Amanpulo is a place of peace where relaxation and wellness go hand in hand.
This June, the resort will bring together three renowned specialists in a four-night retreat integrating a personalised approach to movement and realignment. Combining insights from the expert movement specialist responsible for Aman’s Pilates programme, the gentle manipulation and realignment of osteopathy and the subtle energies and nurturing benefits of Watsu, this is the ideal retreat for individuals who feel that their movement has been compromised through injury, stress or simply the day-to-day effects of a desk job. Amanpulo is a serene setting for such a journey back to wellness. Encompassing the entire island of Pamalican in the Philippines’ Sulu Sea, the resort offers space, privacy and the rejuvenative balm of sun, sea and sand.
During the retreat, body awareness will be emphasised as it plays an integral role in the process of re-organising muscles for more dynamic movement. This is done through strengthening weaker, neglected muscles and releasing tension in overworked muscle groups, thereby achieving a greater efficiency of movement allowing for more endurance, better posture and greater joint mobility.
Many of the individual sessions will be held at Amanpulo’s Aman Spa, situated on a hillside above the treetops with views of the Sulu Sea. Designed as a tranquil sanctuary, it consists of a series of pavilions constructed of native wood and other natural materials.
The four-night retreat includes:
• Four nights’ accommodation
• Daily breakfast and dinner
• One postural assessment per person
• Two private Pilates sessions per person
• Two cranial osteopathy sessions per person
• One Watsu treatment per person
• One 60-min spa treatment per person
Pilates
A body conditioning system that needs little introduction, Pilates helps build flexibility, strength and endurance as well as long, lean muscles. It emphasises spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing correctly and the development of a strong core to improve coordination and balance.
A movement therapist and Pilates instructor with more than 20 years of experience, Ivana Daniell has developed a postural assessment that is suitable for everyone, from the desk-bound executive to the champion triathlete. Through this, she can provide informed and intelligent advice on how to take care of your body and choose an exercise programme that will most benefit your body and improve your lifestyle.
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial osteopathy is an osteopathic treatment that encourages the release of stress and tension throughout the body, including the head. It is a gentle yet extremely effective approach and may be used in a wide range of conditions for people of all ages. Cranial osteopaths are trained to feel a subtle shape change present in all body tissues – the Cranial Rhythm – which is disrupted by tension. Practitioners compare an individual’s rhythm to what is considered ideal. This indicates any present strain or past tensions the body is carrying. It also gives insight into the overall condition of the body.
John Loftus has almost 30 years of experience as a cranial osteopath. He consults at Aman Spa at The Connaught in London.
Watsu
Watsu is a form of aquatic therapy developed in 1980 by Harold Dull. It is extremely relaxing and can be used to treat a wide range of conditions including various forms of chronic pain. A Watsu session involves being floated in warm water, supported in a Watsu therapist’s arms. The therapist moves the individual into various supported positions which stretch different parts of the body.
In addition to the physical benefits derived from the movements and stretches, Watsu is a major catalyst for stress relief and has been welcomed as a primary modality in rehabilitation by aquatic therapists around the world.
Steve Karle is an experienced aquatic bodywork specialist. Through his training with Harold Dull he has introduced and developed the concept of Watsu for Aman Spas.