Boutique hotel brand Aman, widely known for its strong spa focus, has just launched its much-talked-about sister brand Janu in Tokyo – complete with a 4,000sq m urban wellness retreat.

Janu Tokyo is only the beginning of the brand’s global expansion plans, according to Yuki Kiyono, global head of health and wellness development at Aman.

Janu is a hotel, residence and lifestyle offering that’s been five years in the making. Meaning ‘soul’ in Sanskrit, the concept is based on social connection, equilibrium and human interaction.

Much like Aman, Janu will have a strong emphasis on wellness but its distinctive approach will focus on enhancing wellbeing through the concept of connectedness and the notion of the shared social experience.

Spa Business spoke exclusively with Kiyono to learn about what’s in store for Janu as it embarks on a rollout around the world.

What does your role entail?
I oversee all wellness, spa and medical operations for all of the group’s hotels and resorts – for the Aman brand and now Janu. I work cross-functionally to develop the wellness concepts for each brand and curate their wellness offerings, as well as define the vision and strategy for them.

What’s the vision for Janu?
The brand has been created for a new era of restorative travel. Building on Aman’s dedication to “enrich lives through transformative experiences”, we’re seeking to redefine luxury hospitality by celebrating genuine human interaction, playful expression and social wellness.

How will it encourage connection?
Janu’s approach to wellness is characterised by impeccable design and architecture. It’s this, along with our group-based classes and programmes, that facilitates interaction and contributes to the physical and emotional experience of every guest.

Our expansive spa and fitness areas enhance individual wellbeing by offering an array of spaces that enable people to come together for shared experiences – encouraging moments of collective joy.

At our debut property in Tokyo, for example, the 4,000sq m Janu Wellness Centre features an extensive hydrothermal area with hammams and a banya and is centred around a lap pool and separate lounge pool – traditionally a place for socialising in Japan.

As well as nine treatment rooms, there are two signature Spa Houses with cold and hot plunge pools. These can host up to four people at a time or can be booked exclusively for a more private wellness experience.

It also boasts one of Tokyo’s largest gyms (340sq m), in addition to five exercise studios – including a boxing ring – and a recovery cabin with a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber.

Our wellness programming is still being finalised but we have aspirations to roll out retreats and workshops.

Are there plans for a Janu wellness membership?
Yes. Our Wellness Collective members will have access to the centre and an exclusive private lounge. They’ll also receive special rates for spa treatments and priority access to reservations for group classes.

What are your price points?
Guestroom rates start at JPY110,000 (US$813, €750, £640), based on double occupancy. A 60-minute massage costs JPY32,000 (US$212, €196, £167) and membership details are available on request.

What are your rollout plans?
Janu Tokyo marks the first of a 13-strong global pipeline of projects across urban, rural and coastal destinations. Countries of interest include the Turks & Caicos, Montenegro, Portugal and Turkey, as well as Saudi Arabia and the UAE and South Korea, Thailand and the Maldives.

Why did Aman feel the need for another brand?
We’ve been at the forefront of hospitality for more than 35 years and now have 35 properties in Asia, EMEA and North America.

We’ve always had an incredibly close relationship with our guests and through listening to them, and talking with other professionals in the industry, we realised that there’s a gap in the market.

One of the most rewarding things you can get from travel is meeting people. However, the world is also an increasingly lonely place and too reliant on the digital world, meaning people have lost the art of interaction and conversation. We want to kick-start human interaction again.

Yet Janu offers guests the ‘best of both worlds’. We offer mindful seclusion or the opportunity to socialise under one roof. It’s a place to truly re-balance.

What will distinguish Janu’s wellness concept from Aman’s?
Aman means ‘peace’ in Sanskrit, whereas Janu means soul; Aman is a sanctuary, whereas Janu is focused on connectedness; Aman offers refined respite, whereas Janu offers a lively, energetic vibe with a goal of creating inner contentment.

Will Janu target a different audience to Aman?
Guests are defined and characterised by their attitude and approach to living. Collectively, they’re drawn to opportunities for self-exploration and inspired by purposeful experiences. Whether they stay at Janu or Aman depends on the purpose of their trip and the experience they’re seeking.