Images courtesy of Amazoe and Amanyara
Aman is a study in excellence. It's no surprise the brand's wellness program is the best of the best. As such, Aman has enlisted none other than Novak Djokovic as its first Global Wellness Advisor. Fora HQ member Matigan King sat down with Aman's Head of Spa Operations Lilian Cheam to discuss the forthcoming partnership, what to expect and Aman's uniquely thoughtful approach to wellness.
Matigan King: How do you choose Aman's Global Wellness Ambassadors and Global Wellness Advisors?
Lillian Cheam: We have ambassador partnerships with inspirational individuals globally who are aligned and endorse our strategic brand vision. For example, former elite athlete, Maria Sharapova, is our Global Wellness Ambassador, reinforcing Aman’s reputation as a pioneer in the wellness space. We have partnered with Maria to create wellness experiences for our guests which harness her unique expertise and perspective, such as a half-day Strength and Recovery Retreat at Aman New York and a series of wellness retreats which focus on preparation, performance and recovery, helping our guests achieve long and healthy lives.
We recently introduced Novak Djokovic, one of the world’s greatest athletes, as our first Global Wellness Advisor. Bringing his expertise of world-leading wellbeing practices and shared synergy for the importance of longevity to the brand, in his advisory role, Novak will support us in strategically and holistically elevating our ever-evolving wellness philosophy, which includes every facet of the guest experience from spa and movement through to culinary. He will also have an advisory role with Aman Essentials, specifically focusing on future product development and extensions of the brand, as it relates to wellbeing.
MK: What can we expect from the Aman x Djokovic partnership?
LC: Aman’s partnership with Novak Djokovic will grow and develop year over year. His advisership will support the brand in evolving its strategic wellness vision centered on longevity. We also have initial plans to host special events across our properties for Aman Club and Residence owners, as well as exclusive wellness retreats and specially curated programs available to guests year round.
MK: What have you learned from working with Djokovic?
LC: As an athlete whose resilience and adaptability have allowed him to stay at the pinnacle of tennis for over a decade, Novak’s dedication goes beyond physical fitness, and I have learned more about the value of integrating mindfulness, discipline, nutrition and recovery into a daily routine to promote general health and overall longevity. We are excited to bring his unique insights and holistic learnings to Aman and our guests.
Images courtesy of Aman and Amanjiwo
MK: You’ve been in the wellness industry for over 20 years. What initially attracted you to wellness?
LC: I was initially attracted to the industry because of the opportunity to help people feel better in themselves and live healthier lives. As wellness practitioners and leaders, we are able to make a tangible difference, encouraging and empowering individuals to prioritize self-care which encompasses physical, mental and emotional health.
The industry is always innovating and, as we learn to live and age well in today’s ever-evolving environment, it is exciting to see the rising trend of wellbeing consciousness among individuals as they place a greater focus on longevity, a concept which is central to Aman’s wellness philosophy and helps our guests lead happier, healthier lives long after their stay with us.
MK: How would you describe Aman and its wellness programming?
LC: Aman is renowned for creating peaceful and transformative sanctuaries in the world’s most spectacular destinations that focus on holistic wellness and longevity. Exceptional architecture and design are part of Aman’s DNA, and this extends to the wellness offerings on property, with extensive facilities and programs designed to benefit one's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Our spas offer the exceptional level of service for which Aman is revered, alongside a curated menu of traditional treatments, functional medicine clinics, legendary sports programs such as the Legends Program at Amanyara and exclusive wellness retreats.
Image courtesy of Amanyara
MK: What makes Aman's approach to wellness unique in the hospitality industry?
LC: Aman has strategically developed its wellness offering over the last 35 years, transforming from an original spa concept to a holistic health and wellbeing concept. Aman is known for its visionary and unique approach; we integrate highly personalized wellness experiences that address emotional, mental and spiritual health, with a focus on privacy, peace and connection to place.
Our guests are at the heart of our brand and our offering. For example, responding to the continued demand among luxury travelers for greater social connectivity and unparalleled sports and fitness experiences, Aman Group’s first sibling hotel, Janu Tokyo, has been created for a new era of restorative travel. Janu has expansive wellness, fitness and spa spaces, including one of the largest gyms in Tokyo.
MK: How do you incorporate local culture into Aman's wellness offerings?
LC: Aman offers curated and transformational wellness experiences across the globe. From Japan's healing hot springs to ceremonial rituals at Bali's sacred sites and our three-floor flagship spa at Aman New York, Aman harnesses the ancient wisdom and local healing traditions of the destinations we call home, while integrating cutting-edge practices to offer our guests the ideal balance of Integrated holistic wellness and ensure they feel rejuvenated and relaxed long after their stay with us.
Images courtesy of Amanemu and Aman New York
MK: What do you love most about crafting wellness experiences?
LC: I enjoy facilitating wellness journeys for guests during their stay with Aman because the objectives and the approach required to achieve an optimal state of wellbeing varies depending on the individual, whether the goal is stress relief, detox, improved fitness or emotional balance.
After an initial consultation, we then create a bespoke wellness program which could include integrative therapies such as yoga, onsen baths or fitness sessions, plus nutritional plans and mindfulness sessions aimed at increasing mental clarity. Guests benefit from the treatments during their stay and continue their journey when they are at home, rejuvenating body, mind and spirit and improving their quality of life.
MK: If you could personally choose one Aman wellness experience, what would it be and why?
LC: As a first-of-its-kind retreat, I find the Underwater Wellness Retreat at Amanwana particularly special and unique, with the soothing underwater setting allowing guests to physically and mentally distance themselves from the stresses and distractions of everyday life on land, instilling a sense of calm and relaxation. Led by expert meditation practitioners, our guests enjoy partaking in the daily breathwork sessions, underwater photography workshops and chance to swim with marine life, including whale sharks, while in the transformative embrace of the ocean.