Credit: Preidlhof

We’re creating a movement to expand hearts, increase energy and unlock enthusiasm for a more meaningful and harmonious life
– Patrizia Bortolin

Kintsugi, a new private wellness club concept, will launch its flagship destination on Abu Dhabi’s Al Reem Island in November.

Unveiled in 2022, Kintsugi is a self-care-inspired concept designed to help its members heal, grow and embrace who they are. Its approach will draw on Western and ancient Eastern healing rituals.

The brand’s name refers to the Japanese method of repairing broken pottery with paint mixed with gold powder – a practice designed to showcase the beauty in imperfection.

Long-term vision

The inaugural Kintsugi Space will consist of a seven-floor building with a comprehensive wellness offering designed exclusively for women (unlike other aspects of the brand which are open to all).

The brand says the opening is the first step of its global rollout strategy, with much still to come in 2024. Next year, Kintsugi will expand its reach with an online membership option to connect a global audience with its workshops, classes and retreats.

Also launching next year is the official Kintsugi product line. Available to buy on the brand’s official website and at Kintsugi Spaces, the collection of hand-crafted products will include clothing and beauty and healing solutions.

Top team

As of March 2023, the Kintsugi project and team has been led by Patrizia Bortolin – an experienced industry leader, consultant and founder of Glowing Flow Spa Consultancy.

She is accompanied by a board of experts, including Dr Asma Naheed – clinical psychologist and mental wellbeing expert, celebrity facialist Anastasia Achilleos and architect Emanuela Benedetti.

Bortolin said: “I was honoured to be asked to develop and uplift the concept behind the Kintsugi movement and lead it to its full potential.

“Thanks to our very special board, we’re creating a movement to expand hearts, increase energy and unlock enthusiasm for a more meaningful and harmonious life.”

The offering

Kintsugi Space’s seven floors will each be dedicated to distinct wellness disciplines and healing methods, ranging from reclined therapies, art and meditation to tea tasting, dance and sound baths.

The facility will be home to a central leisure floor equipped with an infrared sauna, an obsidian crystal sauna, a hammam, relaxation nooks and a healthy poolside bar.

As well as indoor relaxation spaces, the member’s club will be home to a variety of outdoor retreat spaces. These will include a zen garden, a gazebo for mindfulness, a stone path for meditation and a quiet bamboo-concealed balcony designed for creative endeavours.

An indoor-outdoor pool will also be available, featuring a foot bath, an Onsen and over-water swings.

Additional facilities will include a fitness studio, vanity area and an Italian restaurant led by Emanuele Giorgione – ex-Chenot chef – and offering nourishing vegan cuisine.

Kintsugi has partnered with Ember Lifestyle Travel a local luxury travel consultancy and lifestyle management company.

The first Kintsugi Space

Staffed by therapists and wellness specialists, Kintsugi Space will blend modern wellness technology and natural therapies to offer a programming menu that promotes both movement and stillness.

Educational talks will also take place to equip members with new tools to progress on their individual wellbeing journey.

Technology on offer will include an oxygen bar, a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, an LED light bed and more.

Members will be able to opt for three-, six- and 11-month membership options, as well as a six-day retreat offering.

Patrizia Bortolin consulting on women’s wellness club concept Kintsugi in UAE