Eighth Annual GLOBAL WELLNESS DAY Celebration, Saturday, June 8, 2019
Over 5,000 locations in 150+ Countries on Six Continents
Building Communities of Wellness via: Complimentary Classes & Demonstrations
Providing Healthy Living Tools for Physical and Mental Well-being

Istanbul, Turkey – Saturday, June 8, 2019 will mark the eighth annual Global Wellness Day (GWD) celebration and the fifth time the special day is being celebrated internationally. This year the focus of the event will be building communities of wellness.  Surviving a life-threating illness inspired Turkish businesswoman and destination spa owner, Belgin Aksoy, to start GWD. It is her irresistible passion for the cause that has motivated over 100 volunteer ambassadors, advisors and supporters to help make her dream a reality across the globe.  The caveat:  the annual events organized each year need to be three things: educational, non-commercial and complementary since Aksoy’s motivating belief is that wellness is not a luxury but the inherit right of every individual.

Growing from a celebration at one Turkish spa eight years ago to events in over 150 countries in over 5,000 locations or “communities” — such as hotel/spa chains, fitness centers, yoga studios, associations, foundations, hospitals, schools, senior centers, and entire towns — GWD’s overarching motto is: “One day, can change your whole life!”  Aksoy also never waivers from her focus on the importance of educating people from youth up about the importance of wellness – which clearly includes mental health as well as giving back through simple but important good deeds.

New to the roster of countries this year are:  China, Kenya, Cayman Islands, Peru, Zimbabwe and Dominican Republic. Countries celebrating GWD over 20 locations each: France, Spain, Cyprus, Canada, Hungary, etc.  Aksoy even received a letter of endorsement from Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Republic of Maldives, since promoting healthy, active and positive lifestyles is an important initiative for the island nation’s new president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Standout U.S. GWD locations include Los Angeles & La Jolla, California; Cleveland, Ohio, NYC, South Florida and Whitefish, Montana.  In the company category: Gym Source — America’s largest commercial distributor of fitness equipment — will convert all 35 of their stores to gyms open to the public on GWD and skincare companies Biologique Recherche and Kerstin Florian are contributing to events.  Members of 60 different hotel companies such as Marriott Vacation Club, Four Seasons, Fairmont and Mandarin Oriental are organizing events and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts is making GWD part of its corporate-wide wellness campaign.

Hyatt will be honoring GWD and Hyatt’s landmarks of wellbeing – Feel, Fuel and Function – by educating and encouraging colleagues and guests to celebrate the day around the world. Over 400 properties, including Hyatt’s Miraval and Exhale brands and the company’s regional and corporate offices are expected to host health and wellness-related events reflecting their specific destination and local communities— from Delhi to Chicago and Zurich to Tokyo.

Look for the hashtag #globalwellnessday to follow what happens from sunrise to sunset around the globe on June 8.

“We go to school from the age of two, hoping that the education system is going to help prepare us for our future,” says Aksoy, “but nobody is teaching us how to live, how to breathe, how to be mindful and how to love ourselves as these are things that are essential to be a happy adult in the future. In an era where global consumer kids are ending up unhappy and unsatisfied,” Aksoy continues. “A key goal of GWD is to teach children and families how to integrate wellness practices into their daily lives and then to  carry on those practices throughout their lives.”

Below are a sample of celebrations planned for GWD 2019, which range from entire cities joining together with family friendly wellness events to hotels and community centers offering complimentary activities ranging from hiking to ethno dance; Tai Chi to digital detox seminars.

Netherlands – A series of events for kids and the community are being planned including: visits to elder care facilities, 5K Walk for children in primary schools, “wellness for everyone” activities in hotel spas and seminars on workplace wellness with the GWD 7 Step Manifesto carried on for 7 days.

Costa Rica – Having the support of San José Municipality and Curridaba Municipality along with many other associations and foundations; seminars on nutrition, mental health, eco awareness, the Ayurvedic lifestyle and wellness will be organized in the city of San Ramon. Activities such as forest therapy, yoga, breathing exercises, aromatherapy, walks along the beach, beach cleaning, bike rides with children, planting trees and mindfulness will take place throughout Costa Rica.

Kenya – GWD Kenya has partnered with The Wellness Project Africa to run free wellness checks throughout the event for all participants. Two panel discussions on “Physical Health & Inner Health” will be held as well as yoga and Zumba to illustrate that working out can be enjoyable and relaxing for everyone. The event will act as a wellness information hub where all participants will have access to wellness experts

Hungary – GWD celebration activities will take place in 12 cities and 30 locations, focusing on wellness lifestyle, healthy dining and healing waters. The main celebration will take place in Budapest City Park with an aim to set the Guinness World Record for number of people participating in an all-day wellness event.  Activities: senior citizen fitness classes, aerobics and yoga classes supported by the International Wellness Institute (IWI), seminars on:  the wellness movement, benefits of thermal baths, fitness trends, aromatherapy, active ingredients in beauty and kids’ nutrition. Other GWD celebrations in Hungary are scheduled at Four Seasons Hotel Budapest, Aria Hotel Budapest, InterContinental Hotel Budapest, Kempinski Spa Budapest, Gellert Bath Budapest, Mandala day Spa Budapest and Mandala Spiritual Bath Budapest, among many others.

Cayman Islands – This year will be the first time GWD is celebrated in the Cayman Islands. The event will start with a community wide beach clean-up at the Seven Mile beach located on the Grand Cayman Island and continue with activities such as Pilates, balance and breathing exercises and a mental wellness awareness seminar. Hotel brands such as Kimpton SeaFire Resort & Spa, Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman, Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort and The Westin Grand Cayman Beach Resort & Spa will be supporting Global Wellness Day on the island.

South Africa – Rated the unhealthiest and most stressed country in the world, South Africa GWD team is working towards changing these statistics. This year GWD will be focusing on community and will be collecting clothes, food, toys and much more for those in need. The team will be attending schools to speak about wellness, mindfulness, nutrition and good deeds and visiting elderly people’s homes to pamper them with special massages. Supporting spa groups: Camelot, Gingko, Amani, Guvon, Spa & Wellness Association South Africa, Isa Castens Academy, The Westin Cape Town, the Taj Hotel Cape Town, Fancourt Hotel and Spa in George. And, Johannesburg based tech exec, Maureen Grosvernor, will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in August and taking the GWD logo to the summit!

France – For the first time this year, the City Hall of Paris’ 10 municipal arrondissement and its Mayor will be supporting Global Wellness Day with an opening speech and a kickoff point for the day’s celebrations.  Events across France will be held in the cities of Belfort and Enghien Les Bains; there will be a “Born to Ride” race starting from Bréhat to San Sebastian; public yoga classes by Le Tigre Yoga Club in all their locations; and a range of wellness activities in all Thalassa properties, Accor Headquarters and all LUXE brands. Meanwhile, Conquer Your Day will organize a boot camp in Paris with seminars on healthy habits and beauty treatments by Biologique Recherche. L’hôtel Cures Marines Trouville Hotel Thalasso & Spa – MGallery by Sofitel, Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, Le Spa Marie de Bourgogne – Beaune, CYD Playgrounds, Cinq Mondes skincare and l’Ecole Internationale du Spa and Sandra Kennou, will also show their support on June 8^th.

Thailand – GWD is once again organizing a Medical Mission with Chiva-Som to the village between Thailand and Myanmar board to support the disadvantaged community with efforts to educate, develop and encourage local sustainability.  GWD’s mission will be to provide medical aid, education, support and micro-business opportunities to people living in remote locations.  A Pre-GWD Event “1000K for Wellness” where hotel guests are invited to log all kilometers they run, cycle or row within the Anantara properties. The main GWD celebration will be taking place at Sattahip Beach, Chonburi with yoga, swimming, paddling activities, and health checks and kids art exhibition. GOCO Hospitality, will be celebrating GWD with a company-wide wellness event.

Turkey – This year the event will take place outside of Istanbul and in the Aegean coast of Turkey at Kusadasi, Love Beach. A celebration at the beach featuring yoga, Pilates, Zumba, CrossFit, kids’ fitness and all-day fun activities such as kite making workshops will be on the forefront. GWD will also team up with local elementary schools to organize a “Kids’ Wellness Art Exhibition.” The three days leading up to GWD a 50K marathon will be organized where different celebrities, athletes and Paralympic runners will participate. At the same time, smaller GWD celebrations will be organized in various cities with the support of brands such as Park Hyatt, Radisson Blu Tuzla, Hilton Istanbul, Swissotel The Bosphorus, Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Richmond Hotels, St. Regis and many more.

Dominican Republic – This year GWD will take place at Los Establos with complimentary activities such as a 5K community race starting from Eden Roc, a painting corner for kids, “Adopt a Tree” event for families, meditation, yoga, stretching and mindfulness classes, fitness trainings, dancing, nutrition and beauty workshops as well as a community wide football tournament.

China – GWD will be organizing their first events in China, incorporating the Chinese culture and traditional healing rituals in Wuyishan, Chengdu, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Various activities planned are a Tea Ceremony Kids Club, where kids will learn to unwind and relax themselves, seminars on healthy diets and Chinese herbal medicine, traditional Chinese brush handwriting workshop to help calm the mind, Kids Choir to bring the community together, football games, Chinese square dancing and yoga classes.

Meanwhile, GWD team in Macau will be once again joining forces with ManaVida and the St. Regis Macau Hotel to “Say Yes” to Global Wellness Day, by offering complimentary workout activities for adults and children such as stretching, aerial silks, zumba, pilates, animal flow, aqua games, children and parent fitness workshop and seminars both in English and Chinese. Focusing on the global theme “community”, ManaVida has invited charity associations to participate in the celebrations. Workshops focusing on sustainability, wellness and fitness will take place throughout the day while other activities will be held at the pool side of the St.Regis Macau.

Cyprus – The main event of GWD Cyprus will be taking place at the Limassol Marina square, with fun activities such as Zumba, health and nutrition workshops, meditation and much more. Cyprus in general will be celebrating GWD on a grand scale with over 20 individual spas and fitness clubs taking part with the support of local authorities and are aiming to have over 3000 people attending the activities.

Azerbaijan – This year the GWD team has planned a celebration focusing on community and family wellness with activities such as 5K Family Marathon, spinning classes, morning meditation, Zumba as well as healthy nutrition, slow food, ketogenic diet and detox workshops along with fitness and dance classes for kids. In Baku, Bilgah Beach Hotel & Resort and in Gusar, Shahdag Mountain Resort along with other five hotels will be also celebrating Global Wellness Day.

Brazil – This year the GWD team’s goal is to draw attention to the GWD 7 Step Manifest with a number of activities such as mindful walking, water marathon, awareness seminar on recycling, experimental cooking calls with a well-known nutritionist, digital detox lecture with psychologists and workshop on better sleep techniques along with many other events organized in Kurotel and throughout Brazil.

United Kingdom – GWD will be hosting community wide outdoor yoga event in Norfolk, Devon and Cornwall. Creating awareness on the importance of mindfulness “Celebrity Guided Meditation” recordings with UK celebrities such as actor Danny John-Jule, singer and presenter Rachel Stevens, actress Tamsin Greig and radio presenter Gideon Coe will be made available on June 8th with free access. To show that they are giving importance to the wellness of their community, the students of the University of Derby in UK, will be celebrating with walking, Tai Chi and yoga activities on campus.

Maldives – One and Only Reeth Rah Maldives is planning a very colorful celebration event in 2019 with warm-ups, followed by karate class, circuit training, paddle board activities and a fun football game with all participants. Other resorts that support GWD include: Joali, LUX* Resorts and Hotels, Jiva Grande at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, Jiva Spa at Vivanta by Taj – Coral Reef, Maldives, Six Senses Spa Laamu, Six Senses Spa Kunfunadoo, Anantara Kihavah Villas Maldives, Mandara Spa, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru.

Mexico – There will be four large GWD celebrations in Mexico this year in San Miguel de Allende, San Luis Potosi, Tecate – home of Rancho La Puerta and Patzcuaro. This year’s celebration in Tecate will be in the historic public park of Tecate “Parque Migule Hidalgo”, which is in the heart of the city. 5K public GWD race, healthy cooking workshops, zumba, yoga as well as a fun variety of games and activities for children, dances, arts & crafts workshops showcasing the Mexican culture will be the focal point of the celebration. In San Luis Potosi an all-day event featuring Fit Camp, mindfulness seminar, meditation and yoga will take place.

Serbia – GWD’s main event will be held at Sijarina Spa in Medvedja. The Medvedja municipality will organize activities for all ages including fitness sessions, nutrition advice, visit to elderly people’s homes in distant areas and workshops on the negative effect of technology (Digital Detox). Indoor and outdoor activities will also be held featuring basketball, ethno dance, gymnastics, hiking tours and ritual of drinking “Sijerina spa water” from the spring.

South Korea – This will be South Korea’s second year celebrating GWD. A day of fun and educational activities such as Gyro Kineses, stretching classes, yoga, singing bowl, paddle yoga, seminars on healthy lifestyle and much more have been prepared to take place at Vista Walkerhill Seoul.

Vietnam – Supermodel, a famous TV host and actress Phuong Mai will be giving her support to help spread Global Wellness Day. Prior to GWD the team will cooperate with Vietnamese celebrities to create awareness. June 8th activities such as dance, pilates and yoga are planned to take place on rooftops, parks and the beach for GWD. To help participants connect with nature gardening tours will be organized following with healthy treats. During a seminar on healthy choices a “Smart Choices Challenge” will take place, while wellness workshops focusing on better sleeping techniques, mindful management, herbal remedies, and weight balancing, relaxation and stress management will be organized. Many other activities on June 8th will take place at Pullman Vung Tau, Caravelle Saigon, Alba Wellness Valley and InterContinental Da Nang.

India – This year’s them for GWD 2019 celebrations in India will be Digital Detox, encouraging everyone to take a day off from their digital devices. The celebrations will also feature complimentary services and personalized wellness programs, free skin, hair and body consultations in various spas and salons.

Spain – In 2019, GWD will be celebrated in 30 to 50 locations in northern, southern regions as well as Canary and Balearic Islands. Their strategy this year is to try to include the largest number of celebrations throughout the entire geography of Spain, including governments, public and private schools, spas and wellness centers.

Hong Kong – Mandarin Oriental Hotels will be celebrating Global Wellness Day on June 8th, 2019 in their properties by offering complimentary Wellness activities. Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong will be organizing a Yang Tin Fitness and Wellness workshop combining high-intensity exercise (Yang) with yoga (Yin). Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou will be hosting a complimentary yoga class in their movement studio, where participants will receive a free beauty gift bag. Mandarin Oriental Tokyo will be once again partnering with Asics to host a 10km run.

Canada – This year various events will be organized throughout Canada. JW Marriott Parq Vancouver and Eminences Organic Skin Care will host a rooftop workout session with Nike Master Trainer and fitness influencer – Betina Gozo. Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver and other partners such as Lululemon, New Balance, SoulCycle, Eastwood Cycle Sanctuary and many more will be inviting guests and the community to connect with their mind, body and soul during the week leading up to Global Wellness Day, with “A Week of Wellness” activities. Ronald McDonald House, British Colombia will be receiving a selection of organic produce for pediatric patients and their families. Noel Asmar Group will organize breathing classes for employees, while Cocoon Spa will be celebrating GWD with breathing classes. Four Seasons Hotel Toronto will offer guests and the community an on-site Farmer’s Market and a series of other activities such as yoga, fitness sessions and healthy lunches to name a few.

Slovenia – This year GWD Slovenia will emphasize wellness and a healthy lifestyle and partnering with Higher Vocational College for Cosmetics and Wellness Ljubljana, College for Hospitality and Tourism Maribor, and Histria Botanica. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy healthy food, exercise within nature, join in essential oil making workshops and also try various massage treatments.

Israel – GWD will hold an event on a rooftop in Tel-Aviv overlooking the Mediterranean sunset and a refreshing and healthy ambiance featuring a massage corner, healthy treats and all natural popsicles. Special guest speaker Dan and Lonah Chemati Salpeter, who are the top Israeli track and field Olympic Athletes, will speak about fitness, health and overall wellness. Additionally 4 startup companies will be presenting their wellness technology.

Switzerland – GWD will be organizing activities in various locations with activities such as herbal hike through nature, nutrition lecture “bitter sweet”, complimentary blood sugar readings, family friendly activities along with family fitness drumming, Hatha Yoga and meditation. Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, Hotel Bellevue, Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, Grand Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina, Four Seasons Geneva, Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches Global Hospitality Education as well as The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria will be among the brands and associations supporting and promoting Global Wellness Day in 2019.

Zimbabwe – In their second year GWD Zimbabwe will be focusing on a holistic full day wellness retreat for the whole family. Activities such as zumba, yoga, and outdoor spa, massage treatments in nature, along with mental wellness and meditation seminars will take place. Healthy cooking classes and a healthy food market will also be available to educate both adults and kids. For children, specially prepared children’s yoga, drumming and dance sessions, “wellness” treasure hunt and breathing exercises will be available. Believing “wellness is for all” GWD Zimbabwe will be organizing an outreach session to elderly people’s homes to entertain them with music and dance, to pamper them with mobile spa treatments and to help them relax with breathing and meditation sessions.

Germany – Along with many other locations, GWD will be organizing a nature hike through the Bavarian Alps on June 8th, while the partnering hotel brand Sofitel Hotel will be doing a charity drive.

Japan – This year’s theme is “enjoy” with three areas of focus: Food Shokuiku, Workplace Wellness and Cultural & Historical Aspects. Hilton Tokyo Bay offered a Wellness Menu featuring healthier dishes at Employees’ cafeteria and also a Power Nap Space for quick rest and refreshing. GWD Japan team is planning to once again have Kids Karate event at Okinawa Karate Kaikan on the celebration day. This year GWD Japan team will be featuring Okinawa and Kyoto and conducting their celebrations in these cities as well. Marriot Hotel Osaka, Hilton Hotel Tokyo Bay, Spa Joule at Hyatt Regency, Biologique Recherche, Lululemon Athletica, Shangri-La Tokyo, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, sportswear brand – Asics, along with associations such as Nihon Aesthetic Kyokai, Japan Nutrition Foundation, CIDESCO Nippon, and American Chamber of Commerce in Okinawa will be supporting GWD throughout Japan.

Russia – This year the main site for GWD festivities will be in Moscow at the First Educational Complex – college for beauty therapists. Focusing on wellness for the younger generations, students and teachers will be conducting gymnastic sessions, master classes of massage and lectures on wellness lifestyle for the public. Other activities in various towns and cities such as Solnechnogorsk, St. Petersburg, Ekaterinburg, Sochi, Ekaterinburg and Tiumen will take place with the support of local authorities and municipalities, one of the biggest health and wellness resorts “Kliuchi”, Technical College of Service,  Regional Medical College, Ural School of Massage Technologies, Western Siberian Center of Massage Technologies and many more.

Ethiopia – GWD, with the support of Tilla Health Club will be organizing a 20K group cycling activity starting from downtown Addis Ababa, a yoga session, HIIT classes – involving short bursts or intense exercise and a healthy brunch for the participants focusing on the importance of nutrition. In spite of a challenging political situation, GWD Ethiopia is inviting more organizations to get involved and working hard to arrange educational events for low income communities.

Romania – For the 2019 Global Wellness Day Romania will be organizing several wellness activities in the spa & wellness centers. The spa & wellness centers will offer “Wellness Journey” on 8th of June, which will consist of: Introduction to meditation, breathing exercises, walks in nature, stretching, dance, zumba, mini-spa treatments, healthy nutrition and healthy sleep workshops.

Montenegro – This year in Budva and Herceg Novi the GWD celebrations will start with yoga classes, SUP Fitness and continue with seminars on health food, importance of blood sugar, beauty, hair & make-up sessions. A Run 4 Fun marathon in Budva will be organized and a specially prepared kids program will be prepared.

USA – GWD celebrations are organized throughout the different states of USA within the leadership of 18 GWD Ambassadors of USA.

Montana – A true community event, for the fourth year in a row The Wave Aquatic & Fitness Center in Whitefish Montana will host a full day of events on GWD starting with a yoga flow class and pilates.  The day continues with: open swim time for children and families, arts and crafts with a “wellness for all” and “a well world” theme and group exercise such as cycling.

California

La Jolla, CA –  This year’s theme will be “Enjoya La Jolla” and it will shine the light on health, wellness, beauty, fitness, nutrition and living the best life possible. One again the GWD team will partner up with the La Jolla Village Merchants Association and have the entire village celebrate Global Wellness Day from over 30 merchants in a .3 mile radius – from athleisure wear to fitness clubs; from juice bars to Sky Yoga studios.

Four Seasons Hotel, Los Angeles at Beverly Hills will be participating in Global Wellness Day for the fifth year in a row on Saturday, June 8, 2019 with a day filled with fitness, spa, healthy food and beverage, and sustainable fashion initiatives led by top wellness experts and brands. Highlighting the hotel’s increased wellness initiatives including the dedicated Wellness Rooms and Suites in partnership with Delos, new plant-based Folia Menu by Matthew Kenney and Solluna Juice Bar by Wellness and Lifestyle Expert Kimberly Snyder. World-renowned Artistic Director Jeff Leatham will then lead a floral session for attendees as the perfect way to celebrate nature’s beauty. To conclude the day, intuitive healer Deganit Nuur will lead a powerful, guided meditation to help attendees solidifying the lasting impression of wellness from the day.

Chicago – Hyatt Corporation will be celebrating Global Wellness Day with their 70+ properties and corporate office locations around the world. A company built on the values of family and community will be organizing wellness activities for everyone.

New York – Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown will be celebrating Global Wellness Day with a showcase of the iconic Resident Healers Program and a selection of health and wellness offerings. Global Wellness Day celebrations will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Saturday, June 8, 2019. The Cristalline’s Rashia Bell will present a holistic approach to meditation and chakra clearing, Air Beautiful’s Snow Shimazu will lead an introductory session to Sensory Motive Yoga, Sonic Alchemist Michelle Pirret will facilitate a Sound Journey Experience and participants can also expect to enjoy post-session light refreshments, take-home crystal chakra sets and a take-home yoga mat.

Florida – Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation, a leading global vacation company, will be celebrating Global Wellness Day by offering various wellness-based activities and celebrations at their resorts and corporate office locations around the world. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort will be offering a complimentary program of yoga, meditation and an intention journey ending on the beach for GWD.

Ohio – GWD in Ohio will organize an event within the Cleveland Museum of Art called “Parade the Circle.”  There will be live music throughout the all-day event and GWD will conduct two 20-minute breaks between the music featuring a family Tai Chi class and family Line Dancing activity. During the “Parade the Circle” event the GWD booth will also have 2 jump rope teams coming to demonstrate jump roping moves and to engage the attendees in a challenge to jump for 30 seconds and also offering a “Make Your Own Jump Rope” activity for families. Another activity taking place will be “Healing Arts” which will be staffed by medical professionals who will answer health and wellness questions for the participants.  The practitioners will include a functional Medicine Doctor, an acupuncturist, an energy healer, an aromatherapist and a health coach, among others.

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Deniz Yücel, Communication Executive
deniz.yucel@globalwellnessday.org
+90 532 796 70 03
For high resolution photos of celebrations around the world, click here: https://we.tl/t-twctpsgWVW