More than 600 properties take part in World Wellness Weekend

633 properties across 88 countries took part in the second annual World Wellness Weekend this year, which ran over the weekend of September 22-23.

Names including Farris Bad in Norway, Rocco Forte Balmoral Hotel in Scotland, Glen Ivy Hot Springs in the US; and Kamalaya Koh Samui in Thailand took part, creating unique World Wellness Weekend packages to encourage visits from new guests and promote the importance of healthcare prevention in fun, creative ways.

The initiative saw some day spas partnering with local wellness businesses to create a buzz around World Wellness Weekend in their communities, while many of the hotel spas involved implemented an exclusive half-board package that included “bounce back” offers to encourage guests to return before the end of the year.

Activities hosted by the properties around the world included an aerial yoga taster session, group bio-dynamic wine tasting, neighbourhood treasure hunt, massage tips workshop and a DIY spa product workshop.

“One of World Wellness Weekend’s objectives is to remind people that, while health is a relationship between your body and a doctor, wellness is a responsible relationship between your body and mind and yourself,” commented World Wellness Weekend founder Jean-Guy de Gabriac.

The idea behind the initiative is also to inspire passion and creativity in those who work in the properties involved. “Owners and managers are encouraged to brainstorm with their team members and stimulate their creativity in order to unleash their passion. Together they combine their expertise to create new, surprising and fun treatments and activities to catch the attention of the media.”

World Wellness Weekend 2018 was sponsored by Biologique Recherche.

In the UK, the second annual Spa Fest also took place in September (20-21), with a focus on authentic wellness.

Image: Rocco Forte Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland