Mark Hennebry, Ensana
/ photo: Ensana Health Spa Hotels
What have been your career highlights? During a dire recession in Ireland, is it the day I saw a vacancy for a job in Hong Kong and was on a plane three weeks later becoming an economic migrant like millions of others? Or is it the day I went for an interview in Phuket and on walking into the hotel, knowing with absolute certainty that I’d found my ‘home’?
There have been many other such inflexion points when I needed to make career decisions. I subscribe to the concept that there’s no such thing as a right/wrong choice – just a different one.
Who have been the biggest influencers? Banyan Tree opened its flagship site in Phuket in 1994 and was one of the first to design a spa concept as an integral part of the hotel offering, rather than just as an afterthought. Many brands have followed suit to varying degrees of success. Today Banyan Tree remains a phenomenal force and it has also added complementary brands that segment the market.
What will have the greatest impact on spas? The democratisation of health will be hugely influential. Ultra-luxury spas are wonderful. However, spas that build their business model around a much wider and deeper market segment at accessible price points, will, I believe, develop a long-term sustainable future.
What do you still hope to accomplish? The creation of Ensana just four years ago laid the foundations for a new brand in Europe based on integrative health – fusing local natural resources such as thermal water and mud with expert medical knowledge to offer treatments that support people’s health. We’re only at the start of this journey and doubling the size of the business in the next 10 years is an achievable goal.
In celebration of Spa Business’ 20th anniversary, industry leaders take a look at how far the sector has come since the magazine’s inception in 2003, share personal career highlights and reveal their plans and ideas for the future.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2023 issue 3
Editor's letter: Reflection point
As Spa Business celebrates its 20th birthday, Katie Barnes pauses for thought and rejoices in the industry’s evolution
Spa People: 20th anniversary issue: Anna Bjurstam
The strategic senior advisor at Six Senses and Raison d'Etre on being initiated as a shaman, why psychedelics are here to stay and her bigger fear for the global spa industry
Promotion: Klafs: Relax into wellbeing
Klafs and Studio F. A. Porsche have combined their design and wellness expertise to create an oasis for total-body relaxation
News report: Eastern promise
Japan’s spa industry is valued at US$4.2 billion and is part of the world's third highest-performing wellness economy
Jeremy McCarthy: Theory of evolution
From spa to wellness and now leisure – Spa Business’ contributing editor looks at where hospitality experiences are heading
Promotion: Lemi: Built to last
Lemi is committed to leading with innovation to create
cutting-edge treatment room solutions that excel
in terms of performance and eco-credentials
Promotion: G.M. COLLIN: Collagen pioneers
GM Collin’s expertise in collagen research and product formulation has resulted in the creation of a new serum that combats age-related skin degeneration
Promotion: Comfort Zone: A brighter future
Consumers are increasingly interested in reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation and a new line from Comfort Zone has been launched to address this emerging need
Promotion: Art of Cryo: Life changing experience
Vikki and Robbie are often exhausted after work. A visit to the spa to experience
the Art of Cryo Tech-Spa Module is a chance to re-set and rejuvenate together
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly
customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness
environments. [more...]
Mark Hennebry, Ensana
/ photo: Ensana Health Spa Hotels
What have been your career highlights? During a dire recession in Ireland, is it the day I saw a vacancy for a job in Hong Kong and was on a plane three weeks later becoming an economic migrant like millions of others? Or is it the day I went for an interview in Phuket and on walking into the hotel, knowing with absolute certainty that I’d found my ‘home’?
There have been many other such inflexion points when I needed to make career decisions. I subscribe to the concept that there’s no such thing as a right/wrong choice – just a different one.
Who have been the biggest influencers? Banyan Tree opened its flagship site in Phuket in 1994 and was one of the first to design a spa concept as an integral part of the hotel offering, rather than just as an afterthought. Many brands have followed suit to varying degrees of success. Today Banyan Tree remains a phenomenal force and it has also added complementary brands that segment the market.
What will have the greatest impact on spas? The democratisation of health will be hugely influential. Ultra-luxury spas are wonderful. However, spas that build their business model around a much wider and deeper market segment at accessible price points, will, I believe, develop a long-term sustainable future.
What do you still hope to accomplish? The creation of Ensana just four years ago laid the foundations for a new brand in Europe based on integrative health – fusing local natural resources such as thermal water and mud with expert medical knowledge to offer treatments that support people’s health. We’re only at the start of this journey and doubling the size of the business in the next 10 years is an achievable goal.
In celebration of Spa Business’ 20th anniversary, industry leaders take a look at how far the sector has come since the magazine’s inception in 2003, share personal career highlights and reveal their plans and ideas for the future.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2023 issue 3
Editor's letter: Reflection point
As Spa Business celebrates its 20th birthday, Katie Barnes pauses for thought and rejoices in the industry’s evolution
Spa People: 20th anniversary issue: Anna Bjurstam
The strategic senior advisor at Six Senses and Raison d'Etre on being initiated as a shaman, why psychedelics are here to stay and her bigger fear for the global spa industry
Promotion: Klafs: Relax into wellbeing
Klafs and Studio F. A. Porsche have combined their design and wellness expertise to create an oasis for total-body relaxation
News report: Eastern promise
Japan’s spa industry is valued at US$4.2 billion and is part of the world's third highest-performing wellness economy
Jeremy McCarthy: Theory of evolution
From spa to wellness and now leisure – Spa Business’ contributing editor looks at where hospitality experiences are heading
Promotion: Lemi: Built to last
Lemi is committed to leading with innovation to create
cutting-edge treatment room solutions that excel
in terms of performance and eco-credentials
Promotion: G.M. COLLIN: Collagen pioneers
GM Collin’s expertise in collagen research and product formulation has resulted in the creation of a new serum that combats age-related skin degeneration
Promotion: Comfort Zone: A brighter future
Consumers are increasingly interested in reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation and a new line from Comfort Zone has been launched to address this emerging need
Promotion: Art of Cryo: Life changing experience
Vikki and Robbie are often exhausted after work. A visit to the spa to experience
the Art of Cryo Tech-Spa Module is a chance to re-set and rejuvenate together
Global Wellness Day (GWD) will mark its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly
customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness
environments. [more...]
