In a fast-paced city like Dubai, the true definition of luxury is constantly evolving, from material display to slow, intentional living. At the centre of this shift is Tanya Mansotra, founder of Sohum Wellness, dedicated to creating a space that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with contemporary lifestyle needs.

In this exclusive feature, Mansotra reflects on her transition to the UAE, protecting one’s energy, and why the ultimate modern luxury is simply returning to oneself.

Your wellness journey started as a childhood curiosity. Do you remember the very first moment or practice that made you realise this wasn't just an interest but your calling?

It truly hit me during COVID. That period gave me the rare luxury of time to fully immerse myself in these practices daily, implementing everything I had learned directly onto myself while conducting online meditation and distance Reiki sessions. Experiencing the profound internal shift, deep healing, and pure joy it brought—both within me and for others—was truly transformative. It made me realise that the frantic way we were living before wasn't normal, but this state of alignment should be. I saw how deeply everyone needed this, and I knew right then that my work had to be my purpose.

The name Sohum translates to "I am that" in Sanskrit. How does this mantra show up in your personal daily life?

"Sohum" serves as an ongoing grounding mechanism toward unity and non-separation. In my day-to-day life, it shows up as radical presence—whether I'm spending quiet mornings with my dogs, enjoying a simple meal, or creating space at the sanctuary. It reminds me that everything around me is a mirror and that true peace isn't something external you have to perform for or acquire; it's remembering who you already are when you strip the noise away.

What does an ideal, uninterrupted morning routine look like for you?

My ideal morning starts in quiet stillness with breath meditation and setting an intention for the day. I spend quality time at home with my dogs and then catch up on reading a book while in the car on my way to get some movement in—whether that's boxing, Pilates, or heading to the gym. It's a blend of inner grounding, connection, and physical energy that sets the tone for everything else.

You transitioned from transforming Sohum in India to establishing a luxury wellness destination in Dubai. What were some of the challenges while making that leap?

Honestly, the biggest challenge was finding the exact right space, location, and navigating all the intricate licensing required. Bringing a holistic vision to life in a brand-new city means getting the physical energy of the location completely right while managing all the regulatory and operational frameworks behind the scenes. Finding a sanctuary location that felt right and securing the proper licences to execute our vision seamlessly took real patience and persistence.

What made you choose Al Quoz as the home for Sohum in Dubai?

It took us two full years to find a location that matched my vision, because I refused to compromise on what Sohum needed to be. We were so fortunate to find a massive 20,000-square-foot space positioned right at the turn of Sheikh Zayed Road and the start of Al Quoz—placing it right in the heart of Dubai. It offers the best of both worlds: it's super central and accessible for everyone, but instead of feeling enclosed by industrial garages, it's surrounded by other cool, creative concepts. The scale allows us to build a true sanctuary that feels remarkably private and secluded the moment you step inside

Sohum hosts everything from moon gatherings to creative workshops. What has been the most surprising or rewarding part about these community-building experiences?

The most rewarding part is witnessing how quickly titles, busyness, and city fatigue melt away when people step into an intentional space. Watching guests arrive carrying the weight of the week and leave feeling visibly renewed never ceases to move me. The greatest surprise is always the organic power of shared presence—people come for an offering, but stay because they've found a genuine community where they can simply be.

Living in a high-energy, fast-paced city like Dubai, how do you protect your personal aura and maintain stillness when you step outside your door?

By cultivating a strong internal centre. Energetic boundaries aren't about closing yourself off; they're about staying so anchored in your own frequency that external speed doesn't throw you off course. I rely on micro-practices throughout the day—breathwork, intentional movement, music, and keeping high-frequency company around me. Above all, I make sure I am actively practising what I preach every single day. Living it authentically is my true work.

We see luxury lifestyles moving towards "intentional living". How do you define modern luxury today?

Modern luxury is no longer about material accumulation or excess; it's about space, time, ease, and authenticity. True luxury today is the freedom to unplug, the protection of your peace, and access to spaces that nourish your physical and emotional well-being. It is the shift from living for display to living with clear, personal intention.

As Dubai has moved towards intentional living and mindful escapes, what newer avenues does it open for the wellness culture?

It integrates wellness directly into everyday life rather than treating it as an occasional getaway. It opens up space for holistic lifestyle design—where art, architecture, conscious social gatherings, and mindfulness overlap. We are seeing a move toward full ecosystems—environments for sound, breath, movement, and authentic human connection. It also creates a profound appreciation for ancient sciences like Ayurveda, bringing its timeless, deep-rooted wisdom into modern routines to help people anchor themselves in true longevity and balance.

What advice would you give to someone who is getting started on their wellness journey?

Drop the pressure of perfection. Wellness isn't a strict performance or a rigid set of rules; it's a process of tuning back into your own body and intuition. Start small with practices that feel supportive rather than restrictive—whether that's five minutes of conscious breathwork, time spent outdoors, or choosing nourishing foods. Let it be a simple return to yourself.

What is one personal goal you've set for yourself for the coming year?

My main personal goal is to reconnect with what I love—revisiting music, being deeply present, having pure fun, and stepping into complete fearlessness. At the same time, I want to keep pushing my physical boundaries through continuous training in martial arts and strength work to build mental resilience and honour what my body can achieve. Beyond that, it's about writing my book, anchoring into unconditional love and freedom, and truly stepping into my best version yet.