Shaji Pampalayam Chief Wellness Officer at Dharana at Shillim in Pune, India
India's award-winning luxury wellness retreat, Dharana at Shillim, set within 2,500 acres of pristine forest in the Sahyadri Mountains, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Shaji Pampalayam as Chief Wellness Officer. This strategic hire reinforces Dharana at Shillim's mission to provide transformative, evidence-based, and holistic wellness experiences for its guests.
Following its relaunch as a fully independent retreat in June 2024, Dharana at Shillim continues to build a world-class leadership team to guide operations and wellness programmes to global standards. The retreat's excellence has been widely recognised, having been featured in The Sunday Times inaugural World's Best 50 Spas list, as well as the Condé Nast Traveller Spa Guides for 2025 and 2026, and Tatler Spa Guide 2025.
Dr Shaji Pampalayam is a distinguished Integrative Wellness Leader with over 25 years of global experience across India, Europe, China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. A Naturopathic Physician and Spa Strategist, he is widely recognised for his expertise in integrating clinical and medical wellness with holistic, sustainable, outcome-driven interventions.
Previously, Dr Shaji served as Wellness and Medical Retreat Manager at Chenot Palace Gabala, Azerbaijan, where he led the design and implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols. He also served as Chief Wellness Officer at Nimba Nature Cure and Holistic Centre, spearheading lifestyle-intervention programmes targeting metabolic health, addiction recovery, and chronic lifestyle disorders. His earlier leadership roles with global hospitality brands, including Westin, Marriott, and Accor, further strengthen his domain expertise.
Dr Shaji holds a Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (BNYS), alongside international diplomas in Aesthetics and Beauty Therapies (CIDESCO), Beauty Therapy Sciences (CIBTAC, UK), and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, and Cupping. He is also certified in Yoga Therapy and registered with the Karnataka Ayurveda Medical Board.
Dr Shaji continues to deepen his expertise through ongoing research in integrative wellness, medicinal plants and evidence-based healing methodologies. He brings a disciplined, nature-aligned approach to wellbeing and remains committed to advancing clinical-grade, outcome-oriented wellness practices through continuous learning, global exposure and cross-cultural therapeutic insights.
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