oleh admin | Mar 3, 2025 | business, health, health & fitness, lifestyle, wellness
Leading hotels are increasingly focusing on wellness, as reported by the Global Wellness Institute, providing comprehensive physical and spiritual experiences to draw in travelers who prioritize their health.
As we enter the golden age of wellness tourism – the industry is growing exponentially and will be worth US$1.4 trillion by 2027 according to the Global Wellness Institute – luxury hotel brands are looking to capitalise on the trend by creating next-level wellness experiences to lure in new customers.
“Modern travelers are quite knowledgeable, and wellness tourists particularly so,” states Trisha Bannister, who serves as the wellness director at the recently launched Layan Life within the Anantara Layan resort.
Phuket
They are searching for locations that offer more than just spas, yoga retreats, or superficial solutions typically available at many hotels.
Previously, individuals focused on maintaining their well-being often visited specialized wellness retreats like Thailand’s Chiva-Som or The Farm in the Philippines for advanced medical and wellness services. However, these establishments now encounter strong rivalry from high-end hotels that provide comprehensive packages integrating physical care, holistic practices, and spiritual elements, all while delivering top-notch service and luxurious lodging options.
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“Hotels are enhancing their amenities to compete with wellness resorts, while wellness retreats are adopting strategies from hotels to improve guests’ experiences and overall satisfaction. These once distinct sectors are becoming more intertwined,” says Cathy Feliciano-Chon, managing partner at marketing firm Finn Partners, which represents brands such as The Mandarin Oriental and Marriott International Luxury Brands.
“Often, these hotels team up with well-known wellness centers since this is the fastest and most effective method for them to provide wellness services. After all, hotels focus on hospitality. To execute this properly, they must incorporate expertise from wellness professionals,” she explains, pointing out instances like the Four Seasons Singapore working alongside Chi Longevity and Six Senses Ibiza joining forces with Rose Bar, spearheaded by renowned wellness authority Dr Mark Hyman.
The current trend involves hotels establishing and running their own centers that provide top-notch facilities, treatments, and personnel. These centers frequently serve both locals and visitors alike. For instance, consider Surrenne, a London-based wellness and longevity members’ club initiated by Maybourne Hotels at The Emery, which debuted last April. This 2,000 square-meter area is solely dedicated to health and wellbeing and features the nation’s premier studio from international fitness icon Tracy Anderson.
The Wellness Brand Soneva Soul, conceived by Soneva Resorts’ creator Sonu Shivdasani, stands out remarkably. This venture integrates traditional therapeutic practices with contemporary technological advancements to craft customized wellness journeys encompassing exercise routines, restorative sleep programs, healthcare solutions, and cutting-edge regeneration therapies such as stem cell treatments—all tailored for guests enjoying their vacations.
Recently introduced to the area is Layan Life, which commenced operations last September. Situated within the premises of the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, this medical wellness center occupies a custom-designed building spanning an impressive 1,767 square meters, incorporating elements inspired by biophilia. Just a brief stroll away from the resort’s principal swimming pool and dining venue, the striking interior seamlessly merges modern architectural aesthetics with natural surroundings. Its features include expansive glass panels, soothing earthy hues, spacious areas flooded with plenty of daylight—a setting so exquisite it could easily grace the pages of a high-end design publication.
The ground level, accessible to both hotel residents and members, includes a cutting-edge fitness center, yoga and Pilates studios, meditation spaces, and a hydrotherapy zone equipped with temperature-controlled vitality pools, a Himalayan salt sauna, and a steam room. On the top floor, visitors have access to advanced medical and integrative therapies such as physiotherapy, cosmetic treatments, and intravenous procedures.
cryotherapy
, a hyperbaric chamber and colon hydrotherapy utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
The center also excels in traditional Thai medicine (TTM). Visitors can consult with a certified professional, try various distinctive therapies, and purchase customized remedies from the Thai herbal pharmacy.
Bannister states that Layan Life was established to debunk the limitations often associated with traditional wellness retreats. We achieve this by providing a welcoming environment for all our guests regardless of their age or phase of life. Guests have the option to join with friends and family or opt for a solitary getaway, which distinguishes us from others. Our visitors can reside at our resort or find accommodation nearby according to their preferences.
Customization and data-driven insights form the foundation of Layan Life. While prefabricated programs are offered, visitors are motivated to assume control over their wellness objectives by engaging in various diagnostic assessments prior to selecting their therapies. These evaluations include epigenetic screenings through hair samples and heavy metal checks, along with examinations of skin condition, posture, and full-body scans.
Everything mentioned above can be experienced alongside the usual pleasures of a vacation, whether relaxing at the swimming pool or socializing with pals.
“Our visitors desire to feel comprehended regarding their well-being and requirements, and they expect us to tailor our services accordingly during their stay, thus providing an extremely personalized experience,” explains Bannister.
Notably, certain elements of Layan life have been incorporated into the hotel experience. This ranges from the bespoke wellness offerings available at the primary dining area to a free daily schedule featuring activities like boxing, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Additionally, they intend to introduce programs aimed at addressing prevalent issues such as menopause and improving sleep quality.
“One of our primary measures of success is making sure that our guests can absorb their experiences fully and remain present—without feeling pressured to check every box or engage in a performance-driven encounter,” Bannister explains.
The dual nature of being at a wellness facility as well as an everyday retreat gives guests a feeling of routine continuity.
4 trending wellness travel ideas for 2025
1. Sexual well-being
– aside from menopause and fertility,
sexual health
is becoming clearer, as more women feel emboldened to take control of their sexual desires.
2. AI-powered wellness
–
AI
Is revolutionizing the way we analyze data, allowing for greater customization of our health objectives and plans.
3. Returning to the natural world
– From grounding to forest bathing, deepening one’s connection with nature has shown benefits for both mental and physical well-being.
4. Longevity
– There are numerous benefits to
biohacking
, featuring programs that include brain health training, along with mobility and cognitive exercises, which contribute to a longer, more healthy life.
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oleh admin | Feb 9, 2025 | diet and nutrition, health & fitness, healthy eating, nutrition, psychology of depression
The condition of your gastrointestinal tract directly affects the well-being of your mind.
Approximately 95 percent of serotonin, which controls mood, pain, and sleep as a neurotransmitter, is generated in an individual’s gastrointestinal system. This same GI tract contains numerous nerve cells called neurons that are significantly affected by the microorganisms present in your gut microbiota.
As stated by Harvard Health, ‘good’ bacteria play several crucial roles: they create a robust defense against toxins and harmful bacteria; they reduce inflammation; they enhance nutrient absorption from your diet; and they stimulate neural connections that run directly from the gut to the brain.
The development of these bacteria relies on their dietary intake. Research indicates that traditional diets comprising whole foods, unprocessed grains, and fermented items can lower the risk of depression by approximately 30 percent when contrasted with the usual Western diet pattern.
FOODS YOU SHOULD EAT
Below are some food options you can include in your diet to enhance your mental well-being.
Whole grains:
Jungle or brown rice, oats, beans, and lentils contain complex carbs that help slow down glucose release and maintain stable blood pressure (since quick surges have been linked to certain mental health issues).
They assist in absorbing tryptophan, which may reduce signs of depression and anxiety gradually over time.
Healthy fats:
Discovered in fatty fish like salmon or mackerel, along with avocados and various nuts and seeds, these food items are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids—essential nutrients for brain health.
Colourful fruits and vegetables:
Leafy vegetables like kale and spinach provide folate, which may help prevent depression, dementia, and insomnia. These foods also include omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and various other nutrients.
Lycopene, responsible for giving tomatoes their vibrant red hue, is linked to enhanced focus, alertness, and reasoning abilities. Meanwhile, yellow and orange vegetables such as carrots, pumpkins, and squashes offer beta-carotene, an element known to boost brain performance.
Whenever feasible, choose a broad selection of brightly colored fruits and vegetables; this will ensure a comprehensive mix of essential vitamins and minerals.
Fermented food:
Yogurt, kimchi, or kombucha have live cultures that assist your body in breaking down and absorbing nutrients from the meals you consume, thereby enhancing the efficiency of digesting these foods.
Dark chocolate:
Shifting your choice from milk to dark chocolate may offer you polyphenols, flavonoids, and various antioxidants that can enhance your mood. An optimal mix would be 85 percent dark chocolate. Nonetheless, even though it contains less sugar compared to milk chocolate, it should still be enjoyed moderately.
Caffeine:
In modest amounts, caffeine has the ability to enhance dopamine levels and elevate your spirits. Nonetheless, specialists recommend taking tiny, regular servings (such as 20 mg of caffeine each time). Consuming excessive caffeine may result in sleeplessness and heightened feelings of anxiousness.
ITEMS TO PASS ON OR AVOID IN FOOD CHOICES
On the flip side, here are some foods you should cut back on for better mental health:
Sugar:
Although it might seem appealing to indulge in sweet treats during stressful times, consuming sugar actually impairs your brain’s capacity to handle stress. Additionally, it correlates directly with an increased risk of depression. Aim to cut back on sodas, fruit juices, energy drinks, sweets, and even natural sugars such as maple syrup or honey.
Artificial sweeteners:
Likewise, sweeteners such as aspartame have been associated with anxiety and depression. Instead of opting for diet sodas, it might be wiser to select unsweetened options like tea or simply water.
Saturated and trans fats:
Often referred to as ‘hydrogenated oil,’ these fats are commonly present in processed foods like deep-fried items, margarine, and palm oil. They do not offer the advantages of beneficial fats. Rather, they are associated with depression, sluggishness, and poor mood.
Refined carbohydrates:
Although whole wheat bread or pasta is rich in complex carbs which benefit mental well-being, white flour and white rice might exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Nonetheless, this issue has a simple solution: try substituting some of your refined grains with whole grain alternatives.
Alcohol:
Even though it’s okay in small amounts, alcohol acts as a depressant. When consumed in large quantities, it can disturb the chemical equilibrium in our brains by reducing neurotransmitter levels. It’s advisable for women to limit themselves to one drink per day, and for men to have up to two drinks daily.
Since you’re aware of which foods to steer clear of, it’s now important to reassess your personal eating habits. Are you eager to find out exactly how much sugar you’re taking in?
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oleh admin | Jan 26, 2025 | fitness, health, health & fitness, health and exercise, healthcare and medicine
Increasing your fitness level prior to significant surgery might reduce the risk of postoperative complications by half, according to a study.
The study also revealed that patients who proactively got ready for scheduled surgeries through exercise and better nutrition generally experienced faster recoveries.
In the Canadian study involving 15,684 individuals whose medical records were reviewed, participants who adopted healthier behaviors—referred to as prehabilitation rather than post-operative rehabilitation—experienced fewer complications within a month following their procedures and reported an improved quality of life.
Scientists found that boosting physical activity prior to surgery, whenever feasible, might decrease the likelihood of complications by half. Additionally, maintaining a nutritious diet—especially one high in proteins—was linked to reducing the risk by 38 percent.
It was unexpectedly discovered that one of the most efficient ways to decrease the length of hospital stay following surgery is providing patients with access to psychological support. This involves clinicians discussing in detail what to anticipate during the recovery phase.
When combining all three factors — exercise, a nutritious diet, and therapy — the likelihood of experiencing post-operative complications decreased by 36 percent.
Proactively getting ready for significant surgery might also reduce the duration of recovery in the hospital.
Individuals who increased their physical activity and received emotional backing spent approximately 2.5 less days in the hospital compared to those who didn’t.
Combining exercise and healthy eating was associated with 1.22 fewer days.
Up to 44 percent of NHS patients in the UK experience complications following significant surgeries such as internal hemorrhaging, infections, and strokes.
Dr. Daniel McIsaac, who led the research and works as an anesthetist at Ottawa Hospital, stated: “Preparation programs before surgery might be advantageous for adult patients.”
The researchers are now set to explore the impacts of customized prehabilitation exercises, like emphasizing leg strength prior to knee surgery.
Read more
oleh admin | Jan 21, 2025 | fitness, health, health & fitness, health and exercise, healthy workouts
-
READ MORE:
Why smartwatches aren’t so effective when it comes to reducing stress levels
It may not require an extensive physical examination to assess your health status.
Experts say a
simple workout move
might showcase your power and stamina.
Dr. Edward Laskowski, a specialist in sports medicine and rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester,
Minnesota
states that squats serve as an excellent gauge of one’s athletic ability and can “enhance your performance across many different sports.”
The
strength-building exercise
is centered around engaging the leg muscles, particularly targeting the quadriceps and hamstrings.
In order to execute the movement, the New York-based personal trainer
Natalya Alexeyenko
mentioned LIFEHACK suggests beginning by ‘establishing your posture,’ keeping your feet apart at shoulder width, with your toes pointed outward just a bit.
Up next, it’s crucial to activate your core muscles while keeping your spine in a neutral position, avoiding any bend or curve.
Next, Ms. Alexeyenko explains that the key is to “bend down so your thighs become parallel to the ground or go as low as your flexibility permits, making sure your knees stay aligned with your toes.”
When considering weight distribution, she recommends maintaining the weight in your quadriceps and hips instead of transferring it to your toes or knees.
To achieve a full squat, lower yourself gradually and use your heels to come back up to the initial stance, making sure not to employ momentum.
She recommends breathing in as you descend and exhaling as you return to your starting position to enhance the motion.
At the same time, keep your arms fully extended above your head for the entire duration. According to her, if your arms stay in line with your torso, this indicates that your shoulder flexibility is probably sufficient.
‘She notes that if this isn’t the case, tight chest muscles might be causing internal rotation of the shoulders, which can restrict their movement.’
According to the Mayo Clinic, one set consisting of 12 to 15 repetitions is usually sufficient for most individuals.
However, according to age, Ms. Alexeyenko sets a specific target number for squats, starting with individuals aged between 20 and 30 years old for both men and women.
She states that men in this era ought to aim for performing 50 squats within 60 seconds, whereas women should strive for 45 squats to demonstrate peak physical condition.
Although it may appear as a significant figure, Ms. Alexeyenko states that “strength and endurance usually reach their zenith within this age group, making it achievable.”
As age increases, the target goal declines.
For individuals aged between 31 and 40 years old, the count decreases by 10 for both males and females.
Ms Alexeyenko suggests that at her current stage, the emphasis should be on retaining strength and flexibility while avoiding injuries rather than building endurance.
In a decade, when individuals reach the age group of 41 to 50 years, the fitness specialist indicates that women ought to manage 25 squats, compared to 30 squats for their male counterparts.
Executing this movement as you get older, she explains, can aid in maintaining joint health and enhancing functional strength.
Between ages 51 and 60, the number drops to 25 squats for men and 20 for women. For individuals older than 61, performing 5 to 15 squats can aid in maintaining mobility and lowering the chance of falling, as per her statement.
Although Ms Alexeyenko suggests that squats are a great method for evaluating the body’s joint flexibility and core strength.
She mentions that there are several important points to remember.
She explains that the extent of your squat is primarily influenced by how flexible your hip and ankle joints can be.
If your lower back feels tense, it might elevate your hips, restricting how deep you go and correct positioning.
In the meantime, regarding core stability, she warns that if your pelvis shifts downwards at the bottom of the squat, this could signify weak core muscles that require reinforcement to improve balance and support during the movement.
HOW TO EXECUTE A FLAWLESS SQUAT
Providing her insights on squats, New York-based personal trainer Natalya Alexeyenko mentions:
1. Set your stance:
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
2. Engage your core:
Keep a balanced spinal column and engage your abdominal muscles during the entire motion.
3. Focus on depth:
Bend your body so that your thighs reach a position level with the ground, or go down as far as your flexibility permits, making sure your knees stay aligned with your toes.
4. Weight distribution:
Maintain the weight in your quadriceps and glutes instead of transferring it to your toes or knees.
5. Controlled movement:
Slowly lower yourself down and use your heels to push back up to the starting position, making sure not to use momentum.
6. Breathing:
Breathe in as you descend, and breathe out as you return to the starting position.
Read more
oleh admin | Jan 21, 2025 | fitness, health, health & fitness, health and exercise, healthy workouts
-
READ MORE:
Why smartwatches aren’t so effective when it comes to reducing stress
It may not require an expensive comprehensive check-up to figure out your health status.
Experts say a
simple workout move
might showcase your power and stamina.
Dr Edward Laskowski, a specialist in sports medicine and rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester,
Minnesota
indicates that squats serve as an excellent measure of athleticism and can ‘enhance your performance across many different sports.’
The
strength-building exercise
is centered around engaging the leg muscles, particularly targeting the quadriceps and hamstrings.
In order to execute the movement, the New York-based personal trainer
Natalya Alexeyenko
He told SANGGRALOKA that you should begin by “establishing your posture,” keeping your feet at shoulder width and turning your toes outward slightly.
Up next, it’s crucial to activate your core muscles while keeping your spine in a neutral position, avoiding any bends or rounds.
Next, Ms Alexeyenko mentions that the key is to ‘bend down so your thighs become parallel to the ground or go as low as your flexibility permits, making sure your knees stay aligned with your toes’.
Regarding weight distribution, she recommends maintaining the weight in your quadriceps and hips instead of transferring it to your toes or knees.
To achieve a full squat, you should lower yourself gradually and use your heels to revert to the initial stance, ensuring not to utilize momentum.
To enhance the motion, she recommends breathing in as you descend and breathing out as you return to the starting position.
At the same time, keep the arms fully stretched out above your head for the entire duration. According to her, if the arms stay parallel to your body, this indicates that your shoulder flexibility is probably sufficient.
‘She notes that if this isn’t the case, then tight chest muscles might be causing internal rotation of the shoulders, which can restrict their movement.’
According to the Mayo Clinic, for the majority of individuals, performing one set consisting of 12 to 15 repetitions should be sufficient.
However, according to age, Ms Alexeyenko sets a specific target number for squats, starting with both men and women aged between 20 to 30 years old.
She mentions that for today’s generation, men aiming for peak physical condition should strive to complete 50 squats within 60 seconds, whereas women should target accomplishing around 45 during the same timeframe.
Although it may appear as a significant figure, Ms Alexeyenko states that ‘strength and stamina usually reach their zenith within this age bracket, making it achievable.’
As one gets older, the targeted objective decreases.
Between the ages of 31 and 40, the count decreases by 10 for both males and females.
At her current stage, Ms Alexeyenko suggests that rather than focusing on endurance, the emphasis should be on keeping up strength and flexibility while avoiding injuries.
Ten years later, when individuals reach the age group of 41 to 50, a fitness specialist suggests that women ought to manage 25 squats, whereas men should aim for 30.
She mentions that carrying out this movement as you get older can aid in maintaining joint health and enhancing functional strength.
For individuals between 51 to 60 years old, the number drops to 25 squats for men and 20 for women. As for those above 61, she mentions that performing 5 to 15 squats can aid in maintaining flexibility and lowering the chance of falling.
Although Ms Alexeyenko suggests that squats are a great method to evaluate the body’s joint flexibility and core strength.
She mentions that there are several important points to remember.
Regarding depth and joint flexibility, she explains: “The extent of your squat mainly relies on how mobile your hips and ankles are.”
If your lower back feels tense, it might elevate your hips, restricting how deep you go and correct positioning.
In the meantime, regarding core stability, she warns that if your pelvis shifts downwards at the bottom of the squat, this might suggest weak core muscles needing reinforcement to improve balance and support.
HOW TO EXECUTE A FLAWLESS SQUAT
Sharing her insights on squats, New York-based personal trainer Natalya Alexeyenko mentions:
1. Set your stance:
Position your feet apart at shoulder width, with toes pointed outward just a bit.
2. Engage your core:
Keep your spine straight and engage your abdominal muscles during the exercise.
3. Focus on depth:
Bend down so your thighs become level with the ground or go as low as your flexibility permits, making sure your knees stay aligned with your toes.
4. Weight distribution:
Maintain the weight in your quadriceps and glutes instead of transferring it to your toes or knees.
5. Controlled movement:
Slowly lower yourself down and use your heel strength to push back up to the initial stance, ensuring you do not rely on inertia.
6. Breathing:
Breathe in as you descend, and breathe out as you return to the starting position.
Read more
oleh admin | Jan 6, 2025 | health & fitness, health and exercise, lifestyle, popular culture, social media
Giving up social media for an off-the-grid lifestyle may seem enticing in principle, yet is it really feasible?
Despite its shortcomings, the internet has grown to be essential. At the peak of the Covid-19 outbreak, social media served as a crucial link, providing an important way to communicate and connect with others.
Without it, many people would have come out of lockdown in much poorer condition.
Nevertheless, even the most efficient tools can turn harmful with excessive use. For example, mindlessly browsing through content is not just non-productive but frequently exhausting.
According to a survey conducted by ExpressVPN, 86 percent of young Americans feel that social media has an adverse effect on their happiness.
Although specialists suggest tactics such as reducing screen time, turning off likes, and not using phones before bedtime, these approaches might result in users having unscheduled hours to manage.
Rather than giving up all your hobbies to follow the hustle culture, why not try out activities that, according to Marie Kondo, “bring you joy”?
Reconnect with Nature
Canadian psychologist Lisa Nesbit emphasized the significant physical and mental advantages of being outside.
Taking a leisurely stroll can boost your spirits and lessen stress, whereas engaging in more intensive pursuits such as trekking, having a picnic, or stopping by a petting zoo can intensify these benefits.
Another psychologist named John Zelenski thought that interacting with nature enhances happiness and generosity.
Practices like casual picture-taking or nurturing plants can similarly inspire a feeling of wonder and help us recognize our link to the broader universe.
Embrace Creativity
You don’t have to be an artist to appreciate making something.
Research indicates that engaging in crafts decreases cortisol levels in many individuals, resulting in reduced stress and enhanced well-being.
No matter if it involves knitting, origami, painting, or coloring, the aim isn’t about achieving perfection; rather, it’s about enjoying the process of creation.
Dr Helen Keyes, a cognitive psychologist from Anglia Ruskin University, noted that engaging in crafting without an end goal can evoke the joyful, carefree feelings we often reminisce about from our childhood years.
Learn for Fun
Were you always curious about trying something different but could never find the moment?
No matter if you’re broadening your culinary skills, streaming informative documentaries, or becoming a master at juggling, the point is to enjoy learning instead of focusing solely on practicality.
Wellness coach Dennis Buttimer pointed out that engaging in these activities fosters bravery and self-assurance, thereby decreasing fear and worry.
Should you find the idea of studying to be too much, perhaps try out the “10-minute rule.” This involves dedicating only ten minutes per session; this way, challenging activities seem less intimidating and more doable.
Make Time for Joy
Undeniably, social media can be entertaining, yet you should not rely solely on it for amusement. When it begins to seem more exhausting than satisfying, think about picking up alternative pastimes that enhance your life and offer a feeling of achievement.
Abandoning social media completely may not be the solution, but achieving a better equilibrium could be. This might involve engaging with nature, exploring artistic pursuits, or acquiring new knowledge; such activities can help fill voids and lead to a more fulfilling off-screen existence.
