Latest news with #breathwork
Forbes
20-07-2025
- Forbes
Inside The New Cannabis Hospitality Economy: The Shift From Gimmick To Global Business
The Beach Samui At a lakeside resort in Missouri's Ozarks, a new kind of traveler is greeted not with champagne but with a cannabis-infused mocktail and a curated wellness itinerary. Meanwhile, on the beaches of Koh Samui, Thailand, guests at a boutique hotel book consultations with herbalists who recommend precise doses of infused teas and edibles to complement yoga classes or breathwork sessions. This isn't a story about 420-friendly hotels or cannabis dispensary tours. It's about a shift in hospitality moving beyond novelty into serious business. From the U.S. to South America and Southeast Asia, cannabis-centric resorts are emerging for travelers seeking more than access to legal cannabis. They want environments where plant medicine integrates into thoughtful experiences centered on wellness, education and connection. Globally, cannabis tourism was estimated to generate more than $17 billion annually in 2022 and could surpass $23 billion by 2030 as legalization expands and consumer preferences evolve. In Colorado, one of the first states to legalize adult-use cannabis, hotels saw a 25.2% increase in monthly revenue following legalization, according to a study in the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research. Researchers found the positive impact on bookings and revenue persisted for more than six years, highlighting cannabis tourism's role as a sustained force in hospitality economics. 'Most travelers are not coming only for cannabis. They are travelers first, with wellness, curiosity and immersion driving their decisions,' says Laura Hand, board member of the Cannabis Travel Association International. 'Cannabis is simply one piece of a much larger personal journey.' For industry veterans, the future of cannabis hospitality isn't about creating new spaces to get high. It's about environments where people feel safe to unwind, reconnect and explore wellness through plant-based experiences. 'The cannabis traveler today isn't looking for a party. They're looking for restoration, connection and enrichment,' says Philip Wolf, founder of Cultivating Spirits and CashoM, platforms focused on cannabis hospitality education and guided experiences. The Business Of Wellness, Not Weed For serious operators, cannabis is becoming less about joints and gummies and more about wellness programming, curated experiences and education. This shift reflects broader consumer behavior favoring experiential and purpose-driven travel. 'Destinations that thrive will be those that recognize this and intentionally build a welcoming ecosystem to support it,' says Hand. 'Cross-sector collaboration is key.' This aligns with the rise of the experience economy and growing demand for alcohol alternatives, a market projected to reach $2.7 billion by 2034. Integrated thoughtfully, cannabis tourism complements wellness retreats, culinary experiences and mindfulness-based travel. Yet the landscape remains fragmented. In the U.S., cannabis remains federally illegal and public consumption laws differ between states. Even in legal markets, public use is often restricted, leaving travelers without clear options. This creates both challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs navigating gray areas. Operators like Lifted Lodging in Missouri and The Beach Samui in Thailand are positioning themselves ahead of the curve by crafting experiences that balance legality, education and luxury. Thailand's embrace of cannabis had positioned it as Asia's unexpected frontrunner for wellness-focused cannabis tourism. On the quiet southern coast of Koh Samui, The Beach Samui became one of the country's pioneers, integrating cannabis thoughtfully into a boutique luxury hospitality experience. The Beach Samui 'When we opened in 2015, this wasn't even a consideration,' says Bryan Lunt, founder of The Beach Samui. 'But when legalization became a possibility, we moved quickly. We were among the first to secure a dispensary license and it completely changed the resort's offering.' Today, guests at The Beach Samui can visit the Herbalist dispensary for infused chocolates, tinctures and wellness products, or join cannabis cooking classes and yoga sessions. The property blends education, low-dose guidance and a stigma-free environment where plant medicine complements wellness. The Beach Samui The resort's dedicated Cannabis and Wellness Concierge provides personalized consultations to help guests navigate products, dosages and desired outcomes. 'Through a simple conversation, we guide guests to experiences that match their comfort level and wellness goals,' says Lunt. This tailored approach prioritizes guest safety and ensures cannabis use enhances rather than overwhelms the experience. 'There's a real sense of excitement and contentment from cannabis consumers here because it's a rare experience,' says Lunt. 'Guests enjoy the combination of intentional consumption, mindfulness, and natural beauty.' Cameron Clarke, CEO of KANHA, partnered with the resort to ensure consistent, high-quality products for guests seeking trustworthy options. 'People feel safe trying cannabis in this setting because they know the products are properly dosed, labeled, and supported by a knowledgeable team.' While The Beach Samui's model remains operational, recent regulatory changes in Thailand add a layer of complexity for the industry's future. As of mid-2025, new rules require prescriptions for cannabis purchases, shifting the focus back to medical use and prompting uncertainty for some dispensaries. Still, wellness tourism remains a key driver, and operators like The Beach Samui are adapting within the evolving framework. 'This isn't just a hospitality model—it's the foundation for what we believe can become a new category within wellness tourism,' says Lunt. In Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks, Lifted Lodging is building what it hopes will become the country's first national chain of cannabis-friendly resorts. Lifted Lodging Led by founder Lisa Liberman, Lifted Lodging aims to serve markets east of the Rockies where legal cannabis is outpacing hospitality's ability to accommodate it. 'The idea for Lifted Lodging arose from a lack of vacation destinations that accommodated cannabis use,' says Liberman, explaining how her experience planning a wedding in Colorado highlighted the scarcity of cannabis-friendly accommodations, particularly in the Midwest. Scheduled to open its flagship property this fall, Lifted Lodging blends upscale accommodations with wellness-focused programming, education and cannabis-friendly events. Planned activities range from 'Cannabis Olympics' to private dining experiences with local chefs. For newcomers, the resort partners with local dispensaries to offer education on dosing, product selection and harm reduction practices. 'We want all guests, whether experienced or canna-curious, to feel supported, safe and empowered to enjoy cannabis responsibly,' Liberman says. This focus on education is core to Lifted Lodging's commitment to normalizing cannabis within mainstream hospitality. Lifted Lodging's strategy includes its Lifted OG Founding Members Program and partnerships with Foxhole Hospitality and Cooper Creative to support expansion into regions like upstate New York. Not every cannabis hospitality experiment has met expectations. In 2023, Las Vegas saw the launch of The Lexi, a hotel marketing itself as cannabis-friendly with select rooms designated for consumption. Within just a few months, The Lexi pivoted away from its cannabis branding. The project served as a reminder that token gestures and partial infrastructure aren't enough to satisfy modern travelers. Leaders in cannabis tourism agree that success depends on moving beyond gimmicks. Hand emphasizes destinations poised to lead are those integrating cannabis into existing ecosystems of wellness, hospitality and cultural tourism. Emerging Destinations: Latin America, Asia And the Caribbean Across emerging and established markets, cannabis tourism is evolving beyond cliché. Uruguay remains a pioneer, with projects like Larica blending fine dining and education through cannabis-infused experiences and its 420-friendly guesthouse Casa Larica. In Argentina, Los Cauces offers an ecotourism model in Patagonia, combining mountain-grown cannabis with sustainability, research and wellness programming. Los Cauces In Colombia, Casa María in Bogotá integrates coworking, coliving and cannabis education, offering workshops, medical consultations and cultural programming to destigmatize responsible use. Casa María feautres its own dab bar Jamaica evolves its hospitality models with properties like Hedonism II's HedoWeedo. Coral Cove offers psilocybin microdosing retreats and cannabis-infused experiences, including its own on-site grow operation and activities like 'high snorkeling' at its private reef, expanding plant medicine tourism beyond cannabis alone. In Puerto Rico, medical cannabis reciprocity allows mainland U.S. patients access to dispensaries during their stay. Officials are exploring opportunities to integrate medical cannabis tourism into the island's wellness sectors. The Road Ahead: Integration, Not Isolation Wolf sees this shift as essential. 'Cannabis is a tool, not the destination,' he says. 'It's a pathway to intentional living, creativity, mindfulness and connection.' His companies focus on integrating cannabis into curated experiences like guided tastings and retreats that prioritize enrichment over intoxication. Whether a luxury resort in Thailand or an eco-retreat in Patagonia, the future of cannabis hospitality belongs to those building experiences that serve both people and place with care. The future of cannabis tourism won't be defined by smoke-friendly hotel floors but by those integrating plant medicine into wellness, hospitality and cultural immersion with care and intention. As Wolf says, cannabis hospitality's future belongs to those who serve purpose, not novelty — building a new kind of travel rooted in mindfulness, connection and place.
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ashley Roberts shares grisly health battle on Loose Women that saw her battle facial shingles and stomach ulcers - but fans all have the same complaint about ITV panel
has told of her health battle on Loose Women which saw her fight facial shingles and stomach ulcers - but fans felt compelled to weigh in with the same complaint. The Heart Radio presenter and former Pussycat Dolls singer, 43, appeared on the ITV panel show on Thursday to promote her new book Breathwork. It sees her share breathing techniques that helped her with restlessness, anxiety, terrible sleep and a career change - as well as her father's tragic death by suicide. She was interviewed on the programme by panellists Charlene White, 45, Linda Robson, 67, Kelly Brook, 45, and Nadia Sawalha, 60. Ashley shared with them the dramatic health battles she was facing before starting breathwork exercises turned her life around. But meanwhile, viewers at home were all annoyed by the same thing - they were distracted from her honest confessions by the panellists talking over her. One user said on X: 'Can Charlene just let Ashley get a word in? She is the guest.' Another commented on the social media platform: 'Why don't you all shut up and let Ashley Roberts speak?' It came as during the interview, Ashley got very vulnerable about a particularly difficult period in her life and work. She had entered into a new phase of her career, after her gruelling time in the iconic noughties girl band The Pussycat Dolls, known for hits like Don't Cha and Buttons. And her father Pat Roberts, the former drummer for American folk rock group The Mamas & The Papas, tragically took his own life aged 37 in 2018. 'So, at one point, I had eczema across my legs, shingles across my face and an ulcer [in her stomach]', she said. Nadia exclaimed, 'That's so old-fashioned!', while Ashley's Heart Radio colleague Kelly said sympathetically, 'I can't imagine you being that stressed out!' Ashley continued: 'And I went to this acupuncturist and she goes, "If you don't scream, your body is going to scream for you". Viewers at home were all annoyed by the same thing - they were distracted from her honest confessions by the panellists talking over her 'You know, it's going to find a way to get out... 'And all of a sudden, it catches up to you and you're like, "Oh, wait a second, maybe I should have taken a pause and done something like breathwork", or whatever it is, go for a walk, have a dance.' The TV personality told of how challenging her pop career had been: 'It was a lot, it was also a different time. 'We have so many different conversations that we're having now, like even today, just sitting and talking about this. 'But I mean, back then, it was just like, you got on the horse, saddle up and let's go, we're going for the ride.' Her childhood experience with competitive dancing had given her a certain attitude to her own mental health. 'I sort of was like, "Well, the show must go on!"', she said. 'But yeah, it did take its toll over time. It was a hard schedule to keep up with, that's for sure.' The presenter has also waged a long-running battle against sleeplessness and racing thoughts, with a 'mind that is always going a bit crazy'. 'So, the people that know me best know that I've struggled with sleep for most of my life', she explained. 'Since I was 14, I had a really bad episode and so, [breathwork] is something, yes, that can help you.' Breathwork is a practice that uses controlled breathing techniques to reduce stress, improve mental clarity and promote physical and emotional healing. Ashley discovered it on a digital detox retreat, in this period when she was generally 'feeling a bit lost'. She recalled thinking to herself: '"Woah, this is the most relaxed and connected to myself that I've felt in so long".' Amid her grisly health struggles, the radio host has found breathing techniques 'transformative and so precious'. 'And that's why I want to share it because the human experience is tricky, right? None of us get out unscathed', she said. 'And sometimes, it's tough and it smacks you around a little bit. 'And this is the most personal I've been, within this book, because I wanted to share my story and how that has affected my nervous system, my over-active mind.' It comes after Ashley opened up to the Mail's The Life of Bryony Podcast about other aspects of the devastating toll her time in the music industry had on her. She told Mail columnist Bryony Gordon how being forced to give up dancing - and discovering breathwork - pulled her back from the brink of a mental breakdown. The performer was only 22 years old when she joined The Pussycat Dolls in 2003, eventually moving to London from Los Angeles after their split in 2010. Ashley's new book transforms the hard-won lessons from her difficult past into practical techniques for improving mental and physical health. 'My body was literally shutting down', Ashley told the podcast. 'The Dolls were in London doing a show. I was sat in my hotel room and all of a sudden, I had this extreme headache. The performer (pictured in 2008) was only 22 years old when she joined The Pussycat Dolls in 2003, eventually moving to London from Los Angeles after their split in 2010 'The pain was unreal. I also felt really sick. We were supposed to do a show in Germany the next day, so I called my manager - who told me to go to the hospital. 'The doctors thought I'd had a brain aneurysm. When I went to have an MRI, my knee locked up and that was viral arthritis entering my body. 'My mentality at the time was all about making it to the next show – but that was the moment I remember thinking, "What's going on here? I need to take a second because this isn't cool".' Ashley revealed how the cutthroat music industry had instilled a toxic work ethic that was destroying her health. 'The early 2000s was a whole different era honey', the performer told Bryony. 'No one ever spoke about mental health or the importance of checking in. 'I am grateful there has been a shift – people cancelling shows now when they need to look after themselves. 'I felt I was weak. It was instilled in us from a young age that we were interchangeable. After making the move to London permanent, the Heart Radio presenter told Bryony how feeling 'spiritually lost' in her new home led her to discover breathwork 'There was a pressure of like, if you don't show up, who knows what might happen? 'I grew up in the dance world and there is still an attitude of – if you break your toe, you need to keep going. Your mind is programmed to think: the show must go on. 'In the end, I had to take some time off. It was a viral infection with extreme side effects – what was probably a manifestation of being so rundown.' Following The Pussycat Dolls' split in 2010, Ashley began building her career in the UK, finishing as runner-up on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2012. After making the move to London permanent, the Heart Radio presenter told Bryony how feeling 'spiritually lost' in her new home led her to discover breathwork - her second great love after music. 'After the Dolls, I stopped dancing completely', Ashley said. 'Being in a pop group for so long, I just shut all that down and wanted to go in a different direction.' It was then she found breathwork: 'It created this sense of calm that I can't explain. 'I always felt this chaos internally and suddenly, for a few moments, it felt like I wasn't battling it anymore. 'I didn't quite realise how then how great a tool it would be in helping me process life. 'When my dad died, that ability to reflect gave me the motivation to stay strong – and I want to share that.'
Malay Mail
15-07-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
‘No Tantra, no magic mushrooms': eHati founders deny un-Islamic practice claims
KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 — The founders of eHati International Sdn Bhd have denied allegations that their programmes promote teachings that deviate from Islamic principles. In a media statement, Diyana Tahir and Rahim Shukor said the accusations against them were based on viral social media posts that they claimed were misleading and unverified. They said several posts made by a Facebook account identified as Masyitah Ashari had triggered public criticism against eHati since July 2. 'We wish to clarify that we have never received any complaints from any participant regarding the content or implementation of our programmes,' the founders said. According to the statement, eHati denied claims that it incorporated elements from other religious rituals, such as Tantra, stating that its therapy modules were based on hypnotherapy, breathwork, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming. They said the modules were designed to support women in managing emotional and psychological challenges and did not conflict with Islamic teachings or social values. 'In or around November 2022, we attended a session with Jais to explain a programme we had conducted. After we gave a detailed explanation, Jais accepted it and informed us that the programme could continue,' the statement said. The founders added that they accepted Jais' advice to include a disclaimer to ensure participants clearly understood the programme's objectives. They further said that eHati's programmes do not undermine the role of marriage or the family institution and are intended to help women improve their relationships. The statement also addressed concerns about a drink promoted by the group, stating it was a blend of raw cocoa, honey, and natural spices, and did not contain any banned substances or 'magic mushrooms'. They urged the authorities to verify the accuracy of information from social media before issuing any statements or taking action.
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Doctors thought I had a brain aneurysm - Ashley Roberts reveals how stress of life in the Pussycat Dolls caused her 'body to shut down'
Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts revealed the devastating physical toll the music industry had on her in the latest episode of the Mail's The Life of Bryony podcast. Ashley, 43, told Mail columnist Bryony Gordon how being forced to give up dancing - and discovering breathwork - pulled her back from the brink of a mental breakdown. The performer was only 22 years old when she joined the group in 2003, eventually moving to London from Los Angeles after their split in 2010. Ashley's new book, Breathwork, transforms the hard-won lessons from her difficult past into practical techniques for improving mental and physical health. 'My body was literally shutting down', Ashley told the podcast. 'The Dolls were in London doing a show. I was sat in my hotel room and all of a sudden I had this extreme headache. 'The pain was unreal. I also felt really sick. We were supposed to do a show in Germany the next day, so I called my manager - who told me to go to the hospital. 'The doctors thought I'd had a brain aneurysm. When I went to have an MRI, my knee locked up and that was viral arthritis entering my body. 'My mentality at the time was all about making it to the next show – but that was the moment I remember thinking: what's going on here? I need to take a second because this isn't cool.' Ashley revealed how the cutthroat music industry had instilled a toxic work ethic that was destroying her health. 'The early 2000s was a whole different era honey', the performer told Bryony. 'No one ever spoke about mental health or the importance of checking in. I am grateful there has been a shift – people cancelling shows now when they need to look after themselves. 'I felt I was weak. It was instilled in us from a young age that we were interchangeable. There was a pressure of like, if you don't show up, who knows what might happen. 'I grew up in the dance world and there is still an attitude of – if you break your toe, you need to keep going. Your mind is programmed to think: the show must go on. 'In the end, I had to take some time off. It was a viral infection with extreme side effects – what was probably a manifestation of being so rundown.' Following the Pussycat Dolls' split in 2010, Ashley began building her career in the UK, finishing runner-up on I'm A Me Out of Here! in 2012. After making the move to London permanent, the Heart radio presenter told Bryony how feeling 'spiritually lost' in her new home led her to discover breathwork - her second great love after music. Breathwork is a practice that uses controlled breathing techniques to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and promote physical and emotional healing. 'After the Dolls, I stopped dancing completely', Ashley said. 'Being in a pop group for so long, I just shut all that down and wanted to go in a different direction. 'I decided to go to Bali – I went because I knew this life coach who was putting on a retreat out there. I went on my own for 12 days, no cell phones, no technology, I completely disconnected. 'I remember doing my first breathwork class and oh my God, it felt so good. It created this sense of calm that I can't explain. 'I always felt this chaos internally and suddenly, for a few moments, it felt like I wasn't battling it anymore. 'I didn't quite realise how then how great a tool it would be in helping me process life. 'When my dad died, that ability to reflect gave me the motivation to stay strong – and I want to share that.' To listen to the full candid interview with the former Pussycat Doll, search for The Life of Bryony now, wherever you get your podcasts.
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Nadia Bartel reveals new details about split with ex-husband and AFL star Jimmy in emotional interview: 'I was in a bad place'
Nadia Bartel has revealed 'the most intense experience' she had following her devastating split from AFL star Jimmy. The Aussie model, 40, who ended her marriage with her husband of five years in 2019, sat down with Bec Judd and Jess Roberts on their podcast Vain-ish, where she discussed her self-care regimen. Speaking to the podcast hosts, the Henne founder revealed that she turned to meditation and breathwork to 'recentre' herself in the wake of her divorce. 'I got into that after the split from my marriage,' she told Bec and Jess. Speaking of her breathwork journey, Nadia said that the recommendation came from a mate who 'knew I was struggling'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. She turned to Jess and Bec, saying: 'I was in a bad place, as you guys knew.' Nadia's friend said that her brother had recently gone through a break-up too and had turned to breathwork as a means of therapy. 'When you're going through something, you're willing to do anything,' Nadia added about the experience. Despite saying she probably wouldn't have tried if she had Googled it beforehand, Nadia said the experience was 'incredible'. 'It was three hours of the most intense experience,' she said, adding that the instructor taught her how to get into a meditative state through breathing in and out. 'It was almost hard to do it. You're having all these intense thoughts when you're doing it,' she said. 'And then my whole body and fingers started cramping and tears were pouring... 'It was like an out-of-body' experience.' Nadia and Jimmy, who were once considered the glamour couple of the AFL, separated in 2019 after five years of marriage. The couple married back in 2014 and share two sons, Henley and Aston. Nadia said at the time: 'It's been a very difficult month for me and the boys.' 'My single focus now is to continue to protect, care for, and provide for my two beautiful boys as this is a personal matter. I am so thankful for my very supportive family and friends.' Jimmy, famous for his tenure with the Geelong Football Club, welcomed a baby girl with his now-girlfriend Amelia Shepperd on April 4, 2023. Nadia and former footballer Peter Dugmore went public with their relationship at the 2024 Australian Open tennis and the couple are still going strong.
