The indoor, heated lap pool, overlooking the landscape.
Wilderness
Cookson Adventures has partnered with award-winning private medical and longevity practice Solice to integrate world-leading wellness services into global travel adventures for ultra-high-net-worth clients.
The collaboration responds to growing demand from adventurous clients who want to go beyond exploration, embracing a lifestyle that supports lasting energy, balance and peak performance whilst travelling to the world’s most remote destinations.
As an exclusive members-only practice, Solice will provide Cookson Adventures clients with instant access to its international network of expert practitioners. Services include pre-trip fitness and risk assessments, 24/7 remote and on-trip medical support, real-time analysis of wearable device data, fully integrated wellbeing-focused adventures with longevity treatments, and post-trip aftercare programmes.
Whether exploring Antarctica or on safari in Gabon, the tailored solutions will be fully customisable to trip requirements and provide peace of mind when travelling to remote and off-grid destinations.
Henry Cookson, founder of Cookson Adventures, explains the partnership’s philosophy: “I founded Cookson Adventures in 2009 to take people to see the furthest corners of our planet in style and Dr. Liza Osagie similarly created Solice with the aim to deliver medicine without boundaries. It’s this shared ethos of pioneering the very best in experiential travel, holistic wellness and ultra-personalisation that makes this such an exciting new partnership.”
Cookson describes the approach as “stealth health,” adding: “From my many years of travelling on the ground with our clients, it’s clear to me that when you are in an inspiring location surrounded by nature, you’re much more open to making profound changes in your daily life. You don’t need to go to a punishing clinic to come back a better version of you; often, the most important improvements happen when you’re not noticing.”
The partnership enables bespoke wellness offerings in spectacular locations, from floating hot tubs on Scottish lochs to mobile saunas and cold plunges on frozen glacial lagoons in Iceland’s remote reaches. Services include mind and motion training camps, transformational experiences through multi-activity exploration, and personalised training schedules in breathtaking locations such as Norway’s Lofoten islands or the foothills of the Andes.
Medical support extends to specialist doctors available on trips or on call, with teams able to respond to real-time data from advanced wearable tracking devices, monitoring everything from heart health and oxygen levels to sleep and stress levels.
Pre-trip services include medical checks and training programmes, with expedition doctors conducting full health and fitness assessments. For convenience, doctors can visit clients’ homes or offices, sending off blood samples for analysis and couriering vitamins or medication in preparation for trips.
Post-trip care continues the wellness journey with recovery sessions, therapeutic consultations, and support for integrating new habits into daily life, including nutrition programmes and nervous system reset courses.
Dr. Liza Osagie-Clouard, founder of Solice, says: “The partnership with Cookson Adventures provides peace of mind and the ultimate in personalised wellbeing for truly out of this world travel experiences.”
The Solice team includes specialists such as Rob Rea, head of therapies, who is internationally recognised for his expertise in breathwork and somatic medicine, focusing on nervous system regulation and the relationship between spirit, solitude and restoration.
Americans are changing the way they travel in 2025, with a strong emphasis on luxury, wellness, and the growing popularity of “bleisure” — a blend of business and leisure — according to the latest Vacation Confidence Index released by Allianz Partners USA.
The latest annual survey of 2,005 U.S. adults conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs for Allianz Partners shows that a majority of Americans continue to view vacations as a vital part of their well-being. Seventy-five percent said vacations are important, and many are finding new ways to make the most of their time away.
Bleisure travel is gaining momentum, driven by flexible work policies and a desire to add personal time to business trips. Whether arriving early to explore a city or staying on after a conference, travelers are using work-related travel as a springboard for more fulfilling experiences.
“Three quarters of Americans say vacations are important to them so it’s no surprise that they are seeking out opportunities to make the most of their time off, and the trend is clear — travelers are prioritizing quality experiences, personal well-being, and greater flexibility,” said Emily Hartman, General Manager at Allianz Partners USA. “As the reasons people travel and how they travel continue to evolve, having reliable travel insurance is becoming an essential part of planning — helping protect those meaningful moments from unexpected disruptions.”
More than 3 in 10 Americans (31%) are now opting for luxury travel, up four percentage points from 2024, with Gen Z and Millennial travelers leading the trend. From bespoke itineraries to premium accommodations, travelers are seeking out more personalized and exclusive experiences.
Wellness-focused getaways are also on the rise, as 39% of Americans say theyre traveling more as part of a commitment to self-care. This trend is particularly strong among men and travelers aged 18 to 34, highlighting a generational shift toward intentional, restorative travel experiences.
The survey suggests that Americans are becoming more selective, balancing economic pressures with a desire for enriching, memorable journeys. Whether it’s a luxury escape, a wellness retreat, or a strategic bleisure trip, todays traveler is focused on maximizing value and meaning.
The Vacation Confidence Index has been conducted annually since 2009 and defines a vacation as a leisure trip of at least one week to a destination 100 miles or more from home.
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
The AlUla Wellness Festival 2025 is a haven for wanderlusts keen to experience adventure, rest and cultural travel. Amid the striking beauty of the Kingdom’s landscapes, the Festival is scheduled to take place between 24th October and 1st November, welcoming global travellers to a moment of wellness and fitness against the other-worldly backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s unspoiled nature. Amid the backdrop of a thriving wellness tourism industry, with travelers in search of soulful experiences in the aftermath of the pandemic, AlUla is the ultimate wellness, adventure and culture destination all in one.
Part of the prestigious AlUla Moments series, this annual wellness festival embraces holistic health, focusing equally on physical vitality and mental clarity. Activities cater to various fitness levels, offering everything from peaceful yoga sessions to thrilling multisport competitions.
This year, festival organizers introduce exciting new fitness challenges, inviting both competitive athletes and wellness novices to participate in exhilarating events designed to push their physical boundaries while enjoying AlUla’s majestic surroundings.
AlUla Duathlon: Launching the festival on October 24, the AlUla Duathlon combines running and cycling across diverse terrains like deserts, oases, and mountains. Participants can choose between Olympic, Sprint, or Kids’ distances, accommodating different skill levels. The lively race village at Winter Park will offer culinary delights and energetic DJ performances, creating an exciting atmosphere for participants and spectators alike.
AlUla Half Marathon: Scheduled for Saturday, October 25, the AlUla Half Marathon features multiple distances (21.1km, 10km, 5km, 3km, and a 1.5km children’s race). The route weaves through picturesque heritage sites, showcasing AlUla’s historic charm. Additionally, this event serves as preparation for the 2026 Riyadh Marathon, enriching the runners’ journey with cultural entertainment and exceptional hospitality.
Ashar Valley Triathlon: Set within the luxurious ambiance of Our Habitas AlUla’s renowned swimming pool, participants engage in a 3000m static row, 3000m static cycle, and a refreshing 300m swim. This timed event promotes physical endurance in a sophisticated, relaxing environment and concludes with a healthy breakfast, merging wellness with leisure.
Ride with the Pros: For cycling enthusiasts, an exceptional opportunity awaits as they train alongside professional athletes from Team Jayco AlUla. The program includes intensive 90km rides, expert coaching sessions, and comprehensive support from team mechanics, nutritionists, and medical professionals. Participants gain an exclusive insight into elite-level cycling against the stunning backdrop of AlUla’s rugged terrain.
AlUla 24-Hour Endurance Race: Designed to test participants’ physical limits and mental resilience, teams ranging from solo runners to groups of 12 will strive to complete as many laps as possible on the 8km Camel Track over 24 hours. Emphasizing teamwork, this challenge promises unforgettable memories and remarkable personal accomplishments.
In addition to competitive events, visitors can engage in the extensive AlUla Yoga Programme, featuring 78 sessions hosted at exclusive venues like Banyan Tree, Our Habitas AlUla, Shaden Resort, and the tranquil Five Senses Sanctuary. This yoga initiative aligns perfectly with travelers seeking serene and mindful experiences.
Les Mills fitness enthusiasts can enjoy 22 invigorating sessions set in AlUla’s breathtaking landmarks such as Elephant Rock, Maraya Rooftop, Harrat Viewpoint, Heart of the Oasis, Hegra, and Old Town Amphitheatre, led by professional instructors ensuring high-quality fitness encounters.
The festival significantly boosts AlUla’s appeal as an international destination for wellness tourism, drawing global visitors and fostering economic opportunities through increased demand for accommodations, transportation, restaurants, and local services. Business travelers attending for corporate wellness retreats will find unique team-building opportunities alongside personal rejuvenation.
Apart from the events planned specifically for the festival, AlUla is a treasure trove of places to see and experience. Visitors are encouraged to check out the stunning Maraya Concert Hall, discover the enigmatic ancient city of Hegra and enjoy authentic Arabian food at local eateries and traditional markets.
With the AlUla Wellness Festival set to open its doors this October, delegates will not only partake in exhilarating and peaceful challenges, but they will embark on a life changing opportunity and one that will see themselves discover immense beauty deep within the natural environment and cultural history of AlUla.
Tags: AlUla, AlUla Duathlon, AlUla Half Marathon, AlUla Moments, AlUla tourism, AlUla travel tips, AlUla Wellness Festival, AlUla Yoga Programme, Ashar Valley, Ashar Valley Triathlon, Elephant Rock, Hegra, Les Mills AlUla, Maraya, saudi arabia, Saudi Arabia fitness event, wellness tourism Saudi Arabia, Wellness Travel, Winter Park
After a day spent gorilla trekking in Africa, you may need a moment to unwind.
At least, that’s what luxury travel operator Wilderness is banking on. The company has just unveiled plans for its new wellness center in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park (a prime spot for seeking out primates), open to guests of its Wilderness Bisate and Bisate Reserve properties. Fittingly named the Sanctuary at Bisate, the spot is set to open this December.
The new locale is all about communing with nature, offering up plenty of spaces for guests to immerse themselves even further in the volcanic highlands. That includes meditation pods dotting the property for a moment of stillness; curated soundscapes and signatures scents meant to help you unwind; and a heated saltwater indoor lap pool, which overlooking the lush landscape with a cozy fire pit nearby.
The indoor, heated lap pool, overlooking the landscape.
Wilderness
Elsewhere, you’ll find a steam room, an ice bath, and treatment rooms offering an array of massages and treatments. If you’re looking for a bit more movement, head to the fully equipped gym and yoga area. The wellness hub takes its design cues from its environs, too, using natural materials throughout.
A second Wilderness Sanctuary is also heading to the Wilderness Mombo property in Botswana.
“At Wilderness, wellness is not an added layer defined by trends or treatments, but a natural extension of place—an invitation to pause, reconnect, and rediscover the restorative power of nature,” Alexandra Margull, the brand’s COO, said in a statement.
A rendering of the property’s gym.
Wilderness
Bisate Reserve opened its doors in the fall of 2024, offering up 2,200-square-foot thatched-roof villas for guests to enjoy. Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 mountain gorilla families (with only about 1,000 left on Earth), according to Visit Rwanda, making Bisate Reserve a perfect perch for seeing the endangered animals and head out on safari. Wilderness has also made it its mission to conserve the lands it sits upon and beyond; to date, the operator has protected over 5.6 million acres across the globe.
The team at Wilderness has other projects in the pipeline, too: It plans to open a property called Magashi Peninsula, an exclusive eight-bed safari camp, in Akagera National Park, known for its black and white rhinos, giraffes, and lions. Those accommodations are set to open its doors this year.
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