Celebrating the art of imperfection, wellness club Kintsugi Space taps into the trend for feminine self-care, combining Western and ancient Eastern healing rituals. Gemma Harris reports
The first Kintsugi Space, a private wellness club concept designed for women only, has opened on Abu Dhabi’s Al Reem island for members to “rest, repair, reset and renew”.
Wellness brand Kintsugi was originally founded in 2015 and draws inspiration from the Japanese practice of repairing broken ceramics with gold, symbolising the beauty found in imperfection.
Kintsugi Space describes itself as: “Part healing hideaway, part uber-tech salon, part wholesome café, part artistic refuge, part casual cosmic community.”
Clients gain access to a blend of Western and ancient Eastern healing methods (ranging from hyperbaric chambers and LED beds to Ayurveda and sound bath dancing). It also references the “principles of quantum physics” and the way they relate to the “tangible aspects of daily life”.
Kintsugi Space’s seven-storey venue features a central leisure floor that includes an infrared sauna, obsidian crystal sauna, hammam, relaxation areas and poolside bar. There is also a Zen garden, a gazebo for mindfulness, a stone path for meditation and a quiet Japanese bamboo covered balcony.
The centre additionally houses a fitness studio, oxygen bar sessions, a beauty area and an Italian restaurant serving vegan cuisine, headed up by the former chef of elite Swiss wellness hotel Chenot, Emanuele Giorgione.
Members can try the “Lay Down and Heal” floor, which focuses on laying down therapies and wellness rituals, where women can freely share experiences or enjoy them privately. There is also a “Happiness Room” where women can find inspiration, and a Wisdom Studio for sound healing and movie screenings.
The upper floor has a spiritual dimension and is “dedicated to the sky and human desire to look for a vertical connection and bigger vision of one’s life”. Here there is space for prayers, contemplation and meditation.
Membership can be for three, six or 11 months. There is also a six-day retreat.
Prices start from Dhs 12,000 (£2,573) for a three-month membership, Dhs 19,000 (£4,073) for a six-month membership, and Dhs 29,000 (£6,217) for an 11-month membership. The six-day retreat is priced at Dhs 25,000 (£5,360).
For travellers there is the non-residential international membership option (Dhs 15,000/£3,350).
Membership benefits:
— Initial ‘Quantum Assessment’ with our naturopathic expert and a subsequent personalised plan
— Body & Fitness Assessment with our naturopathic expert and fitness specialist
— Personal Perfume Workshop
— Kintsugi Product Set: four products chosen from the Kintsugi Luxury Lifestyle Collection which includes candles, teas, exquisite skincare goods, journaling books, room mists and intention-setting cards.
— Holistic group workshop per month according to our calendar
— Iris Royal Ritual to celebrate birthdays and other exceptional days
— Daily holistic classes including yoga, dance, fitness and meditation
— ‘Love Affair with Food’ full-board wellness menu
— Access to all Kintsugi Space facilities including our saunas, pools and Zen Garden areas
— Special rates on visiting expert events
Additional benefits for premium members:
— Private consultation with Kintsugi’s nutrition expert
— Wellness assessment
— Unlimited quantum coaching sessions and check-ups
— Unlimited access to our ‘Lay Down and Heal’ facilities, booked in advance
— Extra products chosen from the Kintsugi Luxury Lifestyle Collection
— Personal training session per week
— Treatments per month from the Kintsugi Space Treatment Book or according to your personalised program
Patrizia Bortolin, a spa creative and founder of Glowing Flow Spa Consultancy, has been instrumental in developing the project. She says: “I felt honoured to be asked to develop and uplift the concept behind the Kitsugio movement and lead it to its full potential – one of the most fascinating visions I have come across.
“With a very special board, we are creating a movement to expand hearts, increase energy and unlock enthusiasm for a more meaningful and harmonious life. Abu Dhabi feels vibrant and extremely charming, and the team is an alchemy of inspiring women from all corners of the world.”
Joining Bortolin is a team of experts, including celebrity facialist Anastasia Achielleos. The space will also host interactive, educational talks with other experts in various fields.
The club is the first step in the launch of this concept, with more to follow. Various online membership plans will open up to allow people to access the workshops, classes and retreats remotely. This year, the brand intends to launch an official Kintsugi lifestyle product line comprising handcrafted products within healing, clothing and beauty.