More than 300 brands in 70 countries have signed up to support Global Wellness Day (GWD) – a not-for-profit day of wellness activities founded by Belgin Aksoy of Aksoy Hotel Group and owner of Richmond Nua, a destination spa in Turkey.

“We are thrilled with the response we’ve received so far,” said Aksoy. “Although we come from the spa world where the topic of wellness is central, we encourage people to keep it simple and start with even the very basic things on GWD – such as eating organic, drinking more water, taking a walk with family and not using plastic.”

“We never imagined it would catch on and grow this fast,” Aksoy continued. “It seems to prove that the world is ready to start making smart choices about their own physical and mental health, the health of their neighbours and the planet we all share.”

Examples of operator brands participating in locations across the world on 13 June include Anantara, Accor, Chuan Spas, Fairmont, Four Seasons, Grace Hotels, Healing Hotels of the World, Hyatt, Jiva Spas, Jumeirah, LUX* Resorts, Marriott, Mandarin Oriental, Montage Hotels & resorts, Peninsula, Remede, Six Senses, Sofitel So Spa, Trump Spas and Windham Spas.

Skincare brands involved in the support of GWD include Aromatherapy Associates, Biologique Recherche, Bliss, Cinq Mondes (France, Belgique, Maroc, Monaco), Clarins (France and the UAE), Comfort Zone, ESPA, Guerlain, Natura Bisse, Steiner, Thalgo, Thémaé and Voya.

In Thailand a total of 15 different presentations on wellness topics for families will take place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in addition to a number of other activities.

In Australia, GWD will be celebrated in conjunction with an event called ‘Happiness and its Causes’ on 10-11 June in Sydney – where the Dalai Lama is expected to speak. More than 200 spas, 120 health clubs and three ski facilities in the country are set to recognise GWD.

GWD is being promoted on the radio and TV in the Philippines, publicising an educational event that will take place on 13 June.

One of the largest public parks in Istanbul, Turkey, will host a full day of complimentary wellness seminars, pilates and yoga workshops, plus children’s activities and healthy food offerings.

In Austria, the five-star Hotel Zürerhof will be supporting GWD, in addition to FH Johanneum – the University of Applied Science – and Tirol Tourism.

Yoga and cooking classes are among some of the GWD initiatives in Greek locations such as Mykonos, Thessaloniki and Athens.

More than 50 spas are committed to supporting GWD across France.

In Spain GWD will be celebrated at properties operated by Sha Wellness and Mandarin Oriental. The Spa Association of the Canary Islands is also set to play a role.

Portuguese schools of dance and yoga will offer special programmes during the day throughout the company, alongside other business’ wellness celebrations.

In the US, Imperial Beach near San Diego will host a wellness party, as will one shopping street in Los Angeles. Sonoma, a healing arts community, will celebrate the day – as will 15 Marriott hotels. Spafinder Wellness 365 will publicise ways in which its 23,000 wellness provider members can support GWD.