SB Issue1 2018

global spa and wellness www.spabusiness.
com 2018 1
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fast living/
slow aging
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global spa and wellness www.spabusiness.com 2018 1
Wellness Charles
real estate Davidson
first-ever on Peninsula’s
research report big expansion
Bürgenstock TOP TEAM

a Swiss icon
is reborn India’s
ITC Hotel
Group
Joshua
Luckow
brings a new Colorado’s
wellness hospitality Historic Hot
brand to market Springs Loop
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Healthy celebrations
The tide is turning on excess, with more and more consumers
interested in marking high days and holidays with wellbeing rather
than indulgence. The rapid growth of veganuary and dryjanuary are
just early indicators of this awakening and we must back this trend
C
elebrating life is a fundamental part of being
ALEX EMANUEL KOCH/SHUTTERSTOCK

well and happy. Whatever our culture and
wherever we live, our years are measured out
by the cadence of high points and festivities.
But although these celebrations
bring joy, time with family and friends, time to
reboot and reflect and a rest from work, they
also – too often – bring ill health and upset.
The reason is clear, we’ve allowed our cycle of festivals to be
taken over by the food industry, which commits vast budgets to
pushing rich food and drink via endless seductive advertising.
In short, the wellness industry is being completely
outgunned in the battle for the consumer at these important
times of year and the health impacts are clear to see.
The traditional year-end and new year Health, happiness and vitality are the goals
celebrations are a case in point. For many, they
mean sitting indoors overloading the body.
Couple this with a lack of exercise and fresh A little of what you fancy does you
air and, in some cases vitamin D, and you have a
perfect formula for unwellness – the antithesis of
good, says the old adage. It’s simply
everything our industry is aiming to achieve. not true. A little of what you fancy – in
As the winter recedes and we head into spring in the too many cases – makes you sick
northern parts of the world, there’s time to reflect on just
how shocking this effect has been through the winter of
2017-18. Flu has wreaked havoc with many people’s health, On the other hand, we must champion the
leaving record numbers hospitalised and post-viral. alternative – good lifestyle underpins health and we
Viruses are around all the time. The only thing that have the knowledge to help people achieve it.
changes is our ability to fight them. When we live well, The time is right for new initiatives – it’s no
we win, when we live badly, we create a breeding ground coincidence dryjanuary and veganuary have taken
for them and they thrive. It’s a matter of survival of the off so fast: people are looking for these solutions.
fittest at its most fundamental. It’s us versus them. Let’s start a movement to make all festive seasons times of
So how should we read this? On the one hand, it’s pure wellness. Let’s stand our ground against the food industry and
proof that bad lifestyle makes you sick and can do so very, make our case. We have it within our remit to make a difference.
very fast – it’s as though a huge, real-time experiment is
being conducted on whole societies, with vast sample sizes. Liz Terry, editorial director @elizterry
Contact Spa Business: +44 (0)1462 431385 theteam@spabusiness.com

spabusiness.com @spabusinessmag Facebook.com/spabusiness
©CYBERTREK 2018 spabusiness.com issue 1 2018 7
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CONTENTS spa business ISSUE 1 2018
spa business global spa and wellness spabusiness.com
58: Interview:
Nicolas Ronco
is launching his
urban YeloSpa
model as a
franchise
38: News report: Wellness Tourism Association
We are distinct
as a five-star chain
offering a cohesive
approach to Indian
wellbeing
Andrew Saldanha, ITC Hotels
40: Top Team: ITC Hotel Group
7|Editor’s letter 30|News 46|Ask an Expert: Sexual assault

Liz Terry shares her thoughts First Six Senses city hotel to debut What can spas do to protect
in Singapore; GOCO Retreat coming themselves from sexual assault?
22|Letters to Crete; GWS reveals eight trends
Mike Wallace on the history of cold 50|Research: Wellness real estate
bathing; Anne Biging on the difference 38|News report: WTA The Global Wellness Institute has
between wellness and healing Andrew Gibson chairs the newly released the first report on the
created Wellness Tourism Association growing wellness real estate market
24|Spa people
Charles Davidson explains Peninsula’s 40|Top Team: ITC Hotel Group 58|Interview: Nicolas Ronco
big expansion; Katherine Lo’s hotel India’s greenest luxury hotel chain The YeloSpa founder on what makes
brand; Joshua Luckow’s new business brings ayurveda and more to its spas his urban franchise model different
10 spabusiness.com issue 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018
86: WeWork’s Avi Yehiel
78: Colorado’s Historic Hot Springs Loop
62: Switzerland’s Bürgenstock Resort
Wellbeing is as much
about the mind as
the body, so we have
created a spiritual
mountaintop haven
Irena Staudenmaier, Bürgenstock
72: Exploring a Tuscan thermal cave
62|New opening: Bürgenstock 86|Fitness: Rise by We

A historic Swiss resort reopens WeWork’s new spa/fitness hybrid
72|First Person: Going underground 92|Software: Customer retention

Jane Kitchen explores a thermal cave How can spa technology help SUBSCRIBE
FOR FREE
with customer loyalty?
78|Spa tourism
Colorado’s Historic Hot Springs Loop 97|Product Innovation
Suppliers reveal their latest launches To receive a free digital
84|News feature: Russian wellness subscription to Spa Business
Lisa Starr reports from the fourth 108|Finishing touch SIGN UP ONLINE:
Spa & Wellness International Congress The health benefits of retreats www.spabusiness.com/green
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Letters 1 2018
Letters
Do you have a strong opinion, or disagree with somebody else’s point of view on
topics related to the spa industry? If so, Spa Business would love to hear from you.
Email your letters, thoughts and suggestions to theteam@spabusiness.com
Cold therapies in Europe

Mike Wallace, hot springs and medical spa consultant
I
t’s interesting to read how
cold therapies are all the
rage (see SB17/4 pages
44-46), but in fact they are
nothing new. European spas
were based on the belief that
exposure to water – in particular
contrasting hot and cold
water – could effectively treat
disease. In the 19th century, at
the height of the hydrotherapy
revolution, spas even promoted Cold therapies are
themselves as being able to now coming into vogue
cure tuberculosis and syphilis! in spas; however, in
Kick-started by Vincenz Europe they never
Priessnitz and Sebastian Kneipp, went away
the concept of applying hot and
cold water onto the body has the body is then exposed to
left us with treatments that are extreme cold, these vessels react
still around today. Kneipp baths with an aggressive constriction
– walking barefoot in shallow that pushes out the blood to
hot and cold foot baths filled the ‘twig ends’ of the blood
with pebbles – are commonplace vessels (the extremities of
in European spas. There is the capillaries) – hence that
also the ‘Scottish spray’, where wonderful tingling sensation
high-powered jets of water are you feel after jumping into a
fired at your naked body from plunge pool after a sauna, which
a distance of 3 to 4 meters, first is a natural circulation boost.
at the deceptively comfortable Cold therapies are now
temperature of 38oC, then after coming into vogue in spas;
30 seconds, a sinister lever is however, in Europe they
pulled and the temperature never went away. I regularly
Kneipp baths are
drops to 16oC for 10 seconds. use the old Turkish thermal
commonplace in
This is repeated several times – baths in Budapest, first the
many European spas
and is not for the fainthearted. unbearably hot pool at 42oC
So why has cold-water therapy for as long as I can stand, then
stood the test of time? In heat, I drift off after in the cool 32oC
the blood vessels dilate and pool feeling as if I have been
the blood pressure reduces. If tranquilized – unbeatable!
Healing holidays include mental and spiritual growth
Wellness will become healing

Anne Biging, founder, Healing Hotels
of the World and the Healing Summit
D
oes anyone remember
the world before
the word ‘wellness’
existed? One could
almost say that wellness is the
LZF/SHUTTERSTOCK
more modern and softer version
of the European system of
‘cure’ – and now healing is the
evolution of wellness. In this
evolutionary process, people
become more and more aware
of their true needs. Healing For true healing, issues, as long as they are not a personalised consultancy.
implies change and learning, you have to learn what severe medical problems. In This leads to a tailor-made
whereas wellness is more about is necessary to improve many cases, their offerings in healing plan, which can include
pampering your status quo. your state of wellbeing, the realm of alternative, natural nutrition, movement, therapeutic
Healing is an active process both physically and and ancient medicine can be treatments, and more. At the
to change for better health and mentally more effective than allopathic end of a healing holiday, there
a better life. For true healing, medicine – especially in the case is a perceptible improvement
you have to learn what is of lifestyle-related diseases. of one’s health – a mental and
necessary to improve your state Today there are many spiritual growth that comes from
of wellbeing, both physically non-invasive and highly learning and understanding
and mentally. It is the learning effective diagnostic tools how to live a better, more
that makes healing sustainable. available, so the healing journey purposeful and meaningful life.
Many hotels offering healing can begin with a thorough Find out more:
can cater for specific health diagnosis as a foundation for healingsummit.org
A disturbing reality in spa

Jannita Mossel, founder, SpaTree
W
ith great interest These recent revelations from the professional background
I have read spa visitors about their abuse of these ‘spa predators’?
Liz Terry’s have been shocking and Besides an urgent need for
article on the chilling. How on earth could the spa industry to establish
existential threat in the world this happen? How could these policies and codes of conduct,
of spa, dealing with allegations ‘therapists’ be allowed to go it is of great importance to look
of sexual abuse of customers on and stay in the business? at the aspect of professionalism
by spa therapists (see SB17/4). More importantly, what is in the spa market.
Are spa owners willing The spa industry needs
to invest in well-educated to see the importance of
therapists who study hard educated students – and
and have gone through strict to pay them well
exams? Or is money the first
factor in decision-making? I don’t have insight into the
There are many ambitious background of the accused
spa students who invest in spa therapists, but regardless,
their future – both financially the spa industry needs to see
ULIANAG/SHUTTERSTOCK
and by studying hard. The spa the importance of educated

market, however, sees them as students with an accredited
expensive labour. This results diploma – and to pay them
in attracting people who well. And before appointing
jump into the market without a therapist, background
a professional background screening is mandatory in such
Background screening is mandatory before hiring therapists
or a formal spa diploma. a sensitive market as spa.
SPA PEOPLE by Jane Kitchen
spa people
We see ourselves
as creators of spaces
where wellness can
be provided at both
theoretical and
experiential levels
Charles Davidson owner,
Peninsula Hot Springs
A
ustralia’s Peninsula add 126 rooms of accommodation, terraced garden – was completed
Hot Springs (PHS) a first for the hot springs. in December, and is used for
is significantly “The purpose of our business growing vegetables, herbs, teas,
expanding its is to create experiences where mushrooms and medicinal plants.
offerings, adding in an educational our visitors can relax in “Visitors will be able to walk
building, new sauna rooms, a nature and connect with the the gardens and talk to the
deep therapy pool, a Fire & Ice deep well of their being,” says horticulturist,” says Davidson.
hot and cold bathing area, a ‘Food founder Charles Davidson. “The chefs in the wood-fired
Bowl’ area with on-site agriculture “Many of our experiences are pizza oven area will walk with Guests will be able
and picnic areas where guests story-driven – we want them to groups to collect fresh tomatoes, to sit on the terraces
are invited to “eat [themselves] be places where guests can be capsicums and other vegetables, or float in pools and
to good health,” and an arts and engaged in the experience.” and use for toppings on pizzas.” watch performances
culture area with an open-air The Food Bowl will ultimately on the stage
amphitheatre with seven pools Food Bowl have seven terraces, with a
and seated terraces for up to 700 The first stage of the Food Bowl lake at the bottom and a stage
people. Plans are also underway to area – a 3-acre (1.2 hectare) that will host performances.
Arts and culture

Additionally, a new arts and
culture area will include seven
pools with underwater speakers,
allowing 70 people to float in
the water and listen to talks and
music while they look up at the
sky. The amphitheatre has seated
terraces that provide space for
up to 580 people to watch plays,
talks and concerts, while another
120 can listen from in the pools.
“These are two unique,
The Fire & Ice area will include ice caves for contrast bathing
open-air spaces for arts,
culture, relaxation, health and Finding time to Saunas that enable groups of 20 programme. The programme will
wellbeing,” says Davidson. to 30 people to be in the space at include training in hammam,
relax and be with
once are being added so that sauna sauna, hydrotherapy, floating water
Overnight facilities friends in a natural masters can train classes. Two new therapies, clays, contrast therapies,
The hot springs is also building setting is at the sauna rooms will provide a variety Kneipp therapy and more.
126 rooms of overnight core of the hot of temperatures and humidities
accommodation, including 22
springs experience and will enable a class to be held Fire & Ice
private lodges with access to their on one side while the public can A Fire & Ice area will include cold
own private thermal hot spring enjoy the facility on the other. baths, ice baths and an ice cave
pool, as well as condominiums A new deep therapy pool will for guests to experience contrast
and a glamping area with luxury allow guests to experience floating bathing – spending time in saunas
tents. These will be introduced treatments such as watsu, and is and hot springs pools, followed
in a staged rollout from July large enough for three treatments by plunging into cold and ice
2018 through November 2020, at one time so that it can be used experiences. The size and styles of
and thermal heat from the hot for education. PHS’s hammam the pools are specifically designed
spring water will be used to also has a capacity of 24, as does for social bathing experiences.
hydroponically heat the buildings. the new Clay Ridge area, which “Finding time to relax and
features a programme where be with friends or yourself in a
Education guests can paint mineral-rich mud natural setting is at the core of the
A new building designed for on their skin before washing it off. hot springs bathing experience,”
education has also been added. Davidson said he’s also says Davidson. “There is a lot
“We see ourselves as creators of developing training modules of fun and laughter to be had
spaces where wellness can be for various global bathing with friends when going in and
provided at both theoretical and modalities, with the intention of out of what could be considered
experiential levels,” says Davidson. creating a Global Bathing Masters extreme bathing experiences.”
SPA PEOPLE
Through the power of our programming

and content, we will take a moral stance and
catalyse productive, positive change
Katherine Lo founder, Eaton Workshop
W
hen Katherine
Lo’s father,
Langham
Hospitality
Group chair Ka Shui Lo, tasked her
with remaking the group’s Eaton
brand to appeal to a millennial
audience, she used her background
in activism, anthropology and
film to create a space that merges
hospitality with social change.
Lo’s new hotel brand, Eaton
Workshop, has four distinct parts:
hotel, house, media and wellness.
The first location is set to open
in Washington, DC, early this
year, with more to follow in Hong
Kong, San Francisco and Seattle. a holistic approach built on the
“The brand is the manifestation mind-body connection. This
of me ‘following my bliss’ so The first Eaton includes classes like yoga and
others can follow theirs,” says Workshop will open meditation, alternative therapies
Lo. “Beyond the eco-minded in Washington, DC like reiki and acupuncture, and
design and community-oriented sensory experiences including
offerings, through the power of infrared saunas and sound baths. creating partnerships with organic
our programming and content, we “Vegetable-forward” and detox bath products and organic
will take a moral stance and food and beverage menus will mattress companies, installing
catalyse productive, positive be offered, and the locations rooftop organic gardens and wind
change through dialoguing.” will host guest speakers in the turbines, and practicing aerobic
Wellness programming health and wellness industry. food waste decomposition.
at Eaton Workshop is Leong Leong and Kengo Taking cues from political and
inspired by new age Kuma and Associates have countercultural movements from
practices and experiential been brought on for the design the Beatniks to last year’s Women’s
learning traditions, with architecture, and Gachot Studios, March, the 209-bedroom Eaton DC
Parts and Labor Design and will include a wellness centre with
OLo is the daughter of Avroko for interior design. yoga, meditation and alternative
Langham Hospitality The brand plans a serious treatments, as well as an event
chair Ka Shui Lo focus on sustainability, space, coworking club, rooftop bar,
restaurant and 50-person cinema.
“Recent political events
make our first hotel in DC that
much more trenchant,” says Lo.
“The Eaton we are creating will
We’re an ethical business, be a safe space and sanctuary
welcoming all who share for all: international, people of
colour, LGBTQ and more.”
our desire to build a better The Eaton Hong Kong will follow
world and protect not just later this year, and will open in the
the planet but one another emerging Kowloon neighbourhood.
26 spabusiness.com
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Joshua Luckow founder, SolaVieve
A
s a former executive
director of US
destination spa
Canyon Ranch, Joshua
Luckow had the rare opportunity
to work in every key area of
the business while overseeing
the company’s complicated
operations and jointly running Natalie Rushton and Jerry Cohen (right)
the flagship property in Arizona. will join Luckow in the new company
Now, he wants to use his
experience to bring a similar
type of wellness destination to
We are not about momentary
Europe and beyond. Working detoxification or mere escapism,
with several other former Canyon but nurturing one’s lifestyle
Ranch employees, Luckow has Natalie Rushton
started a new venture, SolaVieve,
which will design, develop,
acquire and operate holistic, from a glamorous extravagance Luckow says SolaVieve, which
immersive wellness properties. to a meaningful pursuit.” is headquartered in Geneva,
“This is the dawn of a consumer- Luckow is the former Joining him is Jerry Cohen, who Switzerland, is focused on
led revolution within the booming executive director co-founded Canyon Ranch and generating a sustainable triple-
wellness market,” says Luckow. of Canyon Ranch was the long-standing CEO, and bottom-line return — people,
“Vacationing is moving from and hopes to bring will serve as SolaVieve’s executive planet, and profit. Key to the
indulgence to purpose; hospitality a similar model to chairman; and Natalie Rushton, model is bringing on expert
from conventional to experiential. Europe and beyond who was senior operations staff who engage guests at a
At the same time, healthcare is manager for Canyon Ranch’s At transformational level in health
shifting from sick care to optimal Sea SpaClub division, and who is and wellbeing. “We are not about
living, while spa is moving the vice president of operations. momentary detoxification or
mere escapism, but nurturing
one’s lifestyle,” says Rushton.
Programming falls under one
of six divisions: Health & Healing,
Fitness & Movement, Spiritual &
Creative, Rest & Relaxation, Food
& Nutrition, and Personal Growth.
The business model will bring
an all-inclusive concept, in order
to “minimise the transactional
costs that might prevent someone
from pursuing their passion,
curiosity, or recommended
health action,” says Luckow.
Plans are underway for the first
SolaVieve, but Luckow is keeping
specifics under wraps for now.
He hopes to have three locations
Guests will be engaged on a transformational level
within the next five years. O
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Heritage property in Singapore will
be home to Six Senses’ first city hotel
Luxury wellness hotel operator Six Senses
will open its first city hotel in Singapore this
year as part of a restoration of two buildings
in the heart of the city-state’s Chinatown.
Six Senses Singapore is split across
two buildings within walking distance
of each other, Six Senses Duxton and
Six Senses Maxwell, and will celebrate
local Singapore culture and history.
The buildings feature a mix of Chinese,
Malay and European elements, including
neo-classical lion head motifs, Chinese
porcelain-chip friezes co-existing with
Malay timber fretwork, French windows,
Portuguese shutters and Corinthian
pilasters. Six Senses Duxton is due to
open in April 2018, followed by Six
Senses Maxwell three months later. Designer Anoushka Hempel is transforming the Six Senses Duxton Road location
“Such unique properties do not come
to market often, and we are delighted project,” says Neil Jacobs, Six Senses CEO.
to be working with Satinder Garcha and “The buildings will be the last heritage
Harpreet Bedi of Garcha Hotels on this hotels of this quality to be developed
in Singapore. Each building has its own
distinct personality, but what makes Six
Senses Singapore so special is that guests
can enjoy all the offerings of both locations
plus the neighbourhood when staying with
us. It’s all about community and being part
of the rich, local culture of Singapore.”
Six Senses Duxton Road will have
It’s all about a traditional Chinese doctor offering
community and being readings, health recommendations and
part of the rich, local a medicinal herbal dispensary, while the
culture of Singapore Maxwell location will have a Six Senses Spa.
Duxton Road features a restored row of houses Neil Jacobs More: http://lei.sr?a=r9m5Y_B
Garrett Mersberger named ISPA chair

The International SPA this change, because of the directors,” says Mersberger. “I
Association (ISPA) has association’s bylaws, he will no am grateful for the confidence
announced the election of longer able to serve as chair. the board has shown in me
Garrett Mersberger, director Mersberger previously served and am privileged to serve our
of wellness and Kohler Waters in the secretary/treasurer role. members in a greater capacity.”
Spas at Kohler Co., as chair of Shaw will now serve in The 2018 slate of candidates
the ISPA board of directors. the role of immediate past for the ISPA board of directors
Previous ISPA chair Todd chairman and the role of will be announced to the
Shaw has accepted the position secretary/treasurer will be membership at the upcoming
of national manager – country voted on at the next ISPA 2018 ISPA Conference
club for Technogym, creating board meeting on 31 May. & Expo at the Phoenix
a change in his ISPA “I am honoured to have Convention Center in Arizona
membership category from a the opportunity to serve as from 24-26 September.
spa to a resource partner. With chairman of the ISPA board of More: http://lei.sr?a=b5z5N_B
Canadian spirit to shine
at upcoming Nordic spa
The newly renovated Kananaskis Delta
Lodge in Canada will soon be home to a
Nordic spa with a Canadian spin. Set to
open in February and spanning 50,000sq ft
(4,645sq m), the Kananaskis Nordic Spa will
be set deep in Alberta’s Kananaskis County,
surrounded by forest and mountains, and
is designed as a Canadian perspective on
the wellbeing lifestyle of Scandinavia.
The spa will feature a relaxation lodge,
five outdoor pools, six sauna and steam
cabins, an exfoliation room, saltwater The outdoor spa will have spaces for hydrotherapy, meditation and socialisation
float pool, outdoor heated hammocks, a
meditation labyrinth, heated lounge chairs hammocks, eight treatment our extensive knowledge of
with music stations, a dream lounge, rooms, and a bistro. the health and wellness
30-person yoga studio with silk yoga “We wanted the spa industries, has shaped the
to feel Canadian from Kananaskis Nordic Spa
its core,” says Jennifer experience – right down
Buckler, vice president to the little details.”
of spa and development. Examples include
“We’ve taken the social campfire settings
philosophy and practices of within the outdoor woodland
Nordic wellness and created design and a tartan spa robe
an original design out of it. We wanted the featuring a 1964 maple leaf
This is a space that reflects spa to feel Canadian print by David Weiser.
not only our location, but from its core A modern-rustic, three-
the Canadian way of life; Jennifer Buckler storey spa lodge will offer
it’s a different take on the a minimalist treatment
increasingly popular Nordic Spa style menu, and will be surrounded by a series
of repair, relaxation and rejuvenation. of hot, saltwater and cold plunge pools.
The three-storey spa lodge will offer treatments The Canadian attitude, combined with More: http://lei.sr?a=a7u2f_B
Gharieni makes two Lipfert began his career as a spa director

senior appointments in Portugal, and worked for six years at the
Kempinski Marbella before taking over as ESPA
Ally Chong and Thorsten Lipfert have joined spa director at the Fairmont Baku Azerbaijan.
spa equipment supplier Gharieni Group in Based in Marbella, Spain, and fluent in Spanish,
business development roles. German and English, Lipfert will
Chong has been named With Ally give particular focus to overseeing
operations manager for Asia Pacific, and Thorsten, the growth of Gharieni in Spain
while Lipfert is international business we have won two and Latin America. He is trained
Ally Chong
development manager for the brand. experienced spa as a physical therapist, and will
“While Thorsten will focus on the professionals to also support Gharieni’s training
European market, Ally will manage cover two important programmes for the Gharieni Quartz
operations for the Asia Pacific key positions Table and the Wellness Massage 4D.
market,” says Sammy Gharieni, Sammy Gharieni “I’m very excited to take
founder and CEO of Gharieni Group. over this new role,” says
Based in Hong Kong, Chong has more Lipfert. “With my expertise in hotel and spa
than 14 years’ experience in hotel operations operations, I’m looking forward to supporting
and spa development, and has worked Gharieni clients and helping them achieve
for the corporate teams at Dream Cruises the most success with their products.”
Thorsten Lipfert
and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. More: http://lei.sr?a=C3H8a_B
GOCO will develop a
50-key Retreat over
the next 12 months
Bjurstam says wellness is growing

GOCO Spa, Retreat to open on Crete
Raison d’Etre launches
GOCO Hospitality is opening a GOCO
wellness think tank
Spa at the Daios Cove Luxury Resort
Global spa consultancy Raison d’Etre has on the Greek island of Crete in April
launched a Think Tank for Wellness to this year, and will also develop a
provide tools and resources for businesses separate GOCO Retreat on the
to grow through wellbeing. The think tank property in late 2018.
offers creative services to anyone who “GOCO Spa Daios Cove and,
wants to understand how wellness concepts ultimately, GOCO Retreat Daios
and wellbeing awareness can be integrated Cove will bring a modern and
into a lifestyle, service or business. sophisticated wellness experience to
“We see wellness and wellbeing being the Greek tourism offering,” says Ingo It’s a stunning location,
part of circles of discussions, such as Schweder, GOCO Hospitality CEO. with incredible design
governments, insurance companies, the The Resort includes 305 bedrooms, and architecture
medical system, as well as corporations and the 2,500sq m (26,909sq ft) Ingo Schweder
in the form of workplace wellness,” says spa will include eight treatment
Anna Bjurstam, managing partner of rooms, a movement studio, two Over the coming 12 months, GOCO
Raison d’Etre. “Spa consultancy has indoor pools, and a thermal spa will develop the 50-key GOCO Retreat
ventured more and more into wellness suite with Finnish sauna, soft sauna, Daios Cove, which will act as a
consultancy, and to do only spa is no longer Mediterraneo (combined sauna with wellness resort within a resort, and will
enough. The real value is in the content steam bath) and Nimfea reaction introduce health diagnostics, personal
creation – everyone is looking for content showers. The spa will offer yoga and consultations, wellness programming,
that will enrich the guest experience.” meditation classes, Thai massage and and a regular series of workshops.
More: http://lei.sr?a=7v4A8_B treatments in waterside spa cabanas. More: http://lei.sr?a=g4s2t_B
UK government appoints minister to tackle growing problem of loneliness

UK prime minister Theresa May has appointed and for all of us to take action to address the
Tracey Crouch, minister for sport and civil loneliness endured by the elderly, by carers,
society, to a newly created position by those who have lost loved ones – people
as minister for loneliness. who have no one to talk to or share
Research shows that more than their thoughts and experiences with.”
nine million people in the UK are A fund will be established so the
“always or often feel lonely” and that government can work with charitable
around 200,000 older adults have trusts, foundations and others to
not had a conversation with a friend find solutions, provide funding for
or relative in more than a month. Tracey Crouch is also communities to develop activities for
“For far too many people, loneliness is minister for sport people to connect, and scale-up existing
the sad reality of modern life,” says May. “I and civil society projects that offer support to lonely people.
want to confront this challenge for our society More: http://lei.sr?a=8x9T3_B
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Carol Stratford, Michael Tompkins and
Kristine Huffman will lead the team
The Cloud Twelve Club is situated over three floors and has a holistic spa
New leadership for

Hutchinson Consulting Wellness-focused lifestyle club to debut
in London’s Notting Hill neighbourhood
Michael Tompkins will head up a new
leadership team at Hutchinson Consulting Architecture firm Melt We wanted to
after Bill Hutchinson announced his Design Hub have created create a ‘haven
retirement following 25 years in hospitality what they describe in the city’
recruitment. Hutchinson is handing as a ‘third space Lisa Barden
over the reins to partners Tompkins, between home and
Kristine Huffman and Carol Stratford. work’ – a lifestyle club “We wanted to
Founded in 1993 by Hutchinson’s in London’s Notting create a ‘haven in the
late wife, Lori Hutchinson, Hutchinson Hill neighbourhood, city’, centred around
Consulting specialises in hotel, spa which will be the first creating precious family
and restaurant talent recruitment. in line for a series of moments, mindfulness,
“After 25 years of serving an industry global concept openings. luxury and somewhere to
I love, this is a bittersweet moment,” says Set to open in March 2018, Cloud provide a smart blend of both
Hutchinson. “Michael Tompkins joined Twelve Club is situated over three holistic and scientific treatments
us in 2016 and has brought new levels of floors and 1,000sq m (10,764sq ft) taking the best of both Western and
expertise to the business. While I move and includes a holistic spa, beauty Asian philosophies,” says Barden.
on to new ventures, I know Lori’s vision therapies and an alternative medicine The building is comprised of
is being realised and I’m thrilled about clinic, as well as a children’s indoor five environments, with spaces
the new partners and the team’s ongoing playground and programmes. brought together through a series
growth of Hutchinson Consulting.” Lisa Barden has been the spa and of changing scenes or experiences.
More: http://lei.sr?a=D7f7z_B wellness consultant for the project. More: http://lei.sr?a=M7p4X_B
Miraval Group appoints eight key executives to lead brand growth

Eight executives have Marxer will use his the development of
been appointed to key expertise to oversee all spas Miraval experiences,
leadership positions and create new treatments classes, workshops
within Miraval Group and services and lectures.
to oversee the growth Additionally, Cecil
and development of the brand. Hopper has been named director of
Simon Marxer joins Miraval Group as revenue optimisation, Jill Harlow has been
director of spas, and will oversee all spas named director of brand and marketing,
and create new treatments and services. Jorah Anderson has joined as director
Marxer previously worked at beauty of sales, Karen Rieker has been named
brand Red Flower as vice president of director of finance and administration,
business development, and before that Marisa Galdi has been named director of
was the spa director at Miraval Arizona. talent and culture, and Philippe Brenot has
Carl Pratt has been appointed vice been named director of retail procurement.
Simon Marxer is director of spas president of programming, and oversees More: http://lei.sr?a=R3T5U_B
DIARY DATES
25-26 February 2018

World Spa & Wellness Convention
ExCel, London, UK
International spa figures convene for
two days of talks and networking,
along with an industry conference. The report is based
www.worldspawellness.com on insights from
delegates at the GWS
5-6 March 2018
Healing Summit
Berlin, Germany GWS identifies ‘Eight
Inspirational talks for like-hearted
Wellness Trends for 2018’
professionals organised by the
Healing Hotels of the World. Experts from the Global Wellness Summit have identified eight
www.healingsummit.org future directions in wellness in a new report, ‘Eight Wellness
Trends for 2018’. The report is based on the insight of the Every one of this year’s
6 March 2018 more than 600 delegates from more than 40 countries who trends pushes the health
Women in Wellness attended the Global Wellness Summit in October, as well as the and wellness envelope
Leadership Conference perspectives of economists, medical and wellness professionals, in unexpected ways
New York, US academics, and leaders across all sectors of the wellness industry. Susie Ellis, GWS chair and CEO
Organised by American Spa
magazine, this event is being held The eight trends highlighted
for the first time and is designed for in the report are:
1 5
women who aspire to leadership in
the wellness industry. Mushrooms Getting our “Clean
http://lei.sr?a=y6M5n.com emerge from Air Act” together
underground As the gravity of toxic air becomes
9-11 March 2018 More people will clearer, people will monitor indoor air
Beauty Düsseldorf explore the medicine quality using sensors and apps, invest
Dusseldorf, Germany that mushrooms provide, including ‘magic in air purifying devices, adopt pollution-
Showcases the latest wellness mushrooms’ as treatment for anxiety, fighting beauty regimes, embrace salt
trends and beauty products, and depression and addiction, and regular therapy and breathwork training, or choose
attracts international visitors. mushrooms as inflammation fighters. “lung-cleansing” travel destinations.
2 6
www.beauty-duesseldorf.com
A new era of Extreme wellness
11-14 March 2018 transformative Hacking our way to better
Green Spa Congress wellness travel brains, bodies and wellbeing is
Carmel Valley Ranch, California Travel that challenges people on the rise, with a surge in brain-
The 10th anniversary of this event for on a personal level, especially optimising nootropics, and a
eco-minded spa professionals. through storytelling, hyper-personalised view of
www.greenspanetwork.org performance, music and art health and wellness, thanks to
will increasingly get served tests using DNA, epigenetics
15-18 March 2018 up with wellness. and microbiome testing.
3 7
Cosmoprof Worldwide
Bologna, Italy Reframing the Wellness meets
One of the biggest beauty trade fairs; first 1,000 days happiness
includes a two-day spa symposium. Preconception and paternity The wellness world needs
www.cosmoprof.com will enter the health equation, with a focus to focus on happiness – and on driving social
on the role of epigenetics, and treatments connection and technology disconnection.
25-27 April 2018
8
such as yoga, massage, and mindfulness will
Intercharm Professional be used to treat babies and children. A new feminist wellness
4
Moscow, Russia From a surge in women-only wellness
More than 2,500 cosmetic and The Wellness Kitchen clubs and co-working spaces to a storm
equipment suppliers exhibit at this A new model of “Wellness Kitchen” of FemTech “solving” for women’s bodies, a
trade show for the Russian beauty will store fresh fruits and vegetables as new feminist wellness is on the horizon.
and salon sector. opposed to processed foods, and designs will ©Global Wellness Institute
www.intercharm.ru celebrate uncluttered, well-ventilated spaces. Full report: http://lei.sr?a=b5z5N_B
SPATEC 18
Europe
20-23 June 2018

Movenpick Hotel
Mansour Eddahbi,
Marrakech, Morocco
What do you get at SPATEC?

• Guaranteed pre-qualified
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• Pre-set appointments with
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• Limited competition
• 2 full days of exceptional
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• Unparalleled value for money
• High quality seminar
programme
Your best marketing

spend this year!
For more information contact:
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www.spateceu.com
NEWS REPORT
We want to elevate standards and

give credibility to the industry
Andrew Gibson Anne Dimon Thomas Klein
Travelling well
A
group of industry veterans The Wellness Tourism Association is a
has come together to create
a not-for-profit business
new initiative that hopes to be the voice
to help define the wellness of the industry. Jane Kitchen talks to
sector, market it to tour
the people behind the organisation
operators, and create
networking, education and marketing
opportunities for those in the industry. destination spa Canyon Ranch, who is unite all the various categories that fall
Headed up by chair Andrew the organisation’s treasurer; Madeleine under the umbrella of wellness tourism
Gibson – who is Accor Hotels’ vice Marentette, founder of Canada’s Grail for a common purpose – which is the
president of wellbeing – the Wellness Springs Retreat Center for Wellbeing; and benefit and sustainability of the industry
Tourism Association (WTA) aims Nilendu Srivastava, managing director of for the ultimate good of all, including the
to create a network for destination The Art of Living Retreat Center in North consumer,” says Dimon.
marketing organisations, hotels and Carolina, US. Cindy Hoddeson of the But the first step is to create the
resorts, tour operators and travel Monaco Government Tourist Office is the industry definitions for various terms
agencies that have an interest in the association’s first tourism board member. within the sector. As Gibson explains:
growing wellness tourism industry. “We want to elevate standards and
“As an association, it is crucial that we Defining the industry give credibility to the industry. There’s
work together to help define our industry, The WTA’s goals are to create a common so much vagueness, so much lack of
as well as to educate the public so they can set of standards and definitions of clarity – when we get the industry
recognise legitimate and credible wellness wellness travel categories; educate and speaking with a unified voice, then
suppliers and operators,” says Gibson. increase awareness of wellness tourism, we can go to the consumer with it.”
Gibson is joined by founding members especially among tour operators and That includes defining a destination
Anne Dimon, CEO of Travel to Wellness, travel agents; and to provide a networking spa versus a resort spa, for instance, and
who serves as the WTA’s president; platform for those involved in the industry. looking at defining wellness retreats,
Thomas Klein, president and COO of US “The WTA will define the industry and wellness travel and wellness vacations.
O The Wellness Tourism Association hopes to
unite the categories that fall under the umbrella
of wellness tourism, and to market the sector
Growing consumer demand

“The wellness tourism market is working
overtime to keep up with the growing
consumer demand, and that includes
Canyon Ranch,” says Klein. “Wellness
tourism – travel engaged for the purpose
of enriching or sustaining the state of
wellness – will continue to evolve, and as
a trailblazer in the integrative wellness
industry, it’s crucial that we are at the aspect of wellness tourism with an US$2,000 (€1,615, £1,425) for hotels and
centre of the discussion and movement, opportunity to have a voice in this destination spas and US$3,500 (€2,826,
working with the industry to define and industry, and to help shape its future.” £2,495) for tourism boards and DMOs.
develop this booming travel sector, along “If an organisation has a true interest
with the immersive wellness experience.” Membership and investment in the travel sector, they
Klein said when Canyon Ranch first The WTA made its official debut in will want to be part of this industry-
opened 40 years ago, most travellers didn’t late January at the Travel & Adventure focused collective,” says Dimon.
even know what wellness or wellbeing Show in Washington, DC, and will also Networking opportunities will begin
meant; today, the wellness tourism sector have a presence at three other Travel & straight away; WTA is planning an
is a US$563bn industry, and is growing Adventure Shows in 2018. Qualifying annual meeting. The WTA also plans
faster than the tourism industry itself. hotels, resorts, retreats, destination to collaborate with the Global Wellness
“We’re experiencing a phenomenon spas, tour operators and wellness travel Summit’s Wellness Tourism Initiative.
where health is creeping into all aspects companies may join as members, and Gibson is bullish on the
of consumer life and experience,” he organisations with a specific interest organisation’s future. “This is going
explains. “This association is needed in the sector may join as partners. to be a collective effort to be part of
now, more than ever, to provide those Membership packages range from shaping what is to be,” he says. O
connected to or interested in any US$300 (€242, £214) for travel advisors to Details: wellnesstourismassociation.org
TOP TEAM: ITC HOTELS
spa
O ITC’s Grand Bharat houses the brand’s flagship spa
TOP TEAM ITC Hotels

India’s greenest luxury hotel chain launched its first
spa 10 years ago and now has 40 hotels in the pipeline.
Neena Dhillon meets the people behind the burgeoning
hospitality group to talk wellness, expansion and sustainability
E
ncompassing more than In addition to constructing hotels that
100 properties in 70-plus have won architectural accolades, ITC’s
destinations, ITC Hotels is one brands include culinary concepts based
of the fastest-growing Indian on the varied gastronomy of India. Each
hospitality chains. Backed by the might of these dining experiences is aligned
of a multi-dimensional corporation, it to ITC Hotels in relevant regions.
forms one of 13 businesses comprising Fuelled by a desire to introduce
ITC Limited, an enterprise rated among an indigenous spa brand that would
the top three private-sector contributors leverage Indian wellness philosophies
to the national exchequer, with a and compete at an international level,
turnover exceeding US$8bn. Feeding the chain launched Kaya Kalp in 2008.
into a company-wide ethos of ‘Putting The first spa, at ITC Mughal in Agra,
India First’, the hotels division has 40 made a splash as the biggest Indian
properties in the pipeline across four facility at the time, measuring 9,200 sq m
brands. All but one will open in India. (92,000sq ft). Today, each of the 11 luxury
ITC Hotels entered the business in ITC Hotels has a Kaya Kalp, with the 12th
1975 through a partnership with Sheraton to be unveiled this year. A scaled-down
in Chennai, and has since evolved into version – K by Kaya Kalp – can be found
a chain with a strategic emphasis on in eight WelcomHotels, including
promoting India’s rich cultural heritage. the new Coimbatore property.
Its long-term approach involves building We talk to the people behind the hotel
assets in multiple destinations in order to chain and spa brand to find out more.
generate demand – eschewing a supply The hotels division
focus – thereby attracting visitors to has 40 properties in
different parts of the country. Acquisitions
the pipeline across four Neena Dhillon writes about spas, hotels
and management partnerships are and travel trends around the world, and is
also options as the group grows and brands. All but one a regular contributor to Spa Business.
creates value for tomorrow’s India. will open in India. email: ndhillon@spabusiness.com
Dipak Haksar chief executive,
ITC Hotels & WelcomHotels
What’s the ethos of ITC Can you demonstrate some

Hotels and how does the of those green credentials?
business differentiate itself? All hotels in our luxury
We are a brand with an Indian collection are certified as
soul. In a country as diverse LEED Platinum, and the
as ours, there’s no single US Green Building Council
destination that defines our presented us with a 2017 How do you select O Spas have a hands-on
culture, so we endeavour to Greenbuild Leadership locations for expansion? approach, favouring natural
showcase each region through Award. ITC Limited has been Investment in the flagship treatments, including ayurveda
indigenous architecture, carbon-positive, water-positive luxury hotel portfolio is driven
interiors, art and cuisine, as and solid-waste-recycling- by the objective of enhancing and Bhubaneswar. Having a
well as wellness experiences positive for over a decade. India’s tourism landscape. four-tier brand architecture
and service designed to Moreover, we work beyond Debuting next in Hyderabad’s helps us to penetrate different
convey local traditions. This typical green boundaries to HITEC city, a sprawling regions. While we believe in
is what we mean by ‘Hotels establish deep connections to technology hub, ITC Kohenur organic growth in India, we
that Define the Destination.’ local communities, whether brings our luxury collection are making our first overseas
Having said that, all our hotel by forging relationships to 12, with a design inspired foray with a development in
operations are underscored by with farmers, promoting by the 13th-century Kohinoor Colombo because there is
a ‘Responsible Luxury’ ethos, sustainable agricultural diamond, thought to have strong tourist inflow to India
which favours ecologically practices, bringing education been found in a local mine. We from Sri Lanka and vice versa.
sensitive products, services to rural women or developing are already mid-construction
and suppliers. conservation programmes. with WelcomHotels in Guntur Can you tell us about
the evolution of the
Kaya Kalp brand?
Its inception came about
We wanted to champion the wellness because we wanted to
and healing knowledge that has long champion the wellness and
existed in our boundaries healing knowledge that has
long existed in our culture.
Since we launched the
brand, our spas have become
ITC Hotels: a snapshot known for an array of
holistic therapies, quality
Today: 9,000 rooms across 4 brands environments and highly
In the pipeline: 5,000 additional rooms slated by 2021 qualified professionals.
We have a hands-on
O ITC Hotels: 11-strong luxury collection entirely
approach, favouring natural
owned and operated by the chain; all are additionally treatments, organic products
part of Marriott International’s The Luxury and touch therapy. We
Collection under a partnership agreement. recognise the shift from
O WelcomHotels: 14 five-star pampering towards preventative
properties, either owned or managed. and curative measures and we
work to identify therapies –
O Fortune: 40-plus upscale to
from stress relievers to muscle
mid-market hotels, mostly managed.
rejuvenators, chakra balancing
O WelcomHeritage: 40+ leisure properties, including to detoxification – suited to the
small palaces, havelis and forts. Independent ownership, wellbeing of the individual.
five-star services provided on a consultancy basis.
O Dipak Haksar says ITC is
a ‘brand with an Indian soul’
spabusiness.com issue 1 2018 41
Andrew Saldanha divisional wellbeing manager, ITC Hotels
Every ITC Hotel has a

Kaya Kalp – The Spa, but
Each spa is themed around the
how do you determine
its size and design?
pomegranate, considered a symbolic
We have an internal committee fruit of life and abundance and
that specifies salient features introduced to India by the Mughals
of architecture, service
infrastructure and the scale of
facilities required whenever a
new hotel is built. spa to ensure consistency This is not to say our spas
International design firms of language across the are cookie cutter; signature
are then selected; for instance, property. Designers are colours of red and white as
Malaysia’s DesignWilkes is familiarised with the theme well as opulent tranquil spaces
involved in Hyderabad, while and look of existing spas so are common to interiors, but
Denver’s Archiventure Group O Saldanha says integrating that key design elements are in each location the theme is
PC oversaw ITC Grand Bharat. ayurvedic rituals is important harmonious across the brand. interpreted differently.
Space is earmarked in
keeping with the expected at our first all-suite retreat, What’s the theme? How does the concept appeal
demand, so our resort ITC Grand Bharat, takes up Each spa is themed around to today’s spa-goers?
properties have more elaborate an entire floor of the hotel at the pomegranate, considered Ayurveda was a part of
spas than hotels in business 3,251 sq m (34,993sq ft). a symbolic fruit of life and everyone’s life in India at one
hubs. For example, Kaya Kalp We generally have the abundance and introduced to time, but modern lifestyles
– The Royal Spa, which opened hotel architect design the India by the Mughals. have eroded these traditions.
O The relaxation room at the ITC Mughal includes rich, opulent decor, creating a tranquil space
O Signature colours of the
spa are white and red, but
each location is different
On the march: 15 ITC Hotels by 2020
O ITC Kohenur, O ITC Narmada,

Hyderabad: Ahmedabad:
272 rooms + Kaya 294 rooms + Kaya Kalp.
Kalp – The Spa. Debuts Projected 2019 opening
in second quarter 2018
O ITC One, Colombo:
O ITC Royal 300 rooms + Kaya Kalp.
Bengal, Kolkata: Projected 2020 opening,
456 rooms + Kaya Kalp international debut
This knowledge has largely treatments too from Ila and

been forgotten, even among Comfort Zone, which arouse
Indians to some extent, but the curiosity of Indian guests.
we’ve been seeing renewed, While there are individual
meaningful and sometimes hotels with an ayurvedic focus,
spiritual interest in it. we are distinct as a five-star
We integrate ayurvedic chain in offering a cohesive
rituals and philosophies into approach to Indian wellbeing,
our menu, as well as exotic combined with consistency of
body treatments, such as the standards and protocols. O Ayurvedic rituals are a speciality at Kaya Kalp
pomegranate scrub, or herbal Demand from Indian
pouches which are made by residents has seen us trialling
therapists with local ingredients. spa membership at ITC Hotels particularly those travelling acupressure can be booked
Guided yoga and meditation in Mumbai and Kolkata. from different time zones. before bedtime; and herbal
are also available, while each Our Sleep menu shares beverages are available
location has unique therapies How else does ITC Hotels pointers on meditations through in-room dining. We
amalgamating wisdom promote wellbeing? that can aid sleep; pillow find that consuming the right
that once would have been Nearly a decade ago, we mists and stress reliever nutrients and balancing all five
common to the region. initiated research into how we sprays are offered in-room; senses can have a deep impact
There are international could enhance sleep for guests, 20-minute therapies including on quality of sleep.
O The Kaya Kalp spa at the ITC Grand Bharat takes up an entire floor at 3,251sq m
Ritu Srivastava spa manager, ITC Grand Bharat
Your spa is a flagship to satiate, restore and energise

within the chain. How the body and create balance.
More people
many visitors to ITC Grand We’ve also introduced a
Bharat take a treatment? are starting to Visiting Masters Series, where
On average, 40 per cent. For understand the renowned holistic healers
travellers who have been importance of reside here for a couple of
touring the Golden Triangle, weeks, and offer personalised
holistic wellbeing
there is typically little respite sessions as part of packages.
from activity, so we offer an
opportunity to add a sojourn What are the major
to this itinerary on our verdant Can spas really give challenges facing spa
1.2 sq km estate in Gurgaon. people an insight into the managers in India?
Other guests select our system of ayurveda? O Ritu Srivastava manages We train therapists in both
retreat especially for the Of course, if you are only the hotel chain’s flagship spa ayurvedic and international
wellness packages, such as here for two nights, we treatments, although you do
the seven-night Vedic Weight can only provide a window What other wellness trends need specialists for therapies
Management or Ayurvedic into traditions such as are you responding to? such as Abhyanga massage.
Detox, popular among overseas ayurveda or yoga. Personalised nutrition is Retaining highly qualified
visitors, or the three-night A treatment like Shirodhara a growing trend. Here we staff can be challenging
stress management package, gives you an experience, but provide Swasthya cuisine, because there’s so much
favoured by domestic guests. for its full preventative or integrated into our wellness demand for them in the
The modern idea of wellness curative benefits, you need packages and prepared five-star sector.
is relatively new to Indians, more than one session. by our chefs following Academies teach the
who are starting to learn to At our retreat hotels, we a consultation with the basics, but we have our own
invest in themselves. But more have resident ayurvedic ayurvedic doctor and based on three-month programme that
people are understanding doctors who undertake his recommended list of foods. therapists complete on-site,
the importance of holistic consultations with guests to Again, the aim is to balance followed by ongoing training.
wellbeing in countering recommend therapies based the doshas of the individual by In our growing industry, these
today’s pace of life. on their body types (doshas). combining specific ingredients therapists are of high value.O
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OPINION
The nature of the job

means therapists are
alone with guests
Ask an expert
How can spas protect guests and
therapists from sexual assault?
Allegations late last year of sexual assaults at US franchisor Massage Envy locations
put the industry in the media spotlight. We ask the experts what can be done
L
ate last year, reports of sexual This is a reminder that what they can do to ensure the safety of
assaults at Massage Envy locations their customers – and what precautions
were made public as part of an
it’s not just our guests who they can take to ensure they don’t wind
investigative report by online news can be victims of assault, up in a similar position. But these reports
outlet BuzzFeed. The story was but also our therapists have also served to remind our industry
widely publicised by US media outlets, that it’s not just our guests who can be
and includes allegations from more than victims of assault, but also our therapists.
180 women who have filed lawsuits, mandating updated background screening So what is the best way to protect both
police reports and state board complaints for all therapists on an annual basis guests and therapists? Are there simple
saying they were sexually assaulted and launching a third-party ‘Universal solutions that can give spa owners peace
at Massage Envy franchised spas. Background Check Screening’. A list of of mind? How can spa managers create a
Massage Envy responded by launching third-party resources is being created to culture of respect and tolerance, and what
a six-step plan called ‘A Commitment help franchisees in their investigations of can they do to educate both their staff and
to Safety’, which includes a partnership sexual assault claims, and Massage Envy guests on the subject – without frightening
with an anti-sexual violence organisation has formed a Safety Advisory Council. people away? And what will the
and clearer steps for responding to In the wake of this news many spa ramifications of this unwelcome publicity
sexual assault claims. The company is owners and managers may be wondering be for our industry? We ask the experts...
Lynne McNees president, International Spa Association (ISPA)
I Misconduct should be
can’t help but reflect
on what the recent
news of alleged sexual addressed on the first day
of an employee’s training
abuse of guests by
therapists could mean for the
industry. Spas should be places
where customers experience about their policies relating recent news has been all about
relaxation and invest in their to this topic and one recent therapists taking advantage
health. We have to work conversation stood out as an of clients, our members
together as a spa community example worthy of noting. A sometimes get complaints
to ensure consumers and respected spa leader shared from therapists about clients
therapists consistently feel that she has a very strict making inappropriate
safe and respected within all zero-tolerance policy at her spa. advances. Customers who
spas. Building and maintaining difficult situations immediately. If a complaint is made about a cross the line are also banned
confidence are top priorities. Therapists should also be therapist, he or she is removed from her spa – zero tolerance.
The ISPA leadership believes proactive with their clients. from the room immediately and While this is obviously a
that proactive training, active At the beginning of sessions, is not allowed to see any clients challenge for our industry, I
promotion of the ISPA Code of therapists should remind until the matter is completely hope it makes us take a look in
Conduct and a zero-tolerance the client to let them know resolved. If it is determined the mirror and closely evaluate
policy should be adopted by if anything is making them the therapist was in the wrong, our policies and procedures.
spas of all types. Misconduct uncomfortable, encouraging they are banned from the The spa industry is an
should be addressed on the the guest speak up and feel spa – one strike and you’re out. incredibly strong community,
first day of an employee’s comfortable doing so. Proper authorities are notified and there is no doubt in my
training and everyone should I’ve had countless as warranted. And the same mind that we will emerge even
be given the tools to manage conversations with members goes for guests. While the stronger and better than before.
Trent Munday vice president, Steiner Spa Consulting
T We’ve been putting our

he recent sex
scandal involving
Massage Envy heads in the sand when it
comes to sexual harassment
franchises is a
wake-up call for us all.
We, the spa industry,
have been putting our need to find a level of comfort dismisses their claims.
collective heads in the sand with getting the message Filing a police report seems
when it comes to sexual through to your clients. like the obvious answer,
harassment. So what can we It’s also vital to establish a but many clients are too
learn from these events? set of very clear procedures and embarrassed or worry they
The first step is always policies around the issue for won’t be taken seriously.
education. Not just training. both therapists and clients. The Everyone needs to be clear on
Education. Everyone in your educated too. They need to standard operating procedures what steps they can take when
spa needs to be educated about know what is acceptable and (SOPs) need to cover as sexual harassment or assault
the issue, how to recognise it, what is not. The only way this many scenarios as possible; occurs. For big companies, an
how to respond to it and how can really be done at the spa otherwise, you leave the door anonymous customer complaint
to cope with the after-effects. level is by spelling out the open for someone to say their hotline might be the answer.
It seems obvious, and it is, but policy for all to see. Maybe it’s situation was a bit different If you are a small owner/
so many spas have chosen a rules and regulations poster from the SOP so they didn’t operator, that hotline number
to not speak about it and on the wall, or maybe it’s a line know what they should do. may have to be your cell phone.
hope nothing happens. or two on the client waiver Victims often don’t know Make sure everyone knows
Your clients, customers form they sign during the where to turn – especially if you take this very seriously
and guests also need to be consultation. Ultimately, you the spa manager or owner and you’re there to help.
OPINION SEXUAL ASSAULT
Julie Pankey founder, JM Pankey Partners
T It’s our job as leaders in the

he ramifications
for our industry of
the Massage Envy spa industry to ensure that
sexual abuse claims
can potentially set our new everyone knows the rules
customer conversions back;
the non-spa goer is looking to Training for staff is critical role-playing and the review of
feel comfortable and reassured and a “training” of sorts for policies. Work to button-up
as they enter the uncharted clients is also critical. On the all protocols so everyone feels
spa territory, and these spa’s website it is important comfortable. The fastest and
claims certainly don’t help. to address possible concerns easiest way to address these
The majority of spas have clients may have such as issues with the team is to
good policies and procedures draping, male/female therapist be open, start conversations
in place to make sure that any time, or for any reason, requests, customisation, and hold ongoing training.
sexual abuse does not happen. they are encouraged and comfort and professionalism. My philosophy has always
This type of experience is not fully supported to terminate We write this into our been to over-communicate
the norm – not even close. The the service. Both staff and treatment menus as an effective rather than under-communicate.
spas I work with have done clients need to know that way to reassure potential So much falls through
everything that they can to their wellbeing is the number clients that their safety and the cracks when there is a
prevent any misconduct. one priority and that the comfort is important to us. breakdown in communication;
The most important policy management of a spa is 100 Spa managers must also have it’s our job as leaders in the
for spas to have in place per cent supportive of this. the difficult conversations with spa industry to ensure that
is that if either party feels There are several ways to their teams. At staff meetings everyone – clients and staff
uncomfortable in any way, at make sure this is clearly known. I encourage open dialogue, alike – knows the rules.
Amy McDonald owner and CEO, Under a Tree Health and Wellness Consulting
E Always do background
nsuring that both
guests and therapists
are safe from sexual checks, call references, and
harassment and
abuse starts with two things: ask the right questions
building and maintaining
a culture of zero tolerance, there may be an issue with is uncomfortable – whether on
and strong hiring policies. another staff member. the table or offering a service –
It’s critical that spas have It’s also worth investing in they need to stop the treatment
strong human resources and an ongoing secret shopper and leave the room. They need
ownership support so that programme – and making sure to know that there is support
both of these start at the top. that all staff are aware of it. and help close by at the front
Management and staff need Staff need to know that their desk and with management.
to know they’re supported, and have them do more than company takes this seriously. The Massage Envy sexual
and that a foundation for zero one service back-to-back, with Having an ongoing abuse story was all over the
tolerance of any harassment both male and female clients. discussion that reinforces news last year, but like so much
– whether it’s towards staff or Include education about a culture of respect and news, the rest of the world
a guest – is fiercely in place. your policies on sexual abuse non-violence is important has moved on. But this is our
Spa managers and owners and harassment in all of your so that everyone feels world, and I encourage us all to
need to invest time in their new hire orientations, and host safe to come forward and take this opportunity to learn
hiring practices, and hire ongoing training and meetings speak about a situation. and implement more policies,
experienced therapists. Always about it. Make it part of the Spas should be open with cultivate stronger cultures
do background checks, call culture, and make sure all staff guests about what they do to and be more vigilant to ensure
references, and ask the right understand the ramifications train, bring awareness and the integrity and longevity
questions. Interview therapists and their responsibility to minimise situations. The main of our industry and our role
both in person and on the table, tell someone if they suspect message should be: if someone in the global community. O
RESEARCH
Living with
N
Wellness
TO
NS New research from the Global O
H
PH
O
EJ
Wellness Institute values wellness
EL
RIN
IA
Y
KATHE
real estate at US$134bn in 2017 –
EUNG
and it’s growing quickly. Research
authors Katherine Johnston
and Ophelia Yeung outline the
findings of this first-ever study
PHOTO: EFFEKT ARCHITECTS
O ReGen Village in The

Netherlands is one of
more than 740 wellness
communities being built
Wellness real estate value and growth in 2017
NORTH AMERICA EUROPE
7.0% CAGR 4.5% CAGR
$32bn
$55bn
$47bn
$5bn ASIA-PACIFIC
7.3% CAGR
$1bn
LATIN AMERICA $4bn

& CARIBBEAN
2.1% CAGR
SUB-SAHARAN MIDDLE EAST &
AFRICA NORTH AFRICA
3.4% CAGR 5.2% CAGR
W
ellness is a US$3.7tn elevators over using the stairs, goals, interests and experiences
industry, growing texting over face-to-face in proactively pursuing
faster than the global conversations, and screen Wellness real wellness. The power of
economy. The Global time over outdoor estate is a wellness lifestyle real
US$134bn
Wellness Institute recreation. Even as estate lies in its potential
(GWI) sees residential we live longer, more to foster wellness
real estate as the of us are living lonely, global industry in communities, but the
next frontier to transform the wellness
movement. Our homes, communities
unhealthy and unhappy
lives. We cannot address the
2017 connection between the
two is not automatic, and
and surrounding environment directly global crisis of rising chronic requires a shift. This includes
affect our daily behaviours and disease and unsustainable health moving from not just preventing
lifestyles, which together determine costs without committing to a dramatic “sick buildings”, but building homes
between 80 and 90 per cent of our transformation in where and how we live. that enhance health and wellbeing;
health outcomes, so it’s only logical that shifting from passive to active wellness;
consumers should increasingly want to Defining wellness real estate complementing bricks and mortar with
invest in health and wellbeing there. Wellness is not just about physical health; policies, management and programming
it is multi-dimensional, encompassing that build social connections and
Why now the physical, social, mental, emotional, nurture healthy behaviours; and creating
The way our homes have been built in spiritual and other dimensions of our awareness that our individual health
the last century is reinforcing lifestyles selves. All aspects of a person – mind, and wellbeing is intrinsically linked to
that make us sick, stressed, alienated body and spirit – need to work in our broader environment and the people
and unhappy. Our modern environment harmony for that person to be truly well. around us – a shift from “me” to “we”.
has created new health risks – sedentary Wellness lifestyle real estate includes Wellness lifestyle real estate is a
lifestyles, lack of physical activity, homes that are proactively designed nascent industry that recognises – and has
poor diet, stress, social isolation and and built to support the holistic health the potential to meet – today’s immense
environmental degradation. Our built of their residents, while a wellness health challenges. It represents a shift that
environment favours driving over community is a group of people living explicitly puts people’s wellness at the
biking, sitting over walking, riding in in close proximity who share common centre of the conception, design, creation
RESEARCH
O People are looking for neighbourhoods that support a healthy lifestyle
and redevelopment of our than 740 wellness lifestyle

homes and neighbourhoods. real estate and community
Top 25 countries for Wellness real
developments are being
wellness real estate 2017
estate makes up
A growing market
Market Size
Wellness real estate was about 1.5% built in the world, across
34 countries – and this
Country
US$ millions
a US$134bn industry in of the total number is growing daily.
2017, growing by 6.4 per annual global These developments
United States $52,481 cent annually since 2015, construction include masterplanned
China $19,940 and making up about 1.5 market communities, multi-family
Australia $9,471 per cent of the total annual housing, urban districts,
United Kingdom $9,016 global construction market. mixed-use projects, and resort/
Germany $6,440 The GWI projects that the wellness spa-based real estate. Increasingly they
real estate sector will expand by 6 per are undertaken by larger, professional
India $6,088
cent annually in the next several years, development companies with portfolios
France $5,815
growing to US$180bn by 2022. The GWI’s of multiple properties, some of which
South Korea $4,195 wellness real estate figures capture the have codified a set of core principles
Canada $2,355 construction of residential and commercial focused on human health and wellbeing
Japan $2,246 or institutional (office, hospitality, used to shape their community design
Netherlands $1,851 mixed-use/multi-family, medical, leisure) and marketing approaches. Additionally,
Switzerland $1,607 properties that incorporate intentional many destination spas and wellness
Norway $1,217 wellness elements in their design, resorts are adding a wellness component
Sweden $1,140 materials and building, as well as their for customers looking for a second home
amenities, services and/or programming. or vacation properties – or even to live a
Austria $1,099
The US, along with China, Australia, full-time wellness lifestyle. We estimate
Italy $1,001
India, the UK and Germany, accounts that there are more than 1.5m units either
Malaysia $917 for three-quarters of the global wellness already built or planned to be built out
Singapore $819 real estate market, with the biggest over the next several decades, which
New Zealand $803 growth occurring in the US (7 per will house more than 4.1m people.
Taiwan $652 cent), Asia-Pacific (7.3 per cent) and
Finland $651 Europe (4.5 per cent). As recently as Increasing consumer demand
Denmark $640 the 1990s and early 2000s, a relatively The demand for wellness lifestyle real
small number of wellness lifestyle real estate and communities is rapidly
Indonesia $571
estate or community projects were under accelerating, as consumers are seeking
Vietnam $482
construction or in development – we out healthy places to live – and are
United Arab Emirates $446
estimate fewer than 50 projects globally. ready to pay for them. Industry leaders
Source: Global Wellness Institute Contrast that with today, where more are pioneering innovative ways to meet
Wellness real estate pipeline:
Over 740 projects across 34 countries
NORTH AMERICA EUROPE
60
366
293
6
ASIA-PACIFIC
6
12
LATIN AMERICA
/ CARIBBEAN
SUB-SAHARAN MIDDLE EAST /
AFRICA NORTH AFRICA
consumer lifestyle needs, higher sales price premiums. In

and governments are the case of Serenbe, Georgia
beginning to support – one of the pioneers in
these efforts. Standards,
Residences are wellness communities,
guidelines and design
commanding price having broken ground
principles are emerging
premiums of on its first house in
to facilitate them. The
confluence of these
10-55% 2004 – residences are
commanding price
developments means that premiums of 30 to 55
wellness lifestyle real estate per cent versus comparable
is poised to go from niche to homes in the Atlanta metro area.
mainstream; eventually, building for Upscale residential properties around
wellness will become the norm. the world are adding wellness components
Buyers have demonstrated that they’re to appeal to higher-income consumers, O Features such as bike paths
willing to pay more for healthier built including enhanced indoor air, water and community gardens are key
environments; wellness lifestyle real and lighting; fitness centres and spas;
estate developments positioned at the health food restaurants; classes and other
middle and upper ends of the market are programming; and even on-site, full-time populations, and they are increasingly
achieving home sales price premiums wellness professionals. Demand is also encouraged to do so through public
averaging 10 to 25 per cent, and up to 55 coming from middle-income consumers, policy initiatives. All these segments are
per cent. One reason is that there is not who are looking for homes and expected to grow within the wellness
enough supply to meet demand; there neighbourhoods that support a healthy lifestyle real estate sector going forward.
are an estimated 1.3m potential buyers in lifestyle, through features such as bike
the US alone for wellness-infused homes paths and dog parks, community gardens Differentiation
and communities. Projects with a greater and farmers’ markets, and walkability There is enormous potential in wellness
level of differentiation, a more unique and mass-transit access. Even in the lifestyle real estate for differentiation
community environment, higher-quality affordable housing segment, builders are based on market needs, target audiences
residences and/or more extensive incorporating wellness design features to and unique site characteristics. In
amenities and services typically earn address the public health needs of these global megacities, buyers may be most
RESEARCH
concerned about air and water quality,

noise pollution, restful sleep and access
to green space or wellness amenities. In
suburban US, UK or Australia, buyers may
be seeking better walkability and mass
transit options, bike paths, and more social
interaction with neighbours. A project
aiming to appeal to consumers interested
in healthy eating may incorporate organic
farming, a CSA, a farmer’s market, edible
landscaping or farm-to-table restaurants.
Other projects may prioritise
environmental sustainability, wellness
and fitness amenities and programming,
the importance of the arts, or living
in harmony with nature. Some aim to
appeal to the specific needs of particular
demographic groups, while developers
O Many people today are searching for a sense of community
also have opportunities to create unique
wellness living concepts by leveraging
local characteristics, such as mountains,
woodlands, thermal and mineral springs, economy and the travails of who are at the highest risk for
mud or salt caves, or farmland. loneliness and attempts to many health conditions.
find work-life balance. Wellness real Building wellness
Looking to the future Bringing back estate is projected communities by
At the GWI, we’ve identified several multigenerational and to grow to combining medical
emerging wellness living concepts
that we predict will soon drive the
diverse neighbourhoods
will cater to people
US$180bn industry companies,
research organisations,
future development and growth of seeking communities by2022 hospitals, clinics and
wellness lifestyle real estate and will with a greater mix of ages, health services with
push the design of healthy living life stages, backgrounds and holistically designed wellness-
environments to the next level. social classes, recognising the infused homes and neighbourhoods
Blurring the lines between home, work growing evidence that social connections – such as in Lake Nona in Florida or the
and leisure means strategic colocation in the physical realm are essential for Destination Medical Center in Rochester,
and integration of homes, coworking our health and wellbeing, our society Minnesota – will also be key to growth.
facilities and ample wellness amenities and our economy. Developers are also We also see a move from green to
and programming in response to the collaborating with governments to target regenerative living – where communities
rapid rise of remote work, the sharing lower-income and vulnerable populations, will produce their own healthy food and
renewable energy, clean the air, recycle
their own water and be net-positive
for people and planet. Harnessing
future technologies will also help bring
on-demand wellness into the design
of homes, neighbourhoods and cities.
And we see hot springs as a wellness
living anchor as people rediscover the
therapeutic properties and benefits of
communal bathing, and historic spa
towns around the world are redeveloped
as holistic wellness living communities.
Perhaps most importantly, we expect
new metrics that will capture Return on
O This unnamed project
Wellness, or ROW, and a deeper exploration
in Vietnam will focus on
of the relationships between physical
both education and health
and virtual communities, and between
our individual, personal wellness and the
wellness of our community – and planet.O
Sustainability
Innovation Satisfaction
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steam baths and rhassoul, dosage systems, for the spa-, sauna-, and wellness market (technology,
inhalation systems, light technology
fragrances, cleaners, cosmetic). The company’s focus
is on best quality and workmanship. All items are
“made in Germany”.
Kemitron’s products are sold on the international spa
Cleaner / conditioner for sauna, spa and wellness and wellness market and can be purchased via our
facilities. Disinfectant and cleaner for whirlpools
webshop on our homepage. www.kemitron.com
and Jacuzzis
E-Mail: info@kemitron.com • Telefon: + 49 (0) 70 24 / 9 50 60 • www.kemitron.com
PROMOTION: SKIN REGIMEN
Dr Davide Bollati
De-stressing city skin

Why did you decide to relaunch
the Skin Regimen brand? Comfort Zone’s chairman, Dr Davide Bollati, explains
In 2010, we had a strong intuition
supported by science-based evidence from how the reformulated, rebranded Skin Regimen
our company’s multi-disciplinary Scientific
Committee. We realised that given the new range is tackling the ageing effects of urban living
expectations in lifespan and the impact
of epigenetics, skincare and lifestyle had
to be combined when it comes to health and lifestyle ageing. At launch, we will We consider our solution genderless
and beauty to stay younger for longer. release Fast Living, Slow Aging, the rather than unisex. Men and women’s
After almost 10 years, new studies brand’s new lifestyle guide, developed skin is different, but there is more to it.
on urban living and its unavoidable in collaboration with neuroscientist Dr We’re all unique because of our story
effects brought us to further innovate Claudia Aguirre. She’s also supported us and life habits: for this reason, the new
and make our approach more targeted. in upgrading our Longevity Complex™ to Skin Regimen facial, as well as the home
reduce the impact of cortisol on the skin. care selection, are customisable.
What’s your new offer?
The pressures of city living take a toll on Who are your customers? Do you have all new formulations?
our bodies and minds; with the new Skin Urbanites, in particular early adopters They’re all completely new. Our totally
Regimen, we offer skin-concern-specific and millennials, who have a fast-paced functional approach is called Modern
solutions to city dwellers so they can lifestyle, love the metropolitan stimuli and Plant Chemistry™. We’ve removed all
cope with stress, the effects of pollution are conscious that self-care is important. silicones and synthetic fragrance. We
only use a natural aroma which is a
refined selection of essential oils with a
reinvigorating effect on the mind. Our
textures are cooling and massageable to
Conceived for urbanites, the new
counterbalance the heating effects of stress.
Urban Longevity Facial™ and the
home care target stress and pollution
Is your packaging ‘green’?
effects with custom base solutions.
Yes, it is totally sustainable, 100 per cent
recylable and CO2-neutral. We’ve used dark
stained glass, safety-certified aluminium
and a sugarcane-derived green plastic.
What are you star ingredients?

Our new Longevity Complex™ is the ‘star’
component in all the formulas. Organic
superfood extracts, maqui berry, spinach,
wild indigo and carnosine – a high-tech
molecule – are effective on inflammation,
glycation, oxydation and methylation.
Can you tell us about the new techniques

you’ve introduced for spa treatments?
Qigong has inspired our welcoming
massage, which is energetic and yet deeply
de-stressing. It acts on the upper part of the
Targeting stress and pollution
effects, the formulas contain the
updated Longevity Complex™
and a functional natural aroma.
body to alleviate tensions, reactivate the Skin Regimen

circulation and favour a deep detoxification.
Our Rolling Roullage is inspired by has been clinically
modern physiotherapy and is specific proven to improve
for the face and décolleté, stimulating
collagen and elastin production.
the stress response
Our Macro Waves Sound™ adds a further
dimension. It’s a unique soundscape
created for Skin Regimen which starts
with a pulsating frequency and slowly
merges into electronic musical elements
blended with wildlife and subtle wind
sounds to promote greater wellbeing.
What’s the science behind

your new approach?
Recent studies have proved that our
hormonal response to internal and external How have you measured the effects of Skin the perception of anxiety, and improved
stress doesn’t only occur through the Regimen formulas on both skin and mind? behavioural coping strategies.
brain and gut, but that our skin is also In cooperation with Professor Andrea
able to produce its own hormones. This Sgoifo, stress physiologist at the How does Comfort Zone see
is also a natural reaction to pollution. University of Parma in Italy, Skin the future of skincare?
One of these hormones in particular Regimen has been clinically proven We see it as an endless journey of
– cortisol – has both short and long- to improve the stress response. discovery of the complex and fascinating
term effects on the skin. Skin cortisol An independent pilot clinical evaluation interaction between mind, body and the
over-production is one of the elements was conducted on 20 women, aged 25-50, world around us. Nature will guide us;
that in the short term makes us look who applied Skin Regimen essence and modern science and new technologies
tired, fatigued and older, and over cream following the Skin Regimen Mindful will lead the way to solutions we cannot
time fuels inflammation and oxidation, Massage Ritual, twice a day for 28 days. even think of today. This is why the key
accelerating the overall ageing process. Based on ECG recordings, saliva samples motto for us is ‘constant innovation’.
It causes the skin’s dehydration, dullness, and psychometric/behavioural testing, the
loss of tone and hyper-pigmentation. We’ve researchers observed an immediate positive
therefore enriched all our formulas with wild stimulation of the neural component CONTACT SKIN REGIMEN
indigo, which blocks excess cortisol in the associated with wellbeing; after 28 days, the Phone: +39 0521 965611
skin, boosts beta-endorphins, and lowers results they measured were the inhibition Email: contactcz@comfortzone.it
inflammation at the skin’s cellular level. of cortisol activation, the reduction of Web: skinregimen.com
FITNESS
We’ve really
cracked the code
of how to make a
franchise work in
a very busy and
expensive city
like New York
Ronco founded the

first YeloSpa in 2007;
he’s now offering the
model for franchise
INTERVIEW
Nicolas Ronco
FOUNDER YELOSPA
Nicolas Ronco is taking the next step with his successful urban
day spa model, offering it as a franchise in major cities.
Jane Kitchen finds out what makes YeloSpa different
M
ore than half of the world’s “The goal is to capture a niche that is
population now lives in not catered for today,” says Ronco. “Most
cities – and that number is franchises address a very different market
projected to grow to 60 per – the suburban market – and none of those
cent by 2030. But urban living brands have been able to be in these urban,
does not always equal well high-cost centres. We’ve really cracked
living – pollution, stress and a the code of how to make it work in a very
fast-paced life often take their toll on city busy and expensive city like New York.”
dwellers. Nicolas Ronco, founder of New
York-based YeloSpa, thinks he’s found Urban model
the key to helping the time-starved urban Yelo’s model is tailored for those urban
consumer work wellness into their busy The YeloSpa model includes a centres, and as such, Ronco hopes to see
schedules in a way that fits their needs. strong retail area, as well as a locations in major US cities like Chicago,
Yelo’s flagship New York location was bold colour palette of deep reds San Francisco, Los Angeles and Miami,
opened in 2007, and another one followed and golds inspired by the robes along with international hot spots like
in Puerto Rico; Ronco says the time is right and scarves of Tibetan monks London, Paris, Tokyo and Sydney. His
to grow the business, and he’s now offering goal is to have 150-200 YeloSpa franchises
it on a franchise basis in major cities. within the next five to seven years.
Yelo’s model simplifies the spa menu
into three basic categories: massage,
skincare and sleep. It also uses a unique
price-per-minute option, which lets
guests book treatments in lengths from 30
minutes in 10-minute increments. Clients
choose the length of their session, what
treatments they’d like included, and what
music and aromatherapy they want used.
“We want to make sure we can fit into
people’s schedules – and people’s wallet,”
explains Ronco. “In many high-end
spas, you’re stuck with therapists who
are obsessed with rituals,” says Ronco.
At Yelo, after a consultation, a therapist
will suggest what the treatment should
look like based on how the customer is
feeling, and what they need most that day.
That could be 20 minutes of reflexology,
followed by a massage focusing on a sore
shoulder, topped off with a 10-minute nap.
INTERVIEW
Sleep experience it, they’re often hooked. “We

It’s also the focus on sleep – which Ronco
The feedback have a much higher frequency of visit
keyed into 10 years ago when he opened
the first Yelo location – that has set the
we got was that than the average day spa, because we take
this holistic approach, and we use sleep as
high-end day spa apart. “When we opened
initially as a spa that offered napping,
they felt like they the backbone of our wellness offering.”
Ronco has also just introduced the
people thought we were crazy,” says
Ronco. “Today, people see us as visionary.”
were back in the Light Stim bed, which uses LED lights to
relieve pain and promote circulation; at
Ronco says his realisation that, womb, in a very US$300 for a 55-minute session, it’s one
of the pricier items on YeloSpa’s menu.
especially in big cities, most people are
sleep-deprived, led him to develop the motherly way
napping options. “We felt that there Modular comfort
was a huge potential – a huge market in The Yelo Cabs are modular, and fit
the US to help people with their sleep be used for any of Yelo’s treatments, together seamlessly, much like a
problems,” he says. “As a result, we built from massage to skincare to napping. beehive – which is where Ronco drew his
an environment that’s very conducive to Napping treatments combine the zero inspiration for the units. He developed
provoking a quick relaxation effect.” gravity position with aromatherapy the 7sq m (74sq ft) Yelo Cabs with help
Central to that environment is the and the right light levels and noise or from a Harvard professor who specialises
patented Yelo Cab – a hexagonal spa music, which “lulls them into a perfect in sleep, and who created “a pod for
cabin that features curved walls, LED state of relaxation so they can fall asleep ultimate relaxation”. The Cabs have been
lights, aromatherapy and special pillows. instantly,” says Ronco. A simulated sunrise tested on real people – including those
The cabins are fitted with a Yelo Bed – a gently wakes them at the end. The nap is who suffer from claustrophobia – in
zero-gravity treatment bed – and can key to the YeloSpa model, and once guests order to ensure a high level of comfort.
The modular Yelo Cabs fit

together like a beehive – which is
where Ronco drew his inspiration
– and are designed to support
each of the treatments offered
After a consultation, therapists
suggest treatments based on
how the client is feeling. Guests
control the sound, lighting and
scent in the Yelo Cabs
YeloSpa has just introduced

the LightStim bed, which uses
LED lights to relieve pain and
promote circulation
“The feedback we got was that like a cocoon, and is a safe haven from
they felt like they were back in the the brunt of the outside world.”
womb, in a very motherly way,” says Ronco has also eliminated
Ronco. But the Yelo Cab is more everything that is not revenue-
than a safe space; it’s also versatile. generating, such as locker rooms, in
“This one cocoon can accommodate order to maximise space efficiency,
either a massage client or a skincare but the model does include a strong
client or a napping client – or someone retail component that features both
who would want to combine all of those skincare and lifestyle products.
treatments in one place,” says Ronco. Skincare brands change every few
Guests can control the sound, lighting years to keep things fresh, but fall into
and smell; there are five different one of three categories: natural/organic;
aromatherapy scents to choose from and £33,000) upfront fee, along with pre- simple to use/functional; and effective/
12 different sound and music options, opening fees and the cost of hardware like medical, for specific issues like spots or
including white noise. Yelo Cabs are also the Yelo Cabs and Yelo Beds, and then a rosacea. Currently, Yelo is working with
transportable, and can be assembled and 7 per cent royalty fee monthly – 2 per cent Germany-based BDR, Naturopathica
reassembled, which makes them ideal for of which is reinvested in the marketing and Kerstin Florian. The retail area also
corporate campuses, malls, airports, or of the brand. Franchisees must take a carries lifestyle products, including
work-sharing spaces like WeWork (see minimum of five Yelo Cab cabins, with a aromatherapy items, pillows, bath
pages 86-89) – all of which Ronco sees as footprint of 1,500sq ft (140sq m), but can products, and spike mats. Ronco has
a big part of the Yelo expansion model. go bigger to customise for their setting. plans to develop his own product line
“The market in health and wellness has to offer at the spa as well. “The way that
really been growing rapidly in the past 10 Retail and design we’ll be growing at YeloSpa in the next 10
years,” he says. “People are becoming way Design-wise, YeloSpa features, bold, rich years is extremely exciting,” he says.O
better informed, and they’re becoming colours – shades of deep red inspired by
obsessed with their health and wellbeing.” the robes of Tibetan monks, and golden
yellow inspired by their scarves. “We put
Jane Kitchen is managing
Franchisees a lot of thought and a lot of money into editor of Spa Business.
In the franchise model, YeloSpa designing the YeloSpa space,” explains email: janekitchen@
franchisees pay a US$45,000 (€38,000, Ronco. “We designed a place that feels spabusiness.com
NEW OPENING
AL PINE
An investment of €516m has breathed new life into

a classic Swiss resort, which now boasts one of
the largest spas in Europe and a bold new medical
wellness hotel. Jane Kitchen visits to find out more
H EAL ING
NEW OPENING
I
t is often that the journey is just
as important as the destination,
and at Switzerland’s grand
Bürgenstock Resort, this rings
true from the moment you arrive
– via a private boat ride across
Lake Lucerne, the mountains
growing ever closer and their snowy tops Guests arrive at the
appearing through the clouds. A cheery new resort on a historic
red funicular railway car whisks you up red funicular railway
the steep slope and deposits you in the
heart of the resort, where a dramatic
10-year renovation and expansion has Heads of state, from Jimmy Carter to
positioned the location as a destination Gandhi, have stayed at the Bürgenstock
for luxury – and a journey to wellness. Resort, and in the 1950s, it served as the
With a history dating back nearly 150 playground for Hollywood elite. Sophia
years, a storied past that includes some of Loren lived here for 13 years, Audrey
classic Hollywood’s biggest names and an Hepburn for 14 – she married Mel Ferrer at
enviably dramatic location perched on the the resort’s tiny chapel – and the glamour
edge of an Alpine cliff, it’s no wonder the of Hollywood’s heydey has left its mark.
Bürgenstock Resort was one of the most The reimagined Bürgenstock Resort
anticipated hotel openings of 2017. Now, has seen an investment from Katara
with the final two pieces of the property Hospitality of 550 million Swiss francs
opened – the 10,000sq m (107,000sq ft) (US$544m, €516m, £438m), and part of the
glass-walled Alpine Spa and The Waldhotel remit in its redevelopment was to capture
Health & Medical Excellence – the and preserve the resort’s storied history.
multi-property Bürgenstock Resort is a Bürgenstock is made up of four hotels,
destination for wellness in all forms, from Managing director Bruno Schöpfer plus a set of private residences and 12
relaxation and indulgence to burnout describes the resort as a ‘hotel restaurants. Managing director Bruno
recuperation, weight management and village’, with 30 different structures Schöpfer describes it as a “hotel village”,
post-operative recovery. with 30 different structures and 12 historic
The resort’s 100,000sq ft spa is perched on a cliff, 450m above Lake Lucerne
The outdoor infinity
hydropool is heated
to a balmy 35 degrees
buildings. The renovation included the

reimagining of the four-star superior We believe wellbeing
Palace hotel, built in 1903, as well as the is as much about the
rustic Taverne 1879, while the original
Grand Hotel has been redesigned into mind as the body, so we
residences. The newly-built five-star have created a spiritual
superior Bürgenstock Hotel – home to the
Alpine Spa – has injected a clean-lined, mountaintop haven
contemporary feel to the location, while
The Waldhotel – designed by Matteo Thun
– is a striking, environmentally friendly
building, clad in recycled limestone Costa Navarino resort and
and handmade baskets with living walls Above: spa director the spa at the the Royal
designed to grow as the hotel ages. Irena Staudenmaier Savoy Hotel & Spa in
Focused entirely on wellness, The Right: designer Maria Lausanne – worked
Waldhotel is designed for multi-day stays Vafiadis of MKV Design on the interiors for
tackling specific issues – both mental and all the hotels with
physical – and also has its own spa. But the exception of The
it’s the Alpine Spa – with its sweeping of the spa, which is Waldhotel. For the Alpine
views, dramatic cliff-edge position perched on the edge Spa, she used natural,
and mammoth footprint – which is the of the Bürgenburg cliff, local materials against the
showstopper of the hotel village, blending 450m (1,476ft) above Lake floor-to-ceiling glass walls to
extensive facilities with the healing power Lucerne. The three-storey 10,000sq m create an atmosphere of tranquility. “Here,
of its natural setting and tranquil views. (107,000sq ft) glass-walled Alpine Spa everything is about the view – you don’t
is one of the largest in Europe, and want to distract from that,” says Vafiadis.
A spa with a view incorporates a listed building – inspired Indeed it is: from the 35° C (95° F)
“We believe wellbeing is as much about by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright outdoor infinity hydropool where you can
the mind as the body, so we have created – as well as an extension that marries it gaze across to Mount Pilatus, and on a
a spiritual mountaintop haven,” says spa with the Bürgenstock hotel. clear day see all the way to Germany, to the
director Irena Staudenmaier. Maria Vafiadis of London-based treatment rooms with windows that look
That spirituality is developed in no MKV Design – who also designed the out over the lake, the location takes centre-
small part by the breathtaking location 4,500sq m (48,438sq ft) spa at Greece’s stage, with views that soothe the soul.
NEW OPENING
“The spa is on the cliff overlooking the

lake, and because you’re so high up, it’s like
you’re on a helicopter – you don’t only look
up, you look down – it’s as if you’ re flying,”
says Vafiadis, who used a combination of
stone, timber and fire elements, playing
with textures rather than materials.
“We’ve made the design very simple
and very clean, because if you start
putting too many layers of decoration
into the room, then you distract from
the view,” she explains. “We’ve created Private spa rooms with fireplaces can be rented for groups
something like a lovely timber box with a
stone feature wall, so it’s all about nature,
and there’s a cosiness – a cocooning,
warm, inviting feeling, always in
We’ve made the design very simple and very
connection with the view.” clean, because if you start putting too many
Guests enter the spa either directly
layers into the room, you distract from the view
from the Bürgenstock Hotel, or from
a subterranean entrance three floors
below, in the belly of the mountain. The Hyde Park London, the Kahala Hawaii and sauna complex, with both co-ed and
spa journey is designed to take you from the Schweizerhof Bern, among others. The women’s-only options. “A spa needs to feel
a very internal, cocooned space to a spa’s sizeable footprint, combined with the intimate, so the bigger it is, the challenge
continued cosiness in the thermal areas, glass walls and views from above, creates is to keep the warmth and cosiness that
and finally to an outward-facing resolution a feeling of tranquility, and guests can you expect,” says Vafiadis. “What we try
in the L-shaped relaxation room, which wander through 7,000sq m (75,347sq ft) of to do in the very big spas is to break the
features those panoramic glass walls. indoor wellness space, including Kneipp areas into smaller groups, so instead of
The spa concept was developed by baths, an Arabian rasul made from going to a sauna or steam room, you go
managing director Schöpfer, who has local Bürgenstock rock, a Turkish through a series of them. You create more
also worked on the spas at the Mandarin steamroom, a relaxation lounge with interesting journeys for the guest, and the
Oriental Bangkok and Singapore, the roaring log fireplaces, and an extensive spa doesn’t lose its sense of intimacy.”
The spa features a

large sauna complex
and Kneipp baths
Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer
lived at the resort; the historic
Palace Hotel has been revamped
Highlights of the spa menu include a to enjoy the Alpine air, as well as the ‘The future has a past’. We looked at the
signature Bürgenstock stone massage historically protected kidney-shaped past in order to understand the future,
that uses stones from the Alps, Vichy ‘Hollywood Pool’, which was once and from that past we developed a future
shower treatments, body peelings, facials frequented by the resort’s celebrity guests strategy. It’s wonderful to build on such
and elasticity body packs. The 60-minute in the 1950s. “We don’t want to recreate a wonderful history, because history is
Bürgenstock Alpine Facial uses skincare the past, but we want the guest to feel emotion, and at the end of the day, we
brand Susanne Kaufmann; Kaufmann this history,” says Vafiadis. “We want count on emotions – people want to know
herself comes from a nearby Alpine valley, them to sense that where they are meant about what makes this place a great place.”
and uses her generations-old knowledge something before, and that this is taking it A corridor between the Bürgenstock
of the healing properties of nature to to another level, and continuing the story.” Hotel and the Palace Hotel is designed as
create her products. Luxury Swiss brand a ‘museum walk’, featuring an exhibition
La Prairie and Caribbean brand St Barth ‘The future has a past’ on the resort’s history, with photographs
are also used in the treatments. In fact, the resort’s history was key in the and memorabilia. Vafiadis – who began
A 3,000sq m (32,292sq ft) outdoor spa entire reimagination of the Bürgenstock. work on the Bürgenstock project six
includes a landscaped private garden As Schöpfer explains: “We had a slogan: years ago – took inspiration from these
historical documents and early photos, in
addition to the spa’s setting. “We always
do a lot of research, especially when it’s a
refurbishment and there’s a lot of history
A number of
residences with Alpine
views are available
NEW OPENING
Natural light is
important in the
Waldhotel’s design
behind it,” she explained.

Three private spa rooms –
Sophia, Audrey and Shirley
In 10 to 15 years, probably (Maclaine) – are named after
this huge building will the stars that once frequented
the resort, and include a
disappear into the landscape. lounge, changing room,
That’s my dream of showers, sauna, steamroom,
whirlpool, double treatment
botanical architecture room, storage room and
fireplace, and can be rented
out for groups.
“The spa is new but it’s
also old – when you are there, The Waldhotel will be enveloped by plants
you will feel the old part,”
says Vafiadis. “It’s almost
like a journey through time. You have designed especially for those who are
to consider all these elements when healing emotionally or physically.
you design, and we tried to build up on A team of multidisciplinary physicians
different layers. You cannot ignore the – with specialties including cardiology,
individuality of the properties, and you internal medicine, dermatology,
cannot ignore the totality of the project. orthopaedics, psychosomatics, dentistry,
At the end, everything works together. nutrition and gastroenterology – treat and
We make things click together nicely, like prevent health concerns in collaboration
little pieces of a puzzle.” with medical staff from local hospitals.
“The combination of medical centre
Scenic convalescing and rehabilitation clinic integrated in a
The final piece of the Bürgenstock puzzle high-end resort like this – that’s unique in
is The Waldhotel, which offers physical all of Switzerland,” says The Waldhotel’s
and mental wellbeing through a ‘Healthy medical director, Dr Michael Brabetz.
Star architect by Nature’ concept. Designed by Italian Brabetz is a specialist physician for
Matteo Thun has architect Matteo Thun, the five-star hotel internal medicine and also heads up the
designed the Waldhotel features a 45,000sq ft (4,181sq m) medical Body & Mind Balance programme, which
centre and a 13,000sq ft (1,208sq m) spa, focuses on mental wellbeing and teaches
®
DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE .
- Starting height of 20.5”

with a 14” height range
CREATIVITY, ERGONOMICS AND NEXT-LEVEL LUXURY
- Adjustable Body Comfort The Masters’ Collection by OAKWORKS has been designed to be the new
(ABC) System
standard for luxurious massage treatments. Comfortable tables without
- Optional Fuzion heated top
- Most ergonomic and pressure on the chest or lower back, easy access to the neck, and always
comfortable table on working at the right height. Unique features for easy access and wellbeing
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Design your table in STUDIO

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NEW OPENING
mindfulness and relaxation techniques in

collaboration with psychologists.
All programmes start with the
Waldhotel Basic Med, which includes
a comprehensive medical history and
examination, along with basic diagnostics
performed on-site, including biometry
and body composition, lung function, An on-site kitchen
metabolism measurement, abdominal lab is used to teach
ultrasound, heart rate variability, resting healthy cooking classes
and stress ECG, blood and urine tests,
lung x-ray, bone density measurement and
functional movement screening.
Other programmes include Mobility
& Activity, designed both for athletic We can help them manage the programme
performance and for preventive ageing;
at home, so there’s lasting impact – not
Weight Management & Metabolism, with a
focus on exercise, nutrition and sleep; and just for the five days that they’re here
Beauty & Healthy Aging, which includes
dermatology, cosmetics and spa, dental
health and aesthetics. surgery. Local hospitals refer patients
An on-site kitchen lab accommodates for post-op rehabilitation, and a separate
up to 12 people, and provides cooking area of the spa is designed for rehab, with
classes in conjunction with the weight water-based resistance training, a three-
management programme, with chamber cryotherapy circuit, moderately
nutritionists and dieticians teaching heated saunas, and Kneipp baths.
guests skills to prepare and cook
food. “We can help them manage the Healing design
programme at home, so there’s lasting Based on the belief of the healing power
impact – not just for the five days that of convalescing in scenic surroundings,
they’re here,” says Brabetz. The Waldhotel makes good use of its
One-third of The Waldhotel is designed quiet forest location and views. Thun
for rehabilitation patients, with 24-hour has designed the hotel to be gradually
nurse and medical support and 18 enveloped by the surrounding greenery;
specialist medical rehabilitation rooms, Dr Brabetz specialises in the limestone that was removed to
alongside five rooms for accompanying psychosomatic medicine construct the hotel has been used in the
guests, available for those recovering from walls, and the facade is made from local
wood with external plantings and green
roofs. “That means that in 10 to 15 years,
probably this huge building – 11 levels
and 160 rooms – will disappear in the
landscape,” says Thun. “That’s my dream
of botanical architecture.” All 160 terrace
rooms have views of the Alps and are
exposed to the sun – something Thun feels
was especially important in designing a
place of healing. “Every room should have
as much natural light as possible,” he
explains. “The sun generates life.”
Dr Brabetz expects Bürgenstock’s
forested location high on the cliffside to
make The Waldhotel especially popular
with those suffering from burnout and
depression. “This area – the Swiss Alps,
the fresh air – I think the psychosomatic
rehab will do very well,” he says. “It’s a
The Waldhotel’s spa is designed for rehabilitation
good place to replenish your energy.” O
PRODUCT
FIRST PERSON:
FOCUSGROTTA GIUSTI
GOING
Italy’s Grotta Giusti boasts Europe’s
biggest underground thermal cave, with
healing waters said to aid respiratory,
circulatory and skin disorders. Jane Kitchen
heads underground to see what it’s like
UNDERGROUND
FIRST PERSON: GROTTA GIUSTI
A
t the Grotta Giusti in the spa town of
Montecatini Terme, Italy, an ancient
thermal cave that acts as a natural
steamroom has been attracting
visitors for more than 150 years. The
underground cave – thought to be
130 million years old – was first discovered
in 1849, and was quickly expanded into
a spa retreat once the water’s healing powers were
realised. Composer Giuseppe Verdi was a regular visitor,
and regarded it as “the eighth wonder of the world”.
Part of the Italian Hospitality Collection – which
operates three other thermal hotels in the country – the Kitchen, left, with her family – husband Christian,
64-bedroom Grotta Giusti hotel is a 19th-century stone and children Henry (11) and Sophie (9) – at Grotta Giusti
villa with delicately hand-painted ceiling frescoes
and period decorations in the common areas. water like some strange insects, while the buzz from
The hotel’s outdoor thermal pool, set amidst slender the low murmur of Italian reaches us in waves. The
cypress trees in the tranquil Tuscan countryside, activity is relaxed and social in a way that I imagine
is a pleasant 34 degrees Celsius. At one end of the has been passed on through generations. Every so
pool, locals leisurely enjoy the hydrotherapy circuit, often, everyone moves on to the next station.
moving through a series of 40 hydro-massage stations. These day spa guests are big part of Grotta Giusti’s
Everyone wears the required red-and-white swimming business – 80,000 people each year pay the day rate to
caps. From across the pool, their heads bob above the bathe in the pool’s mineral-rich waters – but the star here
is the ancient underground cave, said to be the largest
in Europe. Hotel guests pay an extra €20 for
entrance to the cave, and day guests pay €40,
but that doesn’t appear to be a deterrent.
The underground cave “All guests in Grotta Giusti hotel pay for
has a lake deep enough the grotto,” says Dr Nicola Angelo Fortunati,
to swim and scuba dive in the hotel’s health expert. “The thermal cave
is unique in Europe and people come to
Grotta Giusti especially to experience it.”
Journey to the Inferno

This is precisely why I’ve come, stopping here
between a day trip to Cinque Terre and our final
destination in southern Tuscany. So, after
basking in the outdoor thermal pools for
a few hours, I head for the cave. At the
entrance, I trade my cosy terrycloth
spa robe for a thinner, hooded
pullover version, designed to
keep me more comfortable in
the humid air. The hooded
robe does the double-
duty of making
me feel like I’ve
donned a monk’s
Dr Nicola Angelo
Fortunati, the hotel’s health
expert, says guests come to
Grotta Giusti especially to
experience the cave
74 spabusiness.com issue 1 2018
The hooded robe does
the double-duty of
making me feel like I’ve
donned a monk’s habit
The effect of the natural

architecture, combined
with the hazy steam and
the shadowy light of the
spotlights, is stunning
habit or a Jedi robe and stepped into another

time and place – a sense that is reinforced once
I’m inside the otherworldly cave itself.
My pilgrimage to the cave’s inner belly begins along
a well-lit path, which leads me underground down a
gentle slope as I enter the first of three areas. Three
regions referencing Dante’s Divine Comedy are each
maintained at a different temperature: Paradiso (heaven)
is the balmiest of the three; Purgatorio (purgatory)
includes a Limbo pool at medium temperature; and
Inferno (hell) reaches 98 per cent humidity. Grotta Giusti hotel is a 19th-century
Guests travel through the three realms in an stone villa that once belonged to a poet
underground wellness circuit that lasts around 50 minutes,
slowly easing their way deeper into the heat and humidity. and stalagmites – evidence of the mineral-rich waters
The cave also has a lake deep enough to swim and scuba within – but the path is even and well-lit and the
dive. For an extra €100, guests can experience a floating rooms are high enough to stand in comfortably. The
watsu-style therapy that incorporates stretches and flexes effect of the natural architecture, combined with the
in the thermal water, and the hotel’s spa also uses mud hazy steam and the shadowy light of the spotlights,
baths, inhalations, sprays and aerosol treatments, all of is stunning. Along the way, loungers are placed to
which incorporate thermal water and mud from the grotto. encourage you to sit and relax, which I do, adjusting
The cave’s walls are rounded and dimpled like slowly to the heat and the quiet, dim space before
overgrown cauliflower and punctuated with stalactites descending to the ultimate destination: the Inferno.
FIRST PERSON: GROTTA GIUSTI
Tuscan countryside surrounds Grotta Giusti, in Montecatini Terme
The density of the air means it’s

virtually impossible to do anything
but slow down my breathing,
which instantly calms my mind
A truly mindful state

Children are kitted out
The Inferno is actually much more pleasant
than the name implies – though I’m a FAMILY-FRIENDLY WELLNESS in their own mini spa
robes and slippers
Miami girl at heart and love a dose of heat
and humidity. Signs at the entrance read Grotta Giusti
‘Il silenzio aiuta il relax – Silence helps recently underwent
relaxation’ and the cave draws into itself a renovation, adding high-tech son loved – so that the generations
here, with a lower ceiling and smaller nooks, touches to the 19th-century villa, can experience wellness together.
creating a sense of intimacy and privacy. as well as creating dog-friendly And while not designed specifically
My fellow Jedi remain shrouded beneath rooms and connecting rooms for kids – there are no slides or
their robe hoods to stay protected from for families – an important other distractions at the pools
the dripping condensation, and seem to market segment for the hotel. here – the balmy waters kept
take their instructions seriously: only the The thermal pools are all my two happy for hours.
occasional whisper hangs in the soupy air, family-friendly, and children are The thermal cave, however,
creating a church-like quiet. The silence, the well-catered for here, receiving remains for adults only – much to
monk robes and muted lighting combine their own mini spa slippers and the dismay of my geology-loving
to create a feeling of hushed reverence. kid-sized robes – a gesture my son – ensuring that the peace, quiet
Reclining chairs are situated throughout 9-year-old daughter and 11-year-old and tranquility remain intact.
the room, and I settle into one, relaxing as
the vapours enter my lungs. The density of
the air means it’s virtually impossible to do anything respiratory diseases as well as osteoarthritis and
but slow down my breathing, which instantly calms skin disorders, such as eczema. I suffer from neither,
my mind, and the only sound is the rhythmic, hypnotic but my husband’s mild eczema was miraculously
dripping of the moisture pooling off the cave’s walls. milder – in fact, almost non-existent – after our visit.
While I don’t spend the full 50 minutes on the circuit, I When I emerge from the depths of the cave, I feel
spend more time in my meditative state underground I’ve been transported – my skin is dewy with thermal
than I would in a traditional steamroom, simply relaxing moisture and my eyes take a few seconds to adjust to
in a quiet, serene space. The dimly lit Inferno and the the real world. An achy shoulder that normally nags me
cavernous silence have taken me to a truly mindful state. has gone silent, and I’m quite sure the magnesium has
I’ve been told the cave has a high concentration seeped through my pores and given me an energy and
of negative ions, and the aerosolized water running mood boost as well. Either that – or maybe I’m just feeling
through the cave is rich in calcium, bicarbonate, slightly euphoric at having made the trip through heaven
sulphur and magnesium, said to ease inflammatory and purgatory, and to the gates of hell and back. O
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SPA TOURISM
Soaking in
the scenery
A tourism initiative aims to put the state of
Colorado on the world map for its hot springs
destinations. Jane Kitchen finds out more
D
eep in the Rocky Mountains a destination for hot springs. The two
of Colorado, leaders from five visitors bureaus then approached other
hot springs destinations have nearby regions of Steamboat Springs,
come together to form the Glenwood Springs and Chaffee County,
Colorado Historic Hot Springs and an itinerary soon emerged.
Loop – a 720-mile (1,159km) “Because each region and the individual
road trip through 19 thermal facilities, hot springs facilities are so different, the Heidi Pankow
national parks and monuments, scenic Loop allows people to enjoy a variety of
byways and outdoor wellness activities. experiences,” says Pankow. “When we
The idea had its genesis in 2015, when mapped it, we realised each destination highlights other tourist destinations
the Colorado Tourism Office put together is about three hours’ drive from the along the way. “These hot springs are
a package for collaborative marketing last stop. This makes a perfect five- to in the most beautiful part of Colorado,”
grants. Heidi Pankow, public relations seven-day driving itinerary, or several explains public relations specialist Vicky
manager for the Ouray Chamber Resort short weekend getaway opportunities.” Nash, who serves as the coordinator of the
Association, spoke to colleagues at nearby The Loop connects 19 thermal facilities project. “That’s why collaborating with the
Pagosa Springs about how they might along mostly two-lane, scenic byways destination areas has worked so well – we
work together to showcase the state as through the Rocky Mountains, and also wanted to market the whole experience.”
The hot springs facilities boast a
wide variety of thermal features – from
intimate private baths to the world’s
Glenwood Hot Springs largest mineral hot springs pool – as well
boasts the world’s largest as vapour caves, hot pots, terraced pools,
mineral hot springs pool travertine formations and aquatic centres.
Marketing power
Nash manages communications, writing
grant requests and reports and ordering
collateral, but the partners all help both
creatively and financially; a contribution
of US$5,000 (€4,078, £3,601) from each
of the five locations is matched by the
state tourism office each year, which
means the Loop has an annual marketing
budget of US$50,000 (€40,780, £36,010).
“As one of the smallest destinations, we
look for any collaboration opportunities
that we can participate in,” says Pankow,
whose region is often referred to as ‘the
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
is one of the newest
facilities on the Loop
THESE HOT SPRINGS

ARE IN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL
PART OF COLORADO
Vicky Nash
SPA TOURISM
Steamboat Springs
Colorado
Historic Hot Denver
Springs Loop Glenwood Springs
Grand
The 720-mile Loop travels Junction
Colorado
through the Rocky Mountains,
Springs
connecting five regions and Buena
19 thermal facilities in the Vista
western part of Colorado
Nathrop
Salida
Ridgway
Ouray
Pagosa Springs
Durango
Switzerland of America’. “The Loop allows Growing tourism

us to stretch our marketing budget and The Loop appears to be paying off as
participate in programmes we wouldn’t be well; in just two years, each of the five
able to afford on our own. People who are destinations has experienced higher
fans of hot springs are willing to search accommodations tax collections – a
out new locations, so we’re all receiving measure of visitor numbers – with
more exposure by working together.” increases ranging from 4 to 20 per
Part of the increased exposure cent. “It’s been successful in a pretty
comes in the form of media attention; short period of time,” says Nash. “All
since the Loop’s inception, more than of the visitation is up – every single
50 stories have appeared in major destination had increased numbers.”
consumer publications including USA In today’s busy world, many consumers
Today, The Washington Post, National are looking for inspiration that’s packaged
Geographic Traveler and The Wall The spa at Mt Princeton up in a neat itinerary. “Travellers like
Street Journal, amonth others, with an Hot Springs provides a itineraries, and the Colorado Historic
estimated value of US$6m (€5m, £4.3m). variety of treatments Hot Springs Loop provides the ideas
“This coverage is invaluable to our and inspiration to map-out a bucket-list-
small town; we couldn’t afford to pay worthy hot springs road trip through the
for the kind of marketing that would Rocky Mountains,” says Steve Beckley,
reach these audiences,” says Pankow. owner of both Iron Mountain Hot Springs
The marketing budget also means that and Glenwood Caverns Adventure
brochures and other collateral material ALL OF THE Park. “Each of the 19 stops on the Loop
have been produced in English, Chinese, has something unique and special to
Japanese and German – key languages for VISITATION IS UP offer. Together, the Loop becomes the
developing an increasingly international – EVERY SINGLE destination, and we all benefit.”
clientele with an interest in hot springs. The inspiration includes not just
“Every one of the facilities was getting DESTINATION hot springs, but scenic drives, stops in
Japanese and German tourists regularly, the Rocky Mountains National Park,
but there are more and more international
HAD INCREASED and activities in nature, from hiking to
flights coming to Colorado,” says Nash. NUMBERS whitewater rafting to skiing. There are also
FITNESS
SPA TOURISM
The small town of Ouray
has boosted its marketing
budget with the Loop
Colorado Historic
Hot Springs Loop
in numbers
720 miles
5 hot springs
destinations
19 thermal
facilities
heritage trains, ghost towns and mining newcomer to the scene – Iron Steve Beckley owns Iron
opportunities. It’s this wide-ranging Mountain Hot Springs only Mountain Hot Springs as well
wellness itinerary, combined with a opened in 2015 – Beckley as Glenwood Caverns
focus on the history of many of the hot gained insight and Adventure Park
springs – many of which have been around ideas from both Old
since the 1800s – that has helped put Town Hot Springs and and the Colorado
western Colorado firmly in the spotlight. Avalanche Ranch. “It’s Business Roundtable’s
“The importance of wellness to our created a relationship Collaboration in
physical and mental health is gaining that’s more collaborative Industry award. “It’s kind
awareness in leaps and bounds in the than competitive,” says Beckley. of surprising how successful
US, at the same time that heritage travel Pankow has a similar story. it’s been so quickly,” says Nash.
is on the rise,” explains Beckley. “The “We’ve built great relationships with Nash says the next phase will involve
Loop combines these trends with the our partners, and are able to reach out making more formalised packages, with
adventure of a Western road trip.” for ideas, best practices, professional hotel stays, rental cars, skiing passes
opinions and advice,” she says. and attractions admissions all grouped
Collaboration The team’s efforts have garnered together for the consumer. The ultimate
But beyond the increases in visitor a number of awards, including Best goal is to get international tour operators
numbers, the Loop has meant a new Idea from the Destination Marketing to put hot springs on their itineraries.
kind of collaboration for many of the Association of the West, Best Campaign She also hopes the group’s success
hot springs facilities. For instance, as a from the Colorado Tourism Office, will provide fodder to create a Hot
Springs Association of the US, where
there are an estimated 215 facilities.
“The US is behind the curve when it
comes to hot springs awareness,” says
Nash. “For consumers, the first thing that
pops into their head is the recreational
aspect, rather than the wellness aspect.
The wellness aspect is huge, and we all
need to work more closely on that.”
For now, the group is thrilled with how
their five voices have united as one – and
how the world is paying more attention
to Colorado as a thermal spa destination.
“It’s raising awareness of just how many
hot springs choices there are in Colorado,
Strawberry Park Hot Springs features therapeutic thermal pools
which benefits all of us,” says Beckley. O
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Changing Rooms O Washrooms O Receptions O Spa Treatment Rooms O Display Areas
NEWS REPORT
Russian wellness Nearly 250 spa professionals gathered recently in the Caucasus
thermal springs region of Russia for the fourth annual Spa & Wellness
International Congress. Lisa Starr was there, and reports on the highlights
O
rganised by the Spa & Russia. The hotel is a well- Elena Bogacheva heads up the
Wellness International designed and modern space Spa & Wellness International
Council, headed by Elena that features a large spa Congress, or SWIC
Bogacheva, the Spa & and pool complex on the
Wellness International ground floor, overlooking visa and language
Congress, or SWIC, a rose garden. This issues, international
presents a wide variety year, 56 speakers tourism to Russia is flat,
of speakers and topics made presentations but domestic tourism is
for the Russian and over three days, covering strong, with between 33-36
Russian-speaking spa world. November’s topics including staff million annual travellers.
event saw 250 people – the largest number management, wellness tourism, According to the Russian Union
yet – from Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Latvia psychology in spas and marketing. of Travel Industry, domestic tourism is
and Lithuania come together for three According to the most recent Global growing between 8 and 10 per cent a year.
days of workshops and conferences. Wellness Institute statistics, Russia The market is very interested in wellness
The event served as the test for the ranks 8th in the world for the number tourism, and the Russian Ministry of
Green Resort Hotel & Spa in its soft of spas, with more than 3,000 locations, Health reports that only 30 per cent of
opening phase. Perched on a hill above a mostly in large cities, and is also fourth Russians express satisfaction with wellness
river, the hotel is located in Kislovodsk, on the list of thermal spring areas, with visits abroad, feeling that their home
one of four thermal cities in this part of over 800 establishments. Because of market provides a better experience.
The Russian Federation has a Strategy
of Development of Tourism in place up
Russia ranks fourth in the world for to the year 2020, which aims to improve
the number of thermal spring areas, the quality and competitiveness of their
tourism products for both domestic and
with more than 800 establishments international visitors, indicating a growing
The congress was held in

Russia’s Caucasus region,
which boasts a large
number of thermal springs
Left: the Green Resort Hotel
& Spa. Above right: Starr with
Toskanaworld’s Marion Schneider
and Dornbracht’s Mattias Voit
opportunity in this region browse the latest offerings

for spas and wellness- from these companies, Perfect Spa Awards
related businesses. while demonstrations
winners of 2017
Some highlights and spa treatments were
from the myriad available in the spa. PERFECT SPA OF THE YEAR
Doville Hotel & Spa
conference lectures The fourth day of the
(Anapa, Russia)
include a presentation congress offered tours
by Marion Schneider of local sanatoriums PERFECT DAY SPA
of Germany’s Toskana Neurobiologist Dr and some other cultural Spa by Anne Semonin
Therme on the economic Claudia Aguirre shared her activities, including a (Minsk, Republic of Belarus)
effect of a therme, findings on skin and beauty wine, olive oil, cheese
PERFECT MEDICAL SPA
with her three current synergies and the brain and honey tasting by
Kluchi Balneo-Resort
facilities providing a a local organic grower
(Perm Region, Russia)
strong foundation for and vintner. Attendees
growth and tourism in their villages. also had the opportunity to sample local PERFECT CLUB SPA
Gennady Bartukhin, president of tea and herbs and visit the arcade of Lavender Club & City Spa
the National Bath Federation, shared mineral waters, where they could try (Tver, Russia)
his organisation’s plans for a National some of the different waters available
PERFECT CITY HOTEL SPA
Bath Museum in Moscow, and Gayane from fountains. The evening culminated Spa by Decleor, StandArt Hotel
Suriakhina, director of La Salute with the Perfect Spa Awards and Gala (Moscow)
Fitness Club & Spa, gave a detailed Dinner, which honoured local Russian
presentation on the best metrics spas across a variety of categories, and PERFECT COUNTRY HOTEL SPA
to create revenue in a club spa. saw the Doville Hotel & Spa in Anapa, Espace Chenot, Barvikha
Luxury Hotel & Spa
Neurobiologist Dr Claudia Aguirre Russia, named as Perfect Spa of the Year.
(Moscow)
shared her findings on skin and beauty The next SWIC Congress is set to
synergies with the brain, and local take place 3-6 November 2018 in Astana, PERFECT RESORT SPA
marketing guru Roman Tarasenko Kazakhstan. “We’re planning to attract Vytautas Mineral Spa
gave ideas and examples for current more professionals from Asian countries,” (Lithuania)
successful marketing strategies. says Bogacheva. “Alongside the business
PERFECT DESTINATION SPA
There was also a small expo with global topics for spa owners and managers, the
Spa Vilnius Anyksciai
and local brand and equipment sponsors agenda will also comprise two scientific (Lithuania)
including Thalgo, Comfort Zone, Sundari conferences devoted to anti-ageing
and Iyashi Dome, where attendees could technologies and integrative medicine.”O
FITNESS
the rise of
CONNECTED
WELLNESS
New York workspace entrepreneurs WeWork have added health, fitness and
wellness to their suite of offerings. Avi Yehiel, the company’s head of wellness,
tells Kath Hudson about its innovative new wellness concept, Rise by We
R
ise by We is like no other place by a sauna and meditation one day and a
and we see it as the future HIIT class, yoga and massage the next.
of wellbeing,” says head Although a health club/spa might
of wellness at WeWork, seem an unlikely bedfellow with office
Avi Yehiel. “It’s a new space, it fits with WeWork’s mission
concept of social to make every facet of people’s lives
fitness brought to life as inspiring, enjoyable and sociable
in an architecturally stunning as possible. Launched in 2010 by
environment, combining human entrepreneurs Adam Neumann
connection with great training and Miguel McKelvey, WeWork
programmes and mindfulness.” set out to curate office space
Rise is a wellness club and where “people work to make a life,
‘superspa’ designed for modern- not just a living”. The model starts
day lifestyles. As such, it blurs with a hot desk, at entry level, up to a
the line between spa and fitness, custom build-out for a company. WeWork
and features a large dose of social has now grown to 170 offices in 58 cities
and community-building elements. worldwide, and is valued at nearly US$20bn,
Cherry-picking aspects from both health clubs putting it in the same league as Uber and Airbnb.
and spas, Yehiel says the model is groundbreaking Avi Yehiel is
because it offers group fitness, multiple boutique WeWork’s head Space to breathe
studios, wellness programmes, personal training of wellness In keeping with its aim to make the working
and a complete spa experience all under one roof. environment sociable and its inhabitants healthy,
Members no longer need to jump from studio to the company has organised sporting events at its
studio, but can service all their health and wellbeing offices from the outset, including weekly soccer and
needs under one roof: a Muay Thai class followed basketball matches, fitness classes, meditation and
Launched in 2010 by entrepreneurs Miguel McKelvey

(left) and Adam Newmann, WeWork has now expanded
to 170 offices and is valued at US$20bn
86
Turf is home to a high-performance training programme that uses science, technology and training
We want to make wellness easier

to access, because coming down
for meditation or a quick workout
has so many great health benefits
retreats. Yehiel says Rise, the first physical site, is

simply an extension of this philosophy. The company
tested the ground early last year with WeWork
Wellness, a pilot programme offering 20 to 30 classes
per week, including yoga, HIIT, pilates, kickboxing and
meditation, to WeWork members in New York City.
The success of the pilot encouraged the company
to go on to launch Rise last October at one of its New
York offices, which serves 2,500 WeWork members.
“We want to make wellness easier to access, because
coming down for meditation or a quick workout in the
middle of the day has so many great health and mental
benefits,” says Yehiel. “The need for holistic wellness A ‘superspa’ has communal bathing. “From the Greeks to the Russians,
is now bigger than ever, as people are working been inspired by every culture has its own bathing tradition and we
harder and longer hours, so increased stress levels the old traditions of wanted to create our own culture around that type
in the workplace are one of the biggest problems communal bathing of traditional relaxation and recovery. We see it as
in modern life. Our aim is to offer a place which another way to bring people together,” says Yehiel.
lets members take a moment or two for themselves: The sociable element that WeWork has created at
to breathe, relax, and get ready for what’s next.” its offices permeates the entire experience at Rise.
“WeWork’s mission is to humanise work, so putting
Spa as community the social experience at the centre of fitness is how
The wellness offering is an essential element that we intend to reinvent the traditional gym experience,”
binds the experience together, and a ‘superspa’ says Yehiel. “It’s personal when it needs to be,
at Rise has been inspired by the old traditions of social when it needs to be, and always welcoming.”
FITNESS
We see
relaxation and
rejuvenation
as key to
maintaining
focus and
The Mindfulness studio is
success where yoga and meditation
classes take place at Rise
The spa area has aromatherapy, steam and sauna

rooms, a communal hammam area and a cold
water plunge. Three forms of therapeutic massage
are on offer, rather than cosmetic treatments like
pedicures and facials. “We see recovery as a key
aspect of fitness and exercise, and relaxation and
rejuvenation as key to maintaining focus and
success in both professional and personal lives,
so we’ve focused on offering the most therapeutic
treatments in line with these goals,” says Yehiel.
Sense of place
The elements that have proved popular with
WeWork have been translated into a health and
fitness setting, including the highly stylised
environment. Yehiel says that like all of the WeWork
spaces, the goal in designing Rise was to create a
space that feels curated, special, and connected
as a whole. “We have juxtaposed elements of
hard and soft, and light and dark, both visually
and texturally,” he says. “The design team set the Polished finishes and which is apparent from the moment you step in and
building’s structural steel components against natural materials are greeted by our Rise by We community team,”
polished finishes, and natural materials, such as have been used in says Yehiel. “Rather than coming to the gym, putting
stone, marble and wood. Custom artwork has been the design of your headphones on, and running on a treadmill
added to create a timeless and layered aesthetic.” Rise by We alone, Rise by We’s group classes and semi-private
There are four different workout areas: the Fight training encourage community and connectedness.”
studio is where boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial
arts take place. Flight is designed for high-intensity Expansion
cardio activities and incorporates traditional training Although WeWork plans to grow the community in
equipment on one side and battle ropes in the middle. the future, there are no immediate plans to launch
The Mindfulness studio is where yoga and meditation more sites. However, the company certainly won’t
take place, and Turf is home to a high-performance stand still, but will continue to look for ways to
training programme that uses science, technology bring its progressive outlook to contemporary
and coaching. Members have an in-depth assessment, lifestyles. Indeed, just in November 2017, WeWork
including a 3D body scan, which is then used to acquired Meetup, a company whose mission it is to
inform a bespoke training programme. “We’re get people off the internet and meeting up to create
bringing WeWork’s focus on community to wellness, physical communities, rather than digital ones.O
Children will learn concepts
such as mindfulness, yoga and
farm-to-table cooking at WeGrow
Rebekah Neumann has been

involved in the concept of
the first WeGrow school
GROWING THE ‘WE’ BRAND
WeLive WeGrow Adam Neumann, and his wife

Last year, the company made WeWork plans to create Rebekah couldn’t find a school
its first diversion from the opportunities wherever it sees for their children that suited
working environment, applying a gap in the market. One of their requirements, arguing that
its philosophy to living spaces. these is WeGrow, a micro-school the education system squashes
WeLive rents out co-living, where subjects like mindfulness, entrepreneurial spirit. The
furnished apartments in yoga and farm-to-table concept is already generating
buildings where laundry rooms cooking are on the curriculum. quite a buzz, and star architect
double as bars and event spaces, Children learn reading and Bjarke Ingels has signed on to
communal kitchens, roof decks maths skills by growing their design the first school. Going
and hot tubs. There are now two own food at the school’s farm forward, the company would
locations – one in New York City and selling it at a farm stand like to open WeGrow schools in
Architect Bjarke Ingels
and one in Crystal City, Virginia. in the WeWork offices. WeWork offices, so that families
has signed on to design
A third has been announced for The concept came about can travel to work and school
the first WeGrow school
Seattle, Washington, in 2020. when the company’s co-founder, together and meet at lunchtime.
CREATORS OF WELLBEING AND RELAXATION
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TECHNOLOGY
CU STOM ER RE TENTION
When gaining new customers costs more than retaining them, client retention – and by
extension, customer loyalty – becomes a business no-brainer. Kate Parker explores how
software companies are helping spa operators engage with their repeat customers
W
e all like to feel needed, spa software companies are helping
and this is no less true their clients maximise on the love
of spa customers – make and loyalty of the repeat customer.
them feel wanted and
well-tended and you’ll be KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER
rewarded with the repeat
business and the increase to your profits But before a spa operator can begin to
that they bring. Regular customers are reap the benefits of loyalty, they must
key to a successful spa business, with thoroughly get to know their customers.
customer loyalty a powerful driving Understanding regular clients, providing
force behind a spa’s bottom line. These them with great service and staying in
days, there are ever-more creative ways touch all help improve customer loyalty.
to develop and maintain a strong and As Amanda Wisell, marketing manager
enduring relationship. From personalised at spa technology company SpaSoft, Software can help track birthdays,
messages to points systems, targeted advises: “Learn your customers’ names appointments and past treatments
marketing to online loyalty programs, and use them. Note their preferences in
reservations and deliver them without

Provide genuine and friendly service; asking. Provide genuine and friendly
remember your repeat guests and service; remember your repeat guests
and welcome them back to your spa.
welcome them back to the spa. Your Your spa software can help you deliver
spa software can help you deliver this this as a personalised experience.”
Similarly, Roger Sholanki, CEO of
Amanda Wisell, marketing manager, SpaSoft
Book4Time, explains how the software
company’s spa management platform
drills down to the detail of spa customers’
lives, boosting customer retention in the
Understanding your
process: “Book4Time’s CRM functionality
clients and staying in
is a powerhouse of valuable information
touch helps improve
securely storing detailed information
customer loyalty
– anything from their birthdays,
appointments, and treatments or classes
customers may have had, through to
their retail purchase history and more.”
The ability to track this type of
information is essential in building up
customers, and gives spa operators
the data they need to personalise their
contact with regular clients through a
number of touchpoints. Smart marketing
platform Frederick, owned by Booker,
helps businesses connect with their
customers through targeted email and text
messaging. “Frederick scans the data in a
business management system and delivers
Corey Kossack, CEO of
Frederick, which helped
Meghan Gilboa, right, of
Facialworks increase revenue
targeted messages to people who are most It’s how this data interacts
likely to respond based on past services
and purchases,” says CEO Corey Kossack. with other functions within
“Frederick helps businesses efficiently the software which really
send the right messages and promotions gives spa managers the edge
at the right time, to the right customers.”
For example, Frederick can send a Leonie Wileman, COO of software
campaign in an email or text that offers a company Premier Software
prompt to book an open appointment for a
service a customer has enjoyed in the past,
a reminder to book a return appointment come in, along with a simple way to Software’s business management system,
when it’s time for another service, a make an appointment quickly. Frederick Core, is designed to help spas attract
promotion tailored to the services has been great for the business, and and maintain customers. Core collects
they enjoy or an offer to take an open we typically see clients rebooking customer information from individual
appointment during a slow day. “Because when we send out a special boost.” client cards, from treatment preferences
Frederick’s reminders and promotions through to visit frequency and retail spend.
are customised to that person, they’re GETTING PERSONAL However, as Leonie Wileman, the
more likely to respond,” adds Kossack. company’s COO, explains: “It’s how
Meghan Gilboa, founder of California- Building customer loyalty into a spa’s this data interacts with other functions
based facial spa company Facialworks, modus operandi delivers a high return within the software which really
has seen an increase in revenue since on the time, effort and money invested gives spa managers the edge when it
using Frederick’s automated messages in providing customer service. Loyal comes to customer retention. Through
to customers. “Frederick is so helpful customers tend to buy more, more personalising the overall experience,
for tracking clients who want to come regularly, and the cost of selling to them Premier Software’s Core enables spas to
back, but have busy schedules and is low – with the added bonus that they’ll develop bespoke offers and promotions
just forget to save time to take care of recommend your business to their friends. tailored to select audiences. The
themselves,” explains Gilboa. “Automated So it pays to be personal, and to know automated marketing function is easy
and personalised communication allows your clients and stay with them on every to set up and will run promotions on a
clients to have a physical reminder to step of their customer journey. Premier regular basis, with minimal input.”
TECHNOLOGY
By keeping a spa front-of-mind

through managed campaigns in this way,
customers feel informed and valued,
which is essential in retaining interest
and loyalty. “The return of investment
is almost immediate,” Wileman adds.
“We’ve recently been working with a
client who wanted to test how quickly
customers would respond to incentives
and promotions. For just a £20 investment
in a targeted SMS automated marketing
campaign, it delivered a 7,000 per Swinton Park Spa has seen treatment and package revenue increase
cent return, which is phenomenal.”
This is echoed by Premier Software
customer Gillian McGraffin, spa manager
at Swinton Park Spa, UK: “Since using We’ve seen customer
Core, we’ve seen customer retention levels
improve, as we’re able to use the data retention levels improve, as
collected to target specific audiences. By we’re able to use the data to
being able to search and select set profiles, target specific audiences
we can see which treatments a set group
of clients likes, and offer to re-book at the Gillian McGraffin, spa manager,
time they leave the spa or as a follow-up Swinton Park Spa
campaign based on their preferences.
Swinton Park Spa only opened this year,
but monthly treatment and package Offer a discount on future services just for online newsletter, or liking a Facebook
revenue is already increasing.” returning guests to help bring them back.” fan page, can build brand loyalty and
Personalisation goes a long way to keep your customers coming back.”
delivering the ultimate level of guest CUSTOMER CONNECTION However, spas should avoid randomly
service and, in keeping the whole broadcasting across the whole spectrum
customer journey in mind, SpaSoft’s When it comes to communicating with and, instead, maintain the personal,
Wisell believes there’s great value in the customers, today’s spa operators are focused approach, says Pitsikalis.
simple act of thanking a customer: “Be spoilt for choice. “With the rise of web “The touch-points that a spa uses need
sure to follow up on every appointment and mobile use, loyalty can be developed to directly correlate with their target
with a personalised thank you,” she outside the spa as well now, using various market,” he explains. “If your target
suggests. “Your spa management system touch-points and techniques,” says market is baby boomers, you’re not
makes it easy to access the information, Frank Pitsikalis, founder and CEO of likely going to want to put a lot of time,
and you can use it to follow up with a note, software company ResortSuite. “Offering effort and money into engagement on
either handwritten or an automatic email. promotions based on signing up for an Instagram, for example. The most effective
touch-points are ones that are purposeful,
targeted, and well thought-out.”
Software provider Mindbody offers its
With the rise of web
spa clients an app that is customisable
and mobile use, loyalty
to their own brand or business, as an
can be developed
instant touch-point. As the company’s
outside the spa
senior vice president of sales, Stephanie
Moran, comments: “If you become an
app on someone’s phone, then you know
you are a brand they wake up to and a
brand they love. Having that custom
app is pretty powerful for a business’s
retention, because customers can then
book appointments, book services, buy
products all from the spa’s own branded
mobile app, without having to go to your
website, or having to leave the phone.”
Mindbody client Charmaine Line, who’s
the founder of Seneb Therapies, says that
If you become an app
on someone’s phone,
then you know you are
a brand they wake up to
and a brand they love
A custom app can be

valuable for customer
retention as an
instant touch-point
this simplicity of booking has helped her

retain customers. “One of the reasons I get great feedback on the
that I chose Mindbody is because I could Mindbody App, which prevents
add members to the system – I give gym
members a discount on spa treatments
the hassle of clients having
– and everyone that books online can to type in my website url
create their own account on my Mindbody
Charmaine Line, founder, Seneb Therapies
software. I’m able to get great feedback
on the Mindbody App, which prevents
the hassle of clients having to type in
my website url to find the Mindbody ResortSuite has a loyalty programme built and the system is able to communicate
software to make an appointment.” in that allows a spa to assign points to across the different loyalty systems.
treatments, services and even products These might be membership cards,
LOYALTY – IT’S SIMPLE in the spa, creating excitement for guests special rewards or gift certificates,
accumulating points each time they come depending on the individual customer.”
It’s evident that, in today’s fast-moving in. “These points can be converted into Every spa is unique, and any customer
world, customers are leading hectic gift cards at whatever point or monetary loyalty and retention programme can
lives where plans change quickly and value the spa decides, and guests can reap be refined and perfected according to
appointments can easily be forgotten, the benefits of being loyal,” says Pitsikalis spending and attendance behaviour,
so speed and convenience are essential The Assistant Company (TAC) takes a but key to the success of any system
in maintaining business efficiency and slightly different approach in offering a is the relationship at the heart of the
keeping customers coming back again variety of loyalty possibilities, including exchange. If a customer feels recognised
and again. Here’s where a spa’s customer establishing spa memberships between and connected, they’ll be back! O
loyalty programme comes into its own. a spa and its guests. Managing director
Everyone loves a good offer and Guenther Poellabauer explains: “If a
whether it’s discounts, coupons, points, customer is a member, she will definitely
Kate Parker is a regular
punch cards or attractive packages, an come back. TAC software is kind of a contributor to Spa Business.
efficient loyalty programme will keep toolbox, so depending on a customer’s email: kateparker@
on giving, on both sides of the equation. needs, different options are possible spabusiness.com
For more information, or to contact any of these
SPA-KIT.NET companies, visit spa-kit.net and type in the keyword
Product
innovation By Lauren Heath-Jones,
assistant product editor
Industry suppliers tell Lauren Heath-Jones about their

latest product, treatment and equipment launches
Moss Trend’s living walls are the perfect

complement to spas, says Francesco Meaolo
ith a history in creating They bring texture,
W decorative materials for

interior designers and stage
scenography, Italy-based Moss Trend
energy and that final touch
of design to the interior
has now ventured into public spaces, Meaolo, managing director of Moss
including restaurants and spas. Trend. “A natural preservation
The family-run business creates process gives the plants long-lasting
maintenance-free vertical gardens durability. In recent years, we’ve been Francesco Meaolo
made with moss that lives on the embracing a more green approach to says the panels are
maintenance-free
humidity naturally present in the air. public spaces, such as restaurants or
Moss Trend recently finished a spas. As our products do not require
project at the Erato Wellness Luxury light, and absorb moisture from the
Spa in Artimino, Italy, using Jungle air, spas are convenient spaces for
Moss to create a living wall made our products. They bring texture,
of preserved plants. Customers can energy and that final touch of design
choose between several types of to the interior, which gives guests a
plants, from Reindeermoss in various comfortable and warm feeling. We
colours, to ready-to-hang plant believe in the healing power of nature
frames, to preserved leaves and lichen. that is reflected in rooms dedicated to
“Installation of moss panels is very meditation, rest and healthy living.”
simple and easy,” says Francesco KEYWORDS: Moss Trend
Moss Trend added

living walls to the Frato
Wellness Luxury Spa
SPA-KIT.NET
The Superfood
The new Elemis Superfood range is a range includes four
vegan-friendly
nutrient-dense, vegan formula with products
a prebiotic punch, says Noella Gabriel
lemis is expanding its
E Superfood Facial Oil into

an entire vegan-friendly
range of skincare with
three new products: a
Superfood Facial Wash,
Superfood Day Cream
and Superfood Night
Cream, all of which feature
prebiotics and extracts from
greens, grains and superfoods. a more powerful nutritional punch so it’s crucial to keep this in
The range taps into the then superfoods,” explains Noella balance for good skin health.”
probiotic trend in skincare, which Noella Gabriel Gabriel, managing director at Elemis. Key ingredients in the line include
uses good bacteria as part of a says it’s crucial “These nutrient-dense vegan goji berry, ginger ferment, matcha
to keep the
skincare routine to keep the skin formulae each contain a superfood tea, green mandarin, broccoli seed,
microbiome
healthy. Prebiotics nourish the in balance
complex and a prebiotic, which daikon radish, cucumber seed, carrot,
probiotics, which introduce good protects and maintains the skin’s rosemary, orange, barley, quinoa,
microflora to the surface of the skin. delicate microbiome,” she continues. flax, rice bran, black seed, chia seed
“We’re launching this range as we “The microbiome is the very first oil, sweet almond milk and extracts
know what’s good for the body is defence barrier against environmental of wheatgrass, kale and nettle.
good for the skin, and nothing packs stresses that can harm skin vitality KEYWORD: Elemis
Germaine de Capuccini’s wellness treatments for cancer therapies

are designed to restore body and mind, says Carole Jones
kincare specialist Germaine Products are used to target
S de Capuccini has created a

menu of treatments for those
undergoing cancer treatments.
Many
oncologists
recommend
skin-related side effects, including
heightened sensitivity and severe
dryness, caused by chemotherapy
The treatments use two varieties complementary and radiation treatments. The
of holistic obsidiana stones: black therapies – menu includes a Rose and Honey
and white onyx. The black stones are more to help Harmony Facial, Aloe and Mint
used warm, while the white stones are the mind rather Cooling Body Therapy, Phytocare
ice cold in order to release negative than the body Baobab Body Ritual and a Calming
emotions and restore a sense of calm. Hand, Foot and Scalp Therapy.
“Many oncologists recommend

complementary therapies – more
The treatment menu
to help the mind rather than the
includes facial and
body rituals body, and these prove that clients
feel better in themselves,” says
Carole Jones, director of Totally UK,
the brand’s UK distributor. “We‘ve
been working on a small number of
therapies that provide the client with
a specific light-touch massage, along
with products that are formulated to
deal with the side effects of strong
medication and radiotherapy – such
as extreme dryness and sensitivity.”
KEYWORD:
Germaine De Capuccini
The portable HaloFX Mobile is an easy way for spas to add new wellness treatments to their menus
PROMOTION
Global Halotherapy Solutions has expanded its

range of salt therapy products with the launch of the
HaloFX Mobile. Founder Steve Spiro explains more
The HaloFX Mobile is a

really easy way for spas to
generate income without
incurring extra labour costs
Tell us about the HaloFX Mobile?

The HaloFX Mobile is based on our
HaloFX halogenerator, and works
in the same way, by crushing pure
pharmaceutical salt into micron-sized
particles. These particles are then
dispersed as a dry aerosol, which
is inhaled into the lungs to provide
health and skincare benefits. Unlike to protect the HVAC system, just The HaloFX either to supplement treatments or
the HaloFX, the mobile has the an inexpensive cover that can be Mobile crushes as a standalone experience, is a really
salt into micron-
addition of a nozzle, which directs the removed. It’s easy to operate, so easy way for spas to generate income
sized particles
aerosol at the respiratory system to doesn’t require any training. Users without incurring extra labour costs.
provide a more targeted treatment. It’s simply load two tablespoons of
very compact, measuring just 3.8 cm pure pharmaceutical salt into the What is halotherapy? What
in height, 3 cm in width and 4.2 cm – machine and press a button. That’s it. benefits does it provide?
8.2 cm including the nozzle – in depth. Halotherapy, also known as dry salt
The vast majority of the halogenerator How do you envision spas using it? therapy, is an effective, natural and
is made out of plastic, so is easy to We spoke to a number of spas drug-free therapy that provides
clean and maintain, with no rusting. and holistic wellness centres as relief from many conditions.
we were designing the Mobile and Respiratory conditions that benefit
What are the advantages of found that they didn’t want fixed include asthma, allergies, sinusitis,
using the HaloFX Mobile? salt rooms; instead, they wanted a bronchitis, colds, COPD, and cystic
The main advantages of the HaloFX portable unit, which allows them to fibrosis. Skin conditions that benefit
Mobile are its portability and its size. offer halotherapy as an additional or from halotherapy include psoriasis,
It can easily be moved from room standalone treatment, without having eczema, acne and dermatitis.
to room, and simply plugs in. It to sacrifice any space, or make a costly KEYWORD: Global
doesn’t require costly modifications investment. Using the HaloFX Mobile, Halotherapy Solutions
SPA-KIT.NET
DNA research informs Biologique Recherche’s

La Grande Crème, explains Rupert Schmid
uxury skincare brand Biologique
L Recherche has launched La Grande

Crème, a new face cream designed
to target epigenetic ageing caused by
non-genetic factors, including lifestyle.
It is formulated with EpigenActiv,
a peptide that can counteract the
effects of ageing and reverse DNA
damage. Discovered in Biologique Le Grande develop even better anti-ageing skin
Recherche’s Gene Expression Creme contains care products. La Grande Crème is
EpigenActiv,
Laboratory, EpigenActiv acts a complete cream that contains the
developed in the
on the epidermal growth factor company’s lab
most concentrated active ingredients
receptors in the skin to aid the ever used in a Biologique Recherche
repair of damaged tissues and product, and DNA research has
promote cellular regeneration. made it possible to identify and use
Each individual’s genetic “Each individual’s genetic heritage the properties of EpigenActiv in an
heritage expresses itself expresses itself differently over anti-ageing skincare product.”
differently over the course of the course of a lifetime and one’s The cream also contains milk
a lifetime and one’s lifestyle lifestyle,” says Rupert Schmid, chair thistle, mimosa, elderflower, chestnut
of Biologique Recherche. “We’ve tree and myrobalan leaf extracts,
conducted numerous studies in order and matrikines, myorelaxant
to repair negative traits within cells peptides and carcinine.
and counter cutaneous ageing and KEYWORD: Biologique Recherche
Sue Harmsworth introduces new ESPA

treatment inspired by the resilience of butterflies
uxury skincare brand ESPA
L has expanded its treatment

offering with the addition
of the Strength and Resilience
massage, a new signature treatment
designed to target and relieve
tired and aching muscles.
The treatment was inspired by the
resilience of Painted Lady butterflies,
who fly thousands of miles from
Africa to the UK every spring. The
massage features gentle strokes and
swift movements to symbolise the
butterflies’ flight and is designed such as strengthening and quieting
The massage features to revive tired muscles and bring the mind, building resilience and
gentle strokes and a renewed sense of clarity and supporting immunity,” explains Sue
swift movements wellbeing to the mind and body. Harmsworth, founder of ESPA.
The treatment involves being Two new products, the Muscle
‘cocooned’ in warm towels and Rescue Balm and the Fitness Shower
It has inner benefits, such given a soothing massage and Oil, are designed to complement
as strengthening and quieting incorporates yogic stretches, a reflex the massage and are formulated
the mind, building resilience zone foot massage, and a sinus with coconut oil, winged kelp,
and supporting immunity release and scalp massage. “It feels peppermint, eucalyptus oil, clove
beautiful and it’s results driven, and bud oil and West Indian bay.
it also has additional inner benefits, KEYWORD: ESPA
PROMOTION
Dafne Berlanga, vice president of international business

development of Oakworks, discusses the importance of sustainability
Our individual wellness is

directly dependent on our access
to a healthy environment
How important is it for the spa

industry to be sustainable?
Vitally important. There should be
no separation between personal Oakworks tables protection of the environment. Jeff
wellbeing and sustaining the health use PVC-free hand-crafted our first portable table
fabric and water-
of the planet. Our individual wellness with regionally-sourced materials.
based sealers
is directly dependent on our access Today, we manufacture all tables
to a healthy environment. and trolleys at our headquarters in
Pennsylvania, which is an ISO 13485
As a company, you place heavy certified medical facility. Materials are
emphasis on sustainability locally sourced when possible and are customer breathes in toxic fumes from
– could you tell us about that? non-toxic – we use PVC-free fabric foams that have not been regulated
Jeff and Linda Riach, the founders and water-based sealers and lacquers. on a table built with wood that
of Oakworks, have always been We also partner with companies such hasn’t been responsibly processed.
In 1978, Linda
committed to sustainability. Since as 3form, which provides recycled
and Jeff Riach
1978, before it became a global hand-crafted the
and responsibly-sourced materials. Do you think the wellness
trend, Oakworks took a step-by-step first table from Since January 2008, we’ve also been sector places enough emphasis
approach to ensure a high level of local materials donating to Trees for the Future, a non- on sustainability?
profit organisation. In 2017, we planted There isn’t enough emphasis yet to the
our millionth tree through the initiative. urgency of regenerative practices and
their impact on health and wellness.
Do you see being sustainable The challenges are both philosophical
as a way of standing out in and practical, where perceived costs
a competitive market? and the reluctance to take more
Any efforts to stop global warming “robust” risks prevent companies
and to reduce carbon footprints will from adopting sustainable practices.
be an advantage when talking to The good news is that we will be
wellness customers. While sustainable hearing more and more about these
practices do add a cost to products, programmes in the near future.
true wellness practitioners understand The Global Wellness Institute,
that the best experience comes from a through its Sustainability Initiative,
holistic approach. It is counter-intuitive is already planting the seeds.
to provide a wellness session where a KEYWORD: Oakworks
Voya Man uses the ‘unparalleled’ healing properties of seaweed, says Mark Walton
rish spa brand Voya has launched
I an anti-ageing skin care range for

men. Voya Man is a performance-
based three-step skincare system
that is designed to treat a range
of skincare concerns including
dryness, inflammation, enlarged
pores and fine lines and wrinkles.
Designed specifically for male
skin, the range features a facial
wash, shave gel and moisturiser.
The products are formulated
with Speci’Men and Definsil-Plus,
Launching an organic naturally derived active ingredients
facial Men’s Range was a that are scientifically proven to
necessary and natural repair the skin’s natural protective Seaweed’s simple facial solution for men. The
progression for us barrier and reduce signs of fatigue. anti-inflammatory unparalleled healing properties of
properties help
“Launching an organic facial Men’s seaweed means the anti-inflammatory
with razor burns
Range was a necessary and natural and sensitivity
functionality of these products
progression for us,” explains Mark reduces sensitivity, irritation
Walton, managing director at Voya. and razor burn and also helps
“Men are now paying more reduce acne. This range packs a
attention to their skin. Voya is unique-smelling citrus spice punch
receptive to market demands that we are very proud of.”
and answered with a three-step KEYWORD: Voya
‘Endless opportunities’ for retail display with Nancy Griffin

and Stewart Griffith’s new company, Bespoke
ancy Griffin, There’s huge “We’re excited about
N
Griffin
partnered with principal of demand for vendors offering the retail
Stewart Griffith
Contento to create retail solutions we have been
after she saw a
need for spa
Marketing, worked solutions for their developing on a custom
retail displays with spa supplier spa partners basis, on a larger scale.”
TouchAmerica for said Griffith, who is the
years as a consultant and was company’s design engineer. “There’s
impressed with the company’s huge demand for vendors to create
custom-manufactured retail retail solutions for their spa partners.”
displays for Aveda Concept Salons, A broad choice of materials,
which were created through finishes, lighting and other options are
their partner, Eurisko Design. available, and Griffin and Griffith work
Griffin thought there was an with clients to guide them toward
unfulfilled need for spa retail displays, designs to complement product style,
and she and TouchAmerica’s CEO, or can bring a custom vision to life.
Stewart Griffith, worked together to “Retail is the lifeblood of the
form a new company, Bespoke, to spa industry,” says Griffin. “I’m
manufacture sign holders, counter especially excited about our
displays and rolling bar units. portable, convertible displays to
take advantage of the growing trend
Bespoke makes towards wellness outside of the spa.
sign holders, counter Retail displays can be rolled into
displays and more
corporate meetings or poolside.
The opportunities are endless.”
KEYWORD: Bespoke
As a result of working
PROMOTION with Groupon, after a year
and a half in business
I’ve managed to open
Elena Hachaturianc on how Groupon helped grow her business six more branches
eauty & Melody is a salon customer. There are usually never any
B
What encouraged you to
group offering hair, beauty, and work with Groupon? guarantees with a marketing strategy;
aesthetic treatments across Before working with Groupon, I you can spend thousands and might
London. Playing host to L’Oréal had tried many different marketing not even have one customer, so this
and Aveda hairstyling services strategies. The location of the salon strategy really appealed to me.
plus treatments from the likes of is very central, and we have lots of
Caci and Environ, the salons are a hotels around us. I had meetings with How did you use Groupon?
go-to haven for many celebrities. hotel managers and concierges and Through Groupon we sold laser
Following the opening of its we worked with local businesses to hair removal and spa deals. To give
first salon, Beauty & Melody Hair offer corporate discounts, however we you an example of its success, we
and Spa needed to make its name never achieved the results we really Beauty & sold more than 3,500 vouchers
Melody Hair and
known. Elena Hachaturianc, owner wanted. I’d heard about Groupon during the first eight months of
Spa sold more
of Beauty & Melody tells Spa before I opened my first salon, and I than 3,500
trading in just one of our salons.
Business how using Groupon has really liked the idea that with Groupon vouchers with
helped her expand the company. you only have to pay when you have a Groupon How has Groupon helped
your business?
As a result of working with
Groupon, after a year and a half in
business I’ve managed to open six
more branches – we have seven
branches now. It’s also helped to
employ more staff; we’ve gone
from five to more than 70 people.
Would you recommend Groupon?

I would recommend Groupon for
other businesses who are looking
for huge online exposure, increased
website traffic, and if it’s the right
deal – a lot of new customers!
KEYWORD: Groupon
Forbes Travel accolade shows Natura Bissé’s

passion for superior service, says Verónica Fisas
panish premium skincare
S brand Natura Bissé has been

named as an ‘Official Skincare
Brand’ for Forbes Travel Guide,
becoming the first beauty company
to receive such an accolade.
In addition, the company has
been awarded the ‘in partnership
with’ seal, which recognises that the
brand has been trained to uphold
Forbes’ exacting standards. meet its exacting standards. These
“Our mission at Natura Bissé is to Gerard J recognitions reflect our passion for
use our forward-thinking creativity Inzerillo, CEO of offering superior service and are
Forbes Travel
to develop innovative and effective the result of our constant ambition
Guide, says
skincare products and beauty rituals,” Natura Bissé is a
to elevate the level of guest service
says Verónica Fisas, CEO of Natura ‘natural partner’ in spas and luxury retailers.”
Bissé. “We’re very proud to become Gerard J Inzerillo, CEO of Forbes
We’re very proud to the Forbes Travel Guide exclusive Travel Guide, says: “Natura Bissé’s
become the Forbes Travel ‘Official Skincare Brand’ and to commitment to service excellence
Guide exclusive ‘Official become the first luxury skincare makes it a natural partner for us.”
Skincare Brand’ company in the world trained to KEYWORD: Natura Bisse
Dr David Sinclair on Caudalie’s

‘groundbreaking’ serum
We’ve discovered a
solution to counteract
the diminishing energy
metabolism of our cells
rench skincare brand Caudalie
F has partnered with Harvard

Medical School to launch Premier
Cru the Serum, an extension of
its existing Premier Cru range.
The serum was developed over
a period of five years with Dr David Dr David Sinclair is a
Sinclair, a world-leading anti-ageing genetics professor at Harvard
specialist and genetics professor
at Harvard Medical School.
It contains three patented Caudalie energy as the metabolism slows. allows our cells to defend against The serum
ingredients: Vine Resveratrol, to Vinergy is a complex that combines ageing,” says Sinclair. “Together, contains Vinergy,
a new patented
plump and firm the skin, Viniferine, to Vine Resveratrol and naturally we’ve discovered a solution to
ingredient
even skin tone, and antioxidant-rich derived Betaine, which is designed counteract the diminishing energy
Polyphenols, derived from grape to effectively combat the signs of metabolism of our cells over time,
seeds. It also has a high-concentration ageing by increasing cellular energy which is a key reason our skin ages.”
of hyaluronic acid to help the metabolism and mitochondrial mass, The serum also improves the
skin maintain hydration levels. as well as the production of ATP. efficacy of other products in the
In addition the serum contains “Our groundbreaking discovery Premier Cru range, including Premier
Vinergy, a new patented ingredient of Vinergy helps to restore the Cru the Cream, which is more
developed with Sinclair, to target cell’s mitochondrial mass and effective when used with the serum.
ageing cells, which produce less energy production which in turn KEYWORDS: Caudalie
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Email: sales@crownsportslockers.co.uk w: www.ez-runner.com
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To book, please contact the sales team Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 Email: sales@spabusiness.com
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RESEARCH
Finishing touch
THE BENEFITS OF RETREATS
A team of researchers has looked at 23 studies relating to the health impacts of retreats.
Jane Kitchen talks to lead researcher Professor Marc Cohen about the findings
R
etreat experiences appear to
have positive health benefits, Retreats can lead
including benefits for people to long-term health
with chronic diseases such as improvements
multiple sclerosis, cancer, HIV/AIDS,
heart conditions and mental health issues.
This is according to research conducted by
Professor Marc Cohen of RMIT University
in Australia and a team of researchers
who examined 23 studies relating to the
health impacts of immersive residential
SYDA PRODUCTIONS/SHUTTERSTOCK
retreat experiences. The findings were
published in January in the journal BMC
Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
“The findings from the reviewed studies
suggest there are many positive health
benefits from retreat experiences, which
include improvements in both subjective
and objective measures,” says Cohen. “It’s
likely that improvements in health are
due to a combination of psychological
and behavioural factors that lead to better Reported improvements include
coping mechanisms, lifestyle choices,
and enhanced resilience to stress.” decreases in the frequency and severity
The studies involved 2,592 participants of health symptoms and reductions
from a wide range of geographical and in body weight and blood pressure
demographic populations – everything
from luxury resort guests to unemployed
adults and even prison inmates. biological markers of disease, while improvements in quality of life, depression
Seven studies examined objective 16 had subjective outcomes, mostly and anxiety scores, and increased
outcomes such as blood pressure or involving self-reported questionnaires telomere length, with benefits being
on psychological and spiritual measures. recorded up to five years post-retreat.
All of the studies reported post-retreat “The finding that retreat
health benefits ranging from immediately experiences can lead to sustained
after the retreat to five years after. and significant health improvements
“The results suggest that retreat long after participants return home
experiences significantly improve suggests they help guests make
people’s lives. This is evident from positive lifestyle changes and adopt
reported improvements in quality of healthy behaviours,” says Cohen.
life and subjective wellbeing, decreases He also says that more research is
in the frequency and severity of health needed, with larger numbers of subjects
symptoms, reductions in body weight, and longer follow-up periods. O
blood pressure and abdominal girth,
and positive changes in metabolic and
neurological pathways,” says Cohen.
Jane Kitchen is managing
Four studies looked at retreats aimed editor at Spa Business.
Professor Marc Cohen of RMIT University at improving quality of life for cancer email janekitchen@
in Australia led the study patients, and all showed benefits, including spabusiness.com
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modern plant chemistry70

Bürgenstock TOP TEAM

Partner with Clarins and beneﬁt from:

Visit us at: http://int.clarins.com/spa/

WHEN YOU’RE HERE,

ALEX EMANUEL KOCH/SHUTTERSTOCK

Contact Spa Business: +44 (0)1462 431385 theteam@spabusiness.com

©CYBERTREK 2018 spabusiness.com issue 1 2018 7

*Independent Clinical Trials. **Based on annual global sales.

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38: News report: Wellness Tourism Association

7|Editor’s letter 30|News 46|Ask an Expert: Sexual assault

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62: Switzerland’s Bürgenstock Resort

62|New opening: Bürgenstock 86|Fitness: Rise by We

72|First Person: Going underground 92|Software: Customer retention

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Contact us for more information or a demonstration to discover just how enjoyable,

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