This year's World Wellness Weekend (WWW) will be the largest to date, with more than 2,000 spas, fitness studios and health clubs taking part across 100 countries.

Now in its third year, the WWW aims to highlight the importance of wellness and help people adopt healthier lifestyles – as well as foster positive relationships with their bodies and minds – by offering the public opportunities to take part in activities over the two-day period.

Founded by Jean-Guy de Gabriac, owner of consultancy and training company Tip Touch International, the event has secured the support and participation of a number of wellness operators, including Anantara, Canyon Ranch, Chiva Som, Six Senses, COMO and Mandara, as well as Marriott and Shangri-La.

Taking place on 21-22 September WWW has also secured the support of around 50 trade associations and national federations, which will encourage their members to showcase their "expertise and passion" during the weekend.

Initiatives taking place vary from operators opening their doors and offering advice to members of the public to large-scale group exercise sessions.

"Many people say they want to play sports, lose weight, gain flexibility, manage stress better, spend more family time, but who, in the whirl of life, do not act on it," de Gabriac said.

"One of the goals of World Wellness Weekend is to remind people that while 'health is a relationship between their body and a doctor', 'Wellness is a responsible relationship between one’s body and oneself'.

"We are happy to take up this challenge for the third year and encourage properties across the world to open their doors during a weekend of discovery and initiation, dedicated to the sheer joy of Living Well with friends and family."

World Wellness Weekend is a commercial venture, funded by sponsorships and owned by de Gabriac.