Insider Interview

Dr Oscar Mayorga

Dr. Mayorga is a surgeon, specialized in anti-aging medicine with a degree in Immunology & Microbiology and a specialization in Natural & Biologic Medicine. Moreover, Mayorga has experience in cellular activation, stem cells treatment and growth factors. He is currently the in-house medical consultant at SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain. 

SHA Wellness Clinic is a pioneering well-being clinic, focused on improving and notably lengthening people's health and well-being through the fusion of the best therapies. When its doors opened to guests in November 2008, the hotel and clinic started a revolution in wellness - the world's first macrobiotic wellness resort. SHA's objective is for its guests to leave after a pleasant stay, feeling renewed inside and out, more alive and energetic with a much healthier appearance.

BodyHoliday on the exotic island of St. Lucia is a unique All-Inclusive wellness resort. Rivalling no other, this exclusive 5* Caribbean haven offers personalised service, a diverse selection of appetising food, first-class accommodation, a magnificent beach and proudly promotes health and wellbeing.

Our Insider Interview series sees us speak to one of the team at one of the many retreats we have the privilege of working with and sending clients to. Here we speak to Tom Benzaquen of Paradis Plage, the eco surf and yoga retreat based in Taghazout, Morocco.

Dr. Carlo Barbieri is one of the leading health specialists atLefay Spa & Resort Lago di Garda, developing their retreats and ensuring each one is an all-encompassing wellness experience. With a background in medicine in multiple Italian cities as well as Beijing, China, we believe Dr. Barbieri is an interesting and unique resource in the medical field. We were fortunate enough to ask him some questions about his background, what his training means for your holiday at Lefay, and much more!  

As part of our Insider Interview series we regularly sit down with one of the team at one of the many retreats we have the privilege of working with and sending clients to. Today we catch up with Josué Rosa, Fitness Instructor at Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort in Albufeira, Portugal.

Deepak Rawat, Spa Manager at Shanti Maurice, Mauritius shares with us the health benefits of practicing yoga and Ayurveda on our mental and physical well-being, as well as explaining how the healing practice of naturopathy can naturally assist with chronic illness and stress-related symptoms.

Dr. Vicente Mera is the head of Internal Medicine and Anti-ageing at theSHA Wellness Clinic as a specialist in the ageing process, Dr. Mera has been a key figure in developing theHealthy Ageing Men andHealthy Ageing Women retreats that focus on healthy and graceful ageing. We had the privilege of speaking to him to learn more about him, his process and the healthy ageing retreats at SHA Wellness Clinic. 

Dr. Manoj Kutteri

Dr. Manoj Kutteri is the Wellness Centre Director at The BodyHoliday in St Lucia. He has worked in the spa and well-being sector for over a decade, and has been in the Caribbean for the last 10 years working with health and well-being teams in Grenada and St. Lucia.  He holds a Master's Degree in Psychology, a Graduate Degree in Naturopathy, Acupuncture and Yoga Therapies. Prior to his arrival in the Caribbean, Dr Kutteri practiced at both hospitals and wellness centres in his native India. He is also involved in developing regional standards for health and wellness within the Caribbean.

As part of our ongoing Insider Interview series, we regularly sit down with wellness professionals across our portfolio of resorts to for detailed insights into their specialisms and how they help their clients. Today we sit down with Dr Stefania Doria of Lefay Resort and Spa Lago di Garda to talk all things holistic mental health!

Anandi (Alison Francis) was given her spiritual name, which meaning ‘in bliss’, by her guru in India in 2007. She has been in the wellness field for 30 years as an Ayurvedic practitioner, senior yoga teacher, yoga teacher trainer and a certified Chopra meditation teacher. Anandi is the founder of The Sleep Guru, the author of ‘Breathe Better Sleep Better’ which explains how to use the breath as a healing tool and the creator or Sleepology by Anandi®, a new wellbeing process and in-depth enquiry into the causes of stress, exhaustion and sleep issues.

How are you feeling? No, really, can you pause reading this text for a moment and ask yourself what is going on inside of yourself? What is happening with you at this moment?

The key to your mental and spiritual well-being is to slowly but surely become your own therapist, your own guru.

Today we’re going to be delving into one ofRAKxa Wellness & Medical Retreat’s newest programme collections, Authentic Eastern. You might be thinking to yourself, how are these new programmes different to the ones already on offer fromRAKxa? Well, with helpful insights from the resort Managing DirectorDusadee Tancharoen, all of your important questions will be answered! So, keep reading for some great information surrounding these new programmes and to find out if they may be perfect for you to embark on during your special wellness journey! 

Our Insider Interview series sees us speak to one of the team at one of the many retreats we have the privilege of working with and sending clients to. Angelina Diegues is the Spa Manager at EPIC Sana Algarve in Portugal, specialising in aesthetics and manual therapies. With years of health and well-being experience, Angelina is passionate about ensuring each guest feels cared for whilst providing a transformative experience. She has an impressive background, having studied Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Scientific Aromatherapy. Passionate about promoting quality of life, Angelina actively contributes to the education of new professionals through the Spa Management course.

Our Insider Interview series sees us speak to one of the team at one of the many luxury wellness retreats we offer and send clients to. Jamilya Sahin is the Wellness Director at Six Senses Kaplankaya in Turkey, specialising in luxury spa management. With 15 years of spa and wellness experience, Jamilya is passionate about promoting a sustainable healthy living approach. She has an impressive background, having worked with a variety of prestigious brands in Dubai, Kazakhstan and Turkey. Passionate about improving guest experiences, Jamilya actively contributes to enriching the holistic wellness experience at this luxury wellness retreat.

Our Insider Interview series sees us speak to one of the team at one of the many retreats we have the privilege of working with and sending clients to. Josué Rosa is the Fitness Supervisor at Pine Cliffs in Portugal, overseeing a wide range of activities from high-intensity interval training to yoga & pilates. With 20 years of fitness experience, Josué is passionate about ensuring each guest achieves their goals whilst providing a fun and motivating experience. He has an impressive background, from being a military fitness instructor to holding training sessions at multiple resorts across Portugal.

Our Insider Interview series sees us speak to one of the team at one of the many wellness retreats we send our clients to. Ben Karoonkornsakul is the Founder of Absolute Sanctuary in Thailand, specialising in integrative wellness and holistic transformations. With several years of spa and wellness experience, Ben is passionate about promoting a healthy, balanced and fit lifestyle. She has an impressive background, having worked in finance and pivoting her career to suit her true passions in wellness. Enthusiastic about fitness and healing, Ben actively contributes to transforming the minds and bodies of guests at this luxury wellness retreat in Koh Samui.

Meet Patrizia Bortolin, the visionary wellness architect and master transformational coach who revolutionised luxury wellness through 'The Preidlhof Way' at the prestigious Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort in South Tyrol, Italy. Drawing from over two decades of pioneering excellence in travel, wellness, and hospitality, Bortolin crafts wellness retreats that transcend traditional spa experiences. Her groundbreaking methodology merges psycho-emotional healing with cutting-edge complementary medicine, immersive sensory experiences, and profound mindfulness practices. Her fusion of positive psychology, advanced life coaching techniques, and naturopathic wisdom creates life-changing experiences for clients and wellness professionals alike. Through her Glowing Flow Academy, Bortolin not only shapes the future of wellness but nurtures the next generation of wellness visionaries, embodying her unwavering commitment to sustainable, holistic well-being.

As part of our Insider Interview series we regularly sit down with one of the team at one of the many retreats we have the privilege of working with and sending clients to. Today we speak to Cristina Rosa, Director of Sales at EPIC SANA Algarve in Albufeira, Portugal.

Dr Michael Prager

With a reputation as one of Europe's most skilled practitioners of cosmetic medicine, London-based, German-born and internationally-educated Dr Michael Prager has perfected the art of the natural-looking, non-surgical facelift using Botulinum Toxin and Hyaluronic Acid based dermal fillers. His trademark approach - along with the safety of his procedures has led to Dr Prager becoming one of the most sought-after aesthetic doctors in Europe. He is regularly featured in the media including; The Daily Mail, The Sunday Times, BBC Radio, Tatler and more recently appeared on Channel 4's 10 Years Younger.

Our latest addition to the Insider Interview series features TIA Wellness Resort's General Manager, Ramon Imper. Here RomandiscussesTIA's wellness philosophy and what makes it unique. We also got to learn about Ramon on a more intimate level, including his own path in the world of health and wellness, helping us to understand the personal touch he adds to TIA that helps to make it a truly memorable experience for every kind of wellness traveller.