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Travel & Hospitality Awards - Spa & Wellness 2023

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<strong>Spa</strong> &<br />

<strong>Wellness</strong><br />

<strong>Awards</strong><br />

<strong>2023</strong><br />

FEATURING<br />

Original Beer<br />

<strong>Spa</strong><br />

CZECH REPUBLIC


TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY<br />

AWARD WINNER<br />

<strong>2023</strong>


Sponsor and<br />

Partners


Team<br />

Contents<br />

CEO<br />

Robert Bruce<br />

Editor-In-Chief<br />

Katherine Lozell<br />

Art Director<br />

Marcs Bacera<br />

<strong>Awards</strong> Director<br />

Brian Anson<br />

Sponsor and Partners 6<br />

Team 8<br />

Contents 8<br />

Criteria 10<br />

Our Guide to Luxury <strong>Spa</strong>s 12<br />

Opulent Surroundings 16<br />

Til <strong>Spa</strong> 18<br />

The Value of Good Owners 20<br />

Golden Silhouette <strong>Spa</strong> 22<br />

<strong>Spa</strong>huys 24<br />

A Dedicated Concept 26<br />

Solo Sauna Tune 28<br />

Providing A Complete Experience 30<br />

La Perla <strong>Spa</strong> 32<br />

<strong>Wellness</strong> Retreats, The Best Of 34<br />

Sadhana Works 38<br />

SpiritQuest Sedona Retreats 40<br />

Tenets of Thai <strong>Wellness</strong> 42<br />

Natural Palm Day <strong>Spa</strong> 46<br />

Sky Ban Pai Thai<br />

Massage Center Bratislava 48<br />

Orchid Thai <strong>Spa</strong> 50<br />

A Brief History of Beer <strong>Spa</strong>s 52<br />

Original Beer <strong>Spa</strong> 56<br />

Massage 58<br />

RUST. 62<br />

Amsterdam<br />

Massage Center 64<br />

Wellbeing & Fitness 66<br />

Rincon Fitness Center 68<br />

Beauty Salons |The Ultimate <strong>Wellness</strong><br />

Sanctuary 70<br />

Lavish Hair & <strong>Spa</strong> 72<br />

Editorial Liaison Manager<br />

David Hyde<br />

Director Of Marketing<br />

Azim Aftab<br />

Social Media Manager<br />

Apple Gatus<br />

Senior Writers<br />

Tasmai Dave & Zavier Zulfqar<br />

Contributing Writer<br />

Harry Duncton<br />

Senior Designers<br />

Maria Fernandes & Ashwin Ramesh<br />

<strong>Awards</strong> Managers<br />

Adam Cole, Alice Smith,<br />

& Stanley Lucas<br />

Research Managers<br />

Peter Clement & Mukul<br />

Contributing Writers<br />

Joseph Malabanan,<br />

& Michael Popoola


SERVICE EXCELLENCE ONLINE FEEDBACK CERTIFICATION & EXPERIENCE<br />

STYLE AND DESIGN SUSTAINABILITY AND ECO-FRIENDLINESS MARKETING<br />

The single most important criteria as this<br />

sets the tone and, in some cases, forms<br />

the foundation for the chance of any future<br />

business. Being friendly, open, professional,<br />

patient and caring are all conducive to good<br />

customer service. Staff and owners alike must<br />

set this tone from even before a customer<br />

walks through the door on mediums such as<br />

the telephone, email and social media.<br />

It’s not just customer service that is measured,<br />

it’s also service between businesses and here<br />

at TH awards we always make a note of our<br />

interaction between winners as reference point<br />

for the future should a company be nominated<br />

again.<br />

Being one of the few global independent award<br />

programs online feedback is key marker for our<br />

due diligence. We use a variety of platforms<br />

such as google, Facebook, Linkedin, booking.<br />

com and Tripadvisor, normally going back up<br />

to 12 months to help us establish an in-house<br />

score.<br />

Questions need to be answered such are these<br />

reviews consistently spread in terms of content,<br />

across platforms and date/time? The reason for<br />

any bad reviews?<br />

This criterion is a test of suitability in terms of the<br />

practitioner. In an ideal world the individual(s)<br />

running the treatment or practice should be<br />

both experienced and have all the relevant<br />

certification. However, with many emerging<br />

wellness trends certification may not be easy<br />

to come by or be non-existent, so we need<br />

to consider experience. On the other hand,<br />

individuals starting out may lack experience<br />

but have all the necessary certifications. For us<br />

it’s important to consider the context and find<br />

a balance.<br />

It is no question that the overall style and<br />

design of a place play an important part in<br />

selecting our award winner. Simply put, first<br />

impressions count, and nothing makes a better<br />

first impression than an aesthetically appealing<br />

setting. We’re certainly not partial to a period<br />

piece of architecture – but whether we’re<br />

judging a relaxing spa or a nature focused yoga<br />

retreat, the checklist remains the same. We<br />

consider factors such as architectural features,<br />

eco-friendly materials, use of spaces, décor<br />

and how the look of the property fits in relation<br />

to the brand.<br />

The health of the planet is one of the single<br />

biggest issues of our generation and it’s<br />

important for nominee’s understand this and<br />

attempt to do their bit. Practices such as energy<br />

conservation, a recycling program, energy<br />

efficient products, sustainable work policies<br />

and locally sourced natural materials are all key<br />

markers that we consider.<br />

In the modern age, a business cannot rely on<br />

word of mouth alone to get their message out<br />

into the world. Social media has become a vital<br />

part of everyday life, we like to see companies<br />

that go the extra mile to engage potential<br />

guests as well as those who visit regularly.<br />

Attractive and user-friendly websites, engaging<br />

social media accounts, brand management<br />

and informative content provide the basis for<br />

judging a company’s use of marketing.<br />

Criteria <br />

8<br />

9


Whether the luxury spa you visit is in a five-star hotel, a tropical-island resort, or an exclusive<br />

health club, the whole point is to escape from the ordinary and experience opulence like you’ve<br />

never felt before.<br />

OUR GUIDE<br />

TO LUXURY<br />

SPAS<br />

Types of <strong>Spa</strong>s<br />

Some of the different types of spas you might encounter<br />

are:<br />

Resort <strong>Spa</strong><br />

Found in some of the most exclusive<br />

and luxurious destinations<br />

throughout the world, a resort<br />

spa is attached to a high-end<br />

hotel or holiday resort. If you’re<br />

a paying guest, you might have<br />

access to most of the spa facilities<br />

already, but even non-residents<br />

can sometimes get in on the action.<br />

Destination <strong>Spa</strong><br />

The ultimate one-stop-shop for complete relaxation<br />

and a holistic approach to full body-and-mind wellness.<br />

A destination spa is dedicated to one or more types of<br />

treatment where you stay overnight and complete a<br />

program of fitness, massage, stress<br />

reduction, and diet.<br />

Day <strong>Spa</strong><br />

The classic pampering day<br />

venue, a day spa is a place<br />

that’s ideal for anyone with<br />

a hectic schedule and who<br />

can’t commit to an overnight<br />

stay. A day spa will offer all the<br />

treatments you can think of, but<br />

without accommodation<br />

attached.<br />

10<br />

11


<strong>Spa</strong> Etiquette<br />

Opulent Surroundings<br />

Dedicated Concept<br />

Complete Experience<br />

If you’ve never treated yourself to a spa experience before,<br />

the idea of entering a different world might seem daunting<br />

at first. Don’t worry; it’s usually a straightforward process<br />

that will be explained to you during the treatments, but<br />

make sure to follow these few simple steps.<br />

Medical conditions need to be disclosed before starting<br />

any treatments.<br />

Forget your phone. It’s getting harder to disconnect from<br />

busy lives and demanding careers, but to get the most<br />

out of your spa experience, turn off your electronics and<br />

slip into calmness and peace.<br />

It’s important to find out in advance what the dress code<br />

is for your spa visit. Most simply require swimwear to<br />

be worn while you’re on the premises, while robes and<br />

slippers are generally provided.<br />

Booking into a spa shouldn’t be an ordinary experience.<br />

It’s a trip you take away from yourself as much as anything<br />

else. The best spas are found in opulent settings, whether<br />

nestled in stunning natural beauty or surrounded by fine<br />

furnishings and exquisite materials.<br />

Value of Owners<br />

The best spa experiences don’t just appear on their own.<br />

Some of the finest spas in the world are owner operated, if<br />

they’re not already part of well-established and high-end<br />

hotel brands. It takes a special type of owner to create a<br />

world-class spa.<br />

It’s not referred to as a “spa experience” by mistake. The<br />

ultimate spa doesn’t just give you a break from work or<br />

a busy schedule, but the opportunity to take a holiday<br />

from yourself. The most impressive spas worldwide have<br />

something in common – a dedicated concept. Whether<br />

it’s a holistic approach to full-body wellness, digital detox,<br />

or a specific focus like cryotherapy, the best spas don’t try<br />

to do everything.<br />

Usually associated with residential spas (but also<br />

something that even the best days spas do), your every<br />

need is catered for during your experience. From a<br />

warm welcome and health assessment by dedicated,<br />

professional staff to delicious food cooked on site, the<br />

best spa experience starts as soon as you walk through<br />

the door.<br />

12<br />

13


The exquisite ambience of a luxury spa might feel like it’s some sort of magic, but there are a few<br />

real-life secrets to how the best spas create the feeling of true decadence.<br />

OPULENT<br />

SURROUNDINGS<br />

Décor<br />

Peace, relaxation, and tranquillity are three of the qualities<br />

associated with a luxurious spa, so it makes sense that<br />

the fittings and furnishings reflect that. You’ll often find<br />

natural materials that radiate calm, like stone or wood,<br />

while their neutral colour tones help you to relax and<br />

unwind.<br />

Lighting<br />

Softly lit rooms help to create a gentle, soothing<br />

ambience that adds to the calming powers of a luxuryspa<br />

experience. You won’t find overhead, fluorescent strip<br />

lights, but muted, warm tones from diffused light sources<br />

like lamps.<br />

Music<br />

Taking you far away from your ordinary, day-to-day<br />

life, some music can soothe aches and pains while<br />

other music stimulates the mind and improves the spa<br />

experience. You might choose your own tunes to use to<br />

wander off into bliss, or even listen to the calming sounds<br />

of the rainforest or ocean waves.<br />

Smells<br />

Your sense of smell can transport you to another country,<br />

or even into your past. With aromatherapy offering a<br />

complementary health approach, a spa might use an<br />

invigorating scent like forest eucalyptus or the calming<br />

scent of jasmine and lavender.<br />

<strong>Spa</strong>ce<br />

One of the best things about a luxurious spa is the<br />

feeling of calmness and serenity. Clean lines, uncluttered<br />

surfaces, and open, vertical spaces can make even a small<br />

spa feel miles high. The clever use of reflective surfaces<br />

and strategically positioned mirrors helps to leave room<br />

for meditation and thought.<br />

14<br />

15


Til <strong>Spa</strong><br />

Portugal | Boutique <strong>Spa</strong><br />

Found in the grand city of Funchal on the island of Madeira, better known<br />

as The Pearl of the Atlantic is one of the best spas you could ever wish<br />

to visit. The spa is in the wonderful Castanheiro Boutique Hotel, a popular<br />

four star destination that sits just a stone’s throw from the marina and the<br />

famous cathedral.<br />

You can choose from an extensive list of treatments and special<br />

body rituals designed to de-stress, revitalise aching muscles, and<br />

improve complexions with ancient techniques and powerful<br />

natural products.<br />

Highlights include the organic deluxe facial experience<br />

that starts with a regenerative warm seaweed mask,<br />

before a luxury scrub and back massage, while the 60<br />

minute massage with volcanic rocks is guaranteed<br />

to impress.<br />

GET IN TOUCH<br />

R. do Castanheiro 31,<br />

9000-081 Funchal,<br />

Portugal<br />

Tel +351291200100<br />

The lush facilities and expert treatments aren’t<br />

solely focused on women either. Male guests<br />

can treat themselves to a bamboo brush<br />

exfoliation, or a luxury fully body massage and<br />

rejuvenating facial using boutique Irish natural<br />

beauty company Voya’s products.<br />

For a spectacular treatment that rightly fits<br />

the beauty of Madeira, guests can indulge<br />

themselves in a Til Luxury Signature Treatment.<br />

Expertly crafted by the spa’s technicians to<br />

pay homage to the island’s volcanic origins<br />

and home in the ocean, you can expect to be<br />

welcomed, scrubbed, wrapped in seaweed,<br />

massaged, and treated like royalty throughout.<br />

Guests can also take advantage of the spa’s<br />

excellent facilities after their treatment. Swim<br />

a few lengths in the hydrotherapy pool, hop<br />

into a sauna, or wake yourself up with a Turkish<br />

bath. The gym is available to use as well.<br />

When you find yourself on Portugal’s sun<br />

drenched island of Madeira, and you want a<br />

bit of well-deserved indulgence, you can’t go<br />

wrong at Til <strong>Spa</strong>. It’s unforgettable.<br />

16<br />

17


A spa isn’t just four walls and some therapeutic equipment. The finest spa experiences in the world<br />

are thanks to committed, dedicated, and passionate owners who have made it their life’s work to<br />

help others reach their wellness goals.<br />

THE VALUE<br />

OF GOOD<br />

OWNERS<br />

The type of person who visits a luxury spa rightly has<br />

great expectations of everything, from the setting to the<br />

food and treatments that are available during their visit.<br />

And they’re willing to pay what’s necessary to find the<br />

right place too, wherever it is in the world.<br />

So, it’s no surprise that the most exclusive spas are built<br />

by people with the passion and drive to go beyond even<br />

the wildest expectations and deliver stunning scenery,<br />

opulent surroundings, and five-star spa treatments.<br />

You might have an excellent experience at a fitness centre<br />

or in a small spa tucked away in the corner of a hotel, but<br />

you’re more likely to have the experience of a lifetime at a<br />

resort or destination spa that focuses on the spa element<br />

specifically.<br />

The same goes for spas that try to do everything for<br />

everybody. The ideal spa destination has a focus, whether<br />

it’s a particular type of treatment or a delightful setting.<br />

And with a dedicated spa venue comes passionate<br />

owners and highly trained, professional staff. The value of<br />

having great owners that understand both the hospitality<br />

industry and the wellness sector makes for a spa that<br />

offers a truly luxurious experience for anyone lucky<br />

enough to visit.<br />

18<br />

19


Golden Silhouette <strong>Spa</strong><br />

USA | Detox <strong>Spa</strong><br />

Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, California, conjures up images of famous<br />

residents and fabulous weather. Those in the know head to the Golden<br />

Silhouette <strong>Spa</strong> for the best detox on the West Coast of the USA.<br />

You step into the bright and airy reception area where the friendly and<br />

professional staff welcome you into the “golden age of therapy”, where<br />

you can choose from an exciting range of packages aimed at giving<br />

you the best spa treatments in Los Angeles.<br />

Founded by massage expert and former model Sonia Kaufmann,<br />

the spa offers an impressive range of holistic and medical<br />

treatments for the entire body and mind. Guest favourites<br />

include pre- or post- operation recovery massage, deep<br />

tissue massage, as well as sports therapy and natural<br />

healing with crystals and colour therapy.<br />

GET IN TOUCH<br />

9730 Wilshire Blvd,<br />

Suite 107, Beverly<br />

Hills, CA 90212<br />

Tel +1 310 738 2549<br />

The signature spa treatment is the Golden<br />

Silhouette. Created by owner and founder Sonia<br />

Kaufmann over her 25 years of experience in<br />

the field, it combines several techniques that<br />

help to break down and eliminate toxins, fats,<br />

and proteins stored in the body. Using elements<br />

of palper rouler, or “pinch and roll”, lymphatic<br />

drainage, and adipose tissue manipulation, it’s<br />

a massage like no other.<br />

You can choose from different packages that<br />

suit your availability and budget and pick<br />

what suits your needs. The sports massage<br />

treatment uses the Roller Original machine to<br />

increase blood flow, smooth skin, and break<br />

down stubborn fats in the body.<br />

Whether you want to release negative energies<br />

using colour and sound therapy in the stunning<br />

Amethyst Room, experience expert lymphatic<br />

drainage massage, or treat yourself to a full<br />

body Golden Silhouette treatment, the team at<br />

the spa are ready and waiting for your visit.<br />

20<br />

21


<strong>Spa</strong>huys<br />

Netherlands | Day <strong>Spa</strong><br />

The pretty North Brabant city of Oss hides a secret gem in the spa world that<br />

will delight and amaze anyone who chooses it for their next treatment.<br />

Tucked down a typical brick side street just moments from the shopping<br />

centre of Oss is <strong>Spa</strong>huys. A breathtaking and highly modern full spa<br />

concept, it’s like nothing you’ve experienced before.<br />

After a warm welcome and consultation, you’re able to choose from<br />

a wide range of fantastic wellness and therapeutic treatments.<br />

Starting with facial treatments for men as well as women, using<br />

the spa’s own Ann Kathy range of products, you could also<br />

indulge yourself with traditional hot stone massage, a<br />

full detox treatment, or even a nourishing vitamin body<br />

renewal session with the products of [Comfort Zone].<br />

22<br />

GET IN TOUCH<br />

Koningsloper 13, 5348<br />

KR Oss, Netherlands<br />

Tel +31412633825<br />

www.spahuys.nl<br />

You can treat yourself to an indulgent hammam<br />

experience as well. A luxury rain shower and<br />

full body scrub combines with soothing steam<br />

to exfoliate the skin. It’s then followed up with<br />

rich and nourishing oils that leave you feeling<br />

completely rejuvenated and relaxed. The<br />

ultimate hammam package also includes a<br />

massage, hair wash, scalp massage, and facial<br />

cleansing. Utter bliss.<br />

Because <strong>Spa</strong>huys is a full service spa, you can<br />

also book yourself in for a waxing package for<br />

the legs, arms, or wherever you want to tame.<br />

And alongside is a full tanning, pedicure, and<br />

manicure service too.<br />

For a truly indulgent experience, you can choose<br />

a package that includes the best of the spa,<br />

whether you want a special experience for you<br />

and a loved one, or a head to toe massage and<br />

de-stress experience to melt away the aches<br />

and pains of your life.<br />

The treatments at <strong>Spa</strong>huys aren’t limited to<br />

adults either. Special spa packages are available<br />

for kids that want to experience the joys of a<br />

massage or facial with their parents. It’s a gentle<br />

way to help problem skin conditions as well.<br />

23


A DEDICATED<br />

CONCEPT<br />

One of the best things about having a dedicated spa concept is that it helps guests fully immerse<br />

themselves in the experience. A spa that tries to do everything for everyone can’t expect to master<br />

a specific therapy, while a tailored spa experience will almost always be more pleasant for guests.<br />

Concept spas that go above and beyond what guests might expect:<br />

Massage specialists<br />

Offering a complete range of massage therapies is an<br />

ideal concept for a spa. Appealing to spa customers<br />

looking for simple relaxation through to complex health<br />

needs, massage is a cornerstone of most spa businesses.<br />

Focusing on a certain discipline, such as Shiatsu,<br />

Swedish, or sports massage, can attract guests from a<br />

range of backgrounds.<br />

Digital Detox<br />

Constant exposure to digital devices and huge amounts<br />

of screen time are never a good thing, so some spas<br />

focus on a more unplugged approach to life. Whether as a<br />

multi-day experience or a simple escape for a few hours,<br />

reconnecting with nature and the body’s natural rhythms<br />

is pure therapy. With no phones, electronic schedules, or<br />

other distractions to get in the way, it’s an increasingly<br />

popular retreat.<br />

Sound Healing<br />

Becoming more popular as an alternative to hands-on<br />

therapies, the power of soundwaves is being harnessed<br />

as an exciting spa concept. Gong baths use powerful<br />

sound vibrations as a way to heal and promote wholebody<br />

wellness, while sound therapy explores different<br />

ways that music and specialist instruments can aid selfreflection<br />

and meditation.<br />

24<br />

25


Solo Sauna Tune<br />

Japan | Luxury <strong>Spa</strong><br />

The megacity of Tokyo is one of the world’s great destinations. But it’s also one<br />

of the busiest places you can visit. To take a step back and truly unwind,<br />

the SOLO SAUNA Tune is a Finnish-style sauna offering a range of services<br />

and facilities that are sure to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.<br />

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Shinjuku City, SOLO SAUNA Tune is<br />

perfect for a private pampering experience. If the idea of a busy<br />

sauna puts you off visiting, then a solo experience is ideal. You<br />

can enjoy all the benefits of its hot and healing environment,<br />

and without another soul around.<br />

Considered a staple of Finnish culture, this sauna is<br />

decorated in the Scandinavian style with natural wood<br />

and harmonious neutral tones throughout.<br />

There’s no waiting around for a free space in the<br />

sauna or queuing to use the shower, because the<br />

whole place is designed to focus on you. It’s a<br />

brilliant way to unwind in what is otherwise<br />

a hugely busy city.<br />

GET IN TOUCH<br />

1620808 UNPLAN<br />

Kagurazaka 1F, 23-1<br />

Tenjincho, Shingukuku,<br />

Tokyo<br />

Tel – Use web contact<br />

form<br />

The tranquil atmosphere is specially designed<br />

to transport visitors to a peaceful and relaxing<br />

environment. You can play your own music over<br />

the Bose sound system and even charge your<br />

phone while you relax for a truly personalised<br />

spa experience.<br />

Booking and then using the sauna is a simple<br />

process. You simply make a reservation online,<br />

so there’s no waiting around on arrival. When<br />

it’s time for your session, you remove your<br />

shoes, undress, then you have the whole sauna<br />

to yourself.<br />

You can change the temperature of the air<br />

conditioning to suit you, and enjoy a relaxing<br />

sauna experience before standing under an<br />

invigorating cold shower. Or change the shower<br />

temperature to suit you if you like something a<br />

bit warmer.<br />

It’s a truly indulgent way to focus on yourself<br />

and get the huge benefits of a sauna session,<br />

and all in downtown Tokyo.<br />

26<br />

27


What makes a luxury spa world beating? What exactly does it take to attract spa afficionados from<br />

around the world to visit?<br />

PROVIDING<br />

A COMPLETE<br />

EXPERIENCE<br />

The first thing that any guest will interact with is the<br />

space that the spa is in. A resort spa is found within an<br />

existing hotel or luxury resort, which comes with its own<br />

“wow factor.” A destination spa might be somewhere<br />

unexpected, like in a forest, on a private island, or at a<br />

retreat deep within the pristine countryside.<br />

Once guests arrive, the ultimate spa experience<br />

continues with opulent surroundings. Vast expanses<br />

of natural building materials like marble or dark wood,<br />

tasteful lighting, and high-end furnishings all add to the<br />

full-immersion experience of a luxury spa.<br />

What sets the best luxury spas apart from the rest are<br />

motivated and passionate staff, coupled with spa owners<br />

that add another level of luxury with their drive and<br />

expertise. It takes a special kind of person to run a luxury<br />

spa – someone with incredible attention to detail and the<br />

desire to go above and beyond for their guests.<br />

This leads on to the idea of the ultimate spas having a<br />

dedicated concept. <strong>Spa</strong> customers are prepared to<br />

spend big money and travel far for an experience that’s<br />

unlike any other. Whether this concept entails specialism<br />

in a certain type of therapy, an exclusive setting that<br />

wrenches guests out of their ordinary lives, or a focus on<br />

specific health issues, it ought to make for a unique and<br />

rewarding spa experience.<br />

28<br />

29


La Perla <strong>Spa</strong><br />

United Arab Emirates | Unique Experience <strong>Spa</strong><br />

Known as the best Russian spa in Dubai, this is the ultimate place to get treated<br />

to the best VIP experience in the city. Like the name says, it’s the pearl of spas<br />

in the UAE.<br />

Found in the heart of the exclusive Business Bay area, La Perla <strong>Spa</strong> is<br />

fully equipped to help you relax and find comfort in your aching limbs.<br />

You know you’re in good hands from the moment you arrive at the<br />

impressive Damac Maison Privé.<br />

With private rooms, separate male and female only treatment<br />

areas, and even a couples hammam, the spa is one of a kind<br />

and must be experienced on your next trip to Dubai.<br />

You can choose from an extensive list of indulgent<br />

treatments, all performed by highly professional<br />

Russian or European certified therapists. Just<br />

some of the deeply relaxing treatments offered<br />

by La Perla include Swedish massage, hot<br />

stone massage, and lava shell massage.<br />

GET IN TOUCH<br />

Street Damac Prive Tower -<br />

Business Bay - Marasi Drive<br />

- 1st Floor – Dubai<br />

Tel +971544279225<br />

If you want to treat yourself to something<br />

completely decadent, then the on-site<br />

Turkish bath is the best way to steam,<br />

scrub, massage, and soak away any<br />

mental or physical stress. You can opt for a<br />

Royal Turkish Hammam that starts with a<br />

Moroccan-style hammam experience and<br />

end it with a sumptuous massage to cap<br />

things off. Or treat yourself to all the above,<br />

plus an invigorating coffee body scrub to<br />

exfoliate your tingling skin.<br />

Now for the thing that sets La Perla apart<br />

from the competition. A ceremony for the<br />

mind, body, and soul that all takes place in<br />

the stunning setting of the spa’s Turkish<br />

bath- The Gold Ritual. It starts with a dry<br />

scrub, proceeds to a relaxing steam bath,<br />

and finishes with an exhilarating massage.<br />

La Perla <strong>Spa</strong> is the perfect place to indulge<br />

yourself, whether you want a European or<br />

Middle Eastern wellness adventure.<br />

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Modern lives are hectic, fast paced, and can become completely overwhelming. The rising popularity<br />

of wellness retreats reflects the needs that people have. Whether reconnecting with themselves,<br />

switching off from the grind, or taking time to focus on emotional and physical wellbeing, there are<br />

many exceptional places out there that can help. Here are just a few.<br />

WELLNESS<br />

RETREATS,<br />

THE BEST OF<br />

Sadhana Works – Palma de Mallorca, <strong>Spa</strong>in<br />

Founded by Mariana Salinas, also known as Dr Harpreet<br />

Kaur, Sadhana Works is a specialist Kundalini yoga<br />

retreat based in the gorgeous Balearic Island of Mallorca.<br />

The serene location and expert teachers offer an ideal<br />

combination for self-exploration as well as physical and<br />

spiritual enlightenment.<br />

Guests can even join the School of Consciousness to<br />

unlock their full potential, all led by the experienced team<br />

of yoga experts. The constantly evolving programme of<br />

experiences, retreats, and training offered even includes<br />

the opportunity to become a certified Kundalini yoga<br />

instructor yourself.<br />

Sharpham Trust – Totnes, England<br />

With more than 40 years of experience, the Sharpham Trust<br />

is famous for their contemporary approach to Western<br />

Buddhism and digital detox retreats, set in a 14th-century<br />

farmhouse surrounded by stunning gardens. Nestled in<br />

the rolling hills of south Devon, guests can experience<br />

residential retreats that range from reconnecting with<br />

nature to silent retreats that leave the busy world firmly<br />

behind.<br />

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SpiritQuest Sedona Retreats – Arizona, USA<br />

The sacred red rocks of the Arizona desert are home<br />

to jaw-dropping scenery and famous healing vortices.<br />

SpiritQuest Sedona Retreats is the best place to reconnect<br />

with your mind, body, and spirit, all while being surrounded<br />

by powerful, natural energies. Harnessing a potent blend<br />

of Eastern, Western, and Sacred Earth approaches, it’s a<br />

truly holistic wellness experience.<br />

Available for private or group retreats, there are<br />

opportunities to experience more than 50 different<br />

treatments, including everything from neo-shamanism<br />

to couples and group retreats. The retreat centre plays<br />

host to a wide variety of activities, but the real magic is<br />

experienced outside, surrounded by the beautiful, red<br />

rocks.<br />

Kamalaya – Koh Samui, Thailand<br />

A wellness retreat set in the lush, tropical setting of<br />

Thailand’s second largest island, Kamalaya has just about<br />

everything. Crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches,<br />

and luxurious accommodations all work in harmony<br />

to improve your overall wellbeing. There are wellness<br />

programs to detox your body, improve your sleep, combat<br />

stress and burnout, or practise yoga. Available for private<br />

wellness retreats or as part of larger groups, it’s worth<br />

travelling all that way for a slice of paradise.<br />

Terme di Saturnia – Tuscany, Italy<br />

The healing powers of natural, thermally heated spring<br />

water have been in vogue since even before the Romans<br />

were the big name in Europe. Found in the iconic Tuscan<br />

countryside, the delightful waters run at a constant<br />

37.5°Celcius and have been a key destination since their<br />

discovery. The Terme di Saturnia resort spa is ideal for a<br />

range of therapies, from specialist medicine and diet to<br />

naturopathy and thermal cures.<br />

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Sadhana Works<br />

<strong>Spa</strong>in | The Award for Excellence in <strong>Wellness</strong><br />

As if the beauty of Mallorca, with its shimmering turquoise seas and gorgeous<br />

<strong>Spa</strong>nish architecture wasn’t enough, it’s also home to the best wellness<br />

centre in all the Balearics. Sadhana Works is a haven of calm where you can<br />

work on your wellness, whatever your level of experience.<br />

Started by Dr Mariana Harpreet Kaur and based in the heart of Palma,<br />

the island’s capital, the studio can be found on one of city’s beautiful<br />

and narrow alleyways. Once inside, the light and airy space is the<br />

perfect place to learn the art of yoga and meditative dance,<br />

from a beginners’ introduction all the way up to advanced<br />

sessions for seasoned practitioners.<br />

Join the School of Consciousness to strip away old<br />

patterns of thought and allow your mind to fully<br />

embrace its energies. The vast and various benefits<br />

of learning yoga from true professionals can<br />

stretch, literally, your body and your mind in its<br />

pursuit of calm and self-elevation.<br />

GET IN TOUCH<br />

Carrer de Sant Feliu,<br />

17, local 8 & 9, 07012<br />

Palma, Balearic<br />

Islands, <strong>Spa</strong>in<br />

Tel +34971723183<br />

A popular choice is the four different Kundalini<br />

meditation and yoga classes. Starting with<br />

an introduction into the basics of meditative<br />

breathing and mantras, you can move on to<br />

projecting your destiny and gong bathing, or<br />

business prosperity with the ancient art of<br />

Kundalini yoga. For clearing your mind and<br />

calming your heart, you could also choose the<br />

bowspring yoga method or embodied yoga flow.<br />

For a truly unforgettable experience on the<br />

island, Sadhana Works also offers a range of<br />

experiences, retreats, and training workshops.<br />

For serious followers of the art, Dr Harpreet joins<br />

forces with Jugat Guru Singh in a Kundalini yoga<br />

immersion experience to become a teacher of<br />

Kundalini yoga themselves.<br />

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SpiritQuest Sedona Retreats<br />

USA | <strong>Wellness</strong> Retreat<br />

The majestic red rock buttes and steep canyons that make up this part of<br />

Arizona are home to one of the states’ best loved wellness destinations.<br />

SpiritQuest Sedona Retreats offers a variety of spiritual and healing<br />

programs, including private and group retreats.<br />

The transformative power of retreats in such a pristine and spiritual<br />

landscape is hard to replicate in any other place. The stark beauty of<br />

the mountains and the serene desert is the ideal place for you to<br />

get in touch with yourself and open your mind for new learning<br />

and a fresh start.<br />

Founded back in 2007, SpiritQuest focuses on a holistic<br />

approach that connects the body and mind and is<br />

designed to help people connect with their spiritual<br />

selves and heal from emotional and physical pain.<br />

GET IN TOUCH<br />

75 Kallof Place # 102,<br />

Sedona, AZ 86336<br />

Tel +1 928-282-2509<br />

The packages available delve into a wide variety<br />

of themes, from spiritual and healing quests, to<br />

wellness, shamanic, and men’s and women’s<br />

focused retreats. The professional and highly<br />

experienced team can create tailored packages<br />

for individuals as well as groups.<br />

SpiritQuest isn’t limited to retreats either.<br />

You can book an impressive variety of spa<br />

treatments, yoga and meditation sessions,<br />

shamanic treatments, and it doesn’t even<br />

matter if you can’t make it to stunning Sedona<br />

because you can book online wellness<br />

workshops that run via Zoom from anywhere<br />

in the world!<br />

So, whether you want to learn how to cope<br />

better with the stresses of the modern world,<br />

gain a deeper understanding of yourself<br />

and your place in the universe, or make new<br />

friends in the stunning beauty of the Arizona<br />

landscape, SpiritQuest Sedona Retreats are<br />

the perfect guides to take you there.<br />

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TENETS<br />

OF THAI<br />

WELLNESS<br />

Spreading its message across the world, the Thai approach to wellness is probably the one best<br />

known to most people. Founded on an ancient belief system and encompassing everything from<br />

diet to spiritual mindfulness, Thai <strong>Wellness</strong> is a captivating approach to whole-body wellbeing.<br />

The most recognisable tenet of Thai <strong>Wellness</strong> is in massage, otherwise known as Nuah Thai.<br />

Founded by Chiwaka Komaraphat more than 2,500 years ago, this manual therapy is a fusion of<br />

other Asian techniques developed by generations of practitioners.<br />

Massage<br />

There are many forms of traditional Thai massage, and<br />

they are all featured in the UNESCO list of the Intangible<br />

Cultural Heritage of Humanity because of its overall<br />

importance as a form of traditional healthcare.<br />

Massage plays a prominent role in Thai healthcare as<br />

a blend of techniques such as acupressure, manual<br />

manipulation of the limbs, and yoga-like positions that<br />

stretch the muscles. Unlike western-style massage that<br />

relies on tables and uses oils, Thai massage is performed<br />

on the floor and the client remains fully clothed.<br />

Famously, Thai massage practitioners don’t just use<br />

their hands and arms to perform massage. Using the<br />

Ashi-Thai method, clients lay on their front while the<br />

practitioner uses their feet and “walks” over their back.<br />

Using handrails, the practitioner can deliver effective<br />

deep-tissue massage with pinpoint accuracy to help with<br />

a range of health issues.<br />

Thai massage concentrates on energy lines in the body<br />

known as “sen”. When these sen lines become blocked,<br />

health issues are more likely to occur. Thorough massage<br />

focusing on unblocking these sen energy lines to promote<br />

good health for the mind as well as the body.<br />

Acupuncture<br />

Although it originates in Chinese medicine, acupuncture<br />

forms an important part of Thai wellness practises. Tiny<br />

needles are placed along the sen lines in the body and<br />

around particular organs or glands to connect these<br />

energy pathways and treat a whole host of ailments.<br />

This traditional eastern form of medicine is often used in<br />

conjunction with massage and other techniques, such<br />

as cupping to stimulate sen lines and achieve harmonic<br />

balance in the body, mind, and soul.<br />

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Spiritual Healing<br />

Thai wellness is a truly holistic approach to health. Not<br />

just focusing on the body, it’s an all-encompassing<br />

approach that also includes the mind and spirit. The core<br />

principles of health, whether physical, mental, or spiritual,<br />

come from the four elements: earth, wind, fire, and water.<br />

When these four elements are unbalanced, they manifest<br />

in poor health.<br />

Instead of treating the body as a set of systems and<br />

individual organs, Thai wellness treats the entire<br />

organism. The idea is that the body cannot heal without<br />

the spirit, and vice versa. Medical patients are encouraged<br />

to meditate as well as receive physical treatment, for<br />

example.<br />

Thai Traditional Medicine<br />

It’s not just about massage, although it plays a huge part<br />

in the lives of Thai people, who have exported their expert<br />

knowledge and practises throughout the globe. The<br />

study of tradition herbal medicine makes up another pillar<br />

of Thai <strong>Wellness</strong>.<br />

As a traditional form of healthcare, TTM focuses on using<br />

herbs, spices, and foods as medicine. Herbology, as it’s<br />

widely known, is a complementary medicine that has its<br />

basis in centuries-old practises.<br />

Alongside lesser-known herbs used in traditional<br />

medicine, herbs, spices, and produce with familiar<br />

names like turmeric, ginger,<br />

and tamarind all contain<br />

powerful compounds<br />

that can promote<br />

good health.<br />

They even form<br />

the basis of<br />

some modern<br />

medicines.<br />

Thai Food for <strong>Wellness</strong><br />

The most famous export from “The Land of Smiles”<br />

must be Thai food. Found across the world, the exquisite<br />

marriage of spices, aromatic herbs, and creamy coconut<br />

milk is a familiar sight and smell to any foodie.<br />

The bright colours of Thai curries like gaeng ped gai (red<br />

curry) and gaeng keow wan (green curry) are as vibrant<br />

as they are delicious. It’s becoming known that “eating<br />

the rainbow” and trying to pack as many different colours<br />

as possible into your diet is great for gut health, and the<br />

number of different vegetables used in Thai cooking all<br />

help to deliver vital vitamins and minerals needed for a<br />

balanced diet.<br />

But Thai food isn’t just delicious; it has been found to<br />

help with everything, from promoting good gut health to<br />

containing exciting anti-ageing properties. The healthy<br />

and functional diet that Thai people enjoy every day,<br />

which includes lots of different vegetables, fermented<br />

foods, and naturally low levels of gluten, all contribute to<br />

improved digestion and overall wellness.<br />

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Natural Palm Day <strong>Spa</strong><br />

Australia | <strong>Spa</strong><br />

In the far north of Queensland, in the tropical region closest to the Great Barrier<br />

Reef, is the fabulous Natural Palm Day <strong>Spa</strong>. Found in the bustling coastal<br />

city of Cairns, it’s the best place to grab a signature Thai detox massage or<br />

rejuvenate your skin with a nourishing facial treatment in an authentic<br />

Bali-style spa.<br />

Founded by Palm, a Thai-born master of all things massage, the<br />

Natural Palm Day <strong>Spa</strong> is exactly what you need. It’s a full-service<br />

day spa that only uses the best natural and organic products<br />

that won’t harm your skin, and always with a warm and<br />

special welcome for guests.<br />

Guests can choose from a tantalising menu of<br />

treatments for aching muscles and tired bones,<br />

from Thai therapeutic massage that focuses on<br />

stretching and tackling pressure points, to gentle<br />

hot stone massage that uses the gentle power<br />

of heat to soothe the body.<br />

GET IN TOUCH<br />

4/32-40 Spence St,<br />

Cairns City QLD 4870,<br />

Australia<br />

Tel +61402119793<br />

For a special bit of pleasure for you and a loved<br />

one, you can opt for a deluxe couples’ pampering<br />

package. Or, if your head is tired and your hair<br />

needs some TLC, then you can combine an<br />

Indian head massage with an organic coconut<br />

oil hair elixir.<br />

Probably the best way to experience everything<br />

that the Natural Palm Day <strong>Spa</strong> has to offer in<br />

its comfortable and spotlessly clean setting is<br />

through one of their special spa packages, that<br />

are perfect for individuals as well as groups such<br />

as hen parties or special occasions.<br />

There are plenty to choose from, but a firm<br />

favourite is the Natural Choice. A positive<br />

blend of Chi invigorating massage, avocado<br />

antioxidant body wrap, Thai massage, and<br />

herbal facial, it’s a wonderfully pure way to give<br />

yourself a well-earned treat.<br />

The team at the Natural Palm Day <strong>Spa</strong> are ready<br />

and waiting for your visit while you’re in the sundrenched<br />

coastline of Australia’s Coral Sea.<br />

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Sky Ban Pai Thai<br />

Massage Center Bratislava<br />

Slovakia | Thai <strong>Spa</strong><br />

Found a few steps away from the calm waters of the wide Rive Danube<br />

in Bratislava, this authentic spa offers the best Thai massage in the<br />

whole of Slovakia. For the ultimate in wellness and relaxation, Sky Ban<br />

Pai Thai Massage Center is the place to visit.<br />

Thai massage has found its way into spas across the world<br />

thanks to its blend of ancient knowledge and techniques that<br />

target sore muscles and use expert manipulation to get you<br />

back to feeling your best.<br />

An ever-popular option is the two-hour Traditional<br />

Thai oil massage. A combination of acupressure,<br />

compression, and stretching, this is the ideal<br />

treatment to soothe sore muscles, help recover<br />

from sports injuries, or simply help to find a<br />

deep state of relaxation.<br />

GET IN TOUCH<br />

Hviezdoslavovo<br />

námestie 20, 811 02<br />

Bratislava, Slovakia<br />

Tel +421948580948<br />

Walked hundreds of thousands of steps? Treat<br />

yourself to an expert Thai foot massage. Pressure<br />

is applied to targeted areas on the soles of the<br />

feet that connect to the rest of the body. Using<br />

the fingers, knuckles, and traditional wooden<br />

instruments, it can help anyone suffering from<br />

stress, sleep disorders, and other complaints.<br />

And if you want to seriously please your feet, the<br />

spa offers a foot spa experience too. Something<br />

extra that guests can indulge themselves in is<br />

a visit to the on-site sauna. Another ancient<br />

source of healing and relaxation, water is added<br />

to hot volcanic stones to release steam. Just a<br />

few minutes in this rejuvenating atmosphere is<br />

a tonic for the joints, muscles, and skin.<br />

And after your massage, you can relax with a<br />

soothing cup of Thai herbal tea in the guests’<br />

lounge before getting on with your day.<br />

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Orchid Thai <strong>Spa</strong><br />

Gibraltar | <strong>Spa</strong><br />

Don’t get stuck between the rock and a hard place. Gibraltar’s finest spa is<br />

a wonderfully authentic Thai experience brought to life by a passionate<br />

and professional team. Orchid Thai <strong>Spa</strong> is an ocean of calm in a stunning<br />

setting, where you can guarantee rest and true relaxation.<br />

Found in downtown Ocean Village by the glittering Bay of Gibraltar, the<br />

highly experienced therapists are ready to get to work on your aches<br />

and pains with an impressive range of treatments available for all.<br />

Specialists in traditional Thai massage, this full body experience<br />

makes use of the masseuse’s hands, fingers, elbows, knees,<br />

and even feet to deliver healing acupressure to the<br />

body’s energy lines. A skill that has its roots in ancient<br />

therapeutic massage, it’s perfect for improving<br />

circulation, flexibility, delivering pain relief, and<br />

reducing stress.<br />

GET IN TOUCH<br />

1b Leanse Place,<br />

Gibraltar GX11 1AA,<br />

Gibraltar<br />

Tel +350 200 45359<br />

Also on the menu is a special Thai deep tissue<br />

massage that targets the body’s “trouble<br />

spots”, making it ideal for sports injuries and<br />

other problematic muscular areas. Employing<br />

the same firm technique that Thai massage is<br />

famous for, it’s a more focused way to soothe<br />

aches and pains.<br />

Just a few of more treatments waiting for you<br />

at Orchid Thai <strong>Spa</strong> are Thai reflexology foot<br />

massages that target the body’s pressure<br />

points through the soles of the feet, special<br />

couples’ massages for friends or family, and<br />

hot compress massages that use the power of<br />

herbal treatments to relive tension.<br />

There’s plenty of good reasons to visit Gibraltar,<br />

from the delightful weather to the beautiful<br />

landscape, but when you need to feel special<br />

and treat yourself, Orchid Thai <strong>Spa</strong> is the perfect<br />

place to help you get back to feeling your best.<br />

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It might sound like a gimmick made up by beer drinkers, but the concept of a beer spa is no new<br />

fad. In fact, the health-promoting effects of everyone’s favourite hop-based beverage are many,<br />

and the history is a lengthy one.<br />

A BRIEF<br />

HISTORY OF<br />

BEER SPAS<br />

What is beer and where does it come from?<br />

Beer is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented<br />

grains, water, yeast, and hops. You can use any grain,<br />

from rice to corn, to make the world’s third-most-popular<br />

drink.<br />

Beer itself has been brewed for thousands of years.<br />

The earliest-known brewers were the Sumerians, an<br />

innovative race who lived where modern-day Iraq stands<br />

today. They got into the art of brewing beer more than<br />

8,000 years ago.<br />

The healing properties of good beer were well known<br />

all the way back then, not to mention that the brewing<br />

process turned what was usually undrinkable water into<br />

a healthy, calorie-rich beverage. Drinking it gave workers<br />

the strength they needed to build temples and get on<br />

with their busy lives.<br />

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Beer – the best medicine<br />

Why would you want to bathe in beer? Well, it’s actually<br />

very good for your skin. The malting process that beer<br />

grains undergo gives them excellent exfoliating properties<br />

that can help to improve skin structure and add muchneeded<br />

vitamins.<br />

Some people also swear by washing their hair in beer. It’s<br />

not been proven medically, but the proteins and vitamins<br />

in beer might help to keep your locks looking shiny and<br />

staying strong. Unfortunately, there aren’t many health<br />

benefits associated with drinking several pints a day.<br />

A beer spa?<br />

The Sumerians may well have taken the first-ever beer<br />

baths as well, but they didn’t write about it. The oldest<br />

documented beer spa is from China a mere 2,000 years<br />

ago, where beer was used in tandem with hot thermal<br />

springs to promote health and relaxation.<br />

The practise of using beer as part of a spa experience has<br />

not died out with any ancient civilisations, luckily, and it’s<br />

still a big part of beer-drinking nations. It was particularly<br />

popular during the Middle Ages and has been a part of life<br />

in places like Czechia and the UK ever since.<br />

But what happens in a beer spa? Although they differ<br />

from spa to spa, the general idea is that guests book a<br />

visit for a certain amount of time, during which they can<br />

drink as much beer as they like and take warm baths in<br />

a hot tub scented with the aromas of fresh hops, barley,<br />

yeast, and beer salts. You can then relax in a sauna, have<br />

a massage, or lounge on a warm bed of straw, all while<br />

enjoying the best foamy beverages on Earth.<br />

Why are they so popular?<br />

As if you can’t work it out already, it’s probably because it combines an already excellent spa experience with the glory<br />

of drinking beer. You’ll come out feeling like you’ve nourished your skin with the healing properties of beer while filling<br />

your belly with one of the world’s great drinks. Cheers!<br />

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Original Beer <strong>Spa</strong><br />

Czech Republic | Beer <strong>Spa</strong><br />

World famous for its healthy obsession with foamy glasses of hoppy<br />

brilliance, the ORIGINAL BEER SPA is Czechia’s finest place to combine<br />

relaxation with your favourite beverage. A traditional spa experience that<br />

you’ve never seen before, it’s a perfect way to experience the home of<br />

good beer and fine hospitality.<br />

With three locations across Prague, you can enjoy a relaxing session<br />

on your own, with your loved one, or even with a group of friends.<br />

The original venue is in the heart of the New Town area, just 100<br />

m away from Charles Square.<br />

A proper Czech-style spa experience starts with a beer, of<br />

course. And don’t worry about picking up the tab at the<br />

end, the beer is free flowing and completely unlimited<br />

during your stay!<br />

GET IN TOUCH<br />

9, Žitná 658, Nové<br />

Město, 110 00 Praha,<br />

Czechia<br />

Tel - +420792325309<br />

To kick off the relaxation, you bathe in an<br />

authentic handmade oak whirlpool tub that<br />

looks like an old fashioned beer barrel. Beer<br />

ingredients are added to the warm water that<br />

don’t just smell wonderful, but also contain skin<br />

softening enzymes for a truly decadent soak.<br />

Next up is a relax on a traditional wheat straw<br />

bed in front of a cosy fire, where you could<br />

enjoy another beer alongside some local beer<br />

bread, which is also available throughout the<br />

spa experience. The drink on offer is a selection<br />

of beers from the Royal Brewery of Krušovice,<br />

a local institution with nearly 450 years’<br />

experience making the finest stuff you can find<br />

in the country.<br />

You can choose from a range of brilliant<br />

packages, whether it’s renting out exclusive<br />

access to the “Czech Beer Land” that includes<br />

a sauna, private access to the “Beer <strong>Spa</strong>”, or<br />

even hiring out the whole spa and sauna for an<br />

unforgettable private party.<br />

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Popular around the world for a whole list of good reasons, massage is a ticket to relaxation. Let’s<br />

look at what it is, and the five most popular ones you can try out.<br />

MASSAGE<br />

What is massage?<br />

In essence, massage is the manipulation of the body’s soft<br />

tissues. Performed by a massage therapist, they use their<br />

hands, elbows, and even feet to work aching muscles and<br />

other tissues. Massage takes many forms, and it can be<br />

used to treat injuries, stress, and depression, as well as<br />

help improve the body’s natural immune system.<br />

1. Swedish Massage<br />

Probably the most recognisable form of massage, the<br />

classic Swedish massage is likely what you think of when<br />

someone says “massage”. It uses rubbing techniques<br />

known to alleviate tension in muscles in the back, neck,<br />

legs, and other parts of the body.<br />

Think white robes, a massage table, and a relaxing<br />

experience. It’s gentler than a deep tissue massage,<br />

making it the perfect starting point for anyone who wants<br />

to experience a massage but doesn’t want the therapist<br />

to go too hard on them.<br />

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2. Thai Massage<br />

3. Sports Massage<br />

4. Prenatal Massage<br />

5. Hot stone massage<br />

Another quickly recognisable form of massage, this<br />

ancient practise differs from western techniques in<br />

that it’s performed on a mat on the floor, and the client<br />

remains fully clothed. Using a range of techniques<br />

including rocking and twisting the client’s body, it’s a fullbody<br />

experience.<br />

Concentrating on the body’s energy lines, Thai massage<br />

therapists employ their whole body to manipulate deep<br />

tissues. Famously, Ashi-Thai massage therapists “walk”<br />

over their clients’ backs to get deep into muscle structures<br />

for a thorough massage.<br />

As it suggests, this type of massage was developed to<br />

give assistance to athletes before and after they take<br />

part in physical activities. It’s an important part of medical<br />

physiotherapy for professional and amateur athletes, as<br />

well as anyone who leads an active life.<br />

A sports massage is a great thing to book before or after a<br />

strenuous sporting event, such as a marathon, but it can<br />

also form part of a programme of regular maintenance to<br />

avoid picking up injuries during exercise.<br />

The physical changes that a woman’s body undergoes<br />

during pregnancy can cause a myriad of physical<br />

discomforts. A full-body massage can help alleviate some<br />

of those pains and prepare the body for childbirth.<br />

Designed to help reduce stress hormones that go into<br />

overdrive during pregnancy, as well as generally help a<br />

pregnant mother feel more comfortable, they can help<br />

with insomnia, cramps, and swelling.<br />

Another instantly recognisable form of massage, hot<br />

stone does what you might expect. A massage therapist<br />

gently warms volcanic basalt stones to around 50°<br />

Celsius before placing them on specific points of the body<br />

to deeply relax the muscles.<br />

Usually performed after a classic Swedish-style massage,<br />

it’s an ideal way to de-stress and can aid with circulation<br />

as well as help to deal with symptoms of depression.<br />

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RUST.<br />

Netherlands | Award for Excellence in Treatments<br />

A<br />

bit of a hidden gem in the heart of Amsterdam, RUST. is a fabulous boutique<br />

parlour in the heart of old Amsterdam, just moments away from Dam<br />

Square and the hustle and bustle of OZ Voorburgwal. Tucked away down a<br />

quiet side street, RUST. is a haven of calm in the excitement of the capital<br />

city. You’re guaranteed a professional and deeply relaxing massage.<br />

This small, intimate parlour offers a variety of massages, all designed<br />

to help you relax and de-stress. Decorated in a bright and modern<br />

style, with spotlessly clean and comfortable treatment rooms to<br />

choose from.<br />

Whether you’re looking for a traditional Swedish massage<br />

or something more exotic, the highly trained therapists<br />

at RUST. Massage Parlour can help you find the perfect<br />

treatment.<br />

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GET IN TOUCH<br />

Pieter Jacobszstraat<br />

23, 1012 HL<br />

Amsterdam,<br />

Netherlands<br />

Tel +31615521518<br />

Traditional techniques like hot stone massage<br />

are always popular. Developed thousands of<br />

years ago, the healing and rejuvenating powers<br />

of gently warmed stones combined with relaxing<br />

massage is the perfect antidote to aching bones<br />

or the winter blues.<br />

Guests can choose from solo or duo massages<br />

for couples that can last for up to two hours.<br />

The Peace and Relaxation Massage is a firm<br />

favourite at RUST. A holistic treatment, it aims<br />

to find the source of your mental and physical<br />

aches and pains before gently relieving them<br />

with a calming, stress releasing massage.<br />

The massage and spa packages are an ideal<br />

way to pamper yourself when you’re in The<br />

Netherlands. Highlights include the popular<br />

duo massage package with rejuvenating fruit<br />

smoothies and a full body massage. Or opt for the<br />

RUST. package that includes a decadent body<br />

massage, foot soak and glass of Champagne to<br />

turn an ordinary day into something very special.<br />

So, whether you want a sports massage, deep<br />

tissue massage, or something exciting like an<br />

exfoliating Mojito Scrub on your next visit to<br />

Amsterdam, the place to add to your list is RUST.<br />

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Amsterdam<br />

Massage Center<br />

Netherlands | Boutique <strong>Spa</strong><br />

Located just streets away from Amsterdam’s world famous art gallery<br />

the Rijksmuseum and found inside a classic tall and narrow brick<br />

building, you can find the finest place to be pampered in all of The<br />

Netherlands.<br />

The Amsterdam Massage Centre has spent the last 14 years<br />

providing the tired and aching muscles of the country’s<br />

capital with expert treatments and decadent relaxation.<br />

Their selection of five luxurious treatment rooms boasts<br />

a calming interior and a team of highly trained and<br />

professional staff.<br />

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GET IN TOUCH<br />

​Kerkstraat 175h, ​1017<br />

GH, Amsterdam<br />

Tel +31628469626<br />

For athletic types, there are sports massages<br />

available, while the ever-popular 50 minute<br />

anti-stress massage is exactly what anyone<br />

with a busy schedule deserves after a long<br />

week. Using quality Tranquillity Oil products<br />

to ensure a super relaxing experience, the<br />

Massage Centre’s goal is your wellbeing.<br />

For those chilly days where the cold breeze<br />

whips down Amsterdam’s narrow streets and<br />

iconic canals, you can treat also yourself to a<br />

wonderfully warming hot stone massage. This<br />

ancient technique with thousands of years of<br />

heritage is combined with a deeply relaxing<br />

massage for the ultimate winter remedy.<br />

It’s not only suitable for solo relaxation seekers<br />

though. The Massage Centre is the ideal place<br />

for an indulgent and highly professional couples’<br />

treatment. Happy couples can choose from<br />

a huge selection of duo treatments ranging<br />

from 45 minute deep tissue massage, up to<br />

an indulgent 120 minute relaxation massage<br />

where you can both float off to paradise.<br />

Ideal for anyone suffering from jet lag,<br />

recovering from an injury, or even for prenatal<br />

advice and treatments, The Amsterdam<br />

Massage Centre is well equipped to help you<br />

feel at your best, all year round.<br />

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Running, swimming, and gentle stretches to keep your limbs supple: Fitness is something that we<br />

need to keep up, especially when most of us are leading more sedentary lifestyles in the modern<br />

world.<br />

WELLBEING &<br />

FITNESS<br />

The Many Benefits of Keeping Fit<br />

When you exercise, your body experiences a whole host of<br />

beneficial effects. It’s a great way to control your weight,<br />

increase strength and flexibility, and even give your mood<br />

a boost and help stave off a range of diseases.<br />

When you exercise, your brain releases a flood of chemicals<br />

into your body, including endorphins. Endorphins,<br />

specifically, are hormones – a natural response to<br />

pleasure, stress, and pain. The release of endorphins that<br />

your body rewards you with after exercising, the so-called<br />

“runner’s high”, is an effective pain reliever, has a calming<br />

effect on your immune system, and improves your mood.<br />

What Happens when you Keep Fit?<br />

In the short term, you’ll feel the burst of adrenaline and<br />

endorphins that go hand in hand with exercise. Your heart<br />

rate will increase and work hard to feed oxygenated blood<br />

to the different parts of your body that need it.<br />

In the long term, regular exercise has a beneficial effect on<br />

your body and mind. Different forms of exercise, whether<br />

aerobic, anaerobic, or resistance, will help improve bone<br />

density, increase the strength of your muscles, and<br />

heighten your ability to exercise for long periods of time.<br />

Overall, fitness can improve mood, increase strength,<br />

lower the risk of disease, and boost your immune system.<br />

You don’t need to run marathons; setting aside 20<br />

minutes per day to move your body can have a wonderful<br />

effect on your life.<br />

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65


Rincon Fitness Center<br />

CROSSFIT RINCON<br />

EST. 2018<br />

‘<br />

Puerto Rico | Fitness Centre<br />

P U E R T O<br />

R<br />

I C O<br />

Located in the tropical town of Rincon, Puerto Rico, the Rincon Fitness Center<br />

offers a variety of programs and classes to fit your fitness goals, including<br />

CrossFit, self-defence, personal training, and a whole lot more.<br />

The qualified and highly experienced trainers are on hand to help you get<br />

the most out of your gym time. Passionate about fitness and helping<br />

people reach their goals, they’re the best place to start whether<br />

you’re a complete novice or accomplished athlete.<br />

The staff work hard to ensure that the atmosphere at Rincon<br />

Fitness Center is friendly and welcoming for everyone. All<br />

guests are treated with respect and patience, regardless<br />

of their fitness level or experience. Their priorities are to<br />

make you feel comfortable and help you pick up some<br />

great new habits.<br />

GET IN TOUCH<br />

Carr 115 KM 11.6<br />

Local #4, BO Pueblo,<br />

Rincon, 00676,<br />

Puerto Rico<br />

Tel +17872340098<br />

Taking the world by storm, you can join the<br />

CrossFit revolution at the Rincon Fitness<br />

Center too. A holistic and whole body approach<br />

to fitness, it marries a constantly varied highintensity<br />

functional movement with nutrition<br />

advice and a positive outlook.<br />

Rincon Fitness Center is also located in a<br />

beautiful part of western Puerto Rico, just<br />

moments away from the glittering blue<br />

Caribbean Sea. It’s a stunning backdrop that<br />

will only help to inspire you to get your body<br />

beach ready!<br />

So, if you’re looking for a gym that offers a<br />

variety of programs and classes, qualified<br />

and experienced instructors, a friendly and<br />

welcoming atmosphere, and a beautiful<br />

location, then Rincon Fitness Center is the<br />

perfect place for you to continue your fitness<br />

journey.<br />

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67


Tropical-island resort spas and destination spas in the Rocky Mountains are brilliant, but you can’t<br />

always drop everything and fly out for a wellness boost. The humble beauty salon in your home is<br />

an ideal way to get that wellness kick you need at short notice.<br />

BEAUTY<br />

SALONS<br />

THE ULTIMATE<br />

WELLNESS<br />

SANCTUARY<br />

Your local salon might offer a wide range of treatments<br />

designed to boost your mood, relax sore muscles, or give<br />

your appearance a well-deserved bit of pampering.<br />

They play a big part in giving your self-confidence a boost.<br />

It doesn’t need to be a full day of spa pampering, but a<br />

haircut and head massage given by a trained professional<br />

might be just the lift you need without having to travel far<br />

or spend huge amounts of money.<br />

Check out your local salon, as they might well offer a<br />

range of massage therapies, like Swedish massage and<br />

hot stone therapy. If not, then the mood-boosting classic,<br />

a facial treatment, can go a long way to improving your<br />

feeling of wellness.<br />

If you look at what wellness means, it’s all about doing<br />

things that help your overall health. <strong>Travel</strong>ling across the<br />

world to a boutique luxury spa might be the ultimate way<br />

to find spiritual serenity, but you don’t always need to<br />

make that commitment.<br />

Your local beauty salon will be staffed by committed<br />

professionals who have made it their mission to improve<br />

the lives of their customers. A little bit of pampering, the<br />

gentle touch of a qualified beautician, or even a simple<br />

manicure can do wonders for your feeling of wellness.<br />

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69


Lavish Hair & <strong>Spa</strong><br />

USA | Beauty <strong>Spa</strong><br />

Just inland from the wide expanses of the beach that make up Noth Carolina’s<br />

Surf City region is one of the best places to relax and unwind. Lavish Hair<br />

& <strong>Spa</strong> is there to help you look and feel like he best version of yourself.<br />

A full-service beauty and wellness hair salon located in Holly Ridge, NC.<br />

Lavish Hair & <strong>Spa</strong> was founded in 2016 by Master Hairstylist, Kelly<br />

Sager-Whitney. The salon offers an impressive range of services,<br />

including haircuts, hair styling, hair extensions, and skin care.<br />

Lavish Hair & <strong>Spa</strong> is committed to providing its clients with<br />

the highest level of expertise and satisfaction. They are also<br />

dedicated to providing their clients with a relaxing and<br />

enjoyable experience.<br />

GET IN TOUCH<br />

208 E. Ocean Hwy.<br />

Holly Ridge, NC 28445<br />

Tel +1 ​(910) 803-2303<br />

With hair services ranging from precision cuts<br />

all the way to color, highlights, balayage, and<br />

perms, you can transform yourself with their<br />

help.<br />

The salon’s staff of experienced and licensed<br />

professionals are always up to date on the latest<br />

trends and techniques, so you consult with your<br />

stylist before making any big decisions.<br />

chemical peels, and even red and blue light<br />

therapy if you like. You can pamper yourself to<br />

any beauty treatment you can imagine.<br />

So, if you want to get the latest ladies’ precision<br />

haircut, color, or highlights, the expert team at<br />

Lavish Hair & <strong>Spa</strong> is there to help you every step<br />

of the way.<br />

The range of skin services available is just as<br />

impressive. You can opt for a personalized<br />

facial, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, extractions,<br />

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71


FITNESS CENTRE OF<br />

THE YEAR FOR<br />

PUERTO RICO<br />

<strong>2023</strong>


thawards.com

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