The World Wellness Weekend (WWW) has grown from an annual wellness event to a global movement that inspires millions of people to improve their physical, mental and emotional health. With an approach that encompasses practices from yoga and meditation to innovative activities such as forest bathing and alternative therapies, WWW promotes wellness in its most holistic form. In its 8th edition, held in September 2024, the Dominican Republic stood out as a leading country under the visionary leadership of Flavio Acuña, founder and CEO of Spa Natural Center in Punta Cana, and recognized ambassador of the World Wellness Weekend Dominican Republic.
Flavio Acuña, with more than 32 years of experience in physiotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine, has been a key figure in the expansion of the wellness movement in the region. His work has positioned the Dominican Republic as a globally recognized destination for health and wellness tourism, attracting travelers seeking holistic wellness experiences. His leadership has been essential in engaging both resorts and the local community in this global celebration.
What is the World Wellness Weekend?
World Wellness Weekend is a global celebration that invites people around the world to explore and adopt wellness habits through free and accessible activities. Since its launch in 2017, the event has grown rapidly, and in its 8th edition, has engaged more than 160 countries and millions of participants.
WWW’s goal is to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to adopt a healthier lifestyle by connecting with their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Activities include yoga, meditation, massage workshops, alternative therapies, fitness and health talks, providing participants with tools and experiences that can transform their daily lives. This event takes place annually on the third weekend of September, an ideal time to reflect and adjust habits just before the change of season.
Dominican Republic: A leader in global wellness in the 8th edition
In 2024, the Dominican Republic stood out as one of the countries with the highest participation in the World Wellness Weekend, with more than 2,100 activities organized in 94 parks and 4 beaches throughout the country. Under the leadership of Flavio Acuña, the country managed not only to attract a multitude of tourists interested in wellness, but also to actively involve the local community.
The Punta Cana region, famous for its natural beauty and luxury resorts, was the epicenter of this wellness movement. Several of the area’s most prestigious resorts participated, offering a series of activities designed to rejuvenate body and mind. Among the most prominent participants were:
- Excellence El Carmen
- Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana
- Sanctuary Cap Cana
- Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort
- Catalonia Bavaro Beach
These hotels provided unique wellness experiences that included outdoor yoga classes, guided meditation by the sea, therapeutic massages and fitness sessions. Combining the natural beauty of the region with effective wellness practices created an ideal environment for the care of body and mind.
Highlights of the event
The quality and diversity of the activities offered during the World Wellness Weekend Dominican Republic were fundamental to its success. Some of the highlights included:
- Yoga at sunrise on the beach: The beaches of Bávaro witnessed yoga classes led by renowned national and international instructors. The natural surroundings provided the perfect environment for an experience of deep connection between body and nature.
- Massage workshops at spas: Several luxury spas organized massage and relaxation workshops, where participants learned different techniques, from Swedish massage to hot stone massage.
- Fitness and Zumba: Fitness sessions also played a leading role, with functional training, Zumba and Pilates classes, accessible to both tourists and the local community.
- Wellness and mindfulness talks: Specialists in nutrition, physiotherapy and wellness offered lectures on how to maintain a balanced life. Flavio Acuña was one of the main speakers, sharing his knowledge on physiotherapy and holistic health.
Flavio Acuña: Welfare leader in the Dominican Republic
Flavio Acuña has not only been the driving force behind the success of World Wellness Weekend in the Dominican Republic, but he is also one of the most influential figures in the wellness field throughout the Caribbean. As founder and CEO of Spa Natural Center, he has played a crucial role in promoting wellness practices accessible to all, both for tourists and the local community.
Acuña has used his more than 27 years of experience in physiotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine to inspire other wellness professionals and lead initiatives that promote a healthy lifestyle. Thanks to his vision, the Dominican Republic has positioned itself as a key destination for health and wellness tourism, attracting people seeking a holistic rejuvenation experience.
His commitment to wellness is not only reflected in his work at Spa Natural Center, but also in his active participation as ambassador of the World Wellness Weekend Dominican Republic and Vice President of the Ibero-American Association of Health and Wellness Tourism. Vice President of the Ibero-American Association of Health and Wellness Tourism, where he continues to lead initiatives to make wellness accessible to all.where he continues to lead initiatives to make wellness accessible to all.
The impact of the World Wellness Weekend on the Dominican community
The World Wellness Weekend has not only had a significant impact on the wellness tourism industry, but also on the local community in the Dominican Republic. Many of the activities offered during the event were completely free of charge, allowing thousands of people to access quality wellness experiences that they would not otherwise have been able to enjoy.
This accessibility is one of the key principles of the World Wellness Weekend: to make wellness available to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
The activities organized during the event helped to promote healthier lifestyles among Dominicans, raising awareness of the importance of taking care of both body and mind.
World Wellness Weekend has transformed the way the Dominican Republic perceives and experiences wellness, and much of this success is due to the leadership of Flavio Acuña. His tireless work as founder and CEO of Spa Natural Center, along with his role as WWW ambassador, has helped consolidate the country as a reference destination in health and wellness tourism.
Through this event, thousands of people have discovered the benefits of adopting an active and conscious lifestyle, and the positive impact of this edition will continue to resonate both locally and globally. With the participation of renowned hotels and spas, the 8th edition of the World Wellness Weekend in the Dominican Republic has marked a before and after in wellness tourism.