SimplyAbuDhabi XLV

A s the world grapples with the unforgiving combination of low growth and high debt, one sector stands out as an exception—global wellness. According to the Global Wellness Economy Monitor , the wellness industry is poised to defy the broader economic headwinds, with a projected compounded annual growth rate of 7.3% between 2023 and 2028. While the IMF expects global economic growth to underwhelm at just 3.2% this year and next, the wellness economy is flourishing. Valued at an impressive $6.3 trillion in 2023, the wellness industry now accounts for approximately 6% of global GDP. This resilience is testament to the growing priority placed on health, self-care, and holistic wellbeing—trends that have only accelerated in the wake of the pandemic. From luxury spa retreats to innovative fitness technologies, the wellness industry has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to adapt and cater to evolving consumer demands. People are increasingly aware of the importance of mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, and they are willing to invest in products and experiences that enhance their quality of life. Chris Nelson has been way ahead of this curve for nearly two decades now. A wellbeing entrepreneur, Nelson founded , which means ‘safe home’ in Hindi, way back in 2006 when he opened his first retreat—the renowned Ashiyana Yoga Retreat Centre in Goa, India. Nestled amidst a palm grove and surrounded by the enchanting Mandrem river, it is world- famous for its Yoga holidays, wellness retreats and Yoga teacher training courses. Ashiyana Brazil followed in 2019, also tucked away in a lush, tropical forest with some of the most diverse flora and fauna on the planet. A couple of hundred kilometres north of Brasilia, in the state of Goiás, ‘Alto Paraíso’ (High Paradise), is another very special Ashiyana home away from home. Whilst in Europe, Ashiyana Spain opened in May this year. Located in the spectacular Guilleries National Park next to the Sau reservoir in the Osona region of Catalonia, around 90 minutes from Barcelona, Ashiyana Spain is perfectly positioned to showcase the diverse wonders of its natural setting. Dramatic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and endless, rolling hills blanketed in verdant forests provide an enchanting backdrop for those seeking to reconnect with the great outdoors, as well as themselves. Nelson has been exploring the world of holistic wellbeing for most of his adult life. In his early thirties, he remembers wanting to “slow his life down”, and he embraced Yoga. Fast forward to the present day and he is contagiously passionate about empowering individuals to attract what they truly desire and become the best possible version of themselves. His eyes light up with enthusiasm as he outlines Ashiyana’s latest, and most potent, offer—BEST ME Journey, which he describes as, “a unique on- and offline support system that provides the tools, support, and guidance to create lasting personal change.” His vision is to create a global wellbeing ecosystem that supports guests on their path towards optimal wellbeing. “I conceived of the combination of elements for BEST ME Journey—retreat, coaching, app, and community support, because everything I know of in the marketplace is little more than a ‘hot bath’—great while you’re in its embrace, but once the experience ends, you’re right back where you started.” In tackling this symptom of short-lived benefits in favour of sustainable ones, Nelson has created an ecosystem where guests leave a BEST ME retreat feeling inspired and empowered, and with a structure in place to keep the momentum flowing. “BEST ME has been created over 10 years of research, experimentation, trial and error, and a mountain-load of blood, sweat and tears,” he says. “It has been designed as a support system that enables sustainable behavioural change, rather like the retreat that never ends.” The BEST ME Journey follows a 4-step model, which neatly forms the acronym HOPE: H - Heartfelt desire: Discover your heartfelt desires that give you purpose O - Obstacle mastery: Transcend the blocks that stem from childhood pain P - Pillars of wellbeing: Design a personalised programme of daily rituals E - Empowered action: Learn to calm your mind and become empowered How this works in practical terms is that firstly, Nelson and his team help participants get clear about their heartfelt goals and intentions. Secondly, they support them in realising what stands in their way and how to transcend this. Thirdly, they share the steps required to make lasting change across key lifestyle areas. Finally, guests learn how to calm the mind and regulate emotions so that they become unburdened by their past and are able to take empowered action towards their goals. This programme is an empowering journey of self-discovery and transformation based on two fundamental realisations—your state of mind drives your behaviour; and your natural capacity for health, fulfilment and longevity is intrinsically linked to a natural lifestyle. “This is our signature programme at Ashiyana,” Nelson says, “created in response to the challenging times in which we live—the age of stress and chronic dis-ease. BEST ME Journey enables you to realise your full potential and flourish, by learning how to access your flow state and create a healthy, natural lifestyle.” Chris Nelson, the British entrepreneur, author, Yogi and founder of Ashiyana Yoga & Wellbeing Retreat Centres, has pioneered a holistic wellness system that combines an immersive retreat with personalised coaching, an intuitive app, community support, plus an ongoing ecosystem of retreats and courses. This is wellness reimagined. This is BEST ME Journey. Ashiyana & BEST ME Journey Simply Abu Dhabi | 263