The Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica has announced the much-awaited return of its Visiting Wellness Practitioners Residency Program for 2025. Known for redefining the boundaries of luxury wellness, the program provides guests with transformative experiences through diverse healing modalities guided by globally celebrated experts.

A Signature Wellness Experience

The program takes place in the resort’s Wellness Shala, a serene sanctuary inspired by the Guanacaste winds and designed by Mexican architects Luis Alejandro Cuesta and Javier Creuheras of Arquitectura Mixta. This unique space combines natural aesthetics with innovative design, offering an ideal environment for self-discovery and holistic healing.

“The Visiting Wellness Practitioners Residency Program is a testament to our commitment to exceptional, life-enriching experiences,” said Ian Robert Caparra, General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica.

A Lineup of Renowned Practitioners

The year-long program features a diverse roster of wellness experts from around the globe, each leading month-long residencies that include sound healing, yoga therapy, energy practices, and more.

• January: Koya Webb
  An internationally renowned yoga instructor and holistic health coach, Koya Webb integrates yoga, energy work, and plant-based nutrition to inspire balance and purpose.
  
  

• February: Kristyna Paulus
  A master of yoga philosophy and Ayurveda, Kristyna offers personalized yoga therapy sessions combining Hatha Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and Yoga Sculpt.
  
  

• March: Daniel Byrne
  Specializing in sound healing and breathwork, Daniel's transformative sessions create meditative states for renewal and introspection.
  
  

• April: Rashia Bell
  Rashia’s expertise in crystal healing and energetic design merges spiritual connectivity with holistic well-being through Chakra Energy Yoga and lunar rituals.
  
  

• June: Alejandra Ulate
  Known for her dynamic practices in acroyoga and mantra singing, Alejandra offers sessions that combine movement and spirituality.
  
  

Other practitioners include Sarah Garden, specializing in therapeutic yoga for physical restoration, and Marianna Jacobs, a shamanic energy healer delivering ancient techniques to clear blockages.

Holistic Healing Meets Innovation

The program highlights the intersection of ancient traditions and modern techniques, offering practices like acupuncture, sound journeys, and acoustic soundscapes. Each residency promises a tailored approach, fostering physical vitality, emotional clarity, and spiritual growth amidst Costa Rica’s lush coastal landscapes.

Arnaud Dieutegard, Senior Director of Spa, remarked, “This year, we are proud to bring renowned experts from four continents to create a safe space where guests can explore diverse modalities and find balance in their lives.”

Conclusion

The 2025 Visiting Wellness Practitioners Residency Program at Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo is more than a retreat; it is a journey into transformative self-discovery and wellness. Set against the backdrop of Costa Rica’s stunning beauty, it offers guests an unparalleled opportunity to rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit.

Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam, a trusted name in Ayurvedic care, has entered into a strategic partnership with Kerala’s renowned Vaidyaratnam Group, marking a significant transformation in holistic wellness. Relaunched as Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam (VVAC), this premier wellness center is located in the picturesque Shivalik Foothills near Baddi, Himachal Pradesh. With its serene landscape and cutting-edge infrastructure, VVAC offers a unique blend of traditional Ayurvedic therapies and modern amenities, positioning itself as a go-to destination for holistic healing in North India.

Spread across a 25-acre hilltop campus, VVAC is surrounded by 500 acres of reserved forest, providing a tranquil setting for physical, mental, and spiritual rejuvenation. The center integrates Kerala’s classical Panchakarma therapies with a focus on “Ayurveda First”—a philosophy that prioritizes Ayurveda as a preferred option for preventive and curative healthcare.

Rishi Garg, Founder of VVAC, shared:
“Our partnership with Vaidyaratnam brings world-class Ayurvedic treatments to North India. Guests who previously traveled to Kerala can now access the same expertise here in Himachal Pradesh, delivered by skilled professionals in a state-of-the-art facility.”

State-of-the-Art Facilities

VVAC features 60 well-appointed rooms across three residential blocks—Madhav, Krishna, and Govind—offering options like Studio, Standard, and Premium accommodations to cater to solo travelers, families, and groups. With amenities like Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and laundry services, the center ensures a comfortable stay for up to 100 guests.

At its heart lies a three-story treatment block equipped with specialized rooms for therapies like Abhyanga, Shirodhara, and Pizhichil. Designed for accessibility and privacy, the block features separate treatment areas for male and female guests. Complementing this is a 7,500 sq. ft. yoga and meditation hall, ideal for spiritual and mental rejuvenation, with advanced audio systems and an elevated stage for sessions.

Holistic Care and Therapies

VVAC specializes in personalized Panchakarma treatments targeting ailments like arthritis, neurological disorders, skin diseases, hypertension, and anxiety. The collaboration with physiotherapy experts from ReLiva enhances care by offering rehabilitation for musculoskeletal and cardiovascular conditions, sports therapy, and pain management.

The center’s Kashyapura unit prepares fresh oils and herbs for treatments, ensuring authenticity and quality from start to finish.

Farm-to-Plate Nutrition

Dining at VVAC is a unique experience. Tulsi Vanam, a sattvic cafeteria curated by nutritionist Sangeeta Khanna, serves meals made from organic produce grown on the center’s 15-acre organic farm. Each meal is customized to complement individual treatment plans, highlighting diet as a key part of the healing journey.

Spiritual Wellness

Spiritual well-being is integral to VVAC’s philosophy, with three temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, Goddess Kali, and Lord Dhanwantri on the campus. Guests can participate in daily aartis, cow feeding at the Govind Ji Gaushala, and meditation sessions, fostering a sense of peace and connection.

Accessibility and Recognition

VVAC holds NABH certification and is empaneled with CGHS, the Haryana Government, and CAPF, offering cashless and reimbursable treatments. Health insurance coverage is also available. Strategically located 31 km from Chandigarh, the center is easily accessible by road, rail, and air, attracting guests from Delhi, Punjab, and neighboring states.

Internationally, VVAC has already garnered attention, with 60% of foreign guests coming from Russia and 40% from the UK. The center has also hosted notable Indian personalities, including families of Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana and musician B Praak.

Sustainability and Future Plans

VVAC is more than just a wellness retreat—it champions eco-conscious living and sustainable practices. With plans to expand its services, the center is set to become a beacon of responsible wellness tourism.

About Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam (VVAC):

Nestled in the serene Shivalik Foothills near Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, VVAC is a state-of-the-art Ayurvedic wellness center that seamlessly blends Kerala’s classical Ayurveda with modern hospitality. Offering personalized treatments, holistic wellness programs, and a tranquil environment, VVAC is a premier destination for healing and rejuvenation.

Learn More at: vrindavanchikitsalayam.com

The 5th ASLI Aging Fest 2024, hosted at Sheraton Grand in Bangalore, was a landmark event that brought together some of the most influential voices in senior care. Organized by the Association of Senior Living India (ASLI) in collaboration with NITI Aayog, the event focused on transforming senior care into a structured and rewarding career path.

Panel Highlights

A thought-provoking panel discussion featured eminent leaders, including:

• Dr. Shubnum Singh (Board Member, Healthcare Sector Skills Council, CII)

• Mansur Dalal (Chairman, CommonAge)

• Dr. Sanju Thomas Abraham (MD, TN Apex Skill Development Center)

• Nirupama Vellore Ganapathy (MD, Ad Astra)

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Karthik Narayan R, Board Member, ASLI and Managing Director, Athulya Senior Care.

Key Takeaways

1. Beyond Emotional Rewards: Senior care is evolving into a career with structured growth, professional opportunities, and personal fulfillment, making it an attractive option for India’s youth.
   
   

2. Global Perspectives: The event shed light on international opportunities, cross-border learning, and the potential for Indian professionals to make a global impact.
   
   

3. Government Collaboration: Public-private partnerships, funding initiatives, and government support are reshaping the senior care landscape, driving accessibility and innovation.
   
   

4. Innovations in Training: Emerging tools like VR, simulation labs, and digital platforms are revolutionizing healthcare training, making education more inclusive and impactful.
   
   

5. Business Integration: Practical insights were shared on balancing business growth with recruitment and retention challenges, ensuring a sustainable model for operators and service providers.
   
   

A Transformative Vision

The overarching message from the event was clear: senior care isn’t just about providing care. It’s about building meaningful careers, enriched by cutting-edge technology, bolstered by government initiatives, and driven by global opportunities.

Dr. Karthik Narayan R emphasized the importance of creating spaces where care is both compassionate and professional, offering immense satisfaction to those in the field. “We’re not just building a team; we’re shaping the future of senior care in India,” he shared.

With a growing demand for senior care services, platforms like the ASLI Aging Fest 2024 are vital in creating awareness and fostering innovation in the industry.