Yog’apnee combines yoga and a freediving training session / photo: shutterstock/Wonderful Nature
Evian Spas get creative with water experiences
Evian Spa, the wellbeing concept inspired by the mineral water brand and developed by Patrick Saussay of GPSA Consulting, is making a splash with some interesting aqua-based experiences.
In Evian-les-Bains, France, the new Evian Spa at Hôtel Royal, is offering yog’apnee – which combines an hour of yoga with a 90-minute freediving training session in either Lake Geneva or the heated pool onsite. The experience invites guests “to explore new sensations while working on breath control, to achieve a deep and long-lasting feeling of calmness”.
Location: Evian Spa, Hôtel Royal, Evian-les-Bains, France
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: €180 (US$195, £150)
At its outpost in Tokyo, Japan, Evian Spa is taking water workouts further by introducing a tailored pool movement and massage package.
Aqua Move begins with a trainer briefing and a 10-minute warm-up poolside. Each in-water session can be customised to the desired level of fitness. It can include light cardio paired with gentle stretching to promote mobility or intense fat-burning exercises for those seeking a more vigorous workout.
The experience concludes with a brief hot tub soak before either a 60- or 90-minute massage.
Location: Evian Spa Tokyo, Japan
Duration: 120 or 150 minutes
Cost: JPY39,200 (US$262, €241, £201) or JPY47,200 (US$316, €291, £242)
The new Evian Spa at Hôtel Royal in France / photo: Evian Spa
Tailored aqua workouts are available in Tokyo / photo: Palace Hotel Tokyo
Going tea total at Argentine wine spa
A boutique wine and wellness hotel in the heart of Argentine wine country has introduced the Yerba Mate treatment derived from the iconic South American antioxidant-rich tea-like beverage.
The energising treatment takes place in one of seven spa suites at SB Winemaker’s House in Mendoza – each complete with a steamroom, experience shower, massage table and access to a wellness butler.
It includes a yerba mate exfoliation, a warm shower, a green yerba mate herbal body mask and a soft vegetal fibre body wrap. Afterwards, guests can enjoy a traditional yerba mate service in their suite and soak in a prepared bath.
Location: SB Winemaker’s House and Spa Suites, Mendoza, Argentina
Duration: 75 minutes
Cost: US$150 (€138, £115)
Accommodation consists of seven spa suites / photo: SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites
Yerba mate is a South American tea-like beverage / photo: SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites
Sense hacking retreat coming to Lake Garda
A retreat has launched in Lake Garda, Italy, to help guests discover the power of their senses and use this to reduce stress and enhance overall wellbeing.
Led by life coach and counsellor Constanze Spagnolli, the programme draws on the work of ‘sense hacking’ psychologist Charles Spence, who Spa Business first interviewed in 2006.
The practice involves manipulating sensory inputs – such as sound or scent – to influence how we perceive and interact with our environment. By carefully adjusting these sensory cues, Spence says it’s possible to enhance experiences, boost mood and improve mental and physical health.
Each day will include the exploration of a different sense, immersive experiences, mindfulness coaching, yoga and meditation, spa treatments and nourishing meals.
Location: Cape of Senses, Verona, Italy
Duration: 5 days
Cost: €2,790 (US$3,029, £2,324)
Sensory cues are manipulated to enhance wellbeing / hoto: Alex Moling
Texan spa offers six-hand ritual
The Thompson Spa in Houston, in the US, has introduced a six-hand treatment in which three skin and body specialists conduct a massage, body ritual and facial over 3 hours.
The Trio Luxe begins with an exfoliation and massage with synchronised movements, aromatherapy and sound therapy. It then transitions to a bespoke facial, which includes the application of skincare masks and face massage techniques – namely cupping and gua sha – to leave the face, neck and décolleté firm, bright and nourished. A deep tissue enhancement can be added on for US$30 (€28, £23) more.
Location: Thompson Spa, Thomson Houston Hotel, Texas, US
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: US$1,500 (€1,381, £1,151)
Three therapists work on the body and face at the same time / photo: Thompson Houston
Ear acupuncture touted as ‘holistic Ozempic alternative’
Jennifer Young / photo: Jennifer Young
UK-based spa chain Champneys has introduced an ear acupuncture ritual designed to aid weight management. Developed by skincare specialist Jennifer Young, the treatment is being billed as a natural alternative to weight loss drug, Ozempic, targeting hormonal imbalances related to weight issues.
The experience focuses on 12 acupuncture points linked to hunger, metabolism and pleasure hormones.
The session includes a consultation, followed by needle placement and a 45-minute lower leg massage focused on areas associated with the stomach and spleen meridians in traditional Chinese medicine – believed to aid digestion and overall wellbeing. Ear seeds are applied post-treatment to maintain pressure on the points for three days.
Location: Champneys day spas, multiple UK locations
Duration: 50 minutes
Cost: £96 (US$125, €115)
It focuses on 12 energy points linked to hunger and metabolism / photo: wavebreakmedia
Mayan traditions inspire immersive healing in Mexico
A fresh spa menu at Kempinski’s Kayantá Spa in Cancún, Mexico, has been created to showcase the depth and richness of Mayan healing therapies.
It comprises four immersive journeys that include elements such as a spiritual cleansing and scrubs using local medicinal herbs.
The Sac-Nicté Journey, celebrating the sacred white Sac-Nicté flower, for example, consists of a full-body exfoliation that prepares the skin for a Yucatan floral bath infused with salts from the mines of Las Coloradas. The journey is rounded out with a back and body massage and moisturising body wrap.
Location: Kempinski Hotel Cancún, Cancún, Mexico
Duration: 80 minutes
Cost: MXN4,600 (US$233, €214, £178)
Local healing herbs and flowers are used in treatments / photo: Kempinski Hotels
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2024 issue 4
Editor's letter: Pleasure time
It’s time to make ‘pleasure health’ the new ‘play’ to realise the true value of the wellness sector, says Katie Barnes
Spa people: Luuk Melisse
Sanctum's co-founder Luuk Melisse on going global with the unique, spiritual workout that originated in Amsterdam
Interview: Dean Kowarski
Virgin Active is transforming its gym business with 230 sites and 1.2 million members into a social wellness brand. The CEO reveals more details to Liz Terry
First person: Steamy situation
Cassandra Cavanah is moved to tears (and also a little nervous) as she joins hundreds of near-naked heat enthusiasts at this year's Aufguss World Championships
Promotion: TechnoAlpin: In touch
Sara Brenninger talks
to wellness expert
Alina Hernandez
about the power of
real snow to create
immersive touchless
wellness experiences
Interview: Fabian Dolman
How can operators make a successful business out of aufguss programmes? Thermen Resort's CEO gives some tips
Sponsored: Best of both
Alina Hernandez, Gharieni Group advisory board member, explains how Metawell – its portfolio of tech-forward mind/body technologies – is right on time for the next era of wellness
Sponsored: Elevate your business with EGYM
Transform your business with fully connected, personalised and data-powered solutions that drive results
for members, trainers and businesses
Sponsored: Outstanding in its field
RKF Luxury Linen has had a stellar year in 2024, hitting new standards of excellence with a raft of certifications
Promotion: Rest and repeat
Starpool is drawing on science, innovation and equilibrium to offer the industry’s leading recovery solutions
Sponsored: Iyashi Dôme's Oteire
Modern consumers demand solutions that blend cutting-edge technology with proven results, and Iyashi Dôme is rising to the challenge by redefining industry standards
First person: Sparkling Water
Mary Bemis is one of the first to visit the stunning new Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Bali at Sayan
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
Yog’apnee combines yoga and a freediving training session / photo: shutterstock/Wonderful Nature
Evian Spas get creative with water experiences
Evian Spa, the wellbeing concept inspired by the mineral water brand and developed by Patrick Saussay of GPSA Consulting, is making a splash with some interesting aqua-based experiences.
In Evian-les-Bains, France, the new Evian Spa at Hôtel Royal, is offering yog’apnee – which combines an hour of yoga with a 90-minute freediving training session in either Lake Geneva or the heated pool onsite. The experience invites guests “to explore new sensations while working on breath control, to achieve a deep and long-lasting feeling of calmness”.
Location: Evian Spa, Hôtel Royal, Evian-les-Bains, France
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: €180 (US$195, £150)
At its outpost in Tokyo, Japan, Evian Spa is taking water workouts further by introducing a tailored pool movement and massage package.
Aqua Move begins with a trainer briefing and a 10-minute warm-up poolside. Each in-water session can be customised to the desired level of fitness. It can include light cardio paired with gentle stretching to promote mobility or intense fat-burning exercises for those seeking a more vigorous workout.
The experience concludes with a brief hot tub soak before either a 60- or 90-minute massage.
Location: Evian Spa Tokyo, Japan
Duration: 120 or 150 minutes
Cost: JPY39,200 (US$262, €241, £201) or JPY47,200 (US$316, €291, £242)
The new Evian Spa at Hôtel Royal in France / photo: Evian Spa
Tailored aqua workouts are available in Tokyo / photo: Palace Hotel Tokyo
Going tea total at Argentine wine spa
A boutique wine and wellness hotel in the heart of Argentine wine country has introduced the Yerba Mate treatment derived from the iconic South American antioxidant-rich tea-like beverage.
The energising treatment takes place in one of seven spa suites at SB Winemaker’s House in Mendoza – each complete with a steamroom, experience shower, massage table and access to a wellness butler.
It includes a yerba mate exfoliation, a warm shower, a green yerba mate herbal body mask and a soft vegetal fibre body wrap. Afterwards, guests can enjoy a traditional yerba mate service in their suite and soak in a prepared bath.
Location: SB Winemaker’s House and Spa Suites, Mendoza, Argentina
Duration: 75 minutes
Cost: US$150 (€138, £115)
Accommodation consists of seven spa suites / photo: SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites
Yerba mate is a South American tea-like beverage / photo: SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites
Sense hacking retreat coming to Lake Garda
A retreat has launched in Lake Garda, Italy, to help guests discover the power of their senses and use this to reduce stress and enhance overall wellbeing.
Led by life coach and counsellor Constanze Spagnolli, the programme draws on the work of ‘sense hacking’ psychologist Charles Spence, who Spa Business first interviewed in 2006.
The practice involves manipulating sensory inputs – such as sound or scent – to influence how we perceive and interact with our environment. By carefully adjusting these sensory cues, Spence says it’s possible to enhance experiences, boost mood and improve mental and physical health.
Each day will include the exploration of a different sense, immersive experiences, mindfulness coaching, yoga and meditation, spa treatments and nourishing meals.
Location: Cape of Senses, Verona, Italy
Duration: 5 days
Cost: €2,790 (US$3,029, £2,324)
Sensory cues are manipulated to enhance wellbeing / hoto: Alex Moling
Texan spa offers six-hand ritual
The Thompson Spa in Houston, in the US, has introduced a six-hand treatment in which three skin and body specialists conduct a massage, body ritual and facial over 3 hours.
The Trio Luxe begins with an exfoliation and massage with synchronised movements, aromatherapy and sound therapy. It then transitions to a bespoke facial, which includes the application of skincare masks and face massage techniques – namely cupping and gua sha – to leave the face, neck and décolleté firm, bright and nourished. A deep tissue enhancement can be added on for US$30 (€28, £23) more.
Location: Thompson Spa, Thomson Houston Hotel, Texas, US
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: US$1,500 (€1,381, £1,151)
Three therapists work on the body and face at the same time / photo: Thompson Houston
Ear acupuncture touted as ‘holistic Ozempic alternative’
Jennifer Young / photo: Jennifer Young
UK-based spa chain Champneys has introduced an ear acupuncture ritual designed to aid weight management. Developed by skincare specialist Jennifer Young, the treatment is being billed as a natural alternative to weight loss drug, Ozempic, targeting hormonal imbalances related to weight issues.
The experience focuses on 12 acupuncture points linked to hunger, metabolism and pleasure hormones.
The session includes a consultation, followed by needle placement and a 45-minute lower leg massage focused on areas associated with the stomach and spleen meridians in traditional Chinese medicine – believed to aid digestion and overall wellbeing. Ear seeds are applied post-treatment to maintain pressure on the points for three days.
Location: Champneys day spas, multiple UK locations
Duration: 50 minutes
Cost: £96 (US$125, €115)
It focuses on 12 energy points linked to hunger and metabolism / photo: wavebreakmedia
Mayan traditions inspire immersive healing in Mexico
A fresh spa menu at Kempinski’s Kayantá Spa in Cancún, Mexico, has been created to showcase the depth and richness of Mayan healing therapies.
It comprises four immersive journeys that include elements such as a spiritual cleansing and scrubs using local medicinal herbs.
The Sac-Nicté Journey, celebrating the sacred white Sac-Nicté flower, for example, consists of a full-body exfoliation that prepares the skin for a Yucatan floral bath infused with salts from the mines of Las Coloradas. The journey is rounded out with a back and body massage and moisturising body wrap.
Location: Kempinski Hotel Cancún, Cancún, Mexico
Duration: 80 minutes
Cost: MXN4,600 (US$233, €214, £178)
Local healing herbs and flowers are used in treatments / photo: Kempinski Hotels
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2024 issue 4
Editor's letter: Pleasure time
It’s time to make ‘pleasure health’ the new ‘play’ to realise the true value of the wellness sector, says Katie Barnes
Spa people: Luuk Melisse
Sanctum's co-founder Luuk Melisse on going global with the unique, spiritual workout that originated in Amsterdam
Interview: Dean Kowarski
Virgin Active is transforming its gym business with 230 sites and 1.2 million members into a social wellness brand. The CEO reveals more details to Liz Terry
First person: Steamy situation
Cassandra Cavanah is moved to tears (and also a little nervous) as she joins hundreds of near-naked heat enthusiasts at this year's Aufguss World Championships
Promotion: TechnoAlpin: In touch
Sara Brenninger talks
to wellness expert
Alina Hernandez
about the power of
real snow to create
immersive touchless
wellness experiences
Interview: Fabian Dolman
How can operators make a successful business out of aufguss programmes? Thermen Resort's CEO gives some tips
Sponsored: Best of both
Alina Hernandez, Gharieni Group advisory board member, explains how Metawell – its portfolio of tech-forward mind/body technologies – is right on time for the next era of wellness
Sponsored: Elevate your business with EGYM
Transform your business with fully connected, personalised and data-powered solutions that drive results
for members, trainers and businesses
Sponsored: Outstanding in its field
RKF Luxury Linen has had a stellar year in 2024, hitting new standards of excellence with a raft of certifications
Promotion: Rest and repeat
Starpool is drawing on science, innovation and equilibrium to offer the industry’s leading recovery solutions
Sponsored: Iyashi Dôme's Oteire
Modern consumers demand solutions that blend cutting-edge technology with proven results, and Iyashi Dôme is rising to the challenge by redefining industry standards
First person: Sparkling Water
Mary Bemis is one of the first to visit the stunning new Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Bali at Sayan
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.
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
