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Wellness

Latest news and features on wellness, including diet, mental health trends, exercise, fitness, medicine and diseases.

Hyrox taps into a larger tourism trend of travel increasingly centred around passions and personal goals. Photo: Jocelyn Tam

Hyrox's Rise in Asia

Asia’s hottest new travel trend? The Hyrox ‘race-cation’

Athletes and spectators are combining fitness challenges with exploring new cities across Asia, boosting hotel demand for specific wellness amenities.

Supported by

Hyatt Asia Pacific

Soho House

Review | Soho House opens in Tokyo’s fashionable Aoyama neighbourhood

13 May 2026 - 3:00PM

Health & Fitness

No membership required: Hong Kong parks are this coach’s gym of choice

13 May 2026 - 11:00AM

Mental health

Letters | It’s OK to open up to an AI bot – just don’t stop there

Readers discuss ensuring AI is but a bridge to effective mental health support, Thailand’s termination of its MOU with Cambodia, and the future of warfare.

10 May 2026 - 11:30AM

In Hong Kong, AI assistance is now the sixth most common option among those seeking help. Photo: AP

How to age well

Why tai chi and qigong are great for health, and English classes in Hong Kong

The Chinese ‘internal’ arts of tai chi and qigong offer a host of health benefits and are slowly becoming more accessible to English speakers.

11 May 2026 - 5:20PM

Wealth: Healthcare

Unlocking your genetic code: the potential health benefits of DNA sequencing

Genome sequencing analysis helps identify potential risks and facilitate ‘precision living’ to minimise those risks.

Supported by

Standard Chartered

How to age well

This fit former bodybuilder thought pole would be easy. He was wrong

Hong Kong-born LA resident Ray Kayan found that gym strength means little on the fitness pole, an activity he finds ‘empowering’.

9 May 2026 - 7:29AMvideocam

Ray Kayan performs graceful moves on a fitness pole, which require great strength and flexibility. Pole performance has been growing as a form of fitness since the 58-year-old started, even among men. Photo: Facebook/Ray Leung

Wealth: Healthcare

Future-proofing: how longevity medicine is reshaping health prospects

With people living longer and fewer children being born to support older generations, can preventive longevity medicine help provide a more secure and healthy future?

Supported by

Standard Chartered

Hyrox's Rise in Asia

Hyrox races are taking Asia by storm, redefining fitness culture

The rise of the hybrid format is fuelled by its community-driven races, accessible indoor fitness structure, and strategic partnerships.

Supported by

Hyatt Asia Pacific

Fashion

4 luxury pyjama sets for cosy nights in, from Ralph Lauren to LoveShackFancy

From Olivia von Halle’s Italian-print silk satin to LoveShackFancy’s pima cotton, these jammie sets will make bedtime feel truly indulgent.

8 May 2026 - 11:00AM

Pyjamas are a key trend for 2026. Photo: Ralph Lauren

Wealth: Healthcare

Resort-based genetic testing might be medical tourism’s next frontier

Humansa and Chi Longevity are working with resorts like The Chedi Andermatt and the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, while The Lanserhof has its own resorts.

Supported by

Standard Chartered

Wealth: Healthcare

The ultra-rich are seeking longevity through innovative AI wearables

The most innovative healthcare monitors are no longer in hospitals, but increasingly found on our own bodies, opening up the opportunity for biohacking.

Supported by

Standard Chartered

Fashion

How British brand If Only If is leading the revival of stylish nighties

Once dismissed as the preserve of grandmas and little girls, the nightie is having its most interesting moment in decades.

7 May 2026 - 10:33AM

Health & Fitness

Want to do Hyrox? Hong Kong coaches explain how to train and prepare

Hong Kong Hyrox coaches explain training methods, what to avoid and why carbs are good, plus why it’s important to choose your race wisely.

7 May 2026 - 7:15AMvideocam

Hong Kong Hyrox athlete Caleb Heung competes in his first solo Hyrox race in Bangkok in 2026. He and fellow competitor-trainer Daniel Yeung share tips on how to prepare your body and mind if you want to take part in the hugely popular fitness competition. Photo: Instagram/caleb_heung

Health & Fitness

From wine critic to representing Hong Kong in the world’s fastest-growing sport

Now one of Asia’s fastest Hyrox athletes, former wine critic Claire Nesbitt helps others achieve their Hyrox and other fitness goals.

6 May 2026 - 12:29PM

Claire Nesbitt pushes a sled in the Hyrox Pro Women race in Seoul, South Korea, in November 2025. She is one of Asia’s fastest Hyrox athletes and a full-time coach. Photo: Claire Nesbitt

Beauty

Debunking myths about face oils – and how the right type can benefit you

Experts say these oils balance your skin and reduce inflammation – celebrities like Princess Kate, Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow agree.

5 May 2026 - 12:00PM

Parenting: newborns to toddlers

Why are we still judging how mothers feed their babies?

Between Hewitt’s essay on choosing formula and Willis breastfeeding her toddler, the ‘breast is best’ conversation remains loaded with judgment.

7 May 2026 - 10:50AM

Dementia

1 in 4 people are ‘Alzheimer’s gene’ carriers like Chris Hemsworth. What to do

APOE4 comes with a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease, but the 25 per cent of people who have it can lower that risk with lifestyle changes.

4 May 2026 - 7:15AMvideocam

Chris Hemsworth famously carries a pair of APOE4 gene alleles, which makes his risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease significantly greater than non-carriers. A doctor who also carries two APOE4s explains how lifestyle changes can significantly affect the development of the condition. Photo: Instagram/chrishemsworth

How to age well

How to sleep better, from bedtimes to regularity – what the research says

Sleep research has come a long way in the last decade. Here’s what you need to know to help make your slumber better.

3 May 2026 - 7:15AM

Japan

Rapidly ageing Japan’s ‘macho carers’ lend muscles to benefit elderly, disabled

Japan’s care industry is facing a shortage of workers, and one company is plugging the gap by deploying ‘cool’ and well-toned staff.

5 May 2026 - 1:36PMvideocam

Lessons from China's history

Reflections | Ancient Chinese sleep advice, from bedtimes and body positions to state of mind

For premodern Chinese people, sleep was much more than daily rest – it was a cultivated discipline and a medical necessity.

2 May 2026 - 8:15AM

The ancient Chinese believed that the ideal sleep schedule followed nature’s rhythms, and rising early was prized. Photo: Shutterstock

Smoking and vaping

Editorial | Hong Kong’s new vaping ban is a healthy step forward

While some are sceptical of the effectiveness of the latest crackdown on vaping, the city needs to protect the youth from developing a nicotine habit.

2 May 2026 - 7:15AM

A pedestrian walks past at a bus stop in Tsim Sha Tsui with an advertisement promoting the ban on the public use of alternative smoking products, on April 28. Photo: Jelly Tse

Medicine

Healing like Wolverine? Why peptide stacking is taking off and risks involved

Taking multiple synthetic peptides to target goals like weight loss, muscle growth and injury recovery is not without its risks, experts say.

2 May 2026 - 7:43AM

Icons and Influencers

Style according to … J.J. Martin, founder of Milan-based La DoubleJ

The high-vibration, maximalist designer on channelled wisdom, goddess energy, and building a colourful life with intention.

2 May 2026 - 7:00AM

Medicine

Do you feel more anxious after googling symptoms? You could have cyberchondria

Also known as ‘Dr Google syndrome’, cyberchondria can lead to depression or, at worst, illness anxiety disorder.

1 May 2026 - 3:15PM

Cyberchondria is an unfounded fear of, or heightened attention to, serious physical illnesses based on perusal of internet content, according to one doctor. Photo: Shutterstock

Medicine

Letters | Why lifestyle medicine belongs in Asia’s nasopharyngeal cancer conversation

Readers discuss a form of cancer endemic to East and Southeast Asia, the impact of the disruption to oil supply on Asian cities, and EU support for Ukraine.

1 May 2026 - 11:30AM

People smoke traditional and e-cigarettes in Causeway Bay in January 2025. Smoking is one of the risk factors for nasopharyngeal cancer. Photo: Nora Tam

What to do in Hong Kong

5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong on Labour Day weekend, May 1-3

Hunt for rare Pokemon cards, savour French wine and cheese, shop for antiques, enjoy a Cantopop Pilates party or watch Aaron Kwok’s new film.

5 May 2026 - 2:59PMvideocam

Food and Drinks

Asian-American mother challenges tough Chinese traditions for new mums

Clarissa Wei’s cookbook ‘Sitting the Month’ puts a modern spin on the traditional Chinese foods typically given to post-partum mothers.

5 May 2026 - 10:16AM

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Wellness

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}Asia’s hottest new travel trend? The Hyrox ‘race-cation’

Athletes and spectators are combining fitness challenges with exploring new cities across Asia, boosting hotel demand for specific wellness amenities.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Review | Soho House opens in Tokyo’s fashionable Aoyama neighbourhood

No membership required: Hong Kong parks are this coach’s gym of choice

Letters | It’s OK to open up to an AI bot – just don’t stop there

Readers discuss ensuring AI is but a bridge to effective mental health support, Thailand’s termination of its MOU with Cambodia, and the future of warfare.

Why tai chi and qigong are great for health, and English classes in Hong Kong

The Chinese ‘internal’ arts of tai chi and qigong offer a host of health benefits and are slowly becoming more accessible to English speakers.

Unlocking your genetic code: the potential health benefits of DNA sequencing

Genome sequencing analysis helps identify potential risks and facilitate ‘precision living’ to minimise those risks.

This fit former bodybuilder thought pole would be easy. He was wrong

Hong Kong-born LA resident Ray Kayan found that gym strength means little on the fitness pole, an activity he finds ‘empowering’.

Future-proofing: how longevity medicine is reshaping health prospects

With people living longer and fewer children being born to support older generations, can preventive longevity medicine help provide a more secure and healthy future?

Hyrox races are taking Asia by storm, redefining fitness culture

The rise of the hybrid format is fuelled by its community-driven races, accessible indoor fitness structure, and strategic partnerships.

4 luxury pyjama sets for cosy nights in, from Ralph Lauren to LoveShackFancy

From Olivia von Halle’s Italian-print silk satin to LoveShackFancy’s pima cotton, these jammie sets will make bedtime feel truly indulgent.

Resort-based genetic testing might be medical tourism’s next frontier

Humansa and Chi Longevity are working with resorts like The Chedi Andermatt and the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, while The Lanserhof has its own resorts.

The ultra-rich are seeking longevity through innovative AI wearables

The most innovative healthcare monitors are no longer in hospitals, but increasingly found on our own bodies, opening up the opportunity for biohacking.

How British brand If Only If is leading the revival of stylish nighties

Once dismissed as the preserve of grandmas and little girls, the nightie is having its most interesting moment in decades.

Want to do Hyrox? Hong Kong coaches explain how to train and prepare

Hong Kong Hyrox coaches explain training methods, what to avoid and why carbs are good, plus why it’s important to choose your race wisely.

From wine critic to representing Hong Kong in the world’s fastest-growing sport

Now one of Asia’s fastest Hyrox athletes, former wine critic Claire Nesbitt helps others achieve their Hyrox and other fitness goals.

Debunking myths about face oils – and how the right type can benefit you

Experts say these oils balance your skin and reduce inflammation – celebrities like Princess Kate, Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow agree.

Why are we still judging how mothers feed their babies?

Between Hewitt’s essay on choosing formula and Willis breastfeeding her toddler, the ‘breast is best’ conversation remains loaded with judgment.

1 in 4 people are ‘Alzheimer’s gene’ carriers like Chris Hemsworth. What to do

APOE4 comes with a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease, but the 25 per cent of people who have it can lower that risk with lifestyle changes.

How to sleep better, from bedtimes to regularity – what the research says

Sleep research has come a long way in the last decade. Here’s what you need to know to help make your slumber better.

Rapidly ageing Japan’s ‘macho carers’ lend muscles to benefit elderly, disabled

Japan’s care industry is facing a shortage of workers, and one company is plugging the gap by deploying ‘cool’ and well-toned staff.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Reflections | Ancient Chinese sleep advice, from bedtimes and body positions to state of mind

For premodern Chinese people, sleep was much more than daily rest – it was a cultivated discipline and a medical necessity.

Editorial | Hong Kong’s new vaping ban is a healthy step forward

While some are sceptical of the effectiveness of the latest crackdown on vaping, the city needs to protect the youth from developing a nicotine habit.

Healing like Wolverine? Why peptide stacking is taking off and risks involved

Taking multiple synthetic peptides to target goals like weight loss, muscle growth and injury recovery is not without its risks, experts say.

Style according to … J.J. Martin, founder of Milan-based La DoubleJ

The high-vibration, maximalist designer on channelled wisdom, goddess energy, and building a colourful life with intention.

Do you feel more anxious after googling symptoms? You could have cyberchondria

Also known as ‘Dr Google syndrome’, cyberchondria can lead to depression or, at worst, illness anxiety disorder.

Letters | Why lifestyle medicine belongs in Asia’s nasopharyngeal cancer conversation

Readers discuss a form of cancer endemic to East and Southeast Asia, the impact of the disruption to oil supply on Asian cities, and EU support for Ukraine.

5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong on Labour Day weekend, May 1-3

Hunt for rare Pokemon cards, savour French wine and cheese, shop for antiques, enjoy a Cantopop Pilates party or watch Aaron Kwok’s new film.

Asian-American mother challenges tough Chinese traditions for new mums

Clarissa Wei’s cookbook ‘Sitting the Month’ puts a modern spin on the traditional Chinese foods typically given to post-partum mothers.

Asia’s hottest new travel trend? The Hyrox ‘race-cation’

Review | Soho House opens in Tokyo’s fashionable Aoyama neighbourhood

Reflections | Ancient Chinese sleep advice, from bedtimes and body positions to state of mind