Ascott Launches Citadines-ClassPass Partnership to Enhance Guest Experience

Ascott Launches Citadines-ClassPass Partnership to Enhance Guest Experience

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 4, 2024

The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a lodging business owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), has announced a global partnership between its Citadines brand and ClassPass, a popular subscription service that provides access to a wide network of fitness studios and gyms. This is Citadines' first global collaboration with a fitness service since launching its "activ∞" initiative in 2022, and it marks the largest partnership for ClassPass in the hospitality industry.

The partnership is aimed at promoting active living for guests of Citadines properties. "activ∞" offers curated amenities and programs designed to support guests in staying active and exploring city life. With a rising focus on wellness, the wellness tourism market is projected to grow substantially, according to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI). The institute forecasts that spending in the wellness tourism market will grow from $651 billion in 2022 to $1 trillion by 2024, and the physical activity industry is expected to grow annually by over 6.7%, reaching $1.4 trillion by 2027.

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From October 15 to December 14, 2024, guests staying at Citadines properties and members of Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), Ascott's loyalty program, will enjoy enhanced benefits from ClassPass. During this campaign, new ClassPass members can get a complimentary one-month membership to access fitness classes at different gyms and wellness centers across various markets, including Asia Pacific, France, and the United Kingdom. In China, the campaign, which began on September 26 and runs until November 30, offers ASR members discount codes for ClassPass sessions. Additionally, new ClassPass members in China who join ASR will receive a 75% discount on their first stay at participating properties.

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Following the promotional campaign, Citadines properties in Asia Pacific will gradually be added to the ClassPass app, allowing ClassPass members to book fitness facilities like pools and gyms. This partnership aligns with the activ∞ initiative, giving guests convenient access to wellness amenities as they live, work, and relax.

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Ms. Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer at Ascott, said, "In line with its brand tagline 'For the Love of Cities,' Citadines aims to delight guests by showcasing the best of urban living and inspiring them to live, work and play in infinite ways through curated, unique stay experiences. As Ascott celebrates 40 years of hospitality in 2024 with our 'Ascott Unlimited' campaign, we are excited to announce this inaugural global brand partnership between Citadines and ClassPass to promote 'activ∞ Unlimited.'"

Expanding Fitness Options Through activ∞ Unlimited

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In addition to the ClassPass partnership, Citadines properties worldwide hosted more than 200 fitness activations from August 1 to September 30, 2024, as part of the activ∞ Unlimited campaign. Each property curated activities to suit the unique character of its city. Examples include the ColorFest Electric Night Run at Citadines Bay City Manila, water sports packages at Citadines Qingshanhu Hangzhou in China, and foosball tournaments across Germany.

Properties in various locations, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, partnered with fitness studios to offer classes such as yoga, Pilates, and body combat. Hiking and cycling tours were also offered in the UK and Vietnam.

For the Love of Coffee

Another major initiative under the Citadines brand is the "For the Love of Coffee" campaign, celebrating International Coffee Week, starting October 1, 2024. More than 210 activities across Citadines properties are inviting coffee lovers to experience themed events.

- Unlimited Connections: Activities like free coffee for local drivers at Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang and latte art training sessions with certified baristas in Indonesia aim to foster connections among guests and locals. Other activities include coffee painting and culinary sessions in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore.

  - Unlimited Experiences: Citadines properties will work with local coffee shops to give guests an authentic local coffee experience. For instance, properties in Singapore and Cambodia will offer complimentary local coffee to guests each morning.

- Unlimited Discoveries: To encourage exploration, properties in Vietnam, Singapore, and China will serve free local coffee to help guests start their day. Guests at Citadines properties in Vietnam can also participate in activities like using coffee grounds for potted plants.

For more information visit website

About Ascott

Ascott, founded in Singapore, has become a trusted hospitality company since the launch of Asia Pacific’s first international-class serviced residence, The Ascott Singapore, in 1984. Today, the company has a global presence, with more than 950 properties in over 230 cities across 40 countries.


Ayushakti welcomes the Indian government's announcement to declare 23rd September as the fixed date for Ayurveda Day.

Ayushakti welcomes the Indian government's announcement to declare 23rd September as the fixed date for Ayurveda Day.

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 16, 2025

In a landmark decision to enhance global visibility and streamline observance, the Government of India has officially declared 23rd September as Ayurveda Day, starting from 2025. The change was formally notified through a Gazette Notification dated 23rd March 2025, replacing the earlier practice of celebrating Ayurveda Day on Dhanteras—a date based on the Hindu lunar calendar that varies each year.

Ayurveda Day is observed to promote Ayurveda as a holistic, scientific, and preventive healthcare system. Until now, it coincided with Dhanteras in the month of Kartik, typically falling between October and November. However, due to the fluctuating nature of the lunar calendar, organizing consistent national and international observances became increasingly challenging.

To address these concerns, the Ministry of Ayush constituted a dedicated committee to explore alternative fixed dates. After evaluating four possible options, 23rd September was selected based on both practical and symbolic merit.

The date aligns with the autumnal equinox, a day when day and night are nearly equal—a natural balance that perfectly reflects the core Ayurvedic philosophy of harmony between mind, body, and spirit. The equinox also symbolizes equilibrium in the universe, reinforcing Ayurveda's emphasis on living in sync with nature.

The Ministry encourages health professionals, institutions, and international bodies to actively observe Ayurveda Day on 23rd September each year, creating a unified global movement around India’s ancient wellness system.

Dr. Smita Naram, Co-Founder of Ayushakti, welcomed the move, stating, “It’ll make Ayurveda treatment a more familiar one and enhance people’s will towards Ayurveda.” She added, “Me and Ayushakti extend our gratitude for upholding the 2500-year-old lineage of the Siddha Veda Tradition of Ayurveda that is healing millions.”

With this strategic shift, the Ministry aims to embed Ayurveda more deeply into global healthcare dialogues, strengthening India's presence in preventive and sustainable medicine on the world stage.


Ayushakti Expands Footprint with New Franchise in Punawale

Ayushakti Expands Footprint with New Franchise in Punawale

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 15, 2025

Ayushakti, a global leader in Ayurvedic healthcare, has launched its latest franchise outlet in Punawale, a growing suburb of Pimpri-Chinchwad. This marks Ayushakti’s 7th franchise in Maharashtra and the 29th outlet overall, reinforcing its mission to make ancient healing accessible across the region.

The new centre, located at Longitude Building, Gaikwad Nagar, Koyate Vasti Road, is equipped with two therapy rooms, two consultation areas, and a trained team of Ayurvedic experts. All practitioners have been trained under the guidance of Co-founder Dr. Smita Pankaj Naram and CEO Dr. Krushna Pankaj Naram, ensuring consistency in the quality and authenticity of treatments.

Patients visiting the Punawale franchise will benefit from a variety of Ayurvedic services, including deep pulse reading (Nadi Pariksha), Panchkarma detox therapies, massages, steam treatments, herbal remedies, marma techniques, and customised diet plans.

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Dr. Smita Naram, Co-Founder of Ayushakti, shared her enthusiasm during the launch event, saying, “I am very glad to launch yet another outlet in a short span, in Maharashtra. We wholeheartedly look forward to serve our customers here and help them heal. Our expansion comes with the thought of touching as many individuals on planet Earth and helping them live a healthy life.”

She further added, “The response we have received over the past year has been phenomenal, which makes us excited about adding new outlets across India.”

Founded in 1987 by Master healer Late Dr. Pankaj Naram and Dr. Smita Naram, Ayushakti has been on a mission to transform community health through the power of ancient Ayurvedic practices. The company currently operates in nine countries and has helped over a million people worldwide.


Niraamaya Retreats Samroha: A Cooling Wellness Sanctuary by Athirappilly Falls

Niraamaya Retreats Samroha: A Cooling Wellness Sanctuary by Athirappilly Falls

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 24, 2025

Located amidst lush greenery and just steps from Kerala’s iconic waterfalls, Niraamaya Retreats Samroha, Athirappilly is a rainforest wellness hideaway that naturally embodies the essence of cooling rejuvenation. The constant mist of the nearby Athirappilly waterfalls, shaded forest canopies, and elevated riverside air create a cool microclimate that enhances every wellness experience.

Signature Cooling Therapies at Samroha Include:

  • Takradhara by the Falls - A tranquil Ayurvedic treatment using a continuous stream of cool medicated buttermilk over the forehead, performed to the soothing soundtrack of cascading water, ideal for heat-induced stress and anxiety.

  • Aloe & Cucumber Body Wraps - Deeply hydrating and anti-inflammatory, these wraps soothe sun-exposed skin and leave guests feeling refreshed and rebalanced.

  • Herbal Oil Couple Massages - Featuring cooling oils with ingredients like vetiver and mint, this therapy calms muscular tension while offering a shared moment of deep relaxation.

  • Hydrotherapy Rituals & Forest Meditation - Morning walks through shaded rainforest paths lead to riverside meditation spots, offering grounding and natural detoxification through movement and breath.

  • Open-Air Yoga & Cooling Pranayama  - Held in pavilions that overlook the misty valley, these sessions incorporate gentle asanas and breathing techniques to lower body temperature and calm the Pitta dosha.

Across Niraamaya Retreats: A Summer-Focused Wellness Ethos

All Niraamaya locations are embracing the season with thoughtful cooling practices:

  • Floral hydrotherapy baths using rose, jasmine, and sandalwood

  • Herbal teas and infused waters with vetiver, fennel, and tulsi

  • Gourmet wellness dining rich in seasonal, cooling ingredients

  • Tailored summer wellness programs including Ayurveda, yoga, and nutrition

Crafting the Ultimate Summer Refresh

What makes a wellness retreat truly memorable in the summer is its ability to merge natural surroundings, healing traditions, and personalized care. At Niraamaya Retreats Samroha, Athirappilly, this philosophy comes alive in every detail, from the therapies to the setting itself.

As guests seek new ways to thrive in the heat, cooling therapies offer more than relief, they offer renewal. Resorts that embrace this philosophy are not only in tune with the seasons but are leading the way in modern, sustainable wellness.

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