Our Blog

Dr David Mantle

Dr Mantle is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists, with a background in hospital pathology. He has an interest in the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of disease, and is medical advisor to the nutritional supplement company Pharma Nord.

Mario Sella

Mario Sella, Wellness Manager at Ti Sana, Italy, grew up with a passion for science and physical activity that has led him to his role today. His childhood interest developed into an academic qualification, gaining a degree in food science and technology. A qualified personal trainer, Mario also studied and now teaches ancient oriental disciplines such as Qi Cong and Wushu-Kung Fu. Using his knowledge of nutrition and fitness, Mario oversees diagnostic tests, physical activity and, of course, nutritional plans to help guests at Ti Sana achieve their health and wellness goals.

Veer Singh

The brainchild of young visionary Veer Singh, Vana Retreats is a manifestation of his belief in wellness, his respect for nature and keen interest in design and hospitality. Veer who was born in New Delhi, India spent a number of years in England and Spain. A man of varied interests, Veer grew up wanting to become a sportsman, a musician, a physicist and later a farmer. He plays tennis, enjoys archery, swims, dabbles with percussion instruments and endeavours to lead a more sustainable, balanced and mindful life. Veer has set himself the ambitious goal of making Vana, Malsi Estate the most iconic wellness retreat in the world.

Wissam Awad

Wissam Awad is a Hypnotherapist specialising in Regression Therapy and Inner Child Healing. He is a trainer at the Regression Academy, responsible for the training programs in Romania and India and works alongside Andy Tomlinson, a world renowned pioneer and authority on Regression Therapy. Wissam is passionate about working with clients to liberate themselves from restricting emotional and behavioural patterns so that they can move forward in a joyful and empowered way. He also integrates body therapy with trance work in his sessions, which has a powerful effect on clearing unresolved 'body memories'. Wissam has worked in Switzerland and Thailand and now has a private practice in London.

Andrea Hurst

The title of ‘Guru of Reflexology’ belongs to Andrea Hurst, world renowned for her 20 years’ experience in the healing art of Reflexology. Based in London’s most prestigious neighbourhood Mayfair, she combines a deeply rejuvenating and restorative holistic experience with a thorough and insightful analysis of reflex points.  Queuing up at her door are a long list of VIP clients from A-list Hollywood stars to fashion designers seeking her pioneering treatments. With recommendations from Gwyneth Paltrow and features in Vogue and Tatler magazine, Andrea is certainly an A-Lister herself in the world of Reflexology.

Nahid de Belgeonne

Nahid de Belgeonne is a qualified expert in yoga and Power Plates, and the founder of the Good Vibes brand of boutique fitness studios, offering a unique class combination of Spincycle for cardio, Power Plates for strengthening and toning and Glow Yoga for your soul. Nahid was inspired by many movement disciplines including Pilates, martial arts and the Feldenkrais Method, and practices an accessible style that leaves her clients feeling good within themselves. Empowerment, kindness and a sense of humour are key mantras in her method of teaching, coupled with a strong belief that everyone deserves to achieve the best health possible.

Deborah Straub

Deborah Straub is a Nutritionist at Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. She is a published author on bone health and breast cancer in a well-respected nutrition journal and textbook. Her areas of focus include maintaining a healthy weight during menopause, vitamin and mineral supplementation and breast cancer prevention. Deborah has a Master's of Science in Nutrition from the University of Arizona. She loves travel, hiking in the mountains of Tucson and her golden retriever, Riley.

Timmis Kambanellis

Timmis is the fitness expert at the award-winning Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus. He studied kinesiotherapy (which is the application of scientifically based exercise principles adapted to enhance the strength, endurance, and mobility of individuals) in Thessaloniki. Discovering a passion Timmis then went on to specialize in Fitness and Personal Training at the North Academy of Fitness. Timmis has since gone on to receive accolades from Spa and Wellness specialists and has a successful morning TV slot on the Cyprus national network.

Sean Carey

Sean Carey is the Fitness and Lifestyle trainer at Absolute Sanctuary in Koh Samui, Thailand. Sean, originally from the UK is not only a certified Fitness trainer but also a Yoga and Pilates teacher. He believes that exercise training all comes down to body awareness regardless of what our goals may be. Once we understand what is entailed to achieve results then the probability of the goal being achieved is greatly increased. Sean says one method of exercise might be right for the one person but a different method may be required for another, and this can only be realised through body awareness.