Hi loves,

This week’s Wellness Wire is having a bit of an AI moment. From robot therapists to nervous system calming soundtracks from Apple Music and Universal, the tech-meets-wellness wave is officially here.

And it’s got us thinking…In a world where AI therapists are no longer science fiction but quietly looming on the horizon… how do we hold the paradox?

How do we explore the digital world - its convenience, its connection, its ever evolving brilliance - without outsourcing our emotional lives to algorithms?
How do we create real, in person relationships where we’re seen and valued, in a world that rewards performance over presence?
How do we stay human in a culture of constant scrolling and digital self protection?

If, like us, this trend equal parts fascinates and terrifies you, you might appreciate this powerful conversation between Brené Brown and Esther Perel on the rise of the new AI - artificial intimacy. (Add it to your queue - it’s a big one.)

As ever, we believe that connection isn’t a luxury - it’s the point. And the most important tech upgrade? Eye contact, shared laughter, and remembering that we’re not meant to do this alone.

Scroll on for what’s hot, what’s healing, and where to find real connection (no WiFi required)

Big love,
Harriet + Katie x

📍 Studio14, Motor City & Jumeirah

Studio14’s new Motor City branch is giving reformer Pilates with a serious glow up. First off, there’s a cloud ceiling (yes, really) that makes you feel like you’re floating through your workout. But it’s not just a pretty space - expect classic reformer with a twist, thanks to the clever use of the tower and chair in some of their classes. It’s fun, it’s different, and it seriously works.

They’ve got something for everyone - whether you're pre-natal, just starting out, or after a serious sculpt. We tried the glute sculpt class and let’s just say… the burn was real. And don’t even get us started on the Strawberry Matcha Cloud from their post-class matcha menu. Heaven.

If you live in one of the close-by communities (like Victory Heights, JGE or the Ranches), this studio is a must. It’s not often we see gems like this pop up on this side of town.

Pilates, Sound Baths & Gut Health? We’re In. Wellness events: May 18th - May 28th

Gut Health, Gains & Glow-Ups
Tuesday, May 20 | 8am – 5pm
Dubai Ladies Club
Hosted by Joy Somers, this all-day wellness event features expert talks on gut health, fasting and female hormones, plus a curated market of clean, gut-friendly brands. Come for the collagen coffees, stay for the community. It’s free too! 
Book via @coachjoyous05

Sunrise Pilates & Beach Walk
Wednesday, May 21 | 6:30am
Umm Suqeim Beach
A 40 minute Pilates session hosted by The Pilates Collective by the ocean, followed by a barefoot beach walk, açaí and coffee. Midweek reset = sorted.
Book via @thepilatescollective

Stillness & Sound: A Sunset Reset
Saturday, May 24 | 5:30pm
Samadhi Wellness
Unwind with 90 minutes of Yin yoga, aromatherapy and crystal bowl sound healing - led by one of our favourite practitioners in Dubai, Liv. A gentle journey inward to soften body and mind.
Book via @samadhimywellness

Santorini Sundays
Sunday, May 25 | 9:00am
Anantara Santorini, Abu Dhabi
A seaside wellness day featuring intention-setting, breathwork, yoga, a nourishing breakfast and creative workshops — all with optional pool and beach access.
Bookings via email to the hotel.

The Mind Body Connection
Wednesday, May 28 | 10am - 12pm
Nette, Matcha Club, Al Quoz
Join The Wellness Lab for a soulful morning of calm, connection and conversation over matcha and a nourishing breakfast. Includes a wellness talk and practical tools to reconnect with your inner calm. Another free event!
Book via @thewellnesslabuae.

Your weekly whip-smart scroll through what’s hot (and not) in the world of wellness.

🏛️ INDUSTRY TRENDS AND NEWS

🤖 AI Therapists: Safe Space or Slippery Slope?

Turns out, AI therapy is having a moment. With 71% of people saying they self-censor to avoid conflict or cancellation, it’s no wonder bots are winning hearts. They’re nonjudgmental, always available, and surprisingly good at setting boundaries (better than your ex, anyway). But while chatting to an AI might feel safer, studies show relying on it for connection can actually worsen mental health. Helpful for practicing honesty? Sure. But replacing real talk with robot banter? That’s emotional atrophy, not growth.
Punchline: Use the bot. Vent to the bot. But don’t forget to text your friend back. 💬
📖 Read More

🍋 Sober Is the New Social

From coffee-fuelled connection circles to dance floors powered by dopamine (not drinks), the rise of alcohol-free socialising is reshaping the scene - especially in wellness-forward cities like Dubai, London, and New York. Think: ginger shots instead of tequila, nervous system regulation instead of regret. Locally, @themorningpartydxb and @soulsessions.dubai are leading the charge with morning raves, intention circles, and DJ-led coffee parties that serve community over cocktails. Whether you’re sober-curious or just tired of hangxiety, the culture is shifting  - and it’s never looked (or felt) so clear.
Our take? With hangovers now lasting longer than some relationships… we’re curious. Very curious. 🥴✨
📖 Read More

💸 Wellness Is the New Wealth

Wellness isn’t just a lifestyle - it’s a spending power. According to Circana, U.S. consumers who prioritize well-being now influence over $1 trillion in purchasing power (yes, trillion with a “T”). Sales are soaring across gut health, protein, and sleep aids, while preventative health and emotional wellness are emerging as the new MVPs. In a world that’s burned out, tuned in, and craving connection, the next big wellness win isn’t just about what you sell - it’s how you make people feel.
Our take? If your brand’s not nurturing the body and the nervous system, it’s already behind. 💅
📖 Read More

 🎧 Sound Therapy, But Make It UMG x Apple

Universal Music Group and Apple Music have teamed up to launch a new sound therapy series - featuring tracks by artists like Post Malone, Shakira, and Justin Bieber, all reimagined to calm your nervous system. Engineered with the help of wellness experts &  using principles of sound healing to support stress relief, focus, and better sleep - each track is designed with intention, and it marks the first time major label artists are releasing music specifically for therapeutic use.
TL;DR: Forget mood playlists. The future is nervous system regulation you can stream. 🎶💆‍♀️
📖Read More

🩹 Biolinq Raises $100M for Glucose-Sensing Skin Patch

Wearables just got a (very cool) upgrade. Biolinq, a medtech startup, has raised $100M to bring its tiny, sleek, needle-free glucose sensor patch to market. Designed to sit like a sticker on the skin, this patch reads glucose levels through the surface - no pricks, no inserts, no drama.. As blood sugar becomes the next frontier in wellness optimization, Biolinq could be a major player in the “know your numbers” revolution.
Wellness verdict? The future of biohacking is sticky, stylish, and completely sans needles. 🩹📊
📖Read More

🧪 RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

👟 Squad Goals = Stronger Miles

Ahead of the 2025 London Marathon, Strava crunched the numbers - and confirmed what your group chat already knew: running with others makes you better. Only 29% of social runners “bonked” (that brutal final-10K burnout), compared to 45% of solo trainers. And beyond marathons, group runs, rides, and hikes go 40% longer, thanks to shared motivation and accountability.
In other words... Whether it’s motivation, accountability, or shared suffering - squad up, finish stronger. 🏃🏽‍♀️💨
📖Read More

🔮 TREND TO WATCH

🌌 Star-Bathing: The New Wellness Ritual

Forget nature walks - 2025’s glow-up ritual is happening after dark. Star-bathing is all about lying under the night sky, soaking up cosmic calm, and letting that vastness work its magic. Research shows stargazing can lower stress, boost mindfulness, and inspire awe - aka the ultimate nervous system reset. It’s cheap, it’s screen-free, and it might just be the most
Cosmic conclusion?Swap blue light for moonlight. Your nervous system will thank you. ✨
📖Read More

📩 SHARE IT, SAVE IT, SEND IT

Loved this edition of The Wellness Wire?
→ Forward it to the friend already trauma dumping on ChatGPT
→ Save that sober social inspo for your next cacao-fuelled dance party
→ Or reply and spill: Have you joined a run club, or are you still sprinting from commitment?