Hollywood a-lister Channing Tatum is famous for starring in numerous blockbusters from comedy drama Magic Mike to the action-packed White House Down. But people in the spa industry will be more interested to hear about his work with Tyler Gage and his role in championing a native healing centre deep in the Amazon rainforest.
Gage is the co-founder and CEO of organic, ‘clean energy’ tea company Runa which sources gauyusa, its key ingredient, from indigenous families such as the Sápara in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Tatum is a brand ambassador and investor in the company.
The Sápara think of the Amazon as a living pharmacy and over the centuries have built up a profound knowledge of the rainforest’s trees and plants, many of which could help in the search of cures for chronic illnesses such as cancer. Talking on YouTube Tatum says: “The people who live in the rainforest hold the key to unlocking the Amazon’s healing potential. But destruction of the rainforest has forced the Sápara and other Amazonian people to the brink of extinction. A civilisation’s worth of medical knowledge could disappear right along with them.”
Recently, Tatum has teamed up with Gage and the Runa Foundation to launch an initiative to help create new value for the tropical forests that benefits local people. Opening in mid-2016, the Naku healing centre will see scientists working alongside native healers to highlight the efficacy of traditional treatments and ingredients.
“We’ll have patients from all over the world suffering from a variety of illnesses already described by western doctors,” says Gage. “The Sápara healers will do their own diagnostic before patients go through the Amazonian healing process.
“We’ll record not only physical but also psychological and wellbeing data, and track their progress for improvement or change. This will lay the foundation for further phytochemical studies and clinical trials.”
The healing centre, located deep in the jungle, is inspired by Sápara building techniques and utilises the latest in ecological design. It will have eight rooms where patients will be given a course of treatments including whole plant remedies, diet guidelines and dream and sleep therapies that the Sápara have used for centuries.
“There’s no phone or internet service at Naku, giving patients the opportunity to disconnect from hectic daily schedules and focus on their personal healing and wellness,” says Gage. “To begin with, all visitors receive a traditional cleansing, or limpieza, to clear out all of the negative energies that we bring from the outside. Cleansing is performed throughout, using a mix of medicinal plant baths, tobacco, herbal saunas and other rituals.”
As the Sápara use such a vast variety of medicinal plants – they have knowledge of more than 500 – Gage says it’s hard to say exactly what direction the treatments will take after that. He explains: “Since Amazonian medicine recognises illnesses as having different causal pathways than western medicine, each person must go through a unique diagnostic process.
“For example, 10 patients suffering from what a western doctor calls Alzhiemer’s, could be seen by the Sápara as 10 different illnesses, each with a distinct cause and a different treatment to be undergone.”
While the healing centre is yet to open, the Naku community has already hosted nearly 200 visitors in the past two years – including Tatum – on a cultural immersion programme. Guests become part of the Sápara community, staying in traditional indigenous lodges and learning about the tribe and the rainforest that they’ve inhabited for hundreds of years.
“Channing loved it,” says Gage. “He hit it off amazingly with the Sápara people and was instantly motivated to help them to turn their vision of Naku into a reality.
“He’s is down to earth, easy going and super creative and working with him has helped us to build awareness and support for Naku.”
One of the most important things people take away from their Naku experience is how reconnecting with nature and community can help with wellbeing and this is something spas could learn from says Gage. “Spa owners already know that it’s important for people to take a break from the rigours of their stress daily lives,” he says, “but being able to have a meaningful cultural experience at the same time enables people to learn about how to be well all of the time, not just when they’re on vacation.”
In addition to Naku, Gage is also working on a similar project in Peru with the indigenous Shipibo people. The Rios Nete healing and research centre is due to open in late 2016.
Gage adds that the spa sector could get involved with such projects in the future. “There’s for potential for collaboration with the spa industry in projects like Naku, as indigenous communities often lack the expertise and human resources to create successful businesses... The spa industry would be a welcome partner in helping us create sustainable hospitality businesses in the Amazon.”
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2016 issue 2
Editor’s letter: Who will own the well-life consumer?
It’s the wild west out there and there’s a land grab going on as interested parties make their play to own the well-life consumer. It’s not clear yet how this will pan out as the industry matures, or where spa stands in the pecking order, but the threats are clear
Spa people: Tyler Gage
Runa’s Tyler Gage working with Channing Tatum on an Amazon healing centre
Spa people: Todd Hewitt
For the first time in four years, Shangri-La appoints a global head of spas. Spa Business talks to Todd Hewitt, the man to fill the role
Spa people: James White
Thermal spa researcher and consultant to head up major overhaul of Maruia Hot Springs in New Zealand
Interview: Irene Forte
Daughter of hotelier Sir Rocco Forte and niece of designer Olga Polizzi tells Jane Kitchen why the Rocco Forte Hotel’s new spa concept is a family affair
Design: Natural wonderland
Neena Dhillon visits the striking new Keemala resort and spa in Phuket and finds out about its unique design
Science: Skin deep
Modern research is redefining the way we think about skin. Neuroscientist Dr Claudia Aguirre explains what the findings mean for spas
Promotional feature: Clarins
Clarins’ head of Spas, My Blend and Retail, Prisca Courtin-Clarins, talks about the strides the company is making in highly prescriptive skincare, and the development of hotel spa concepts with the My Blend brand
Promotional feature: Massage Heights
There’s a clear gap in the UK spa market for an affordable local offering that places an emphasis on top-quality treatments and services. Is Massage Heights, the successful US franchise chain, the solution?
Promotional feature: Neaumorinc
From a director of spa at Four Seasons to an entrepreneur who introduces exciting new beauty brands to five-star facilities, Shawna Morneau’s experience on both sides of the industry is enabling her consultancy to have an impact worldwide
Promotional feature: Dr Burgener Switzerland
Dr Burgener Switzerland to launch Haute Couture, a revolutionary skin treatment that personalises product and treatments to each person’s skin, using cutting-edge technology
Sensory zone: Set adrift
Niamh Madigan talks to researcher Justin Feinstein who thinks floatation could be a shortcut to meditation
Fitness: Defying gravity
The founder of AntiGravity® Aerial Yoga tells Niamh Madigan about the technique and a new suspension massage he’s developing for spas
Promotional feature: Gharieni
As Gharieni prepares to celebrate 25 years in the industry, founder and CEO Sammy Gharieni talks about the company’s culture of innovation, and how there will so many more exciting products to come
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
Hollywood a-lister Channing Tatum is famous for starring in numerous blockbusters from comedy drama Magic Mike to the action-packed White House Down. But people in the spa industry will be more interested to hear about his work with Tyler Gage and his role in championing a native healing centre deep in the Amazon rainforest.
Gage is the co-founder and CEO of organic, ‘clean energy’ tea company Runa which sources gauyusa, its key ingredient, from indigenous families such as the Sápara in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Tatum is a brand ambassador and investor in the company.
The Sápara think of the Amazon as a living pharmacy and over the centuries have built up a profound knowledge of the rainforest’s trees and plants, many of which could help in the search of cures for chronic illnesses such as cancer. Talking on YouTube Tatum says: “The people who live in the rainforest hold the key to unlocking the Amazon’s healing potential. But destruction of the rainforest has forced the Sápara and other Amazonian people to the brink of extinction. A civilisation’s worth of medical knowledge could disappear right along with them.”
Recently, Tatum has teamed up with Gage and the Runa Foundation to launch an initiative to help create new value for the tropical forests that benefits local people. Opening in mid-2016, the Naku healing centre will see scientists working alongside native healers to highlight the efficacy of traditional treatments and ingredients.
“We’ll have patients from all over the world suffering from a variety of illnesses already described by western doctors,” says Gage. “The Sápara healers will do their own diagnostic before patients go through the Amazonian healing process.
“We’ll record not only physical but also psychological and wellbeing data, and track their progress for improvement or change. This will lay the foundation for further phytochemical studies and clinical trials.”
The healing centre, located deep in the jungle, is inspired by Sápara building techniques and utilises the latest in ecological design. It will have eight rooms where patients will be given a course of treatments including whole plant remedies, diet guidelines and dream and sleep therapies that the Sápara have used for centuries.
“There’s no phone or internet service at Naku, giving patients the opportunity to disconnect from hectic daily schedules and focus on their personal healing and wellness,” says Gage. “To begin with, all visitors receive a traditional cleansing, or limpieza, to clear out all of the negative energies that we bring from the outside. Cleansing is performed throughout, using a mix of medicinal plant baths, tobacco, herbal saunas and other rituals.”
As the Sápara use such a vast variety of medicinal plants – they have knowledge of more than 500 – Gage says it’s hard to say exactly what direction the treatments will take after that. He explains: “Since Amazonian medicine recognises illnesses as having different causal pathways than western medicine, each person must go through a unique diagnostic process.
“For example, 10 patients suffering from what a western doctor calls Alzhiemer’s, could be seen by the Sápara as 10 different illnesses, each with a distinct cause and a different treatment to be undergone.”
While the healing centre is yet to open, the Naku community has already hosted nearly 200 visitors in the past two years – including Tatum – on a cultural immersion programme. Guests become part of the Sápara community, staying in traditional indigenous lodges and learning about the tribe and the rainforest that they’ve inhabited for hundreds of years.
“Channing loved it,” says Gage. “He hit it off amazingly with the Sápara people and was instantly motivated to help them to turn their vision of Naku into a reality.
“He’s is down to earth, easy going and super creative and working with him has helped us to build awareness and support for Naku.”
One of the most important things people take away from their Naku experience is how reconnecting with nature and community can help with wellbeing and this is something spas could learn from says Gage. “Spa owners already know that it’s important for people to take a break from the rigours of their stress daily lives,” he says, “but being able to have a meaningful cultural experience at the same time enables people to learn about how to be well all of the time, not just when they’re on vacation.”
In addition to Naku, Gage is also working on a similar project in Peru with the indigenous Shipibo people. The Rios Nete healing and research centre is due to open in late 2016.
Gage adds that the spa sector could get involved with such projects in the future. “There’s for potential for collaboration with the spa industry in projects like Naku, as indigenous communities often lack the expertise and human resources to create successful businesses... The spa industry would be a welcome partner in helping us create sustainable hospitality businesses in the Amazon.”
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2016 issue 2
Editor’s letter: Who will own the well-life consumer?
It’s the wild west out there and there’s a land grab going on as interested parties make their play to own the well-life consumer. It’s not clear yet how this will pan out as the industry matures, or where spa stands in the pecking order, but the threats are clear
Spa people: Tyler Gage
Runa’s Tyler Gage working with Channing Tatum on an Amazon healing centre
Spa people: Todd Hewitt
For the first time in four years, Shangri-La appoints a global head of spas. Spa Business talks to Todd Hewitt, the man to fill the role
Spa people: James White
Thermal spa researcher and consultant to head up major overhaul of Maruia Hot Springs in New Zealand
Interview: Irene Forte
Daughter of hotelier Sir Rocco Forte and niece of designer Olga Polizzi tells Jane Kitchen why the Rocco Forte Hotel’s new spa concept is a family affair
Design: Natural wonderland
Neena Dhillon visits the striking new Keemala resort and spa in Phuket and finds out about its unique design
Science: Skin deep
Modern research is redefining the way we think about skin. Neuroscientist Dr Claudia Aguirre explains what the findings mean for spas
Promotional feature: Clarins
Clarins’ head of Spas, My Blend and Retail, Prisca Courtin-Clarins, talks about the strides the company is making in highly prescriptive skincare, and the development of hotel spa concepts with the My Blend brand
Promotional feature: Massage Heights
There’s a clear gap in the UK spa market for an affordable local offering that places an emphasis on top-quality treatments and services. Is Massage Heights, the successful US franchise chain, the solution?
Promotional feature: Neaumorinc
From a director of spa at Four Seasons to an entrepreneur who introduces exciting new beauty brands to five-star facilities, Shawna Morneau’s experience on both sides of the industry is enabling her consultancy to have an impact worldwide
Promotional feature: Dr Burgener Switzerland
Dr Burgener Switzerland to launch Haute Couture, a revolutionary skin treatment that personalises product and treatments to each person’s skin, using cutting-edge technology
Sensory zone: Set adrift
Niamh Madigan talks to researcher Justin Feinstein who thinks floatation could be a shortcut to meditation
Fitness: Defying gravity
The founder of AntiGravity® Aerial Yoga tells Niamh Madigan about the technique and a new suspension massage he’s developing for spas
Promotional feature: Gharieni
As Gharieni prepares to celebrate 25 years in the industry, founder and CEO Sammy Gharieni talks about the company’s culture of innovation, and how there will so many more exciting products to come
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii
is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder
Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while
remaining actively involved with the company.
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th
anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s
longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its
recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’
planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–
Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism inv
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-
Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional
revenue opportunities.
The UK government has announced a temporary reduction in VAT on visitor attractions and
children’s meals as part of a summer cost-of-living support package designed to stimulate the
visitor economy and encourage family days out.
As designer Yinka Ilori prepares for his first solo gallery show in London, he speaks exclusively
to CLADmag about his mission to spread joy, the power of play, and his bold approach to using
colour (including the colours you won’t see in his work).
The government of Thailand is exploring plans for a THB300bn (£6.3bn, US$8.3bn)
entertainment complex in the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with officials
proposing a large-scale theme park and sports destination as part of a broader tourism and
economic development strategy.
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
