GLOBAL AMAN WELLNESS AMBASSADOR, MARIA SHARAPOVA, LAUNCHES RETREAT EXPERIENCE AT AMANZOE

Tennis legend and Aman Global Wellness Ambassador, Maria Sharapova will host a bespoke wellness retreat at Amanzoe, Greece. Taking place from 23-26 September 2024, the transformational three-night programme will focus on building resilience through a combination of physical challenges and lessons in mental endurance. Set amongst the olive groves and Aegean vistas of Amanzoe’s hilltop location, the retreat is designed to help cultivate a strong mental foundation, find emotional balance and equip participants with the tools to navigate the demands of the everyday.

Maria built a legendary tennis career by honing the relationship between mindset and execution. Incorporating a holistic approach to mind and body performance led her to become a champion, and she brings this unique perspective and skillset to the retreat at Amanzoe.

‘Over many years, I learned how to build a phenomenal foundation of strength, resilience, focus and determination. It was vital to success,”says Maria.  “I am excited to take Amanzoe’s guests through a truly holistic experience that I’ve developed, reflecting the approach I finetuned over 20 years to achieve elite performance. A strong body and strong mind are something we should all strive for and between Aman’s unparalleled wellness expertise and mine, we’re eager to bring this retreat to life.’

Led by Maria and Amanzoe’s expert wellness team, against the serene backdrop of the Greek countryside, the programme is divided into three parts:

Understanding Mental Resilience

After an introduction from Maria and lunch, the first day starts with a guided meditation, focussed on cultivating inner strength and acceptance. A group discussion with Maria on her journey to towards mental resilience and approach to challenges follows, before a Hamman treatment or Anatripsis (soft tissue) therapy to cleanse and detoxify the body and mind. 

Skills for Building Resilience

Day two begins with a group Pranayama breathwork and sound bath session and afterwards a healthy al-fresco breakfast in Amanzoe’s bostani garden. In the afternoon enjoy a hiking and outdoor strength workout, designed to develop stamina, and later, a mind and body agility session with Maria on the tennis court.

Resilience in Action

The day commences with group Trataka (candle-gazing meditation) at the Yoga Pavilion, followed by breakfast and a dynamic strength workout focussed on mobility with Amanzoe’s fitness instructors. Cellgym and contrast therapy follow in the afternoon, recommended to increase mental alertness, promote better sleep, and facilitate recovery from physical and mental fatigue. The day closes with a tennis clinic from Maria, who will also host a dinner with the group that evening. 

On the day of departure, a Pranayama session and sound bath finish out the programme and prepare the mind for the journey ahead.

All meals, in-room snacks and a curated Aman Essentials Wellness Kit (including an Aman Ocean Bottle, Maria’s favourite Aman Skincare products and essential oils) complement the retreat, which also includes ample free time to relax and enjoy Amanzoe’s tranquil setting. 

Appointed as Aman’s Global Wellness Ambassador in 2023, Maria has drawn on her decades of experience to build a retreat that leaves participants renewed, inspired and equipped to navigate life’s challenges with grace. From immigrating to the USA at five years old to pursue her tennis dream, to transitioning from her career as a tennis legend to mother and entrepreneur, Maria’s journey has been marked by overcoming numerous challenges.  

In addition to the retreat, and as part of her ambassador role, Maria has curated a half-day Strength & Recovery experience at Aman New York, available year-round.

Places for The Building Resilience Retreat at Amanzoe are limited, however, further retreats across Aman destinations will be announced in due course.