E’quilibrium Wellness Club
Fitness is an activity in which you’re expected to improve continuously, so it’s a struggle against oneself. It’s also a step towards better health and other achievements. The E’quilibrium Wellness Club offers luxury conditions for those who want to improve their health through fitness. In this interview, the Club’s director, Sayed Salem, discusses E’quilibrium’s uniqueness and the importance of the wellness industry today.
Photos by Feruz Rustamov
1. First of all, can you tell us about your background and expertise in the wellness industry?
My background is in sports – I have a university degree in Physical Education. Sports and leisure were always my passion, and I have played various sports at a professional level. In my early career, I started as a volleyball coach, then I shifted to hospitality as a spa therapist and moved all the way up to Wellness Director. I have 20 years of experience in the wellness industry, working at very reputable properties in the Middle East. I have a proven track record of achievements: I was recognised as “Best Spa and Fitness Manager in the Middle East” at the Hotelier Middle East Awards 2015 and “Best Spa Manager in the Middle East and North Africa” at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2017.
2. In your opinion, what is wellness today?
The last few years have accelerated and re-shaped what wellness means for many people. If previously going to a spa was about getting a nice massage or making one look beautiful with treatments, today wellness has reached a whole new level. We live in a world where time, outside factors and events put a lot of stress on people of every generation. Many guests are increasingly realising how much their physical, mental and emotional health affects what is truly important to them, whether it is business achievements, social status, family values, personal goals or overall life experience. We see that guests want to take a big step towards preventative health and feeling good, and that they are ready to introduce wellness into their everyday routine and pay for it.
3. Now that you’ve been here for several months, can you comment on how the wellness industry is developing in Uzbekistan?
I see a lot of commercially developed fitness clubs, but the combination of the three pillars of wellness – physical, mental and emotional well-being – is not yet well defined in the luxury hotel segment. You can find it only at E’quilibrium. Tashkent also needs to work more on a healthy approach to food. Nevertheless, I see that the concept of wellness is gaining traction in Uzbekistan, and this cannot but please.
4. What is the philosophy of E’quilibrium Wellness Club? What novelty does it bring to the Uzbek market?
At E’quilibrium Wellness Club we strive to create a community and a space for growth and health. We are planning to launch several events exclusively for our members that will be beneficial to body, mind and soul. Our Club is now open, and we have the pleasure of offering memberships to the public. Please feel free to contact us for any questions you may have. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you to the Club and to you being a part of our community.
5. Tell us more about membership at E’quilibrium Wellness Club.
Spread across the second and third floors of the new InterContinental Tashkent, E’quilibrium Wellness Club offers four single treatment rooms, a couples suite, a spa suite and a private hammam. We also have separate male and female changing and relaxation areas; each of them has access to a steam room, sauna, ice fountain and cold bucket shower. The Club also has a beauty salon, with specialists offering hair and beauty treatments for both male and female guests. The Club offers wellness lifestyle memberships, which include access to all the facilities, special deals on treatments and retail, invitations to exclusive events and special prices at the hotel’s bar and restaurants.
6. What do you offer to hotel residents, and how does it differ from Club member benefits?
Hotel guests enjoy complimentary access to all Club facilities, such as the gym, the indoor infinity swimming pool and jacuzzi, and separate sections for men and women, including changing rooms, showers, toilets, sauna, steam room and relaxation room. Members of the Club have access to all these facilities, as well as free access to group classes: yoga, antigravity yoga, cycling, Pilates, and many others.
7. What are E’quilibrium’s nutritional offerings?
At the poolside Pure Bar, it’s all about catching the right sync with our food and beverage offerings. By working closely with our chefs as well as partnering with nutritionists, we have created a menu that will fit your day and your reason to visit us. You can choose dishes that will best suit your needs from the “Detox”, “Energize” and “Recovery” sections of the menu. In each we detail the number of grams and calories being consumed, as well as the benefits of specific ingredients. We also have a section called “Cheat Day” for guests who would like to enjoy the day and exercise culinary self-care in a different way.
8. Can you share your plans for the future at the Club?
Soon we’ll be launching Tashkent’s first wellness retreat program to create awareness about the Club’s concept and drive more people to experience a full day of exciting activities and spa treatments. The Wellness Retreat Day concept is a mix of physical, mental and emotional activities with huge benefits:
prevention of illness and increased immunity,
a feeling of clarity and peace of mind,
social connection and enhanced relationships with loved ones.
Our aim is to be the number one stop-shop for luxury wellness in Tashkent and Uzbekistan.
