Aman names Maria Sharapova global wellness ambassador and secures US$360 million from UAE investors
Former world number one tennis player Maria Sharapova has entered into a multi-year partnership to become Aman’s first-ever global wellness ambassador.
In her new role, the Russian former elite athlete will co-create a series of retreats across different Aman properties focused on preparation, performance and recovery to encompass body and mind.
Aman says the partnership with Sharapova – a long-term fan of the luxury hotel group – is a natural extension of their existing relationship.
Sharapova will host her first retreat in February 2024 at Amanpuri, Aman’s flagship property in Phuket, Thailand.
The three-night performance and Recovery Retreat will see Sharapova curate and mentor participants through a series of interactive experiences and activities, as well as informative sessions with specialists that she has worked with during her 20-year career as an elite athlete,
Alongside a focus on ethos, Sharapova will incorporate innovative technologies that she uses in her daily wellness routine to create a forward-thinking retreat.
Group activities, dining experiences and Q&A sessions with Sharapova and visiting practitioners will complete the offering.
She commented: “This partnership came from my personal experience over the last few years as I made the transition from professional athlete to businesswoman and Mother.
“I was so fortunate to get years of incredible physical and mental training which now helps me perform at the highest level in all my endeavours.
“Aman and I wanted to give its community access to coaching and training – designed for elite athletes – that will serve the pursuit of their personal and professional aspirations.”
In addition, Aman New York has recently launched a half-day Strength and Recovery retreat designed by Sharapova.
The itinerary includes an optimised performance breakfast menu developed in partnership with Sharapova and executive chef Jeremy Price, an hour strength and conditioning session created by Sharapova, followed by a Banya treatment, reflexology and an Aman x 111Skin face mask, held in one of the private Aman Spa houses.
New funding
Last week, Aman received US$360 million (€336.1 million, £288.9 million) in funding from UAE royals to fund its expansion plans – namely, the launch of its sister brand Janu in Tokyo in Q4.
The investors include a unit of Abu Dhabi wealth fund Mubadala Investment Co and Alpha Wave Ventures, a private equity fund co-managed by Alpha Wave Global and Chimera Capital, according to Skift.
The recent cash injection builds upon the additional US$900 million (€840.3 million, £722.2 million) in funding Aman already received in 2022 from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Cain International.
Aman has used the extra money to bolster its Janu development pipeline, which now includes 11 upcoming projects in the Maldives, Montenegro, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, Turks & Caicos and UAE.
The update also means Aman’s valuation has surpassed the US$3 billion (€2.8 billion, £2.4 billion) mark.
Welcoming JanuUnveiled in 2020, Janu is underpinned by a fresh philosophy based on social connection, equilibrium and human interaction.
Aman says Janu properties will feature spas designed to facilitate social connection and equilibrium through extensive hydro and thermal offerings intended as social spaces. Meanwhile, hotel design will focus on space and light.
More about Aman
Aman's portfolio is made up of 34 hotels and resorts spread throughout the globe in both urban and remote locations across North America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Africa.
The group has a development pipeline of six properties
In recent years, the Aman Group has grown its offer to include Aman Skincare (2018), supplement range Sva (2020), Aman Fine Fragrance (2020) and performance skincare line Aman Essential Skin (2023).
Maria Sharapova Aman JanuAman’s sister-brand Janu will debut in Tokyo complete with 3,500sq m spa
FEATURE: People profile – Maria Sharapova
FEATURE: People profile – Maria Sharapova
Wellness real estate market booming – forecast to reach $913bn by 2028, reports GWI
UAE’s first Dior Spa debuts in Dubai at Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, The Lana
Europe's premier Evian Spa unveiled at Hôtel Royal in France
Clinique La Prairie unveils health resort in China after two-year project
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
Four Seasons announces luxury wellness resort and residences at Amaala
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion
Othership CEO envisions its urban bathhouses in every city in North America
Merlin teams up with Hasbro and Lego to create Peppa Pig experiences
SHA Wellness unveils highly-anticipated Mexico outpost
One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai featuring striking design by Nikken Sekkei
Luxury spa hotel, Calcot Manor, creates new Grain Store health club
'World's largest' indoor ski centre by 10 Design slated to open in 2025
Murrayshall Country Estate awarded planning permission for multi-million-pound spa and leisure centre
Aman's Janu hotel by Pelli Clarke & Partners will have 4,000sq m of wellness space
Therme Group confirms Incheon Golden Harbor location for South Korean wellbeing resort
Universal Studios eyes the UK for first European resort
King of Bhutan unveils masterplan for Mindfulness City, designed by BIG, Arup and Cistri
Rural locations are the next frontier for expansion for the health club sector
How Portugal’s biggest brewer enlisted the help of one of the country’s best known architects to turn two historic nature parks into thermal spa and nature destinations