• SONO Belle Bali Legian Opens a New Chapter for Legian's Beachfront Icon

  SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia has announced the launch of SONO Belle Bali Legian, which officially opened on September 1, 2026, on Legian’s beachfront at the site formerly known as Away Bali Legian Camakila. The opening marks the debut of the SONO Belle brand in Indonesia, bringing its nature-led lifestyle concept to the destination through a comprehensive transformation of the resort’s dining, wellness and guest experiences. The launch is part of SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia’s continued expansion across Southeast Asia. Located between Legian Beach and the area’s shopping and entertainment district, the 117-room resort has been part of Legian’s beachfront hospitality scene since 2019, when it began operating as Away Bali Legian Camakila. The property joined the SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia portfolio in October 2025. Its transition to SONO Belle reflects the company’s strategy of strengthening its portfolio through distinctive, purpose-built brands as it expands its presence across Southeast Asia. “The introduction of SONO Belle reflects our commitment to building a stronger, more unified brand portfolio. It is a key step in the presence of SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia as we continue to elevate the guest experience across our destinations,” said Jihong An, Senior Vice President of SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia. “SONO Belle Bali Legian represents the next chapter for our Indonesia portfolio, and there is no better place to launch it than Legian. This property has been part of the beachfront community for years, and SONO Belle transforms it into a refined lifestyle destination inspired by Bali’s natural beauty,” said Evan Burns, Area Vice President Indonesia, SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia. “Through refreshed interiors, warm natural textures, and thoughtfully curated guest experiences, SONO Belle Bali Legian reflects our vision of contemporary hospitality with a genuine sense of place,” he added. A Nature-Led Lifestyle Concept Reimagined for Bali SONO Belle is a nature-led lifestyle brand within the SONO portfolio, combining contemporary design with a strong connection to local surroundings. The brand currently includes nine established properties in South Korea and Vietnam. SONO Belle Bali Legian is the brand’s first property in Indonesia, bringing this nature-led philosophy to a beachfront setting between Legian Beach and Seminyak. The resort draws inspiration from Bali’s surf coastline and incorporates the destination’s natural character into its design and guest experience. A Reimagined Guest Experience The transformation of the resort extends beyond its new name. At the heart of the renewed guest experience is Chef’s Table, a new all-day Western dining concept located in a relaxed poolside setting with sweeping views. The menu focuses on quality ingredients, approachable flavours and thoughtful presentation, offering options suitable for everything from a casual lunch to a relaxed dinner. The concept is designed to reflect Bali’s laid-back and social lifestyle. The resort’s wellness offering has also been reimagined with a refreshed spa experience focused on relaxation and recovery. A range of head-to-toe treatments, including massages, manicures and pedicures, provides guests with a complete wellness experience centred on calm, comfort and restorative moments. The wellness offering is designed to complement SONO Belle’s nature-led lifestyle positioning while providing couples, individuals and families with additional opportunities to relax and unwind. Two local Bali brand partnerships further enhance the guest experience. Sensatia Botanicals has created a signature SONO Belle scent that is incorporated into selected guest touchpoints throughout the resort. Inspired by natural, locally rooted ingredients, the scent is intended to create a distinctive sense of place. Guests can also enjoy complimentary poolside coffee from Tanamera Coffee, featuring premium Indonesian specialty beans. The offering adds a casual lifestyle element to the pool experience while highlighting the resort’s focus on local partnerships and quality. The resort’s kids’ club has also been transformed into The Playroom, a fresh, playful and nature-inspired space designed for younger guests. The space provides children with a safe and comfortable environment to play, create, explore and discover, while maintaining a modern and premium aesthetic. Together, these elements reflect the SONO Belle concept of combining local connections, comfort and curated experiences to create a distinctive stay for guests. What’s New and What’s Coming The resort’s transformation will continue over the coming months, with several new facilities and services scheduled to be introduced. These include: Authentic Korean Menu: An approachable selection of Korean dishes and desserts developed in collaboration with Korean chefs. Modern Indonesian Restaurant: Contemporary interpretations of Indonesian flavours. Rooftop Spa: A new setting above the resort for treatments, relaxation and recovery. Swim-Up Pool Bar: Drinks, cocktails and light bites served directly from the pool. Wellness Zone: A dedicated space for movement, fitness and wellbeing. Grab & Go Lobby Bar: Quality coffee, juices and quick bites for guests on the move. SONO App: 24-hour mobile access to hotel information, dining options, experiences and guest services. Further updates are expected as the resort continues its transformation under the SONO Belle brand.

• ROUTINE&NOTE Launches CALM, a Gentle Daily Skincare Line Developed by a Mother of Three

  ROUTINE&NOTE, an independent Korean skincare brand founded and operated by aromatherapist and customized cosmetics formulator Shin Jae-eun, has officially launched its new CALM skincare line, featuring the CALM Bubble Cleanser and CALM Veil Serum. Developed from more than a decade of the founder’s personal experience caring for sensitive and easily irritated skin while raising three children, CALM was created around a simple concept: skincare that can be comfortably incorporated into the daily routines of the entire family. As a one-person beauty brand, ROUTINE&NOTE takes a hands-on approach throughout the product development process. Shin directly oversees product planning, formulation development and manufacturing collaboration, quality management and fulfillment, allowing the brand to maintain close control over each stage of the process. The development of CALM was also informed by conversations and surveys with parents of teenagers, who shared concerns about changing skin conditions and the difficulty of choosing gentle products suitable for family use. Two Products Designed for a Gentle Daily Routine The CALM Bubble Cleanser (150 ml) is a mildly acidic micro-bubble facial cleanser formulated with a fermented moisturizing approach based on Lactobacillus Ferment Filtrate. The formula is designed to provide a comfortable cleansing experience without leaving the skin feeling excessively tight after washing. Rather than using synthetic fragrance, the cleanser is scented with lavender and bergamot essential oils, reflecting ROUTINE&NOTE’s aromatherapy-based approach to product development. The CALM Veil Serum (50 ml) is a brightening functional cosmetic containing niacinamide, developed with an all-in-one concept to simplify multi-step skincare routines. Panthenol and Ceramide NP help provide moisturizing care, while the brand’s signature essential-oil blend combines lavender, rosemary and German chamomile. The three-oil blend was personally designed by Shin as part of ROUTINE&NOTE’s signature approach to creating a calming sensory experience. Tested for Skin Irritation Both CALM products underwent a human application test for primary skin irritation on sensitive skin, receiving an irritation index of 0.00, classified as non-irritating under the test evaluation. ROUTINE&NOTE also adopts a transparency-focused approach by publicly disclosing the full ingredient lists of its products, giving consumers direct access to formulation information. “CALM began with the everyday experiences of my own family and the questions I heard from parents raising teenagers,” said Shin Jae-eun, founder of ROUTINE&NOTE. “I wanted to create skincare that was gentle enough to become part of an ordinary family routine while still reflecting my experience as an aromatherapist and cosmetic formulator.” Rather than pursuing a large product portfolio, ROUTINE&NOTE plans to develop its range gradually through direct communication with consumers and feedback from actual users. The CALM Bubble Cleanser and CALM Veil Serum are currently available through ROUTINE&NOTE’s official Naver Smart Store (https://smartstore.naver.com/routineandnote) in Korea.

• Global Wellness Summit Marks 20th Anniversary in Thailand, Spotlighting the Future of Wellness

  Thailand is set to become the global hub of the wellness industry this November as the Global Wellness Summit (GWS) celebrates its 20th anniversary at Angsana Laguna Phuket. The landmark event will bring together CEOs of leading wellness companies, medical professionals, researchers, investors, technology innovators and policymakers to reflect on two decades of industry growth while exploring the next era of global wellness. "The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness" This year's Summit is themed "The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness," reflecting what organizers describe as a new turning point for the industry. As advances in longevity science, women's health and precision medicine continue to reshape healthcare, wellness is becoming increasingly integrated with modern medicine while also embracing ancient healing traditions and the emotional, spiritual and creative dimensions of wellbeing. Over three days, the Summit will feature keynote speeches and panel discussions covering scientific breakthroughs, neuroarts, neurowellness, preventive healthcare and the future of holistic wellbeing—all set against the backdrop of Thailand, a country internationally recognized for its rich wellness traditions and philosophy of balance and harmony. "Our industry is at another pivotal moment, where advances in science, medicine and longevity are converging with a renewed appreciation for human connection, creativity and purpose," said Susie Ellis, Chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Summit. "There is no better place to explore this future than Thailand, where centuries-old wellness traditions are being combined with an ambitious vision to become one of the world's leading destinations for medical wellness and preventive healthcare." Thailand's Minister of Public Health, Patana Promphat, said the Summit perfectly reflects the country's identity and cultural heritage. "For generations, Thailand has embraced a holistic approach to health that connects body, mind, spirit, community and nature," he said. "We are proud to host the 2026 Global Wellness Summit in Phuket and reaffirm Thailand's commitment to becoming a global wellness destination and a trusted partner in shaping the future of wellbeing." Wellness Meets Medicine One of the Summit's headline themes, "Future of Wellness + Medicine," will examine how precision medicine, longevity science and personalized healthcare are transforming the wellness landscape. Globally recognized geroscientist Andrea Maier, Professor of Medicine at the National University of Singapore and founder of Asia's first precision geromedicine clinics, will discuss the future of longevity science. Dan Buettner, founder of the Blue Zones movement and bestselling author, will explain why the world's healthiest and longest-living populations owe their longevity more to culture, community and lifestyle than medical interventions. George Gaitanos, Chief Operating and Scientific Officer of Chenot Group, will present a new vision for lifelong health, while Dr. Christopher Asandra, founder of AsandraMD in Beverly Hills, will highlight the rapid evolution of women's health, hormone therapy and personalized longevity medicine, particularly as a major emerging opportunity across Asia. New Global Wellness Economy Report The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) will unveil its 2026 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, the industry's most authoritative report on the global wellness economy. The report will provide updated market data and insights into both global and Asian wellness industries, offering valuable intelligence for businesses, investors and policymakers. Asia Driving the Next Wave of Wellness Tourism Asia's remarkable growth in wellness tourism will be another major focus of the Summit. According to the organizers, Asia's wellness tourism market expanded by 31 percent in 2024, reaching US$215 billion, surpassing Europe in the number of wellness trips. Four of the world's five fastest-growing wellness tourism markets are now in Asia: India (57%), Thailand (36%), South Korea (36%) and China (35%). Hospitality leaders will discuss how Asia is redefining wellness travel through innovative destinations that integrate culture, sustainability and authentic local experiences. William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International, will deliver a keynote address on why Asia is setting the global pace for wellness tourism. Additional sessions will feature Cathy Feliciano-Chon of FINN Partners APAC, Ronald Akili, co-founder of Bali's Potato Head, Huy Hoang, founder of Japan's Shishi-Iwa House, and Ingo Schweder, Founder and CEO of GOCO Hospitality, who will examine the future opportunities emerging across Asia's hospitality and wellness sectors. Exploring the Art and Soul of Wellness Beyond science and medicine, this year's Summit will explore the emotional and creative dimensions of wellbeing. Susan Magsamen, founder of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and co-author of the New York Times bestseller Your Brain on Art, will present the latest neuroscience research demonstrating how music, visual arts and architecture positively influence brain health and overall wellbeing. Meanwhile, Tal Danai, Founder and CEO of ArtLink, will introduce a new international film initiative celebrating traditional craftsmanship and artisan cultures, emphasizing creativity and cultural preservation as essential components of future wellness. The Summit will also launch the first-ever Intentional Spaces Design Challenge, developed in collaboration with the Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University and strategic partner Aldar Properties. The initiative will explore how neuroaesthetics and neuroarchitecture can help design healthier buildings, communities and public spaces. New Business Opportunities in Wellness Business innovation will also take center stage, with discussions examining how hospitality brands are expanding wellness through retail, lifestyle experiences and integrated guest engagement strategies. Industry leaders from fashion, hospitality and investment sectors—including Lisa Von Tang, Lexie Rodriguez of Capella Hotel Group, and Colin Low of Patience Lifestyle—will discuss emerging business models driving the next generation of wellness experiences. Another featured session will reflect on the dramatic evolution of beauty, consumer wellness trends and wellness marketing over the past two decades, while forecasting what the next twenty years may bring. Speakers include Kelly Kovack (BeautyMatter), global brand strategist Nick Vaus, Beth McGroarty of the Global Wellness Institute, and Asia marketing expert Dave McCaughan. Celebrating Thailand's Wellness Heritage The Summit will also showcase Thailand's rich wellness traditions through cultural experiences highlighting the country's renowned textile and silk craftsmanship, Buddhist philosophy and spiritual practices. A special performance by the award-winning Buddhist Chanting Team from Dhammajarinee Witthaya School, an institution dedicated to empowering underserved young women through education, will serve as one of the event's cultural highlights. As the Global Wellness Summit celebrates its 20th anniversary, the 2026 edition is expected to offer a comprehensive vision of the industry's future—from longevity science and women's health to wellness tourism, neuroaesthetics and next-generation business innovation—reinforcing wellness as one of the world's fastest-evolving industries.

• SONO Belle Bali Legian Opens a New Chapter for Legian's Beachfront Icon

  SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia has announced the launch of SONO Belle Bali Legian, which officially opened on September 1, 2026, on Legian’s beachfront at the site formerly known as Away Bali Legian Camakila. The opening marks the debut of the SONO Belle brand in Indonesia, bringing its nature-led lifestyle concept to the destination through a comprehensive transformation of the resort’s dining, wellness and guest experiences. The launch is part of SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia’s continued expansion across Southeast Asia. Located between Legian Beach and the area’s shopping and entertainment district, the 117-room resort has been part of Legian’s beachfront hospitality scene since 2019, when it began operating as Away Bali Legian Camakila. The property joined the SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia portfolio in October 2025. Its transition to SONO Belle reflects the company’s strategy of strengthening its portfolio through distinctive, purpose-built brands as it expands its presence across Southeast Asia. “The introduction of SONO Belle reflects our commitment to building a stronger, more unified brand portfolio. It is a key step in the presence of SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia as we continue to elevate the guest experience across our destinations,” said Jihong An, Senior Vice President of SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia. “SONO Belle Bali Legian represents the next chapter for our Indonesia portfolio, and there is no better place to launch it than Legian. This property has been part of the beachfront community for years, and SONO Belle transforms it into a refined lifestyle destination inspired by Bali’s natural beauty,” said Evan Burns, Area Vice President Indonesia, SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia. “Through refreshed interiors, warm natural textures, and thoughtfully curated guest experiences, SONO Belle Bali Legian reflects our vision of contemporary hospitality with a genuine sense of place,” he added. A Nature-Led Lifestyle Concept Reimagined for Bali SONO Belle is a nature-led lifestyle brand within the SONO portfolio, combining contemporary design with a strong connection to local surroundings. The brand currently includes nine established properties in South Korea and Vietnam. SONO Belle Bali Legian is the brand’s first property in Indonesia, bringing this nature-led philosophy to a beachfront setting between Legian Beach and Seminyak. The resort draws inspiration from Bali’s surf coastline and incorporates the destination’s natural character into its design and guest experience. A Reimagined Guest Experience The transformation of the resort extends beyond its new name. At the heart of the renewed guest experience is Chef’s Table, a new all-day Western dining concept located in a relaxed poolside setting with sweeping views. The menu focuses on quality ingredients, approachable flavours and thoughtful presentation, offering options suitable for everything from a casual lunch to a relaxed dinner. The concept is designed to reflect Bali’s laid-back and social lifestyle. The resort’s wellness offering has also been reimagined with a refreshed spa experience focused on relaxation and recovery. A range of head-to-toe treatments, including massages, manicures and pedicures, provides guests with a complete wellness experience centred on calm, comfort and restorative moments. The wellness offering is designed to complement SONO Belle’s nature-led lifestyle positioning while providing couples, individuals and families with additional opportunities to relax and unwind. Two local Bali brand partnerships further enhance the guest experience. Sensatia Botanicals has created a signature SONO Belle scent that is incorporated into selected guest touchpoints throughout the resort. Inspired by natural, locally rooted ingredients, the scent is intended to create a distinctive sense of place. Guests can also enjoy complimentary poolside coffee from Tanamera Coffee, featuring premium Indonesian specialty beans. The offering adds a casual lifestyle element to the pool experience while highlighting the resort’s focus on local partnerships and quality. The resort’s kids’ club has also been transformed into The Playroom, a fresh, playful and nature-inspired space designed for younger guests. The space provides children with a safe and comfortable environment to play, create, explore and discover, while maintaining a modern and premium aesthetic. Together, these elements reflect the SONO Belle concept of combining local connections, comfort and curated experiences to create a distinctive stay for guests. What’s New and What’s Coming The resort’s transformation will continue over the coming months, with several new facilities and services scheduled to be introduced. These include: Authentic Korean Menu: An approachable selection of Korean dishes and desserts developed in collaboration with Korean chefs. Modern Indonesian Restaurant: Contemporary interpretations of Indonesian flavours. Rooftop Spa: A new setting above the resort for treatments, relaxation and recovery. Swim-Up Pool Bar: Drinks, cocktails and light bites served directly from the pool. Wellness Zone: A dedicated space for movement, fitness and wellbeing. Grab & Go Lobby Bar: Quality coffee, juices and quick bites for guests on the move. SONO App: 24-hour mobile access to hotel information, dining options, experiences and guest services. Further updates are expected as the resort continues its transformation under the SONO Belle brand.

  • In English
  • Global News

  2026-09-16

• ROUTINE&NOTE Launches CALM, a Gentle Daily Skincare Line Developed by a Mother of Three

  ROUTINE&NOTE, an independent Korean skincare brand founded and operated by aromatherapist and customized cosmetics formulator Shin Jae-eun, has officially launched its new CALM skincare line, featuring the CALM Bubble Cleanser and CALM Veil Serum. Developed from more than a decade of the founder’s personal experience caring for sensitive and easily irritated skin while raising three children, CALM was created around a simple concept: skincare that can be comfortably incorporated into the daily routines of the entire family. As a one-person beauty brand, ROUTINE&NOTE takes a hands-on approach throughout the product development process. Shin directly oversees product planning, formulation development and manufacturing collaboration, quality management and fulfillment, allowing the brand to maintain close control over each stage of the process. The development of CALM was also informed by conversations and surveys with parents of teenagers, who shared concerns about changing skin conditions and the difficulty of choosing gentle products suitable for family use. Two Products Designed for a Gentle Daily Routine The CALM Bubble Cleanser (150 ml) is a mildly acidic micro-bubble facial cleanser formulated with a fermented moisturizing approach based on Lactobacillus Ferment Filtrate. The formula is designed to provide a comfortable cleansing experience without leaving the skin feeling excessively tight after washing. Rather than using synthetic fragrance, the cleanser is scented with lavender and bergamot essential oils, reflecting ROUTINE&NOTE’s aromatherapy-based approach to product development. The CALM Veil Serum (50 ml) is a brightening functional cosmetic containing niacinamide, developed with an all-in-one concept to simplify multi-step skincare routines. Panthenol and Ceramide NP help provide moisturizing care, while the brand’s signature essential-oil blend combines lavender, rosemary and German chamomile. The three-oil blend was personally designed by Shin as part of ROUTINE&NOTE’s signature approach to creating a calming sensory experience. Tested for Skin Irritation Both CALM products underwent a human application test for primary skin irritation on sensitive skin, receiving an irritation index of 0.00, classified as non-irritating under the test evaluation. ROUTINE&NOTE also adopts a transparency-focused approach by publicly disclosing the full ingredient lists of its products, giving consumers direct access to formulation information. “CALM began with the everyday experiences of my own family and the questions I heard from parents raising teenagers,” said Shin Jae-eun, founder of ROUTINE&NOTE. “I wanted to create skincare that was gentle enough to become part of an ordinary family routine while still reflecting my experience as an aromatherapist and cosmetic formulator.” Rather than pursuing a large product portfolio, ROUTINE&NOTE plans to develop its range gradually through direct communication with consumers and feedback from actual users. The CALM Bubble Cleanser and CALM Veil Serum are currently available through ROUTINE&NOTE’s official Naver Smart Store (https://smartstore.naver.com/routineandnote) in Korea.

  • In English
  • Korea Today

  2026-08-20

• Global Wellness Summit Marks 20th Anniversary in Thailand, Spotlighting the Future of Wellness

  Thailand is set to become the global hub of the wellness industry this November as the Global Wellness Summit (GWS) celebrates its 20th anniversary at Angsana Laguna Phuket. The landmark event will bring together CEOs of leading wellness companies, medical professionals, researchers, investors, technology innovators and policymakers to reflect on two decades of industry growth while exploring the next era of global wellness. "The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness" This year's Summit is themed "The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness," reflecting what organizers describe as a new turning point for the industry. As advances in longevity science, women's health and precision medicine continue to reshape healthcare, wellness is becoming increasingly integrated with modern medicine while also embracing ancient healing traditions and the emotional, spiritual and creative dimensions of wellbeing. Over three days, the Summit will feature keynote speeches and panel discussions covering scientific breakthroughs, neuroarts, neurowellness, preventive healthcare and the future of holistic wellbeing—all set against the backdrop of Thailand, a country internationally recognized for its rich wellness traditions and philosophy of balance and harmony. "Our industry is at another pivotal moment, where advances in science, medicine and longevity are converging with a renewed appreciation for human connection, creativity and purpose," said Susie Ellis, Chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Summit. "There is no better place to explore this future than Thailand, where centuries-old wellness traditions are being combined with an ambitious vision to become one of the world's leading destinations for medical wellness and preventive healthcare." Thailand's Minister of Public Health, Patana Promphat, said the Summit perfectly reflects the country's identity and cultural heritage. "For generations, Thailand has embraced a holistic approach to health that connects body, mind, spirit, community and nature," he said. "We are proud to host the 2026 Global Wellness Summit in Phuket and reaffirm Thailand's commitment to becoming a global wellness destination and a trusted partner in shaping the future of wellbeing." Wellness Meets Medicine One of the Summit's headline themes, "Future of Wellness + Medicine," will examine how precision medicine, longevity science and personalized healthcare are transforming the wellness landscape. Globally recognized geroscientist Andrea Maier, Professor of Medicine at the National University of Singapore and founder of Asia's first precision geromedicine clinics, will discuss the future of longevity science. Dan Buettner, founder of the Blue Zones movement and bestselling author, will explain why the world's healthiest and longest-living populations owe their longevity more to culture, community and lifestyle than medical interventions. George Gaitanos, Chief Operating and Scientific Officer of Chenot Group, will present a new vision for lifelong health, while Dr. Christopher Asandra, founder of AsandraMD in Beverly Hills, will highlight the rapid evolution of women's health, hormone therapy and personalized longevity medicine, particularly as a major emerging opportunity across Asia. New Global Wellness Economy Report The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) will unveil its 2026 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, the industry's most authoritative report on the global wellness economy. The report will provide updated market data and insights into both global and Asian wellness industries, offering valuable intelligence for businesses, investors and policymakers. Asia Driving the Next Wave of Wellness Tourism Asia's remarkable growth in wellness tourism will be another major focus of the Summit. According to the organizers, Asia's wellness tourism market expanded by 31 percent in 2024, reaching US$215 billion, surpassing Europe in the number of wellness trips. Four of the world's five fastest-growing wellness tourism markets are now in Asia: India (57%), Thailand (36%), South Korea (36%) and China (35%). Hospitality leaders will discuss how Asia is redefining wellness travel through innovative destinations that integrate culture, sustainability and authentic local experiences. William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International, will deliver a keynote address on why Asia is setting the global pace for wellness tourism. Additional sessions will feature Cathy Feliciano-Chon of FINN Partners APAC, Ronald Akili, co-founder of Bali's Potato Head, Huy Hoang, founder of Japan's Shishi-Iwa House, and Ingo Schweder, Founder and CEO of GOCO Hospitality, who will examine the future opportunities emerging across Asia's hospitality and wellness sectors. Exploring the Art and Soul of Wellness Beyond science and medicine, this year's Summit will explore the emotional and creative dimensions of wellbeing. Susan Magsamen, founder of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and co-author of the New York Times bestseller Your Brain on Art, will present the latest neuroscience research demonstrating how music, visual arts and architecture positively influence brain health and overall wellbeing. Meanwhile, Tal Danai, Founder and CEO of ArtLink, will introduce a new international film initiative celebrating traditional craftsmanship and artisan cultures, emphasizing creativity and cultural preservation as essential components of future wellness. The Summit will also launch the first-ever Intentional Spaces Design Challenge, developed in collaboration with the Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University and strategic partner Aldar Properties. The initiative will explore how neuroaesthetics and neuroarchitecture can help design healthier buildings, communities and public spaces. New Business Opportunities in Wellness Business innovation will also take center stage, with discussions examining how hospitality brands are expanding wellness through retail, lifestyle experiences and integrated guest engagement strategies. Industry leaders from fashion, hospitality and investment sectors—including Lisa Von Tang, Lexie Rodriguez of Capella Hotel Group, and Colin Low of Patience Lifestyle—will discuss emerging business models driving the next generation of wellness experiences. Another featured session will reflect on the dramatic evolution of beauty, consumer wellness trends and wellness marketing over the past two decades, while forecasting what the next twenty years may bring. Speakers include Kelly Kovack (BeautyMatter), global brand strategist Nick Vaus, Beth McGroarty of the Global Wellness Institute, and Asia marketing expert Dave McCaughan. Celebrating Thailand's Wellness Heritage The Summit will also showcase Thailand's rich wellness traditions through cultural experiences highlighting the country's renowned textile and silk craftsmanship, Buddhist philosophy and spiritual practices. A special performance by the award-winning Buddhist Chanting Team from Dhammajarinee Witthaya School, an institution dedicated to empowering underserved young women through education, will serve as one of the event's cultural highlights. As the Global Wellness Summit celebrates its 20th anniversary, the 2026 edition is expected to offer a comprehensive vision of the industry's future—from longevity science and women's health to wellness tourism, neuroaesthetics and next-generation business innovation—reinforcing wellness as one of the world's fastest-evolving industries.

  • In English
  • Global News

  2026-07-24

• Global Wellness Summit Celebrates 20th Anniversary in Thailand, Exploring Why Asia Is Shaping the Future of Wellness

  The Global Wellness Summit™ (GWS), the foremost gathering of leaders in the global wellness economy, will celebrate its milestone 20th anniversary at Angsana Laguna Phuket, Thailand, from November 10–13 under the theme, “The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness.” Centered on the question, “Why Asia, Why Now?”, this year’s Summit will explore both the extraordinary growth of Asia’s wellness economy and the region’s increasing influence on the future direction of global wellness. Following one of the pandemic’s longest and most challenging recovery periods, Asia-Pacific’s wellness market has reached $2 trillion for the first time. With annual growth of 9.3% in 2024, the region is tied with Europe as the fastest-growing wellness market in the world. CEOs of wellness companies, physicians, academics, technology leaders and policymakers will examine why Asia has become a critical lens through which to understand the future of wellness. As countries across the region confront some of the world’s lowest fertility rates and fastest-aging populations, Asia is becoming a living laboratory for innovative approaches to extending healthspan and supporting healthier aging populations. While much of the recent Western longevity conversation has focused on extending lifespan through advanced technologies and personalized interventions, Asia’s emphasis is increasingly on maintaining healthier aging populations as an economic and societal imperative. The conference will explore innovations underway across the region, from government policy initiatives to next-generation wellness destinations. Asia is also emerging as a leader in longevity through a distinctly integrative approach. Its millennia-old, prevention-focused traditional medical systems—including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda—helped shape the modern wellness movement by bringing meditation, yoga, plant-based medicine, spirituality and nature-based healing to global audiences. The conference will explore how Asia is advancing longevity through clinics and resorts that combine cutting-edge diagnostics and longevity science with traditional healing modalities, creating a new medical-wellness paradigm. The Summit will focus on Asia’s wellness tourism, beauty, traditional medicine, wellness real estate, architecture, design and public policy sectors. Experts will share lessons from South Korea’s remarkable K-Beauty boom, where approximately one million people travel annually for aesthetic services and where beauty products have become an export market worth more than $11 billion. Hospitality leaders will examine how Asian brands are shaping the future of wellness travel through deeper commitments to social connection, sustainability, creativity and cultural engagement. With neuroaesthetics and the impact of art on wellbeing among the year’s most discussed topics, Asia’s design leadership will also be highlighted, from architecture-for-wellness philosophies to Thailand’s evolving textile traditions. “Asia is the primary growth engine for the future of travel, luxury and wellness because of the unmatched expansion of its middle class and wealth creation, infrastructure investments, economic resilience, scale and rapid technological advancement,” said Cathy Feliciano-Chon, co-chair of the 2026 Summit and managing partner at FINN Partners Greater China. “It also faces significant challenges, including declining fertility rates and rapidly aging populations—issues that intersect directly with the future of wellness, prevention and longevity. Asia sits at the nexus of both these opportunities and challenges.” Asia’s Standout Wellness Markets and Growth Leaders According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), Asia was among the slowest-growing wellness regions between 2021 and 2023 due to the pandemic’s prolonged impact. It is now experiencing a strong recovery, expanding by 9.3% in 2024 to reach a $2 trillion market—74% larger than before the pandemic. Wellness Tourism Asia’s wellness tourism market reached $215 billion in 2024, making it the world’s largest recent growth story. The sector expanded by 31% in a single year and surpassed Europe in total wellness trips. Four of the five fastest-growing wellness tourism markets are in Asia: India (57%), Thailand (36%), South Korea (36%) and China (35%). Asian hospitality pioneers—including Kamalaya and Chiva-Som in Thailand, Ananda in the Himalayas in India, COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali and The Farm at San Benito in the Philippines—have helped shape modern wellness travel for decades. Traditional and Complementary Medicine GWI projects traditional and complementary medicine to be the second-fastest-growing wellness sector through 2029, expanding by 11% annually. Asia is by far the largest market, valued at $379 billion, representing approximately 63% of global spending. Traditional medical systems across Asia are being reimagined for modern audiences, from growing interest among younger generations in China to the use of artificial intelligence by Chinese universities to optimize TCM applications. Rising global interest became evident this year as wellness practices inspired by TCM attracted tens of millions of views across social media platforms. Healthy Eating, Nutrition and Weight Loss Asia remains the world’s largest market in healthy eating, nutrition and weight management at $347 billion and was also the fastest-growing major regional market in 2024, expanding by 7.7%. Wellness Real Estate Asia has become the world’s largest wellness real estate market at $350 billion, recording annual growth of 26% between 2019 and 2025. Seven of the world’s top twenty wellness real estate markets are located in Asia, including China (#2 globally at $218 billion), Australia (#4 at $38 billion), Japan (#6 at $34 billion) and India (#11 at $20.5 billion). Spas Asia is the world’s second-largest spa market after Europe, generating $42.5 billion in revenue. Following the region’s lengthy pandemic recovery, spa revenues increased by 54.7% in 2023 and a further 17.3% in 2024. Vietnam leads recent growth at 15.6%, followed by India (8.1%), China (7.6%) and Indonesia (7.5%). Thermal and Mineral Springs Asia is the world’s largest thermal and mineral springs market at $38 billion and is home to 22,611 establishments—more than three times the number found in Europe. China’s market is valued at $21.4 billion and Japan’s at $13.6 billion. Social bathing traditions—from Korea’s jjimjilbangs to Japan’s onsens—remain foundational wellness experiences across the region and are increasingly influencing wellness concepts worldwide. Asia: A Living Laboratory for Healthy Longevity Across Asia—including Japan, China, South Korea, Singapore and increasingly India—fertility rates are falling while populations age at unprecedented speed. By 2050, more than one in four Asians will be aged 60 or older. As a result, healthy longevity has become an economic necessity. Rising healthcare costs, shrinking workforces and demographic transformation are prompting governments and businesses alike to rethink aging and prevention. This year’s Summit will explore how Asian nations are developing new approaches to supporting longer, healthier and more productive lives. Examples include China’s “Healthy China 2030” strategy, which places prevention at the center of health policy, and Singapore’s innovative longevity initiatives that promote physical activity, healthier eating and intergenerational support systems. Asia’s Integrative Approach to Longevity While many Western discussions around longevity have focused on advanced clinical interventions, Asian wellness destinations increasingly combine scientific innovation with holistic wellness traditions. Examples include tulåh in Kerala, India, where Ayurveda, yoga, Vedanta, Tibetan medicine and TCM are integrated with advanced diagnostics and regenerative medicine; RAKxa Integrative Wellness in Bangkok, which combines preventive medicine with Thai healing traditions; and Tri Vananda in Phuket, where functional and integrative medicine intersect with cognitive health and mindfulness. Thailand’s Transformation into a Wellness and Longevity Hub Thailand’s wellness traditions run deep, from traditional Thai medicine and massage to its food-as-medicine culture. Today, the country is expanding its role beyond medical tourism and positioning itself as a global destination for wellness and longevity. Recent initiatives include the national wellness tourism campaign “Healing Journey Thailand” and a broad public-private collaboration designed to establish the country as an integrated ecosystem for wellness, health and longevity tourism. BDMS Wellness Clinic, one of Thailand’s leading preventive healthcare providers, is playing a central role in this transformation and recently announced BDMS Silver Wellness & Residences, a major Bangkok development combining advanced medical facilities, longevity services and residential living. “Thailand is the perfect host for a conference that will explore both wellness’s deepest historical roots and its increasingly medical and technology-driven future,” said Susie Ellis, chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Summit. “Across Thailand and throughout Asia, there is a unique combination of foundational wisdom and innovation in wellness, preventive health and longevity. We want delegates to experience the future of Asia because it is helping shape the future of wellness.” Registration for the Summit is open. Apply here.

  • In English
  • Global News

  2026-06-11

• Donghae Aqua Unveils “VINE7” Smart Vinegar Fermentation System at SEOUL FOOD 2026

  Donghae Aqua, also known as Donghae Aquarium, introduced its smart vinegar fermentation system, VINE7, at SEOUL FOOD 2026, one of Asia’s largest food industry exhibitions, held at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, from June 9 to 12. VINE7 was jointly developed by fermentation researcher and inventor Kwon Oh-tae, who has dedicated more than 20 years to fermentation research, and Lee Chang-woo, CEO of Donghae Aqua and a recognized Korean specialist in Venturi technology. From a Miner’s Dream in Germany to an Agricultural Innovation As a young man, Kwon moved to Germany, where he worked in the mining industry and gained firsthand exposure to advanced industrial technologies and European fermentation traditions. Inspired by these experiences, he began exploring ways to combine traditional Korean fermentation methods with scientific process control. After returning to Korea, Kwon settled in a rural mountain village, where he continued his research into fermented foods and agricultural products. His work attracted public attention through a nationally broadcast television documentary that highlighted both his inventive lifestyle and his fermentation studies using a variety of agricultural ingredients, including mandarin melon berries, persimmons, and Aralia elata shoots. “Many high-quality agricultural products are unable to secure fair market prices and are often discarded,” Kwon said. “I wanted to develop a practical technology that could help farmers create greater value from their harvests.” That vision ultimately led to the development of VINE7. Accelerating Natural Fermentation Through Smart Process Control Traditional vinegar fermentation typically requires extensive production space and can take a year or longer to complete. Product consistency can also vary due to seasonal changes and fluctuations in temperature, oxygen supply, and microbial activity. To address these challenges, Kwon collaborated with Lee to develop a system that maintains the principles of natural fermentation while scientifically controlling critical fermentation parameters, including temperature, aeration, and microbial growth conditions. The technology incorporates patented process innovations developed through years of research and field testing. The result is VINE7, a smart fermentation platform capable of producing vinegar from a wide range of agricultural products in approximately seven days while maintaining consistent product quality. With a production capacity of 200 liters per batch, the system is designed for use by farms, agricultural cooperatives, food processors, and small-scale entrepreneurs. Creating New Value for Agricultural Products Beyond vinegar production, VINE7 is positioned as a value-added agricultural processing platform. The system enables local specialties—including apples, grapes, persimmons, black raspberries, plums, mandarin melon berries, and ginseng—to be transformed into premium vinegar products with higher market value. The technology also offers farmers an alternative outlet for surplus, non-standard, or difficult-to-market produce, helping reduce waste while creating additional revenue opportunities. “I have long been concerned about the amount of agricultural produce that goes unused despite the hard work invested by farmers,” Kwon said. “My goal was to create a system that allows anyone to produce and market high-quality vinegar more easily.” Industry professionals who participated in product evaluations during the development process described VINE7 as a highly innovative fermentation solution with strong commercial potential. VINE7 vinegar fermentation system Expanding Opportunities for Farmers Worldwide Donghae Aqua believes VINE7 has significant potential not only in Korea but also in international agricultural markets.As climate change, supply chain disruptions, and agricultural price volatility continue to challenge farmers worldwide, value-added processing technologies are becoming increasingly important for improving farm profitability and sustainability. VINE7 can be deployed in a broad range of environments, from large-scale food manufacturing facilities to small farms, agricultural cooperatives, farming corporations, and regional processing centers. The company also sees potential applications in developing countries where agricultural storage and preservation infrastructure remains limited. Because the system requires only a stable electricity supply, it may provide rural communities with a practical means of extending product shelf life and generating additional income through agricultural processing. Debut at SEOUL FOOD 2026 VINE7 made its first public appearance in the agricultural machinery section of SEOUL FOOD 2026, which opened on June 9 at KINTEX. Lee Chang-woo, CEO of Donghae Aqua, stated, “By combining the wisdom of traditional fermentation with modern scientific technology, we have developed a system that makes high-quality vinegar production more accessible and efficient.” He added, “Beginning with SEOUL FOOD 2026, we hope this fermentation technology developed in Korea will contribute to creating new opportunities for farmers and agricultural businesses around the world.”

  • In English
  • Korea Today

  2026-06-11

• 2026 Aufguss USA Nationals Showcases the Evolution of Immersive Sauna Wellness Experiences

  The 2026 Aufguss USA Nationals concluded last week after three days of heat, artistry, ritual, and competition held across two Bathhouse locations in New York City, marking another major milestone in the rapid growth of sauna culture in the United States. This year’s event brought together leading Sauna Masters from across the United States to compete in both Show Aufguss and the inaugural Modern Classic Cup before an international panel of judges from Aufguss WM. The Show Aufguss competition took place May 19–20 at Bathhouse Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Brooklyn, while the Modern Classic Cup was held May 21 at Bathhouse Flatiron. Together, the events highlighted the continuing evolution of sauna culture from a traditional wellness practice into a fully immersive social wellness experience combining heat, aroma, music, storytelling, atmosphere, and ritual. “This year’s competition demonstrated how rapidly the level of Aufguss in the United States is advancing,” said Don Genders, Chair of Aufguss USA and CEO of organizing sponsor Design for Leisure. “The creativity, professionalism, technical skill, and emotional connection displayed throughout the week were truly exceptional. We are incredibly proud of every Sauna Master who participated.” The 2026 Nationals also reflected the movement’s accelerating momentum, with competitor applications doubling compared to last year and expanded qualification opportunities granted to the United States by Aufguss WM. Show Aufguss Results Team Show Aufguss First Place: Alexi Irvine & Joli Irvine Second Place: Tovi Wayne & Alonzo Solorzano Runners Up: Breana Marshall & Muhammad “Mo” Hodge Solo Show Aufguss First Place: Tovi Wayne Second Place: Travis Talmadge Runner Up: Alonzo Solorzano Modern Classic Cup Results First Place: Travis Talmadge Second Place: TJ Lupo Runner Up: Tovi Wayne Travis Talmadge_Modern Classic Winner First- and second-place winners in the Show Aufguss categories secured direct qualification to the 2026 Aufguss WM Finals at Satama Sauna Resort & Spa, scheduled for September 13–20. Third-place finishers earned entry into the Playoffs at Thermen Bussloo, taking place August 27–30. Show Aufguss performances emphasized theatrical and high-energy presentations integrating choreography, lighting, costumes, and immersive storytelling. Meanwhile, Modern Classic Cup competitors will advance through the international Modern Classic pathway leading to the finals at Farris Bad, scheduled for October 1–4, 2026. The championship focuses on the traditional art of Aufguss, emphasizing heat management, essential oils, atmosphere, and towel technique. The event was supported by organizing sponsor Design for Leisure; venue partner Bathhouse; Platinum Sponsor and Official Sauna Partner Harvia; Gold Sponsor Aufguss Roots USA; and event partners Aromen and Romana. Together, these partners helped support the continued expansion of Aufguss culture and communal sauna experiences throughout the United States. As the official U.S. member organization of Aufguss WM, Aufguss USA continues to promote European sauna ritual culture across the United States while helping develop a new generation of Sauna Masters for the international stage.

  • In English
  • Feature

  2026-05-28

실시간 In English 기사

• MICHELIN Guide to Seoul & Busan 2024

  The internationally renowned Michelin Guide released “The MICHELIN Guide Seoul & Busan 2024” in February of this year. This marks the first time the Michelin Guide for Korea has included a city outside of Seoul since first being released in 2017. Busan was selected due to the port city’s unique dining culture.The MICHELIN Guide Seoul & Busan 2024 features 177 restaurants in Seoul and 43 restaurants in Busan, for a total of 220 premium dining locations. French restaurant Allen and Japanese restaurant Mitou in Seoul both earned their second star, while Mori (Japanese cuisine), Palate (French cuisine), and Fiotto (Italian cuisine) in Busan each earned their first Michelin star. Fiotto also earned a Green Star for their use of ingredients picked directly from the farm.In addition to the restaurants which were able to earn stars, the guide also includes 15 and 6 restaurants in Busan and Seoul respectively that were recognized as Bib Gourmand restaurants, providing delicious food at reasonable prices. These new additions bring the total of Bib Gourmand restaurants to 72, ranging from traditional Korean cuisine to Japanese, Mexican, and Thai, as well as vegan cooking.Foodies planning a trip to Korea should definitely check the Michelin Guide! For a gourmand experience that won’t cost too much, a visit to one of the Bib Gourmand restaurants is a great choice.The MICHELIN Guide Seoul & Busan 2024▶ Michelin restaurants in Seoul▶ Michelin restaurants in Busan

  • In English
  • Korea Today

  2024-03-12

• Seoul Subway Introduces Real-time Interpretation System

  A real-time interpretation system capable of interpreting 13 languages using AI technology has been installed at the Customer Support Center of Myeong-dong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4). The system works by connecting a mic to a see-through touch screen that displays the words spoken and translates them depending on which language the tourist selects. After the tourist asks a question in their own language, their question is translated into Korean and appears on the monitor for the Korean station worker to see and respond to. Now travelers can quickly and easily get answers to all their subway questions, including finding subway routes, the fastest transfer points, and anything else about the subway station. The touch-screen can also be used to look up information on T-locker and T-luggage, storage systems in place for travelers. The system is available in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay, Indonesian, Spanish, French, German, Arabic, and Russian (13 languages total). While the system is currently in the testing stage, more machines are planned to be installed at major subway stations, including Seoul Station, Itaewon Station, Gimpo Airport Station, Gwanghwamun Station, and Hongik Univ. Station.

  • In English
  • Korea Today

  2024-03-02

• The Global Wellness Institute Spotlights South Korea’s $113 Billion Wellness Economy

  The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the leading nonprofit dedicated to research and education in the global wellness industry, has announced the addition of South Korea to its growing Geography of Wellness platform, through a partnership with Therme Group. A global organization committed to fostering inclusive urban wellbeing, Therme recently announced the location for its first Asia Pacific project as part of the Golden Harbor development in South Korea’s Incheon City. “GWI’s Geography of Wellness platform offers a detailed map of the wellness landscape, delineating the economic contributions of wellness-oriented businesses and activities specific to each nation,” said Susie Ellis, GWI chair and CEO. “South Korea, the world’s ninth largest wellness market, has demonstrated both growth and resilience, scaling from a pre-pandemic $99.6 billion in 2019, to a 5% dip in 2020 ($94.4 billion), to a valuation of $113 billion in 2022.” South Korea is not only thriving in its overall wellness economy but is also leading the charge in several specific categories, including ranking #6 globally in both physical activity and traditional & complementary medicine. The nation also secures the #8 spot worldwide in public health, prevention & personalized medicine, as well as workplace wellness—despite a slight dip in spending over the previous year in the latter sector— asserting its continued dedication to evolving workplace culture and public health initiatives. GWI assesses 11 key sectors within the wellness economies of 218 countries worldwide. South Korea has had notable valuation increases in virtually all sectors for 2022 (a new dedicated Global Wellness Economy: South Korea report is available for download.) South Korea Wellness Sector Annual Growth 2020-2022 with 2022 ValuationPhysical Activity: +11%, $29.68B Personal Care & Beauty: +3.5%, $24.87B Healthy Eating, Nutrition & Weight Loss: -0.5%, $13.49B Traditional & Complementary Medicine: +2.7%, $13.46B Public Health, Prevention & Personalized Medicine: +44.6%, $13.40B Wellness Real Estate: +16.5%, $8.37B Wellness Tourism: +11.3%, $5.43B Mental Wellness: +7.2%, valued at $2.86B Spas: +16.2%, valued at $1.55B Workplace Wellness: -3.6, $1.15B Thermal/Mineral Springs: +13.3%, $0.58B Living Well in South Korea Wellness in South Korea is a blend of centuries-old traditions and modern science and technology, in an environment rich in natural resources. Korean cuisine—with its vast variety of kimchi (fermented vegetables), banchan (side dishes), fresh seafood and vegan options—has already taken the world by storm. Wellness practices such as sauna and hot springs bathing, meditation, martial arts (taekwondo and taekgyeon), herbal and medicinal teas, acupuncture and moxibustion (a technique of burning herbal moxa cones to warm acupuncture points) are widely adopted for health maintenance and healing. Living well in South Korea today also means adopting modern fitness routines, accessing digital wellness tools, practicing skincare rituals, and accessing diverse cosmetic and beauty options popularly known across the world as K-beauty. Key Wellness Experiences in South Korea With its vast mountain ranges and surrounded by seas on three sides, South Korea offers a phenomenal natural setting for all types of wellness activities and holidays, from hot springs bathing, to hiking, to water sports; from mountain and seaside resorts to meditation retreats and temple stays. One can sample mountain herbs, temple cuisine, and traditional Korean dishes that can help promote blood circulation and warmth in cold weather. Its metropolises offer wellness amenities from spa and beauty to fitness, to traditional and complementary medicine. Visitors may want to try a mindful tea ceremony, or immerse in Korean bathing traditions at natural hot springs as well as communal baths and saunas, a social and family-friendly experience. Therme Group’s collaboration with GWI is pivotal in showcasing South Korea on the global stage. Stelian Iacob, senior vice president of Therme Group, remarked: “South Korea has rich and varied wellbeing traditions and a high-growth wellness economy. We are committed to enhancing the wellbeing of South Korea’s residents and visitors, and this research provides vital data for the industry. The research shows that people are rediscovering the health benefits of thermal bathing and wellness therapies, and we look forward to working with local partners to bring our unique wellbeing resort experience to the region.” To learn more about South Korea’s wellness economy, visit its dedicated Geography of Wellness page on the GWI website.

  • In English
  • Global News

  2024-02-16

• Global Wellness Summit Releases 10 Wellness Trends for 2024

  The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) has released its annual Future of Wellness report, the longest-running, most in-depth (120-page) forecast of what will make waves in wellness in the year ahead. In the 20-plus years this trends team has been analyzing the wellness space, there have been more shakeups in 2023 than in the last decade. There certainly is momentum: the global market will grow from $5.6 trillion today to $8.5 trillion by 2027—with countless surveys revealing that wellness has never been such an important priority for people as now. But what kind of wellness matters—and for whom—is undergoing serious transformation. Generational, income, and gender gaps are widening in culture, and they’re creating a wellness landscape increasingly defined by very different—even contradictory—markets and mindsets. The GWS calls these polarized wellness markets “hardcare” and “softcare.” “Hardcare” describes the new hyper-medical, high-tech, even more expensive wellness market. “Softcare” captures the new desires for a low-pressure, simpler, less expensive, less relentlessly self-optimizing wellness, where emotional and social wellbeing matter most. This trends report illustrates how there is no longer one wellness narrative or unifying trend. The future is both “harder” and “softer” care, and that polarity will only widen. Themes in the report: More “hardcare”—from longevity clinics to weight loss drugs, medicine is muscling in: The speed at which medicine is invading the wellness market is astounding. One trend explores how the quest for longevity will continue to dominate the health/wellness space, with highly-medical, high-cost longevity clinics becoming the new business genre, offering everything from advanced diagnostics to stem cell treatments. Equally astounding is how fast new weight-loss drugs have upended behavior-change-focused wellness businesses, whether dieting platforms or resorts. Our trend analyzes these drugs’ impact, how wellness businesses quickly pivoted to prescribe Big Pharma’s magic “pricks,” and how the future is the wellness market delivering a healthier, more comprehensive weight-loss approach. More “softcare”—more low-fi, ancient, social, emotional, deeply human wellness: The media has been covering how younger gens (especially women) are pushing back against this last decade of high-pressure, uber-commodified wellness, and recasting true wellness as a messier, more joyful, simpler and cheaper affair. New desires for a simpler, more profound wellness drive one of our top travel trends of the year: how a record number of revitalized pilgrimage trails worldwide are luring new generations to the most ancient, slow, communal and spiritual form of travel. And if wellness has been complicit in clichéd views of masculinity (only focused on the physical), another trend explores how wellness will finally take a more human approach to men, with a wave of retreats, small groups, and apps focused on men’s social and emotional wellbeing. Wellness will tackle serious crises, from climate threats to women’s health: With temperatures breaking records each year, one trend explores a new “climate-adaptive wellness,” a surge in solutions that can cool our homes, cities and bodies. And since solving for grossly-ignored women’s health issues is now a heartbeat of wellness, another trend explores how desperately-needed innovation in postpartum care for new moms (and dads) is ahead—from post-birth retreats to new mental health apps. New tech, new wellness categories: Several trends illustrate how wellness technology innovation is going into overdrive. One explores how our homes are becoming high-tech health hubs, with everything from medical-grade diagnostic systems, to smart furnishings that make wellbeing adjustments in real-time. Technologies such as generative AI are also fueling a new era of “wellness art.” If experiencing art has always been a passive affair, a new wave of art experiences at museums, resorts and public spaces is turning it into a deeply multisensory, immersive experience, expressly designed to boost your mental wellbeing. TEN WELLNESS TRENDS FOR 2024: Climate-Adaptive Wellness With an increasingly heat-crushed planet, bringing massive physical and mental health risks, we will see a new “climate-adaptive wellness”: a wave of innovations that can cool our bodies, homes and cities. We simply cannot keep air conditioning more of the world: it’s erasing climate change progress. Cooling approaches—from the cutting-edge to the ancient—will be the burning issue in architecture and design. We’ll see more green space, tree cover, and rooftop gardens; high-tech building materials and heat-reflective paint for roads and roofs; and heat-fighting design from historically broiling places like the Middle East. Cities are re-thinking everything, building cooling centers and public pools, with many rushing to clean up their waterways to let people do wild swimming, an incredible line of defense. Smart-tech cooling clothing will go mainstream, as will wearables that monitor the body’s heat indicators, from core temp to hydration to electrolytes. There is even a new “climate-adaptive” beauty trend rising. Our baking planet is disrupting travel, with people moving away from traditional “hotspots,” trading beaches and deserts for mountains, the Mediterranean for Scandinavia, and summer vacations for fall or spring ones, in a move towards what’s being called “cool-cations.” So much will change in the traditional wellness space, from a new focus on hot/cold therapy’s role in the body’s thermoregulation to the rise of (cooler) “night-time wellness” programming at hotels and resorts, from star-gazing to full-moon yoga. The Power of the Pilgrimage One silver lining that came out of the pandemic gloom is that people all around the world rediscovered the simple joys and health benefits that come from walking, and a purposeful connection with nature. Today, walking enthusiasts are dramatically expanding their horizons by exploring ancient pilgrimage trails, fueling a global trend as record numbers of travelers take up multi-day hikes infused with spiritual exploration and cultural heritage in countries around the world. While nearly half a million pilgrims completed the famous Camino de Santiago in Spain in 2023 (a new record), scores of modern pilgrims were also drawn to off-the-beaten-path sites in Japan, such as the Shikoku 88 and the Michinoku Coastal trails, as well as buzzy pilgrimage destinations in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, India and Italy, all of which have undergone extensive restorations thanks to government efforts to promote holistic tourism. From a wellness perspective, this trend has serious legs: a pilgrimage is a metaphor for the path to enlightenment, engendering slow, meditative travel, and facilitating deeper engagement with our surroundings to foster a sense of awe. It also produces unexpected encounters with strangers that lead to a deeper perspective on the place of our “self” in a very big world. Savvy resorts are now looking to pilgrimages, offering wellness programs that incorporate journeys between sacred sites, participation in religious services such as meditating with monks or almsgiving, and providing access to ceremonies once attainable only after years of experience on the path to enlightenment. From Manning Up to Opening Up Wellness has long provided a space for women to open up, explore their emotions, and build community, but the same can’t be said for men. They’ve either been left out of the equation or, when included, the wellness offerings they’ve been served have reinforced a clichéd view of masculinity—from warrior-like fitness challenges to tough-guy biohacks. At the same time, shifting gender roles and a societal revolt against old-school masculinity have left men without a rulebook for what it means to “be a man” today. A cultural shift is underway. As the dire consequences of rising male loneliness are exposed, the wellness industry is responding with a new wave of solutions designed to help men reconnect with themselves and with one another. One example is the rise of men’s retreats like EVRYMAN and Junto, where unlearning stoicism and authentically sharing your feelings is the name of the game; another example is the new mental health apps designed specifically by and for men. In this trend, we explore how these so-called “softer” forms of wellness will serve as a much-needed catalyst for male connection. Looking further ahead, we anticipate that social and emotional wellness offerings for men will become more nuanced, more evenly distributed across all stages of life, and more global. The Rise of Postpartum Wellness Following childbirth, new parents typically find themselves in a care “desert”: all the attention is on the baby, and the medical system largely abandons them. While giving birth is a massive physical event, and new parenthood often entails serious mental health challenges, postpartum care has been grossly ignored. Change is here: a new, comprehensive postpartum wellness is now taking many directions. Cultures around the world have postpartum retreat traditions for the mom and baby (from Korea’s sanjujori to Latin America’s la cuarantena) that focus on deep rest, healthy food, baby-care education, massage and therapeutic bathing for the birthing parent. Increasingly, posh postpartum retreats are delivering precious days and weeks of postpartum recovery (at a price)—whether at Boram Postnatal Retreat in New York City or Kai Singapore. With postpartum depression rates rising globally, governments and corporations are taking action, while new apps are addressing the mental health of new parents (such as Mavida Health, offering a whole slate of therapy and counseling). More femtech startups are dedicated to postpartum care across the spectrum—from C-section recovery services to a boom in pelvic floor care products/services (so crucial to postpartum health). The wellness consumer goods market has exploded with options, from postpartum skincare to supplements, while brands are also destigmatizing sexual wellness post-birth. True postpartum wellness would mean a dramatic change in the current post-birth experience, with access to an integrated medical and wellness team that could deliver a holistic, empathetic approach to support new parents’ physical and emotional wellbeing, including education, proper nutrition, physical therapy and pain-focused therapies. The future needs to make what’s offered in the new, luxe postpartum retreats only a few can afford available to all. Longevity Has Longevity The speed at which longevity has seized the biotech, health and wellness spaces in the last year is staggering. No mere “trend,” it’s the new industry pillar, the lens to reexamine everything we do, and an entire interconnected “economy” pegged to be worth $610 billion by 2025. Driven by an aging population seeking a longer healthspan and a medical establishment still not focused on prevention, longevity is here for the long game and will only ramp up in 2024. So, we bring you two reports with different vantage points. The first, from Kenneth R. Pelletier, PhD, MD, clinical professor at UCSF School of Medicine, identifies the eight key areas of research driving the practical applications of longevity science—including personalized plans grounded in genetic, epigenetic and biomarker testing; research on senolytics (drugs that can remove senescent cells); telomere regeneration; nutrigenomics; and a new AI/GPT-driven healthcare. It provides a much-needed framework for what matters in what’s become a Wild West of longevity solutions. The second report explores the longevity boom from the perspective of the wellness industry, and how the highly-medical, high-tech (and high-priced) longevity clinic is the fastest-growing business genre, with over 1,000 clinics worldwide. Most offer advanced diagnostic testing (biomarker, genetic, hormonal, full-body MRIs, etc.), to identify issues before they become a problem, such as Fountain Life (whose heartbeat is AI-powered diagnostics) or Human Longevity Inc. (with genomics testing at its core). Others offer experimental, less-proven approaches such as stem cell treatments and plasma exchange—and the usual biohacking/recovery treatments (IV drips, cryotherapy, ozone therapy, etc.)—but now in the name of longevity. More high-end gyms (such as Saint Haven in Melbourne) are becoming full-blown longevity clinics, offering work-ups (preventative diagnostic testing, scans, etc.) along with their workouts. If wellness resorts have been more about “soul” than scans and stem cells, now a growing number are becoming highly-medical longevity destinations. Powerhouse medical-longevity players such as Spain’s SHA Wellness and Switzerland’s Clinique La Prairie are on the march, the latter planning 40 new urban “longevity hubs.” Soulful brand Six Senses is opening medical-longevity clubs (called Rosebar), with everything from epigenetic testing to stem cell therapy. More wellness resorts, like Italy’s Borgo Egnazia and Thailand’s Kamalaya Koh Samui, will embrace lo-fi longevity, offering Blue Zones retreats that get their guests connecting, cooking and moving like the people who live the longest in the world. In 2024, a further avalanche of clinics, travel destinations and tools will try to help you live longer and better. But we’ll also start asking some hard questions. About access: with uber-expensive clinics/solutions, are we entering a future where only the poor age? How can most people afford to live to 130? What is the impact of a “never die” mindset on our mental health and on the death-acceptance movement? A Wellness Check for Weight Loss Drugs The wellness industry was shaken up with the arrival of Big Pharma’s new, extremely effective GLP-1-inhibiting weight-loss drugs, the Ozempics and Mounjaros. They upended traditional behavior-change approaches to weight loss, recasting weight loss as a matter of biology rather than psychology and “willpower.” They quickly created challenges for behavior-change-focused businesses, whether dieting platforms, gyms, or wellness resorts. A big driver of the wellness market has always been weight loss, once more explicitly, and now more tacitly, as it became a dirty word after hard-fought body positivity gains. The new “magic pricks” quickly ripped open the weight loss Pandora’s box, and their impact on the world and wellness world will only become more intense in 2024. The number of people taking them has skyrocketed, resulting in ongoing global shortages. At least 70 new drugs are in development, with new, cheaper, very effective ones like Zepbound hitting the market this year. With people clamoring for the drugs, the trend covers how more wellness/health companies quickly pivoted to the (profitable) path of prescribing them, whether direct-to-consumer telemedicine brands like Ro or Found, or weight-loss platforms like WW (formerly Weight Watchers) and Noom. There is so much debate around the drugs and the companies making such moves. Proponents argue they could end the global obesity epidemic and save millions of lives; critics question their long-term health impacts, how they reinforce discriminatory ideals that “thin equals healthy,” and that, while they’re super-effective, they cannot deliver holistic health: exercise, healthy food, mental wellness, are still needed. In 2024, we predict the wellness world will start to interrogate how it could actually provide (not in name only) more honest, fully integrative, whole-health weight-loss approaches (spanning everything from nutrition coaching to fitness to mental health services to advanced metabolic health analysis), while also creating specific “wellness companion” programs for the drug-takers. The future: evidence-based methods that could help get people off these “forever” drugs and that specifically improve their health while on them. Sports Finds Its Footing in Hospitality After decades of fitness meaning lonely solo sessions at the gym, more people globally are embracing social, empowering sports (see: the pickleball explosion)—and more people want to train like near-elite athletes. At the same time, pro, collegiate, and even competitive junior athletes, constantly traveling to compete, have sorely lacked hospitality destinations that deliver wellness, recovery treatments and state-of-the-art gym equipment. It’s strange how much “sports” has been left out of the hospitality equation, but that’s now changing. Hospitality destinations are answering the call with everything from pro trainers to pro-level facilities—and if the global sports hospitality market was last valued at $4.75 billion, we think it will boom. More high-end wellness destinations are catering to recreational athletes who are serious about their sport, letting guests train and learn from their sports idols. Body Holiday in St. Lucia now features nine sports-themed months, led by pro athletes like NFL star Randy Moss and Olympians like Daley Thompson, Alix Klineman and Angie Akers, to let people up their running, swimming, and crewing game. In 2024, Aman Resorts is unveiling fitness, performance and recovery retreats led by five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova. New hospitality brands are squarely aimed at elite athletes, offering nth-degree wellness, fitness and recovery programming. Equinox Hotels plans 33 properties, and will next open in Saudi Arabia’s extraordinary Amaala wellness destination, with a pro-level gym, personal trainers, brain-stimulating tech to boost performance, and the full recovery menu, from cryo chambers to on-demand IV drips. Siro, a mind-blowing fitness and recovery hotel concept, opening its first property SIRO One Za’abeel next month in Dubai, optimizes everything (from rooms to food) for athletes of all levels, but is especially aimed at pros—from its vast gym designed by Olympic athletes to its incredible Recovery Lab. Sports tourism (people traveling to watch events) is a massive market, but more destinations are moving people from spectators to sports participants. The 2024 Paris Olympics will host a pre-Games marathon for regular folks so they can experience the thrill of the course. This summer’s Tour de France will, for the first time, open up new cycling routes near the course, so biking enthusiasts can jump in. Hospitality groups are thinking beyond “training like an athlete” and actually organizing competitive play: swimmers, runners, and tennis and pickleball players really want to compete with people at their level. So, in 2024, add a new category to the tourism lexicon: sports-meets-wellness travel. The Home as Highest-Tech-Health-Hub Wellness-focused homes have been a megatrend for years, with a big focus on amenities like meditation rooms and cold plunge pools. Now homes, and even cities, are becoming highest-tech, multifaceted health hubs. The shift is unprecedented, involving everything from the rise of medical-grade home health-monitoring systems to smart furnishings that adjust in real-time to individual wellbeing needs. In a post-pandemic era marked by increased time spent at home, health-at-home is taking bold new directions. The trend includes “Home Health Care,” where homes are becoming advanced “outpatient” care centers powered by digital health services—from fully-integrated telehealth to new health monitoring and diagnostic technology, reducing reliance on in-person interactions with practitioners. There is so much innovation in using M-health (mobile health) for home healthcare. For example, the just-released foneDX (from electronRX) uses existing smartphone sensors and a user interface app to measure a person’s critical heart and lung health right at home. In the next five years, 45% of healthcare services are expected to be delivered at home. Cities are becoming high-tech health hubs. In Saudi Arabia’s hotly-anticipated new smart city NEOM (unfolding in 2025), the futuristic healthcare system Dr. NEOM continuously collects health data from the population and houses it in a “digital twin” file of every resident. With this wealth of information, the system can precisely customize health and wellness interventions, and even predict health issues before they occur. It’s the city-as-wearable. Sensory-enhanced design is moving far beyond wellness concepts like feng shui and biophilic interiors. A new generation of textiles mean the very fabrics surrounding us at home will come alive as interactive interfaces. Companies like Getsound.ai and Endel are creating personalized bio-soundscapes grounded in our real-time biometric and environmental data. Our homes will ultimately evolve into multifaceted ecosystems, merging advanced nanotechnology and empathetic architecture to create living spaces that capture our biometrics to create environments dynamically extending from our own psyches. The home as high-tech health hub is a futuristic trend within the wellness real estate sector, the fastest-growing wellness market of all: now worth $398 billion and forecast to grow to $887.5 billion by 2027. A New Multisensory, Immersive Art for Wellness Art used to be a passive experience: you stare at a painting, or have lunch next to a sculpture garden. But no more. As newly tech-enabled artists—powered by innovations such as generative AI, projection mapping and spatial sound technologies—bring their craft to the mainstream, we’re entering an era of multi-sensory, wildly immersive art. Beyond a simple gaze, this next-gen art allows us to engage all of our senses and to participate, and is expressly designed to transform our mental wellbeing. Museums, hotels and spas are incorporating more and more multisensory art experiences into their offerings and, in doing so, are prioritizing wellness as an integrated offering. Case in point: the Mandala Lab at the Rubin Museum in New York City combines video, scent, sculpture, and sound based on Buddhist principles into one holistic, spiritual exhibit. At the Termemilano spa in Milan, Italy, a video skyscape of stormy skies surrounds a hydro pool, creating an unmatched moody vibe. Six Senses resorts are creating multisensory somatic experiences, like bio-alchemy sculptures infused with scents, flotation experiences suffused with ocean sounds, or geodesic domes with vibroacoustic floors. Multisensory, immersive art is becoming incredibly widespread in public places. From installations that dot cityscapes to AI-driven art in hospitals that utilize facial screening software to deliver audio-visuals based on your emotions. In the future, as adoption of wearable technologies becomes widespread, generative artworks will become even more hyper-personalized, participatory and therapeutically effective. Adaptive art will continue to take hold and push the boundaries of what sensory immersion and art-as-wellness can mean. Under the Radar At each annual Global Wellness Summit, delegates from around the world gather for four days of top-level insights. Because of its global nature and collection of diverse thought-leaders from the health and wellness world, it’s an incubator of new ideas. Many of these new ideas were the springboard for trends in this report, but GWS Chair and CEO Susie Ellis always notes interesting new directions also discussed that might be under the radar now but have the potential to become trends. This year, for the first time, Susie shares some of her emerging themes to watch. One key theme was for the wellness world to work harder at destigmatizing mental health issues and at creating new solutions, given the skyrocketing global rates of mental unwellness. Simone Biles’ keynote framed this huge issue, chronicling how mental struggles necessitated her withdrawal from the 2020 Olympics, and calling for a world where you could wear a “helmet on your head” to safely signal mental issues just as a cast does for a broken leg. The need for more mental wellness solutions percolated across the Summit. Amy McDonald (CEO, Under a Tree Consultancy) argued that with teens worldwide struggling mightily with mental health, we must lower age limits at wellness centers and spas, so they can benefit from evidence-based healing treatments, and properties like Qatar’s Zulal Wellness Resort have already risen to the occasion. There were very new ideas, such as Anjan Chattergee, MD, professor of neurology, University of Pennsylvania’s research into “slow looking,” how looking at an art piece for 15 minutes (rather than a few seconds) results in eye-opening impact on the brain. Another mega theme: governments embracing more innovative, powerful wellness policies. “Un-GDP” was discussed, with more governments moving beyond money-focused—in favor of quality-of-life—metrics to gauge national wellbeing. Through world-leading health/wellness policies, Singapore has dramatically improved its citizens’ health and longevity, which is why it was just named the sixth Blue Zone. This marks a new future of “Blue Zones 2.0,” where communities actively engineer environments that make it “natural” to make healthy choices. Keynote speaker Sophie Howe, the first Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, explained the crucial role policy must play in protecting the lives and health of those who will be born 50 years from now. Deborah Birx, MD, introduced the concept of “wellness diplomacy,” which could bring a divisive world together to collaborate on prevention. As for other things to watch? Dive into the other under-the-radar themes.

  • In English
  • Global News

  2024-01-31

• Traveler Immigration Support Chatbot at Your Service

  Getting answers to quarantine and customs clearance related questions is now easier than ever with the Traveler Immigration Support, a chatbot service provided by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). This service offers answers to the most commonly asked questions by travelers planning to take an international flight to Korea such as customs clearance, currency exchange, immigration screening, and more. Users can get answers to their questions either by typing in keywords or selecting a topic among the given options. To use the chatbot service, select the turquoise banner from any one of the following official websites: the KDCA, Overseas Infection Disease NOW (해외감염병NOW), Q-Code, and National Quarantine Station. The Traveler Immigration Support chatbot service is supported in 12 languages. Along with the announcement of the Traveler Immigration Support, the KDCA declares they will “continue efforts to protect travelers’ safety and health through a variety of measures.” Traveler Immigration Support Chatbot Service Accessible websites: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Overseas Infection Disease NOW (해외감염병NOW) Q-Code National Quarantine Station Supported languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thai, German, Russian, Spanish, Italian, French Inquiries: +82-2-2163-5945, +82-1339 * Please be aware that system errors may occur depending on the language settings of the users’ device. For the best service, it is recommended to change the device language setting to Korean. 1) For mobile users: Language selection option is only available when the device language is set to “Korean” 2) For PC users: Select “Korean” as the first language option for the web browser Visa and Entry Requirements ▶Visa ▶Immigration ▶Prohibited & Restricted Items ▶Animal/Plant Quarantines

  • In English
  • Korea Today

  2024-01-23