Industry Intelligence Kate Thompson, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, UK
Creating a hub of wellbeing We talk to therapist Kate Thomson about how a new resident practitioner programme at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is providing a multidisciplinary approach to wellbeing
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andarin Oriental Hyde Park, London has been at the forefront of innovation in spa and wellness since its launch in 2000. Since an extensive renovation in 2018, the spa has continued to adapt to the fast-paced world of wellness while meeting the increased health and wellbeing demands of the luxury traveller. “During the last 18 months we have been creating an urban hub for wellness practitioners,” explains Jamie Pagan, senior director of spa and wellness. “The ambition was to provide our guests and members with a fully customisable treatment programme and a multidisciplinary approach 100
delivered by world-class practitioners.” Pagan and his team have hand-picked leading experts to focus on mind, body, nutrition and beauty, including facialist Nichola Joss; naturopath, acupuncturist and yoga teacher Francy Lema; therapist and coach Andrew Johnson; physiotherapist Heshmat Nasiri; nutritionist Gloria Masithela; and craniosacral specialist Kate Thomson. TCM practitioner Professor Song Ke, Japanese reiki specialist Rika Tanaka and reiki expert Shaylini all draw on eastern traditional healing modalities. “The in-residence programme is ever-evolving and intended to develop organically, most recently supporting
the creation of urban residential retreats combining multiple disciplines into cohesive residential experiences,” says Pagan. Team development The initiative launched at the same time as a series of one-day retreat programmes that focus on inner and outer wellbeing. These can include a range of personal consultations, yoga, Pilates, fitness elements, a Movementum class, chakra meditation, crystal healing and two-hour Mandarin Oriental treatment sessions. Nutritional options can include healthy meals, juices and snacks. This innovative programme is intended www.europeanspamagazine.com
