Born to an Italian mother and an Egyptian father, Jesmin Aly was raised in Italy, where she developed a deep love for the country’s history, art, and cuisine. She eventually chose to channel her passion for beauty and wellness into a career and studied to become an esthetician and massage therapist. With a taste for adventure, Aly embarked on a career in the hospitality industry, working her way around the globe. From Asia to Central America, she deepened her understanding of diverse cultures and enhanced her knowledge of wellness and holistic living. Today, she serves as spa director of Six Senses Crans-Montana in Switzerland. When she isn’t working, Aly is an ardent food enthusiast and animal lover. Here she shares her favorite go-to for destressing and more.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness, to me, transcends mere physical health. It encompasses a holistic state of being that nurtures both the body and the mind. It’s about finding harmony and balance in every aspect of life—emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically. In essence, wellness is the art of living fully, embracing the journey of self-discovery, self-care, and self-love. It’s a continuous journey of growth and self-awareness, where we strive to cultivate inner peace, joy, and fulfillment amid life’s ever-changing landscape.
What are your favorite things to do to maintain your personal wellbeing?
Maintaining my personal wellbeing is a top priority for me, and I have developed a variety of practices I find deeply fulfilling and rejuvenating. Physical activity is essential for my wellbeing, so I make sure to engage in regular exercise. Whether it’s going for a run or hitting the gym, I find that movement not only strengthens my body but also uplifts my mood and clears my mind. I’m also passionate about personal growth and lifelong learning. Whether it’s reading books, or exploring new hobbies, I prioritize activities that stimulate my mind and expand my horizons.
What is your favorite healthy beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and do you have any insider tips for preparing it?
One of my favorite healthy beverages is a turmeric lemon water tonic. It’s not only refreshing but also packed with health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant effects, enhanced immunity, detoxification, and improved skin health.
To make, you heat the water until it’s warm but not boiling. Add ground turmeric to the warm water and stir until it’s well combined. Then, squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the turmeric water mixture and stir again. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice or turmeric to suit your taste preferences.
I use high-quality, organic turmeric powder for the best flavor and health benefits. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is ideal for maximum freshness and flavor. And you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup to sweeten the drink, if desired. Enjoy this tonic first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for a refreshing start to your day, or sip on it throughout the day for a hydrating and health-boosting beverage.
What is your idea of balanced healthy happiness?
Balanced healthy happiness, to me, is about achieving a state of wellbeing that encompasses physical health, mental clarity, emotional resilience, and a sense of fulfillment. It’s finding harmony and equilibrium in all aspects of life, nurturing both body and mind while cultivating genuine happiness from within.
Balanced healthy happiness is about embracing a holistic approach to wellbeing that encompasses all dimensions of life—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—and finding joy, fulfillment, and peace in the journey of self-discovery and growth. It’s about living authentically, with intention and purpose, and embracing each day with gratitude and an open heart.
What do you think is the most overused word or words in wellness?
One of the most overused words or phrases is likely “self-care.” While the concept of self-care is incredibly important and valuable for maintaining overall wellbeing, it has become somewhat diluted and commercialized in recent years.
Many wellness brands and influencers often promote self-care as a superficial concept focused solely on pampering oneself with luxury products or experiences. However, true self-care goes much deeper than that. It involves prioritizing one’s physical, mental, and emotional health through practices that nourish the body, mind, and soul.
What person in wellness do you most admire and why?
Niamh O’Connell has been my mentor and inspiration since I first met her while starting my career as a spa manager with Rosewood Hotels. She is a true pioneer in wellness, having worked with some of the most luxurious brands in the world, where she developed groundbreaking ideas, programs, and visions for wellness. Niamh’s influence has left a lasting impact on me, shaping my approach to wellness and inspiring me to continue exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of wellness. I am grateful for her guidance and inspiration, and I am proud to carry forward the lessons I have learned from her in my own journey.
What is your favorite place for a healthy vacation or escape?
Hong Kong may not be typically associated with health and tranquility due to its bustling cityscape, but for me, it’s a sanctuary where I’ve found a unique balance between urban vibrancy and natural serenity. Despite its reputation as a chaotic metropolis, Hong Kong holds a special place in my heart as my second home. Here, I can seamlessly blend the excitement of city life with the tranquility of nature, all within a 20-minute radius. Being surrounded by the lush greenery or pristine beaches offers me a sense of peace and grounding that I crave. It’s in these moments that I find solace and reconnect with myself, exploring the city’s hidden corners or getting lost in the beauty of nature.
What is your go-to for de-stressing?
When it comes to de-stressing, my go-to method is taking a few moments to sit quietly, focus on my breath, and observe my thoughts. It helps me to center myself and find inner peace amid the chaos of daily life. Spending quality time with loved ones, whether it’s having a heartfelt conversation or simply enjoying their company, also helps me to relax and unwind.
