Following the success of its inaugural chapter in June, India: Beginning with Balance with Reema Datta, Bali‘s creative village, Desa Potato Head, is preparing for the second chapter of its landmark series, Merasa Origins: Java, taking place this September. Tracing the cultural roots of Balinese wellness practices across India, Java, and Bali, this three-part series brings together leading practitioners from each distinct tradition.

Unfolding across three four-day chapters throughout the year, the programme combines physical practice, philosophy, and ritual within a fully integrated setting, each exploring a different point along this historical lineage. Designed to be experienced as complete systems rather than isolated techniques, Merasa Origins offers a deeper understanding of how these ancestral traditions have been shaped by place, carried across generations, and continue to inform contemporary wellbeing today.

About Merasa Origins

At Desa Potato Head Bali, wellbeing is understood as something lived rather than prescribed. The Indonesian word merasa, meaning “to feel,” reflects this approach, pointing to an experience that is sensed first and understood over time.

Across the Desa, this takes form through a daily rhythm of movement, meditation, workshops and treatments. High-energy training sits alongside slower, more introspective practices, from sunrise meditation and breathwork to plant-based healing, traditional therapies and sound immersions. Guests move between these states naturally, engaging with wellbeing in ways that are both active and restorative.

Merasa Origins builds on this foundation. Conceived as a series of immersive chapters, it explores the deeper cultural and philosophical roots behind these practices, tracing how they evolved and continue to shape contemporary wellbeing in Bali today.

Tracing the lineage

The journey begins in India, where Vedic knowledge laid the foundations for practices such as yoga and Ayurveda, alongside early ideas about the relationship between body, mind and cosmos. Over time, these philosophies travelled east to Java, where they merged with Buddhist teachings and local belief systems, forming a distinct spiritual language.

In the 14th century, this synthesis continued into Bali through the Majapahit empire, where it became embedded in everyday life. What is now recognised as Balinese wellbeing is the result of this layered history, shaped over centuries and still practiced today.

Merasa Origins follows this path as a lived experience, allowing participants to engage with each stage in context rather than in isolation.

The programme unfolds across three immersions in 2026, each rooted in a different point along this lineage: India in June, Java in September and Bali in November. Each takes place entirely within Desa Potato Head, where accommodation, practice and community exist within one continuous environment.

Across four days and three nights, each immersion follows a clear arc, moving from activation into reflection and, finally, integration.

September 2026: Java – Entering Depth

The second immersion, Java: Entering Depth (10th to 13th September 2026), centres on the introspective philosophy of the ancient Javadwipa lineage, inviting participants to observe not only the ritual itself, but the self within it. Guided by recognised Tantric priest Pak Sugeng and spiritual anthropologist Serj Hunt, this four-day chapter draws on Hindu Buddhist Tantra and Javanese Kebatinan alongside practices passed down through sacred lineage.

The experience opens with a welcome dinner, setting an intentional tone of presence, humility and attention to detail for the days ahead. From there, a steady rhythm emerges. Days begin with centering practices that combine Javanese dance and collective morning mantras, while subsequent sessions shift into guided workshops exploring Tattwa Tutur, the three forms of Broto and the deeper frameworks of Right Relationship.

Each practice approaches ritual not as performance, but as a mirror reflecting intention, devotion and inner clarity. Sacred reenactments focus on the physical and spiritual devotion of Yadnya and Upacara, while quieter sessions turn inward, working with ethics, understanding of truth and personal reflection. Afternoons allow space for rest and integration before participants return to more introspective workshops, knowledge sharing and guided inquiry.

Shared meals and informal moments of connection run throughout, creating a sense of continuity between practice and daily life. As the immersion deepens, collective rituals come into play, including a Tolak Balak ceremony centred on protection and the clearing of negative forces.

The final day shifts into stillness, with quiet reflection followed by a closing lunch and ritual of blessing. Designed as a point of integration, it offers a way to carry forward what has been experienced, not as a fixed outcome, but as something that continues to unfold beyond the retreat.

The subsequent immersion in Bali (November 2026) will conclude this journey, completing the ancestral lineage and offering a final layer of understanding of how these wellness traditions continue to adapt, survive, and flourish today.

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The Anam Mui Ne Champa Journey spa

Luxury beachfront resort The Anam Mui Ne has unveiled ‘Champa Journey’, a new collection of four spa rituals inspired by Mui Ne’s ties to the ancient Champa Kingdom and Vietnam’s herbal healing traditions.

A Hindu-Buddhist civilisation that flourished along Vietnam’s central and southern coastline for more than a millennium, the Champa Kingdom remains an enduring part of the region’s cultural history. Contemporary in approach, The Anam Mui Ne’s new wellness collection draws inspiration from this legacy through native botanicals and therapies focused on calming the mind and body, and supporting circulation and natural energy flow.

Many of the ingredients used in these 120-minute rituals — such as perilla leaves, lemongrass, pandan leaves, aloe vera, turmeric, pomelo leaves and sea salt — have long been used in traditional Vietnamese remedies. Perilla leaves are valued in Vietnamese herbal medicine for their warming and restorative qualities. Sea salt pays homage to Mui Ne’s littoral atmosphere.

Many of the ingredients used in the 120-minute rituals pay homage to Mui Ne’s littoral atmosphere.

Rice, long renowned across Asia as a symbol of life and nourishment, features throughout the collection. Warm rice herbal compresses combine roasted rice with lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, perilla leaves and local herbs. Mineral-rich mud, inspired by the ancient Champa Kingdom’s connection to the earth and sea, features in facial rituals for its purifying and nourishing benefits to leave the skin radiant.

‘Champa Dawn Renewal’ begins with purifying steam therapy, followed by an Ayurvedic head message and herbal foot ritual to stimulate circulation and awaken the senses. A delicate rice body polish exfoliates the skin in readiness for a full-body massage to release tension and create a sense of lightness.

Also starting out with a head massage and foot ritual, ‘Champa Sacred Earth’ centres on a herbal oil massage and a warm rice herbal compress massage to ground the body and quiet the mind. Designed to restore the body’s natural energy flow, ‘Champa Flow Within’ combines a wave-inspired massage with a herbal bath ritual.

Each ‘Champa Journey’ experience also includes light macrobiotic refreshments 

Undergirded by the healing power of flowers, ‘Champa Bloom Essence’ combines detoxifying steam therapy with a mineral-rich mud facial and a sound healing session to encourage a meditative state and restore emotional balance.

Each ‘Champa Journey’ experience also includes light macrobiotic refreshments concocted from herbs, grains, seeds and native botanicals ranging from elixirs and tonics such as ‘Golden Spice Ginger Tonic’ and ‘Imperial Jasmine Infusion’, to dishes such as ‘Forest Essence Mushroom Congee’ and ‘Silken Tofu Serenity’.

“We believe wellness should feel connected to where you are and the Champa Kingdom remains an important part of this region’s story,” said The Anam Mui Ne’s resort manager Peter Ye. “‘Champa Journey’ is our interpretation of that cultural connection through wellness, with treatments influenced by Vietnamese healing rituals and Mui Ne’s restorative beachfront setting.”

For further information or to make a booking, visit www.theanam.com, email info.mn@theanam.com or telephone +(84) 252 6284 868.

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From self-care to social-connection, TIA Wellness Resort in Vietnam is launching new social wellness experiences that bring guests together for healing and support. From a ‘Release and Renewal Fire Ceremony’ to ‘Sound and Stillness – A Collective Resonance Ritual’, TIA is creating spaces for connection that move beyond group classes.

Release & Renew

A 2025 report from the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Connection highlighted how widespread and serious social isolation and loneliness is within society. The landmark report calls on all sectors to treat social health with the same level of importance as we do mental and physical health.

“Our social wellness activities provide a container for people to gather, reflect and release,” explained Ramon Imper, general manager of TIA Wellness Resort. “The experiences may be rooted in inner reflection, but going through the process with others, and under the guidance of a facilitator provides a higher level of support and a feeling of community.”

Held each week on Friday at 6pm, the 30-minute Release and Renewal Fire Ceremony invites guests to pause, reflect, and take part in a symbolic ritual of release. Guests think about what they are ready to release — any thoughts, emotions, or patterns that feel heavy or no longer serve them. They write them down and then place the paper into the fire, symbolically letting go. After that guests are invited to set a personal intention — something they wish to welcome, cultivate, or create in their lives. This intention is written down and also put in the fire, as guests engage in a ritual of transformation.

“The fire serves as a visual and energetic focal point, supporting a sense of closure, clarity, and forward movement,” said Ramon. “This shared yet deeply personal experience fosters emotional release, intention setting, and a renewed sense of lightness, allowing guests to move through their TIA journey with greater awareness and presence.”

Letters to Future Self

Sound and Stillness – A Collective Resonance Ritual is a sensory-based experience that takes place in the garden of the Wellness Center. Fragrant rosewood, dense mangroves, towering ferns, taro, and vibrant parakeet flowers grow in abundance within the tropical garden. Nature is the backdrop for an immersive soundscape where wind chimes, singing bowls, and simple instruments are arranged to create sound stations. In the 30-minute session, held each Wednesday at 5pm, guests are first guided to pause, breathe, and settle into the moment, before choosing an intention or feeling that they wish to cultivate. They are then invited to play an instrument, allowing the sound and vibration to carry their intention into the shared space.

“The key is minimal structure, no performance, no group timing — just a flowing, meditative soundscape created by guests,” added Ramon. “Studies have shown that sound healing helps reduce stress, tension and anxiety while improving spiritual wellbeing.”

“We created these rituals in response to a growing need from our guests for acts of self-care that brought them together with others,” said Ramon.

Eschewing quick fixes for long term change, over the last few years TIA has added more services that support guests once they leave the resort. In 2025 they launched WELL with TIA, a wellbeing YouTube channel with yoga, breathwork, and HIIT classes for use at home.

The team have now also launched ‘Letters to Your Future Self,’ where guests come together to reflect and write a personal letter to themselves during their stay at TIA. The practice encourages guests to capture how they feel, what they are releasing, and what they wish to carry forward. During the half hour session, held each Sunday at 5pm, guests can come and go as they finish their reflection. Each letter is then collected and mailed to the guest after departure.

TIA Wellness Resort

“This serves as a meaningful reminder of their time at TIA and the intentions they set for themselves,” said Ramon. “This act creates a lasting emotional connection that extends the wellness journey beyond the stay.”

The Release and Renewal Fire Ceremony, Sound and Stillness – A Collective Resonance Ritual, and Letters to Your Future Self are complimentary activities that have been added to the resort’s comprehensive activity schedule which includes creativity classes, HITT, yoga, and breathwork sessions.

For more information visit: https://tiawellnessresort.com/

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As more guests wish to bring home a reminder of the wellbeing cultivated at TIA Wellness Resort, the Vietnamese property has expanded its lifestyle boutique, refreshing the array of goods available for purchase and re-opening in a larger, brighter space.

The items now available range from tea to tableware, with some of the decorative elements in the rooms such as a small gong and curtain tassels inspired by mala beads, being among the most popular items with guests.

TIA Tea Collection

Jewellery, notebooks, tote bags, pillowcases, beach and yoga mat bags with distinct TIA designs, and affirmation cards –based on TIA’s wellbeing principles–are also part of the cornucopia of TIA-designed goods. The black and white designs come in three patterns that match the property’s ethos:

• Mala – inspired by the meditation tool of a mala bead necklace that invites stillness and a calm mind
• Splash – bold calligraphy brush stroke patterns including the hand-drawn Zen circle that reflects the idea of being daring, creative and stepping into one’s power
•  TIA – a design that draws on the Vietnamese meaning of the property’s name “ray of light” for a design reminiscent of the sun’s rays, inspiring guests to shine, to take action.

TIA recently created the TIA Signature Tea Collection, available in the store. The collection is inspired by the four pillars that guide the guest experience: Breathe, Flow, Nourish, and Create. Each blend is a thoughtful infusion of herbs and botanicals, chosen for their flavors, and therapeutic benefits. These teas are served daily at the Wellness Center, with selections changing throughout the week to support gentle detoxification, internal nourishment, and ritual enjoyment.

Teas, which are available individually or as a collection, include:

• BREATHE, a soothing blend of chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, and passion flower,
• FLOW which brings together lemongrass, ginger, and licorice root to awaken digestion,
• NOURISH a comforting combination of peppermint, fennel, chamomile, and ginger,
• CREATE an uplifting blend of butterfly pea flower, mint, and stevia, and
• WELLNESS, a grounding mix of green tea, daisy flower, and jujube.

TIA Boutique Window

While the expansion was born out of guest requests for many of the items encountered on property, it was important to the team that the goods could also act as a bridge to continue the TIA experience.

“Last year we launched a YouTube channel so guests could continue with the practices they experienced at the resort once they were back home,” explained Ramon Imper, general manager of the resort. “Like the online channel, the goods we offer are another way to tap back into the feelings of a stay – whether it be a visual queue from our tableware,  the taste and ritual of drinking our tea, the scent of our essential oils, or the sound from our gong.”

The new lifestyle boutique is now 25% bigger than the previous space and features a simple, calming design with crisp white walls and cool tiled floors, glass panels overlooking lush tropical gardens, and archways–a signature design element of the property.

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Available at Banyan Tree Samui from May 1, 2026, the Banyan Tree Connections: A Private, Immersive Holistic Wellbeing Journey for Two responds to a growing desire for meaningful connections in an increasingly fragmented world.  

Banyan Tree Samui couples wellness retreat

Banyan Tree Samui, an 88 pool villa beachfront property overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, announces the launch of Banyan Tree Connections: A Private, Immersive Wellbeing Journey for Two, now available for bookings for stays from May 1, 2026, onwards.

The programme invites guests to slow down and reconnect with themselves, with loved ones, and with the rhythms of nature through a curated series of movement, mindfulness, and shared rituals guided by Banyan Group’s 8 Pillars of Wellbeing philosophy.

“Banyan Tree Connections was created in response to a universal longing for deeper relationships, genuine presence, and time well spent together,” said Ms. Katejiraporn Kaewngarmsa-ard, Hotel Manager at Banyan Tree Samui. “Our tranquil resort, bathed in a lush tropical environment and idyllic for those seeking intimacy and peace of mind, is a natural canvas for a wellbeing journey shared between friends and/or family.”

kayaking with Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree Samui invites guests to experience a journey of wellbeing with a loved one or special partner through a personalized program of healthy living activities, each designed to nurture balance, presence and togetherness, with each experience initiated in harmony with the resort’s tropical beachfront setting, the island’s natural beauty, and Thailand’s spiritual culture.

Connections guests will begin their journey at Banyan Tree Samui with a 30-minute wellbeing consultation, undertaken by one of our professionally trained associates, in order to lay out a health and fitness itinerary that caters to each person’s individual targets.

Among the selection of pursuits included in the Connections program that a couple may benefit from are: a 60-minute session of Private Yoga Duo; Sound Healing Meditation; a one-time Herbal Massage Oil & Reflexology Workshop; two joint 60-minute spa treatments; kayaking; an introduction to Thai boxing; a private culinary workshop; and an intimate dinner for two served in style at our private beach.

A Sanctuary for the Senses

Banyan Tree Samui

Banyan Tree Samui’s 88 spacious pool villas, each with its own private infinity pool, provide a serene and secluded oasis where guests can unwind and reconnect with nature. Designed to seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape, the villas feature contemporary Thai architecture and are adorned with locally sourced materials and artwork, creating a truly authentic and immersive experience.

The resort hosts three restaurants, including Saffron which was recently listed in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide. Other onsite facilities include a fitness centre, a kids’ club, a meetings and events centre, and a library.

For more information and reservations, visit https://www.banyantree.com/thailand/samui/offers or contact samui@banyantree.com or tel: +66 077 915 333.

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Elevating Wellness with Unique Bath Rituals in Asia

In the realm of high-end travel and tourism in Asia, TIA Wellness Resort in Da Nang stands out by redefining relaxation. Gone are the days of simple baths; today, wellness travel emphasizes holistic experiences. TIA Wellness Resort offers comprehensive bath rituals designed to promote relaxation, radiance, and renewal, elevating the traditional soak into an unforgettable journey of self-care.

Tailored Bath Rituals for Complete Wellness

Guests can indulge in four exclusive bath rituals—Deep Slumber, Detox Harmony, Radiant Glow, and Romance Bliss—each crafted with care and available for an additional fee of VND 1,500,000 per bath. These rituals combine natural ingredients, ambient lighting, wellness drinks, and themed treats to provide a sensory-rich experience.

The Signature Bath Rituals

Deep Slumber for Restful Sleep

Detox Harmony – Luxury bath rituals in Asia

The “Deep Slumber” ritual begins with a relaxing massage at the resort’s wellness center, utilizing therapies like Himalayan Heart Stone and Deep Connection Remedy. Afterward, guests unwind in a lavender-infused bath featuring lavender oil, fresh flowers, Epsom salts, and mugwort—natural remedies known to ease anxiety and promote deep sleep. Soft candlelight or amber lighting enhances the calming environment, while a lavender eye mask and a Lavender Reishi Latte—a medicinal mushroom drink—further prepare the mind and body for restful sleep.

Detox Harmony for Skin & Soul

Inspired by Vietnamese botanical wisdom, the “Detox Harmony” bath combines a Red Dao herbal blend with ten native forest herbs, ginger, lemongrass, and Himalayan pink salt. This detoxifying soak is complemented by a spirulina detox shot and bliss balls, designed to purify skin and boost overall vitality. A lymphatic drainage therapy prior to the bath can amplify its detox effects.

Radiant Glow for Skin Brightening

The “Radiant Glow” bath infuses water with green tea, rose petals, Himalayan pink salt, raw honey, and coconut milk, promoting skin radiance. Guests can relax with a Collagen Pineapple Colada, while enjoying a homemade body scrub and facial sheet mask. For optimal results, pre-treatment skin prep like lotus root scrubs or facial treatments are recommended.

Romance Bliss for Intimacy & Connection

Designed for couples, the “Romance Bliss” bath features Damask rose petals, jasmine, honey, Himalayan pink salt, and aromatic oils of rose, lavender, and orange. Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries add a touch of luxury, while a tray of flowers, a love letter, and massage oils set the mood for intimacy. For a complete experience, pre-soak massages such as hot stone or bamboo roll-outs are available.

Why Choose TIA Wellness Resort for Your Travel in Asia?

TIA Wellness Resort Aerial Shot

Situated along the stunning coastline of Da Nang, TIA Wellness Resort offers more than just luxurious accommodations; it’s a holistic wellness destination. Emphasizing personalized retreat programs and wellness-inclusive stays, the resort ensures that every guest leaves feeling rejuvenated—whether on a romantic getaway, a wellness journey, or a luxury escape.

Travel in Asia often combines rich culture with natural beauty, and TIA Wellness Resort exemplifies this blend by integrating local traditions into its spa rituals. Its focus on total wellness makes it a prime destination for travelers seeking authentic, restorative experiences.

Book Your Wellness Retreat Today

For more information on TIA Wellness Resort’s exclusive bath rituals and wellness packages, visit TIA Wellness Resort. Embark on a journey of relaxation and renewal, and discover the best of Asian hospitality in one of its most beautiful coastal settings.

The post TIA Invites Rest and Radiance with New Wellness Bath Rituals appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Following its 20th anniversary year, Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary enters its third decade with a renewed focus on innovation, longevity, and integrative wellbeing. Set on the southern coast of Koh Samui, the sanctuary’s natural landscape of granite boulders, lush jungle canopies, and sweeping sea views forms an essential part of the Kamalaya experience, allowing guests to fully immerse in the restorative rhythm of the surroundings. Together, place and practice underpin Kamalaya’s long-standing approach, which brings ancient Eastern healing traditions into dialogue with contemporary Western medical research.

Kamalaya’s spiritual offerings provide space for reflection, renewal, and inner alignment

Kamalaya’s personalised wellness programmes are guided by a multidisciplinary team of experts, including naturopaths, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, yoga teachers, fitness trainers, massage therapists, meditation specialists, and Life Enhancement Mentors. This integrated model allows the sanctuary to address both physical health and emotional wellbeing through tailored, results-driven journeys.

Kamalaya has expanded its programming and introduced new offerings designed to enhance modern lifestyles. These build on the sanctuary’s emphasis on preventative care, resilience, and long-term vitality.

With more than 80 international awards to its name, Kamalaya continues to set benchmarks in the wellness sector in 2026. Here are five reasons to visit now.

Cognitive House & Brain Enhancement programme

Launched in 2025, Kamalaya’s Cognitive House marks a decisive expansion into advanced brain health optimisation. Conceived as a sanctuary within a sanctuary, it delivers targeted, results-driven therapies including Neuro-Lymphatic Therapy, Neurofeedback, Neuromodulation and Transcranial Photobiomodulation, all integrated within the sanctuary’s holistic framework.

Building on this foundation, the Brain Enhancement programme offers a structured, personalised pathway to improved cognitive performance. The programme blends cognitive therapies, advanced IV infusions, fitness and movement practices, and holistic activities. Together, the Cognitive House and Brain Enhancement programme position Kamalaya at the forefront of integrative neuroscience-led wellness, supporting sharper focus, mental clarity and long-term brain health.

Sleep Enhancement programme

Debuted in 2025, the Cognitive House was created to enhance cognitive function and mental wellbeing

Kamalaya’s Sleep Enhancement programme reflects the understanding that restorative sleep underpins every aspect of long-term wellbeing. Designed to address both the symptoms and root causes of sleep disruption, the programme integrates sleep-supportive nutrition, herbal therapies, acupuncture, cognitive treatments and mind–body practices, alongside advanced therapies such as gentle brain stimulation and oxygen-based treatments including ozone and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Together, these approaches calm the nervous system, rebalance brainwave activity, and support cellular repair.

Guests leave not only with improved sleep quality, but with practical tools and sustainable rituals that help maintain emotional balance and restorative rest long after their stay.

Personal Wellness Guardians: Guidance Beyond Your Stay

Kamalaya’s Personal Wellness Guardians are an extension of the global team and provide continuity of care before, during, and long after each stay. Offering personalised support across multiple time zones, these dedicated guides help guests prepare for their journey, navigate their on-site experience, and integrate new practices into daily life for up to a year after departure.

Radiant Bliss for Women’s Health at Every Stage of Life

First introduced in late 2023, Radiant Bliss supports women through key physical, emotional, and hormonal transitions. Grounded in personalised care, the programme begins with measuring essential health markers and integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine, tailored supplementation, somatic practices, and breathwork. It offers a nurturing framework for balance and renewal, supporting women from fertility and motherhood through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.

Spiritual Practices and Inner Work

Kamalaya has entered its third decade with irresistible momentum after marking its 20th anniversary last year

Rooted in ancient yogic and Vedic traditions, Kamalaya’s spiritual offerings provide space for reflection, renewal, and inner alignment. Guided by experienced spiritual teachers, guests can engage in practices ranging from private fire ceremonies and mantra chanting to meditation, Kriya Yoga, and traditional cleansing rituals. These one-on-one and small-group experiences support emotional clarity, spiritual grounding, and meaningful transition, offering tools that extend beyond the stay and into daily life.

For more information, please contact Evelyne Raymakers at marcomm@kamalaya.com. For reservations and further information, please visit kamalaya.com, email reservations@kamalaya.com or call +66 (0) 77 429 800.

About Kamalaya

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary is a multi-award-winning haven nestled on the tranquil southern coast of Koh Samui, Thailand. Since 2005, Kamalaya has provided a nurturing environment for guests to reconnect with balance, vitality, and inner harmony. Integrating the wisdom of Eastern healing traditions with the science of Western medicine, Kamalaya offers personalised wellness programmes that support individual paths to lifelong wellbeing. Programmes include Detoxification, Gut Health, Sleep Enhancement, Movement & Strength, Emotional Resilience, and Longevity.

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Recently awarded Two Keys in the MICHELIN Guide’s 2025 appraisal of hotels in Thailand, the luxurious beachfront resort of Banyan Tree Samui has announced upgraded services to amplify its spa and wellbeing experience. Guests and visitors to award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Samui will henceforth be afforded an enhanced guest journey from the moment they walk through the door until they leave the spa fully refreshed and rejuvenated.

Following consultation for treatment, the spa will blend a bespoke massage oil with ingredients that relate directly to the guest’s requests and condition, a protocol that’s rarely observed elsewhere. The guest’s personalized massage oil includes the likes of lavender, geranium, thyme, sandalwood, rose, cedar and bergamot.

The healing properties within these delicate concoctions are based on the principles of Banyan Tree’s own holistic “Eight Pillars” wellbeing philosophy – focusing on Rest; Nourishment, Connection; Movement; Mindfulness; Growth; Groundedness; and Practice.

Banyan Tree Samui spa upgrade

A newly elevated “purifying ritual” greets all spa guests on arrival with local healthy drinks, snacks, essential oils and cedarwood-scented towels, creating an ambience of serenity. Feet are soaked in warm water including revitalising herbal ingredients and Himalayan salts.

Guests are then gently ushered into a private massage room, where they are met by soothing music and personally selected incense. Warm thermal pads placed under the head and warm eye pillows accentuate the feeling of blissful repose.

Banyan Tree Spa Samui offers a range of massage treatments, including the 150-minute Royal Banyan, a signature Banyan Tree offering, delivering a combination of Eastern and Western techniques to improve blood circulation and ease muscle pains.

Another signature massage that emphasizes the richness of Thai traditional techniques is the Sukhothai Heritage, a 150-minute experience infused with fresh coconut, jasmine rice, turmeric and tamarind; while the Tropical Rainmist treatment is a unique Banyan Tree innovation, with guests dowsed in a trickling rainshower before encountering a vigorous body scrub to purify the skin.

Massages are concluded gracefully with Koshi chimes and Tibetan bells, allowing the guest to gently re-emerge from their reverie.

The spa’s masseuses, most of whom have received intensive training at the Banyan Spa Wellbeing Academy in Phuket, are on hand to offer post-treatment health advice and recommendations.

Banyan Tree Spa Samui is also host to one of Thailand’s most unique facilities, The Rainforest, a hydrotherapeutic journey through a delightful bamboo-themed course of spas, saunas, ice baths, and jet pools.

The Rainforest was described by the MICHELIN Guide 2024 as a place “where tropical serenity meets holistic wellness”.

This year’s MICHELIN Guide listed Banyan Tree Samui resort as one of only 27 hotels in the country that had attained either a 2-Key or 3-Key rating, with distinction based on five criteria: excellence in architecture and design; quality of service; overall personality and character; value for money; and meaningful contributions to the local community.

This is the second year in a row that Banyan Tree Samui has been granted Two Keys, following a similar award in the MICHELIN Guide’s inaugural edition in 2024.

Opened in 2010, the 88-key Banyan Tree Samui is a luxury all-pool villa resort. The 38-acre property is rich in flora and plant life, and its private beach is flanked by coral reefs. The resort hosts three restaurants, a spa with Banyan Tree’s signature Rainforest hydrotherapy facility, a fitness centre, a kids’ club, a meetings and events centre, and a library.

Villas at Banyan Tree Samui, each with a private infinity pool, start from US$585 per night.

ABOUT BANYAN TREE

Banyan Tree (www.banyantree.com) offers a Sanctuary to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul in awe-inspiring locations around the globe. Rediscover the romance of travel as you journey to iconic destinations where authentic, memorable experiences await. An all-villa concept often with private pools, Banyan Tree provides genuine, authentic service and a distinctive, premium retreat experience.

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For centuries, Japan’s onsen (hot springs) have been a symbol of healing, relaxation, and cultural tradition. Now, in an innovative leap, a Tokyo-based company has found a way to transform these mineral-rich waters into powder — making it possible to export the authentic onsen experience across the globe.

From Mountains to Powder

The company Le Furo, based in Tokyo, has developed a patented technology known as craft onsen. The process extracts and filters the essential minerals found in hot spring water — elements like iron, magnesium, and zinc — and reduces them into fine powder. This innovation preserves the therapeutic benefits of onsen water without the need to transport heavy, perishable liquid.

CEO Naoki Mita compares the method to preparing espresso: “Just as coffee beans are ground into fine powder, we concentrate the essence of onsen minerals into a form that can be easily reconstituted.”

Unlike many commercial powders sold in stores, which often replicate only the scent or color of hot springs, Le Furo’s formula contains the real natural elements that give onsen their unique healing properties.

Aiming for the Gulf by 2026

The company’s first international focus is the Gulf region, where water is seen as more valuable than oil. Plans are already in motion to open spa facilities infused with Japanese onsen minerals by 2026.

For decades, exporting the real onsen experience was considered impossible due to logistics and hygiene concerns. Now, this breakthrough could allow travelers worldwide to enjoy an authentic Japanese spa ritual without leaving their country.

Tradition Meets Innovation

Japan is home to around 28,000 onsen facilities (Ministry of Environment, 2021), making hot springs a central part of both local life and tourism. They are not just baths, but places of community, wellness, and cultural exchange.

If you’re curious about exploring onsen culture in Japan itself, the Japan National Tourism Organization’s Onsen Guide is a great starting point to learn about bathing etiquette and the best hot spring regions.

This new technology opens the possibility of bringing that centuries-old tradition into modern wellness resorts worldwide. Yet, it also comes at a time when Japan’s onsen towns are struggling with overtourism, highlighting the delicate balance between sharing traditions and protecting their origins.

Why It Matters for Travelers

For wellness enthusiasts and cultural travelers, this innovation could mean:

• Authentic onsen-inspired spas closer to home.

• Easier access to Japanese wellness traditions outside Asia.

• A new trend in global luxury spa experiences.

Still, nothing replaces soaking in a steaming outdoor bath in the snowy Japanese Alps — but for many, powdered onsen may be the next best thing.

The post Japan Turns Its Onsen Into Powder for Global Wellness appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

The Anam Mui Ne has expanded its spa and wellness offerings with a menu of Himalayan singing bowl therapies that offer an array of health benefits

The Anam Mui Ne, an Indochine-era inspired resort in Vietnam’s popular beach town Mui Ne, has expanded its spa and wellness offerings with a menu of Himalayan singing bowl therapies that offer an array of health benefits.

Used for centuries for healing and meditation purposes, the therapy involves running a mallet along the edge of a metal bowl in a slow, circular motion to create a rich and deep sound that resonates throughout the body.

The Anam Spa’s new Himalayan singing bowl therapies are believed to stimulate circulation and boost the immune system, alleviate stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, balance energy, release blockages, help naturally detoxify the body, and promote emotional healing.

From 45 to 60 minutes, the “Relaxing”, “Balancing”, “Detoxifying”, “Healing Power” and “Healing Sound Bath” treatments afford a variety of health benefits.

Used for centuries for healing and meditation purposes, the therapy involves running a mallet along the edge of a metal bowl in a slow, circular motion

“Relaxing” involves seven different singing bowls to relax “brain waves and all cells in the body”, relieving tension in the muscles and nervous system. “Balancing” targets the seven chakras and the brain’s two hemispheres, believed to balance energy and help with depression.

“Detoxifying” focuses on the liver, spleen and kidneys to boost the body’s detoxification process. “Healing Power” deploys warm water and Himalayan bowl vibrations to address muscle bundles, improving blood circulation and making the skin glow.

The Anam Spa’s new Himalayan singing bowl therapies are believed to stimulate circulation and boost the immune system

“Healing Sound Bath” aims to create peace of mind and treat ailments such as headaches and neck and shoulder pain.

The Anam Spa also offers complimentary hour-long group singing bowl sessions for up to five people. The spa is home to five treatment rooms including three VIP rooms designed for couples – each equipped with two massage beds and a deep-soaking bathtub – as well as two single rooms, two steam rooms, saunas, indoor Jacuzzis and a beauty salon. For further information or to make a booking, visit www.theanam.com, email info.mn@theanam.com or telephone +(84) 252 628 4868.

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One of the largest hotel groups in Vietnam, Meliá Hotels International, inked an agreement with local player BB Group Hospitality this month, bringing Kobi Onsen Resort Hue into the Spanish company’s fold.

Japanese-style Gardens

Joining Meliá Vinpearl Hue, this unique hot spring resort, will be the hospitality group’s second hotel in the city and its 20th hotel in Vietnam. The group will start managing the property under the name of Kobi Onsen Resort Hue, Affiliated by Meliá, in Q4 this year. It will then undergo a rebranding process over the next 12 months emerging as Meliá Hue Kobi Onsen Resort next year.

Kobi Onsen Resort Hue, Affiliated by Meliá is located on the outskirts of Vietnam’s former capital, close enough to explore the Imperial City but far enough away to reap the benefits of the property’s serene and healing setting. Tapping into the natural mineral-rich hot springs of My An, the main draw of this spacious 155-key resort is its broad range of curative waters, along with wellness facilities and treatments that draw inspiration from the region.

“The latest addition to our Vietnam portfolio strongly aligns with one of our key values, which is ensuring the overall wellbeing of each of our guests,” said Ignacio Martín, management director for Melia Hotels International in the APAC region. “Through properties like Kobi Onsen Resort Hue we are helping raise awareness of the importance of living a balanced life while also showing our passion for caring for all our guests’ wellbeing on a holistic level.”

Kobi Onsen Resort Hue, Affiliated by Meliá

In addition to a traditional onsen with indoor and outdoor hot spring baths separated by gender, the resort features a range of wellbeing facilities, including a steam bath, soda bath, dry sauna, and Himalayan salt sauna. Wellness treatments integrate oriental medicine and massage practices once used by the royal family in Hue, as well as herbal treatments used by the Red Yao people, who are renowned for their healing herbal baths.

The resort features tranquil Japanese-style gardens and the largest koi pond in Hue designed to offer a feeling of serenity. The Japanese carp within the waters symbolize good fortune and good luck. Other wellbeing offerings include an outdoor swimming pool, well-equipped fitness center and a golf simulator.

Several dining facilities are located on site including authentic Japanese cuisine, along with a restaurant serving local and European dishes. Rooms, suites, and villas range in size from 36-square-meters to 255-square-meters with spacious the property’s 11 one-of-a-kind villas featuring private onsens.

The property is a 30-minute drive from Phu Bai International Airport and less than 15-minutes from the UNESCO-designated Complex of

Salt Sauna

 Monuments. This former feudal capital was the political and cultural heart of the country for close to 150 years and its rich history remains with preserved ancient palaces and shrines along with the Forbidden Purple City. While the less-touristy destination of Hue offers travelers a glimpse into the country’s past, it also is a destination rich in ancient wellness traditions making it an ideal location to slow down and focus on wellbeing.

“Through BB Group we are continuing to grow our presence in the country with trusted partners who are also passionate about building the tourism industry in Vietnam in a sustainable manner,” said Gabriel Escarrer, CEO and chairman of Meliá Hotels International.

The signing of the company’s 20th hotel in Vietnam marks a significant milestone, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Meliá Rewards loyalty program. To celebrate, members can enjoy best prices, exclusive discounts, and a host of surprises across all properties in Vietnam and over 400 hotels worldwide.

www.meliahotelsinternational.com

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TIA Wellness Resort, a holistic wellbeing-focused resort along Vietnam’s central coast, has landed two coveted spots on the annual Readers’ Choice Awards for Condé Nast Traveler. TIA was recognized as the number ten spa resort globally in the ‘Top 20 Destination Spa Resorts in the World’ category. The resort was the only property in Vietnam to be called out on the spa resort list and one of just two in Southeast Asia to make the top ten cut.

TIA – Wellness Centre

The property also landed the number 17 spot in the ‘Best Destination Spas in the US & Around the World’ list. It was the only one from Vietnam and one of just three wellness-focused resorts in Southeast Asia that made the list.

More than 575,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers across the United States submitted responses rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Readers’ Choice Awards, with their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry’s longest-running and most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector.

“This is the first time a property from Vietnam has landed in the top ten of Condé Nast Traveler’s Destination Spa Resort category,” said Ramon Imper, general manager of TIA Wellness Resort. “I believe this speaks volumes to how Vietnam, and our property in particular, is earning its place on the map as a next-level wellness destination.”

TIA – Villas

“We have a rich history of wellness practices here in Vietnam along with an abundance of natural and cultural resources and competitive pricing,” added Ramon. “This makes us stand out on the global stage.”

TIA Wellness Resort, situated along the picturesque coastline of DaNang, Vietnam, was created in response to a need for true all-encompassing wellness, rather than just relaxation, out of a resort stay. The resort embraces a total wellness approach from creating personalized retreat programs to wellness-inclusive stays with spa treatments included. At the heart of the property is a 22-treatment room wellness center, set in an expansive oasis of tropical gardens with its own adults-only swimming pool. The wellness space features multiple studios for yoga, breathwork and HIIT classes, along with relaxation areas. The team also offers daily creativity classes to spark imagination and self-connection.

TIA Wellness Resort – Beach Living

TIA employs 60 wellness therapists along with seven certified yoga instructors, eight breathwork specialists, six creative workshop facilitators, and four HIIT workout trainers.

The restaurants offer wellness-based menus that are nourishing and not restrictive and the culinary team emphasizes plant-based dining. Each of the 87 villas at the property features a private plunge pool. The 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website at cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue.

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The Anam Mui Ne, an Indochine-era inspired resort in Vietnam’s popular beach town Mui Ne, has expanded its spa and wellness offerings with the launch of its “Beach Spa” specialising in express treatments. Adjacent to the resort’s 266sqm saltwater infinity swimming pool and beach lawn, Beach Spa sits at the other end of the beach to the resort’s Lang Viet Restaurant & Bar, bookending the resort’s best view over the waterfront.

Equipped with two massage beds, Beach Spa offers 15-minute and 30-minute head treatments, a 30-minute aloe-vera after sun treatment, 30-minute back treatment, 30-minute head, neck and shoulder treatment, 30-minute foot treatment and a 40-minute organic facial treatment.

The spa’s highly skilled therapists pamper guests with non-clinical treatments that follow a ‘high-touch, low-tech’ approach, infusing ancient techniques from the East with Western healing practices designed to recalibrate and rejuvenate.

“We want to offer the best of both worlds; not just the spa and the beach but also the choice between a longer pampering session at The Anam Spa or a 15-, 30- or 40-minute at our Beach Spa,” said the resort’s manager Ye Chang Sheng (Peter).

“Whether you’re looking to briefly unwind after exploring Mui Ne’s attractions, or you’ve had a bit too much sun on the beach, in one of our two vast swimming pools, or at your private swimming pool at your suite, our express treatments are just the ticket if you’re looking for a bite-sized relaxing session before you continue with another getaway experience.” Open from 10am-6pm daily, Beach Spa’s treatments are priced from VND 300,000 to VND 450,000.

In addition to the Beach Spa, The Anam Spa, situated closer to the resort’s central freshwater swimming pool, five treatment rooms, including three VIP rooms designed for couples – each equipped with two massage beds and a deep-soaking bathtub – as well as two single rooms, two steam rooms, saunas, indoor Jacuzzis and a beauty salon.

As part of The Anam Spa’s “Let Your Mind Go, and Your Body Will Follow” mantra, the spa menu includes soothing and stress relieving traditional treatments, detox and slimming programmes and the use of Sothys Paris products renowned for their sublime energizing, hydrating and anti-ageing properties. The ‘Tropical Detox and Slimming’ journey is one of the indulgent spa packages on offer, involving a body massage that promotes better circulation, salt glow exfoliation, a fresh coffee and orange extract body wrap, and steam and sauna treatments to further drain toxins. The spa’s facials are designed to hydrate and brighten the skin, and to combat wrinkles and aging. Body care treatments include the Nepalese style tea exfoliation and Bourbon tea intense body wrap.

For further information or to make a booking, visit www.theanam.com, email info.mn@theanam.com or telephone +(84) 252 628 4868.

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We’ve put together a round-up of all sorts of exclusive new spa and wellness offerings across Asia:

Aqua Rejuvenation

evian SPA TOKYO, the Forbes Five-Star spa at Palace Hotel Tokyo, has launched a journey of wellness designed to offer in-water fitness through gentle resistance and stretching — delivering the benefits of a lower gravity setting — followed by a personalized, rejuvenating body treatment. The privately guided “Aqua Move Experience” begins with a briefing with a trainer, followed by a 10-minute warm-up poolside before entering the water. Each session can be customized to each guest’s desired level of fitness. It can include light cardio paired with gentle stretching to promote mobility among seniors or more intense cardio paired with fat-burning exercises for those seeking a more vigorous aqua workout. At its conclusion, guests have the opportunity to relax with a brief soak in the hot tub before segueing to their choice of a 60- or 90-minute personalized body massage. The 120-minute session is priced at JPY 39,200, while the 150-minute session is priced at JPY 47,200.

Spa or Beach? Why Not Both

The Anam Mui Ne, an Indochine-era inspired resort in Vietnam’s popular beach town Mui Ne, has expanded its spa and wellness offerings with the launch of its “Beach Spa” specialising in express treatments. As its name suggests, The Anam Spa’s Beach Spa is absolute beachfront. Adjacent to the resort’s 266sqm saltwater infinity swimming pool and beach lawn, Beach Spa sits at the other end of the beach to the resort’s Lang Viet Restaurant & Bar, bookending the resort’s best view over the waterfront. Equipped with two massage beds, Beach Spa offers 15-minute and 30-minute head treatments, a 30-minute aloe-vera aftersun treatment, 30-minute back treatment, 30-minute head, neck and shoulder treatment, 30-minute foot treatment and a 40-minute organic facial treatment. Open from 10am-6pm daily, Beach Spa’s treatments are priced from VND 300,000 to VND 450,000.

Yoga Under a Full Moon

Alma Resort Cam Ranh, a 30-hectare beachfront resort on Cam Ranh peninsula, has appointed a full-time resident yogi to bolster its array of wellness offerings. Equipped with 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, Umesh Kamar Sharma joins Alma after working at nearby The Anam Cam Ranh for seven years as a yoga and gym instructor. In his new role, Umesh offers a variety of group and private yoga experiences including the likes of sunrise yoga, power yoga, full-moon yoga stretch, yoga nidra meditation and yoga practice tailored to the guest’s needs at numerous locations across the resort such as the beach lawn and yoga room.

A Neuroscientific Approach

Luxury Phuket resort Trisara is helping guests move towards a healthier mindset by debuting an innovative slow-living retreat in Thailand. The 5-day WiseMotion Retreat, led by renowned neuroscientist Dr. Hanna Poikonen, will occur between 24th and 28th November 2024 and is designed to enhance brain health and well-being through a unique combination of improvisation, scientific knowledge, and interactive discussions. Dr. Hanna describes herself as “a neuroscientist by education and a dancer by heart”. And movement is an integral element of her WiseMotion retreats, which she has hosted at exotic locations around the globe, the latest of which is Trisara. Participants on the retreat will benefit from exercises and scientific knowledge designed to balance emotional well-being, calm the nervous system, and improve cognitive function. The program includes daily movement meditation sessions, WiseMotion masterclasses, and opportunities for creative movement and inspirational discussion.

New Workouts and Wellness Practices

An oceanfront resort that has helped shape the wellness industry in Vietnam has continued to reinvent itself in recent months through adding new treatments, a new wellness studio, and new workouts, including a HIIT Power Workout, to its offering. The new therapies at TIA Wellness Resort include Vietnamese cupping, an ancient healing technique that is a mainstay of traditional Vietnamese medicine; a 30-minute Back & Shoulder Tension Release, to provide lasting relief and relaxation; and the Holistic Head & Neck Harmony, a meridian-point therapy focusing on the head and neck, which is also 30 minutes long. The new 50-minute Deep Tissue Leg Recovery has been added to alleviate tension and fatigue in the legs. The new treatments complement the existing line up of 29 different therapies available to wellness-inclusive guests.

Wash Away Negativity

Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, is tapping into the sacredness of its grounds with a Purification Ceremony experience on-site. The water-based ritual, a tradition on the island that helps people wash away what no longer serves them. The 60-minute ceremony is performed by a Hindu priest who begins by chanting ancient Sanskrit mantras. Prayers take place, offerings are made and incense and water are used to cleanse throughout the ritual. The water purifies in multiple ways – being poured, drunk, and dappled – but guests are not fully immersed (although a change of clothes is required). The ritual is best performed in the morning and bookings are typically made for 7am. The price is IDR 650,000 ++ per person with a minimum booking of two people.

Draft Your Own Health Regime

Eco-friendly hotel brand Banyan Tree has now introduced a unique Wellbeing Sanctuary option for guests, allowing them to achieve their own health, nutrition and fitness goals while enjoying a relaxing luxury holiday at any of their resorts worldwide. In Thailand, two beachfront resorts, Banyan Tree Samui and Banyan Tree Krabi, offer the additional benefit of consultation with an Ayurvedic expert and yoga instructor ahead of their stay. In addition to the resorts’ award-winning spas, much of the holistic itinerary allows for time for meditation and reflection at the guest’s private tranquil villa. In Samui, each of the 88 villas comes with an infinity pool and jet pool, while at Banyan Tree in Krabi each room has a jet pool and is equipped with Wellbeing Sanctuary features such as yoga mats and Tibetan singing bowls.

Rituals and Rhythms

Two of Cambodia’s most iconic luxury hotels – Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap and Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh – have introduced unique new wellness offerings that put a sense of place at their very heart. “Rituals and Rhythms,” part of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s new “Curated Journeys” program, begins with a sacred monk’s blessing, followed by authentic Tibetan sound therapy and a rhythmic massage. The spa session concludes with nourishing gastronomic delights. Raffles Hotel Le Royal meanwhile has launched a new “Raffles Spa & Afternoon Tea” package ($55++ per person) that combines two of the heritage hotel’s most popular activities: a customized 60-minute facial at the Raffles Spa, along with a Royal Afternoon Tea set served at the fabled Elephant Bar or Writer’s Bar (Conservatory).

All About Sustainability

Featuring seven treatment rooms designed in an underwater theme and a Thai herbal sauna and steam, Melia Chiang Mai’s YHI Spa offers a “360° Spa Signature Treatment” with a focus on protecting the environment. The 150-minute journey, priced at THB 3000, comprises 30 minutes of yoga and meditation, a 30-minute herbal blended steam, a 90-minute aromatic massage with Thai herbal compress balls, and a 360° cuisine set menu created via a cooking process to minimize food waste and reduce greenhouse emissions, using fresh ingredients grown in collaboration with nearby sustainable organic gourmet farms SEED and Rong Khum. Featuring farm-to-plate produce, executive chef Suksant Chutinthratip (Billy) and his team craft dishes using as much of every ingredient as possible. Leftovers are then returned to the farm as compost, coming full circle in a ‘plate to farm’ movement, with leftover cooking oil sent to be recycled into biodiesel.

Pampering Amid Limestone Karst-Studded Waters

Ambassador Cruise, which has made a name for itself as the leading luxury cruise operator on UNESCO World Heritage listed bays Halong and Lan Ha, offers an array of treatments at its onboard spa. Based on Sothys Paris products, the menu features 60-minute and 90-minute deep tissue massages, holistic massages, acupressure massages, Vietnamese massages, Thai massages, and Tibetan warm stone massages. A 90-minute “Sensory Spa Journey” entails various massage techniques followed by a “Sweet and Sour” scrub. The menu also includes a 60-minute body scrub with sugar and salt, 60-minute intensive care skin treatment, and 30-minute and 60-minute head, neck and shoulders treatment for spa-goers who are keen on scalp massages.

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Luxury Phuket resort Trisara is helping guests move towards better cognitive wellness by debuting an innovative slow-living retreat in Thailand.

The 5-day WiseMotion Retreat, led by renowned neuroscientist Dr. Hanna Poikonen, will occur between 24th and 28th November 2024 and is designed to enhance brain health and well-being through a unique combination of improvisation, scientific knowledge, and interactive discussions. Dr. Hanna describes herself as “a neuroscientist by education and a dancer by heart”. And movement is an integral element of her WiseMotion retreats, which she has hosted at exotic locations around the globe, the latest of which is Trisara.

Trisara has a reputation for being one of Thailand’s most holistically-minded resorts

Participants on the retreat will benefit from exercises and scientific knowledge designed to balance emotional well-being, calm the nervous system, and improve cognitive function. The program includes daily movement meditation sessions, WiseMotion masterclasses, and opportunities for creative movement and inspirational discussion.

“I am delighted to bring the WiseMotion method to Trisara, one of Thailand’s most beautiful and holistically minded resorts,” said Dr. Hanna.

“This retreat offers participants a unique opportunity to explore the science of movement and brain health in an environment that naturally promotes well-being and tranquility. The combination of guided improvisation, neuroscience, and the breathtaking surroundings of Trisara will help guests achieve a deeper connection with themselves and their well-being.”

Neuroscientist Dr.Hanna Poikonen has led WiseMotion retreats around the worlds

The WiseMotion retreat is Trisara’s debut wellness retreat program which emphasizes movement and meditation practices for generating brain health and science behind them. Guests will be able to explore the connections between movement, mind, and health in Trisara’s tranquil surroundings.

With over 15 years of experience in brain research and a rich background in contemporary dance, martial arts, and meditation, Dr. Hanna has developed a method that blends guided improvisation with cutting-edge neuroscience.

“We are honoured to welcome Dr. Hanna to Trisara and to offer our guests the chance to achieve mindful balance while enjoying the luxurious amenities of our ocean-view pool junior suites,” said Panjama Leasuwan, the Vice President of Montara Hospitality Group. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing transformative experiences that enhance our guests’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being.”

The retreat, which starts USD3200 per person per package (double occupancy) and USD5350 per person per package (single occupancy) includes four nights in an Ocean View Pool Junior Suite, return airport transfers to/from Phuket International Airport, daily breakfast, communal lunch, and dinner hosted by Dr. Hanna.

Other inclusions encompass a 60-minute Jara Spa treatment per person at Trisara’s Jara Wellness, daily morning movement meditation and afternoon WiseMotion masterclass with Dr. Hanna, access to Trisara’s group fitness activities and fitness centre, and an excursion to the 16,000 sqm Pru Jampa organic farm which supplies fresh produce for PRU and JAMPA, Montara Hospitality Group’s MICHELIN-accoladed Phuket restaurants.

For more information visit HERE

Reservation Tel: +66 (0) 76 683320, WhatsApp: +66 62 245 4784 E-mail: reservations@trisara.com

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The idea of yin and yang has long held court in leading a healthy lifestyle. Stillness needs to be balanced with movement and periods of introspection with outward expression. Staying true to this concept, TIA Wellness Resort, a leader in mind and body wellness along Vietnam’s central coast, has expanded its exercise offerings and added a new studio to its wellness center.

TIA New Yoga Studio

Moving beyond what many have come to expect from a wellness retreat, TIA is now also including more powerful workouts in its line-up from dynamic styles of yoga to High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts. The changes follow-on from a re-imagining of the hotel gym in September last year. TIA opened two distinct and separate gyms: one around the theme of stillness which was built around the concept of going inwards and cultivating calm and peace, the other around the splash theme which is all about strength, power training, and pushing limits. The new additions to the activity schedule also reflect the two opposites.

“Our new wellness activity program is inspired by the feedback and recommendations from our guests,”explained Ramon Imper, general manager of TIA Wellness Resort. “We have seen an increasing demand for yoga over the past two years, attracting both experienced practitioners and novices to our daily classes. On a global-scale we’ve seen high-intensity workouts continue to rise in popularity.”

The new HIIT Power Workout is built around short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief periods of rest. This 30-minute workout focuses more on building cardiovascular health, increasing metabolism, and enhancing strength. The workout has been designed without equipment so that guests may continue their wellness journey at home.

Breathwork Masterclass

The resort has also introduced a second yoga class to its daily line-up. For guests who are new to yoga or prefer a gentler practice, a new 60-minute Gentle Hatha Class is now offered in the afternoon. This is a slower-paced practice, in contrast to the more dynamic and fluid vinyasa-style yoga class offered in the mornings, focuses on holding postures, flexibility, and breath control. Guests can also practice the two different yoga sessions together, to balance an active practice with a more gentle one.

Two other signatures of TIA’s well-rounded wellness offering are the Breathwork Masterclass, focusing on powerful heart-centered breathing techniques to restore balance and quiet mental chatter; and the Creative Workshop which involves different artistic techniques, such as collage, drawing, and painting, as a path to greater self expression.

“With these diverse offerings, our program now ranges from low to high-intensity classes, providing various physical and mental health benefits,” added Ramon. “Our goal is to equip guests with new skills and practices they can continue at home, ensuring their well-being extends beyond their holiday.”

To meet the growing demand TIA has introduced a second wellness studio and renovated their existing one, so they can welcome more guests to their daily wellness activities and offer more private classes.

In addition to the 60 wellness therapists, TIA’s team consists of seven certified yoga instructors, eight breathwork specialists, six creative workshop facilitators, and four HIIT workout trainers.

“Our comprehensive and accessible wellness program is designed to cater to diverse preferences and levels, ensuring every guest finds a path to enhanced well-being,” said Ramon.

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