The Mandrake launches Damu spa with a luxury wellness retreat

Addressing wellness, much like sustainability and transparency, is now an expectation from global travellers. This isn’t just about pampering – although for the luxury traveller, spa access and amenities are non-negotiable – but a more holistic approach. Wellbeing now firmly occupies a space beyond the traditional fitness dimension. Understanding these shifts, driven by the demands and desires of younger audiences, is key to making an impact in 2025 and beyond.

Within the wellness hospitality sector, trends are ever-evolving. The recent shifts demonstrate that wellness is not an isolated ‘treat’ experience or solely a fitness experience. It is now more holistic, encompassing spiritual wellbeing, recovery, and nervous system resets in an increasingly fast-paced world. Longevity wellness, the concept of treatments and programmes to help people live longer and healthier lives, has taken the luxury spa and wellness industry by storm.

Growing up, I was captivated by my parents’ ability to entertain. Every Sunday, our home became a vibrant gathering place, where family and friends came together for lunch that often stretched into dinner. Watching them effortlessly host these open-house events inspired my passion for hospitality. At 15, I found myself standing in the lobby of Sydney’s most iconic hotel at that time, The Regent. In that moment, I promised myself: one day, I would work in a hotel. It felt special, like one big “happiness sanctuary.”

In January 2025, The Mandrake, Fitzrovia’s five-star boutique hotel, is launching an immersive spa, Damu, in exclusive partnership with the Marina Abramović Longevity Method. The launch will include the hotel’s first-ever retreat weekend, which promises a transformative journey of rejuvenation and spirituality. Starting from £1650 for two guests (£1000 for solo guests), participants will enjoy:

• Access to the Damu spa, named after the Sumerian god of healing and transformation
• Bespoke spiritual wellbeing sessions
• Two luxurious nights at The Mandrake boutique hotel

The Mandrake has partnered with plant-based chef and wellness consultant Bettina Campolucci Bordi. Bettina will design the weekend’s menus, offering a nourishing three-course dinner each night at Jurema Terrace and special wellness breakfasts at YOPO.

Upon booking, the Head of Spiritual Wellbeing at The Mandrake will contact guests for a personal Spiritual Wellbeing Concierge Consultation to tailor each retreat programme based on individual needs.

Guests are invited to join a retreat weekend like no other and embark on a journey of holistic wellbeing and spirituality at The Mandrake.

For more details and to book the experience, visit The Mandrake and Damu.

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