EVENT - THE 8TH SYMPHONY OF WELL-BEING AT THE WORLD WELLNESS WEEKEND
From September 20 to 22, the WWW will span 8,500 companies, promoting a holistic approach to wellness around the world. |
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EVENT - THE 8TH SYMPHONY OF WELL-BEING AT THE WORLD WELLNESS WEEKEND
From September 20 to 22, the WWW will span 8,500 companies, promoting a holistic approach to wellness around the world. |
Category: Worldwide - Exclusive experiences
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Article written by Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine on 2024-08-22
 Jean-Guy de Gabriac, founder of the World Wellness Weekend
Photo credit © Arnaud Reichert / Exponential growth driven by luxury hotels
Since its beginnings in France and Belgium, WWW has enjoyed spectacular growth. By its second edition in 2018, it had expanded to 88 countries, driven by the enthusiasm of luxury spas and hotels. In an interview with Journal des Palaces, Jean-Guy de Gabriac points out: “Success breeds success. When hotel groups saw the media impact, their marketing and communications managers understood the free opportunity to showcase their properties and services.”
Indeed, after the Taj group joined the movement “to promote Ayurveda with personalized treatments and retreats”, Anantara and Avani came to enrich the program through “their dream destinations with guided yoga, fitness, and meditation courses”. “Other groups soon mobilized dozens of their properties, such as Mandara Spas and Banyan Tree,” continues J.G. de Gabriac. All of them offer special activities not only for their customers, but also for their teams and local communities, which is one of the hallmarks of the WWW. Today, palaces and properties from groups such as Accor, IHG Hotels & Resorts, The Peninsula, Marriott… have joined the movement.
Partnerships forged over the years have also played a key role in the event's expansion. For the 2024 edition, Jean-Guy de Gabriac is highlighting collaborations with the likes of World Cleanup Day and Myndstream. But the WWW doesn't stop there. Jean-Guy de Gabriac adds, “We're also involved in the global launch of a series of guided breathing sessions with two-time Grammy Award-winning pianist Peter Kater.” This initiative reinforces the holistic nature of the event, which combines physical and mental wellness. Other collaborations, such as with Endurance Zone and WithU, allow us to measure the impact of well-being through technological applications and coaching sessions adapted to each moment of the day.
The five pillars of wellness: an inspiring approach for luxury hotels
At the heart of the World Wellness Weekend, the five pillars of wellness are expressed through a multitude of activities specially designed for luxury hotels. “Sleep and creativity” are reflected in sound baths and painting workshops for adults and children, while “nutrition and immunity” are on the agenda with wellness menus, yoga classes followed by brunches, and balanced cooking workshops. The “movement and vitality” pillar is explored through coaching sessions in fitness rooms, gardens, swimming pools, or on the beaches and rooftops of participating properties.
At the same time, “mindfulness and serenity” are cultivated through guided relaxation and meditation sessions, either face-to-face or online. The event will culminate on September 21, with sound baths to mark World Peace Day. Finally, “sense of purpose and solidarity” encourage participants to turn towards others, with activities such as collaborations with World Cleanup Day, personal development workshops, and actions supporting schools, retirement homes, hospitals, and charities. These initiatives are a perfect illustration of the World Wellness Weekend philosophy, which aims to promote an inclusive and supportive approach to well-being.
These pillars are increasingly included in the CSR approach of luxury hotels, which seek not only to adopt an inclusive dynamic in their properties and communities, but also to consider the themes of health and physical and mental well-being in their reflections on quality of work life. The WWW, which is also initiating a partnership with the International Week for Happiness at Work, is thus a source of multiple inspiration.
An influential movement for well-being
The World Wellness Weekend stands out for its accessibility and inclusiveness. Free activities are organized worldwide, both face-to-face and online, to enable as many people as possible to discover and adopt new wellness practices. A true movement, the WWW encourages everyone to become a “WELLfluencer”, an ambassador for wellness in their community, encouraging others to take care of themselves and their environment.
All participants have to do is visit wellmap.fr to geolocate the activity that inspires or appeals to them, and follow the registration conditions indicated by each of the 9,000 companies involved.
This is no longer just an annual event, but an ongoing commitment to a future where health and well-being are within everyone's reach. Jean-Guy de Gabriac sums up the essence of this initiative: “Wellness is a renewable energy that can light up the world.” As the WWW prepares to celebrate its eighth edition, it's clear that this light continues to spread, inspiring millions of people across the globe to live healthier, more harmonious lives.
 The Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan in Thailand took part in the 2023 edition with a yoga session on the beach.
Photo credit © World Wellness Weekend
 Photo credit © World Wellness Weekend
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