Reading can often spark inspiration, especially when the author is someone with a message you know will resonate with your clientele. This past October, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort (Thailand) debuted The Goddess Sanctuary, a four-day retreat with Mel Wells, a nutritionist, health and eating psychology coach, and author of the best-selling book The Goddess Revolution (Hay House, 2016).
“Mel’s book and her realistic approach to wellbeing made her a perfect fit for our Balance Wellness initiative,” says Patrick Huey, corporate spa director, Montage International. “We approached her because we wanted to build a retreat that was really unique and showcase that self-care can also be luxurious.”
The spa accomplished that by giving Wells plenty of input in shaping the retreat. “I have done a lot of retreats now, so I know what works and what my audience loves,” says Wells. “It was great to have that creative freedom and to work with a team who was willing to let me really create the best retreat possible.” In addition to workshops that served as an extension of Wells’ book, the retreat also involved activities such as traditional muay Thai, paddle boarding, spa treatments, revitalizing yoga sessions, nourishing meals, alone time, and time to connect with like-minded goddesses.
“We especially loved Mel’s realistic and simple approach to breaking free of the modern mold,” says Huey. “Sometimes these retreats end up being too complicated with workshops and seminars, missing out on the feeling of community and just plain fun.”
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