Wellness
Wellness and Health – New Definition of Luxury and Lifestyle
Maldives.net.mv – Vaibhav Garg, Cluster Director of Talent & Culture – AccorHotels, Maldives represented Maldives and AccorHotels at the Cornell University during a recent International Symposium: Hospitality, Health & Design (October 9 – 11, Ithaca, New York) with over 90 speakers, and 4 high profile keynote panels on hospitality, healthcare, senior living, and design and with over 200 delegates, global industry and academy leaders, executives, top researchers, and fellow participants. Vaibhav shared his research paper on the subject “Wellness & Health – new definition of luxury and lifestyle”
Speaking at the session, Vaibhav emphasized that Wellness is the state of optimal well-being and starts with self care. It’s not simply the absence of illness, but an improved quality of life resulting from enhanced physical, social, mental, emotional, spiritual and environmental health. In the area of health and wellness awareness; it all comes down to a giant contemporary demand for advancements in pro-active health. There are many reasons why the wellness industry is, and will continue to expand. What is killing us today are life style diseases. The major causes of early deaths have shifted from infectious diseases to chronic lifestyle-related conditions. 70% of which are preventable through eating right, exercise, supplementation and effective stress management.
“When it’s about bragging on social media on wellness, health and lifestyle that’s the new luxury statement and that’s what I spoke at Cornell University. There has been a major shift in the way we look at our lives and in “unconventional” way. It’s about personal satisfaction more than just a brag. Today there are many social media and fitness tracking applications that are emerging with a thrust into our lives advocating new gen lifestyle flair. People are following these new trends greatly and widely across age groups and evolved and matured mindsets. My presentation at Cornell University took a look at Gen Z trends as well as global market trends in health + wellness and its implications on the hospitality industry. Wellness at AccorHotels and other industry case studies were also showcased during this event”, briefed Vaibhav.
So when it comes to selfie posts and personal photographs (self posing or check ins) It’s usually a confluence of health, body image, peer affirmation and self-actualization. As millennials craft their social media persona, body image becomes a primary concern. 73% of millennials exercise to enhance their physical appearance. People who posts status updates about their diet and exercise routine or travel diaries appears to be more Narcissistic and they use Facebook and other fitness social networks like H, Pump Up, Instagram and Burn This to share their workout selfies, to broadcast the effort they put into their physical appearance. In my personal view, It’s not simply overexposure but a new way towards an improved quality of life resulting from enhanced physical, social, mental, emotional, spiritual and environmental health.
In his presentation remarks, he emphasized that there is an absolute revolution going on involving the “consumerization of fitness and wellness, the very nature of the future fitness opportunity is changing and in hospitality industry wellness needs to be accessible and integrated with the guest experience in the hotel in the most natural way. “At Accor, we believe that our guests need to have “wellness options” to choose from and our wellness strategy is redefined with 4 pillars of health and well-being.” added Vaibhav.
Vaibhav has been representing Maldives and his respective organizations at Cornell University since 2012 while showcasing his research case studies and new trends in the area of hospitality, hotel operations, human resources and service excellence. “It was an incredible honor to represent Maldives and AccorHotels at Cornell University, New York, this October 2016 where academicians, fellow industry professionals and practitioners from across a broad spectrum of the wellness, health, hospitality and design industry gathered for an immersive learning experience into the cultural factors and trends transforming the hospitality, health & design in marketplace.” concludes Vaibhav Garg.
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has announced that its Skillz recreation team has been certified in two of Radical Fitness’ signature programs, as well as achieving the prestigious Fitness Assistant Level 2 Certification from the Fitness Academy of Europe. This accomplishment underscores Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional wellness experiences for its guests.
The certifications were achieved as part of the highly successful Fit Week 2024, held from 9th to 15th December 2024, in collaboration with TEMPO, a leading fitness company founded by the Maldives’ most decorated fitness professional, Hussain Zinan. Fit Week served as a transformative wellness event that brought together fitness, nutrition, and holistic well-being in the picturesque setting of Pullman Maldives Maamutaa.
Hussain Zinan, the visionary founder of TEMPO, Regional Head Trainer for Radical Fitness International (Maldives, UAE, Qatar & Thailand) and Education Director – Fitness Academy Europe, played a pivotal role in making Fit Week a success. With a fitness journey that began in 1995, Zinan is a nationally recognized expert, having received the National Award for Health & Fitness in 2012. His passion and expertise enabled guests to enjoy curated fitness programs, designed to invigorate both the body and mind.
During Fit Week 2024, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s Skillz recreation team:
- Earned certifications in two Radical Fitness programs, ensuring guests can now enjoy professional fitness experiences long after Fit Week has concluded.
- Completed the Fitness Assistant Level 2 Certification from the Fitness Academy of Europe, further enhancing the team’s ability to guide guests through effective and enjoyable fitness routines.
These certifications mark a significant milestone for the resort, positioning Pullman Maldives Maamutaa as a premier wellness destination where fitness and well-being are seamlessly integrated into the guest experience.
Fit Week featured a variety of dynamic fitness programs, offering engaging activities for guests of all fitness levels. Highlights included:
- Waterobics — A refreshing water-based fitness class held at the main pool, combining exercise with stunning resort views.
- FightDo — A high-energy fitness class featuring combative moves synchronized to music, providing a full-body workout via various disciplines of fighting styles.
- FactorF — Suspension training and circuit training on the beach, where guests enjoyed challenging and fun sessions against the backdrop of breathtaking ocean vistas.
- Radical Eleven – A functional fitness program practiced without the use of any equipment, and is sure to challenge guests of any fitness level.
FightDo and FactorF programs have been introduced to the island playground’s offering, even after the conclusion of fit week.
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa continues to champion holistic wellness through thoughtfully curated programs that integrate fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. Guests enjoyed healthy dining options throughout the resort, including the nutritious Power Active Breakfast at Sol Rising Bar and plant-based offerings at Phat Chameleon, the resort’s renowned vegan and vegetarian restaurant.
With its newly certified recreation team and the success of Fit Week 2024, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa looks ahead to expanding its wellness initiatives. The resort is committed to collaborating further with industry experts like Hussain Zinan and TEMPO to elevate guest experiences and inspire healthier lifestyles for the team on the island as well.
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa invites future guests to embark on their wellness journeys in an idyllic setting, with expert-led programs, innovative fitness solutions, and a commitment to holistic health and well-being.
Sun Siyam Resorts has announced that all spas across its five properties in the Maldives have received accreditation from the Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO), the global authority in beauty and spa therapy, as of December. This milestone underscores the resort group’s dedication to providing spa services that meet internationally recognised standards of professional care and expertise.
The accredited spas include:
- Veyo Spa by Thalgo at Siyam World
- The Spa by Thalgo at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
- The Spa, Ocean Spa, and Blue Spa at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
- Ocean Spa at Sun Siyam Iru Veli
- The Spa at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
Established in 1946 in Brussels and currently headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, CIDESCO represents the pinnacle of excellence in aesthetics and spa therapy. Operating in over 40 countries across five continents, this non-profit organisation sets globally recognised benchmarks for beauty and spa qualifications.
The accreditation highlights Sun Siyam Resorts’ commitment to delivering outstanding wellness services in line with CIDESCO’s high standards. It reflects the spas’ dedication to maintaining professionalism, hygiene, and service quality while adhering to industry best practices.
Guests staying at Sun Siyam Resorts can now enjoy spa treatments that align with CIDESCO’s internationally endorsed standards for beauty and wellness.
Reethi Beach Resort has announced the grand opening of the Spa Ceylon Boutique, a luxurious sanctuary of wellness now located on the resort’s picturesque island.
The opening ceremony, held the previous evening, was an elegant event attended by esteemed guests, including Dr. Abdulla Niyaz, Minister of State for the Tourism Ministry, along with his family. Other notable attendees included Mohamed Ali, Managing Director, Captain Ibrahim Didi, Director, and Jerome Ricardo Decker, Country Director.
Spa Ceylon, a globally renowned luxury Ayurveda brand, is celebrated for its fusion of age-old traditions with modern elegance, offering a distinctive wellness experience. The brand is known for its use of natural and sustainable ingredients to create products that rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. The new boutique at Reethi Beach Resort provides guests with an opportunity to experience this unique blend of heritage and holistic luxury.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a vibrant cocktail reception, reflecting a spirit of celebration and togetherness. The event not only represented a significant milestone for the resort but also reinforced its dedication to delivering world-class experiences.
Valentin Osolos, General Manager of Reethi Beach Resort, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Spa Ceylon signifies a shared vision of creating spaces where luxury meets mindfulness. The addition of this boutique enhances our offerings, ensuring our guests have access to the finest wellness solutions during their stay.”
Visitors to the Spa Ceylon Boutique can explore a diverse range of wellness products, including soothing balms, aromatic oils, skincare solutions, and indulgent bath essentials. More than just a retail space, the boutique offers an immersive journey into the art of self-care, inspired by Ayurvedic traditions and royal heritage.
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