In the Spirit of Science

Offering the best of science and spirituality, these wellness retreats in Asia aim to bring your longterm health goals to a higher plane

- Coco Marett

Whenever your spiritually inclined friends comment that their energy feels “off”, don’t roll your eyes. While medical professionals and aspiring gurus have debated the significance of spirituality in the realm of wellness for decades, Covid-19 has given many people reason to reconsider to what degree health and energy are affected by treatments commonly considered to be “alternative”. And they’re looking for new places to explore that connection, as shown by a spate of new resorts that promote programmes that sound as complicated as advanced calculus, only served with green tea.

“Healing” one’s energy, and the transfer of that energy, is of particular interest, sparking a movement that has become widely known as quantum wellness, loosely defined as a comprehensive approach to wellbeing that incorporates physical health, mindful living and a sense of happiness. “Quantum wellness is, as discovered through quantum science, realising that everything, humans included, are pure energy— and energy is potential,” says Jamie Waring, managing director of wellness at Sangha Retreat by Octave Institute in Suzhou, China.

Founded by billionaire Frederick Chavalit Tsao, who is the chairman of regional conglomerate IMC Pan Asia Alliance, Sangha Retreat is a wellness sanctuary that goes beyond your basic spa offerings—a futuristic Zen lair where people undergo full mind and body optimisation via programmes that combine ancient healing techniques with modern science. Meditation domes and medical clinics sit and operate side by side. It’s all very James Bond-meets-Doctor Strange.