{"id":6206,"date":"2021-05-11T14:56:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-11T18:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vacayou.com\/magazine\/?p=6206"},"modified":"2024-12-27T14:04:07","modified_gmt":"2024-12-27T19:04:07","slug":"world-wellness-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vacayou.com\/magazine\/world-wellness-weekend\/","title":{"rendered":"Well Q&A: Jean-Guy de Gabriac & World Wellness Weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Jean-Guy de Gabriac is an award-winning advisor and educator. He is the founder of World Wellness Weekend (WWW), which is celebrated in 120 countries and supported by 60 global organizations (CIDESCO, ISPA, European Week of Sports and Vacayou).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In alignment with the United Nation’s 3rd Sustainable Development Goal of “Good Health & Well-Being for All,” WWW connects “wellness weekenders” to professionals near them through a geolocator available in 16 languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jean-Guy also serves as Conference producer of the World Spa & Wellness Conventions (London & Dubai); Chair of the “Supporting the UN’s 17 SDGs” (Global Wellness Institute); Board Member of the International Massage Association and Judge of the World Championship Massage.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"Jean<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sallie: How did World Wellness Weekend get its start?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Jean-Guy: In March 2017, I decided to launch an industry event before the September Equinox to showcase the wellness activities, special offers and packages of hotels, resorts, thermal centers, spas, beauty salons, and fitness clubs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

September is a strategic month for wellness professionals to attract new clients or members and for cities to seduce off-season visitors. In 2017, 160 venues signed up on our Wellness Map with a geolocator in France & Belgium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following year in 2018, 650 venues signed up in 88 countries with the participation of hotel groups, spreading the word. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And in 2019, 2,356 venues were listed on the Wellness Map across 98 countries with the official Proclamations of six US Governors, two Secretaries of Tourism (India & Cyprus), and 20 Mayors of touristic cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jean-Guy poses for a signature “Welfie”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Sallie: World Wellness Weekend is based on Five Pillars of Health. What are they, and why do you think these five are particularly important to our well-being?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Jean-Guy: Our five pillars are created to be accessible to anyone: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Better SLEEP to grow your CREATIVITY <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Better NUTRITION to strengthen IMMUNITY through the gut-brain axis<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. More MOVEMENT to boost VITALITY <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Enhanced MINDFULNESS to deepen SERENITY <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Highlighted SENSE OF PURPOSE to drive more SOLIDARITY<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Our Wellness Pledge encourages people to cultivate these five pillars in their life and choose a “Wellness Buddy” to be mutually accountable for their objectives and progress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once these objectives are met, we encourage people to donate their time or money directly to a local non-profit or NGO. Wellness does not start with “ME” but with “WE.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Wellness weekenders who reach their personal goals from a physical, mental or emotional standpoint feel driven to share the “JOY of being WELL” with people who need it the most. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is how the five pillars can make a world of a difference, touching the lives of people around the corner and the planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Bathrobe Addicts in France<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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    Underwater “Welfies”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Sallie: What motivates you in your life, and what do you do for your wellness?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Jean-Guy: I survived two motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles almost 30 years ago that should have left me flat on the pavement. Since then, I feel compelled to make each day count and give back. There is no nobler calling than to encourage people to become the best version of themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As for my own wellness, I cherish my sunrise yoga practice with my cat, Daisy, by my side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sallie: World Wellness Weekend is truly a global event. What are some of the differences you see in wellness activities in Europe where you live compared to other parts of the world, say the US or Asia.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Jean-Guy: Pre-COVID, Europeans tended to practice their wellness routine after work, while Americans usually flocked to fitness clubs or yoga studios before the crack of dawn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Another difference is that yoga is still in the very nascent stages in France, Belgium & Europe, while it has become very mainstream in the USA, Canada & Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here in France, we have an amazing organization called “Bathrobe Addicts” which encourages people to take the waters with short breaks at thermal centers, slip into a warm and comfy bathrobe and then practice yoga, or Tai Chi with a bathrobe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Posing for “Welfies” in Pakistan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Sallie: Please share three of the WWW events from last year that were the most innovative and creative.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Jean-Guy: 3 of my favorites were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n