100 countries set to participate in Global Wellness Day 2016
More than 3,000 properties across 100 countries are expected to take part in Global Wellness Day (GWD) 2016 on 11 June, as the grassroots initiative continues its rapid growth.
The event – a not-for-profit day of wellness activities founded by Belgin Aksoy of Aksoy Hotel Group and owner of destination spa Richmond Nua – had the support of more than 600 properties in 73 countries for 2015’s event, and Aksoy expects this year to be even bigger.
Across the world workouts, workshops and classes covering mindfulness, yoga, Pilates and many more areas will be on offer to celebrate the fifth annual GWD. Aiming to remove the barriers of exclusivity, this year’s theme is “Wellness for Everyone!’’ with a range of cities, tourism boards, health clinics and national dance companies putting on sessions to educate and inspire the public about the benefits of proactive wellness and mind-body fitness.
“Living well is the simple necessity for every human being on the planet,” said Aksoy, who wants to spread awareness of the importance of good physical and mental health.
“To overcome the global problems such as depression and lead a healthier and happier life, we need an inspiring beginning. The name of that beginning is Global Wellness Day.”
Aksoy also revealed that this year’s event will pay tribute to popular wellness industry figure Charlene Florian – former chief creative officer of Kerstin Florian International – who died late last month. To honour and commemorate her memory, Aksoy has dedicated GWD 2016 to Charlene Florian’s legacy.
Among the well-known hospitality and spa brands already committed to company-wide participation for GWD 2016 are: Accor Luxury Brands – Sofitel, Pullman and MGallery; Anantara; Constance; Four Seasons; Grace; GOCO; Jumeirah Hotels; Mandarin Oriental; Marriott Americas & Europe; Oberoi; Red Door Spas; Resense Spas; Rosewood; Six Senses; WTS International and SpaFinder Wellness 365.
“The discovery and practice of wellness activities invites everyone to enjoy a revitalised body, a clear mind and a peaceful heart,” added GWD international co-ordinator Jean Guy de Gabriac, who is CEO of Belgium-based spa training and consultancy company Tip Touch International.
“The world needs these three free and renewable sources of energy now more than ever. How long we have on this planet is not as important as what we actually do which each day that is granted to us.”
Global Wellness Day 2016 Belgin Aksoy WellnessGWD founder Belgin Aksoy honoured by Women’s Health magazine
Sun sets on Global Wellness Day in Hawaii: live update
US businesses rise to the challenge of Global Wellness Day initiatives: live update
Europe wakes up to Global Wellness Day: live update
UAE’s first Dior Spa debuts in Dubai at Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, The Lana
Europe's premier Evian Spa unveiled at Hôtel Royal in France
Clinique La Prairie unveils health resort in China after two-year project
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
Four Seasons announces luxury wellness resort and residences at Amaala
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion
Othership CEO envisions its urban bathhouses in every city in North America
Merlin teams up with Hasbro and Lego to create Peppa Pig experiences
SHA Wellness unveils highly-anticipated Mexico outpost
One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai featuring striking design by Nikken Sekkei
Luxury spa hotel, Calcot Manor, creates new Grain Store health club
'World's largest' indoor ski centre by 10 Design slated to open in 2025
Murrayshall Country Estate awarded planning permission for multi-million-pound spa and leisure centre
Aman's Janu hotel by Pelli Clarke & Partners will have 4,000sq m of wellness space
Therme Group confirms Incheon Golden Harbor location for South Korean wellbeing resort
Universal Studios eyes the UK for first European resort
King of Bhutan unveils masterplan for Mindfulness City, designed by BIG, Arup and Cistri
Rural locations are the next frontier for expansion for the health club sector
Tonik Associates designs new suburban model for high-end Third Space health and wellness club
Three years after Pegasus Capital bought Six Senses, how close is the private equity firm to realising its goals for its first spa and hospitality investment? Pegasus’ founder Craig Cogut tells us what’s been achieved and what comes next