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/

The post TIA Wellness Resort Prioritizes Social Connection appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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.

The post TIA Wellness Resort Expands Lifestyle Boutique appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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.

The post MICHELIN-listed Banyan Tree Samui Spa & Wellbeing Service appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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.

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.

The post TIA Wellness Resort Top Ten Destination Spa Resorts in the World appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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.

The post Exclusive New Spa and Wellness Offerings Across Asia appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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

The post Trisara Promotes Movement For the Mind Through WiseMotion appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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.

The post TIA Wellness Resort New Wellness Studio appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

holistic wellness activities, including hatha yoga, guided meditations

Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort and Villas is excited to celebrate Air Asia’s new daily flights from Chang Mai to Hua Hin by offering an exclusive Looking Better, Feeling Better Retreat; from May 12-18, 2024. This seven-day wellness retreat combines luxury accommodation with holistic wellness activities, including hatha yoga, guided meditations, and seaside walks, aimed at rejuvenating the mind, body, and soul.
The retreat features 48 group classes, two personalised coaching sessions, and an optional digital detox for a comprehensive wellness experience. Rates start at 37,300 THB for Garden View accommodation, 45,700 THB for a Seaview Studio, and 53,500 THB for a Pool Villa, all on single occupancy. Double occupancy rates and options for non-retreat companions are available, enhancing the flexibility of the retreat package.
Guests will enjoy complimentary limousine transfers from Bangkok and Hua Hin Airport, a six-night stay with breakfast, vegetarian meals, a Good Night Sleep massage, and access to a wide range of activities like archery, tennis, and beach volleyball.

Yoga at Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort and Villas

The resort, located near Pranburi Beach, offers modern amenities including a day spa, outdoor pool, fitness center, and more for a serene retreat.
Guests can take advantage of complimentary laundry services, daily activities including archery, tennis, bicycling, and beach volleyball, further enhancing their retreat experience. Situated just 1.6 km from Pranburi Beach, Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort and Villas offers a tranquil seafront oasis with a host of modern amenities including a day spa, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, pet-friendly area, tennis, pickle ball and basketball courts, a surf skate park, archery range, kids’ club, a karaoke room, bicycles for all ages, an EV charger and free WiFi.
Bookings for Air Asia flights between Hua Hin and Chang Mai are open from May 4 to June 14, 2024, with fares starting at 1,100 THB. Experience a transformative wellness journey at Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort and Villas. To reserve your place at the Looking Better, Feeling Better retreat visit: www.wyndhamhuahin.com

The post Wyndham Hua Hin Resort 7-Day Wellness Retreat appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

A nature-inspired resort along Vietnam’s Southern coastline is bringing the healing powers of scent, stones, sound and sleep to guests with the launch of new in-villa wellness experiences and a Wellness Pathway. As evidence that well-being is more than just a visit to the spa, the new offerings at Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort build on wellness programs launched last year and immerse guests in the local environment of the resort when outside, and offer more opportunities for calm, relaxation, and peace while inside.

Meditation Pagoda at Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort

Visitors can book a Wellness Villa Experience when reserving a The Level villa. In these seaside abodes with private pools the amenities and furnishings are designed to support guests around three health pillars: physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Wellness amenities include a Vitamin C Shower, with Vitamin C-infused water improving hair and skin health during a stay. There’s a private meditation area with a meditation cushion and carpet, bamboo tray with Tibetan singing bowls, a set of Shungite stones (which are believed to have several benefits from boosting energy levels to relieving stress and anxiety), a reed oil diffuser with diffusing sticks and an essential oil to tap into the powers of aromatherapy. Guests can bring the oil back home and use the power of scent to transport them to their peaceful time at the property.

Aromatherapy benefits extend to an essential oil diffuser and a lavender essential oil, to help with sleep. An Amethyste Stone, placed beneath the pillow or on the bedside table, promotes relaxation and a better night’s rest and a lavender body mist infuses the skin or pillow with this sleep-inducing scent. Guests are encouraged to bring all these sleep supports home with them.

Yoga

The Wellness Villa add-on also features a yoga and fitness space with a yoga mat and yoga block (to help with yoga poses). For more active in-room workouts there is a set of five different levels of resistance bands, six different weights of dumbbells and a fitness ball.

Meliá Ho Tram is the second Meliá resort in Southeast Asia to launch villas with a wellness twist. In nearby Thailand Meliá Phuket Mai Khao launched 15 wellness villas when opening in 2021. The island resort’s wellness villa experience includes a private pool, Vitamin C infuser in the semi-outdoor shower, an air purifier, and ultrasonic aroma diffuser among other elements. Daily wellness rituals are included, such as the Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling in the morning, and mandala painting in the evening. There is also a Thai bath ritual and a daily spa treatment as part of the nightly rate at Meliá Phuket Mai Khao.

“Wellness is an essential element of all Meliá Hotels & Resorts,” said Alvaro Berton, general manager of Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort. “Through expanding our wellness offerings, we hope to build on the health benefits of a visit to the spa or taking part in one of our group yoga classes, and give our guests more opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing, while also enjoying their holiday.”

Wellness In Villa

“Even the act of walking through the property can now be a mindful practice, if our guests choose,” added Berton.

The new Wellness Pathway, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing), weaves its way around the property’s lakefront with eight stops along the way. Each pause is designed to encourage an aspect of self-nourishment.

The journey begins at the Hug Me tree with a warm embrace. This physical connection with nature helps lower cortisol levels and sets the tone for the mindful walk ahead. The next stop is an outdoor reading area with a shared library. Underneath the shade of a tree forest bathers can stop and relax with a book. Stop three on the path is a Breathing Area, to help guests relax, slow down and breathe a little deeper and fuller. The fourth stop invites walkers to pause and listen, taking in the sounds of nature to bring them into the present moment. The journey continues around the lake with a relaxation stop before crossing over onto a small island in the lake with lush local foliage and a meditation pagoda, for a meditation practice. At the seventh stop a grounding practice is encouraged where you connect barefoot with the earth, an act that has been shown to improve immunity. This stop connects to the final point of the journey known as Digital Detox, a screen-free zone where guests are invited to enjoy some painting activities and slow down to the pace of the surrounding environment. This self-led journey offers written guidance at each point and introduces elements of wellbeing that visitors can put into practice long after the trip has ended.

Hug Me Tree

The Wellness Villa add-on and Wellness Pathway are the latest in a more holistic wellness offering the resort has rolled out over the last year, which includes YHI Wellness Packages that combine healthy meals, spa treatments, and wellness activities, ideal for a short stay.

“Our property is one of the closest beach resorts to Ho Chi Minh City,” said Berton. “We are easily accessible from Vietnam’s largest city, yet Saigon’s bustle feels worlds away while you’re here, making us the ideal spot to rest and recharge near the city.”

Wellness Villa add-ons are available for an additional USD20 per person per night, on top of the room rate, when booking a stay at one of The Level villas. The offer is available year-round. The Wellness Pathway is open to all guests. For more information visit: https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/vietnam/vung-tau/melia-ho-tram-beach-resort

The post Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort Adds A Wellness Pathway appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Alma, situated on Vietnam’s scenic Cam Ranh peninsula, has unveiled a series of wellness retreats featuring the likes of singing bowl meditation, hot stone therapy, yoga and detox and slimming treatments.

The resort’s Le Spa, which has 13 treatment rooms sprinkled onto the beachfront, has this month rolled out its ‘Le Spa Wellness Journey’, ‘Le Spa Half Day Retreat’ and ‘Detox and Slimming Program’ designed to inspire participants to kick-start a healthier lifestyle and lay the foundations for a longer life.

A three-day program, the Le Spa Wellness Journey’s first day starts out with a 60-minute power yoga session, followed by a 30-minute body exfoliation and a 60-minute back-stone treatment.

The second day comprises 60 minutes of singing bowl meditation or yoga, a 90-minute ‘Detox and Slimming Treatment’ and 30 minutes of foot stone therapy. The Detox and Slimming Treatment is underpinned by a massage technique using a wooden Gua Sha instrument designed to improve microcirculation and lipolytic action, release the storage of toxins and tackle cellulite to help transform the upper and lower body.

The final day of the three-day retreat begins with 60 minutes of Hatha yoga before a 90-minute energizing intensive facial treatment and 30 minutes of ‘Healing Hands’ therapy that focuses on acupressure points to release blockages and prompt healing.

The Le Spa Half Day Retreat and Detox and Slimming Program each start with a private 60-minute yoga and meditation class followed by a steam and sauna with fresh herbal aroma.

The half day retreat also features a 30-minute body exfoliation and a 90-minute ‘Le Spa Signature Treatment’ underscored by Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi, Shiatsu, and Thai stretching techniques that target pressure points and mirror the calming motion of gentle sea waves.

Wellness at Alma

Meanwhile, the Detox and Slimming Program is rounded out with the 90-minute Detox and Slimming Treatment and the 60-minute ‘Fundamental Treatment’; a facial treatment that is customized to the skin’s individual needs. All three retreats are complemented with healthy drinks and post-treatment snacks.

Le Spa’s manager Hoang Nguyen Minh Anh said although the retreats only ranged from half a day to three days, they were designed to inspire guests to appreciate the importance of learning how to relax and calm the body and mind, as well as learn of ways to release muscle tension and ease toxin blockages, in the hope “we can influence their everyday life once they’re back to reality”.

“Each retreat makes for a unique wellness journey that starts out with yoga, that emphasises the importance of breathing and stretching, before deploying restorative treatments and ending with a healthy drink and snack,” she said. “We think of each wellness retreat as a potent reminder of the need to learn how to relax, which can be very hard amid all sorts of demands including work, family, and life generally,” she said.

Bold, spacious and emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the independently owned and operated Alma features an array of food and beverage outlets and a cascade of 12 beachfront swimming pools. Other highlights include a 6000 sqm water park, a science museum, 18-hole putting green, kids club, youth club, sports courts, cinema, amphitheater, convention centre, gymnasium and yoga room. The resort also runs complimentary guided garden tours of its nursery garden, herb garden and chicken farm to equip guests with handy tips on how to nurture their own veggie patch and look after chickens.

To contact Alma or to make a booking, please visit alma-resort.com, call +84 258 399 1666 or email info@alma-resort.com

The Le Spa Wellness Journey is priced at VND 7.8 million, the Le Spa Half Day Retreat is VND 3.6 million and the Detox and Slimming Program is VND 4.2 million.

The post Alma Resort Launches Wellness Retreats appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion, a wellness-inspired luxury resort nestled in the foothills of the Truong Son Mountain range in central Vietnam, has scooped no less than four awards at the prestigious Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers’ Travel Awards 2023. Upon tallying the results, Alba Wellness by Fusion was placed in the following categories:

• Best Hotel for Nature Lovers
• Best Hotel for Sustainability
• Best Hotel for Families
• No 2 Best Spa/ Wellness Hotel

A Garden Pool Villa at Maia Resort Quy Nhon

A second Fusion resort, Maia Resort Quy Nhon also claimed three of the top spots, earning listings for: Best Hotel for Sustainability; Best Hotel for Romance; and Best Spa/Wellness Hotel. The Fusion Hotel Group’s flagship culinary-led resort, Maia Resort Quy Nhon is a 94-villa beachfront property located at Phuong Mai Bay, in addition to its outstanding dining options, Maia has recently become a favourite wedding and honeymoon destination.

Some 32,400 readers of the London-based luxury travel magazine voted between August and November 2023 for their favourite airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and destinations around the world.

A one-bedroom bungalow at Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion

“It is an honour to receive this prestigious recognition, and we wish to dedicate the award to our staff, who are endlessly dedicated and ceaselessly offer warm hospitality, and to our guests who voted for us, and to the lovely community we live in,” said Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion General Manager Eugene Hendriks. “We genuinely value the guest and community participation in wellness activities and sustainability programs and embrace our recycling efforts as we appreciate Mother Earth. Apart from having been recognized as a wellness destination, Alba has always been a multi-generational resort that caters to guests of all ages.”

Built in 2018 around hot springs on the outskirts of the Imperial City of Hue, Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion commands some 50 hectares of lush grounds, and features a Japanese-style onsen with indoor and outdoor mineral-laden pools, along with rivers of healing thermal waters that wind their way through the property. The hotel also offers a diverse daily menu of wellness activities, including Tai Chi, yoga, water meditation and walking meditation, as well as hosting wellness experts for retreats and workshops.

Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion commands some 50 hectares of lush grounds, and features a Japanese-style onsen with indoor and outdoor mineral-laden pools

In October 2023, Alba introduced an exclusive new Wellspring Stay promotion that includes special health-focused dining offers and multi-day retreats. The 4-day and 6-day options provide guests an all-inclusive retreat with special spa treatments, hot spring, Japanese onsen baths, yoga, meditation, and adventure activities such as hiking, biking, a highwire zipline, and a cooking class at the resort’s organic farm.

The resort also launched this year a series of 3-day, 5-day and 7-day “Detox Yourself” and “Healing Yourself” private retreats, promoting inner balance and healthy living, including physical fitness in a serene setting of landscaped gardens and fragrant eucalyptus plantations.

For reservations and information, visit: www.fusionhotelgroup.com

The post VIETNAMESE WELLNESS RESORT VOTED NO 1 IN WORLDWIDE UK POLL appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

The Andaman Southern Region proposed the establishment of the Andaman Wellness Economic Corridor (AWC) to keep pace with the global trend in wellness, in order to increase the competitiveness of health tourism in 6 Andaman provinces, consisting of Phuket, Krabi. Phang Nga, Ranong, Trang and Satun in a similar manner to the EEC project of Eastern Thailand.

Andaman Wellness Economic Corridor (AWC) provinces

The Medical Hub Board approved the announcement of Thailand as a Thailand Wellness Economic Corridor (TWC) for the Medical and Wellness Tourism sector in 12 target businesses. This is to recover the economy from the COVID-19 pandemic and generate income from medical tourism sector that has a high growth potential. The principle was approved in three key areas. One of which is the AWC Development Strategic Plan that promotes health services with a special mechanism by using innovation in the southern Andaman provinces as follows:

Phuket is a treatment center for complex diseases, gender affirmation surgeries, spas in public and private hospitals, international conventions and exhibitions center and world-class wellness center. This includes preparation for Specialized Events. Expo-Phuket 2028 under the concept of “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity” in which the Royal Thai Embassy in Paris has already represented the Thai government in submitting a bid to host this event.

Phang Nga is the marine tourist service hub in collaboration with Sky Doctor, Claim Center for collecting medical expenses from foreigners to reduce bad debts and develops a Climate Therapy treatment system for long-stay tourists including a dental center.

Krabi promotes the development of Klong Thom Spa to a global level.

Trang is the food city hub and wellness destination hub in the Andaman area.

Satun will be developed as a long-term residence city.

Ranong has hot springs and spas for healing purposes.

The Andaman Wellness Economic Corridor (AWC) will help to recover the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic and to create opportunities and enhance the capacity of the health business to support the high growth in health tourism services.

The post Andaman Wellness Economic Corridor (AWC) appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Finding Stillness in Vietnam with Mindful Experiences in Sacred & Cultural Sites

A holistic resort in Da Nang is taking wellbeing out of its wellness center through a handful of curated experiences for mind, body, and soul at nearby points of spiritual and cultural significance. TIA Wellness Resort, situated along Da Nang’s picturesque coastline, has drawn on its four core wellness pillars to reimagine excursions to local sites, bringing in a wellness twist. These include: Breathe – a meditation practice at Linh Ung Pagoda and the towering Lady Buddha statue; Flow – a hike in the sacred Marble Mountains and Tai Chi by the tranquil caves up top; Nourish – An organic village excursion and healthy cooking class, and Create – A traditional and mindful Vietnamese calligraphy experience. Each TIA tour is from VND 1,500,000++ per person and they are offered daily, subject to availability.

Wash Away Negativity with a Water Purification Ceremony in Bali

Melukat, the water purification ceremony, is a core element of Balinese life. This ritual is for the Balinese what confession is for the Catholics. For visitors it’s a chance to explore the spiritual side of the Island of the Gods with a cleansing ritual believed to wash away bad spirits and purify the body and soul. Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, guides guests through the process, assisting them with the correct attire (a Balinese Kebaya and sarong) and then performing the ceremony within the sacred temple grounds within the resort. Guests are guided through the purification ritual by a local priest and accompanied by their butler. Prices start at IDR 650,000 ++ per person with a minimum booking of two persons.

Take in Tokyo by water, bike or foot with guided city jogging and kayaking tours

The five kilometer moatside run alongside the Imperial Palace gardens has garnered a reputation as the one must-do run in Japan’s capital and while active guests at Palace Hotel Tokyo don’t need to venture far to enjoy this picturesque route, it’s always nice to have some company. Through the hotel’s limited-time “Sustainable Tokyo” package that encourages guests to engage with the city in a more eco-conscious manner, visitors can book a privately guided, two-hour jogging tour or three-hour cycling tour around the iconic Imperial Palace running route, as well as several other areas of the city. Looking for a more novel way to take in Tokyo? Another option through the hotel is a private 90-minute kayaking excursion along the Sumida River, revealing Tokyo’s origins as a city borne of water.

Breathe in the Forest around Krabi, Thailand

With a bountiful and beautiful variety of flora and fauna in adjoining Khao Ngon Nak National Park, including a panoramic viewpoint offering stunning views of the surrounding islands in the Andaman Sea, Banyan Tree Krabi is the ideal jumping-off point for for a hike up Naga Mountain. Banyan Tree’s half-day Forest Bathing walking tour includes ample time for birdwatching, soothing your feet in a waterfall pool, and wallowing in the tranquility and splendor of a tropical forest. “Leave your phone in the villa for one morning and come with us into the forest,” said Sustainability Manager Thepsuda Loijiw.” It’s suitable for all ages, and you’ll never regret spending time with Mother Nature.” The national park is open from 5am to 2pm every day. For bookings, contact Thepsuda and her team at: krabi@banyantree.com, or call +66 75 811 888.

Take ‘A Day for Yourself’ on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula

Alma resort’s new excursion, “A Day for Yourself,” offers guests a daylong combined wellness and cultural immersion. The tour, provided by local partner Zazen Travel, includes a visit to a popular wellness destination in southern Vietnam that is renowned for its healing mud bath and revitalizing hot spring with Chinese herbs. The tour also includes a relaxing and invigorating massage. The day continues with a visit to the famous Truong Son Handicraft Village, where guests can see – and buy, if they see something that strikes their fancy – artworks by skilled local artisans. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. The day concludes at a healthy fresh fruit shop where guests can sample exotic tropical fruits including durian, mangoes and more.

Renowned Wellness Resort in Central Vietnam Offers Excursions into Nature

Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion, known for its healthy dining and multi-day wellbeing retreats in central Vietnam, recently introduced a new “Healing Yourself Retreat,” with 4-day and 6-day options, encouraging guests to spend meaningful time in nature, nurturing their mind, body and soul. The retreat includes a soak in a natural hot spring and Japanese onsen baths, in addition to adventure activities such as a zipline and high-wire course. Excursions into the surrounding forest include hiking, bicycling and a rejuvenating session of forest bathing — taking in fresh air and the wonders of nature. The package also includes mindful yoga sessions, meditation (including water meditation, walking meditation, chakra healing meditation and rainbow shower meditation) and qigong, in addition to special spa treatments.

Journey to a Sustainable Organic Farm in Chiang Mai Promotes Healthy Eating

Meliá Chiang Mai ushers guests onto a nearby 250-acre gourmet organic farm, to meet local farmers and learn more about sustainable farming and healthy eating. Under the hotel’s ‘360° Cuisine’ program its kitchen works closely with SEED Sustainable Farm in San Sai District, sourcing ‘farm to plate’ organic produce that travels only a short distance before ‘plate to farm’ food waste returns to the farm as fertilizer. To learn more about the journey their food has made, as well as who has been a part of that journey, guests are encouraged to embark on a day trip to the scenic farm that includes a picnic lunch. Participants have the chance to feed the animals, walk through the farm with a guide to learn about the cultivation of Meliá Chiang Mai’s fruits, vegetables and herbs as well as SEED’s Pharm traditional herbal medicine garden, and rummage through a garden maze. The ‘Melia Farm 360 Degrees Journey’ is priced at THB 3,000 for two people inclusive of the farm experience, picnic lunch and round-trip transfer from Meliá Chiang Mai to the farm.

The post Wellness Excursions at Hotels Around Asia appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Historic agreement paves the way for Asia’s luxury hospitality leader to introduce its brand of holistic wellness to the Emirate.

In a landmark deal, Banyan Tree is set to open on Bluewaters Island – a vibrant lifestyle destination that epitomises the spirit of innovation and world-class hospitality Dubai is known for. Banyan Tree Dubai will replace the existing Caesars Palace Dubai and following a phased stage of brand related upscaling improvements, the repositioned resort will feature 179 rooms, including 30 suites and a brand-new four-bedroom villa with its own private entrance, pool and beach. The estate will reopen as Banyan Tree Dubai in late 2023, giving the Emirate a taste of the brand’s iconic Asian-inspired luxury hospitality.

In a stunning addition to the group’s global collection of branded residences, Banyan Tree Dubai will open with 96 one- to four-bedroom private residences. As well as enjoying access to a dedicated outdoor swimming pool, private beach and resort facilities, residents will benefit from a host of exclusive privileges as part of Banyan Tree Group.

Banyan Tree Dubai

The resort sits at the heart of the unique, vibrant waterfront lifestyle destination, Bluewaters Dubai, where the charm and exclusivity of island living meets the exuberance of a sophisticated urban retreat. Bluewaters by Dubai Holding boasts a wide range of hospitality, lifestyle, residential, leisure and entertainment opportunities, with more than 150 retail and dining concepts.

“Ennismore and Banyan Tree Group have been working tirelessly with Dubai Holdings to ensure the rebrand is a seamless transition for all parties, from guests to employees. We are truly excited about this next stage of our growth journey in a region that is home to some of Banyan Tree’s most iconic properties. Our fruitful partnership with ACCOR continues to be a driving force for us in the Middle East, enabling us to bring Banyan Tree to new horizons and new opportunities.”

– Eddy See, Chief Executive Officer & President of Banyan Tree Group

“Bluewaters has always been a destination for major projects that redefine luxury and cement Dubai as a global beacon of the tourism industry. Our collaboration with market leaders like Accor, Ennismore and Banyan Tree Group marks an important milestone in our ongoing journey of elevating the rich hospitality landscape in Dubai.”

– Amit Kaushal, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding

As part of a long-term strategic partnership agreement between Accor and Banyan Tree Group signed in 2016, Banyan Tree Dubai will be co-managed by Banyan Tree Group and Ennismore, following a similar operational model applied in Banyan Tree La Cigale Doha, Qatar and Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia.

The post Banyan Tree Luxury Wellness Oasis in Dubai appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

A holistic resort in Da Nang is taking wellbeing out of its wellness center through a handful of curated experiences for mind, body, and soul at nearby points of spiritual and cultural significance. TIA Wellness Resort, situated along Da Nang’s picturesque coastline, has drawn on its four core wellness pillars: Nourish, Flow, Breathe, Create to reimagine excursions to local sites, bringing in a wellness twist.

Breathe – Meditate with Lady Buddha

At the towering Lady Buddha statue that presides over the Son Tra Peninsula, the breath is the key element added to the mix. Guests leave early for a relaxing exploration of Linh Ung Pagoda, an active place of worship that is the largest in Da Nang, before a guided meditation session in the grounds with a focus on the breath. After the mindful practice the excursion takes in the main Lady Buddha statue, the tallest in the country and a symbol of peace and prosperity, before returning to the resort. The whole experience takes place from 6:00am – 8:30am, before the bustle of the day.

Flow – Marble Mountain Hike and Tai Chi Amid the Caves

Nearby the resort are the Marble Mountains, five karsts named for the five elements. The sacred spot, peppered with pagodas and shrines, ancient statues and deep, lofty caves, is accessed by a time-worn 200-step stone staircase winding up the mountainside. At the top, and before the crowds set in, there is an abundance of tranquil spaces ideal for a deeply peaceful Tai Chi practice led by the TIA guide. The two-hour excursion, designed with movement in mind, is held from 6:30am – 8:30am.

Nourish – An Organic Village Excursion and Healthy Cooking Class

Nourishment permeates TIA’s food philosophy, with its Eat Light, Feel Bright, food concept and a focus on whole food and predominantly plant-based dishes. TIA’s new Nourish experience is a bridge between the healthy focus at the property and the local organic farming community. This 3.5 tour starts with a trip to Tra Que Village to learn about local agriculture and the delicious Vietnamese herbs and spices that make the cuisine so distinct. Guests pick out the ingredients that will later be used to make Wellness Spring Rolls and Wellness Banh Xeo (Vietnamese-style savory pancake) in a hands-on cooking class held at the resort. The tour takes place from 10:30am – 2:00pm, with guests sitting down for a meal of their creations afterwards.

Create – A Traditional Vietnamese Calligraphy Experience

With a traditional Vietnamese calligraphy session TIA is building on the creativity focus that it encourages through its on-site art sessions while introducing a traditional practice that is imbued with mindfulness. The three-hour afternoon session starts at 1:30pm with a visit to a calligraphy museum and chat with a calligraphy master. Guests will get to keep their creation as a reminder of the experience.

Each TIA tour is from VND 1,500,000++ per person and they are offered daily, subject to availability. For more information visit https://tiawellnessresort.com/en/

The post New TIA Tours in Vietnam’s Cultural and Sacred Sites appeared first on Asian Itinerary.