With events well underway in Europe, on the other side of the pond, US wellness firms are now opening their doors to the public, offering free wellness-focused activities for everyone as part of Global Wellness Day.

More than 300 brands from 70 countries are set to celebrate the day with their own wellness activities. In the US, Imperial Beach near San Diego will host a wellness party, as will the Larchmont Boulevard shopping street in Los Angeles. Sonoma, a healing arts community, will celebrate the day – as will 15 Marriott hotels.

“San Diego County is always named among the healthiest in the US and we want to help keep it that way,” said Imperial Beach Mayor, avid surfer and biker, Serge Dedina. “When I was elected, one of my goals was to focus on things that bring benefits to Imperial Beach residents overall and to help keep everyone healthy and involved in our community. This free event, open to the public with so many educational presentations, does just that.”

Another example of US businesses taking part in the day is the work of Spafinder Wellness 365, which will publicise ways in which its 23,000 wellness provider members can support GWD.

Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is set to lead a sunrise yoga session on the hotel’s rooftop helicopter pad. There will also be a wellness talk, a meditation class and fitness session later in the day.

Founded three years ago by Belgin Aksoy, creative director of hotel management company Richmond International in Turkey, she came up with an idea to combat depression and unhappiness by promoting the importance of living well through a special initiative – Global Wellness Day.

Follow Liz Terry on Twitter live in Istanbul for Global Wellness Day @elizterry or go to @SpaOpps or @SpaBusinessMag.