Interview by Ana Dumbadze
In the stressful environment we live in today, taking care of our mental and physical health is important, although oftentimes our efforts don’t go far enough to achieve the necessary balance.
The wellness industry plays a big role in helping us find inner piece, harmony and balance between our mind, body and soul. In this regard, a distinguished spot with a diverse service and team of professionals is Hedone, located in Dighomi, Tbilisi, in a green and beautiful environment, isolated from the noise and dust of the city.
When entering the facility, one directly feels inner peace and calmness due to the cozy and beautiful garden of Hedone, which gives the impression that you’re in the countryside, not just minutes from the capital.
Hedone is a truly must-visit place and happiness hub for those seeking perfect relaxation and an amazing healing experience. Born from the idea of combating mental health issues during the pandemic, Hedone has become a wellness spot that goes beyond the usual expectations and becomes like a home for its visitors.
There is a wide range of procedures available at Hedone, including massages, healing therapies led by skilled physiotherapists, and advanced facial skin care using French and Spanish products. They also offer urological and aesthetic procedures, diode epilation with a modern German device, fitness exercises, yoga, salon services, and a bar with refreshing and alcoholic drinks. In short, Hedone covers all aspects of wellness.
For more detailed information about the story behind Hedone, its success in the Georgian wellness industry and its diverse services, GEORGIA TODAY spoke to its founder, Tinatin Uplisashvili, who elaborates on the importance of wellness and relaxation services for our spiritual and physical well-being.
Tell us about the generally recognized standards around the world in the wellness industry.
The wellness industry is guided by several generally recognized standards around the world. These standards aim to ensure the well-being and safety of individuals seeking wellness services. One of the widely recognized standards focuses on quality management in the wellness industry. For instance, in spa and wellness facilities, the International Spa Association (ISPA) provides a framework for operational best practices that encompass areas such as hygiene, staff training, and customer experience.
Furthermore, some countries may have their own regulations or licensing requirements specific to the wellness industry. For example, certain regions may require massage therapists or nutritionists to be licensed practitioners with appropriate qualifications, having a solid understanding of human anatomy, exercise science principles, and client assessment techniques.
Overall, these generally recognized standards play a crucial role in maintaining quality assurance within the global wellness industry while prioritizing customer well-being and satisfaction.
When and how was the idea of creating Hedone born?
Hedone, a haven of happiness and relaxation named after the Greek goddess herself, was born during the challenging times of the pandemic, our vision was to create a space where people could escape stress, embrace self-expression, and find inner peace. Now open after the restrictions eased, we aim to guide our guests on a journey of physical and spiritual healing. Our goal is simple: to offer an environment that promotes overall well-being and helps you master time management for self-love and self-realization. Let us assist you in understanding your desires better with our diverse themed packages tailored to your needs. At Hedone, we are dedicated to helping you discover yourself while providing pure relaxation when you need it most.
What services does Hedone offer the community, and what makes your wellness center unique?
With over 40 different types of massages and a wide range of healing and weight correction procedures, we have everything you need for the perfect day of relaxation. But that’s not all – our comprehensive services also include salon treatments like diode epilation, hair and nail care, and cosmetic procedures.
Immerse yourself in the serene ambience of our beautiful veranda where we hold intimate yoga sessions, or indulge in individual healing exercises. Our unique healing packages are carefully crafted to address various therapeutic needs, combining manual therapy, underwater therapy, lymph drainage, sports massage, and deep tissue massage to enhance your overall well-being.
Experience the power of specialized therapies such as wine therapy and sea water therapy that will leave you feeling rejuvenated. Additionally, our correction services are designed to help you achieve your health goals.
But it doesn’t stop there – our wellness center is more than just treatments. Located in Tbilisi but offering a tranquil countryside atmosphere with chirping birds and playful squirrels on our veranda surrounded by spruces. Relax at our bar with wholesome food and drinks between sessions or celebrate special occasions like birthdays and book club discussions here.
We haven’t forgotten about children either! Our Children’s Correct Posture Development Program offers top-level rehabilitation doctors who provide comprehensive therapies for proper spine development in kids. We’ve even partnered with renowned sports academies like Zaza Pachulia Basketball Academy to treat future athletes.
At Hedone Wellness Center, everyone can find their bliss – whether you’re seeking ultimate relaxation or specific therapeutic needs. Welcome to a world where wellness meets serenity!
Tell us about the Hedone staff.
Our team at Hedone is made up of highly skilled professionals who are dedicated to providing the best care. From rehabilitation doctors to cosmetologists, manual therapists, and physiotherapy specialists, each member of our staff is certified and experienced in their respective fields. We also offer a personal assistant service to ensure that our guests feel comfortable and have their needs met. We are constantly expanding our team to include even more experts such as nutritionists and endocrinologists, so we can provide comprehensive solutions for our guests’ well-being.
What challenges did you have to overcome on your way to success?
When it came to Hedone, the first challenge we encountered was the pandemic. It was during this time that the idea was born, but we had to overcome the feeling of being trapped. People had accepted this as their new normal and lost their motivation to socialize. We wanted to tell them – step outside, we’re here to offer a joyful and positive environment! Another challenge that still lingers is the unhealthy perception of the wellness industry in our country. This is largely due to unprofessional and incomplete services that have been offered, leading people to lose trust in such facilities. Furthermore, inadequate payment for staff members affects their performance and ultimately distorts society’s approach towards wellness. It becomes our mission to combat this mindset and show everyone that high-quality service delivers truly transformative results. Therefore, it is crucial for attitudes and perspectives in society to shift – we must change minds and restore trust in the wellness industry.
What would you advise women who are taking their first steps in a career in wellness?
First and foremost, let me tell you that being a woman in Georgia is no walk in the park. That’s why empowering and supporting women is incredibly crucial. Instead of being afraid of our own ideas, ourselves, or our potential, we should embrace them with open arms. Let’s step out of our comfort zones, believe in ourselves wholeheartedly, and understand our capabilities better, and boldly pursue all those new ideas buzzing in our minds. Because guess what? Absolutely anything is possible if we put in the effort and conquer our fears. It’s true that the environment may not always be supportive for women, but with unwavering determination and motivation, we can achieve anything we set our hearts on. Taking concrete steps requires courage, but it’s through experimentation and improvisation that we truly grow and develop ourselves to become the best versions of who we are meant to be.
Tell us about your future plans.
Continuing our exciting journey and embracing corporate well-being in Georgia to the fullest. Let’s leave a lasting impact in this arena, with Hedone leading the way as pioneers who openly discuss and strive to enhance the culture of corporate well-being.
