Copenhagen based place – Ara’kai – has become a gathering place for folks who share a passion for self-care and holistic wellness.
What drives you to create such a Copenhagen sanctuary for full wellbeing experience, what is your motivation?
Heydi Vasquez: My journey and personal values are at the heart of everything I do. I’ve experienced firsthand how transformative self-care practices can be, and it’s this realization that fuels my passion. I wanted to share the benefits I’ve found with others and create a space where people can experience holistic beauty and wellness. For me, it’s about providing a sanctuary where individuals can reconnect with themselves, even in the midst of their busy lives, and rediscover that sense of inner nourishment and balance.
This is such a unique concept. Can you share a little bit about the history, what was the first and next ingredients of Arakai?
Ara’kai is really a reflection of where I come from and what I believe in. The name itself, a mix of Taino words for “people” and “nourishment,” captures what we’re all about – nurturing people into well-being. It all started with a simple idea: to build a place that’s more than just your average beauty spot, where we embrace natural and holistic approaches. Then, it was about carefully selecting brands that share our values of ethics and sustainability. We wanted to offer more than just products, so we added spa treatments and movement practices like yoga and pilates to the mix. We’re now working on something very exciting that I can ́t share yet, so stay tune for what’s to come.
Organising special events must be a great experience because of the community it creates. Are your clients building a so called circle around Arakai?
Absolutely! Hosting special events has been crucial in bringing our community together at Ara’kai. People don’t just come for the services and products; they also come to nourish their senses through the locations and spaces we choose and the calm atmosphere it provides. Ara’kai has become a gathering place for folks who share a passion for self-care and holistic wellness. It’s truly a circle of positivity and support that continues to grow stronger each day.
What are your plans with the studio that was just opened?
Ultimately, we aim to offer a diverse range of classes and workshops, including yoga, pilates, sound baths, and other mindful practices. Our goal is to provide a space where individuals can explore different modalities and find what resonates best with them on their path to well-being. Additionally, we plan to host special events and collaborations to further enrich the Ara’kai experience and foster a sense of community. I’m constantly finding new sources of inspiration around me and have lots of ideas about what to do with the space.
