Neli Merris

Neli Merris is an Abu Dhabi-based wellbeing specialist, sound therapist, mindfulness facilitator, and transformational coach with over 16 years of experience in the wellness industry and 18 years living and working in the UAE. Recognised for her grounded yet innovative approach to emotional wellbeing and nervous system regulation, Neli has guided individuals, teams, and communities through deeply restorative and transformational experiences across corporate, hospitality, retreat, and private wellness environments.

With a unique background that bridges both the corporate and holistic wellness worlds, Neli combines practical structure, emotional intelligence, and intuitive facilitation to create experiences that are both meaningful and accessible. Prior to her wellness career, she worked in banking and relationship management with HSBC UK and ADCB UAE, developing strong expertise in client care, communication, and high-performance professional environments.

Neli is the founder and creator of Sakina Sound & Light Therapy at Rosewood Abu Dhabi’s Sense Spa — a premium wellness concept designed to support stress reduction, nervous system reset, emotional balance, and deep relaxation through immersive sound, meditation, breathwork, and vibro-acoustic experiences. Her work integrates a variety of therapeutic instruments including Tibetan singing bowls, crystal bowls, gongs, tuning forks, chimes, and other sound healing tools, often woven into guided meditation and breathwork practices to create profound, multi-sensory healing experiences.

Over the years, Neli has designed and delivered a wide range of corporate wellbeing initiatives, wellness talks, retreats, workshops, trainings, and community events focused on emotional resilience, mindfulness, stress management, nervous system support, and conscious living. She has collaborated with wellness studios, luxury hospitality brands, corporate teams, and private clients, while also building a strong network of wellness practitioners and facilitators across the UAE.

Her approach is deeply client-centered, combining mindfulness, breathwork, sound therapy, nervous system regulation, coaching, and holistic wellbeing practices to support sustainable wellbeing and authentic transformation. Neli is especially passionate about creating safe, calming spaces where individuals can reconnect with themselves, restore balance, and experience greater clarity and inner peace.

Neli holds certifications in Sound Healing Training (Yoga Alliance International), NLP Master Practice, Hypnotherapy, Spiritual Life Coaching, Holistic Health Mastery Coaching, EFT, Pranic Healing, Reiki, and Therapeutic Yoga & Meditation (RYT 500). She also holds an MSc in Strategic Quality Management from the UK and BSc & MSc degrees in Computer Science from Bulgaria, bringing both analytical thinking and creative vision into her work.

Known for her warm presence, professionalism, and ability to create deeply supportive experiences, Neli continues to expand her work through retreats, trainings, corporate wellbeing programmes, and luxury wellness collaborations designed to support emotional wellbeing, resilience, and meaningful human connection.