In the heart of bustling Singapore, a new wellness destination is quietly reshaping how we think about health, self-care, and community. The Initial Sama is more than a spa or retreat—it’s a thoughtfully designed sanctuary dedicated to restoring balance in our increasingly fast-paced lives. At the helm is Rosalin Lau, a wellness veteran with over two decades of experience in luxury spa and wellness management across the globe, from the Ritz-Carlton to Six Senses.

In this exclusive interview, Rosalin shares what inspired her to create The Initial Sama, why personalised wellness matters now more than ever, and how her team is helping individuals and organisations alike build sustainable, results-driven well-being in Singapore’s urban landscape.

Q: You’ve had an impressive journey across luxury wellness destinations – from Ritz-Carlton to Six Senses. What inspired the launch of The Initial Sama and what sets it apart from other wellness spaces in Singapore?

Sama Wellness was created with a clear purpose – to redefine wellness as more than just self-care, but as a journey of connection and community. We saw a need for a space where individuals could not only recharge but also connect with like-minded people, guided by expert-led programs and science-backed practices.

In today’s fast-paced world, prioritising mental wellness and self-care is essential, and we wanted a space where the premises are surrounded with plenty of verdant greenery and the site already lends itself to the facet of wellness. This peaceful and serene location is where individuals can pause, recharge, and restore balance.

What sets us apart is our holistic approach, combining mindfulness, movement, and personalised therapies in a thoughtfully designed space that nurtures both mind and body.

We are more than just a wellness space; we are a community dedicated to supporting every individual’s journey toward sustainable well-being with intentional living.

Q: How does The Initial Sama embody holistic wellness, and what can individuals expect when they step into the space for the first time?

Holistic wellness is at the heart of everything we do at Sama Wellness. We believe that true well-being goes beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, which is why we offer a personalised wellness journey tailored to each individual’s needs.

From the moment you arrive, we take the time to understand your unique needs, crafting a tailored experience that nurtures both body and mind.

Whether through personalised spa therapies, optimised fitness training, restorative yoga and meditation, targeted fitness recovery, or immersive sound baths, every step is designed to help you reach your wellness goals.

When you step into our space, you’ll find a tranquil sanctuary where expert guidance and a supportive community come together to create a lifestyle of balance and vitality.

Q: Many Singaporeans lead fast paced lives. What are some practical, everyday wellness habits that even the busiest person can adopt to maintain balance?

Start with small, intentional habits. Start with mindful breathing between tasks to reset your focus. Balance isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what truly restores us.

Prioritise quality sleep by setting a consistent bedtime and reducing screen time before bed. Hydrate, move your body and take short breaks to refresh your mind. Even five minutes of stretching or a brisk walk can make a difference.

The key is consistency—wellness is not a grand overhaul, but the little things we do every day to recharge and refocus.

Q: What are the key wellness trends you’re seeing emerge in 2025, and how is The Initial Sama responding to them?

Analog Wellness continues to be trending this year, and we are seeing individuals placing more emphasis on mental health and well-being, with a focus on stress reduction and anxiety management. Sama Wellness offers activities to reset and restore mind and body with wellness personal guidance and/or in a group setting for community support.We provide a space where a peaceful environment with verdant greenery. From forest bathing in the gardens to digital detox with wellness activities.
More people in Singapore are recognising the importance of staying active and fit, while the desire to stay connected within a community is also on the rise. Global events such as HYDROX competitions are gaining popularity among them. Here at Sama Wellness, our gym is equipped with official equipment used during HYDROX events so that participants are trained using the same sets of equipment during HYDROX competitions, with zero downtime for equipment familiarity. We also have a team of specialists offering body recovery programs with medical-grade tests and analysis for fitness optimisation.
Personalised Wellness Experiences: Different people have different goals when seeking wellness experiences. Your wellness journey starts with understanding and acknowledging your goals and preferences – personalisation is key in what we do at Sama Wellness. Above the global and local wellness trends, we’re located right off of Bukit Timah, just a stone’s throw away from the Singapore Botanic Gardens. At Sama Wellness, our unique premise provides multi-discipline of wellness and fitness activities ranging from spa therapies, competitive fitness training such as HYROX training, body recovery such as postpartum and body recovery programs and retreats with accommodation at The Initial Sama, where we are.

Q: From your experience, how can wellness be better integrated into the workplace? Are there elements from The Initial Sama that can be applied to a corporate setting?

Nowadays, companies include fitness or/wellness membership programs as part of their staff’s benefit included in their remuneration package, and more companies organise company retreats as part of their team building and bonding activities.

Empowering employees on Wellness knowledge with workshops and seminars is one of our offerings for corporate retreats. Group classes such as Yoga, sound therapy or HYROX training for fitness enthusiasts.

Globally, organisations hold retreats for their C-suite executives to attend wellness or/and fitness festivals. We have accommodation at The Initial Sama and a serene environment as our wellness tools, strategically located next to the botanical gardens where forest bathing, immersive sound therapy and many other well-being activities take place in a wellness-centric atmosphere as a team achieving the company’s well-being goals.

Q: The concept of “mental well-being” has evolved significantly in recent years. How do your programmes or services address both the mental and physical aspects of wellness?

Wellness is not one-dimensional. It is a synergy of mind and body. Our programs are designed to manage stress, boost energy and build resilience through a holistic approach. From guided meditation and breath work, movement-based therapies and fitness optimisation, we blend mental clarity with physical vitality.

We focus on optimising fitness and daily lifestyle habits to keep us feeling sharp and recharged, we also offer science-backed sports training sessions with medical-grade diagnostics and precise physical assessments.

By integrating these elements, it’s not just to feel better—it is empowering to perform at our best by optimising health with intentional living.

Q: In your opinion, what does true holistic wellness look like in a modern urban environment like Singapore?

True holistic wellness in a fast-paced city like Singapore is all about balance and sustainability. It’s about seamlessly integrating well-being into everyday routines—small, consistent habits that support both mental and physical health.

Whether it’s mindful breathing between meetings, regular sleep routine and healthy eating, self-care should be effortless and accessible.

In today’s urban environment, the key is creating a lifestyle where high performance and well-being work together, empowering individuals to not just keep up, but a thriving one.

Q: How does The Initial Sama tailor wellness solutions for individuals versus organisations? Are there different approaches or philosophies behind each?

We recognise that individual and organisational wellness require different approaches, but the core philosophy remains the same—sustainable well-being drives long-term success. For individuals, we focus on personalised solutions, from sleep optimisation to stress management, ensuring wellness fits seamlessly into their lifestyle.

For organisations, we take a strategic approach, designing programs that enhance employee well-being while boosting productivity and engagement.

Whether it’s through corporate workshops or tailored coaching, our goal is to create impactful, scalable solutions that empower people and businesses to thrive with sustainable, results-driven wellness solutions.

Q: How has your global experience in wellness informed your vision for wellness here in Singapore?

Having worked in eight countries across global wellness markets for more than twenty years, I have seen firsthand how cultural and lifestyle factors shape well-being. In Singapore, where high performance is the norm, wellness needs to be both accessible and practical— seamlessly integrated into daily routines.

My global experience has reinforced the importance of holistic, science-backed solutions that don’t just focus on relaxation but also resilience, energy, and long-term sustainability.

By blending global best practices with local insights, we are redefining wellness for Singapore, empowering people to thrive—both personally and professionally, in our ever-fast-paced urban environment.

Q: Finally, what advice would you give someone just beginning their wellness journey?

Start small and stay consistent. Wellness is not about making drastic changes overnight—it’s about building sustainable habits that work for you.

Begin with simple steps like staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, or incorporating movement into your day. Focus on progress, not perfection. Discover what makes you feel good, whether it’s a morning walk, mindfulness practices, or better nutrition, and make it part of your routine.

Wellness is a journey, not a destination. Be kind to yourself and celebrate every step forward. We, at Sama Wellness, are here to help you achieve healthy living and well-being.

The Initial Sama
Website: https://theinitialsama.com/
Address: 26 Evans Road, Singapore 259367

Images: The Initial Sama