Former world number one tennis player Maria Sharapova has entered into a multi-year partnership to become Aman’s first-ever global wellness ambassador.

In her new role, the Russian former elite athlete will co-create a series of retreats across different Aman properties focused on preparation, performance and recovery to encompass body and mind.

Aman says the partnership with Sharapova – a long-term fan of the luxury hotel group – is a natural extension of their existing relationship.

Sharapova will host her first retreat in February 2024 at Amanpuri, Aman’s flagship property in Phuket, Thailand.

The three-night performance and Recovery Retreat will see Sharapova curate and mentor participants through a series of interactive experiences and activities, as well as informative sessions with specialists that she has worked with during her 20-year career as an elite athlete,

Alongside a focus on ethos, Sharapova will incorporate innovative technologies that she uses in her daily wellness routine to create a forward-thinking retreat.

Group activities, dining experiences and Q&A sessions with Sharapova and visiting practitioners will complete the offering.

She commented: “This partnership came from my personal experience over the last few years as I made the transition from professional athlete to businesswoman and Mother.

“I was so fortunate to get years of incredible physical and mental training which now helps me perform at the highest level in all my endeavours.

“Aman and I wanted to give its community access to coaching and training – designed for elite athletes – that will serve the pursuit of their personal and professional aspirations.”

In addition, Aman New York has recently launched a half-day Strength and Recovery retreat designed by Sharapova.

The itinerary includes an optimised performance breakfast menu developed in partnership with Sharapova and executive chef Jeremy Price, an hour strength and conditioning session created by Sharapova, followed by a Banya treatment, reflexology and an Aman x 111Skin face mask, held in one of the private Aman Spa houses.

New funding

Last week, Aman received US$360 million (€336.1 million, £288.9 million) in funding from UAE royals to fund its expansion plans – namely, the launch of its sister brand Janu in Tokyo in Q4.

The investors include a unit of Abu Dhabi wealth fund Mubadala Investment Co and Alpha Wave Ventures, a private equity fund co-managed by Alpha Wave Global and Chimera Capital, according to Skift.

The recent cash injection builds upon the additional US$900 million (€840.3 million, £722.2 million) in funding Aman already received in 2022 from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Cain International.

Aman has used the extra money to bolster its Janu development pipeline, which now includes 11 upcoming projects in the Maldives, Montenegro, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, Turks & Caicos and UAE.

The update also means Aman’s valuation has surpassed the US$3 billion (€2.8 billion, £2.4 billion) mark.

Welcoming JanuUnveiled in 2020, Janu is underpinned by a fresh philosophy based on social connection, equilibrium and human interaction.

Aman says Janu properties will feature spas designed to facilitate social connection and equilibrium through extensive hydro and thermal offerings intended as social spaces. Meanwhile, hotel design will focus on space and light.

More about Aman

Aman's portfolio is made up of 34 hotels and resorts spread throughout the globe in both urban and remote locations across North America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Africa.

The group has a development pipeline of six properties

In recent years, the Aman Group has grown its offer to include Aman Skincare (2018), supplement range Sva (2020), Aman Fine Fragrance (2020) and performance skincare line Aman Essential Skin (2023).