A New Balance
Before the term “wellness” permeated our current consciousness, roots of its rise can be traced to the alternative lifestyle popularised by hippies in the 1960s and ’70s. From practising yoga, meditation and eating a clean, plant-based diet, to jetting off to obscure locations for retreats, this counterculture proffered a perfect harmony between the mind, body and soul. Today, wellness has become a mainstream, global craze—obsession even for some—that is estimated to be worth US$3.72 trillion, according to a 2015 study by the Global Wellness Institute. The exact definition of what constitutes wellness remains ambiguous. Some define it strictly based on a fitness routine, while others believe that it encompasses meditation, spa treatments, as well as traditional medicine. For most, however, a nutritious diet is paramount, on top of occupational, social and intellectual wellness. Regardless of your personal definition, placing emphasis on even a single aspect of wellness has clear benefits: better physical and spiritual health, clearer headspace and a more positive outlook. All these point towards one thing: achieving happiness, one that doesn’t come from a material high. It’s the kind of natural joy that emanates from within—something that cover personality and fitness fanatic Meaghan See possesses, and it shows in our cover story, photographed in the Amanoi resort in Vietnam (p.140). I attribute this glow to her dedication to keeping herself fit and fabulous—she’s also a vegetarian, by choice. Her Instagram posts detail her wellness-driven lifestyle: at the gym, running marathons or attempting an outrageous stretch. Simply put, she takes wellness very seriously. Speaking of serious business, wellness tourism takes up a huge chunk of the travel market at an estimated worth of US$563.2B, according to the aforementioned study. As such, we have devoted a substantial portion of our annual travel issue to uncovering the best wellness journeys. The Singapore Tatler team travelled to various countries in Asia and tried a wide spectrum of treatments and therapies designed to help us achieve balance. We came back revitalised and recharged, and more aware about inculcating mindfulness into our daily routines. Learn where to begin your own wellness adventure on p.124. As we head towards the busy second half of the year, all the more I see the need to commit to my own wellness programme. But before I sign up for the whole package, let me start with a healthier diet. Kombucha tea, anyone?