Luxury hotel brand Aman, widely known for its strong spa focus, has just launched its much-talked-about sister brand Janu in Tokyo – complete with a 4,000sq m urban wellness retreat.

Janu Tokyo is only the beginning of the brand’s global expansion plans, according to Yuki Kiyono, global head of health and wellness development at Aman.

In the latest issue, Spa Business spoke exclusively with Kiyono to learn about what’s in store for Janu as it embarks on a rollout around the world.

Global expansion plans

“Janu Tokyo marks the first of a 13-strong global pipeline of projects across urban, rural and coastal destinations,” Kiyono said.

“Countries of interest include the Turks & Caicos, Montenegro, Portugal and Turkey, as well as Saudi Arabia and the UAE and South Korea, Thailand and the Maldives.”

Janu is a hotel, residence and lifestyle offering that’s been five years in the making. Meaning ‘soul’ in Sanskrit, the concept is based on social connection, equilibrium and human interaction.

Much like Aman, Janu will have a strong emphasis on wellness but its distinctive approach will focus on enhancing wellbeing through the concept of connectedness and the notion of the shared social experience.

“Janu’s approach to wellness is characterised by impeccable design and architecture. It’s this, along with our group-based classes and programmes, that facilitates interaction and contributes to the physical and emotional experience of every guest.

“Our expansive spa and fitness areas enhance individual wellbeing by offering an array of spaces that enable people to come together for shared experiences – encouraging moments of collective joy.”

At the debut property in Tokyo, the 4,000sq m Janu Wellness Centre features an extensive hydrothermal area with hammams and a banya and is centred around a lap pool and separate lounge pool – traditionally a place for socialising in Japan.

As well as nine treatment rooms, there are two signature Spa Houses with cold and hot plunge pools. These can host up to four people at a time or can be booked exclusively for a more private wellness experience.

It also boasts one of Tokyo’s largest gyms (340sq m), in addition to five exercise studios – including a boxing ring – and a recovery cabin with a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber.

Kiyono revealed there are plans to introduce a Janu wellness membership which will provides guests with access to the centre and an exclusive private lounge. Members will also receive special rates for spa treatments and priority access to reservations for group classes.

Head to the full interview to delve into why Aman decided to launch another brand and what sets Janu apart from Aman.

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FEATURE: Spa People – Yuki Kiyono