Socially distanced 2020 World Wellness Weekend looks to create togetherness

The upcoming 2020 edition of the World Wellness Weekend (WWW) is to be presented as a combination of online streaming and socially-distanced group wellness activities around the world.

Now in its fourth year, WWW aims to highlight the importance of wellness and help people adopt healthier lifestyles - as well as foster positive relationships with their bodies and minds - by offering the public opportunities to take part in activities over the two-day period.

Founded by Jean-Guy de Gabriac, owner of consultancy and training company Tip Touch International, the event will be celebrated in over 100 countries and seeks to democratise wellness on 19th and 20th September.

The WWW team has also confirmed the participation of 30 cities whose Mayors and/or Tourist Offices are officially organising feel-good wellness activities for their residents.

de Gabriac explains "wellness creates togetherness, even six feet apart.

“Waiting for a vaccine is not a sustainable way of life, instead, wellness is the way forward. The most pro-active and constructive approach right now is to encourage everyone to take control of their wellbeing and become an example that can inspire and empower people around them.”

WWW will also be partnering Les Mills International and its World United campaign in which local fitness clubs are encouraged to do some sort of fitness activity in order to get people back into the clubs.

Beyond the organised wellness activities, the event is looking to promote initiatives linked to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, such as the planting of 600,000 trees in Brazil to commemorate victims of COVID-19.

Prominent wellness destinations, including Kamalaya Koh Samui, Five elements, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz and Euphoria Retreat, have committed to celebrating the event and will host events for guests, locals and associates.

Wider hotel groups are also supporting the event including The Taj group of hotels - with 50 plus participating hotels, MSpa International - with 18 Anantara resorts in 11 countries, and Mandara Spas which will support the event with a strong digital presence.

Individual hotels from the following brands have also committed to the event: Accor, Corinthia, Four Seasons, Healing Hotels of the World, Hilton, Jumeirah, Kempinski, Mandarin Oriental, Marriott, Shangri-La, Six Senses, Waldorf Astoria and WTS International.

Images: Wellness classes at the Woodford Folk Festival (top) and Jean-Guy de Gabriac (below).