After 25 years in business, Chiva-Som
completed a five-year renovation and
announced plans for a new Middle East
resort – all just before the pandemic hit.
Jane Kitchen asks the CEO how the
iconic wellness resort is reinventing itself
By Jane Kitchen | Published in Spa Business 2020 issue 4
Krip Rojanastien took the helm at the family business in 2007 and underwent his own lifestyle transformation – losing 20kg and becoming a marathon runner
One of the most respected wellness destinations in the world, Chiva-Som has spent the past 25 years perfecting its original Hua Hin location as a go-to place for true wellness. Recently, however, chair and CEO Khun Krip Rojanastien has also been busy with a string of changes designed to keep pace with global wellness lifestyle trends and expand the reach of the Thai spa into new markets. And of course, for most of this year, he and the rest of the Chiva-Som staff have been doing what almost everyone else has been doing – learning how to pivot in the face of a pandemic, and along the way, expanding the brand’s reach through online efforts.
Transformation and balance Rojanastien’s late father, Boonchu Rojanastien, a banker and politician, founded Chiva-Som in 1995 as a comprehensive wellness resort focused on optimal wellbeing. It’s nestled in seven acres of tranquil beachfront grounds, a setting that’s key to its aim of helping guests revitalise their mind, body and spirit. Western practices and eastern philosophies are brought together in the treatments and programming, and guests are encouraged to develop healthy habits and lifestyle transformations.
After his father opened the resort, Rojanastien underwent such a lifestyle transformation himself, losing 20kg and becoming a marathon runner. In 2007, following his father’s death, he took the helm at Chiva-Som. “My father and I created something called ‘The Ten Pillars of Chiva-Som’, which are basically guiding principles,” says Rojanastien.
“Balance and innovation are key elements in my approach to the business of wellness. We must seek change and innovation, and at the same time, I try to maintain the balance between Thai traditionalism and evidence-based innovation, luxury and sustainability, medical science and holistic treatments.”
Part of that change and innovation has meant that Chiva-Som recently completed a four-phase overhaul at a cost of TBH800m (US$24.4m, €21m, £18.8m) in response to guest feedback and evolving expectations.
“I’ve worked extensively over five years on upgrading the experience for our guests,” says Rojanastien. “It was a major commitment, especially as we closed the resort for several months [each year] to ensure that our promise of tranquility was not compromised.” That tranquil environment is key to the Chiva-Som ethos. It’s seen as essential in order to focus on wellness. The renovation retains the core themes of the resort, increasing the size of many areas – particularly the guest rooms – and bringing a ‘lightness’ into the interior design.
The Bathing Pavilion, with its salt-water pool, relaxation areas and additional hydrothermal facilities, has been refreshed, as have the wellness consultation rooms, spa treatment rooms, the hydrotherapy suite, floatation chamber and watsu pools.
“Attention was given to creating a calming environment through the use of refined bamboo and silk, supplemented in some areas with granite and mirrors to enhance the light,” says Rojanastien. “The Niranlada Medi-Spa has been transformed to a more serene space with a discrete body and facial analysis area and a dedicated sterile room.”
A range of modalities have been introduced, from three colonic hydrotherapy treatments, to a folate assessment for detox and metabolic health and an LPG Cellu M6 Alliance cellulite treatment. More fitness options have also been added in response to the resort’s – and the wellness sector’s – widening client base. “Our guests are getting both younger and older, so with such a broad base, there are different demands,” Rojanastien says. A highlight of the expanded gym is a Refunctional Room for older guests or those who’ve been through surgeries or traumas. “If they want to recover or get well, they need a different regime to, say, people in their 20s and 30s who want to maximise their performance,” Rojanastien explains. New equipment will help with rehabilitation, leg mobility and balance, as well as preparing the body for more strenuous exercise.
Online wellness Part of Rojanastien’s strategy during the pandemic has been to quickly pivot to bring Chiva-Som’s naturopaths, physiotherapists and exercise professionals to people all over the world, via Zoom, in an attempt to help combat the widespread anxiety and social isolation caused by the lockdown.
“The Online Wellness Services were in fact in our 2020 master plan, and some preparatory actions had started already in 2019,” he says. “The intent is they would support our guests to stay connected with us via a digital platform and help them maintain their wellness lifestyle at home and in their daily life.” When travel restrictions and social distancing became the new normal, Chiva-Som decided to launch the service in April 2020, which was earlier than planned.
The online programming begins with a initial complimentary 50-minute consultation, which includes personalised feedback regarding lifestyle and nutrition as well as suggestions suitable for other online programmes and subsequent sessions. These additional services include everything from neurodynamic exercise (THB3,500, US$112, €95) to yoga and meditation (THB2,500, US$80, €68) and even natural fertility consultation (THB3,500, US$112, €95). In late September, they then added an Online Intensive Wellness Series which includes successive interactive sessions to gradually enhance knowledge of certain areas, such as a six-week pilates course (THB9,500, US$304, €257).
“The feedback has been impressive,” says Rojanastien. “It’s more than we expected. It is our great pleasure to see how much we support those in need.”
That support – be it online or in person – is something Rojanastien sees as vital in a post-pandemic world. “People have experienced trauma in varying degrees, which causes both shock and reflection about what is important in our lives – from friends, family and love, to the environment and sustainability,” he explains. “We think that a natural holistic approach is required.”
With Thai borders closed, resort offerings have been tuned to meet the domestic demand of Thais and expats, who tend to travel on weekends or make long-stay arrangements. New retreats highlighting immunity boosting programmes, wellness rebalancing and stress relief are offered with more flexibility in terms of minimum nights of stay, pricing, programming and arrival and departure times. And because domestic travellers are looking for active sessions on-site, new activities have been added into the daily schedule.
Chiva-Som has also launched a food delivery service in the local area of Hua Hin, which includes meal plans and fresh organic fruit and vegetables. “All are geared to help our guests maintain their wellness lifestyle at home,” says Rojanastien. At the same time, Chiva-Som has retained all its staff – something that he says is important to guests. “They see we’re working hard to ensure our staff and their families stay secure.”
Expanding into Qatar Perhaps the most exciting thing on the horizon for Chiva-Som is the upcoming Zulal Wellness Resort in Khasooma, Qatar, which is set to open in Q2 2021 – a year later than originally expected, but still very much going ahead nonetheless.
Industry consultants Simple Lotus, Spa Strategy and Trilogy Spa Holdings collaborated on the early development of the concept, while GOCO says it also contributed to market research and feasibility and additional services.
Qatar-based Msheireb Properties is developing the property and appointed Chiva-Som to operate the resort, drawing on its many years of expertise in catering to an exacting global clientele. This marks the first time Chiva-Som has embarked on a management contract. “This enables us to partner with an investor who brings additional capabilities and resources to the table,” explains Rojanastien. “In a country where we start with limited local knowledge, this is a valuable foundation.”
Zulal claims to be the largest wellness destination in the country, and also the first centre for Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine (TAIM), which explores the healing remedies and traditions of the Middle East. Derived from the Canon of Medicine written by physician-philosopher Avicenna in 1025, TAIM is one of the cornerstones of the history of medicine, though it is less well-known than the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM) that Chiva-Som guests are familiar with in Hua Hin. “The Middle East has a rich wellness history that’s been documented by medics of the past,” says Rojanastien. “TAIM includes diagnostic techniques as well as herbal and lifestyle remedies that we will be introducing into the consultation and treatment menu in the resort. This is the first time TAIM has been brought into a contemporary setting, and we believe it will be of interest to guests of all nationalities. It distils over a millennium of evidence-based wellness practices into a range of treatments and programmes aimed at restoring health in the 21st century. Products and nutrition are rooted in the natural bounty of Qatar, and are delivered using the freshest local ingredients, healing herbs, minerals and marine flora.”
The resort is also unique in that it includes two parts: the Zulal Serenity adults’ resort, and the 120-bedroom Zulal Discovery resort for families. “We strongly believe that a wellness lifestyle starts from a very young age and is determined by the interactions and bonds of every member of the family,” says Rojanastien. “We also understand that parents are increasingly aware of the environment that their children are growing up in, and are looking for positive, fun, healthy environments that support what they are trying to achieve at home.”
Msheireb Properties also worked on the resort’s design, which features architecture inspired by Qatari heritage and culture. The name Zulal refers to “purified water” and is inspired by the people’s historic journey across land to the sea in search of water, the seed of life. Landscaping will feature ponds and water features arranged around serene shaded walled gardens; a narrative inspired by memories of sea-bound travellers finding welcoming shelter in local villages. Guests are expected to be local Qataris as well as wellness travellers from around the world; Rojanastien points out that Doha – about an hour’s drive away – is a convenient hub within a six to seven hour flight of most European cities.
“For family groups, there are literally hundreds of treatments and activities that can be done individually or together in spaces designed to respond to the needs of each age-range and interest,” says Rojanastien. “This includes things such as cooking activities for youngsters to age-appropriate play, dance and creative expression, to breathing meditation and mental health exercises.”
At the adults-only Zulal Serenity, which will have 60 suites and villas, guests can enjoy a wide range of spa treatments, mind-energy work, fitness tracks and aesthetic beauty, as well as detox, cleansing, fasting and meditation. Each guest will have their own wellness advisor, who will develop programmes in accordance with their needs, goals and preferences.
Even after the surprises that 2020 has thrown at us all, Rojanastien remains optimistic about the future. As he explains: “COVID-19 has made people more keenly aware of having a strong immune system and the need for a wellness lifestyle to support that.”
And while digital service platforms will continue even after international travel resumes, Rojanastien says it’s the direct human contact and interaction that people long for. “Therefore,” he concludes, “those in the wellness industry who can achieve excellence on both fronts will be the most successful.”
Jane Kitchen is a consulting editor at Spa Business magazine
| [email protected]
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2020 issue 4
Editor's letter: Nurturing mental health
It’s time for spas re-evaluate their mental wellness approach to help governments and society to tackle the escalating mental health crisis says Katie Barnes
Spa people: Dr Narinthorn Surasinthon
RAKxa Jai, a cutting-edge medi-wellness spa, has opened in partnership with Bumrungrad International Hospital and Minor Hotels in Bangkok. Spa Business talks to its COO
Spa people: Isabelle Duchesneau
The executive director of Québec's Le Monastère Augustines explains why its priority of serving caretakers is more relevant today than ever
Spa people: Michael Banissy
The world's largest study on touch uncovers the role it plays in our health and wellbeing. Spa Business talks to the lead researcher
Interview: Krip Rojanastien
Chiva-Som’s CEO talks to Spa Business magazine about guiding the destination spa through COVID-19 and its first contract management project in Qatar
Ask an expert: Corridors of power
What will it take to make politicians realise the value of spas? Spa Business magazine asks those in government and others who’ve made inroads
Promotion: Artofcryo: Cold Calling
Artofcryo.com aims to offer the best whole-body cryotherapy chambers as well as a complete, reliable and effective solution for operators and results for guests
Promotion: ISPA: Lead, inform, inspire
Lead, Inform, Inspire. It’s been quite a year for ISPA, with its firm commitment to supporting members through the pandemic, as president, Lynne McNees explains
Interview: Mark Hennebry
Ensana’s chair tells Spa Business magazine about its landmark development, Buxton Crescent, one of the only genuine spa hotels in the UK
Promotion: Lemi: Creating the dream team
This year leading Italian supplier Lemi launched three new spa solutions, and ventured into the creation of signature treatments for the first time. General manager Matteo Brusaferri explains why he sees this as the way forward to help spas maximise their investment
Interview: Luisa Anderson
A Longevity Garden and inner healing room are just two of the extra special features at the new Healing Village Spa at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, Bali, says its regional spa director
Promotion: Biologique Recherche
Skincare specialist, Biologique Recherche, is using its knowledge of chronobiology to create new approaches to skincare which yield powerful results
Event review: Global Wellness Summit 2020
This year’s Global Wellness Summit saw two US surgeon generals, leading spa stakeholders and wellness professionals look towards the role they have to play following the global pandemic. Spa Business magazine gives its highlights
Research: Matter of minds
A new study is the first to define and put a value on the global mental wellness industry – estimating it to be worth US$121bn. But what does this mean for spas?
Sponsored briefing: Starpool: Cargo-tecture
During lockdown, Riccardo Turri, CEO of Starpool, was inspired to create a whole new category of product, based on recycled containers. The result is the new i.con spa brand, which fuses luxury, wellness, recycling and design
Software: All booked up
Spa software suppliers take a look at 'big data' to reveal the booking trends they’ve seen since spas have reopened
Promotion: Voya: supporting spa partners
Jessica Anhold, Voya’s head of global sales and marketing, talks community in a time of crisis and how the company is supporting its spa partners
After 25 years in business, Chiva-Som
completed a five-year renovation and
announced plans for a new Middle East
resort – all just before the pandemic hit.
Jane Kitchen asks the CEO how the
iconic wellness resort is reinventing itself
By Jane Kitchen | Published in Spa Business 2020 issue 4
Krip Rojanastien took the helm at the family business in 2007 and underwent his own lifestyle transformation – losing 20kg and becoming a marathon runner
One of the most respected wellness destinations in the world, Chiva-Som has spent the past 25 years perfecting its original Hua Hin location as a go-to place for true wellness. Recently, however, chair and CEO Khun Krip Rojanastien has also been busy with a string of changes designed to keep pace with global wellness lifestyle trends and expand the reach of the Thai spa into new markets. And of course, for most of this year, he and the rest of the Chiva-Som staff have been doing what almost everyone else has been doing – learning how to pivot in the face of a pandemic, and along the way, expanding the brand’s reach through online efforts.
Transformation and balance Rojanastien’s late father, Boonchu Rojanastien, a banker and politician, founded Chiva-Som in 1995 as a comprehensive wellness resort focused on optimal wellbeing. It’s nestled in seven acres of tranquil beachfront grounds, a setting that’s key to its aim of helping guests revitalise their mind, body and spirit. Western practices and eastern philosophies are brought together in the treatments and programming, and guests are encouraged to develop healthy habits and lifestyle transformations.
After his father opened the resort, Rojanastien underwent such a lifestyle transformation himself, losing 20kg and becoming a marathon runner. In 2007, following his father’s death, he took the helm at Chiva-Som. “My father and I created something called ‘The Ten Pillars of Chiva-Som’, which are basically guiding principles,” says Rojanastien.
“Balance and innovation are key elements in my approach to the business of wellness. We must seek change and innovation, and at the same time, I try to maintain the balance between Thai traditionalism and evidence-based innovation, luxury and sustainability, medical science and holistic treatments.”
Part of that change and innovation has meant that Chiva-Som recently completed a four-phase overhaul at a cost of TBH800m (US$24.4m, €21m, £18.8m) in response to guest feedback and evolving expectations.
“I’ve worked extensively over five years on upgrading the experience for our guests,” says Rojanastien. “It was a major commitment, especially as we closed the resort for several months [each year] to ensure that our promise of tranquility was not compromised.” That tranquil environment is key to the Chiva-Som ethos. It’s seen as essential in order to focus on wellness. The renovation retains the core themes of the resort, increasing the size of many areas – particularly the guest rooms – and bringing a ‘lightness’ into the interior design.
The Bathing Pavilion, with its salt-water pool, relaxation areas and additional hydrothermal facilities, has been refreshed, as have the wellness consultation rooms, spa treatment rooms, the hydrotherapy suite, floatation chamber and watsu pools.
“Attention was given to creating a calming environment through the use of refined bamboo and silk, supplemented in some areas with granite and mirrors to enhance the light,” says Rojanastien. “The Niranlada Medi-Spa has been transformed to a more serene space with a discrete body and facial analysis area and a dedicated sterile room.”
A range of modalities have been introduced, from three colonic hydrotherapy treatments, to a folate assessment for detox and metabolic health and an LPG Cellu M6 Alliance cellulite treatment. More fitness options have also been added in response to the resort’s – and the wellness sector’s – widening client base. “Our guests are getting both younger and older, so with such a broad base, there are different demands,” Rojanastien says. A highlight of the expanded gym is a Refunctional Room for older guests or those who’ve been through surgeries or traumas. “If they want to recover or get well, they need a different regime to, say, people in their 20s and 30s who want to maximise their performance,” Rojanastien explains. New equipment will help with rehabilitation, leg mobility and balance, as well as preparing the body for more strenuous exercise.
Online wellness Part of Rojanastien’s strategy during the pandemic has been to quickly pivot to bring Chiva-Som’s naturopaths, physiotherapists and exercise professionals to people all over the world, via Zoom, in an attempt to help combat the widespread anxiety and social isolation caused by the lockdown.
“The Online Wellness Services were in fact in our 2020 master plan, and some preparatory actions had started already in 2019,” he says. “The intent is they would support our guests to stay connected with us via a digital platform and help them maintain their wellness lifestyle at home and in their daily life.” When travel restrictions and social distancing became the new normal, Chiva-Som decided to launch the service in April 2020, which was earlier than planned.
The online programming begins with a initial complimentary 50-minute consultation, which includes personalised feedback regarding lifestyle and nutrition as well as suggestions suitable for other online programmes and subsequent sessions. These additional services include everything from neurodynamic exercise (THB3,500, US$112, €95) to yoga and meditation (THB2,500, US$80, €68) and even natural fertility consultation (THB3,500, US$112, €95). In late September, they then added an Online Intensive Wellness Series which includes successive interactive sessions to gradually enhance knowledge of certain areas, such as a six-week pilates course (THB9,500, US$304, €257).
“The feedback has been impressive,” says Rojanastien. “It’s more than we expected. It is our great pleasure to see how much we support those in need.”
That support – be it online or in person – is something Rojanastien sees as vital in a post-pandemic world. “People have experienced trauma in varying degrees, which causes both shock and reflection about what is important in our lives – from friends, family and love, to the environment and sustainability,” he explains. “We think that a natural holistic approach is required.”
With Thai borders closed, resort offerings have been tuned to meet the domestic demand of Thais and expats, who tend to travel on weekends or make long-stay arrangements. New retreats highlighting immunity boosting programmes, wellness rebalancing and stress relief are offered with more flexibility in terms of minimum nights of stay, pricing, programming and arrival and departure times. And because domestic travellers are looking for active sessions on-site, new activities have been added into the daily schedule.
Chiva-Som has also launched a food delivery service in the local area of Hua Hin, which includes meal plans and fresh organic fruit and vegetables. “All are geared to help our guests maintain their wellness lifestyle at home,” says Rojanastien. At the same time, Chiva-Som has retained all its staff – something that he says is important to guests. “They see we’re working hard to ensure our staff and their families stay secure.”
Expanding into Qatar Perhaps the most exciting thing on the horizon for Chiva-Som is the upcoming Zulal Wellness Resort in Khasooma, Qatar, which is set to open in Q2 2021 – a year later than originally expected, but still very much going ahead nonetheless.
Industry consultants Simple Lotus, Spa Strategy and Trilogy Spa Holdings collaborated on the early development of the concept, while GOCO says it also contributed to market research and feasibility and additional services.
Qatar-based Msheireb Properties is developing the property and appointed Chiva-Som to operate the resort, drawing on its many years of expertise in catering to an exacting global clientele. This marks the first time Chiva-Som has embarked on a management contract. “This enables us to partner with an investor who brings additional capabilities and resources to the table,” explains Rojanastien. “In a country where we start with limited local knowledge, this is a valuable foundation.”
Zulal claims to be the largest wellness destination in the country, and also the first centre for Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine (TAIM), which explores the healing remedies and traditions of the Middle East. Derived from the Canon of Medicine written by physician-philosopher Avicenna in 1025, TAIM is one of the cornerstones of the history of medicine, though it is less well-known than the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM) that Chiva-Som guests are familiar with in Hua Hin. “The Middle East has a rich wellness history that’s been documented by medics of the past,” says Rojanastien. “TAIM includes diagnostic techniques as well as herbal and lifestyle remedies that we will be introducing into the consultation and treatment menu in the resort. This is the first time TAIM has been brought into a contemporary setting, and we believe it will be of interest to guests of all nationalities. It distils over a millennium of evidence-based wellness practices into a range of treatments and programmes aimed at restoring health in the 21st century. Products and nutrition are rooted in the natural bounty of Qatar, and are delivered using the freshest local ingredients, healing herbs, minerals and marine flora.”
The resort is also unique in that it includes two parts: the Zulal Serenity adults’ resort, and the 120-bedroom Zulal Discovery resort for families. “We strongly believe that a wellness lifestyle starts from a very young age and is determined by the interactions and bonds of every member of the family,” says Rojanastien. “We also understand that parents are increasingly aware of the environment that their children are growing up in, and are looking for positive, fun, healthy environments that support what they are trying to achieve at home.”
Msheireb Properties also worked on the resort’s design, which features architecture inspired by Qatari heritage and culture. The name Zulal refers to “purified water” and is inspired by the people’s historic journey across land to the sea in search of water, the seed of life. Landscaping will feature ponds and water features arranged around serene shaded walled gardens; a narrative inspired by memories of sea-bound travellers finding welcoming shelter in local villages. Guests are expected to be local Qataris as well as wellness travellers from around the world; Rojanastien points out that Doha – about an hour’s drive away – is a convenient hub within a six to seven hour flight of most European cities.
“For family groups, there are literally hundreds of treatments and activities that can be done individually or together in spaces designed to respond to the needs of each age-range and interest,” says Rojanastien. “This includes things such as cooking activities for youngsters to age-appropriate play, dance and creative expression, to breathing meditation and mental health exercises.”
At the adults-only Zulal Serenity, which will have 60 suites and villas, guests can enjoy a wide range of spa treatments, mind-energy work, fitness tracks and aesthetic beauty, as well as detox, cleansing, fasting and meditation. Each guest will have their own wellness advisor, who will develop programmes in accordance with their needs, goals and preferences.
Even after the surprises that 2020 has thrown at us all, Rojanastien remains optimistic about the future. As he explains: “COVID-19 has made people more keenly aware of having a strong immune system and the need for a wellness lifestyle to support that.”
And while digital service platforms will continue even after international travel resumes, Rojanastien says it’s the direct human contact and interaction that people long for. “Therefore,” he concludes, “those in the wellness industry who can achieve excellence on both fronts will be the most successful.”
Jane Kitchen is a consulting editor at Spa Business magazine
| [email protected]
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2020 issue 4
Editor's letter: Nurturing mental health
It’s time for spas re-evaluate their mental wellness approach to help governments and society to tackle the escalating mental health crisis says Katie Barnes
Spa people: Dr Narinthorn Surasinthon
RAKxa Jai, a cutting-edge medi-wellness spa, has opened in partnership with Bumrungrad International Hospital and Minor Hotels in Bangkok. Spa Business talks to its COO
Spa people: Isabelle Duchesneau
The executive director of Québec's Le Monastère Augustines explains why its priority of serving caretakers is more relevant today than ever
Spa people: Michael Banissy
The world's largest study on touch uncovers the role it plays in our health and wellbeing. Spa Business talks to the lead researcher
Interview: Krip Rojanastien
Chiva-Som’s CEO talks to Spa Business magazine about guiding the destination spa through COVID-19 and its first contract management project in Qatar
Ask an expert: Corridors of power
What will it take to make politicians realise the value of spas? Spa Business magazine asks those in government and others who’ve made inroads
Promotion: Artofcryo: Cold Calling
Artofcryo.com aims to offer the best whole-body cryotherapy chambers as well as a complete, reliable and effective solution for operators and results for guests
Promotion: ISPA: Lead, inform, inspire
Lead, Inform, Inspire. It’s been quite a year for ISPA, with its firm commitment to supporting members through the pandemic, as president, Lynne McNees explains
Interview: Mark Hennebry
Ensana’s chair tells Spa Business magazine about its landmark development, Buxton Crescent, one of the only genuine spa hotels in the UK
Promotion: Lemi: Creating the dream team
This year leading Italian supplier Lemi launched three new spa solutions, and ventured into the creation of signature treatments for the first time. General manager Matteo Brusaferri explains why he sees this as the way forward to help spas maximise their investment
Interview: Luisa Anderson
A Longevity Garden and inner healing room are just two of the extra special features at the new Healing Village Spa at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, Bali, says its regional spa director
Promotion: Biologique Recherche
Skincare specialist, Biologique Recherche, is using its knowledge of chronobiology to create new approaches to skincare which yield powerful results
Event review: Global Wellness Summit 2020
This year’s Global Wellness Summit saw two US surgeon generals, leading spa stakeholders and wellness professionals look towards the role they have to play following the global pandemic. Spa Business magazine gives its highlights
Research: Matter of minds
A new study is the first to define and put a value on the global mental wellness industry – estimating it to be worth US$121bn. But what does this mean for spas?
Sponsored briefing: Starpool: Cargo-tecture
During lockdown, Riccardo Turri, CEO of Starpool, was inspired to create a whole new category of product, based on recycled containers. The result is the new i.con spa brand, which fuses luxury, wellness, recycling and design
Software: All booked up
Spa software suppliers take a look at 'big data' to reveal the booking trends they’ve seen since spas have reopened
Promotion: Voya: supporting spa partners
Jessica Anhold, Voya’s head of global sales and marketing, talks community in a time of crisis and how the company is supporting its spa partners
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam, has put together a Global Wellness Day
(GWD) agenda with activations rooted in nature and shaped by four pillars of Joy – in
alignment with the day’s theme #JoyMagenta.
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the 2026 event in
Phuket, Thailand, later this year with the theme: The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness.
Auko, an all-inclusive development, is opening in Phong Nha in Vietnam in Q3 2026, with a
series of 30 tented eco-lodges and wellness hospitality operations by Lumina Wellbeing.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, has opened a 2,800sq m spa called The Sanctuary,
with the design and concept inspired by the Native American people that populated Florida’s
Southwest coast – the Calusa.
Swire Hotels’ luxury hospitality brand Upper House has revealed it will roll out its two-day
House of Healing retreats at its three hotels in Hong Kong, Chengdu and Shanghai.
LVMH-owned beauty house Guerlain will launch up to five spas with partners a year as part of
its plan to expand globally, according to the brand’s international spa and wellness director,
Diane Davody.
A new global study by Kevin Kelly and Peter Yesawich, called WELLSurvey 2.0, has revealed
more than half of consumers in the UK, US and Germany would not choose numerous high-
profile wellness resort brands for a future trip.
Luxury hospitality and wellness pioneer Jeremy McCarthy has launched Leisure Alchemy, a
digital platform that will provide professionals with strategic guidance on how to build
transformational leisure experiences that drive profit.
