Leading spas are starting to offer DNA testing as the ultimate way to personalise services (see p56). However, molecular biologist Dr Tom Stubbs is taking the science a step further. He’s the co-founder and CEO of Chronomics, a UK startup which lays claim to being the first company to bring epigenetic testing directly to the customer.
He says: “Our genome – 3.2 billion letters of information – is fixed from birth. That’s your DNA. But your lifestyle and the environment have an influence on how that information expresses itself.
“Epigenetics testing gives the most accurate measure of your biological age – using real data that you can act upon to improve your health now and in the future.”
Stubbs says Chronomics uses next generation sequencing technology to test around 5 million epigenetic marks on DNA, combined with machine learning to predict how factors such as sleep, nutrition and pollution could be affecting your health today.
Its Biological Age test, which costs £399 (US$522, €464) a year, involves a saliva swab to assess epigenetic marks and in-depth lifestyle questionnaire. Results are processed in a lab and then over the next 12 months consumers have access to health and lifestyle coaches and DNA experts.
They log onto a dashboard loaded with their results, receive bespoke Chronomics health and lifestyle support, and progress tracking. They also have access to one-to-one coaching calls to help with mindset and implementation.
“We believe we’re the first company to offer this level of support after customers receive results,” says Stubbs, adding that they aim is to “reduce their risk of chronic and age-related diseases by up to 80 per cent.”
Chronomics is also now working with dozens of wellness providers – in corporate wellness, private healthcare and spas both in the UK and internationally. He says: “Some want to use their own experts to deliver the recommended lifestyle changes, while others need us to provide the whole service.”
Stubbs concludes: “The advent of consumer DNA testing brought a sense that things were predetermined and people couldn’t do much about it. Epigenetics, however, can push back against that part of their story, and help them to choose a better path of preventative wellbeing.”
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Leading spas are starting to offer DNA testing as the ultimate way to personalise services (see p56). However, molecular biologist Dr Tom Stubbs is taking the science a step further. He’s the co-founder and CEO of Chronomics, a UK startup which lays claim to being the first company to bring epigenetic testing directly to the customer.
He says: “Our genome – 3.2 billion letters of information – is fixed from birth. That’s your DNA. But your lifestyle and the environment have an influence on how that information expresses itself.
“Epigenetics testing gives the most accurate measure of your biological age – using real data that you can act upon to improve your health now and in the future.”
Stubbs says Chronomics uses next generation sequencing technology to test around 5 million epigenetic marks on DNA, combined with machine learning to predict how factors such as sleep, nutrition and pollution could be affecting your health today.
Its Biological Age test, which costs £399 (US$522, €464) a year, involves a saliva swab to assess epigenetic marks and in-depth lifestyle questionnaire. Results are processed in a lab and then over the next 12 months consumers have access to health and lifestyle coaches and DNA experts.
They log onto a dashboard loaded with their results, receive bespoke Chronomics health and lifestyle support, and progress tracking. They also have access to one-to-one coaching calls to help with mindset and implementation.
“We believe we’re the first company to offer this level of support after customers receive results,” says Stubbs, adding that they aim is to “reduce their risk of chronic and age-related diseases by up to 80 per cent.”
Chronomics is also now working with dozens of wellness providers – in corporate wellness, private healthcare and spas both in the UK and internationally. He says: “Some want to use their own experts to deliver the recommended lifestyle changes, while others need us to provide the whole service.”
Stubbs concludes: “The advent of consumer DNA testing brought a sense that things were predetermined and people couldn’t do much about it. Epigenetics, however, can push back against that part of their story, and help them to choose a better path of preventative wellbeing.”
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Promotional feature: Lemi - Italian Touch
From humble beginnings in a small Italian village, Lemi has grown a hugely successful global business in the massage bed market. As it celebrates its 30th anniversary year, we talk to GM Matteo Brusaferri
Spa Programmes: On the menu
Olivia Newton-John skincare, Sounds of Africa and jet lag butlers feature in our programming series
Interview: Dale Hipsh
The senior VP of hotels at Hard Rock International tells Katie Barnes why its music-centric spa menu is striking the right chord with consumers and the media
Promotional feature: ISPA
After almost three decades serving members and contributing to the growth of the industry, we talk to ISPA’s Crystal Ducker about the work of the association and the future of spa
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Kim Megson ventures deep into Mexico’s jungle to discover how two Chablé resorts with Mayan spas are aiming to redefine wellness
Interview: John & Karina Stewart
The inspirational couple behind Kamalaya in Thailand talk to Neena Dhillon about emotional therapies, why stress-busting is the new detox and how they’re evolving the concept
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Gharieni has long been known as an industry innovator. Now, Forbes Travel Guide has named the company as its official Spa & Wellness Equipment Manufacturer. Sammy Gharieni tells us more
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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.
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.
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Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
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