Soul meets science

February 10, 2026 - Your wearable may be smart, but does it have soul? According to our VP of Wellness Mark Sands, true well-being is about alignment. Here are his top five ways to add more soul, no matter your goal, to your wellness journey.

As we enter an era where the focus is on healthspan, not just lifespan, gone is the quick fix mindset, and in its place, well-being is becoming an intentional strategy. Mark observes that we’re moving from “doing wellness” to “feeling well”. So how does Six Senses channel science with a more soulful sense of purpose?

1. Live long, live well

Longevity has moved beyond adding years to your life. It’s about adding life to your years. At Six Senses, this means blending cutting-edge diagnostics with time-honored wisdom. As he puts it, “Optimizing biomarkers without addressing the soul is like tuning an instrument but never playing the music.”

What does that look like for you? You might begin your vacation with epigenetic testing or biometric screening, then move seamlessly into a high-touch treatment, sound healing, or sacred rituals that reconnect you to your deeper self. 

Whether you’re following traditional Ayurvedic wisdom at Six Senses Vana or embarking on a spiritual khamsa (journey) in Six Senses Bhutan, where Gross National Happiness shapes everyday life, you’re supported by experts who care for both your biological age and your inner vitality. At Six Senses Ibiza, you can explore vibrant rituals from cacao ceremonies to soul bonding via hyperbaric oxygen therapy and NAD+ therapies at our dedicated longevity clinic, RoseBar.

2. Find your breathing space

Breathwork may feel deceptively simple, but its impact can be profound. Mark notes that its rise mirrors yoga’s boom in the 1990s: “The simplest wellness tool we have is both the most powerful and the fastest way to master our emotions.”

Through guided breathwork sessions across many of our hotels and resorts, you can explore a range of gentle techniques, including pranayama (yogic breathing) and transformational breathing. You’ll learn how to breathe yourself brighter and more blissful while regulating your nervous system. The effects can feel surprisingly vivid, perhaps tingling toes or a flash of color before your eyes, leaving you calm yet energized.

Informed by ancient traditions from Greece, India, China, and Buddhism, breathwork is uniquely suited to modern life. You’ll sleep better and leave each session feeling clear-headed and ready to re-engage with the world.

3. Embrace hot, cold, and everything in between

Thermal therapy has quietly evolved from trend to lifestyle. As Mark explains: “Alternating heat and cold, or contrast therapy, is one of the most accessible forms of modern biohacking, and guests at Six Senses have long benefited from it.”

You can move between cold plunge pools, ice baths, full-body cryotherapy, saunas, steam rooms, and infrared heat to support circulation, reduce inflammation, and boost recovery. At Six Senses Rome, our contemporary Roman bathing circuit is inspired by classic hot to cold water rituals. At Six Senses Crans-Montana , Aufguss ceremonies blend heat, music, storytelling, and scent, guided by skilled Sauna Meisters. Looking ahead, Six Senses London opens with a peaceful pool under circadian-rhythm-aligned lighting and thermal suite with steam room, Finnish sauna, cold plunge, and the city’s first hotel magnesium pool.

4. Use smart health - wisely

Mark appreciates that “technology has its place in wellness, but only when used thoughtfully.” At Six Senses, data supports intuition rather than replacing it. Wearables, sleep tracking, and DNA insights help highlight where your body needs attention, allowing hands-on therapies and holistic treatments to be applied with greater precision.

At Six Senses Kyoto, classical Japanese rituals are paired with contemporary biofeedback and personalized programs, offering meaningful restoration even if you’re short on time.

5. Redefine workplace wellness

Workplace health is no longer optional, especially for leaders. Peak performance starts with personal balance. “Leadership effectiveness now depends on more mindful self-care, supported by healthy sleep patterns and regular movement,” he explains, noting that greater emotional intelligence sharpens decision making and reduces burnout.

Across our resorts, our wellness philosophy and personalized programs can support you to lead with clarity and purpose, now and into the future.

As Seneca wisely said, “It’s not how long you live, but how well you live that matters.” Tread your own path by joining one of our immersive programs and retreats, or by working with a Visiting Practitioner to create a journey tailored entirely to you. Discover more on our Wellness Retreats page.