We highlight five unique wellness concepts and destinations that not only rejuvenate the body but also the mind and soul.
These days, a hotel’s wellness offerings are not simply add-ons to the main amenities or a priority only if one heads to a resort. Relaxing, rejuvenation and even Science-based treatments in hotel spas have become a key component of a holistic travel experience; in fact, many trumpet their researched treatments and high-tech facilities to stand out from the crowd. Many incorporate local culture, ingredients, or techniques as ways for travellers to undergo more thorough or unique wellness encounters.
Taking time to slow down and looking after one’s health became a key concern during the Covid-19 pandemic, and this has not slowed down. It parallels the importance placed on sustainability and a general state of being well as part of the earth’s ecosystem. The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) first measured wellness tourism at $439 billion in 2012. In 2019, wellness tourism expenditures had reached $720 billion, and the amount continues to increase.
In particular, wellness is given much priority in luxury travel. This is especially so with the UHNWI (Ultra-High-Net Worth Individual) traveller not holding back on expenditure in exchange for one-of-a-kind, high-end experiences. The website observes, “Wellness tourism may help destinations mitigate the negative impacts of mass tourism or over-tourism. Because wellness travellers tend to be high-spenders and favour experiences that are authentic and unique, there is less pressure for destination to engage in a ‘race to the bottom’ strategy that competes on price and quality.”
Here, we bookmark five special wellness experiences in Asia to work towards the New Year afresh.
Amanwana Underwater Wellness Retreat
There is something powerful about being submerged in the ocean among sea creatures and being gently lulled by its water currents. The Underwater Wellness Retreat is a unique experience by Amanwana harnessing the natural healing powers of the underwater world surrounding Moyo Island in Indonesia. Promising to rejuvenate one’s body and soul, the multi-day itinerary (choose from three or six nights) is hosted by visiting practitioners and comprises activities above and below the water.
Intriguing adventures include 6 am sunrise breathwork sessions on a boat overlooking Mount Tambora, Wet Static Apnea underwater meditation, free diving with an experienced instructor, a journey to Mata Jitu Waterfall for more meditation, an interactive workshop on underwater photography, as well as a rare opportunity to swim with Whale sharks. With just 17 tents, Amanwana offers a real chance to disconnect while the Underwater Wellness Treat encourages one to connect with the riches of the natural world.
Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express
The first Dior Spa in Southeast Asia is not in a hotel, but on a train. Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train journey to Penang or Langkawi has turned one of 16 train carriages into a luxurious spa to add to one’s slow travel itinerary. This is probably the only time one can expect to have a change of scenery before and after treatment. There are two treatment cabins, dressed in the Christian Dior’s favourite emblem – the iconic Toile de Jouy motif. The pattern is also found on wall panels and curtains, alongside lattice timber walls, cream-coloured seating and elegant shelves displaying Dior products. Treatments include D-Jungle – a rhythmic, deep-muscle massage from head to toe that deploys stretching techniques and targets energy points. Add to that the Kobo-Dior Facial Treatment, which is rooted in the ancient, anti-aging Japanese Kobido massage tradition. The latter uses Dior Prestige Skincare products and promises to rejuvenate the skin through a series of precise and gentle movements – a perfect refresh from excursions such as a trek in the Taman Negara National Park or gallivant through historic streets in Penang.
Six Senses Kyoto
The Six Senses brand makes a grand entrance into Japan with Six Senses Kyoto. Designed by Clint Nagata of Blink Design Group, which has conceived a tranquil setting of local timber and craft elements, it offers a compressive range of experiences incorporating smart science, traditional healing and Japanese Zen culture. The facilities are impressive – almost half a floor devoted to treatment rooms – each with a unique design – gender-separated bathhouses with saunas, steam rooms and hot pools, as well as Japan’s first dedicated Watsu pool.
Skilled therapists can arrange for a high-tech health screening that measures one’s inner health, movement, and sleep patterns in order to personalise treatments. One can also get a quick fix at the bio-hack recovery lounge, reclining on vibration-therapy chairs with light therapy masks and recovery compression boots to a tranquil garden view. The signature treatments are a key highlight: the Ah-Un massage involves Zen meditation and tuning forks, and Omakase is based on the concept of Sekki micro-seasons. In the later, one fills in a form to mix and match desired treatment types – hot stone and facial, for instance – that change seasonally.
Damai Spa at Grand Hyatt Singapore
This year, Grand Hyatt Singapore reopened after an elaborate renovation. Its beloved Damai Spa that officially opens in December features corridors of bamboo-like cast concrete walls and soothing ambient lighting by Japanese design firm NAO Taniyama & Associates. Thermal-hydrotherapy facilities include an air lounge hydro pool, dual-therapy sauna and contrast therapy shower promoting bio-harmonising, which relies on gradual improvements to strengthen one’s physiology and psychology while giving the body sufficient time for repair and regeneration. Outside, a new wellness pool and 25-metre swimming pool are set in lush gardens designed by landscape consultancy Grant Associates.
Take note of the 90-minute Brain Body Hacker 2.0 – a first-in-Singapore treatment promising to clear the mind and reduce brain fog. It combines the restorative properties of The Tides oceanic product line (exclusive to Grand Hyatt Singapore) with the power of Quantum Harmonics™. The latter is a proprietary technology delivering targeted vibrations to the body through a special lounger. This is synchronised with binaural beats and calming soundscapes using a headphone. Thereafter, a therapeutic massage by a skilled therapist, a round of dynamic stretching to release the body’s feel-good hormones, and then a refreshing head scrub and warm foot massage.
St. Regis Spa in Singapore
Redesigned by Avalon Collective, the St. Regis Spa in Singapore is a bona-fide wellness retreat in the city and home to the award-winning Remède Spa that blends science and nature. Aside from treatment rooms, it also offers an aqua reflex path and eucalyptus-scented steam chambers. Exclusive to Singapore are treatments like the Black Soap and Rassoul Hammam Ritual, which has one wrapped in a peshtemal tower and laid on a heated marble bed before Argan oil is massaged onto the face. This treatment ends with a warm Vichy shower, which is a unique shower experience originating from France, and that uses differential temperature and pressure to induce relaxation. Administered by a therapist, it is believed to aid lymphatic drainage and improve overall immunity function. One lies on a dedicated platform and is washed by as many as seven showerheads positioned three feet above. Gallons of water running over the body in an intense yet therapeutic way over ten minutes is sure to leave one feeling both relaxed and rejuvenated.
