The indoor, heated lap pool, overlooking the landscape.
Wilderness
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Showcasing the vibrancy and prominence of Thailand’s wellness tourism sector. The Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore, in collaboration with the Career Women’s Group of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI), organized an event, titled ‘Enchanting Thailand: A Journey of Wellness, Culture & Connectivity,’ on July 19, 2025, in a bid to demonstrate the rich cultural heritage of Thailand and the increasing prominence of the Kingdom in the wellness tourism industry. Organized with the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Singapore Office) and the Thai Trade Office in Singapore, the event provided a holistic platform where the country’s boutique strengths in wellness were showcased alongside cultural vibrancies. This affair, which took place in Singapore, drew travel professionals, business leaders, and consumers interested in finding out about Thailand’s expanding tourism industry.
One of the primary goals of the ‘Enchanting Thailand’ event was to emphasize Thailand’s rising status as a global leader in wellness tourism. The event’s centerpiece was a keynote speech delivered by Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun, the CEO of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort. Dr. Tanupol’s address provided valuable insights into the growing trend of preventive medicine and its integral role in Thailand’s healthcare and hospitality industries. Over the years, Thailand has become renowned for its wellness retreats, medical spas, and health resorts, offering both traditional healing therapies and cutting-edge medical treatments.
Thailand’s wellness tourism sector has seen significant growth, with the country becoming a popular destination for travelers seeking rejuvenation, relaxation, and healing. The event showcased various aspects of this booming industry, including the preventive medical services offered by world-class wellness clinics and the holistic retreats available at luxury resorts. The strategic focus on health and wellness has become one of Thailand’s key selling points, attracting not only tourists but also those seeking long-term well-being solutions.
Dr. Tanupol emphasized that wellness tourism in Thailand is not merely about relaxation but is deeply rooted in preventive care, which helps travelers achieve a healthier lifestyle. The industry continues to develop with the incorporation of medical innovations, ensuring that Thailand remains at the forefront of the wellness travel sector. With its unique blend of cultural therapies, traditional massages, and modern wellness practices, Thailand offers a complete package for those seeking mind, body, and soul rejuvenation.
While wellness tourism was the central theme, the event also provided an opportunity to immerse attendees in the rich cultural heritage of Thailand. A key feature of the event was the showcase of Thai SELECT-certified restaurants, which have been recognized for maintaining the authenticity and excellence of Thai cuisine. These restaurants offered attendees an authentic taste of Thailand, serving signature dishes that highlight the country’s culinary diversity. The Thai SELECT certification program, initiated by the Thai government, is designed to promote the best Thai restaurants globally, ensuring that diners experience the true flavors of Thailand, no matter where they are.
Alongside the culinary experience, the event featured a display of Thai creativity, including contemporary fashion, jewelry, and handcrafted chocolates. Exhibitors presented high-quality, locally made products that captured the essence of Thai artistry and craftsmanship. Attendees had the chance to view intricate jewelry pieces, modern fashion trends, and premium chocolates, each item reflecting the rich cultural history of Thailand. These products were not just about aesthetics; they were expressions of Thai heritage, passed down through generations.
In addition to fashion and food, the event also highlighted Thailand’s traditional cultural products, from handcrafted textiles to antique art pieces. These products gave attendees a tangible connection to the country’s history and its ongoing commitment to preserving its cultural identity. The showcase illustrated how Thailand blends its rich cultural traditions with modern innovation, offering an experience that appeals to both nostalgia and contemporary tastes.
The collaboration between the Royal Thai Embassy and the SCCCI Career Women’s Group symbolized the deepening of bilateral relations between Thailand and Singapore. By fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, the event aimed to strengthen the cultural, economic, and social ties between the two nations. The partnership between the embassy and SCCCI served as a platform for enhancing connectivity between Thailand and Singapore, with an emphasis on business networking, cultural exchange, and the promotion of wellness tourism.
The event also received support from key organizations such as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Singapore Office) and the Thai Trade Office in Singapore, which played an instrumental role in ensuring the event’s success. These organizations have long been working towards enhancing Thailand’s image as a top global destination for wellness, culture, and tourism. Their support was crucial in bringing together a diverse range of exhibitors, showcasing everything from high-end wellness services to traditional cultural items.
Moreover, the presence of various business leaders and professionals from both countries underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration in boosting Thailand’s tourism and trade. The event allowed attendees to gain firsthand insights into how Thailand is positioning itself as a global hub for wellness and cultural experiences, all while creating new opportunities for business and cultural exchange.
The ‘Enchanting Thailand’ event painted a clear picture of Thailand’s transformation into a modern destination that offers not only traditional cultural experiences but also cutting-edge wellness services. With an increasing global interest in health and well-being, Thailand has effectively capitalized on this trend by developing a unique tourism offering that combines traditional practices with modern healthcare. The event demonstrated that Thailand’s appeal goes beyond its beautiful landscapes and historic temples—it now stands as a destination for travelers seeking holistic wellness and rejuvenation.
The achievements of the ‘Enchanting Thailand’ event demonstrated Thailand’s growing prominence as an attractive setting for health and culture. By putting forth a rich history and modern wellness to be offered, Thailand is redefining itself as a leading choice for the world’s tourists rather than just a holiday vacation. The event was a hub of Thailand’s medical innovations and its dedication towards upholding its cultural roots, which makes it a perfect choice for anyone wanting to explore the cross-sections between culture and wellness. As Thailand further establishes itself as a key wellness tourism destination, events such as ‘Enchanting Thailand’ are important in ensuring the country is positioned as a diverse and welcoming nation offering an unparalleled fusion of health and culture.
References: Royal Thai Embassy Singapore, Tourism Authority of Thailand
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.
(This story is sponsored by Kingfisher Pacific Resort & Spa)
Nestled along the eastern shore of Vancouver Island, Kingfisher Pacific Resort & Spa offers a distinct blend of natural beauty, purposeful relaxation, and refined wellness experiences. Overlooking the Salish Sea, this 65-room boutique resort has become one of Canada’s most respected wellness destinations—celebrated for its thoughtful design, immersive spa offerings, and connection to the surrounding landscape.
Vancouver Island itself is a destination of wonder. Known for its pristine beaches and waterways, old-growth rainforests, and abundant marine life, it invites visitors into a world of orca sightings, mossy trails, and a stillness unique to this coastal region of British Columbia. Kingfisher places guests in the heart of this oceanside paradise, where every element—from spa to suite—echoes the rhythms of land and sea.
At the centre of the resort’s acclaimed Spa is the Pacific Mist Hydropath, a restorative water therapy circuit that guides guests through sandstone grottos, steam caves, and mineral pools designed to awaken circulation and relieve tension. Yet, it is the resort’s most recent innovation—the Healing Caves™—that now places Kingfisher at the forefront of wellness tourism in Canada.
Featured in CNN Travel’s Best Places to Visit in 2025, the new Healing Caves™ introduce a one-of-a-kind two-phase wellness journey designed to release and restore both body and mind.
What makes the Healing Caves™ unique is the intentional progression of traditional and modern therapies, paired with calming sensory design and immersive visuals that keep guests fully grounded in the present:
Phase One: Detox. Guests begin by releasing physical and emotional stress through heat-driven, circulation-boosting therapies that prepare the body for renewal.
Phase Two: Restore. A sequence of red-light therapy, halotherapy, hydrotherapy, and mineral-rich air infusion works to rebalance, rehydrate, and encourage cellular repair.
At its core lies the Storm Cave, where a mineral infinity pool merges with panoramic cinematic displays to simulate the power and beauty of a coastal storm—an awe-inspiring homage to Vancouver Island’s natural drama, and a favourite among Pacific Mist Spa guests. For those seeking a gentler experience, an immersive rainforest setting is also available.
The resort recently underwent a complete transformation—not only with a new identity but also through a major renovation project. All beachfront suites have been refreshed, and two new penthouse suites have been added—each featuring private terraces, modern coastal interiors, and uninterrupted views of the Salish Sea.
Kingfisher’s dining experience is elevated by a distinguished culinary team: a talented executive chef, a certified sommelier, and a creative mixologist hosted by Ocean7 Restaurant and AQUA Bistro & Wine Bar. Most notably, Dawn Schultz, who joined the team earlier this year as Certified Sommelier, brings deep knowledge of wine pairing and the art of tasting. Together, the trio crafts menus that highlight Vancouver Island’s seasonal and sustainably sourced ingredients—from freshly caught seafood to hand‑foraged edible flowers—paired with thoughtful wines and imaginative cocktails infused with local botanicals.
Guests can also unwind in the Serenity Gardens, a lush, pollinator-friendly landscape of native blooms, meandering paths, dancing fire bowls and tranquil koi ponds designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings.
Whether soaking in the spa, dining oceanside, or watching the tides roll in, every moment at Kingfisher is shaped by the landscape.
For travellers seeking a destination where nature, wellness, and refined hospitality converge, Kingfisher Pacific Resort & Spa is an inspired and accessible choice. The nearby Comox Valley Airport offers direct flights from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Kelowna, with seasonal summer service from Toronto. Year-round, BC Ferries also provide a convenient option for those wishing to bring their own vehicle but car rentals are available at the airport or in Courtenay.
Plan your restorative getaway today and take advantage of Kingfisher’s seasonal offers—available now at kingfisherresort.ca.
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