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Mersberger tells Spa Business he wants to lead ISPA to “big things”
Garrett Mersberger is a busy man. As director of wellness for Kohler Waters Spas, he’s just seen the brand’s flagship European location in Scotland transformed and doubled in size, and he’s also recently been named chair of the International Spa Association (ISPA) in the US.
But neither he, Kohler nor ISPA are standing still and talking to Spa Business he reveals Kohler’s spa growth plans and how ISPA’s going to increase its presence internationally.
From bathrooms to spas Kohler, a household name for bathroom and kitchen fixtures, has recently broken ground on an expansion project for its flagship property in Kohler, Wisconsin – the original Kohler Waters Spa – where they’ll be adding five additional treatment rooms, more Kohler relaxation space, a cafe, and a new bridal lounge. Additionally, Mersberger reveals the company will launch a new spa in the US next year and is working on another potential opening in 2020.
“You’re going to start seeing Kohler Waters Spas expanding – I’d say by one spa annually moving forward,” Mersberger explains. “The hope is growth for the Kohler Waters Spa brand. Customer demand is obviously high, wellness is booming and we see this as a great way to partner with the Kohler plumbing brand and to use our spas as brand showcases.”
Founded in 1873, Kohler Company has an estimated revenue of US$6bn and is one America’s largest companies. It has its own hospitality arm and first entered the spa industry 18 years ago, and now owns and operates four – three in the US and one in Scotland.
“It’s been a nice marriage of brands and the Kohler name,” Mersberger explains. “When we opened our first spa in 2000, we did a lot of research into the history of spa and we kept coming back to water and the Roman bath houses. And Kohler’s been in the water business for the last 150 years, so we know a thing or two about water. So it was a natural fit.”
The St Andrews spa was growing – not just through customers in the hotel, but also through its membership component. “So we decided we needed an expansion and we actually doubled the square footage of the spa,” says Mersberger.
The spa has been completely refreshed and well-known industry figure Kirsty MacCormick came on board as spa director last year. Two couples’ rooms have been added – bringing the total to 13 – as well as a spa cafe serving healthy cuisine and coed relaxation space.
“Everything we did keeps water in mind – the colour schemes, the noises you hear – everything,” explains Mersberger.
“In the thermal area, we have an 8ft waterfall that cascades into the pool. We have little trickling waterfalls in different rooms throughout the spa so you’re always able to hear water.
“But it’s also about being able to see water, so a lot of the artwork uses different water scenes from Scotland. In the colour schemes we chose colours of water, but not just water from anywhere, water specifically from Scotland. We want to stay true to the local area and not lose sight of the fact that we’re in Scotland and we’re right by the North Sea.”
Growth for ISPA In the middle of all this growth for Kohler Waters Spa, Mersberger also has his position as chair of ISPA – a role he takes seriously. He’s interviewed the four past chairs, picking their brains on what their vision was, what their hardships were, what they loved about the job.
“I’d like to carry that torch and lead our association to big things,” he says. “That includes growth internationally – that’s a big push. Right now, with so much going on in the spa industry – it’s growing so fast – spas need someone to turn to.
“Maybe they don’t have harassment policies in place, or transgender policies in place – things like that that they haven’t thought of. Our world is moving so fast that they need to look to ISPA, and hopefully we can provide some of those tools and some of that direction for them. We don’t write policy necessarily, but hopefully we can be a good resource for them to help them create their own policies.”
But Mersberger’s role with Kohler shows no signs of slowing down. Now, he says that the company is getting inquiries from hotels that are interested in putting a Kohler-branded spa in their hotels. Mersberger concludes: “We’re exploring that – absolutely. The future looks bright for Kohler Waters Spa.”
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
People profile: Garrett Mersberger
Garrett Mersberger on the overhaul of Kohler Waters’ flagship spa in Europe, plus his vision for ISPA following his appointment as chair of the association
Spa programmes: On the menu
Underwater yoga, healing breathwork and genetics all feature in Spa Business’ brand new series revealing the latest treatments, programmes and retreats in spas
Promotional feature: Zimmer MedizinSysteme
Cold therapy is suddenly all the rage, but Zimmer MedizinSysteme’s icelab takes it a step further, creating a cold sauna for the whole body. Rainer Bolsinger explains more about this cutting-edge therapy
Promotional feature: The Tides: pure Dutch nature inside
Modern living might be tough on our minds and bodies, but newly-launched Dutch wellness and self-care brand The Tides offers just the antidote with a new class of pure, raw products and treatments
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
Mersberger tells Spa Business he wants to lead ISPA to “big things”
Garrett Mersberger is a busy man. As director of wellness for Kohler Waters Spas, he’s just seen the brand’s flagship European location in Scotland transformed and doubled in size, and he’s also recently been named chair of the International Spa Association (ISPA) in the US.
But neither he, Kohler nor ISPA are standing still and talking to Spa Business he reveals Kohler’s spa growth plans and how ISPA’s going to increase its presence internationally.
From bathrooms to spas Kohler, a household name for bathroom and kitchen fixtures, has recently broken ground on an expansion project for its flagship property in Kohler, Wisconsin – the original Kohler Waters Spa – where they’ll be adding five additional treatment rooms, more Kohler relaxation space, a cafe, and a new bridal lounge. Additionally, Mersberger reveals the company will launch a new spa in the US next year and is working on another potential opening in 2020.
“You’re going to start seeing Kohler Waters Spas expanding – I’d say by one spa annually moving forward,” Mersberger explains. “The hope is growth for the Kohler Waters Spa brand. Customer demand is obviously high, wellness is booming and we see this as a great way to partner with the Kohler plumbing brand and to use our spas as brand showcases.”
Founded in 1873, Kohler Company has an estimated revenue of US$6bn and is one America’s largest companies. It has its own hospitality arm and first entered the spa industry 18 years ago, and now owns and operates four – three in the US and one in Scotland.
“It’s been a nice marriage of brands and the Kohler name,” Mersberger explains. “When we opened our first spa in 2000, we did a lot of research into the history of spa and we kept coming back to water and the Roman bath houses. And Kohler’s been in the water business for the last 150 years, so we know a thing or two about water. So it was a natural fit.”
The St Andrews spa was growing – not just through customers in the hotel, but also through its membership component. “So we decided we needed an expansion and we actually doubled the square footage of the spa,” says Mersberger.
The spa has been completely refreshed and well-known industry figure Kirsty MacCormick came on board as spa director last year. Two couples’ rooms have been added – bringing the total to 13 – as well as a spa cafe serving healthy cuisine and coed relaxation space.
“Everything we did keeps water in mind – the colour schemes, the noises you hear – everything,” explains Mersberger.
“In the thermal area, we have an 8ft waterfall that cascades into the pool. We have little trickling waterfalls in different rooms throughout the spa so you’re always able to hear water.
“But it’s also about being able to see water, so a lot of the artwork uses different water scenes from Scotland. In the colour schemes we chose colours of water, but not just water from anywhere, water specifically from Scotland. We want to stay true to the local area and not lose sight of the fact that we’re in Scotland and we’re right by the North Sea.”
Growth for ISPA In the middle of all this growth for Kohler Waters Spa, Mersberger also has his position as chair of ISPA – a role he takes seriously. He’s interviewed the four past chairs, picking their brains on what their vision was, what their hardships were, what they loved about the job.
“I’d like to carry that torch and lead our association to big things,” he says. “That includes growth internationally – that’s a big push. Right now, with so much going on in the spa industry – it’s growing so fast – spas need someone to turn to.
“Maybe they don’t have harassment policies in place, or transgender policies in place – things like that that they haven’t thought of. Our world is moving so fast that they need to look to ISPA, and hopefully we can provide some of those tools and some of that direction for them. We don’t write policy necessarily, but hopefully we can be a good resource for them to help them create their own policies.”
But Mersberger’s role with Kohler shows no signs of slowing down. Now, he says that the company is getting inquiries from hotels that are interested in putting a Kohler-branded spa in their hotels. Mersberger concludes: “We’re exploring that – absolutely. The future looks bright for Kohler Waters Spa.”
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
People profile: Garrett Mersberger
Garrett Mersberger on the overhaul of Kohler Waters’ flagship spa in Europe, plus his vision for ISPA following his appointment as chair of the association
Spa programmes: On the menu
Underwater yoga, healing breathwork and genetics all feature in Spa Business’ brand new series revealing the latest treatments, programmes and retreats in spas
Promotional feature: Zimmer MedizinSysteme
Cold therapy is suddenly all the rage, but Zimmer MedizinSysteme’s icelab takes it a step further, creating a cold sauna for the whole body. Rainer Bolsinger explains more about this cutting-edge therapy
Promotional feature: The Tides: pure Dutch nature inside
Modern living might be tough on our minds and bodies, but newly-launched Dutch wellness and self-care brand The Tides offers just the antidote with a new class of pure, raw products and treatments
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.
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of
Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los
Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at
Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
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.
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
