of mind.
Day One: Beauty as Ritual, Self-Care as Ceremony
Upon arrival, I was welcomed with a glass of chilled herbal tea and guided through a personalized wellness check-in. A friendly team member walked me through the itinerary and helped tailor my experience to support my wellness goals.
From there, I strolled through lush gardens to the Balinese-inspired spa - a tranquil enclave designed with wood, stone, and water, invoking the elements to soothe the senses. Bamboo groves rustled softly in the wind; water features babbled nearby.
At 4:00 p.m., the weekend officially began with a Beauty Kitchen Workshop hosted by Elizabeth Brandt, founder of Healing Earth. With wisdom and an unmistakable passion for wellbeing, Elizabeth shared her journeyfrom her South African heritage to building one of Africa's respected sustainable skincare brands.
Healing Earth is more than a brand - it's a philosophy. Its products, crafted from indigenous African botanicals like marula, Kalahari melon seed, rooibos, and baobab, are rooted in ethical sourcing and free from parabens, synthetic fragrances, and animal testing. Each ingredient carries purpose and cultural significance, making skincare feel sacred - not superficial.
During the hands-on workshop, we learnt about the different oils, essential oils and botanical extracts, culminating in each of us, creating with Elizabeth's guidance our own unique blend to use on our skin or in the bath that evening. It wasn't just about beauty - it was about presence.
That evening, we enjoyed a three-course dinner in Fairlawns' elegant private dining space. Fresh, wholesome, and beautifully plated, the meal struck the perfect balance between nourishment and indulgence.
And the surprises continued: upon returning to my suite, I found an equisite Healing Earth gift hamper and a Gratitude Journal awaiting. The scent - a calming blend of wild orange basil and lime, lavender, and neroli - spilled out of the box before I even opened it. Inside: A wild orange basil and lime body lotion, Himalayan aromatherapy salts, a linen and pillow mist, and a “Sleep Well” roller blend. Each item, designed to invite deep rest, was like a whispered reminder to immerse into the experience.
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Day Two: A Deeper Dive into Body, Mind, and Emotion
I woke to the sound of birdsong and a gentle breeze through the trees. On my terrace, I enjoyed cup of organic rooibos tea, setting a peaceful tone for the morning ahead. A gentle Hatha yoga session followed, led by the calming and insightful Tracey. Her instruction focused on opening the hips and shoulders - places where tension often hides. By the final savasana, my breath was slower, my thoughts softer.
Breakfast was a colourful spread of chia pudding, fresh fruit, and juices. Then it was time for a 60-minute Healing Earth signature massage, a blissful treatment that melted away layers of both stress and time.
Mid morning brought us into the world of nutrition with Abigail da Cruz,a charismatic dietitian who shared her insights into gut health, inflammation, and intuitive eating. Over green smoothies, we explored the spiritual connection between food and mood, and questioned the rigidity of diet culture. Abigail's approach was liberating - food not as something to control, but something to understand and honour. Fairlawns' own commitment to local, organic ingredients perfectly echoed her philosophy. Individual consultations continued through the day with each delegate, allowing take home advice, to continue your wellness journey.
Lunch, that day was shared by the incredible Dr. Malebo Mashaba, a clinical psychologist with a calming presence and deep empathy. In the afternoon, we each had the opportunity for individual sessions with her, focused on building emotional resilience. Using journaling prompts, somatic techniques, and gentle conversation, Dr. Mashaba helped us navigate our internal worlds with care and curiosity.
Back at the spa, I was treated to a bespoke Healing Earth facial, tailored to my skin's requirement. By now, my body felt aligned, my skin glowed - but it was the emotional clarity that surprised me most.
And then, as if scripted by the universe, night fell and the gardens transformed. We gathered under the stars at Fairlawns' newly built outside garden space fitted with 2 enormous fireplaces and asian decor for a closing feedback session. With flickering flames and newfound friends, we reflected on what the retreat had given us. There was laughter, gratitude and a moment of magic.
Day Three: The Breath of Integration
The final morning began with a guided breathwork session led by Dr. Priyal Modi, an integrative medical doctor and advanced breathwork practitioner. Held in one of Fairlawns' glassy conservatories, the session invited us to reset our nervous systems and reconnect to our breath - our most overlooked source of calm.
Afterward, we shared a wholesome breakfast and smoothies one last time. There were hugs, thank-yous, and quiet goodbyes. Though our time together was brief, the bonds formed - both with others and with ourselves - felt lasting.
Closing Reflections: A Return to Wholeness
This weekend was not just about skincare or spa treatments. It was about the power of slowing down. Of turning inward. Of realising that wellness isn't a destination - it's a rhythm.
The synergy between Fairlawns' luxurious serenity and Healing Earth's soulfully rooted rituals created something rare: a space to feel, to breathe, to remember who we are beneath the noise.
In a world that constantly demands more, this retreat reminded me of the most essential truth: sometimes, the most radical thing we can do is pause - and care.
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From Spa to Suite: Extending the Wellness Experience Through
Hotel Amenities and Retail Offerings
By Dr Nadine de Freitas - Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa
In today's hospitality landscape, luxury and sustainability are no longer opposing forces-they are essential partners in creating truly meaningful guest experiences. Nowhere is this more evident than in the growing synergy between spa services and in-room hotel amenities. The modern guest is not only seeking relaxation and rejuvenation; they want continuity-a seamless journey of well-being that begins at check-in, peaks in the treatment room, and lingers long after they've returned home.
Forward-thinking hotels are responding to this desire by aligning spa treatments, in-room products, and retail offerings into a cohesive wellness narrative. This integrated approach does more than pamperit builds brand loyalty, increases revenue, and reinforces the hotel's identity as a destination for mindful luxury.
A Sensory Bridge Between Spa and Room
When guests step into a spa, they're enveloped in a carefully curated sensory world: the soft lighting, calming scents, therapeutic touch, and restorative products all work together to create an experience of profound comfort. By incorporating the same scents, textures, and ingredients into in-room amenitiessuch as soaps, lotions, pillow sprays, and even bath salts-hotels allow guests to carry the feeling of the spa with them, extending relaxation beyond the walls of the treatment space.
For example, a guest who enjoys a calming lavender massage oil during their spa treatment may later find that same aromatic blend in their bathroom amenities. The familiar scent rekindles the tranquility of the spa, deepening the emotional connection to the stay and enhancing the overall perception of value and care.
This continuity is more than clever branding; it's a powerful tool in wellness hospitality. Sensory memory plays a key role in emotional recall, and these subtle cues can evoke feelings of calm and satisfaction that reinforce the guest's overall impression of the property.
Spa Retail as a Continuation, Not a Sale
Retail offerings in the spa are no longer treated as mere add-ons or impulse buys. Instead, they are curated as intentional extensions of the spa journey, inviting guests to take a piece of their experience home. Products used during treatments-be they organic oils, herbal teas, sleep aids, or skincare lines-are thoughtfully displayed and explained, creating a seamless transition from experience to ownership.
Hotel guests who experience visible or felt results during a treatment are far more inclined to purchase those same products. When therapists and front-ofhouse staff are trained not just to recommend but to educate-explaining ingredients, sustainability credentials, and usage tips-they empower the guest, rather than simply selling to them.
This kind of curated retail builds trust and elevates the hotel's reputation as a wellness-led brand. More importantly, it cultivates ongoing engagement. When a guest uses the same facial serum or body balm at home that they first encountered during their vacation, each application becomes a return to that moment of care and calm.
The Rise of Sustainable, Signature Amenities
Modern travelers are increasingly conscious of what they consume-where it comes from, how it's made, and who benefits. Spas and hotels are responding by selecting amenities and retail partners that reflect values of sustainability, ethical sourcing, and transparency.
Signature amenity lines, often developed in collaboration with eco-conscious brands or local artisans, not only reinforce a hotel's identity but also give guests a story to connect with. Whether it's an exfoliating salt scrub made from local mineral springs, or a shampoo crafted with organic botanicals from nearby farms, guests appreciate authenticity and traceability.
These sustainable amenities are also finding their way into retail shelves. By aligning in-room amenities
with retail products, spas reduce waste and increase the perceived value of both. A guest who falls in love with the hotel's bespoke lemongrass hand cream might be thrilled to find it in a larger retail size, beautifully packaged for gifting or personal use.
Enhancing the Guest Journey Through Collaboration
This successful integration of spa and in-room wellness requires collaboration across departments. Spa directors, hotel managers, and retail coordinators must work together to curate product lines, ensure quality control, and maintain aesthetic and experiential consistency.
Staff training is crucial. Front desk teams and housekeeping staff, not just spa therapists, should be able to speak confidently about the products offered in-room-how to use them, what makes them special, and where to purchase more. This shared knowledge transforms every guest touchpoint into an opportunity for connection.
Technology can also enhance this journey. Digital in-room tablets or QR codes placed near bathroom amenities can offer more information on spa treatments, product usage, and purchase options. Guests can easily book a facial that uses the cleanser they tried that morning, or order a candle they enjoyed at turn-down service to be shipped to their home.
Creating an Immersive Brand Experience
Ultimately, the alignment of spa products, hotel amenities, and retail offerings is not just about convenience-it's about storytelling. It communicates that the hotel doesn't see wellness as a siloed service, but as a holistic promise. Guests are cared for not just during their massage or facial, but throughout their stay-and even beyond.
By creating this immersive, multi-sensory journey that spans from the spa to the suite to the guest's home, hotels position themselves as leaders in thoughtful, sustainable luxury. And in doing so, they turn onetime guests into loyal advocates-people who don't just remember their stay, but relive it every day.
9 Steps to Build a Profitable Spa Membership Program
By Florence KOWALSKI - Spa de Beaute, France
In today's competitive wellness market, where customer expectations evolve faster than ever, spas must go beyond one-time visits. A well-designed membership program is more than just a subscriptionit's a lifestyle offering that strengthens guest loyalty, enhances revenue stability, and transforms your spa into a vibrant, recurring destination. Here's how to craft a membership model that delights your clients and drives long-term profitability.
1. Why Offer Spa Memberships?
Because you're not just selling treatments-you're curating a world of wellness. A spa membership opens the door to ongoing, multi-tiered revenue streams: upfront initiation fees, recurring monthly or annual payments, and incremental purchases of treatments, products, and experiences. But beyond the numbers, memberships deepen your client relationships. Members feel like insiders, welcomed into a private circle with access to tailored experiences-from boutique fitness classes and skincare masterclasses to chef-hosted tastings and wellness talks. Imagine inviting members to an exclusive evening on sleep health featuring a renowned naturopath, accompanied by a live product demo of premium aromatherapy devices. These curated moments create an emotional connection-and serious brand advocacy.
2. How to Set the Right Price
Membership pricing isn't about undercutting the competition-it's about anchoring your value in the eyes of the right audience. Begin by considering your day-use rates and client visit frequency, then structure packages that incentivize commitment while boosting spend per guest. Dive into your CRM: Who are your top 10% of spenders? Design your pricing to reward their loyalty with a perceived upgrade in value.
Luxury benchmarks such as Le Beau-Rivage Palace or the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat command 10,000+ annual fees-not because of price tags alone, but due to the seamless experience, exquisite facilities, and prestige they offer. Even if your spa isn't in that category (yet), you can channel the same mindset. Price with confidence. Ambition is part of your brand's story.
3. Curate High-Value Benefits
Your membership program should be a signature offering-elegant, thoughtful, and curated to your clientele. While spa access and group classes form the foundation, elevate the experience with:
•A personalized welcome ritual or treatment
•Monthly or quarterly massage or beauty credits
•One-on-one wellness coaching or fitness assessments
•Friends & family privileges (the perfect referral driver)
•Invitations to members-only events and product launches
•20% off boutique products or additional à la carte treatments
And don't forget indulgent extras that heighten the sense of privilege: private lockers, valet parking, swimwear laundry service, or a complimentary
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dinner at your hotel's restaurant. These touches are more than perks-they're how you make members feel truly seen.
4. Deliver Value Without Compromising Profitability
Profitability is about precision. Limit costs by leveraging salaried staff for included services, managing linens and amenities smartly, and using guest data to forecast peak times accurately.
To elevate perceived value, lean into personalization. Members want to feel known. From remembering their preferred therapist to offering spontaneous extras, these touches enhance satisfaction and increase lifetime value. On busy days, designate a dedicated host just for members-someone who offers warm hellos, anticipates needs, and ensures they feel VIP, even in the most bustling moments.
Membership is a promise. Deliver it with grace and consistency, and your clients will become brand evangelists.
5. Know Your Capacity
More members don't always mean more success. Your spa's physical and experiential capacity must guide your limits. Consider seating, locker space, quiet zones, and treatment room availability during peak hours. A spa that feels crowded diminishes the luxury perception-and invites cancellations.
Some high-end spas limit memberships to 20 or 30 hand-selected individuals. Others, with spacious wet zones and a broad wellness offering, can accommodate more. What matters is balance. Membership should never compromise the serenity or flow of your space. Always set your cap based on your busiest moments, not your quietest.
6. Be Ready for the Launch Challenges
Launching a membership is exciting-but it's also a transformational shift. Expect a few bumps along the way. Coordination is key: ensure buy-in from management, marketing, and operations from day one. Budget carefully for exclusive events or gifts. And be ready to pivot if event spaces are reallocated last-minute or member preferences change.
Members will expect a degree of personalization. While you can't meet every request, stay flexible and diplomatic. When someone asks to swap a facial for a massage or extend their package by a week, your response should be solution-focused. These little moments define your service promise.
7. Promote with Elegance and Subtlety
Exclusivity loses power when it's broadcasted too loudly. Instead of flashy campaigns, focus on strategic, quiet luxury marketing:
•Referral networks: Encourage members to invite their peers-like attracts like.
•Discreet digital storytelling: Share moments on Instagram or your website that evoke curiosity, not full transparency.
•Targeted website copy: Include a “by invitation only” section or a call to speak directly with the spa manager-this builds intrigue.
•Special events: Use private dinners, cocktail hours, or preview evenings to allow members to share their experience with potential candidates.
You can also segment your newsletter audience with a member-specific section or spotlight stories that subtly inspire others to inquire. Position it as a lifestylenot a purchase.
8. Understand the Real Impact on Profitability
Membership programs are a powerful stabilizer for spas. They flatten seasonality, reduce dependence on walk-ins, and boost revenue predictability. But the real magic? Members spend more. They trust you, visit more often, and explore more of what your property offers-from dining and wellness workshops to boutique products.
Operational costs remain low, especially if wellmanaged (think self-service linens, clear locker policies, eco-friendly practices). And with good flow management, membership can actually increase guest satisfaction across the board-by making the spa feel more curated, rather than more crowded.
Over time, this regular engagement turns occasional guests into lifelong ambassadors.
9. Three Final Tips for Spa Managers
1. Know your audience. Survey your top-tier clients before launching. What do they crave? What do they value? Base your program on real data, not assumptions.
2. Treat it like a brand launch . Involve key stakeholders, align departments, and map out milestones. The front desk, marketing, and wellness staff should be unified in vision and voice.
3. Don't get stuck on labels. Whether you call it a “spa club,” “wellness circle,” or “elite pass,” what matters is the value and intention behind it. Exclusivity doesn't require chandeliers-just care, craft, and consistency.
Final Thoughts: Membership is More Than Revenue-
It's
Reputation
Launching a spa membership program is one of the most strategic moves a hospitality business can make. It nurtures your most loyal guests, drives repeat business, and differentiates your spa in a crowded market. But more than anything, it positions your brand as a destination for lifestyle, not just leisure.
With vision, organization, and hospitality at its core, your membership program can transform your spa's future-and become a model of sustainable, profitable wellness.
Ready to begin? Your most loyal customers are already waiting.
Bathing Traditions From Around the World, That Are Worth Traveling For
By Leah Prinzivalli
In my opinion, no travel itinerary is complete without a trip to the local spa. Wellness practices are a unique way to experience hyper-local traditions, often with native ingredients—think Manuka honey in New Zealand or Aruban aloe. From luxury spas to neighborhood bathhouses, experiencing local bathing rituals is a pretty great way for wellness travelers to see the world.
That said, if your favorite part of a vacation is the hotel room tub, why not opt for a traditional bathing experience instead? To inspire wanderlust and celebrate bathing cultures that dot the globe, read on for insight into what seven spa baths look like in different locales.
Balinese Flower Baths
Yes, the famous flower baths of Bali make for an amazing Instagram photo, but there's much more to the tradition than just posing in a floral-covered tub. In Balinese culture, traditionally, flower baths were used as healing rituals, in addition to a luxe spa day. Spend some time soaking in a tub of beautiful flower petals and natural oils, and emerge refreshed in body and spirit.
Budapest's Party Baths
Budapest’s well-earned nickname is the “city of
spas.” Hungary’s capital has been drawing spaloving crowds since the Ottoman empire, but the “sparty” is a very 21st century invention. Picture a nightclub, complete with DJ sets and cocktails, except the whole shebang takes place in a geothermal hot spring.
Finnish Saunas
“Many Finns think you can not grasp Finland or its culture without bathing in a sauna”. In that case, you simply must add a spa day to your Finland trip itinerary. Expect a bare bones sweat lodge without frills like tinkling spa muzak or, well, clothes. To get the full Finnish experience, use the provided bundles of “vasta” (birch twigs) to gently strike your skin and stimulate circulation.
Temazcal Sauna
Atemazcal is a healing, purifying sweat lodge ritual led by a shaman, stemming from the Mayan tradition. Today, you'll find them throughout Mexico and Central America. You’ll enter into a waist-high circular dome structure heated by smoldering rocks, and once the door shuts, the group sits in pitch black darkness to sing, chant, and share intentions. Over roughly two hours, the heat gets intense, and traditions say the sweat encourages healing and growth.
That same mineral-rich soil that makes Napa Valley wine so delicious also fortifies the mud baths of Calistoga, California, a town in Napa Valley. Local spas utilize water from the 212-degree-Fahrenheit hot springs in mud baths that are designed to purify skin, improve blood circulation, and relieve muscle tension. Plus, it’s an adult excuse to play in the mud— with a glass of wine in hand.
Japanese Onsen
Japanese culture takes full advantage of the country’s active volcanoes, using geothermal water to fill onsen bathsin public bathhouses known as ryokans. The tradition dates back to the 8th century, when Buddhism began to take hold in Japan. Now, tourists and locals alike take to the baths for a day of purification and relaxation in the heated water.
Turkish Hammam
In Turkey, you’ll find the traditional hammam bathing ritual in both local bathhouses and adapted for tourists in hotel spas. According to Istanbul Insider, a day at the hammam means either a self-guided day of relaxation in steam room or a treatment by a masseuse, offering specialized massages and facials.
Calistoga Mud Baths
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Enhance your Wellness Routine with a Little Salt Therapy
By Laura Powell
From salt stones and salt caves to salt rooms outfitted with walls made from pink Himalayan salt, halotherapy (“halo” means “salt” in Greek) has become very popular—and for good reason.
Halotherapy is said to be good for skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis and for chronic respiratory conditions including asthma and allergies. What’s more, it’s easy. You just sit, relax and inhale. All the while, you are breathing in mineral-filled microparticles that penetrate deep into the lungs. Non-inhaled salt particles are absorbed into the skin.
According to Ann Brown, the founder and CEO of Saltability, part of the seemingly sudden increase in interest in salt therapy is a result a renewed wellness focus. As spas looked to add touchless services during the pandemic, salt rooms were a logical answer. Brown says that during the past few years, many spas have transitioned treatment rooms into salt suites.
Brown also notes that the pandemic encouraged those who could afford it to bring more wellness into their homes. That’s why the demand for home halotherapy has been off the charts internationally. For those with smaller budgets, there are salt lamps.
As you drive by your local mall and notice the addition of a salt cave (there are even franchised salt salons now), or when you visit your favorite spa’s new salt room, you may wonder about the science of it all.
Even though it’s suddenly trending, halotherapy has been around for a long time. Ancient healers recommended salt inhalation for the respiratory system and other health issues. Scientific recognition of the power of dry salt therapy dates to the mid19th century, when a physician in Poland observed that the respiratory health of workers in a nearby salt mine was much better than that of people who didn’t hang out underground.
After that, salt cave therapy, or speleotherapy, became a thing in central Europe. Then, around 50 years ago, the first halogenerator was developed, allowing the indoor replication of the benefits of the atmosphere of salt mines.
A halogenerator is a device that converts pharmaceutical salt into microparticles. Those particles are dispersed into a salt room, where clients breathe in the benefits. While salt rooms are infused with pharmaceutical salt, salt walls are usually made
from authentic Himalayan salt. Brown says the real stuff contains more than 50 naturally occurring minerals, including magnesium, potassium and calcium. Resonating at the earth’s frequency, Himalayan salt seems to be a panacea, according to true believers, who tout its benefits, including:
•Supports a healthy respiratory system and sinuses
•Boosts bone health and prevents muscle cramps
•Improves circulation
•Improves the immune system
•Relieves anxiety and addresses insomnia
•Rejuvenates the skin
New Salt Outlets
According to Brown, halotherapy is moving beyond dedicated salt rooms and caves. For example, several spas she has worked with have updated their cedarpaneled saunas by pulling out the wood and adding Himalayan salt panels. Salt is also being incorporated in other spa treatments. For example, instead of lava hot stones, some spas are using Himalayan massage stones, which are heated and used to stimulate circulation, relax the body, lower blood pressure, soothe sore muscles and remove toxins. Salt tables are another innovation. They provide relaxation seekers the opportunity to rest directly on warmed salt, amplifying whatever treatment they are receiving.
The Salt of the Earth
Children in Spas: A Must or a Bad Idea?
By Florence KOWALSKI - Spa de Beaute, France
The presence of children in spas is no longer an afterthought-it's becoming an essential component of modern wellness culture. Increasingly, spas are expanding their offerings to include young guests, driven by growing demand from families who view wellness not only as a personal priority but as a shared, generational value.
In today's world, where family time is often compromised by busy schedules, screen time, and work-life imbalance, vacations have become a critical opportunity for reconnection. More than ever, parents are seeking meaningful experiences to enjoy with their children-experiences that combine relaxation, education, and emotional bonding. Spa culture, traditionally reserved for adults, is now evolving to reflect this societal shift.
Why Wellness for Children Matters
There is a growing recognition that wellness is not just for grown-ups. Children today are exposed to increasing levels of stress and overstimulation. Academic pressure, social media, digital overload, and post-pandemic anxiety all contribute to emotional fatigue at increasingly younger ages. Integrating wellness into a child's life isn't a luxury-it's a necessary foundation for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and long-term mental health.
Spas can play a vital role in introducing children to healthy routines early in life-learning how to manage stress, become attuned to their bodies, and develop mindfulness. From massage and guided breathing to gentle movement and sensory experiences, childspecific spa treatments offer safe, age-appropriate entry points into the world of wellness.
The key is understanding that a child's experience of wellness is vastly different from that of an adult. Their emotional and physical development demands a carefully crafted approach. Treatments need to be shorter, interactive, and often infused with play or storytelling. It's not just about relaxation-it's about emotional connection, learning, and fun.
Tailored Wellness: More Than Mini Massages
Today's younger spa clientele-typically aged 6 to 17-require more than a watered-down version of adult treatments. Their needs span a wide range of developmental stages, each with its own psychological and physiological considerations. A six-year-old, for instance, is still developing sensory and motor skills, while a 16-year-old may be navigating body image concerns, hormonal changes, and heightened emotional sensitivity.
A successful child wellness program must address these nuanced stages. It must also factor in a child's shorter attention span, heightened sensory awareness, and natural curiosity. Sessions might include calming stories during treatments, interactive breathing exercises, or even art therapy elements. The goal is not to emulate the adult spa experience, but to reimagine it from a child's point of viewengaging, safe, and emotionally nurturing.
Embracing or Excluding Children: The Spa Industry Divide
The spa world remains divided on the inclusion of
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children. On one side, progressive wellness resorts and urban spas are responding to demand by creating family-friendly environments with dedicated programs for kids and teens. These spas recognize the commercial and emotional value of catering to families-understanding that when parents can relax knowing their children are cared for and engaged, everyone benefits.
On the other hand, some spas strictly avoid young guests, citing concerns around noise, disruption, and the dilution of their adult-focused ambiance. For establishments centered on tranquility or romance, the presence of children is seen as incompatible with their brand identity. And that's a valid positioningbut it's one that may miss out on the growing market of wellness-seeking families.
The challenge for the industry is to strike the right balance-creating spaces where children can be welcomed respectfully and meaningfully, without compromising the atmosphere that adult guests expect. For many spas, this has led to creative solutions like dedicated time slots, separate treatment areas for families, or full “family wellness” zones.
Family Wellness: A Holistic Strategy
Some of the most successful models integrate children into wellness in a way that supports the whole family. Resorts like Club Med have long promoted multigenerational travel, offering wellness experiences for all ages-from toddlers to grandparents. Their “3G” approach is not only inclusive but deeply strategic, recognizing that shared rituals strengthen family bonds.
Other spa operators, such as Deep Nature in collaboration with Center Parcs, have built extensive wellness programs around playful interaction, education, and outdoor discovery. Their spa offerings often combine sensory treatments with group activities that foster emotional intelligence and self-care habits. These are not just services-they're holistic experiences designed to leave lasting impressions on young minds.
Urban spas, too, are exploring this direction. Midweek wellness events, seasonal workshops, and “mom-and-me” sessions create opportunities for children to engage with wellness on their terms. These models reflect a shift from seeing children as passive participants to viewing them as active cocreators of their own well-being.
Beyond the Massage Table: The Deeper Impact of Wellness
The potential of wellness for children goes well beyond pampering. At its best, it supports key aspects of development: emotional intelligence, resilience, self-esteem, and empathy.
For instance, learning to pause and breathe during a guided meditation teaches children how to manage anxiety. Gentle massage helps them reconnect with their physical selves in a world that often pulls attention outward. Group sessions encourage social skills and reinforce healthy emotional expression. Even tactile rituals like choosing an essential oil or drawing a feeling in color contribute to emotional literacy.
In this way, spa experiences can function as preventive mental health practices. Just as we teach children to brush their teeth and eat vegetables, we can also guide them in practices that support their emotional hygiene. Spas become safe spaces where they can learn how to feel, reflect, and regulate.
Training and Program Design: Setting the Standards
To offer truly effective wellness for children, spas must invest in appropriate training and thoughtful program design. Children are not small adults, and treating them as such can lead to ineffective or even inappropriate experiences.
Practitioners need to understand the stages of child development, the psychology of emotional safety, and how to use language, touch, and storytelling to foster trust and relaxation. Some spas collaborate with child psychologists, educators, or specialized trainers to build these programs. Others include sensory tools, art materials, or interactive props to enhance engagement.
Standard operating procedures must also account for parental involvement, consent, and safeguarding protocols. In this niche, professionalism must go hand-in-hand with playfulness.
Profitability vs. Purpose: Making It Work
While treatments for children enhance guest satisfaction and overall service offerings, they don't always translate into high direct revenue. In fact, many spas report low product sales or minimal profit margins from children's services. But that doesn't mean they're not valuable.
The real return on investment often lies in customer loyalty. Parents are more likely to return to-and recommend-a spa where their entire family feels welcome. Moreover, introducing wellness early builds a lifetime relationship with the concept-and with the spa itself.
To increase profitability, some spas bundle treatments with family packages, offer birthday experiences, or create loyalty programs tailored to families. Others monetize through workshops, memberships, or educational events that align with their brand ethos.
Conclusion: A Generation Worth Investing In
Children's spa offerings are more than a trend-they're a cultural response to the changing needs of modern families. By offering spaces where children can learn to listen to their bodies, manage emotions, and find stillness, spas contribute to raising a generation that values health from the inside out.
Wellness for children is not about indulgence; it's about empowerment. It's about helping them feel safe, seen, and supported. It's about giving families the tools to grow stronger together-one mindful breath, gentle touch, or playful ritual at a time.
In the long run, spas that embrace this vision won't just be adapting to a market trend. They'll be shaping the future of wellness.
There’s been a lot of talk about wellness in hospitality over the past few decades — but 2024 felt like the year it truly arrived. We’ve seen wellness grow steadily, even slowly, over the years. But something about this past year felt different. A tipping point. A shift. Suddenly, wellness isn’t just a trend or an addon. It’s the centre of the conversation — and in many ways, the future of hospitality.
As someone who has worked in this space for years, I’ve watched the evolution firsthand. From the early days of trying to justify building a spa at all, to where we are now — with full-scale wellness programming, medical diagnostics, and longevity labs — the contrast is striking. And exciting.
A Personal Reflection on Where It All Began
When I first entered the industry, spas weren’t a given. In fact, they were rare. I remember being part of a team where the GM announced we were opening a spa, and the general reaction was, “Why?” Back then, wellness wasn’t a strategic pillar. It wasn’t even a talking point. And yet, I knew, as a doctor and intuitively — of care, of ritual, of nourishment — had the power to redefine hospitality.
It was an uphill climb for years. Convincing hotel owners that spas mattered was challenging. The return on investment wasn’t clear. They were expensive to build, even harder to maintain, and difficult to measure in traditional business terms. But those of us who believed in the long-term value — not just in numbers, but in what it meant to the guest experience — kept pushing.
Thankfully, over time, the industry caught up. Properties with spas started to outperform their peers, not just in guest satisfaction, but in overall perception and brand alignment. Wellness wasn’t just about massage and steam rooms. It was a statement of values.
Opinion Piece: Dr Nadine de Freitas
Fast forward to today, and the transformation is extraordinary. We’ve moved beyond the spa as an amenity and into wellness as a full guest experience — one that starts with sleep and stress recovery, extends into nutrition, movement, mindfulness, and, more recently, longevity and bio-optimization.
I’ve always believed that spa therapies are most powerful when they are approached as rituals. Not services. Not upsells. But rituals — deeply personal, thoughtfully designed, and intentionally delivered. When treatments are done well, with knowledge and presence, they shift something in people. And when done within a larger wellness journey — one that supports the body, mind, and soul — they become transformative.
This, to me, is where the real opportunity lies.
We’re seeing spa menus evolve to reflect this shift — incorporating more integrative and therapeutic offerings. Not just facials and massages, but lymphatic stimulation, energy balancing, functional movement, stress mapping, hormonal support. The language has changed, because the needs have changed.
Post-Pandemic Priorities: What Guests Really Want Now
The pandemic changed the way people think about time, health, and travel. In the years since, I’ve noticed a very real recalibration in guest expectations. People aren’t just seeking to escape anymore. They’re seeking to feel something real. To rest deeply. To reconnect. To heal.
Wellness has become the conduit for that. It’s no longer a nice-to-have — it’s a necessity. Spa rituals offer the space and expertise people can’t find in their everyday lives. And now that guests are more
educated — more curious, more discerning — it’s not enough to offer a massage and a facial. They want customisation. They want to understand the “why.” And they want results.
The Business Case Has Never Been Clearer
Let’s not overlook the business side. For years, spa was seen as a loss leader. But that narrative no longer holds. Wellness travellers consistently spend more, stay longer, and are more loyal to brands that deliver real value in this space. The numbers are there — and so is the demand.
What excites me most is seeing wellness shift from the spa department to the boardroom. It’s becoming embedded into brand identities, operational strategies, and guest journeys. We’re seeing hotel groups dedicate entire teams to wellness innovation — not just programming, but design, partnerships, and even clinical collaboration.
That’s a big leap from where we started. And it’s only the beginning.
Looking Ahead: Designing What Comes Next
The future of wellness in hospitality isn’t about following trends — it’s about leading with intention. That means putting the guest at the centre, yes — but also the therapist. The designer. The practitioner. Because true transformation comes from a space that’s been thoughtfully built and genuinely cared for.
As we move forward, I think we’ll see more integration between science and soul — where data and diagnostics meet ritual and rest. Where spa therapies are delivered with both precision and heart. That, to me, is the future of wellness. One where we don’t just extend life — but elevate it.
Wellness Today: The Ritual Becomes the Strategy
Your Guide to Japanese Spa Rituals
By Global Wellness Summit
Japan is home to some of the oldest spa rituals in the world, and those rituals remain at the very heart of Japanese beauty today. Blessed with an abundance of natural and medicinal hot waters springing from the earth, called onsen, the Japanese have for centuries been bathing in curative waters to cleanse and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. Water is regarded as the symbol of life ever flowing, changing and renewing. Immersion in it allows the body to rest, restore and revive.
Spa is translated as health through water, and with the spa industry now considered one of the fastest growing in the world, its little wonder people are being drawn to Japan to immerse themselves in one of the oldest and most authentic spa experiences. In Japan there are more than 20,000 naturally occurring medicinal hot springs, most in beautiful natural settings deep in the mountains, next to rivers and lakes or even flowing into the sand or sea.
Bathing in a natural Japanese onsen is not only about partaking in an ancient ritual but also an opportunity to experience a culture deeply rooted in nature. The Japanese appreciation of bathing goes back to the Shinto period before Buddhism was introduced by the Chinese in AD 532. Shintoism is the root of Japanese spirituality, based on a joyful respect for nature. It is a way of life rather than a philosophy or religion.
Shintoism celebrates the spirit of nature, in particular the water element. The clear, flowing and endlessly renewing character of water reflects life itself. In the past, Shinto priests travelling the land would discover these temples of nature spurting from the earth, often performing ceremonies in their honour. Rivers and streams were regarded as symbols of the everflowing cycles of life. Waterfalls were valued as places for meditation. The sea was seen as the very source because all the nutritious foods, like seaweed and fish, derived from it. During festivals, purifying bathing rituals are still performed in the ocean today.
Bathing Rituals
Daily bathing rituals have given the Japanese a reputation as the cleanest culture in history. The bath was, and is, a place where people came to meet and chat. Farmers from different villages would meet at the local hot spring and exchange stories. Men and women bathed together in an uninhibited and free-spirited manner. But in 1853, as a result of Westerners reaction to mixed bathing, the trend for separate bathing began. Today, only in remote areas do men and women still bathe together. An evening bath is an integral part of the Japanese lifestyle. There is a place in each home dedicated to washing – normally a hand-shower or faucet with running water with a bath stool, sponges, brushes and so forth close by. A relaxing soak in a deep, hot bath is essential to wellbeing. However, lack of space means some houses and apartments don’t have a shower or bath. This is why, from the streets of Tokyo to remote mountainside villages, you see men and women carrying their cypress buckets, brushes and tools down to the local communal bathing house for their daily bath. These bathing houses are renowned for their cleanliness, with towels and soaps often provided.
The Ryokan
spa therapies
A ryokan is a traditional inn, often built around a thermal spring, and a stay in one is an essential part of the onsen ritual, although day visits to onsens are popular, too. There are over 8000 ryokans in Japan, most of which have been passed down from generation to generation.
The experience of staying at a ryokan is the epitome of grace and not to be missed. Your arrival will be met with gracious bows by impeccably dressed women who will usher you into a simple room with tatami mats laid in a deliberate style. The hospitality begins with a traditional, freshly brewed, locally made green tea plus a sweet cake or rice cracker and unfolds with ease from there. You’re encouraged to discard the old and embrace the new by removing your clothes and wrapping a pure cotton kimonostyle dress, a yukata, around your body. Each ryokan has its signature yukata and youll see guests from different ryokans floating around in their yukatas in the streets, enjoying a stroll after a nice hot bath.
The philosophy of the ryokan is based on adherence to the principles of nature and it is created with natural materials as far as possible. The waters nearby are enriched with minerals and negative ions that help drain away all the toxins; youll find many city dwellers in them. Ryokans often provide facilities for groups, attracting companies keen to give staff a well-deserved break that combines bathing, shiatsu massage, karaoke and sake.
To dine at a ryokan is to experience food as art. It begins with a customary plum wine and develops from there with precious servings of artfully arranged items like wasabi leaves, crab salad, tofu with sea urchin, small calcium-enriched crispy fish, a purple jelly-like ball of mountain potato, stems of leafy water vegetables, tempura mountain vegetables, slices of salmon wrapped in ricepaper, miso, rice and pickles. As in the bathing experience, with each mouthful you take in the spirit of nature.
In most ryokans meals are served in the privacy of your room, though some have lovely dining facilities overlooking manicured gardens with small waterfalls. Green tea, miso soup, spinach with dashi flakes, a bowl of silky tofu and baby river fish are just some of the morning options.
Its customary to take a dip before retiring to bed. In the evening, expect to find your room transformed from its zen look with the installation of big, comfortable futons made of traditional Japanese fabric lying side by side on the floor. A fresh rose and haiku poem may be placed delicately on your pillow, once again illustrating the beautiful detail of Japanese hospitality.
The Onsen, or Hot Spring
Bathing in the outdoor onsen is one of the most popular leisure activities in Japan. Its where you can submerge yourself in medicinal waters for a most enlivening experience. The onsen is regarded as a place of physical and mental rehabilitation and medical doctors often prescribe time spent in these therapeutic waters. Throughout the country, the water quality varies from spring to spring. Some thermal springs are renowned for being rich in
chloride magnesium, calcium, iron and potassium while others are known for their therapeutic effects on skin, bronchial, digestive and hypertensive problems.
Water is usually classified by temperature, pH level and mineral content. Youll find the thermal springs vary in colour according to their nutrients. Ironenriched springs are a reddish-orange colour and alkaline waters may be bright green. There are waters rich in sodium chloride that are known to aid digestion, heal wounds and help with hypertension, post-operative rehabilitation, infertility and arthritis. The simple thermal springs are thought to heal broken bones, wounds, skin conditions, neuralgia, rheumatism and fatigue. Radioactive waters are recommended for those with diabetes and chronic digestive problems.
Backdrops, too, vary from region to region. There are thermal springs found 2284 feet above sea level; others are deep in the mountains where water flows continuously, guaranteeing pristine bathing year round. Others gush out of rocks, snow, ash, caves and sand (known as sand baths). Often, rocks are placed around the healing waters to give them a natural rockpool feel. You quickly adapt to the ritual of slipping off your yukata and lowering your body into the deliciously warm water with the light from the moon and stars highlighting the steam that rises like mist above the water. The quiet ambience permeates your spirit, making bathing in these healing waters a memorable experience.
The Ofuro
The communal bath ofuro is normally located in the basement or first floor of a ryokan. Remove your yukata and geta (wooden clogs) and take the prerequisite scrub and rub to wash away any toxins before communal bathing.
Reminiscent of a Rubens painting, the women sit in these steam-filled rooms on little bathstools and pour water from small cypress buckets over their bodies. Even at 6am youll find dedicated bathers scrubbing their skin with natural brushes and lathering themselves with green-tea-based soaps and shampoos. The bathrooms are often equipped with all the accoutrements youd find in a five-star hotel shampoo, lotions, hair bands, shower caps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs and brushes.
The indoor area normally has a selection of baths of varying temperatures to bathe in. The idea is to move to pools of different temperatures to keep the body continually rejuvenating. The atmosphere is one of quiet fun. Japanese women are typically portrayed as serene, but a gathering of women bathing together can be very festive. In water, they are vivacious and childlike in their enthusiasm.
Beauty is synonymous with cleanliness in Japan and nowhere is this more obvious than in the elegant bathing rituals. Immersing myself in the mineralenriched waters I am reminded once again of something expressed to me about the Japanese view of beauty: it is not a quality one can chase but rather one which unfolds when we open our eyes and become truly present.
The Ancient Art of Japanese Head Spa Rituals A Journey
of Relaxation, Healing, and Heritage
A Tradition Rooted in Stillness and Care
In the serene world of Japanese wellness, one treatment is making quiet yet powerful waves far beyond its origins: the Japanese head spa. More than just a luxury for the scalp and hair, this immersive ritual reflects centuries-old philosophies that value balance, purity, and mindful self-care. At its heart lies a deep belief: that relaxation begins not with extravagance, but with presence and touch.
Cleansing the Spirit, Not Just the Scalp
The origins of head spa rituals are steeped in the cultural emphasis on cleanliness and renewal. Influenced by Shinto purification rituals and Buddhist healing practices, traditional Japanese wellness holds the scalp and hair as key energetic pointsintegral not only to beauty but also to mental clarity and emotional balance.
Long before modern treatments, Japanese women used natural oils, herbal rinses, and combing techniques, passed down through generations as sacred knowledge. These were more than grooming habits; they were rituals of care and reconnection, moments of peace in everyday life.
Inside the Ritual: What to Expect
Today's Japanese head spas have evolved these traditions into a multi-sensory treatment, often lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Each session is personalized, beginning with a scalp analysis to understand the guest's needs, whether that's tension relief, detoxification, or improved hair health.
Typical steps may include:
• Deep cleansing with herbal or carbonated shampoos
• Steam therapy to open follicles and soften the scalp
• Exfoliation with mineral-rich pastes or clays
• Acupressure scalp massage targeting energy points
• Botanical masks or oil treatments for nourishment
• Aromatherapy and ambient sound for sensory immersion
Each element is carefully chosen to calm the nervous system, ease muscle tension, and promote deep relaxation.
The Healing Power of Touch
What sets the Japanese head spa apart is its intentionality-especially during the scalp massage phase. Practitioners use techniques inspired by tsubo acupressure, stimulating energy points that correspond to the body's organs and emotional centers. This doesn't just feel good-it serves real wellness functions:
•Encourages blood flow to the scalp
•Eases eye strain and mental fatigue
•Reduces headaches, anxiety, and jaw tension
•Supports deeper, more restorative sleep
•Promotes stronger, healthier hair growth
Guests often leave feeling not only physically lighter, but emotionally uplifted-clearer, calmer, and more grounded.
A Sacred Pause in a Restless World
In a culture of quick fixes and high-speed living, the Japanese head spa offers a rare experience: a pause. The dim lighting, warm towels, rhythmic
By LNE & Spa, France
massage, and mindful silence invite the nervous system to shift into a healing state. There's no rush, no distraction-just deep rest.
For many guests, this is the most powerful aspect of the ritual. It becomes a retreat within a treatment-a moment of inner alignment, guided by gentle care and ancient wisdom.
A Global Awakening to Head Spa Culture
While still a hallmark of Japanese beauty and wellness culture, head spas are now appearing in luxury wellness centers and day spas across the globe-from Seoul to Cape Town to New York City. As wellness trends shift toward personalization, immersion, and authenticity, these rituals resonate with modern guests seeking more than just surface results.
Forward-thinking spas are embracing head spa treatments not just as a service, but as a signature experience-offering clients something memorable, transformative, and culturally rich.
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
In a world where stress is common and meaningful self-care is increasingly vital, the Japanese head spa offers more than physical relief-it offers a philosophy. A reminder that healing begins with presence, that touch has power, and that rituals rooted in tradition still hold deep relevance in our modern lives.
As we explore the future of wellness, the Japanese head spa is not just a trend-it's a timeless gift. And at the crown of the head, it gently opens the path to whole-body renewal.
spa therapies
Getting Grounded
There’s a Chinese proverb that says, “When the roots are deep, there’s no reason to fear the wind.” This is the essence of grounding—feeling so solid and rooted in yourself that you don’t have to resist anything. The opposite of this is when we feel unsupported and thus disoriented or spacey, like an uprooted plant flailing about in a storm. When we are grounded, we are resourced—we feel we have the capacity and tools to deal with what comes our way.
Getting grounded can help shift us out of a state of high nervous system arousal or shut down into a state of being settled and present. We can feel grounded through our legs and feet or through any part of the body that is touching the ground, a floor, a chair, and so forth. We can even ground through our hands, and for people who use wheelchairs or crutches, grounding can happen through contact with mobility devices. The breath can also be something that grounds us and helps us feel more solid and stable.
Grounding Practice 1
Find a comfortable seated position. Bring your attention to the parts of your body that are touching the floor, or the parts of your body that are touching something that touches the floor—for example, a chair or cushion. Notice these areas— perhaps your feet, back of thighs, bottom, arms or hands. If your feet are on the floor, gently press them down and notice how your legs feel. Are they strong? Weak? Heavy? Light?
Feel your seat bones on the chair, or your back against the chair. Allow your spine to lengthen the more you ground down, just like a tree that is able to rise to the sun as it deepens its roots. As you bring awareness to the places in your body that are being supported by the floor or chair, notice if anything settles in your body or just generally feels better.
Grounding Practice 2
Cross your forearms in front of your body and squeeze your opposite arm with each hand. Gently squeeze your hands up the arms to your shoulders. Notice if anything settles in your body or your breath deepens and if there is a particular part of the movement that feels especially good.
Grounding Practice 3
Stand with your feet a bit wider than hip-distance apart and your knees slightly bent, or you may sit, tuning in to your seat bones. Start to sway side to side. Notice the shift in weight in your feet (or seat bones) and how your legs feel. Tune in to your muscles and how they engage as you sway. Notice if anything settles in the rest of your body as you get more grounded in your lower body.
GETTING CENTERED
When we are centered, our sense of self and our center of power is inside of us, regardless of what is happening around us. We have a sense of personal agency and self-efficacy in our life. Although we may not be able to control everything that is happening around us, we are able to manage our own emotions and behavior. When our center is outside of us, we feel and experience that our safety and well-being is at the mercy of external forces; we may feel powerless and helpless.
Reclaiming our sense of center takes time. Track your body in different interactions and notice if there are some situations where you are able to be centered and others where you’re not. Journal about it, write it down, and consider what centering practice might bring yourself and your needs into the moment. It’s important to remember that being centered is not the same as being self- centered; it’s about being centered in yourself. This actually allows us to be
By Hala Khouri
more present with others without needing to manage them. It can be a very generous act.
Centering Practice
This is a standing practice that can also be done seated. Stand with your feet hip-distance apart, or find a comfortable seated position. Place one hand on your heart or the center of your chest and the other hand on your belly or solar plexus. Your eyes can be open or closed—whatever feels better. Feel the sensation of your hands on your body. Imagine a flame or a sphere at your belly— anything that can symbolize your center of power. Take a few deep breaths if that helps you settle.
Next, lean forward and come up on your toes, as if you were about to fall forward, then lean back onto your heels, then go side to side. Explore how your center keeps you from falling forward or back and can allow you, even if you do fall, to come back again. If seated, simply lean in each direction and feel for how your body keeps you from falling.
Centering Practice With Visualization
Once you feel centered in yourself, imagine someone in your life standing near you. Notice if your capacity to stay in your center is harder in the presence of another person. As you see them, put more of your attention on your hands on your body and your centering image. Feel in your body what it would be like to be centered while in relationship to someone else.
Stress is a complex neuroendocrine response regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, influencing multiple physiological systems. Acute stress triggers sympathoadrenal activation, releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine, while chronic stress leads to dysregulated cortisol secretion, resulting in neuro-inflammation, oxidative stress, and systemic dysfunction. Persistent hypercortisolism contributes to cognitive deficits, emotional dysregulation, and susceptibility to anxiety.
Prolonged stress alters neurocircuitry, leading to hypertrophy of the amygdala, exacerbating fear responses and emotional hypersensitivity. The medial prefrontal cortex undergoes synaptic retraction, impairing executive function and impulse control. Systemically, chronic stress elevates pro-inflammatory cytokines , increasing oxidative burden and metabolic dysregulation, predisposing individuals to cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and gastrointestinal disturbances like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, stress-induced endocrine imbalances affect reproductive hormone secretion, contributing to menstrual irregularities and impaired fertility.
In response to prolonged stress exposure, behavioural adaptations may include reliance on maladaptive coping mechanisms such as substance use, further disrupting neurotransmitter homeostasis. Occupational burnout, characterised by emotional exhaustion and cognitive fatigue, highlights the necessity for proactive interventions. Given the intricate link between neuroinflammation, HPA axis dysregulation, and systemic metabolic disturbances, an integrative strategy incorporating neuroprotective and adaptogenic support is essential.
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designed to mitigate stress-induced neurobiological alterations and restore physiological equilibrium. Adaptogens modulate the HPA axis activity, reducing excessive cortisol output while enhancing cognitive resilience. Polyphenolic compounds, including resveratrol, counteract neuroinflammatory processes and oxidative stress, preserving synaptic integrity.
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Combining evidence-based therapeutic interventions with the neuroprotective benefits of Dr K Nutraceuticals enhances cognitive resilience and stability. This integrative approach fosters stress adaptability, optimising neurological and systemic health while mitigating the adverse effects of chronic stress exposure.
By leveraging advanced nutraceutical solutions alongside structured stress management strategies, individuals can safeguard cognitive function, maintain emotional well-being, and sustain overall physiological balance.
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Making Ancient Spa Practices Modern: Blending Tradition with Innovation
Spas have been an integral part of human civilization for thousands of years, providing relaxation, rejuvenation, and therapeutic benefits. Ancient cultures from around the world, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Indians, developed unique spa practices that are still revered today. However, with the rapid advancements in technology and changing consumer preferences, modern spas face the challenge of adapting these ancient traditions to meet the demands of the contemporary world. We explores the revitalization of ancient spa practices, highlighting how innovative approaches and scientific advancements are being integrated to create a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
The Relevance of Ancient Spa Practices
Ancient spa practices were rooted in the belief that physical and mental well-being were interconnected. From the Roman baths to the Ayurvedic rituals of India, these time-honored traditions sought to restore balance and promote holistic health. The enduring popularity of these practices is a testament to their efficacy and time-tested benefits. By understanding the historical context and underlying principles of ancient spa therapies, modern spa owners can harness their wisdom and adapt them to contemporary needs.
Technology and Innovation in Modern Spas
The advent of technology has revolutionized the spa industry, offering innovative tools and techniques to enhance traditional practices. From state-of-the-art massage chairs to cutting-edge skincare devices, modern spas are embracing technology to augment the therapeutic experience. For instance, LED light therapy, originally used in ancient Egypt for healing purposes, has been refined with modern equipment to address various skin concerns effectively. Similarly, digital mapping and analysis tools enable personalized treatments tailored to individual needs, taking the spa experience to new heights of customization.
Integrating Ancient Wisdom with Scientific Research
To bridge the gap between ancient spa practices and modern scientific understanding, researchers and spa professionals are exploring the therapeutic benefits of traditional ingredients and techniques. By conducting rigorous studies and clinical trials, these ancient practices can be refined and standardized, ensuring their efficacy and safety in the modern context.
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on mindfulness and wellness retreats, drawing inspiration from ancient spa traditions. These retreats offer a holistic approach to well-being, incorporating meditation, yoga, and other mindful practices alongside spa treatments. By combining ancient wisdom with contemporary mindfulness techniques, these retreats provide a transformative experience, helping individuals to reconnect with themselves and find inner balance in a fast-paced world.
As the spa industry evolves, the integration of ancient spa practices with modern innovations becomes paramount. By honoring the historical significance of these traditions and embracing technological advancements, spas can offer a harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and modern comforts. The revitalization of ancient spa practices not only caters to the growing demand for holistic wellness but also serves as a reminder of our enduring connection to the past. By making these timeless rituals accessible and relevant to the modern world, spas play a vital role in preserving our collective heritage while promoting health and well-being in a rapidly changing society.
Mindfulness and Wellness Retreats
spa therapies
Biotechnology Treatments
Redefining the Spa Experience
In the ever-evolving landscape of spa and wellness retreats, the integration of biotechnology treatments has emerged as a transformative trend. This marriage of cutting-edge science and holistic wellness is reshaping the traditional spa experience, offering a new dimension of personalized, hightech therapies. From rejuvenating skin treatments to enhancing mental well-being, bio-technology is unlocking a range of possibilities that go beyond the conventional spa offerings. This exploration delves into the innovative world of biotechnology treatments in spas and wellness retreats, examining their potential benefits, ethical considerations, and the impact on the future of the wellness industry.
Biotechnology in Skincare
At the forefront of the biotechnology revolution in wellness is its application in skincare. Advanced bioengineered ingredients, such as peptides, stem cells, and growth factors, are being harnessed to create skincare formulations that target specific skin concerns with unprecedented precision. Spa-goers can now experience personalized skincare regimes based on genetic profiling and biomarker analysis, ensuring treatments are tailored to individual needs.
DNA-based skincare, for instance, allows for a deeper understanding of a person's unique genetic makeup, enabling the creation of customized products that address specific genetic predispositions to aging, sensitivity, or other skin conditions. This level of personalization not only enhances the efficacy of skincare but also contributes to a more comprehensive and individualized spa experience.
Neuroscience and Mental Well-being
Biotechnology extends its influence beyond the skin, delving into the realm of mental well-being. Neuroscientific advancements have paved the way for innovative treatments designed to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and mental clarity. Neurofeedback, a biofeedback technique that monitors brain activity, is being integrated into spa experiences to enhance meditation and mindfulness practices.
Furthermore, biofeedback devices, equipped with biosensors, can provide real-time data on stress levels, allowing wellness professionals to tailor treatments and interventions based on an individual's physiological responses. The marriage of biotechnology and neuroscience is creating a holistic approach to mental well-being within spa settings, offering guests tools to better understand and manage their stressors.
Regenerative Therapies and Anti-aging
In the pursuit of longevity and vitality, biotechnology has introduced regenerative therapies that aim to rejuvenate the body from the inside out. Stem cell treatments, growth factor applications, and other regenerative approaches are making their way into wellness retreats, promising anti-aging benefits and enhanced vitality.
Stem cell therapies, for instance, may be used in facial rejuvenation treatments or body therapies to
stimulate collagen production and promote tissue regeneration. These biotechnological interventions, when incorporated into spa offerings, signify a paradigm shift in the anti-aging sector, moving beyond topical solutions to address aging at a cellular level.
Ethical Considerations and Sustainability
While the promise of biotechnology in wellness is vast, it is essential to navigate ethical considerations and sustainability concerns. Responsible sourcing of bioengineered ingredients, transparency in treatment methodologies, and a commitment to minimizing environmental impact are paramount. Wellness retreats embracing biotechnology must uphold ethical standards, ensuring that technological advancements align with a commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
The integration of biotechnology treatments into spa and wellness retreats represents a pioneering frontier in holistic well-being. From personalized skincare solutions based on genetic insights to neuroscientific approaches enhancing mental wellbeing, these advancements are redefining the spa experience. As the industry continues to embrace the intersection of science and wellness, the fusion of biotechnology and spa treatments is poised to shape a new era of transformative, personalized, and sustainable wellness journeys for individuals seeking a harmonious balance of technology and nature in their pursuit of health and vitality.
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From appetite support and energy balance to fat metabolism and detox, MyGoLean takes a holistic approach to slimming - focusing not just on the body, but on your lifestyle, mindset, and long-term goals.
Wellness Backed by Nature and Proven by Science
One of the key differentiators of the MyGoLean approach is its reliance on natural, plant-based active ingredients that have been thoroughly researched and, in many cases, clinically tested for their efficacy.
Each formulation is built on botanical extracts - not powders - which means the ingredients are far more bioavailable, delivering concentrated actives in doses that actually make a difference. From appetiteregulating Glucomannan to energy-boosting Grains of Paradise, the MyGoLean range is grounded in evidence, not trends.
Key benefits supported by MyGoLean's actives include:
•Curbing appetite and emotional eating
•Supporting a calorie deficit naturally
• Promoting fat metabolism and energy expenditure
•Aiding gentle detox and water balance
•Helping to regulate blood sugar levels
•Enhancing mood and vitality without stimulants
It's a blend of modern nutritional science and ancient plant wisdom - bottled up for convenience, and designed with your wellbeing in mind.
Why 'Happy Shape' Is the New Goal
At MyGoLean, we don't believe in one ideal body type or a rigid number on the scale. We believe in helping you find and feel good in your happy shape - whatever that means for you. Some people aim for lean muscle and definition. Others feel their best with softer curves and sustainable energy. All goals are valid, and your pace is your choice.
That's why the MyGoLean system is designed to be flexible and customisable. You can use the three core products individually or combine them to build a program that suits your lifestyle and rhythm. There's no pressure to go "all in" overnight - just the tools to support your body in the way it needs.
Meet the MyGoLean Trio
MyGoLean Daily Drops
A delicious cherry-flavoured tonic that supports detox, hydration, and daily energy balance. Formulated to:
• Encourage natural water intake
• Gently detox the body
• Provide a clean boost of energy through the day
Why it works: Staying hydrated is one of the most overlooked elements of successful weight management. These drops help make that habit easier - and tastier - while adding supportive actives for cleansing and invigoration.
MyGoLean Calorie Curb
Your go-to supplement to support a natural calorie deficit and reduce snacking. Formulated with Glucomannan, a plant fibre that expands in your stomach to create a feeling of fullness.
•Promotes satiety between meals
•Reduces mindless eating and sugar cravings
•Includes prebiotic ingredients for gut health
Why it works: Glucomannan has been proven to support weight loss when used in conjunction with a calorie-controlled diet. It swells up to 50 times its weight in water, helping you feel satisfied for longer - without harsh stimulants or appetite suppressants.
MyGoLean ThermoBoost
A dual-purpose formula designed to help you burn fat more efficiently and boost motivation for physical activity.
•Powered by Grains of Paradise, a thermogenic plant extract proven to activate brown fat
•Supports energy expenditure and endurance
•Doubles as a pre-workout boost for focused, sustained energy
Why it works: Brown fat is the body's metabolically active fat - the kind that burns calories to generate heat. ThermoBoost helps trigger this process, providing a gentle but effective increase in daily energy burn.
Supporting
the Whole Journey - Not Just the Start
One of the biggest challenges in weight management is consistency. Many people start strong but struggle to maintain momentum, especially with restrictive diets or unrealistic expectations. MyGoLean was designed with real life in mind - where energy dips, cravings happen, and schedules get busy.
These aren't magic pills. They're wellness companions that work alongside your routine to help you stay focused, supported, and nourished. Whether you're on a structured program, experimenting with intuitive eating, or simply aiming to feel more in control, MyGoLean adapts to where you are.
The formulations also complement other healthy habits - such as meal planning, movement, sleep hygiene, and hydration - rather than replacing them. This integrated approach leads to more sustainable results, both physically and mentally.
A Thoughtful Brand for Conscious Consumers
In a market full of extreme claims and questionable ingredients, MyGoLean takes a transparent, science-led approach. Each formula is thoughtfully designed
by Asteria Pharm, a name associated with innovation, quality, and responsibility.
• No artificial fillers or unnecessary stimulants
• Plant-based and cruelty-free
• Effective, clinically supported doses
• Packaged for convenience and consistency
The brand's emphasis on sustainability and safety means that every bottle is a step toward a more mindful lifestyle - one that values your health, the planet, and your sense of self.
Ready to Reset?
You don't need a perfect body - just a plan that helps you feel good in yours. Whether you're starting small or ready to commit to a bigger shift, MyGoLean is here to walk with you, not push you.
Because wellness isn't about pressure. It's about progress - and finding joy in the journey to your happy shape.
For more information:
Visit: www.asterialifestyle.co.za
Tel: 012 998 4486 sales@asteriasa.co.za
VELOSOL, a sports supplement range formulated to enhance peak performance in athletes will be launching July 2025. The first products to be launched will be an EAA + BAA combo and Electrolytes in a variety of delicious flavours.
Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) and electrolytes offer various benefits for athletes and individuals with active lifestyles. EAAs are crucial for muscle building and repair, while electrolytes support hydration and muscle function. Together, they can enhance performance, recovery, and overall health.
The breakdown of the benefits:
Electrolytes:
• Hydration: Electrolytes help regulate fluid balance, preventing dehydration and maintaining optimal hydration levels, especially during and after physical activity.
• Muscle Function: Electrolytes like calcium and potassium are essential for muscle contractions and preventing cramps.
•Nerve Function: Electrolytes are crucial for nerve impulses and proper nerve function.
• Heart Health: Electrolytes play a role in maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart rate.
•Exercise Performance: Electrolytes help maintain energy levels and prevent fatigue during exercise.
• Recovery: Replenishing electrolytes after exercise can aid in muscle recovery and reduce soreness.
BCAAs:
• Muscle Building & Repair: BCAAs are crucial for muscle protein synthesis, helping to build and repair muscle tissue after exercise.
• Reduced Muscle Damage: BCAAs may help reduce muscle damage and soreness after intense workouts.
• Improved Endurance: BCAAs can help delay fatigue and improve endurance during prolonged exercise.
•Cognitive Function: BCAAs may improve focus and concentration during workouts, potentially due to their effect on tryptophan levels in the brain.
Together, BCAAs and electrolytes:
• Optimize Hydration: BCAAs can promote water uptake into muscle cells, while electrolytes help regulate fluid balance, creating a synergistic effect for hydration.
• Enhance Muscle Recovery: Combining BCAAs for muscle repair with electrolytes for hydration and function can lead to faster and more complete recovery.
• Improve Performance: By supporting hydration, muscle function, and reducing fatigue, BCAAs and electrolytes can contribute to improved athletic performance.
Ultimate Wellness Experience: Why an Ozone Sauna is a Must-Have
Today, we dive into the world of luxurious spa treatments and explore one of the hottest trends in the industrythe ozone sauna. As spa-goers increasingly seek innovative ways to enhance their relaxation and wellbeing, ozone saunas has emerged as a must-have for any modern spa. We will discuss the numerous benefits and advantages of incorporating an ozone sauna into your spa. So, let's indulge in the rejuvenating power of ozone and discover why this treatment is revolutionizing the spa experience.
The Power of Ozone:
The first question that might come to mind is, what exactly is ozone? Ozone is a highly reactive form of oxygen that occurs naturally in the Earth's atmosphere. When used in a spa setting, ozone can provide a range of therapeutic benefits.
The ozone sauna, combines the therapeutic benefits of traditional saunas with the healing properties of ozone therapy, harnessing the power of this incredible naturally occurring gas, composed of three oxygen atoms, to create a truly transformative spa experience.
The Benefits of Ozone Saunas
1. Detoxification at Its Finest:
One of the primary benefits of ozone saunas is their unparalleled ability to detoxify the body. As spa-goers relax in the sauna, the heat opens up the pores, allowing ozone to penetrate deeply into the skin. Ozone works by oxidizing toxins and impurities, helping to flush them out of the body through perspiration. This detoxification process can leave individuals feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and lighter both physically and mentally.
2.
Enhanced Wellness and Immunity:
Ozone is a potent immune system booster, making ozone saunas an excellent choice for individuals looking to strengthen their body's natural defenses. When ozone is introduced into the sauna environment, it stimulates the production of white blood cells, which play a crucial role in fighting off infections and diseases. Regular sessions in an ozone sauna can help fortify
the immune system, reducing the risk of illness and promoting overall wellness.
3. Improved Circulation
The heat generated by an ozone sauna causes blood vessels to dilate, promoting better circulation throughout the body. Improved circulation delivers oxygen-rich blood to tissues and organs, enhancing their function and promoting healing. Additionally, enhanced blood flow can help alleviate muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and promote faster recovery from injuries, making ozone saunas an excellent choice for athletes and individuals with chronic pain conditions.
4. Skin Rejuvenation:
Ozone has powerful antioxidant properties that can rejuvenate and revitalize the skin. When ozone is absorbed into the skin during a sauna session, it helps neutralize free radicals and promote collagen production, leading to smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.
Ozone saunas are particularly beneficial for individuals with skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, and improve overall skin health.
5. Stress Relief and Relaxation:
Last but not least, ozone saunas are incredibly effective at promoting relaxation and stress relief. The combination of soothing heat and ozone therapy creates a tranquil environment that calms the mind and relaxes the body. As spa-goers unwind in the sauna, they can let go of tension and stress, leaving them feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the world. Say goodbye to stress and hello to a peaceful state of mind.
As we conclude our exploration of the ozone sauna and its transformative effects on the spa experience. From detoxification and enhanced immunity to rejuvenated skin and stress relief, the ozone sauna is a must-have in your spa as it offers a multitude of benefits that will leave your clients glowing from the inside out. So, take the leap and embrace the power of ozone in your spa today!
Why Incorporate an Ozone Sauna into Your Spa?
1. Attracts Discerning Clients In today's competitive spa industry, offering innovative treatments sets you apart from the competition. Ozone saunas have gained popularity among wellness enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge therapies to enhance their spa experience. By incorporating an ozone sauna into your spa, you'll attract discerning clients who are eager to explore the latest advancements in relaxation and well-being.
2. Enhances Spa Offerings Adding an ozone sauna to your spa's menu of services enhances your offerings and provides clients with a comprehensive wellness experience. By diversifying your spa's treatment options, you'll cater to a broader range of clientele and increase customer satisfaction.
3. Boosts Revenue As clients discover the transformative benefits of ozone therapy, they'll be more inclined to book regular sauna sessions, leading to increased revenue for your business. Additionally, offering ozone sauna packages and memberships can further incentivise clients to commit to regular visits, providing a steady stream of income for your spa.
4. Differentiates Your Brand Incorporating an ozone sauna into your spa not only distinguishes you from competitors but also reinforces your brand as a leader in wellness innovation. This differentiation strengthens your brand identity and fosters client loyalty in a crowded marketplace.
For more information contact Salvagente Email: info@salvagente.co.za www.salvagente.co.za
Led By Destination Spas, Wellness Travel Is Booming
A relatively new segment of the industry, wellness tourism is now growing at a 50 percent faster rate than conventional tourism, with no signs of slowing down. A report by Global Wellness Institute reveals the global wellness economy generated more than $4.4 trillion in revenue while the wellness tourism sector accounted for $436 billion. A substantial number of people are making it a priority to provide wellness programs and packages to offer a muchneeded mind, body and soul reboot.
Sarah Fox, Fitwel Ambassador, Associate Principal, CallisonRTKL, says, “The key to wellness is finding balance with self and place. The inherent advantages that allow for wellness travel comes with a price –your social obligation to respect your impact to a place and community and honor it by giving back. As travelers of this world, we all must understand our individual connection to the ecosystem, and the power we have to keep it in balance for the greater good.”
Cheryl Smith, Regional Practice Leader, NELSON Worldwide, adds, “Indoor spaces that encompass the use of natural materials, like wood, biophilic design such as living green walls and other indoor plant materials and daylight will improve the metal wellbeing of the guests by connecting them to nature. Hospitality design that creates a variety of outdoor spaces will connect guests to the nature and provide a broad offering of outdoor programs improving overall mental and physical health of the guests.”
As an example: The very first of its kind in the United States, The Snow Room at The Lodge at Woodloch in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania is a great alternative to the age-old Tyrolean tradition of the cold bucket shower, as it is a more gentle form of cooling. In the Snow Room, the compact dry snow and the crisp cold air allow for rapid and efficient cooling that is extraordinarily gentle, mild and pleasurable. The Snow Room features snow covered branches and bench ideal for holistic cooling of the body after a hot sauna experience. The co-ed Himalayan Salt Sauna includes a Himalayan Salt
By Roger Sands spa therapies
Wall. When heated, Himalayan salt releases negatively charged ions which serve to purify the circulating air as well as allow our bodies to reap health benefits including stress reduction, energy increases and mood boosts at a biochemical level.
Connection and wellness is top of mind. Kimpton Kitalay Samui: IHG hotels and resorts across the globe aim to help guests relax and recharge. “Wellness and well-being are no longer being looked at as an indulgence and are instead considered responsible investments and priority components of people’s daily routines,” says Andy Barge, wellness director, Six Senses Ibiza. With connection and wellness top of mind at Kimpton Kitalay Samui, Koh Samui, Thailand, its Pimãanda by HARNN spa graciously pampers for those seeking to restore balance with a 14-step spa ritual or its signature treatment, “Paradise of Wondrous Sea.” Inspired by the Manora dance dramas of the southern provinces of Thailand, it begins with the Kasi Thara Bath Ritual before moving onto a natural pearl body scrub that readies the skin for the Trio of Bliss, a warm oil massage that combines three massage techniques.
The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort. The resort is ideal for guests who want to indulge themselves. The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort in the serene beach community of Riviera Pacifica lies just two hours outside of the hustle and bustle of Panama City. The resort is ideal for guests who want to indulge themselves in rest and reflection with its new wellness package. Included is a 50-minute recovery therapy massage at the resort’s award-winning Corotú Spa, health-focused meals, complimentary use of bicycles, kayaks, volleyball and tennis courts. Guests staying five days or longer can experience two spa treatments. The 118-room resort offers a range of on-site activities with seven swimming pools, two Jacuzzis and four plunge pools. With nature at the forefront, guests seeking adventure have access to horseback riding sessions throughout the property’s pristine trails.
Ojai Valley Inn: A Private Kuyam Experience at Ojai Valley Inn is an ideal way to reboot. A Chumash
Native American Indian word that means “a place to rest together,” Kuyam combines the therapeutic effects of self-applied desert clay infused with essential oils, intense dry heat and inhalation therapy. In a sauna-like environment, the journey is guided by a traditional Chumash narrative. This unique detoxifying experience is concluded with a refreshing rinse and presentation of herbal tea while your body core temperature cools.
Lake Nona Wave Hotel: Guests of the brand new Lake Nona Wave Hotel, Orlando, Florida, can take advantage of the hotel’s Technogym-powered fitness studio while enjoying the Lake Nona Performance Club, one of the most complete wellness centers in the nation. Within the center experience mindfulness at Dr. Deepak Chopra’s recently debuted, first-ever Chopra Mind Body Zone and Spa, offering aerial yoga and ayurvedic massage. From rock climbing and virtual golf tuition to group cycling and barre classes, guests can choose between several extensive fitness offerings. Lake Nona Wave Hotel conceptualized Well+ech by Wave – a collection of five guest rooms equipped with a rotating roster of inventions from ten of the year’s most pioneering brands leading the future of health and sleep innovations.
Experience a number of unique guided Journeys at The Mauna Kea Resort. On the Island of Hawaii, The Mauna Kea Resort offers visitors the chance to experience a number of unique guided “Journeys” taking key elements of ancient wisdom to restore personal balance. Each journey is curated to transport the mind and spirit to destinations across the globe. An Asian Journey includes a Balinese Massage, Mandara Signature Facial, Mandara Coffee and Coconut Milk Body Polish. The Indian Journey features a Fire & Ice Massage, Biotec Skin Surfacer Facial, Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Grow.
Roger Sands: As a travel journalist for three decades, my articles have appeared in The New York Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer, BELLA NYC, US News & World Report and many other media outlets.
