A group of specialists in the art of optimal living from Hollywood and surrounding communities has created a unique sanctuary where both body and soul are nourished through the practice of yoga, Pilates, expressive and healing arts and nutrition.
OM’ECHAYE, which opened in June at 1100 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., began as a family project and evolved into a full-service, well-being facility founded on CEO Beatriz Wilensky’s vision of a place for comprehensive community enrichment.
The concept for OM’ECHAYE grew out of Wilensky’s experiences taking dance classes with Hollywood teacher Armando Salcedo and yoga classes with Rosa Santana. Soon the network of specialists in physical, mental and spiritual well-being expanded and OM’ECHAYE was born.
“My mother had this dream, and she put everything together,” said Magali Wilensky, one of OM’ECHAYE’s six directors along with her brother Javier, Salcedo, Santana and Hollywood residents Alex Cohen and Susan Farkas.
Through experiential education and a holistic approach that encompasses body, mind and spirit, OM’ECHAYE represents the human quest to reach their highest potential. Iyengar yoga classes for all levels are offered, as well as guided practice sessions, private sessions for those with special therapeutic needs and prenatal classes in the Hatha Yoga tradition.
Pilates and fitness classes include Pilates Reformer, Pilates Mat, Pilates Roll, Cardio Dance, Yogilates, Body Sculpting, Body Conditioning, Kickboxing, Stretch & Strengthen and Belly Dance Cardio. The Expressive Arts program features Prayerdanse, a spiritual workout described as a meditation in movement; Urban Choreography & Freestyle; Mixed Media Painting; and a Mandala class on painting symbols on a circular frame that represents the sacred circle of healing and wholeness.
Mothers of young children appreciate the facility’s two supervised playrooms, available from 9 a.m. to noon for a $5 fee, and offering a different paid activity from yoga to dancing to painting from 4:30 to 6 p.m. daily.
OM’ECHAYE’s Kid’s Program is geared for ages up to 12 years and is all related to holistic well-being, Wilensky said. Children’s classes include Yoga; Capoeira; Learning the Rhythms music classes; Prayerdanse4KIDS, a creative way for youngsters to exercise, dance, connect and evolve; and Gems art classes designed to strengthen fine and gross motor skills, as well as tactile and sensory development.
OM’ECHAYE also accommodates the community’s special-needs senior population with yoga classes for students with limited mobility because of Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Lymphedema or other conditions.
In addition, workshops are conducted in a variety of areas such as Shamanic Healing, Psychodynamic of Illness or Trauma Free Meditation, Pranayama Yoga Breathing Techniques and Teacher Training for instructors and advanced students.
“We’re offering a lot of things, and we integrate everything,” Wilensky said. “We try to mesh body, mind and spirit.”
Toward that end, the 6,000-square-foot facility carries herbal and homeopathic supplements, as well as workout, organic and bamboo clothing lines. The Healthy Cafe and Smoothie Bar offers nutritious salads, wraps and immunity-boosting smoothies, with all ingredients supervised by a traditional Chinese medicine doctor.
Well-being services at OM’ECHAYE include Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bach Flower Therapy to improve emotional and spiritual health, Homeopathic and Naturopathic Therapy, Vibrational Healing, Qigong, Medical Qigong healing techniques, Meditation and Coaching.
“It’s a really nice facility, and we want you to feel like you’re in your own house,” Wilensky said. “It’s very familyoriented and warm. It’s like a community.”
For more information on OM’ECHAYE, call 954-456-6945 or visit www.omechaye.com.
