European Spa magazine - Winter Issue 94

THE HOME OF GLOBAL SPA INTELLIGENCE

EUROPEAN SPA PLATINUM

RESOURCE 2024

The ultimate reference for spa business success, our handbook showcases the super brands of spa and wellness, and the latest industry trends and thought leadership

Welcome

Take a moment to reflect

Have we really just arrived at the end of 2024? What an extraordinary year it has been for our incredible spa industry – blazing a trail in preventative health, selfcare, beauty and wellbeing around the world. Please take a moment for yourself – make a cup of herbal tea and enjoy our inspired winter edition full of the best destinations, brands and people shaping the spa world.

In this issue Mark, Wendy and I have travelled far and wide to meet the people who really make a difference out in industry. We celebrate five of our favourite spas in Greece, Italy, Austria, the UK and – our cover star, the beautiful Amaya Spa at The View Agadir in Morocco (p50). We also spend time with the gut health and longevity experts at medi-spa Park Igls in Austria (p14), and explore the recent £5m refurbishment at Calcot & Spa in the Cotswolds, UK (p80).

In our Expert Guide to Thermal Experiences, we gather insight from eight brands leading the way in what’s hot – and cold – in hydrothermal design (p68). Assessing the latest wellness trends, we investigate the innovative new art of sense-hacking (p89).

Of course, spa leadership starts with you, and our industry contributors Emlyn Brown (p36) and Tracey Stapleton (p66) bring the magic with tips on how to lead your spa successfully and prepare well for 2025. Widening our lens on the wellness world, we bring you our top takeaways from the Global Wellness Summit, which recently took place in Scotland (p24).

The European Spa team and I send you heartfelt thanks for sharing your amazing news, innovations and invitations in 2024, and we wish you peace, health and happiness for the New Year.

Sarah Camilleri Editorial director & publisher sarah.camilleri@spapublishing.com

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Meet the team

European Spa is the No.1 business magazine for spa and wellness leaders

Sarah Camilleri Editorial director & publisher

A respected magazine editor with over 30 years’ experience, Sarah founded European Spa in 2007 to help the spa industry flourish. An influential voice in the global wellness community, she serves on the media advisory board of the British Beauty Council and supports the Global Wellness Institute’s Living Well From Within coalition.

Mark Smith Deputy editor

The founder of UK meditation brand Kalm Horizons, Mark has contributed spa and wellness content to European Spa and europeanspamagazine.com for over a decade. In this issue he spotlights five of the best spas around Europe, and talks exclusively to the team at Calcot & Spa in the UK about its recent £5m redevelopment.

Wendy Golledge News editor

Constantly up to date with the latest spa trends, property openings, redevelopments and appointments, Wendy visits Park Igls in Austria to explore the FX Mayr Method in a modern setting. She also curates our Expert Guide to Thermal Experiences in conversation with experts from eight leading brands.

Thanks to our expert contributors...

Emlyn Brown

Global senior vice president Well-being, Accor

With a role focused on Accor’s Luxury & Lifestyle division – including the Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel and MGallery brands – Emlyn looks at what it takes to excel as a spa leader, from having acute business acumen to ensuring the perfect guest experience every time. www.accor.com

Tracey Stapleton Founder, The Spa PR Company

A regular contributor to European Spa, Tracey brings more than 30 years’ industry experience to our pages. In this issue, she offers some timely advice on how to maximise marketing campaigns for 2025, ensuring that your spa remains competitive and attracts guests. www.thespaprcompany.com

On the cover: The View Agadir, Morocco, is one of our five spas to watch

Editorial director & publisher Sarah Camilleri sarah.camilleri@spapublishing.com

Deputy editor Mark Smith mark.smith@spapublishing.com

News editor Wendy Golledge wendy.golledge@spapublishing.com

Art director Richard Page richard@spapublishing.com

Production and online editor David Fagan david.fagan@spapublishing.com

Production and proofing Angela Sharpe subscribe@spapublishing.com

Accounts manager Julie Jones accounts@spapublishing.com

Spa Publishing Ltd Registered in England. Company No. 6293825

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ON THE COVER

Authentic hammam rituals at Amaya Spa, The View Agadir, Morocco

SPA SPOTLIGHT

14 PARK IGLS, AUSTRIA

We speak to the iconic Austrian medi-spa’s dedicated expert team about how FX Mayr’s 100-year-old theories on gut health being the root of all wellness are now more relevant than ever

50 FIVE OF THE BEST SPAS

European Spa showcases some of the properties pushing the boundaries of wellness hospitality across Europe, including One&Only Kea Island, Greece; Schloss Fuschl, Austria; the Spa at Passalacqua, Italy; Amaya Spa at The View Agadir, Morocco; and Marquis Suffolk, UK

80 CALCOT & SPA, UK

In an exclusive interview, Richard Ball, executive chairman, and Francesca Rowland, spa director at The Calcot Collection, discuss the group’s £5 million investment into the Cotwolds property’s wellness facilities, designed by Sparcstudio

BUSINESS INSIGHT

24 GLOBAL WELLNESS SUMMIT 2024: 10 TAKEAWAYS TO INSPIRE

Mark Smith reports from this year’s event in Scotland on the speakers who delivered thought-provoking presentations to guide the industry’s future

36 HOW TO EXCEL AS A SPA LEADER

Sharp business management and a consistently outstanding guest offer are two keys to success, writes Emlyn Brown, global senior vice president of Well-Being at Accor

66 HOW TO PLAN YOUR SPA’S MARKETING CAMPAIGN FOR 2025

Tracey Stapleton, founder of The Spa PR Company, examines how spa businesses can get ahead in 2025 with a strategic approach to marketing

68 EUROPEAN SPA’S EXPERT GUIDE TO THERMAL EXPERIENCES

Increased interest in sweat bathing and cold and contrast therapies is adding complexity as well as profitability to hydrothermal projects. We bring you expert advice from leading brands including Sauna360, TechnoAlpin Indoor, Barr + Wray, KLAFS and many more

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BRANDS TO WATCH

22 ELEMIS: BODY POSITIVE

Elemis Expert Cryobody is the brand’s latest innovation. We ask co-founder and global president, Noella Gabriel, what it means for spas and their guests

34 BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE: SKINCARE SERUM INNOVATION

We talk to Dr Philippe Allouche, head of creation at Biologique Recherche, about Progeskin, the brand’s new serum to tackle cellular ageing

48 ESPA: FINDING A SENSE OF BALANCE

We discover how ESPA is focusing on hot and cold contrast therapy to promote everyday wellbeing for its clients, both in spas and at home

62 SOTHYS: FRENCH EXPERTISE IN BEAUTY

In an exclusive interview, Wendy Golledge speaks to to Christian Mas, president of Sothys, about the brand’s 78-year skincare heritage and why it will not compromise on its spa-first ethos

SPA SPECIFIER

39 ON THE MENU

Our round-up of the best new products and treatment innovations, including an exploration of ESPA’s limted-edition Restorative Winter Warming Treatment, three new unisex facials from Skin Regimen and EviDenS de Beauté’s branded treatment room at Rosewood’s Hôtel de Crillon, Paris

89 WELLNESS TRENDS

Diving into the ever-widening world of wellness, we explore how spas can embrace the trend for sense-hacking. We also report on a new diagnostic and retreat offering at Borgo Ignazia’s Vair Spa in Italy, and news of Six Senses’ roll-out of sound healing across its global portfolio

97 SPA STYLE

A selection of the latest stylish equipment and leading-edge technology, including the Snowcap cold-immersion tub from Clearwater Ice Baths and Nilo’s Ayurveda inspired Shirobody waterfall treatment bed

MULTI-PURPOSE TREATMENT TABLE

The root of good health

We speak to the team at iconic Austrian medi-spa Park Igls about how FX Mayr’s 100-year-old theories on gut health being the root of all wellness are more relevant than ever

REPORT BY WENDY GOLLEDGE

Located in the quiet village of Igls, on a high plateau above the city of Innsbruck in the Austrian Tyrol, Park Igls Medical Spa Resort has spent years perfecting its approach to wellness and longevity. Practicing the fundamentals of Modern Mayr Medicine, its back-to-basics focus encompasses prevention and regeneration, medical diagnostics, holistic therapies, nutrition and exercise – and considerable amounts of chewing! With medical wellness and longevity medicine becoming increasingly prevalent in spa offerings, Park Igls has created a blueprint that many now follow. Founded in 1905 as a sanatorium under Emperor Franz Joseph, from 1918 Park Igls was known as a physical-dietary, high-altitude health

resort. In the intervening years it has seen many incarnations, including as a home for mothers and children, a shelter for the homeless and a B&B. The focus returned to health in the late 1950s and, since 1993, Park Igls has been practicing the diagnostic and therapeutic traditions of Dr Franz Xaver Mayr.

The Modern Mayr Method

FX Mayr was a world-famous Austrian physician and one of the first to recognise the fundamental role the gut plays in human health, more than 100 years ago. His research into gastroenterology and intestinal health led him to create the Mayr Method, which focuses on the gut as the root system of every human being’s health and wellbeing.

“If a tree is sick at the root, this usually only becomes visible when external symptoms of disease appear,” explains Dr Peter Gartner, medical director at Park Igls for the past 12 years. “Intestinal problems are the root cause of many modern diseases, even though we’re often unable to see them with our eyes. Gut health is the foundation of our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.”

Today, Park Igls focuses on the six pillars of Modern Mayr Medicine – cleansing, rest, education, substitution, exercise and self-discovery – alongside Mayr’s manual abdominal treatment, together known as the Cure. The Modern Mayr Method is a

Left: Park Igls co-owner Albert Gnägi, Dr Peter Gartner, CEO Andrea Gnägi and commercial manager Werner Chizzali Right: meditation in the gardens of Park Igls

holistic programme that also takes into consideration lifestyle issues such as stress, over-work, time poverty and dietary changes.

“Mobilising the intestines by hand remains key to developing the full potential of the six principles,” says Gartner. “It’s the driving force behind the detoxification and cleansing of the intestinal tract, putting guests on a pathway to enduring wellbeing.”

Central to this cleansing is a restricted diet to rest the gut, and a process of adequate chewing, something all guests learn in their first day at the medi-spa. “Digestion does not commence in the stomach but in our mouths,” says Gartner. “Chewing is essential to saliva production and saliva is the gut’s best friend, so we serve special Mayr bread and crackers, and encourage all our guests to chew each mouthful up to 30 times, ideally without speaking. Chewing, when properly done, prepares food for better digestion further down the line.”

An entirely bespoke approach

After a thorough medical consultation with one of seven Mayr physicians, each guest is assigned a

therapeutic treatment plan and put on one of eight dietary protocols, with zero being complete fasting and seven being the Mayr Energy Diet. Most guests, says Gartner, start on level two – a traditional Mayr bread roll with a protein supplement at each meal.

As guests learn the new approach to eating, what they receive to eat may be restrictive, but it’s also gourmet. Chef Markus Sorg’s alkaline-rich epicurean fasting menu ensures guests don’t feel too deprived during the Cure.

Park Igls’s most popular programme is Detox Intense, while Physio Fit is aimed at relieving back and joint pain and Immune Booster is for people with increased susceptibility to infections. Fit not Fatigue helps alleviate physical and psychological symptoms of fatigue, and its Menopause Programme aims to help women better understand themselves and their bodies during this phase of life. Neuro Fit is a specialised programme for degenerative diseases of the nervous system such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis.

Each programme includes unique diagnostics, medical services and treatments, physical therapies, Kneipp baths and spa body treatments. Daily medical massage forms the backbone of most programmes, adapted by therapists to guests’ needs on that

Sustainability all round

Park Igls is rightly proud of its efforts to promote a sustainable approach to its operations. “In terms of ecological sustainability, we are, of course, careful in our use of all resources,” says Gnägi.

“We use solar energy and heat pumps to generate thermal energy. However we also pay particular attention to social sustainability. We live inclusion and diversity at Park Igls and are proud of our extensive benefits for employees.”

These benefits – available to every staff member – include free healthy food, family-friendly working hours, tickets for travelling to work by public transport, free use of the exercise facilities, covering the cost of childcare facilities and the opportunity to take the Mayr Cure once a year.

“The fact that nearly all staff members have undergone the Cure enables us to provide care on a deeper level, with more empathy and sensitivity,” says Gnägi

particular day, with Rolfing and the Feldenkrais method also go-to solutions. The medical offer is incredibly extensive, ranging from Haemo-Laser therapy, which irradiates blood with high-energy lasers to enhance blood cell metabolism, to laser acupuncture and oxidative stress testing.

A renaissance in longer stays

The average programme lasts from seven to ten days, but Park Igls has recently introduced a Detox short break in response to guest demand.

“For years, the standard stay was three weeks, twice a year, and the main driver was weight loss. Now guests want shorter stays and come with broader variety of complaints, especially chronic inflammation and burnout,” says CEO Andrea Gnägi.

“That being said, in the last year we’ve seen a renaissance in longer stays as people come to us as a last resort to get to the root of their ill health. We’ve seen a marked increase in guests seeking help for mental health issues due to the stress of everyday life and work.

“The medical topics and problems we’re

confronted with have become more complex and increased knowledge of wellness, especially among younger guests, means both diagnostics and therapy must become more sophisticated.

“For our older guests, the Cure is a tradition that’s passed down; we often get three generations sat at one table. For some families, it’s now the only time they come together during the year,” says Gnägi.

The breakdown of visitors is 40:60 male to female, travelling from all over Europe and beyond. The vast majority are over 40. Most guests are from Germany, then Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the UK and Ireland, and Austria. Some travel from as far as the US and the UAE. The repeat visit rate is 73 per cent, with the winter months being the busiest time.

Clinical and cosy

Characterised by clean lines and a crisp, elegant design, Park Igls has 51 rooms and suites, and can accommodate up to 60 guests. Rooms are designed in calming, neutral tones, with incredible views of the Patscherkofel mountain. Inside there is a friendly,

Below from left: medical expertise combines with spa luxury to offer the FX Cure; the indoor pool atrium at Park Igls

calm ambience and Park Igls ‘three Rs’ mantra – restoration, rejuvenation, relaxation – prevails.

The property is as clear cut as the Alps that surround it. In many ways it resembles a high-end doctors’ office, but the additions of plush sofas, roaring fires and a library that wouldn’t look out of place in an English stately home make for a surprisingly cosy atmosphere.

Park Igls has a high-tech medical wing as well as multiple therapy suites offering everything from physiotherapy and osteopathy to shiatsu and cranial sacral massage. In the thermal suite there are four saunas, a steam room and cold plunge, as well as an indoor swimming pool.

The first-floor baths space is the beating heart of the resort, popular daily from 9am and where guests can use the Kneipp walk, hot and cold contrast therapy baths and a large relaxation area.

An ever-attentive team provides complimentary sudorific liver-detox compresses to help with detoxification. The warm wrap and accompanying hot water bottle is a welcome antidote to the effects of Park Igls infamous bitter water. Taken every morning to promote detoxification the old-fashioned way, it leads to frequent bathroom

From left: holistic treatments are paired with dietary programmes to leave guests feeling restored; Park Igls in the Austrian sunshine

trips by all guests, often accompanied by an apologetic explanation of “the Bitter water’s working” as they flee.

The new third-floor panoramic gym offers vast sweeping views of the mountain scenery and the lush park from which Park Igls gets its name. In the summer months, guests can explore its 6,000sqm and hunt for the Secret Garden, a newly developed area with a water feature, drinking fountains, a seating platform and an outdoor exercise area. There are plans to expand the park with a fitness course and further resting places for quiet contemplation.

Park Igls also has a beauty salon offering aesthetics including microneedling, microdermabrasion and mesoporation among its cosmetic treatments. Gartner is keen to emphasise: “We believe that real beauty comes from within, but do offer cosmetics treatments for the impatient!”

AI-generated probiotics

Public consciousness of fasting and its benefits for gut health has risen sharply in recent years and, while Gartner believes it’s positive that more people are consciously taking care of their gut, he has concerns. “With every scientific study published on the subject of intestinal health, it becomes clearer to even the harshest critics that Dr Mayr was right in his methods – and that was a century ago!” he says.

IHHT altitude training

Recently made available at Park Igls, Intermittent Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Treatment (IHHT) altitude training has been clinically proven to improve physical performance, optimise tissue oxygenation and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

IHHT exposes the body to alternating oxygen-poor air (11 per cent) and oxygen-rich air (35 per cent) to accelerate the production of red blood cells and replace old mitochondria with new (normal air is 21 per cent oxygen).

“We don’t use the term anti-ageing at Park Igls, but if we did, this treatment deserves that badge,” says Gartner. “It offers all the positive effects of altitude training without having to climb Mont Blanc!

“Mitochondria are the powerplants of our cells and IHHT causes old, exhausted mitochondria to be weeded out and young, healthy mitochondria to be produced in greater numbers.

“This training method, which merely involves inhaling and exhaling in a seated position, even has the potential to recalibrate the reward system in the brain, so that physical activity is perceived as more enjoyable. Research is still in its infancy, but it’s looking promising.”

demographic to take the Cure

“I’d estimate around 95 per cent of chronic conditions have their origins in the gut. Fasting is seen as a quick fix in affluent societies, where there’s too little time for healthy eating, exercise and taking care of yourself. But the right information is vital – quality should always take precedence over quantity. The route to wellness can’t be rushed.”

The Park Igls medi-spa offer is currently being developed, especially in the field of microbiome medicine. Together with Gartner, Gnägi has introduced pioneering pro and prebiotic therapy this year, which is completely bespoke to the individual.

“We no longer treat imbalances in the intestinal flora by prescribing standard probiotics,” Gartner explains. “Now we collect a complex list of complaints and medical details, which we then combine with the extensive results of a molecular genetic microbiome analysis into a personalised recipe for a unique probiotic mixture – My Own Blend. It’s so complex that artificial intelligence is required to help create each blend. We are already seeing excellent initial results, there will certainly be a lot of further development from us in this area.”

Right from top: the third-floor gym has floo-to-ceiling windows and comprehensive kit; IV drip therapy is part of the treatment offering; daily complimentary liver-detox compresses aid detoxification

While there are no plans to expand to other properties, Gnägi says she has plans to renovate and remodel parts of the resort in the coming 12 months. And there are always new scientifically verified therapies being introduced. Gartner’s newest addition is a sleep lab for diagnosing and treating sleep apnoea. He is also considering expanding Park Igls’s neuro-rehabilitation division based on Modern Mayr Medicine.

“People are realising what we’ve always maintained at Park Igls. Prevention is the name of the game and taking care of yourself is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” says Gnägi. “Regular preventative healthcare is the most important building block for a healthier, longer life. You don’t need a white sandy beach to enjoy a healthy break from daily life, you just need a place where you can be yourself. That is what Park Igls strives to offer. While the world seems to spin ever faster, we’re committed to creating the optimal environment for comprehensive and compassionate integrated healthcare.”

SPA STATISTICS

Park Igls Medical Spa www.park-igls.at

Owner Gesundheitszentrum Igls, Dr Albert Gnägi

CEO Andrea Gnägi

Medical director Dr Peter Gartner

Spa team 31 including 7 practitioners, 2 psychologists, 22 therapists

Spa size 1,525sqm

Treatment rooms 29

Fitness equipment LifeFitness, Rogue, Kybun, Bellicon

Treatment beds Lemi, Kurland

Wet experiences/sauna KLAFS

Pools BWT

Product partners Stix&Wicks, Lavee Cosmetic, Bio-Stutenmilch, SonnenMoor, Haslauer, P. Jentschura, Kräuterhof, Walde

Medical equipment GE Healthcare, Schiller Kardio, Celloxy

Towels and robes Schraml, van Laack

Brands to Watch Elemis promotion

Body positive

Elemis Expert Cryobody is the brand’s latest innovation. We talk to co-founder and global president, Noella Gabriel, about what it means for spas and their guests

Delivering a clinically proven treatment experience that goes beyond inch loss, Elemis has introduced its Elemis Expert Cryobody treatments.

“When we were looking at the landscape of body sculpting and contouring spa treatments in the market, they were either rather outdated, or very clinical and medi-spa driven,” says Noella Gabriel, co-founder and global president at Elemis. “We wanted to bridge that gap, just like we did with our Biotec facials.”

Aimed at promoting body confidence and positivity, the system combines state-of-the-art technology with the

latest innovation in cryolypolysis and sculpting massage to deliver clinically proven results.

“By leaning on recent developments in cryotherapy, we were able to create an elevated experience, designed to be both high-tech and high-touch,” explains Gabriel. “This focuses on wellbeing and body positivity, while still being highly efficacious with clinically proven results.”

The unique treatment harnesses touch, tech and active Elemis products to tone, sculpt and firm, promising visible results that can be seen after one treatment.

“At Elemis we are known for the

sensorial experience of our products, and this transcends through to our treatments,” says Gabriel. “Our Cryobody treatments offer a moment to be still, relax, unwind and delight in the aromatics; while also enjoying toning, firming and detoxifying results.”

Beauty and beyond

Developed over more than a year and a half, the aim of Cryobody is not to promote ideals of perfection to the brand’s clients, but to deliver a clinically proven, aspirational experience that goes beyond inch loss to boost body confidence.

“A key consideration when developing the Elemis Expert Cryobody treatments was creating an opportunity within body treatment innovation for strong client return and retention,” explains Gabriel. “Our Cryobody treatments offer progressive results through courses of treatments, along with immediate clinically proven results from just one service that’s suitable for day guests.”

“We often see regular return custom for facials; however, this is less frequent with body treatments, so developing a treatment suitable for building into treatment packages and courses was a key driver.”

Thermal shock effect

A combination of Elemis’s targeted massage techniques and active products, the technique works by creating a Cryoskin thermal shock effect. Heat of up to 40°C dilates fat cells making them more receptive to cold. Subsequently reducing the temperature down to -8°C with a penetration of 4cm causes thermal shock, destroying localised subcutaneous fat, without damaging surrounding tissue. Finally, rising again to up to 40°C, stimulates the lymphatic system to aid elimination.

“This treatment offers therapists greater opportunities to upsell, rebook and retail homecare from within the treatment room by focusing on the

Elemis Expert Cryobody treatments explained

n Elemis Expert Cryo-Tighten + Firm

Clinically proven to firm, tone and tighten, revealing a slimmer-looking figure after just one treatment.

Designed for areas with visible cellulite, an advanced precision heating and cooling technology works in synergy with Elemis’ signature lifting massage techniques. Targeted actives focus on thighs and tummy to define, detox and debloat with long-lasting results.

n Elemis Expert Cryofirm

Designed to promote a firmer, more contoured appearance in

client’s long-term goals and working together to achieve them, building trust and loyalty,” says Gabriel. “We also feel that this service supports spa therapists with their professional development, upskilling with advanced massage techniques and the latest body technology.”

Training and promotion

A three-day in-person training session at Elemis’ London Training Academy in Farringdon will equip therapists with the core skills required to deliver these new treatments.

When initially launching the procedures, introductory promotions and packages will help encourage

one treatment. Combining Elemis’s unique targeted massage to destress and soften skin with the precision cooling of cryotherapy to achieve instantly smoother, firmer skin. It aids detoxification.

n Elemis Expert Cryotighten

Using controlled heating and cooling, combined with Elemis’ signature massage, this cryotherapy treatment supports the lymphatic system to reveal immediate inch loss in just one treatment, with further results achieved in two weeks.

clients to trial the treatments. The team also suggest that spas consider collaborating with influencers within the wellness space to build credibility or offer expert-led masterclasses to explain the treatments in more detail.

For seasonal engagement, Elemis Expert Cryobody can be positioned as ideal for wellness goals at the start of the year and as an option to boost body-confidence ahead of the summer holiday period.

BE INSPIRED...

To find out more about Elemis and what its B Corp certification could bring to your spa, visit: www.elemis.com

Global Wellness Summit

10 takeaways to inspire

European Spa reports from this year’s pretigious event in Scotland on the speakers who delivered thought-provoking presentations to guide the industry’s future

REPORT BY MARK SMITH

The 18th Global Wellness Summit (GWS) was held for the first time in the UK at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in St Andrews, Scotland. This year’s theme – ‘A watershed moment for wellness’ – set the tone for some inspiring presentations and immersive experiences.

Topics addressed included climate change and how we use (and misuse) water, highlighting innovative projects to recycle and cleanse this most precious of natural resources. The theme also allowed for an exploration of people’s connection to water and its importance in wellness from wild swimming to cold-water immersion, thermal bathing and social connection.

morning yoga sessions. Thierry and Mary Anne Malleret conducted wellness walks through the local area, focusing participants’ minds on the redemptive power of nature.

Immersed in the environment

Welcoming over 500 international delegates from 43 countries, the event was billed as an opportunity to shape the future of the wellness industry, offering unique insights from globally renowned experts.

4.

5. Sue Harmsworth, MBE, with Sarah Camilleri, editorial director of European Spa and Kerry Turpin, global head of spa and wellness, Corinthia

Delegates enjoyed Kohler x Remedy Place ice baths and dipped into the bracing North Sea with authors Vicky Allan and Anna Deacon. Sanctum provided transformative and energising outdoor movement sessions, and Ashley Kohler of Kohler Co., led

The three-day event was officially opened by Global Wellness Summit founder, chair and CEO, Susie Ellis along with Nancy Davis, chief creative officer and executive director. Ellis used her opening address to tell attendees: “What’s next, I believe is that we need to switch our focus from numbers and look at the impact of our global might, focusing on wellness for the many as well for the few.”

Nina Kohler, strategy and design consultant, Kohler Co., welcomed

The global wellness economy is now worth 26 per cent more than it was pre-pandemic – $6.3 trillion in 2023. With 5.9% annual growth, the market is forecast to reach $9 trillion by 2028.

guests to the host venue, which is owned by the brand and features a Kohler Waters Spa.

The welcome also featured videography from Louie Schwartzberg, filmmaker and CEO of Moving Art, depicting water in every form. He set the tone for the event with his inspiring presentation, saying: “We have a gift and purpose to heal the world. We are the changers and should let beauty be our guide.”

The GWS afforded the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) an international platform to release its Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2024 report, which demonstrates that the global wellness economy is now worth 26 per cent more than it was pre-pandemic – reaching $6.3 trillion (£4.9 trillion/€6 trillion) in 2023. With 5.9 per cent annual growth, the market is forecast to reach $9 trillion by 2028.

1The benefits of cold therapy

Dr Jemma King, director at BioPsychAnalytics, presented the findings of a large-scale study conducted with the University of Queensland, Australia, into the Wim Hof Method. Involving 404 participants from accountancy firm Price Waterhouse Coopers, and focusing on stress reduction, the study compared the impact of ice baths, cold showers and breathing exercises against meditation. Participants wore biometric devices for 24/7 data collection over two weeks of baseline, four weeks of intervention, and three months of follow-up. Results showed significant improvements in cognitive function, stress handling and psychological safety. “We found that people who did the ice baths and the shower had better mental clarity,” says King. “They had a better ability to handle stress... more energy and faster cognition. They also had impreoved respiratory rate data.”

2The social bathing revolution

Robert Hammond, president and chief strategy officer of Therme US, discussed the multifaceted benefits of bathing, emphasising physical, social and spiritual aspects. He gave historical examples of bathing cultures, including Roman baths and Victorian Turkish baths, that integrated physical and social wellbeing. His presentation also touched on contemporary bathing trends, including the rise of bathhouses in cities and the importance of water quality for the future.

The most powerful lever in wellness is not knowledge. It’s not information. It is mindset. It’s how we do these things.

David Stewart Founder, Ageist

Hammond stressed the need to democratise wellness through bathing, touching on the significance of community and social interaction in enhancing the bathing experience. “Social interaction is the important factor here, it really is the health benefit,” he said. “I’m talking about a connection with either yourself, with other people that you know or don’t know, and then nature for something bigger than yourself.”

Water scarcity, security and the role of the spa industry

Following the theme of water, many conversations revolved around its use in the wellness industry, particularly in spas, and the need to shift from passive reliance to active responsibility.

Sarah Livia Brightwood, president of Rancho La Puerta in Mexico, described how her business is addressing water security through the development of a waste-water healing plant that naturally restores the water quality on her property.

Aradhana Khowala, CEO of Aptamind Partners and GWS co-chair, spoke with J Carl Ganter, founder of Circle of Blue, about the challenges of water scarcity, highlighting that tourist consumption can reach up to 300 litres per person per day in the Mediterranean, compared to residents’ 100 litres usage. The pair emphasised the importance of storytelling to raise awareness and advocated for water conservation. They also urged the industry to adopt regenerative practices, reuse water and build trust with the community.

The conversation touched on the ethical implications of high water usage and the need for systemic change to ensure sustainable practices. “It’s a profound moment in history and what we do right now will define our future,” said Ganter.

Examining the financial impact of not acting in the face of a water crisis, he added,

“The only hope for water’s future is one we deliberately design.”

The power of positivity and mindset

David Stewart, founder and CEO at Ageist, discussed the importance of mindset in wellness, emphasising that 70 per cent of health outcomes are determined by behaviour.

Stewart’s research, involving a series of studies with consistent data, showed that optimists are more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviours, such as using fitness trackers and having specific workout plans. He also noted that optimists are two to four times more likely to make significant efforts in health, social connections and financial planning.

Stewart concluded that optimism is a key driver for wellness and longevity, urging individuals to adopt optimistic mindsets to improve their health and inspire others. “The most powerful lever in wellness is not knowledge. It’s not information. It is mindset. It’s how we do these things,” he said.

The future of longevity from genetic testing to AI-driven personalisation

Sue Harmsworth, MBE, founder of the Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC), led a talk with Simone Gibertoni, CEO of Clinique la Prairie, and Isaac Jones, founder and CEO of Health Experts Alliance.

Their discussion on longevity and wellness highlighted the evolution of the longevity industry over the past decade, driven by demographic changes and technological advancements. Key points included the shift to genetic approaches, the importance of personalised interventions, and the role of AI in diagnostics.

The conversation emphasised the need for integrative health, combining traditional and functional medicine with complementary therapies. Challenges in staffing and cultural integration between medical and hospitality sectors were also addressed.

Future predictions focused on personalisation and the importance of education in preventative health. “The challenge is to transform wellness seekers into longevity enthusiasts,” said Gibertoni. “Only through follow up can you determine what is and isn’t working.”

It’s a profound moment in history and what we do right now will define our future. The only hope for water’s future is one we deliberately design.

J Carl Ganter, founder, Circle of Blue

Global Wellness Summit Award winners

Shark Tank of Wellness Winner

Sofia Sanchez, founder, Bond-Sai Leading Woman in Wellness 2024

Amy McDonald, CEO and founder of Under A Tree wellness consultancy

Bennett Family Award for Collaboration in the Science of Wellness

1. Charles Davidson, chair and creative director, Peninsula Hot Springs

2. J Carl Ganter, founder, Circle of Blue

3. The GWS Gala Dinner included a Scottish band, bagpipes and a traditional cèilidh dance

4. GWS sponsors were thanked for their support of the event

5. Mark Smith, deputy editor, European Spa meets Wim Hof

6. Thierry Malleret, co-founder and managing partner, Monthly Barometer introduces Lewis Swire, founder, Curious Times

7. Simone Gibertoni, CEO, Clinique La Prairie

8. Michael Acton Smith receives the Debra Simon Award for Furthering Mental Wellness

The future of mindfulness is in our own hands

Michael Acton Smith, co-founder of Calm, the mindfulness app, shared his insights on meditation and mental health. The popular app for meditation and sleep has been downloaded 150 million times. He shared memories of his journey into meditation, which began 12 years ago, and explained how it transformed him to be a better business leader.

“Meditation is not about incense, it’s about neuroscience,” he said. “The phone is an incredible tool to reach people. Our mission is to make the world healthier and happier to be the Nike of the mind.”

The brand is currently looking to create a new brcks-and-mortar business by expanding into the spa world with Calm destinations that will encourage community, connection and mindfulness.

Wim Hof, founder, Wim Hof Method, and Jemma King, PhD, Director, BioPsychAnalytics

Debra Simon Award for Furthering Mental Wellness

Michael Acton Smith, co-founder, Calm Leader in Sustainability

Davide Bollati, chairman, Davines Group

Scientific studies support the benefits of wellbeing at work

Jan-Emmanuel de Neve, professor of Economics and Behavioural Science and director of the Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Oxford, described one of the largest surveys of workplace wellbeing, the main findings of which will be released by Harvard Business Press in spring 2025.

He said the study provides the best evidence supporting the benefits of wellbeing at work. Driving this state are factors including a sense of belonging, trust, achievement, compensation, support, flexibility and learning. But he said that belonging is the biggest driver. There’s a strong business case too.

“Greater employee wellbeing is tied to higher company valuation, higher return on assets and greater profits,” he told attendees.

Shining a spotlight on well-washing and science-washing

Against a backdrop of celebrity scientists and doctors, Beth McGroarty, GWI vice-president of research and forecasting, highlighted how

businesses are now often using science to sell. On the Wellness Trends for 2025 panel, she explored the growing use of the science-washing trends in beauty, travel, selfcare, longevity medicine and more. This is also prevalent in the number of pseudo experts appearing on social media, with little or no qualifications presenting their views as fact. It’s a fast changing landscape and one that has a marked impact on the wellness industry. “We are moving from well-washing to science-washing,” says McGroarty. “It’s a much more confusing landscape.”

Using film on social media is essential to future-proof your business

Jeremy Jauncey, founder of Beautiful Destinations, talked in depth about how the travel, tourism and wellness industries have lots of lessons to learn from each other, and how they can work together.

“The world is moving more mobile and more digital,” he said. “There is a major shift in the way people share stories and research their travel plans and how they book their travel.”

MIND-BODY WELLNESS TECHNOLOGIES

EXPERIENCE THE FUTURE OF WELLBEING WITH GHARIENI’S METAWELL MIND BODY WELLNESS TECHNOLOGIES

DISCOVER THE WHOLE RANGE OF QUALITY WELLNESS AND SPA EQUIPMENT

GWS 2025 to be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE

The Global Wellness Summit 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. “Two core values of the Global Wellness Summit are our commitment to being truly global and future focused,” said Susie Ellis. “Abu Dhabi, with its substantial investments in health and wellness, presents a unique opportunity to embody these values like never before.”

Jauncey said that search behaviours were changing, especially among a younger demographic – 40 per cent of consumers are not going to Google to search – but are looking to Instagram and TikTok. “Can you bring to life your property or business through visual communications?” he asked. “The majority of people are looking to social media to make these decisions. Innovate, don’t continue do what you have already done.”

Regenerative principles should be a driving force for wellness tourism Cathy Feliciano-Chon, managing partner at Finn Partners, spoke powerfully about Wellness Tourism 3.0. She explained that in the future, wellness tourism will require a dedication to sustainability and regenerative principles in business.

Today many brands are using sustainability as a differentiator, but the industry should also be reflecting on how this affects everything else in the ecosystem. She said that you can’t have one without the other. “We’re looking for a commitment to regenerative principles. So increasingly, the wellness tourism industry is actually going to be called upon to be the gold standard for this going forward,” said Feliciano-Chon. “There are fantastic brands right now in hospitality that are leading the way, but we’re moving in a direction where that is going to be an imperative, no longer an exception to the rule.”

The 19th Global Wellness Summit will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in November 2025. For more information, visit: www.globalwellnesssummit.com

Skincare serum innovation

We talk to Dr Philippe Allouche, head of creation at Biologique Recherche, about Progeskin, the brand’s new serum to tackle cellular ageing

In a major development for skin ageing, Biologique Recherche has introduced an advanced formula serum, Progeskin. The product targets one of the major causes of cutaneous ageing: cellular senescence – the irreversible state where cells stop dividing while remaining metabolically active. This phenomenon accelerates during the natural ageing process. Normally, this process occurs in response to damage, to enable tissue regeneration and the elimination of dead cells. However, during ageing, damage exceeds the repair capacity and senescent cells accumulate leading to an inflammatory response, increased wrinkles, loss of elasticity, a thinning of the epidermis and a flattening of the epidermal junction.

How Progeskin works

“Our treatment targets each issue and treats it in-depth by incorporating products such as a quintessential serum – Progeskin,” says Dr Philippe Allouche, head of creation at Biologique Recherche. “With the best concentration of active ingredients and the combination of manual techniques, it provides visible results on the skin.”

This powerful formula targets deficient proteins, progerin and klotho, to curb the ageing process.

“Technology-coupled products recondition the epidermis and help reinforce its self-regenerative potential,” says Allouche. “The active ingredients take effect gradually, skin quality improves and the

complexion becomes radiant.”

The Biologique Recherche research and development team have formulated the serum with Progescence, which decreases progerin synthesis to reduce the accumulation of senescent cells over time. Pr-KL activates the Klotho protein and helps control cell metabolism, delaying the onset of senescence in skin cells, while promoting their longevity.

During the treatment stage, a few drops are applied to the

“Technology-coupled products recondition the epidermis and help reinforce its self-regenerative potential. The active ingredients take effect gradually, skin quality improves and the complexion becomes radiant.”

Dr Philippe Allouche

face, neck and décolleté in the morning and/or evening. Gentle upward movements are used to allow the product to be completely absorbed, and the skin is left firmer, plumper, rejuvenated and more toned, and wrinkles and fine lines are visibly reduced.

BE INFORMED...

To find out more about using Progeskin in your spa, visit: www.biologique-recherche.com

THE QUINTESSENCE OF PERSONALIZED SKIN CARE

A clinical approach of beauty treatment

An in-depth dermo-cosmetic diagnosis, Cosmetic preparations adapted to your Skin Instant©

For immediate & long-lasting results

www.biologique-recherche.com

How to excel as a spa leader

Sharp business management and a consistently outstanding guest offer are two keys to success, says Emlyn Brown, global senior vice president of Well-Being at Accor

Excelling in spa operations means much more than delivering quality treatments; it’s about ensuring consistent, outstanding experiences that keep guests coming back. More than ever, consumers are prioritising wellness and seeking out spas as sanctuaries to improve their overall wellbeing. Yet, as demand grows, so too does competition, making operational excellence crucial for business success.

ensures that each team member, whether at the front desk or in the treatment room, understands how their role affects the spa’s success. This shared sense of purpose enables every employee to see their part in the bigger picture and to feel ownership in the success of the business.

How to empower your team

Emlyn Brown

EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR

Emlyn Brown has led group operations of several leading luxury spa and fitness operators. During his time at Resense Spa S.A he was managing director of Asia, and he has held senior positions at Six Senses. Brown’s role at Accor sits within the design and development side of the business, focusing on the group’s Luxury & Lifestyle division. This includes the brands Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel and MGallery among others.

www.accor.com

For this, a robust operations and management strategy – combining service quality, customer satisfaction, staff empowerment, technology and financial efficiency – is key. And the spa manager holds the responsibility for delivering on this strategy.

Setting the tone for success

Successful spa leaders don’t just manage daily tasks, they focus on the big picture – how to deliver for guests, maintain relevance in a dynamic industry and prioritise holistic wellness. Visionary leaders know that setting a standard of excellence will inspire their team to go beyond routine tasks and work towards collective goals.

Leading well also means leading by example – you have to walk the talk every day. Your values, attitude and work ethic set up the culture, and when you show genuine passion, professionalism and integrity, your team is more likely to follow.

Establishing expectations

For any spa to flourish, clear goals, targets and incentives must align with its overall vision. Revenue targets, client satisfaction benchmarks and employee development goals – communicating these aims effectively

Recognition plays a big role in team morale. You must regularly celebrate individual and team achievements, whether it’s positive feedback, meeting revenue goals or mastering a new skill. Small gestures create a personalised environment. Acknowledging individual contributions and milestones fosters loyalty and makes team members feel seen and appreciated as people.

Empowerment in leadership means giving employees the freedom to contribute meaningfully. For instance, a spa therapist might suggest new treatments based on client feedback, or a receptionist may have the authority to resolve minor client issues. Trusting employees to make client-centred decisions cultivates a collaborative, engaged team that’s motivated to go the extra mile.

Mapping the customer journey

Know your guest journey, check every touchpoint and train your team constantly. From finding the spa online to saying goodbye post-treatment, every interaction matters.

A seamless journey includes the booking process, welcoming and professional service, creating a calm environment and post-visit care suggestions or special offers. Taking time to map this journey ensures a smooth experience at each touchpoint.

Fully embrace technology

Your spa software is more than just an advanced booking tool – it’s the beating heart and control panel of your business, and successful spas fully embrace their Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Investing in and committing to a strong CRM system allows you to better understand your clients by tracking preferences, feedback and past treatments. This enables personalised marketing, loyalty programmes and data-driven decisions on services and pricing strategies. It helps spas adapt to client needs in a competitive market.

Monitor your KPIs

Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) is essential – if it isn’t measured, it doesn’t get done. Spa managers should keep an eye on metrics including occupancy rates, average spend per customer, retention rates

and profitability per treatment. These KPIs provide insights into areas needing improvement and highlight trends that can inform business decisions.

Data-driven management helps ensure that every operational aspect aligns with the spa’s long-term goals, making it easier to adapt to client needs and industry trends.

Invest in staff development

Well-trained staff are central to a successful spa. From massage therapists to front-desk personnel, everyone should be skilled and aligned with the brand’s service philosophy.

Continuous training – whether in new techniques, the latest wellness trends or customer service – keeps staff motivated and engaged. Regular skill enhancement enables employees to feel valued and confident, directly affecting the quality of the service they provide.

Five steps to excellence

1. Start each day with intention: set a clear goal or target you want to achieve every day and achieve it. Success is created by incremental gains that compound over time.

2. Manage by walking around: this is not a desk job, most of your time is spent inspecting what you expect outside the office.

3. Don’t ask any team member to do what you’re not willing to do: Being at the coal face is better than issuing orders – be active, supportive and get your hands dirty if needed.

4. Check in with each team member every day: a five-minute chat, a coffee or formal check-ins are paramount to creating a dynamic and motivated team.

5. Be impeccable in your own grooming and your team members': dress to impress and ensure uniform and grooming are best-in-class every day. Grooming is the bedrock of operational excellence.

On the Menu

OUR PICK OF THE LATEST PRODUCT LAUNCHES AND TREATMENT INNOVATIONS

Edited by Mark Smith

EDITOR’S PICK

ESPA Restorative Winter Warming Treatment

Designed to melt away seasonal tension, ESPA’s Restorative Winter Warming Treatment is a 60-minute limited-edition therapy that includes soothing aromatherapy blends.

The treatment begins with hot mitts to cleanse and cocoon the feet, using gentle pressure to connect and rejuvenate with specialised massage techniques to release tension. A ‘bear walk’ up the back leads to a soothing back massage using one of the brand’s iconic warmed signature blend oils.

“Comfort, warmth and rejuvenation are at the heart of ESPA’s Restorative Winter Warming Treatment,” says Gemma Boskano, head of brand at ESPA. “Included in this treatment is our most-loved, warmed Signature Blend Restorative Oil with botanical lipids to nourish and soothing aromatherapy to restore inner and outer harmony.” The oil’s aromatic blend includes rose geranium, sweet orange and lavender, while palmarosa restores harmony.

Gentle body realignment is performed at this stage, then hot chakra stones are placed at key points on the body while gentle guided breathing centres the spirit.

The treatment also includes an application of warmed Pink Hair and Scalp Mud before a mini-facial is performed. To elevate the therapy, a semi-precious jade crystal ritual is included to restore and rebalance, and a comforting scalp massage and gentle stretching encourages relaxation. www.espaskincare.com

“This limited-edition treatment offers spas a unique, festive indulgence for their guests to enjoy or gift to a loved one over the holiday season.”

Gemma Boskano Head of brand, ESPA

Natura

Bissé offers immediate hydration with intensive seven-day

skin cure

To remedy dry, dehydrated and stressed skin, Natura Bissé has introduced a week-long skin programme called Essential Shock Intense Hydro Rescue. A concentrated hydration cure for the skin, the unique serum boosts hydration with ‘aqua magnet’, which claims to seal in moisture, preventing water loss.

Niacinamide is hydrating and anti-ageing; hydroderma complex contains ceratonia siliqua, aloe vera, panthenol, vitamin E and shea butter to reduce that taut skin feeling. Natural moisturising factor works with ‘aqua magnet’ to protect against external aggression.

The treatment can be used in two ways. For urgent action, apply one ampoule a day for seven consecutive days. For prolonged periods apply one ampoule two days a week. Apply after a serum and before the regular face cream, massage the entire contents of the ampoule into the face, neck and décolleté until completely absorbed.

www.naturabisse.com

Ground Wellbeing’s calming castor oil blend helps to soothe and ease the gut

Developed to honour the importance of the gut to overall health and wellbeing, Ground Wellbeing’s Cleanse Castor Oil is a soothing, comforting abdominal oil to help calm an irritable stomach while encouraging a natural cleanse.

The detoxifying oil is blended with the calming synergy of cardamom and fennel, which work to cleanse and comfort the area, especially when combined with the warmth of a hot water bottle. Marjoram, ginger and caraway oil help to improve digestion, while peppermint and fennel encourage a peaceful night’s rest.

The added benefits of castor oil include pain relief, reduced inflammation and more effective elimination of waste. The abdominal oil is great for everyone but especially those who hold stress or anxiety in their abdominal area – for example those living with IBS. It can be utilised in specialised treatments and is available for retail in 30ml and 100ml sizes.

www.groundwellbeing.com

Skin Regimen reformulates and adds three new facials to its unisex collection

After more than 12 years of extensive research on cutaneous cells, the Skin Regimen line has undergone a complete reformulation and now features the exclusive Longevity Complex. This unique combination of powerful bio-actives includes myrtle, blue indigo, spinach and carnosine, which work to combat the effects of inflammation, glycation, oxidation and methylation caused by sun exposure, pollution, lack of sleep and an unbalanced diet.

Alongside the 15-piece collection, the brand has also launched three new professional Longevity Facials, which are now available in select partner spas worldwide. Each treatment is designed to leverage the power of the potent formulas while providing deep tissue revitalisation and utilises modern tools for an intensive reoxygenation and sculpting effect.

Longevity Vitaminic revitalises, brightens, smooths and hydrates; Longevity Peel rejuvenates, offering a lifting and firming effect; and Longevity Detox purifies and detoxes. www.comfortzoneskin.com

111SKIN takes cryotherapy to another level with new moisturiser

Mimicking the effects of cryotherapy to improve skin health, 111SKIN has introduced Cryo Revitalising Moisturiser, an energising, refreshing cream that offers an instant cooling and awakening effect.

The formulation delivers a sculpted, tightened and more radiant complexion and is ideal for an energising, refreshing boost of skin hydration in the morning, post-workout or when skin is feeling tired and dull.

Cryo Revitalising Moisturiser contains Actigen 02 to boost blood circulation and minimise puffiness. It also features a powerful blend of polyglutamic acid and eight types of hyaluronic acid for long-lasting skin hydration and elasticity, as well as 111SKIN’s signature NAC Y2 complex to repair and restore skin health.

www.111skin.com

BRAND FOCUS

Dalú Natural Skincare: botanical formulations inspired by medical science and nature

Inspired by the flora she saw while holidaying in Croatia, Slovenian doctor Lucija Kračun began to develop a range of natural beauty creams using botanical ingredients. These evolved into Dalú Natural Skincare, a collection of products that feature ethically sourced, scientifically proven, organic and vegan ingredients.

The collection draws on Kračun’s medical expertise, scientific understanding of the skin and deep knowledge of medicinal plants and how they can be harnessed to create beneficial skincare products.

“From the outset, it was vitally important to us that our products were effective – but not at the cost of the planet, or our health,” says Kračun.

The high-performance and results-driven products include Hyaluronic Acid Youth Elixir and the Immortelle Timeless Cream. The brand also offers a collection of exclusive, premium facial and body spa rituals.

www.dalubeauty.com

Liposomal retinal delivers targeted anti-ageing results in new Germaine de Capuccini serum

Developed to offer the benefits of retinol without irritation, Germaine De Capuccini has launched Retinight. Working to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, the serum features a serum-cream texture formulated with 0.04 per cent retinal and HLG nanopolymer, which includes hyaluronic acid, lysine and glutamic acid.

The innovative product rejuvenates and renews the skin overnight due to its exclusive Focused Cell Dose technology, an encapsulation system that optimises the efficacy of retinal. It is said to increase absorption in the epidermis by 20 times.

The formula offers greater precision, stability, and less irritation, ensuring high potency and maximum tolerance. Retinight reduces the various signs of ageing, improving skin firmness, radiance and texture for a visibly renewed appearance every morning. The use of liposomal retinal technology offers improved efficacy for immediate results. www.germainedecapuccini.com

www.groundwellbeing.com peigin@groundwellbeing.com

Seed to Skin boosts hair health with wild-harvested active extracts

Revival Hydro-Luminous Shampoo and Revival Hydro-Nourishing Conditioner have been added to the Seed to Skin range. The products are hand-blended with powerful active plant botanicals, wild-harvested ingredients and natural extracts, harnessed by cutting-edge green molecular science to guarantee purity, efficacy, and safety.

The shampoo is formulated with horsetail extract, hydrolysed quinoa, moringa, hyaluronic acid and verbascum flower with blueberry and raspberry extract.

The nourishing conditioner features a blend of thermal plankton and rosemary and olive leaf extract.

Free from sulfates, SLS and SLES, both products revive the look, strength and health of the hair and scalp, leaving hair revitalised, resilient, and radiant with a glass-like shine.

Each ingredient is rigorously tested, and carefully blended and bottled by hand at the Borgo Santo Pietro 300-acre organic estate in the heart of Tuscany and the brand’s on-site laboratory.

www.seedtoskin.com

Cellcosmet debuts Swiss Cell Spa Experience at Four Seasons London

Cellcosmet, the Swiss brand specialising in skin revitalisation, has begun a partnership with Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane.

Launching three treatments as a capsule collection under the Swiss Cell Spa Experience banner, this is the first UK hotel spa to showcase the brand’s renowned spa facial treatments.

Using the highest-grade marine collagen and Cellcosmet’s CytoPep Cellular Extracts, the targeted facial treatments are designed to boost skin firmness and hydration, leaving skin looking radiant.

The treatments include ProCollagen Essential Facial to refresh, revitalise and smooth skin, and the Gentleman’s Essential Collagen Facial to address skin fatigue while purifying and plumping, leaving the complexion fresh and vibrant while tackling tired eyes and dark circles. ProCollagen Face and Neck relaxes the face and reduces puffiness www.cellcosmet.com

spa.info@loccitane.com

spa.info@loccitane.com

www.spa.loccitane.com https://spa.loccitane.com

www.spa.loccitane.com

Results-driven

www.ishga.com www.ishga.com

TREATMENT FOCUS

Oskia launches Counting Sheep

Oskia has introduced a new treatment for mother and child to promote relaxation and sleep. Set in a tranquil double treatment room, Counting Sheep is a soothing, shared experience that begins with a gentle cleanse using Rest Day Cleansing Milk. Vitamin Eye Makeup Remover is used at this stage as required to prepare the skin for restorative calm.

The relaxing protocol features a series of massages to the face, shoulders and scalp. The brand’s Signature Glow facial massage uses Restoration Oil; Rest Day Barrier Balm is applied as a gentle mask; shoulders, arms and scalp are massaged with Counting Sheep Massage Oil Blend.

The pampering experience offers rest and recuperation for mind and body, promoting calm and preparing both parent and child for a wonderful night’s sleep. www.oskiaskincare.com

EviDenS de Beauté celebrates new branded treatment room at Rosewood’s Hôtel de Crillon

EviDenS de Beauté has launched a unique collaboration offering its exclusive treatments at the Sense Spa at Rosewood’s Hôtel de Crillon in Paris. The new treatment room, created in association with architect and designer Emmanuelle Simon, offers a sanctuary of wellbeing in the heart of the capital.

Guided by the vision of the brand’s founder Charles-Edouard Barthes, Simon designed the space to reflect the skincare company’s dual influences from Japan and France. The treatment menu includes massages inspired by Japanese ancestral techniques alongside the unique facials which feature multi-masking rituals to suit skin needs.

For the first time, specific EviDenS de Beauté ceremonies also incorporate the use of the Oxylight machine which works to enhance the skin’s texture and health with LED, microdermabrasion, microcurrent, and lymphatic drainage. www.evidensdebeaute.com www.rosewoodhotels.com/hotel-de-crillon

European Spa selects the best professional product launches for spas. Contact mark.smith@spapublishing.com

Finding a sense of balance

We find out how ESPA is focusing on hot and cold contrast therapy to promote everyday wellbeing for its clients, both in spas and at home

Hydrothermal bathing, contrast therapy and thermal experiences in general are all experiencing a major renaissance in spas, with guests increasingly keen to embrace these age-old health-enriching practices.

Leading global spa and skincare brand ESPA is heading into 2025 with its focus firmly on promoting thermal experiences in spas and at home, to help support consumers’ holistic wellbeing and establish a greater sense of balance.

Whether it’s through the brand’s award-winning thermal spa experiences and treatments, or its naturally powerful at-home products, ESPA will be working to share the transformative benefits of hot and cold therapies for supporting inner strength, metal wellness and overall health.

Inspiring good intentions

“As we go into 2025, we want to help our spa partners and customers embark on a journey to a more balanced state of wellbeing,” says Danny Golby, managing director of ESPA International. “By educating customers on the phenomenal health benefits of thermal and contrast therapies, we hope to help inspire new positive intentions to start the year.

“In partnership with our spas around the world, we’ll encourage people to take time to recognise how they are feeling in that moment and ask ‘what does my body and mind need?’ We’ll help them set intentions, then show how we can support their holistic wellbeing with thermal therapies and treatments in spas, and at home using ESPA products.”

ESPA LOCATIONS

ESPA Life at Corinthia, London, UK; ESPA Life Waldorf-Astoria Lusail

Doha; ESPA Riga, Latvia; 7132 Hotel, Switzerland; Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, Portugal; Hotel Grande Bretagne, Greece

Creating balance from contrast

ESPA’s Thermal Balance will take consumers on a unique journey, from its hero spa treatment, the Inner Calm Massage, to bespoke at-home rituals using its Signature Blends Bath and Body oils. And in the state-of-the-art thermal experiences at its iconic spa locations, ESPA will personalise thermal journeys for guests to boost natural defences, relieve stress and unlock all the associated health benefits.

The in-spa offer

ESPA is working with its partner spas to develop spa days, treatments and thermal journeys. The signature Inner Calm Massage will be personalised based on Signature Blends Bath and Body Oils. The eight aromatherapy blends, which lie at the heart of ESPA, are expertly crafted and formulated for olfactive excellence.

The therapist will select two blends, based on the guest’s concerns or needs on that particular day and, after smelling the chosen aromas, guests will naturally be drawn to the blend that they ‘need’ the most. This will dictate the massage and recommended spa day or thermal journey.

“In smaller spas without thermal facilities, we’ll guide them to showcase different thermally beneficial products to use, for example our Active Nutrients Isotonic Hydrating Mask and our Isotonic Hydra Gel Eye Masks for cooling benefits,” says Golby. “Therapists will share thermal guidance, so clients can continue their treatment experience at home.”

Immersed in education

ESPA will also be educating customers, both online and through therapist training at its partner spas, on how they can create thermal journeys themselves, using cold or hot showers and ice baths, steam inhalers, body brushing and ESPA’s Cryo Globes, alongside its products and Signature Blends Bath and Body Oils.

“By encouraging the setting of intentions to support health and

wellbeing through the year ahead and explaining the power of contrasting temperatures in spa or at home, we will guide consumers to embark on a journey to rebalance, refine and rediscover their wellness with ESPA,” says Golby.

“With our support and guidance, and the relaxing sensations of hot and cold therapy, we’re helping to connect the consumer journey between spas, online and at home.”

ABOUT THE BRAND

One of the world’s leading spa and skincare brands, ESPA was founded in 1992 and acquired by THG in 2017. Globally renowned for creating COSMOS-approved luxury spa products, made in the UK, ESPA also offers an award-winning Design and Consultancy service that creates one-of-a-kind luxury spas. Its global team of over 150 skilled professionals has delivered more than 550 spas in 55 countries. www.espaskincare.com

Five of the best spas

European Spa showcases the properties pushing the boundaries of wellness hospitality across Europe

REPORT BY MARK SMITH

In this winter issue of European Spa, we again shine a spotlight on the latest projects making waves in the world of wellness hospitality. The investment pipeline across the continent remains strong as global hospitality groups expand their footprint with new announcements and property openings. Wellness is a driving factor behind most of these new hospitality projects, and excellent spa facilities are delivering purposeful treatments and therapies as a cornerstone of their spa menus.

Our journey takes us to Greece for the second opening from Kerzner International, bringing its One&Only brand to Kea Island. Rosewood Hotels and Resorts continues a period of planned expansion with the opening of a second property in Austria – the lakeside Schloss Fuschl, near Salzburg, brings the Asaya spa brand to the Austrian mountains. On the shores of Lake Como, we showcase the stunning Spa at Passalacqua, crafted out of tunnels underneath an 18th-century villa.

Heading south into Africa, we visit the View Agadir, with its private beach, impressive views of the ocean and commitment to traditional hammam bathing, Moroccan style. Back in Europe, we explore the Marquis in Suffolk, UK, where new spa facilities have opened following a £15m (€18m) investment and expansion of the hotel. We hope you enjoy this round-up of the best spas leading the way into 2025.

One&Only Kea Island, Greece

Following the successful 2023 opening of One&Only Aesthesis, Athens, Kerzner International’s second Greek property, One&Only Kea Island, boosts the brand’s growing hospitality portfolio, which includes Atlantis, SIRO and Rare Finds.

Just a ferry ride from the Greek capital, the resort’s 63 villas and collection of private homes, designed by acclaimed architect John Heah, pay homage to the island’s architectural traditions. Hand-cut local stone and Greek marble enhance Cycladic touches including white-washed walls and rounded archways.

“Every One&Only resort is one of a kind,” says Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner International. “With a population of just 2,300, Kea Island

is incredibly special to its people – it was our privilege to work with the community to reflect and protect Kea’s unique spirit.”

A

holistic haven

The resort’s ocean-front, three-storey spa draws on the revitalising effects of the island, featuring a collection of Watsu therapy and cold plunge pools. There are also steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs and an indoor-outdoor pool with sea views. Six treatment rooms include two for couples, while the indoor-outdoor fitness centre has a dedicated teens’ area. Outdoor classes on offer include spinning in an alfresco Peloton studio, as well as sunset yoga and Vinyasa Flow in a sea-view pavilion.

BEHIND THE PROJECT

One&Only Kea Island, Greece www.oneandonlyresorts.com/kea-island

Spa size 1,700sqm

Product partners Subtle Energies, Bastien Gonzalez

Spa suppliers Gharieni, BC Softwear, Technogym, SPASoft, Kimisoo, Imatia, Aqua-Centre, Peloton

Grounded in the notion of sophrosyne – the ancient Greek expression for balancing the mind and body – the 1,700sqm wellness facility delivers tailored health and beauty rituals in addition to expert hand and feet therapies in a Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez.

The One&Only Spa also offers holistic wellness treatments and tailored programmes by the luxury Ayurvedic aromatherapy brand Subtle Energies, which has curated four exclusive treatments for the location. The signature facials, body wraps, massages and beauty rituals meld Ayurveda with potent local botanicals, Greek mythology and modern wellness techniques. Subtle Energies has also created a range of transformative retreats, lasting three to five days.

The View Agadir, Morocco

Moroccan hotel group the View Collection is owned by Experienciah – a growing North African hospitality group with a portfolio of 22 resort and city properties in Morocco and ten more in the pipeline. The Collection, which has hotels in Rabat and Vichy Célestins Bouznika, near Casablanca, has opened its first five-star property in Agadir.

The View Agadir is a 272-room property with 59 suites situated on the seafront with a private beach affording impressive views of the coastline. The hotel boasts a 1,500sqm Amaya Spa – named after the word for beauty and serenity in Berber – that reflects traditional Moroccan design and showcases the work of local artisans.

The wellness offering includes five hammam

treatment rooms and five single and one couples’ room, all with Lemi treatment beds. Throughout the spa are various relaxation and wellness hubs featuring REM and Lemi spa furniture. A large heated indoor swimming pool by Astral Pool creates a unique centrepiece with large Moroccan lanterns suspended from the ceiling.

A traditional experience

The spa team have created traditional hammam experiences using hot vapours, exfoliating kessa gloves, black soap and ghassoul (Moroccan clay). Signature rituals include the Ceremonial Hammam, which stimulates, cleanses and nourishes body, face and hair with a double-tonic wrap.

“Amaya Spa at the View Agadir takes pride

in offering a truly unique experience,” says Alma Penaflorida, wellness and spa manager. “Our spa stands out due to our commitment to integrating traditional Moroccan wellness practices, particularly our authentic hammam rituals.”

Elevating the spa menu, Natura Bissé products and professional techniques are used in facial and skin treatments. In addition, the Moroccan brands Nectarome and Hendiya, which adhere to Moroccan Berber heritage, are used and retailed within the spa.

The team includes five spa therapists, two hammam therapists, fitness coaches and dietitians. Together they offer bespoke programmes to tone, promote weight management, boost energy or improve sleep quality. Yoga and tai chi are also offered in the spa. Modalities range from dietary consultations to quartz massages and hydrotherapy and thalassotherapy sessions.

BEHIND THE PROJECT

The View Agadir, Morocco www.theviewhotels.com

Spa size 1500 sqm

Product partners Natura Bissé, Hendiya, Nectarome

Spa suppliers Iyashi Dome, Astral Pool, REM, Lemi Group, Reusia, Technogym

Marquis Suffolk, UK

Aluxury hotel in the Brett Valley, Marquis Suffolk has revealed a new spa following a £15m investment and three-year expansion programme. Set among the hills of south Suffolk, the 15-room hotel is owned by local entrepreneur Steven O’Leary. Its Italian-inspired 380sqm subterranean spa was created by KLH Architects with Rendall & Wright Interior Designers and spa and wellness director Katie Baker.

The spa’s centrepiece is a stunning vaulted indoor pool, naturally lit by floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Relaxation loungers and bespoke day beds by Rendall & Wright allow guests to look out across the outdoor pool – by Letts Pools and Wrightfield Pools – and 150sqm terrace.

The new Marquis Spa has one double and two single treatment rooms with Gharieni beds

FOR RESULTS-DRIVEN TREATMENTS

as well as two manicure stations and a spa lounge offering refreshments all day. There is a sauna from Anapos and also a hot tub from Letts Pools.

An unforgettable escape

“The ethos behind Marquis Spa was to create an exclusive, luxurious setting for exquisite treatments and complete relaxation, where guests can escape for the day,” says Katie Baker. “Marquis Spa truly is a unique destination for those who are seeking an unforgettable experience.

“We were very deliberate in our approach and execution of this project – our overarching aim was to maintain a point of difference from any other spa destination in the UK.”

Morning, afternoon and full-day packages are available, with numbers limited to 12 at any one time, and every guest is offered their own personal Marquis Spa bag.

The treatment menu and facilities have been curated to complement the Italian-inspired backdrop of vaulted ceilings and hand-crafted details throughout. The spa employs ten therapists offering treatments by Natura Bissé, CACI and HydraFacial. Oskia facials are also performed and can be enhanced with an LED light mask add-on.

Uniforms are supplied by Buttercups and towels, robes and spa linens are from BC Softwear. The spa uses booking and management software from Trybe.

BEHIND THE PROJECT

Marquis Suffolk, UK www.marquissuffolk.com

Spa size 380sqm

Product partners Oskia, Natura Bissé, CACI, HydraFacial, OPI

Spa suppliers BC Softwear, Gharieni, Buttercups, Trybe, Anapos, Letts Pools, Wrightfield Pools

Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, Austria

Rosewood Hotels and Resorts has opened Rosewood Schloss Fuschl following a full renovation of the landmark building.

The elegant hotel, on the banks of Lake Fuschl in Salzburg, Austria, was built in 1461 and is now a prestigious resort that features a stunning 1,500sqm Asaya Spa.

The design concept was inspired by the local flora and fauna and created by international design firm GA Group. Featuring eight treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor heated infinity pools from BWT and a Technogym-equipped fitness centre, the spa is billed as a holistic retreat where guests can harmonise mind, body and spirit. Additional facilities include a private outdoor lounge area with beautiful views of Lake Fuschl,

three saunas, a steam bath and a professional hair salon. The spa currently employs eight therapists.

“Our mission is to offer a holistically curated wellness experience that seamlessly integrates timeless local practices with international cutting-edge wellness knowledge,” says Souhel El-Achbah, director of wellness, Asaya Spa. “Our philosophy centres on the fusion of natural, local ingredients and traditions to enhance the uniqueness of our services.”

Aufguss and outdoor activities

Asaya Spa embodies Rosewood’s pillars of wellbeing – emotional balance, fitness and nutrition, physical therapies, skin health, and community engagement. Treatments use

BEHIND THE PROJECT

Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, Austria www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/schloss-fuschl-salzburg

Spa size 1,500sqm

Product partners EviDenS de Beauté, Dr Barbara Sturm, OTO Wellbeing, Dr Maryam Zamani’s MZ Skin, Vyrao, Supergoop!, Soleil Toujour, IZIPIZI, lululemon, Eres Spa suppliers KLAFS, BWT, Opatra, Technogym

EviDenS de Beauté, Dr Barbara Sturm and OTO Wellbeing products, while locally sourced herbs and regional salts figure in rituals, leveraging the healing properties of the surrounding environment.

In winter, the spa will offer aufguss ceremonies, sauna whisking, ice swimming and sound healing. Spring activities include outdoor yoga at the lake and botanical walks while, in summer, wellness activities include paddleboard yoga, moonlight meditation and sauna ice sphere infusions.

Curated two to three-day retreats feature biohacking, dynamic ageing and holistic paths to wellbeing, including detox and sleep improvement. The spa also offers free skin analysis, massage oil and aromatherapy workshops hosted by local experts, and spa sessions for children.

The Spa at Passalacqua, Lake

Como, Italy

Standing above the village of Moltrasio, with seven acres of terraced gardens leading to the shores of Lake Como, Passalacqua has opened its new spa. The 18th-century, 24-suite villa hotel, owned by the De Santis family, opened in 2022 following a three-year restoration project.

The Spa at Passalacqua is partly carved out of the villa’s ancient tunnels and is the vision of the De Santis family, executed by VenelliKramer studio.

“Our never-ending passion project, the Spa at Passalacqua has a secluded indoor pool, connected with the spa through the property’s centuries-old underground secret passageways,” says CEO and owner Valentina De Santis.

Located in the former stables and greenhouse of

the villa, the Spa at Passalacqua affords panoramic views over the garden and Lake Como. An 18m indoor pool in the greenhouse is connected to the main spa through the atmospheric tunnels. The bespoke pool is lined with a mosaic of Palladian marble in shades ranging from green to grey to blue. It has a hot tub area and views of the Italian garden, which was created by the renowned botanist Emilio Trabella.

In a pair of vaulted grottos, carved into the Moltrasio stone, the wet area is fully integrated into the underground environment. Designed in collaboration with Italian wellness provider Starpool, the spa’s thermal experiences include a dark fir sauna, a grey marble Mediterranean steam bath and an onyx shower.

Natural treatments

Passalacqua has partnered with natural skincare line Seed to Skin to offer treatments in two wood panelled cabins. Guests can also experience a massage in a new outdoor pavilion, located in the orchard and designed by Guido Toschi. All treatments and rituals on the menu have been created by Seed to Skin to offer a truly unique experience.

In the Hall of Columns, one of the most impressive areas of the spa, there is a relaxation and wellness space with chandeliers by light artist Yahya, and nature playing a predominant role in the design. For fitness, the Technogym-equipped gym runs the length of a former greenhouse with lake views. Yoga and meditation classes are also offered.

BEHIND THE PROJECT

Passalacqua www.passalacqua.it

Spa size 460sqm

Product partners Seed to Skin

Spa suppliers Lemi, Starpool, Technogym, Opera System, Giuliva Heritage, La Double J, Pedersoli

French expertise in beauty

In an exclusive European Spa interview, Wendy Golledge talks to Christian Mas, president of Sothys, about the brand’s 78-year heritage and its spa-first ethos

French skincare brand Sothys has been creating professional products and treatments for spas since 1946. Founded by skincare expert Dr Hotz, the company was acquired by the Mas family in 1966. Headquartered in both Paris and Brive-la-Gaillarde, in the Corrèze region of France, Sothys now has 14 global subsidiaries and distributes in 120 countries worldwide. It has logistics hubs in Singapore and the US, with strong sales across Europe.

Family-run for two generations,

“Sothys will always be a spa-first brand. The spa market is our roots – all our results come from the treatment and retail combination.”

Christian Mas President, Sothys

Sothys is now in the custody of Christian Mas. We spoke to the brand’s president about sustainability, ambition and its latest product innovations.

How have things changed in the spa and skincare business over the decades you have known?

When I started 25 years ago, 90 per cent of skincare brands were family-owned. Today it’s the opposite. Remaining a family-run business gives us consistency, it’s not uncommon for staff to have been with us for more than 15 years. That heritage is our base; it’s what keeps Sothys solid and guides us towards the future.

When new brands start, they want to write their story, grow their roots. At Sothys we already have deep roots in professional spa and skincare – and many stories, some untold! The Sothys family is more than my brother Frederick and myself; our team is a complete ecosystem.

How did you become involved in the family business?

I never had the ambition to do it. After graduating with an MBA, I was working in the factory when my father asked me to see what I could do with our second brand, Bernard Cassière, which he was about to close.

It was a fantastic adventure. I started from scratch, built a team, worked on natural ingredients and treatments. We launched the first chocolate treatments, using spices and honey;

it was quite revolutionary and a world away from traditional French beauty, which was very conservative. I led the brand for nine years; it was my real education, where I learned to make mistakes, question myself and how to move a brand forward.

How central are spa treatments to the heritage of Sothys?

Sothys will always be a spa-first brand. We won’t branch out into retail. The

The Sothys legend

The Sothys brand was originally a beauty salon in Paris’ Golden Triangle, founded by Dr Hotz, a passionate Egyptologist. He linked the brand to Sothys – said to be the brightest star of the Egyptian sky. Legend states that Saturn met the young Sothys star and fell in love with her beauty. Jealous Venus took revenge; the Sothys star fell from the sky and disappeared.

For centuries, the world didn’t see Sothys until she appeared and shared her secrets, devoting herself to all women to preserve their beauty and becoming Sothys, the goddess of beauty. Hotz told the story that Sothys reappeared in Paris in the late 1940s to deliver her secrets to Parisian women.

spa market is our roots – all our results come from the treatment and retail combination. We cannot imagine retail without the treatment – there has to be a spa service linked to our products. Where there is a treatment room, there is Sothys.

Our roots won’t shift but our vision evolves in other ways. Internationally, we have grown from a pure beauty salon brand to supporting spas, hotel groups and cruise companies.

Tell us about the brand’s product development and production. We develop about 50 new formulas, product lines and treatments per year. We control the whole process and develop our own ingredients, so we can move with new trends. Some of our spa partners have been with us for 20 years; they wouldn’t remain if we didn’t continually renew ourselves.

Les Jardins Sothys in Auriac, France, is our beating heart; it inspires new products and provides ingredients. To develop our 4.5-hectare plantation and protect the 50 hectares of forest around it, one per cent of the brand’s turnover goes directly to Les Jardins.

How else is the brand contributing to sustainability in its operations?

Reducing our plastic consumption is a constant effort. We have a partnership with Plastic Band for our body lines and in-room amenities, where we support local communities to collect plastic in the same amounts we produce. For every 1kg produced, 1kg is collected, ensuring those lines are plastic neutral.

As part of the creation of our most recent two product packagings, we reduced the weight of plastic used by more than 20 per cent.

Clockwise from above right: L’Institut Sothys in Paris is a centre of excellence for therapists; the brand’s offering marries treatments with retail opportunities

Brands to Watch Sothys

What is the focus of your most recent and upcoming launches?

Our newest solution, DX Glow, is a programme for skin burnout. Skin is exposed to external stressors like pollution and easily weakened by our lifestyles – 80 per cent of skin ageing

is caused by environment and lifestyle. DX Glow Defence Serum and Cream defends, restores balance and bolsters skin radiance, working against the effects of day-to-day aggressors.

We have two major launches planned for 2025. The first will be a complete review of our active body lines, called DX Body. We have identified interesting seaweed and muds to complete our offer in firmness, shape and vitality. The twist of the line will be the mix of those marine ingredients with powerful cosmeceuticals. Secondly, we are planning the launch of a completely new cosmeceutical range in the latter half of the year. www.sothys.com

GLOBAL SPA PARTNERS

ClubMed; St Regis in Bora Bora, Osaka, Japan, Abu Dhabi, The Palm and Downtown Dubai; Le Ponant Cruises; Relais & Châteaux; Eurothermes; Chaine Thermale du Soleil; Hôtel Cap-Estel, France; Grand Barrail, France; Jiva Hill Resort, France

Business Insight Tracey Stapleton, The Spa PR Company

How to plan your 2025 spa marketing campaign

Tracey Stapleton, founder of The Spa PR Company, examines how spa businesses can get ahead in 2025 with a strategic approach to marketing

ATracey Stapleton

EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR

Tracey Stapleton is the founder of The Spa PR Company, a consultancy specialising in PR and marketing services for spas, wellness and beauty brands. Having started her PR career over 30 years ago at one of London’s largest consumer agencies, Tracey is experienced in working on both major brands and developing businesses. Passionate about wellness solutions, Tracey is driven to share her knowledge to help clients realise their business goals.

www.thespaprcompany.com

s the spa and wellness industry grows ever more competitive, planning a strategic, data-driven marketing plan is essential to staying ahead. A well researched and thought out plan ensures that your marketing efforts align with your business goals, resonate with your audiences and help your spa business thrive.

Investing time now into setting measurable goals, reviewing past successes and embracing new trends will pay off in a more targeted, effective marketing strategy.

Start by defining your business goals and selecting five to ten KPIs that align with those objectives. These might include occupancy rate, revenue per available room, spa revenue per guest, guest satisfaction, client retention, brand awareness or website traffic.

These KPIs will act as a roadmap, helping you track progress and adjust your marketing tactics over the year.

Reflect on past success

Assess what worked well for you in 2024, analysing data to pinpoint which tactics and campaigns were effective. If a particular package or partnership drove significant bookings, consider tweaking and refining that in 2025.

This evidence-based approach also helps strengthen your case when requesting additional budget.

Customer needs and preferences evolve, so refresh your understanding of your target audience. Surveys, feedback sessions and booking data from your spa software can reveal

insights into what your clients want, be it stress relief, results-driven beauty treatments or relaxation. Tailor your messaging and offerings to these needs to create better engagement and retention.

Stay connected

In a service-orientated business like a spa, staying connected with clients year-round is critical. Implement a customer retention strategy that starts the moment a guest visits your spa. Include personalised touchpoints such as birthday or anniversary emails,

Top tips to get ahead in 2025

n Dedicate time to research Create a marketing plan that excites! Don’t shy away from experimenting and testing new ideas.

n Set impactful KPIs Prioritise metrics that will drive real growth and highlight what sets your spa apart.

n Stay connected with existing guests

Personal touches can make clients feel valued, transforming one visit potentially into many more.

n Celebrate your milestones Plot these into your calendar to excite your team and provide you with some key events to plan campaigns around.

n Bring in expert help when needed Professional support can sharpen your strategy and ensure you meet your goals with confidence and success.

treatment offers or wellness tips. This strategy keeps your spa front of mind, encourages loyalty, and increases the likelihood of repeat business.

When it comes to offers, make them so irresistible that clients feel they’re getting a ‘no-brainer’. This might be a package deal for regular guests, a limited time seasonal promotion, or an exclusive members/loyal guest only offer which provides added value. By structuring offers to feel truly valuable, you encourage clients to return and even share your spa with others.

Marking milestones

Are there any significant events or milestones in 2025? Your spa’s anniversary, a new facility or the launch of a new treatment? Planning

campaigns around these – celebratory events, special offers or community collaborations – can generate a buzz and draw in new and returning clients.

Bring your team together to brainstorm as a collaborative approach often yields innovative marketing ideas.

If you don’t have a marketing team, then consider bringing in professional assistance to help with specific areas such as PR, influencer marketing, content creation etc.

Think outside the box

Experimentation is vital to keeping your marketing fresh. Try implementing one new strategy or tool in 2025, such as launching a TikTok channel, accessing potential new clients through on-brand partnerships, or exploring

a new content format like wellness videos or live Q&As. By testing new approaches, you can determine what resonates with your audience and keep your marketing relevant.

AI tools can also be a valuable asset in your marketing efforts, helping to streamline tasks from content scheduling to audience targeting, so embrace it in your creative process.

An effective spa business marketing plan for 2025 will be one that’s goal-focused, data-driven and experimental. By clearly defining KPIs, reviewing past successes, understanding your audience, and embracing new trends and technologies, your marketing strategy can guide you toward stronger growth and deeper client loyalty.

EXPERT GUIDE TO

THERMAL EXPERIENCES

With increasing demand for social wellbeing, experiences such as sauna, sweat bathing cold and contrast therapies are on the rise. Spa developers and designers are therefore exploring the best way to incorporate more complex hydrothermal wellness suites into their projects.

Thermal suppliers are responding to this evolution with ever more eclectic offerings. A modern hydrothermal suite can incorporate anything from traditional heat facilities, such as hammams, steam rooms and saunas, to cold bathing options as diverse as ice rooms, snow caves, cryo chambers and plunge pools. Salt caves and infrared experiences also further the therapeutic value of each spa journey.

How to get thermal uplift

Undoubtedly, thermal suites require significant capital investment and their success relies on the expert design and construction of the right solution.

The Global Wellness Institute’s Guide to Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards stresses the complexity of installing hydrothermal spaces correctly. It points to the need to strike a balance between pools, thermal experiences, cold therapies and adequately sized relaxation spaces, which is often overlooked. Running costs are a key consideration,

while build quality and durability are also key factors, as are maintenance requirements and the provision of long-term aftercare by manufacturers in order to minimise downtime. Spa operators must also focus on the cost and eco-sustainability of their space. Most importantly, it is imperative to appoint an experienced thermal expert to advise you on the best way to proceed, in order to avoid mistakes that could be costly in future.

Expert advice for buyers

We have spoken to leading suppliers in the field to get advice on the design and construction of hydrothermal

areas, as well as how to assess space requirements. Wet spa areas, for example, often require twice the anticipated space to accommodate plant rooms and behind-the-scenes equipment. And guests will spend as much time, if not more, in the ambient temperature relaxation spaces as they will in the thermal experiences, so the planning of these is crucial.

Our Expert Guide spotlights the leading trends in this burgeoning area and some of the innovative design solutions available. We also discuss what makes a good partner for spa operators looking to update, design or install thermal facilities.

European Spa would like to thank the following companies for their contribution to this guide:

www.sauna360uk.com www.indoor.technoalpin.com www.barrandwray.com www.klafs.com www.starpool.com www.myrthawellness.com www.brassmonkey.co www.artofcryo.com

To read the Global Wellness Institute’s Guide to Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards, click here

Sauna360

One of the world’s largest sauna and steam brands, based in Finland, Sweden and the US, Sauna360 offers 100 years of design and manufacturing expertise

What makes Sauna360 a great partner for spas investing in thermal experiences?

With a dedicated team that listens to the client before drawing up a custom design, we are very easy to work with. No two projects are the same, but we always start with an old-fashioned hand sketch to outline one or two concepts. The knack is to get the right thermal experience in the best position. Steam rooms, feature showers and ice need to be close to the plant room – herbal and salt saunas can be further away.

From that first sketch we go on to create CAD drawings, where we add the details and interfaces. We can produce realistic CGIs to assist in pre-opening marketing or to help in the selection of finishes. Finally, towards the end of the process, thorough commissioning and staff training is provided with cleaning regimes and maintenance plans to help keep installations in the best condition.

What are the main considerations for spas installing thermal equipment?

It’s vital to get the plant space right. Your staff are well-dressed people meeting your guests, you don’t want them having to have to turn equipment on and off in a cramped cupboard. Keeping your equipment well ventilated will also ensure it lasts longer.

Another factor to consider is the balance between thermal rooms and relaxation capacity. Relaxation loungers and seats are often lacking in hydrothermal areas, particularly in day spas or hotels, but guests are likely to spend equal time in both areas.

How does Sauna360 demonstrate its commitment to sustainability?

Our Finnish company has traded for more than 100 years, our Swedish company for over 70. To stay in business using primarily timber products for this long shows sustainability is truly part of our DNA.

On the operations side, we provide robust equipment that can be serviced, rather than replaced. Electrode-based generators need regular replacement, which can be very costly. The elements in our steam generators can be easily cleaned with citric acid.

Operating costs are at a premium for spas, how is Sauna360 helping them? When energy costs started to spiral, we researched and analysed the operation

of both steam rooms and saunas, then produced a ten-point plan for each, with cost-saving ideas and practices. Simple solutions, such as the location of extracts for both sauna and steam rooms, can considerably reduce the running costs.

We now supply a new generation of chillers, which transfer heat removed when cooling water to another warm pool or spa, rather than sending that heated air into the atmosphere. This is especially timely given the current rise in interest around all forms of cold experience.

What trends do you see shaping thermal experiences in spas?

For more than 2,000 years people have sought to create thermal experiences for relaxing and wellbeing – it is an industry of longevity, not sweeping trends. The ‘big three’ – quality sauna, steam and spa – are still the best experiences we can provide.

Current design trends include the use of very large-format tiles in ceramic rooms – beautiful marble-patterned pieces up to 3.2m x 1.2m in size. It’s not the number of tiles per square metre that is important now, but the square metres per tile.

Glass remains a popular material for thermal rooms. It makes the whole thermal suite look spacious, reflecting the beautiful internal finishes and it creates a comfortable spatial awareness for bathers.

In saunas, we have created all-black interiors – kelo planking in wide horizontal panels and in numerous finishes and shades. Sauna heaters are getting an aesthetic makeover too; they’re now available in stylish anthracite or white, designed especially to be viewed through glass frontages and as part of theatrical sauna cermonies. www.sauna360uk.com

EXPERT THERMAL TIPS

n Pick a partner with attention to detail backed by a wealth of experience

n The old saying ‘the devil is in the detail’ is very true in spa and wellness design. Creating environments with high temperatures, high humidity, essence and salts requires special material, equipment and techniques.

n The correct insulation, waterproofing, render, adhesives and finishes may seem insignificant in the overall scheme but will be important in the life of the project, environment, running costs and maintenance.

n A wealth of experience means solutions for any type of project. If you want to install a Gradierwerk in your scheme or build a log sauna with kelo outside, we have probably done it many times before!

RECENT UK SPA PARTNERS

Fairlawns Hotel and Spa, Birmingham

Ironmonger Row Baths, London

Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa, Surrey

South Lodge Hotel and Spa, West Sussex

Hale Country Club, Cheshire

TechnoAlpin Indoor

Using real snow, TechnoAlpin Indoor offers multi-sensory cold experiences that elevate the customer journey in immersive and refreshing environments

What trends do you see shaping the future of thermal experiences in spas?

Current trends have placed an emphasis on hydrothermal wellness, where contrasting temperatures and diverse water forms enhance relaxation. Snow, as a natural cooling element, fits seamlessly into this approach and aligns with the movement toward biophilic design, which integrates nature into indoor spaces for greater wellbeing. Snow provides a refreshing, social complement to the heat of saunas, supporting multi-sensory and immersive experiences.

The rising popularity of aufguss sauna ceremonies demonstrates the increased demand for communal wellness rituals. In all settings, snow offers an accessible, invigorating alternative to traditional contrast therapy cold elements.

What makes TechnoAlpin Indoor’s thermal experiences unique?

We transform traditional thermal experiences with concepts that incorporate real snow to make contrast therapy more inviting and accessible. With snow as a gentle, multi-sensory cooling element, we help spas offer a unique way to experience the benefits of cold therapy, which can enhance circulation, boost the immune system, improve sleep quality, reduce stress and support muscle recovery.

Our SNOWSKY creates a gentle snowfall from the ceiling – a soothing and efficient way to cool down. Meanwhile, SNOWROOM, kept at -10°C with real snow, provides a full-body cooling experience that’s easy, safe, and free from cold shock.

What makes TechnoAlpin Indoor a great partner for thermal installations?

We offer end-to-end expertise in designing and implementing indoor snow concepts tailored to each client’s unique vision. From the early design phase, we collaborate closely, ensuring seamless integration of snow elements into spa layouts and creating customised solutions that align with each brand’s identity.

With a deep understanding of snow as a natural, multi-sensory element, we elevate the guest journey, adding a memorable experience that sets businesses apart in the competitive wellness industry.

How does TechnoAlpin Indoor show its sustainability credentials?

We are committed to thoughtful design and efficient operation. We carefully select materials that minimise energy loss, for example, ensuring our SNOWROOM is properly insulated to enhance energy efficiency. We ensure materials are designed for easy restoration after years of use, without the need for complete reconstruction. SNOWROOM allows for the thermal

recovery of up to 80 per cent of the energy supplied, which can be repurposed to heat other facilities, such as swimming pools. Water consumption is minimal, as thanks to the patented snow nozzle, one litre of water can generate five times its volume in snow. The SNOWSKY system also maintains low water consumption of 11 litres per hour.

How do you ensure the durability and high quality of your installations?

TechnoAlpin produces all of our technological systems at our headquarters in Italy, adhering to CE certification standards and rigorous testing protocols.

The SNOWROOM features high-quality insulation panels, specially developed doors and triple-glazed windows to prevent cold bridges and optimise resource-efficient operation. The interior design is the result of collaboration with Snøhetta, ensuring the best combination of form, function and material.

TechnoAlpin Indoor offers a one-year guarantee on the complete system and, through well-defined service packages, we guarantee optimal long-term performance to maximise overall wellbeing. www.indoor.technoalpin.com

EXPERT THERMAL TIPS

n Self-running solutions and increased ROI Our snow concepts are self-running, reducing the need for therapists and minimising operational costs. This allows spas to offer high-quality wellness experiences while maximising ROI through reduced labour costs and increased guest throughput.

n Memorable experiences Solutions like the SNOWSKY, which create gentle snowfall, and SNOWROOM, which offers full-body cooling, provide a unique, multi-sensory experience. These elements create a memorable and refreshing atmosphere, setting the spa apart from competitors.

n Accessible contrast therapy Snow offers a gentle and inviting way to cool down holistically. As a natural element, snow fits seamlessly into biophilic design, is gradual and non-shocking, making it accessible and comfortable for everyone, regardless of their tolerance to cold.

RECENT SPA PARTNERS

Dormy House, Worcestershire, UK

Surrenne, London, UK

Atmosphere by Krallerhof, Austria Elegans Hotel Brdo, Slovenia Termy Chocholowskie, Poland

Barr + Wray

Founded in 1959, Barr + Wray is an expert in everything water-based and a world-leading provider of spa engineering solutions and thermal experiences

What trends do you see shaping the future of thermal experiences in spas?

Recently we’ve seen the resurgence of the traditional bathhouse. With more people shunning bars and nightclubs, especially younger generations, and instead wanting social activities that improve their overall wellness, bathhouses are set to become the new social gathering hotspots.

Barr + Wray has always been a huge advocate for larger thermal experiences as they can improve a guest’s experience greatly. With so many different hydro and thermal experiences now available, spas with vision and creativity can create a truly wonderful offer for guests and look to make additional revenue in the process. We are also seeing a growing number of spas requesting touchless therapy

and biohacking experiences, such as cryotherapy, ice baths, hyperbaric and photobiomodulation. We predict these technology-led experiences will continue to thrive.

What makes Barr + Wray a great partner for thermal installations?

We have more than 60 years of experience and are a global company, with offices in the UK and Dubai. Barr + Wray is a design-led company with a very strong reputation that has grown from our successful involvement in the creation of many of the world’s top spas. Having our own team of designers and engineers allows us to

allow for a competitive tender of the water treatment filtration, pools and thermal cabins.

offer unique and bespoke thermal experiences and pools to suit each project. This means our clients (spa owners, architects and designers) can be as creative as they want to be.

Our well trained and experienced project teams are available to help guide operators throughout the design stages and into the procurement process. Our services range from feasibility studies to interior and engineering design, as well as supply and install. We also offer an aftersales and maintenance service.

What makes Barr + Wray thermal experiences unique?

Our tailored design approach. We create customised spa environments that cater to the specific needs and preferences of each client and location, ensuring a unique experience. We are interior designers and engineers, so we work with our customers to create inviting and aesthetically pleasing spaces that work well for the guest.

Our Spa Consultancy service includes interior design and engineering for pools and spas. We ensure clear and precise coordination of the design and that a quality package is in place, to

Operating costs are at a premium for spas, how is Barr + Wray helping?

We are continuously looking at new products, materials and equipment that can assist with energy efficiency and offer operators quality and value for money. We’re happy to provide cost saving solutions as part of our design consultancy. For example, having experience showers, ice fountains and other elements that can work on timers and sensors is great for keeping running costs down. Pool covers are another cost-saving item that can be retrofitted to most existing sites.

How do Barr + Wray’s services help spas stay ahead of the curve?

We offer a one-stop-shop that includes spa design, interior design and spa, pool and water feature engineering design and installation. We’re constantly researching new ideas and trends, so we’re always aware of what’s happening in the market. We currently have a big presence on a lot of the giga-projects unfolding in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Watch this space. www.barrandwray.com

EXPERT THERMAL TIPS

n Hammams These can become the sociable heart of a spa or a VIP treatment room. If a spa doesn’t have room for a pool, a hammam is a great way of delivering a special spa experience within a smaller footprint.

n Snow showers An upgrade from traditional ice fountains, with a snow shower guests no longer need to scoop out ice and rub it over their bodies. They’re a great addition to a thermal area as they don’t take up a lot of space and can provide an innovative contrast bathing solution.

n Vitality pools Integral to a five-star spa experience, vitality pools deliver true external hydrotherapy. With a multitude of different experiences, they offer the ultimate in rejuvenation and relaxation.

RECENT SPA PARTNERS

Aman Group Accor

Intercontinental Hotel Group

Hilton Group

Red Sea Global

KLAFS

A German manufacturer with 100 years of experience, KLAFS sets trends in the spa and wellness industry with cutting-edge design and the latest technologies

How are wellness projects evolving and what are the key considerations for investors?

Opportunities for growth in wellness are being driven by an increasing global awareness of preventive health and longevity. Design and individuality continue to play a central role, with technological innovation and multifunctional applications further expanding spa offerings.

Features like Microsalt rooms and our ESPURO® Foam Steam Bath demonstrate how thermal cabins can be enriched with new elements. Multi-sensory experiences created using lighting, colours, sounds and scents are also becoming important.

As a global leader in sauna and spa, KLAFS is driving these developments. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of wellness design, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and materials to create thermal spaces that are both functional and awe-inspiring. From advanced heating systems that optimise sauna experiences to sustainable materials that meet growing environmental consciousness, innovation permeates every aspect of our work.

By staying at the forefront of industry trends and continuously exploring

new possibilities, KLAFS ensures our customers receive not only exceptional quality but also the latest advances in wellness technology.

What makes KLAFS thermal experiences unique?

Our product portfolio of hot and cold treatments ranges from relaxation to recovery and everything in between. For an intense thermal experience, we have an extensive range of thermal rooms including saunas and infrared heat cabins. We also create hammams, salt inhalation and steam rooms plus inviting relaxation spaces. Everything that positively impacts wellbeing, KLAFS creates with the highest level of design and craftsmanship.

How do your products elevate the thermal experience for spa guests?

We only choose the best materials for our products. These are then meticulously crafted and combined with heat, light, sound and fragrances to create a unique, multi-sensory experience. Sophisticated design and integrated technology are perfectly combined; KLAFS always ensures maximum functionality, even under the toughest sauna conditions.

In recent years, we have invested heavily in research and development to create options that allow everyone to create their own personalised sauna experience. An example of this is the KLAFS SANARIUM®, which offers a choice of five climate zones. This allows spas to address the different needs of customers and maximise the health benefits of sauna.

Added to this, we’re sustainability conscious in all we do. We only use wood from sustainably managed forests and offer features such as the Green Sauna package or the insulating glass front, which contribute to efficient resource management.

What

makes KLAFS a great partner for thermal installations?

At KLAFS, we don’t just sell thermal cabins, we manage the entire project, taking the customer on a journey from initial design concept to planning, installation and ongoing maintenance.

To ensure every project meets the diverse needs and expectations of our customers, KLAFS has an experienced team of architects, project managers, site managers and technicians. Our team offers a bespoke service and is committed to crafting superlative spaces that promote relaxation, rejuvenation and wellbeing. www.klafs.com

Above: the FRIMAS Ice Steam Room provides an intense cold experience that is stimulating without being overwhelming

EXPERT THERMAL TIPS

n The FRIMAS Ice Steam Room provides a gentle, health-promoting wellness cooldown after the sauna. Different forms of water merge into a unique experience: the design of the glacier ice wall creates a magical cold atmosphere, while moist fog intensifies the chill and the HOLLI Ice Fog Shower refreshes the skin with delicate flurries of snow. This combination restores balance to the body at 0-5°C, perfectly complementing the sauna experience with invigorating relaxation.

n The VITALITY BOOST allows for an automatic sauna infusion, complementing traditional infusions by sauna masters. Thanks to this and our heat treatment technology, the heat and moisture are distributed quickly and evenly throughout the cabin and have a targeted effect on the users.

RECENT SPA PARTNERS

Mandarin Oriental, Greece

The Berkeley Hotel, UK

Savoy Hotel, Germany

Old Course Hotel, UK

The Woodland Spa, UK

Starpool

With a passion for quality materials, beautiful shapes and tailor-made products, Starpool uses advanced technologies to create all-encompassing selfcare spaces

What does Starpool offer spa operators? With 50 years’ experience promoting mental and physical wellbeing, Starpool has created Longevity Spa for facilities looking to incorporate preventive health and longevity solutions. Longevity Spa combines advanced technologies and personalised programmes that leverage the benefits of heat, cryotherapy and dry flotation to stimulate natural health.

Focusing on the individual, Longevity Spa integrates advanced technologies including Zerobody Dry Float floatation therapy; the Zerobody Cryo cold therapy solution; and Wellness Coach – a virtual guide to improve mental and physical wellnness through mindfulness and breathing. www.starpool.com

Myrtha Wellness

Creating sleek wellness products with an Italian style of design, Myrtha Wellness offers consulting and design services to develop unique thermal experiences for spas worldwide

Tell us about your latest product innovation. The Myrtha Herbal Sauna is an eco-friendly sauna experience using natural herbs, spices and citrus aromas, avoiding the synthetic fragrances typical of traditional saunas. Its design features two sauna stoves with a central steam outlet – steam is gently released through a grate to infuse the cabin with scents including lemongrass, ginger and eucalyptus. The cabin’s ‘green walls’, featuring dried herbs and plants, add to the natural ambience.

Combining advanced technology with eco-conscious design, the Myrtha Herbal Sauna promotes sweating and detoxification, opening pores for the skin to absorb therapeutic steam. It strengthens respiratory health and allows for post-session herbal applications to promote inner peace. www.myrthawellness.com

Brass Monkey

Creating smart ice baths that are fully temperature controlled and able to make their own ice, Brass Monkey’s products deliver crystal clear filtered 0°C water

Tell us about your recent ice bath projects. Brass Monkey’s commercial grade Spa Range is a modular ice bath and plunge concept, bespoke built to fit each spa’s available space, with or without ice generation, in a choice of five finishes.

Two high-performance Brass Monkey cold plunges with high user load capacity have recently been installed at the Spa Retreat and Garden at David Lloyd Manchester, Trafford (pictured right). Fully integrated into their plant room and finished to complement the Spa Retreat’s aesthetic, the two plunges benefit from Brass Monkey’s ongoing ProCare service that provides team briefings, automated software updates, remote monitoring and same day response. www.brassmonkey.co

Art of Cryo

A leading supplier of cryotherapy equipment, Art of Cryo has launched a touchless treatment circuit for spas looking to add an innovative dimension to their relaxation and recovery services

What’s your latest product innovation? Art of Cryo is known for its top-tier cryotherapy and the Tec-Spa Module is a suite of treatment devices designed to enhance holistic wellness. It integrates cutting-edge technology with the revitalising power of cryotherapy and offers up to 16 treatment levels in under 30 minutes’ duration. Each application focuses on longevity, biohacking or energising experiences in one compact design, which requires minimal human intervention.

The Tec-Spa Module offers contrast therapy with a temperature difference from +60°C to -110°C, combining different technologies to achieve better results in a shorter time frame. It provides both wellness professionals and their clients with a superior therapeutic experience in the evolving field of longevity. www.artofcryo.com

Building for the future

In an exclusive interview, Richard Ball, executive chairman, and Francesca Rowland, spa director at the Calcot Collection, discuss the £5 million investment in its new wellness facilities

REPORT BY MARK SMITH

Set in 220 acres of Cotswolds countryside, Calcot & Spa is the flagship of the Calcot Collection, a boutique group of UK luxury boutique properties that includes the Painswick, also in the Cotswolds, and the Lord Crewe Arms in Northumberland. The portfolio also included Barnsley House until it was bought by the late Timothy Oulten in 2021 then sold to Pig Hotels in 2023.

Part of the 14th-century farmstead, Calcot’s award-winning spa, originally designed by Sparcstudio, has been a must-visit destination since it opened in 2003. Currently employing 60 people, including a team of 25 therapists, it is renowned for its outdoor fireside hot tub and a commitment to exceptional service. The seven-treatment room spa offers a sauna, a steam room, an indoor pool flooded with natural light, and a manicure/pedicure area. The space also features a spa café with a healthy drinks and snack menu offering fresh protein shakes by Pulsin and matcha and mushroom drinks by Dirtea.

Designed for relaxation

As part of a recent £5m (€6m) refurbishment, key areas of the spa have been purposely redeveloped to make more space for rest and relaxation and also increase membership numbers.

The project was awarded to the spa’s original designers, independent creative design studio Sparcstudio, which has worked on projects including Dormy House, the Spa at South Lodge and Sopwell House’s Cottonmill Club. “With a partnership forged over two decades ago, entrusting Sparcstudio once again to lead our wellness facilities into the future was not just a decision, but a natural progression,” says Richard Ball, executive chairman of the Calcot Collection.

A former gym has been converted into a contemporary lounge with a double-height ceiling and soothing, green, plant-lined walls that give it a fresh, organic feel. Bespoke furniture and lighting is accented by a palette of natural linens featuring blue and yellow tones; walls are lined with bookcases; and a timber-framed glazed screen creates a snug enclosure for a relax lounge with a cosy double-sided fireplace.

The spa’s fitness studio has been transformed into a peaceful deep relax space where illuminated sheers line the walls and divide the space into zones, with relaxation beds.

The work has totally transformed how the spa is utilised. No longer are high-energy fitness members coming and going to classes, mixing with the more chilled spa and leisure guests. “We previously had a smaller relaxation room, and we wanted to enhance the guest experience, and for the spa to be the hub of relaxation,” explains Francesca Rowland, spa director at the Calcot Collection. “The refurbishment also allowed us to slightly increase the day spa footfall because the demand for day spa is so high.”

For treatments, the spa has forged new partnerships with [comfort zone] and Proverb. “We chose [comfort zone] primarily for its results-driven facials and wellbeing treatments, and Proverb because we wanted to really bridge together spa and fitness,” explains Rowland.

Around 50 per cent of treatment revenue now comes from day spa guests, with hotel guests accounting for around 25 per cent and 15 per cent

“We are the first gym in the UK to have a Proverb Stretch Pod. Because spa is our central core, we wanted to have this element within the gym space.”

Francesca

Rowland spa director

from the local market. Approximately 7 per cent of treatment revenue comes from club members.

Club Calcot is in demand

Since the spa opened in 2003 it has had a waiting list for membership. Post-pandemic demand for wellness gave added impetus to a long-term effort to expand the spa’s membership, and the creation of Club Calcot has increased its number from 650 to 850.

Club Calcot offers three levels of membership, from Bronze, starting at £140 per month, offering gym and club access through to Platinum, at £295 per month, offering full gym entry, all classes, spa access and permission to bring a guest.

Future-proofing the business with wellness

Richard Ball, executive chairman of the Calcot Collection explains the benefits of the £5 million investment in the spa, fitness and wellness facilities at Calcot & Spa

What was the reason for adding the Grain Store and refurbishing the spa?

We felt that slightly too much revenue was coming from F&B, which is becoming harder to make a return on because of wage levels etc. It made sense to surrender some F&B space, where the profits are slightly more marginal, and move it into spa. We’re always really conscious of trends and we could see that wellness was getting big. It’s now a major reason for people to justify what is becoming quite expensive, to go away and stay in the country.

How has the demographic of the spa’s membership changed?

As more people now work from home, many have extra time to balance their lives and concentrate on fitness, and this has really pushed the demand up for membership. Our demographic has changed too. A lot of the membership was quite passive, and they enjoyed the experience of belonging to a spa. But we didn’t have many people who were really on a training, fitness or rehabilitation programme like we do now.

What have been the benefits of adding space to the Grain Store gym?

By increasing the gym’s size by one metre during the planning phase, it has essentially been future-proofed. The additional space has allowed room for more equipment, which means members no longer have to wait for machines to become available. As a result, they can plan their workouts more efficiently, completing exercises in the right order without interruptions.

What positive effects has the investment had on your business?

The improvements were a huge change and a scale-up. The spa is possibly the bigger part of our business now and I can only see it continuing in that direction.

I’m most proud of the team, the way they’ve adapted to the changes has been extraordinary.

Extending the gym has added significant value for members at a relatively low cost to us. Our hotel manager jokes that we’re now a spa with a hotel rather than a hotel with a spa – and there is some truth in that.

“I’m most proud of the team, the way they’ve adapted to the changes has been extraordinary. ”

Richard Ball Executive chairman, The Calcot Collection

ambient and social, the Grain Store

Eco-inspired design choices

Beverley Bayes, creative director at Sparcstudio, details the design vision for the Grain Store

“Sparcstudio was delighted to continue the wellness journey of Calcot & Spa. The spacious new spa lounges and deep relax room add another layer of luxury and elevated journey to the spa experience.

“For the Grain Store, we wanted to create uplifting spaces to work out in that were contemporary, characterful and had a strong connection to the Cotswold countryside. We used authentic and sustainable material inspired by the farming origins of the building – elements of the gym are rustic in style, but the equipment and layout is state of the art.

“Sustainability was important, so we introduced upcycled and sustainable materials including eco paints with low VOCs, clay-based wall renders and corrugated iron for the walls. Counters and vanities are clad with Foresso surfaces formed from waste plaster and wood chips. Solid ash frames have been used where possible.” www.sparcstudio.com

The Grain Store: a new social wellness hub

To facilitate this membership expansion, the Grain Store was built within an old agricultural structure in the hotel’s grounds. A contemporary fitness space, it comprises a large gym, an exercise studio for movement classes, a spin cycle room and a holistic room for more gentle mind, body and spirit classes. There’s also a café and a space for co-working, meeting or simply to socialise post-workout, tapping into the growing trend for social wellness clubs.

The double-height entrance provides a visual connection to the facilities, and there is a social relax/waiting space between the studios offering countryside views. The gym, which is zoned and divided by rustic ash and chicken-wire screens, includes a large functional training zone, weights area and cardio and resistance zones. The ceiling features exposed ductwork with a lighting scheme to create a warm welcoming glow utilising LED spots

The gym also boasts a Stretch Pod by Proverb. “We are the first gym in the UK to have a pod like this,” says Rowland. “Because spa is our central core, we wanted to have this element within the gym

www.lemispa.com info@lemigroup.it

From top right: protein shakes by Pulsin and matcha and mushroom drinks by Dirtea are available in the spa café; therapists deliver luxurious results-driven treatments; the Grain Store gym includes a free-weights area

space, and I’m really glad we did. It’s worked really well.” The new project also includes a new reception and club lounge which has been created in the West barn, a traditional Cotswold stone building.

Designed by Sparcstudio’s creative director Beverley Bayes and architect Tony D’Alton, in partnership with Ball and Rowland, the project has established Club Calcot as a fitness brand with a new identity.

“We wanted to create wellness spaces with soul – designed with a softer, biophilic approach, overlooking and connecting to the natural surroundings with outdoor workout facilities,” says Bayes. “Generous breakout spaces encourage connection and promote the warm sense of hospitality that is the essence of Calcot.”

SPA STATISTICS

Calcot & Spa www.calcot.co | www.calcotcollection.co.uk

Spa size 1284sqm

The Grain Store size 929sqm

Owner The Calcot Collection

Spa director Francesca Rowland

Designer Sparcstudio

Architect A&J D’Alton Architects

Main contractor Zenith

Sanitaryware Hansgrohe

Furniture Inside Out Contracts

Tiles Domus Tiles

Lighting Northern Lights

Lockers Crown Lockers

Pools Rio Pools

Product houses [comfort zone], Proverb, CACI, Aromatherapy Associates, Jessica, 100 Acres

Uniforms Inline London, BAM Clothing

Towels and spa linens BC Softwear, Majestic Towels

Treatment beds Avalon

Fitness equipment Technogym, Exigo Rig

Management software Hart

WellnessTrends

TRENDS AND NEWS

Edited by Mark Smith

Borgo Egnazia offers diagnostics and a new retreat

Borgo Egnazia’s Vair Spa in Italy has unveiled a revitalised menu of wellbeing treatments that embrace a holistic approach to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance.

Vair’s philosophy embraces the whole person, guiding guests towards deeper self-discovery and awareness. The spa has introduced new advanced diagnostics including Bioelectric Impedance Analysis, a method for estimating body composition, in particular body fat and muscle mass. It is also providing Oligoscan technology to enable quick and precise intracellular analysis of trace elements and heavy metals in guests’ tissues.

These technologies will offer an insight into clients’ current health status and become the starting point of their experience at the spa. The results of the tests will determine the most desired outcome, and each guest’s journey will be tailored accordingly to what the spa team believes will be a profound experience.

Take a break from stress

Fìrmete, which means ‘take a break’, is a brand-new retreat offered by the spa as a five-day programme to provide sanctuary for the mind. It invites participants to pause, breathe, and focus, fostering cognitive resilience and teaching techniques to better manage stress and external stimuli.

The retreat includes outdoor yoga, mindfulness walks and bespoke workshops to restore balance and liberate the mind from negativity. It also offers exercises to improve memory, targeted massages, and Juggling for Neuroplasticity and stress-relief rituals. www.vairspa.com | www.borgoegnazia.com

Six Senses presents sound healing across its global portfolio

Recognising the powerful potential of sound to quieten the mind, Six Senses has introduced sound healing modalities across its 27 global properties.

“Sound and music are an effortless way to change your emotional state,” says Mark Sands, vice president, wellness, Six Senses. “We often talk about breathwork, but what’s fascinating about sound is that it all happens without thinking.

“Vibrations of sound touch our whole selves physically and emotionally, offering a fast and safe way to reach altered states of consciousness, with research showing that certain frequencies can entrain brainwave patterns.”

The Six Senses Signature Singing Bowl Ritual – a gentle entry point into this natural healing practice – is incorporated before and after each spa treatment at every Six Senses property. Sound is used in group sessions and each spa infuses a local flavour into weekly sound bath ceremonies. Sixty-minute oneto-one sessions include a self-reflective process designed to alleviate stress or anxiety. www.sixsenses.com

Layan Life by Anantara opens its doors in Phuket, Thailand

Minor Hotels has opened Layan Life by Anantara, a new wellness retreat concept at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort in Thailand. Drawing on more than two decades of pioneering wellness expertise from Anantara Hotels & Resorts, Layan Life offers bespoke three-to-ten-day programmes using a ‘whole of life’ approach to wellness that celebrates key life stages.

Guests with a variety of wellbeing goals, including weight management, de-stress, fitness and anti-ageing, can choose from a series of programmes created by specialist doctors and Thai medicinal experts that combine ancient wisdom with advanced medical treatments and diagnostics, tailored wellness nutrition and guided fitness.

The Layan Life journey begins with a wellness consultation and a diagnostic check-up, including epigenetic testing and advanced physiotherapy with 3D body scans. Results are analysed by the medical team who curate bespoke programmes using the Life Method, which integrates four pillars of wellness: Longevity Medicine, Traditional Thai Medicine, Complementary Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine. www.layanlifephuket.com

Lime Wood hosts Savour Retreat to help guests live more consciously

Lime Wood in the New Forest, UK, has hosted its first Savour Retreat led by writer, author and broadcaster, Alice Vincent. Focusing on savouring the big and small elements of living, Vincent led guests on mindful walks through the forest and oversaw workshops to encourage guests to harness their creativity and live more consciously.

Guests also enjoyed a connection with nature in the company of Lime Wood’s resident forager Sammie Longhorn, searching for seasonal supper ingredients while taking time to share, savour and reflect. Sound healing, morning swims and good conversation ensured a rounded experience.

Chef Luke Holder showcased the importance of savouring seasonality with dishes featuring ingredients growing at the time.

Alice Vincent writes a popular newsletter, Savour, about pausing life to appreciate the finer details. She has also written columns in Vogue and the Financial Times and authored Why Women Grow: Stories of Soil, Sisterhood and Survival www.limewoodhotel.co.uk

Ananda in the Himalayas launches new fertility retreat with Zita West

Ananda in the Himalayas, together with international fertility expert Zita West, is launching a ten-night Fertility Enhancement Group Retreat. The programme aims to harness the body’s innate intelligence, through guided visualisations, Ayurveda and the heart-uterus connection.

West is renowned for her whole-body approach to pregnancy and promoting the role of the mind-body connection. Dr. Naresh Perumbuduri, Ananda’s senior ayurvedic physician and fertility programme lead, will work with her on the retreat. Their approach is rooted in neuroscience,using guided visualisations to engage the brain, heart and reproductive system. Guests will gain a deeper understanding of the physical, emotional and energetic aspects of health vital in fertility.

Daily coaching sessions with West aim to help guests heal from within, cultivate emotional resilience, reduce stress, balance hormones, and support the body’s fertility potential. Ananda’s Ayurvedic experts will offer a range of therapeutic treatments to support the programme. www.anandaspa.com | www.zitawest.com

The emergence of sense-hacking

This emerging micro-trend is making waves in the industry. Mark Smith asks what it involves and how it can shape spa experiences and wellness retreats

The term sense hacking was coined by Professor Charles Spence is his book, Sense-hacking: How to Use the Power of Your Senses for Happier, Healthier Living Broadly speaking, the concept involves bringing awareness to all of the senses to connect with the present moment.

“Sense-hacking explores how we hear, see, taste, touch and smell,” says Spence. “I wanted to use this to describe the emerging knowledge of our senses and how they are connected – and how we can use that knowledge to hack our own senses to enhance our social, cognitive and emotional wellbeing.”

The experimental psychologist and head of the Crossmodal Research Laboratory at the University of Oxford has spent over 25 years exploring how we relate to the world through our senses. His aim

was to draw people’s attention to the way that the environment affects us through our senses.

The science of the senses reveals how the ambient multi-sensory atmosphere influences us, often in a negative way. “Our senses have more impact over our wellbeing than any of us realise,” explains Spence. “The sights, sounds and smells of the environment, both those we are aware of, and those that we are not.”

Sense-hacking in a spa environment

Cape of Senses, a luxury spa resort on Lake Garda, Italy, has embraced this concept, dedicating a

five-day retreat to the concept, led by life coach Constanze Spagnolli and offering immersive experiences to challenge and enhance sensory perception to restore balance.

During the retreat, Spagnolli guides participants on a journey of self-discovery, focusing on the conscious perception and purposeful use of the five senses. This experience is designed to foster a mindful lifestyle and enhance daily sensory awareness.

In particular, she helps participants sharpen their sense of smell, sight, hearing, taste and touch, developing appropriate mental and physical responses. Spagnolli leads guests through self-reflection, cultural immersion and interpersonal connections to promote a greater sense of holistic wellbeing.

Under her guidance, guests explore mindfulness techniques, sensory exploration, yoga, meditation, spa treatments, and mindful meals. There is also time to enjoy wine tasting at a local winery, a sensory excursion to the romantic city of Verona, and a tactile hiking experience around Lake Garda.

“At Cape of Senses, we believe that reconnecting with our senses is essential for holistic wellbeing,” says spa manager Jasmine Voltan. “While sense-hacking is an existing but lesser-known wellness practice that harnesses the power of the senses to achieve balance, both the Cape of Senses concept and sense-hacking principles approach wellness with the same tools, to achieve the same goal.”

Exploring sensory triggers

Julia Samuel, a renowned psychotherapist and author, is a proponent of the concept, believing that our senses hold profound emotional power, often transporting us back to cherished memories, especially during times of grief.

In her work, Samuel highlights how sensory triggers, such as the scent of a loved one’s perfume or the taste of a familiar dish, can momentarily revive past experiences, offering both comfort and a sense of connection.

“At retreats like the one at Cape of Senses, participants are given a rare opportunity to explore how their sensory experiences can reconnect them with the present moment,” says Samuel. “Engaging the senses in this intentional

way is a powerful tool for managing stress, nurturing resilience, and fostering personal insight.”

Connection to nature

Focusing on the senses to connect with nature is a core element of this concept, using touch, sight, sound, taste and smell to fully immerse the body and mind in the sensory world. More than forest bathing or mindfulness, it takes the participant on a totally new experience. “The more of your senses that nature stimulates the better for you it is,” she says. “Hence, I would recommend listening to the sounds of nature rather than your personal music system when you go for a walk.”

www.psy.ox.ac.uk/people/charles-spence www.capeofsenses.com | www.juliasamuel.co.uk

Recognising the power of touch

We talk to Christine Clinton, founder of Christine Clinton Cancer Care, about how spas can improve their service delivery through improved touch skills

With almost 35 years’ experience in the spa industry, Christine Clinton is a passionate advocate for the power of touch. An educator, speaker and founder of Christine Clinton Cancer Care, she teaches her cancer massage concept in spas globally. We talk to the recipient of the Global Wellness Institute’s Debra Simon Award, Leader in Furthering Mental Wellness, about how the power of touch is experiencing a reawakening.

Why is touch so powerful in spas?

Touch is one of the first senses we develop; we are born with over four million touch receptors on and in our skin – we have 3,000 on each fingertip! Touch forms the foundation of human connection and communication. It has an innate ability to convey compassion, empathy and support. Touch also has a social dimension, especially around loneliness and isolation – it is a bridge to connection, reminding us of our shared humanity.

This

What are the key issues touch therapy can help?

In the context of trauma, touch can be a powerful tool for recovery. Many young adults feel disconnected from their bodies and incidences of self-harming continue to rise. Therapeutic touch practices help individuals to reclaim their bodies and emotions, offering a safe space for healing. Massage adaptations for people with compromised health, from cancer to heart disease, are some of the greatest advances. We now see massage in the workplace, in schools, hospitals, nursing homes and spa services for younger guests.

How spas overcome the touch skills gap?

Education is key. In my experience, senior therapists, with over ten years’ experience, prefer a hands-on learning experience. So, while online classes may be helpful for understanding new material, the hands on portion is where the magic happens – therapists feel bonded to their spa team. Spa directors find that this type of investment always helps with retention and recruiting. www.christineclinton.com

www.elementalherbology.com

https://www.rkf.fr/ https://www.rkf.fr/

Your next spa project starts here.

Offering an unrivalled level of service and an exceptional selection of beautifully crafted, high-quality furniture and equipment, Ellisons will ensure your next spa project is a success. spapartner@ellisons.co.uk www.ellisons.co.uk

Our Spa Partner team can help with every aspect of your project, making sure it runs smoothly, on time and to budget. With a portfolio showcasing an extensive range of high-profile spa refits, you can depend on our years’ of experience advising on new builds and refurbishments in treatment rooms and relaxation and reception areas.

Ellisons offer an impressive selection of attractive spa furniture from leading brands Gharieni, Living Earth Crafts, REM, Salon Ambience and many more. Amongst our luxurious product range, you’ll find a selection of elegant, ergonomically designed treatment couches offering bespoke options to suit every treatment need.

Please contact our dedicated Spa Partner team to discuss your options in more detail: spapartner@ellisons.co.uk +44 (0)24 7636 9114

Find out how you can add value to your next spa project by downloading our Spa Guide at www.ellisons.co.uk/spa

SpaStyle

SHOWCASING STYLISH EQUIPMENT AND LEADING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY FOR YOUR SPA

Edited by Wendy Golledge

COLD INNOVATION

Snowcap

Clearwater Ice Baths

A new smart cold plunge with an innovative cooling lid, Snowcap uses patented thermoelectric cooling technology to cool or heat water, making cold therapy more accessible in all areas of a spa.

The lid contains solid-state semiconductor components for precise temperature control, cooling and maintaining temperatures down to 2°C or up to 40˚C and generating ice at any desired temperature, without the need for bulky external refrigeration systems.

“Snowcap was born from our team’s passion for the benefits of cold-water therapy,” says founder and former Olympian, Matthew Guest. “We recognised the challenges for spas in maintaining the right temperature for cold plunges and the costs involved in purchasing ice. Our Snowcap solution is both effective and environmentally friendly.”

Clearwater Ice Baths is an Australian-owned company based in Melbourne, which ships internationally.

The Snowcap App allows operators to set schedules and control temperature and ice production remotely. There is a built-in 20-micron water filtration system and Snowcap can be plugged into a standard power source. Initial cooling time is six to eight hours from ambient water temperature. Once cooled, Snowcap maintains the desired temperature between 2°C and 40°C. www.clearwatericebaths.com

EnergyLounger

EnergyLounger

A full-body light therapy solution, EnergyLounger features a triple-frequency format, including 630, 850 and 950nm wavelengths, to deliver multiple physical and mental wellbeing benefits.

Red light penetrates beneath the skin while near-infrared technology offers deep, therapeutic warmth. Red light therapy is known to enhance recovery, increase circulation and reduce inflammation as well as promoting better skin health thanks to encouraging collagen production.

EnergyLounger is ergonomic and crafted for comfort, aligning with the body’s natural contours. Designed to be an add-on revenue generator or a way to layer different spa therapies, it can be used alongside manicures and pedicures, facials, hand and food or Indian head massages, and physiotherapy treatments. It’s also an ideal accompaniment to IV therapy.

EnergyLounger is currently in situ at Bali Hilton Hotels, Nimaya Mindstation in London and the Bathhouse Sydney Spa Retreat, Australia. www.energylounger.co.uk

The Wavess Wellness Pool

Wavess

Combining sound and light therapy with water haptics, the immersive Wavess Wellness experience allows users to float in zero gravity and is equipped with smart sensors and lighting to guide the experience.

Guests enter a circular pool, where haptic technology makes the water vibrate, so they experience floating amid vibrations, providing a soft but deep physical and mental sound massage. A multi-sensory immersive media system – as opposed to sensory deprivation – the experience includes soundscapes, colours and visuals. By recreating the earliest sensorial memories of being in the womb, Wavess facilitates deep relaxation that helps to recalibrate the senses. Projections and visible spectrum light complete the symphony of sensations. The first Wavess recently opened at the Mandrake hotel in London. “We’ve done extensive global trials with Wavess to create what will be a world first treatment, like no other. Guests will leave feeling euphoric,” says Rami Fustok, owner of the Mandrake. www.wavesswellness.com

Myrtha Wellness creates, engineers and manufactures sustainable products that delight the clientele.

Myrtha modular panels technology are the epitome of ‘Made in Italy’ thermal bathing wellness products.

Fragrances for steam baths, saunas, whirlpools, hot tubs and experience showers

Cleaner for sauna, spa and wellness areas. Disinfectant and cleaner for whirlpool and spa tubs.

www.myrthawellness.com www.myrthawellness.com

Sauna and spa technology for experience showers, saunas, hamam, steam baths and rhassoul, dosing systems, inhalation systems, lighting technology

Kemitron is a manufacturer of high quality products for spa, sauna and wellness (technology, fragrances, cleaning, cosmetics) with a focus on best quality and workmanship. All products are “made in Germany” and are sold on the international spa and wellness market. www.kemitron.com

INNOVATION FOCUS

Nilo introduces a new shirodhara-inspired waterfall experience

The Shirobody treatment bed enables spas to deliver traditional Ayurvedic oil therapies as well as steam therapy for hair thanks to its original Vapomist system

Nilo’s newest product is Shirobody, a shirodhara waterfall treatment designed by Maletti Group.

An arched nozzle releases a constant flow of lukewarm water onto the forehead, stimulating the ‘third eye’, one of the chakras according to the principles of shirodhara. The nozzle is adjustable to ensure precise positioning and complete comfort for clients. The water cascades into a dedicated Igloo, enabling spas to offer an aroma-enriched steam bath generated by the Vapomist system.

Shirobody has a fully adjustable neck rest, developed to ensure perfect alignment of the vertebrae and correct posture in the supine

position, for total muscle relaxation.

“Our Shirobody treatment bed is designed to elevate the wellness experience through an innovative blend of massage and therapeutic water treatments for hair,” says Massimiliano Prato, sales director at Nilo Spa Design.“This versatile bed offers not only a unique water-based hair treatment but also supports traditional Ayurvedic oil therapy, enhancing relaxation and revitalisation all in one seamless experience.

“A steam treatment hood attached enables advanced steam therapy for hair. This feature is carefully designed to improve scalp health and cleanse follicles. The steam deeply cleanses the skin, treats the cuticles and promotes healthier, more vibrant hair. The Shirobody bed and the shirodhara waterfall treatment embodies the future of holistic beauty and relaxation.” www.nilospadesign.com

Dayon HydroSpa

JK Group UK

An innovative new touchless wellness solution, Dayon HydroSpa combines the positive effects of water and infrared heat. Guests experience a soothing full-body hydromassage as they float in dry weightlessness.

Hydromassage and heat loosen the muscles, improving blood circulation and stimulating the metabolism. Operation of the HydroSpa is fully customisable by a smartphone app. The intensity, temperature, duration, body posture, massage style and targeted body regions can all be adjusted.

Deep infrared heat promotes relaxation during 15-30-minute sessions. There is also an infrared therapy-only option.

HydroSpa features a single-fill, 300-litre, chemical-free water tank and is available in cream, grey and black colourways as well as bespoke finishes.

James Blower, managing director of JK Group’s UK and Ireland wellness division, JK Wellness, says: “HydroSpa is the perfect addition for any wellness environment.” www.jk-group.net

Stilted wooden cabins

AW²

Led by Reda Amalou and Stéphanie Ledoux, international architecture and interior design studio AW² has created a series of stilted wooden cabins for wilderness hotel company Coucoo Cabanes.

The Douglas fir cabins are constructed by MCF Bois, a specialist in timber framing. They can span up to three levels, housed in a protective envelope, and make ideal spa treatment and relaxation spaces.

With a design reminiscent of a bud just before it blossoms, the external structure opens up to reveal interior spaces, sheltered but open to the surrounding landscape. Each cabin can be made to suit its location and includes an Altipure Nordic bath as well as bespoke wooden furniture.

AW² is behind Six Senses Crans-Montana and Banyan Tree AlUla in Saudi Arabia. Cabin interiors can be customised to include spa elements such as treatment beds, touchless wellness loungers or relaxation pods. www.aw2.com

The Spa at Carden Park showcases Chalice by David Harber

Celebrated British designer specialises in timeless water features that calm and soothe

From his workshop in Oxfordshire, UK, David Harber creates mesmerising and beautiful one-of-a-kind water features that can provide a classical or contemporary addition to any spa.

Harber’s Chalice sundial now takes centre stage at the Spa at Carden Park (above left). Flowing water clings to a mirror-polished outer surface, creating the illusion of a stainless-steel hemisphere revolving on its axis.

“The presence of water has always had a calming effect on the emotions and psyche of human beings,” says Harber. “Its essential role in our lives means we feel reassured by its presence.

“This life-giving element in a water feature context becomes cathartic, mesmerising and enchanting as it dances and glistens over the sculpture.”

Inspired by the interaction of light and reflection, Harber uses materials such as brass, copper, bronze, stainless steel and stone. Light and reflection are key elements of his pieces, inviting the viewer to question what they see.

Harber has been commissioned by spas across Europe to create bespoke designs that work both inside and out. His Dark Planet fountain (above right), for example, is a garden water feature comprisig sophisticated symmetry and mesmerising spheres. Each stone is selected and positioned by hand, so water gently cascades over the irregular polished pebbles and slate shards.

“Water has the powerful ability to transform a surface,” says Harber. “Its flowing energy captures the light and intrigues the eye to create a constant and playful dynamic.”

All David Harber water features are supplied with a UV filter as standard, as the ultraviolet lights kill off algae and keep water clean. All of his elegant pieces are made to order. www.davidharber.co.uk

ID Oteire

Iyashi Dôme

Iyashi Dôme’s new ID Oteire combines Japanese tradition and modern technology to offer deep detoxification and clinically proven benefits including slimming and relaxation, anti-ageing and muscle recovery.

Infratherapy is a non-invasive technique that uses far infrared rays to induce a distinct increase in body temperature. Ths device allows manual spa treatments to be carried out at the same time as a gentle Iyashi Dôme infratherapy session.

ID Oteire redefines the infratherapy experience by allowing more versatile treatments, as therapists can tend to a guest while an Iyashi Dôme session is taking place.

The ID Oteire features in the Dior Spa in Dubai. “More than a face and body treatment, this is a new sensory experience that touches all five senses,” says Florent Cornélis, Iyashi Dôme training manager. “Combining hands-on treatments with the deep action of far infrared rays can lead to exceptional results.” www.iyashidome.com

Anthropometric hot tubs

SpaFlo

Leading the way in hyper personalised spa design, SpaFlo’s anthropometric modelling system ensures each hot tub jet is placed in line with key body measurements and height. Up to 24 jets on each pump guarantee optimum pressure and power.

SpaFlo founder Richard Gowland says this approach maximises the muscle recovery, relaxation and improved blood circulation benefits associated with hydrotherapy. Founded in 2019 and made in the UK, SpaFlo hot tubs are bespoke-designed pools, custom-built for every client.

“I researched anthropometric models during Covid and found it exciting that I could create a personalised concept for every spa client with the relative placements of water jets,” says Gowland. “No one else offers this type of heightened personalisation.”

www.spaflo.co.uk

European Spa selects the best styles and equipment launches for spas. Contact: wendy.golledge@spapublishing.com