Himanshu Semwal’s journey into wellness was not just a career move; it was a calling. Born in the mountainous state of Uttarakhand, India, his path could have led him to engineering, as his family initially hoped. But deep down, he felt a pull towards something greater—something rooted in ancient wisdom.

At 18, he made a decision that was to change the course of his life. Instead of following a conventional academic route, he entered an ashram in Kerala, where he spent a year immersed in Karma Yoga—a path of selfless service. With no monetary reward, no external validation, and no distractions, this time became a transformative period of self-discovery. It was here that he was introduced to the Bhagavad Gita, yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic principles, shaping the foundation of his personal and professional life.

“The biggest gift from my time at the ashram,” Himanshu reflects, “was learning to observe my thoughts. To sit in silence and understand my own mind. That kind of awareness gives you patience, clarity, and purpose.”

This understanding became his guiding principle, leading him from yoga to Ayurveda, and eventually into the broader wellness industry.

Bringing Healing Hands to Amani Spa & Wellness

Himanshu’s first professional role was as a yoga teacher in India. However, he soon realised that true wellness goes beyond movement—it involves mind, body, and touch. This realisation pushed him to expand his knowledge into Ayurveda and massage therapy.

“My hands are my gift,” he says humbly. “When I work with a client, it’s not just about technique—it’s about healing. That’s why I wanted to learn more. People would ask me about Ayurveda, and I didn’t want to give them half-knowledge. I wanted to truly help.”

This hunger for knowledge led him to further certifications, culminating in his CIDESCO Spa Management qualification in 2024—an internationally recognised gold standard in the industry. His drive was clear: to evolve from practitioner to leader, with his eyes set on one day becoming a Wellness Director.

From the Himalayas to Saudi Arabia: A Path Carved by Purpose

In 2022, life took an unexpected turn when he was offered a couple of job opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Thankfully he chose to accept a position at Amani Spa & Wellness at Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort.

“Life has its own plans,” he says. “I believe I was meant to be here. The moment I met Julie and Christelle in my interview, I felt an instant warmth and knew they were good people. I trust my gut, and that was enough for me to commit. I’ve been validated in my decision over time as I’ve come to see that Amani is more than a workplace—it’s a business with heart, built on strong operational standards, integrity, and a true passion for wellness. For them it’s not just about treatments; it’s about human connection. That’s what makes it different.”

Resilience in the Saudi Wellness Landscape

Remote Saudi Arabia is not the easiest place for an expat to live and work. Isolated from the city, with limited mobility and long working hours, many have struggled to acclimatise.

For Himanshu, resilience became a necessity.

“Of course, it’s challenging,” he admits. “But I believe every challenge has a solution. Instead of focusing on problems, I focus on what I can control.”

His problem-solving mindset has been a cornerstone of his success at Amani. Whether bridging language barriers, managing guest expectations, or leading his team with quiet confidence, he embodies adaptability.

One of the greatest lessons he has learned is patience. “Sometimes guests are demanding, sometimes they are not in a good mood. But I remind myself—they are dealing with their own challenges too. My job is not just to serve them but to understand them.”

A Vision for the Future of Wellness in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 places health and wellness at the centre of national transformation. The country faces rising lifestyle diseases—obesity, diabetes, and heart disease—yet holistic wellness awareness remains low.

Himanshu sees an opportunity.

“The shift is coming,” he says. “More people are becoming curious about wellness. Right now, they may not fully understand holistic health, but they are open to it. This is a very interesting time of transformation.”

While he remains deeply spiritual and trusts the universe’s plan, he also has a clear professional vision. His next step? A Master’s degree in Business Administration to further equip himself for leadership.

Sage Words of Advice

Despite the challenges, despite being far from home for three years without returning, Himanshu remains deeply grateful for his journey.

“I am proud of how far I have come. I have been surrounded by amazing people who have become family. In fact, I even call Christelle ‘Mom’ because she has given me that kind of warmth. This means so much because I miss my mother very much.”

His advice to young professionals entering the wellness space?

“Never listen to others—listen to your own heart. And always be a tool for someone else’s happiness.”

Himanshu’s Favourite Treatments & Products

Himanshu’s expertise spans a variety of treatments, but one stands out: deep tissue massage.

“I love deep tissue work,” he shares. “It’s intense, but it brings real relief. Guests often arrive in pain, unsure if they want such firm pressure, but by the time they leave, they feel lighter. That shift—from tension to ease—is what makes this work so rewarding.”

To enhance his treatments, Himanshu often reaches for Amani’s Aroma Wellbeing Breathe Ease oil [link to product page], a powerful blend of Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Peppermint that helps relieve chest tightness and respiratory congestion. More than just a scent, it opens the airways and refreshes the senses, creating a deeper sense of relaxation during massage.

“Wellness isn’t just about the treatment itself,” Himanshu says. “It’s about how someone feels after they leave. If they walk away lighter, more at peace, or even just breathing more deeply, then I know I’ve done my job.”

Himanshu, you are so appreciated!

Says Ronleigh, CEO & Founder of Amani Spa & Wellness, “Himanshu is the kind of team member every leader hopes for—dedicated, professional, and always willing to go the extra mile. His ability to balance operational excellence with a deep commitment to wellness makes him an invaluable part of the Amani Nofa Riyadh team. From the moment he joined, he has shown resilience, leadership, and a genuine passion for both people and service. His expertise in holistic health adds a unique depth to our wellness offering, and his ambition to keep growing is truly inspiring. We are proud to have him as part of the Amani family.”

 

In a world where wellness is often reduced to trends and commercialisation, Himanshu Semwal is a reminder that true impact is about presence, patience, and purpose. And that no matter where life takes you, your inner peace is your greatest strength.

Click here to discover Amani Spa & Wellness at Nofa Riyadh, a Radisson Collection Resort. Perhaps you will get to meet this remarkable man in person!