Executive director Joanna Roche and board president Bonnie Baker are aiming
to breathe new life into the Green Spa Network – and to grow the non-profit
internationally. Jane Kitchen sits down with the GSN’s new leaders
By Jane Kitchen | Published in Spa Business 2019 issue 3
Roche (left) and Baker (right) want to expand GSN to the UK, Mexico and Costa Rica
First set up in 2002, when Rancho La Puerta’s Deborah Szekely urged spas to become active in sustainability, the Green Spa Network (GSN) has found itself, 17 years later, at the forefront of a mushrooming environmental movement, as consumers become more aware of the devastating impact of modern-day living on our natural world. With a mission to promote the natural connections between personal wellbeing, economic sustainability and the health of our planet, GSN aims to help support those in the spa industry to make step-by-step changes to become more sustainable.
Last year, spa operations and marketing professional Joanna Roche joined the organisation as its new executive director, and Bonnie Baker of consultancy Satteva Wellness took the position of board president. Together, these two women are breathing fresh life into the nonprofit at what is perhaps its most critical time.
“In today’s world, we collectively face some of the greatest ecological challenges in known history, as well as some of the greatest threats to our health,” says Baker. “The shortsighted approach we’ve been living with is unsustainable and offers no resolution. It’s becoming all the more obvious, that only a deep shift in our perspective from short-term solutions to long-term regenerative practices will carry us into a healthy future.”
What are your GSN roles? Roche: Bonnie and I are incredibly well-suited to work together – our personalities, passion and desire to inspire change in our industry make this effort a true joy for both of us. I’m strategic and tactical, while Bonnie is diplomatic and generous of spirit. Since working together, we’ve applied professional standards for operations and an entrepreneurial management style to growth and future vision.
Baker: Since Joanna first joined GSN in May of 2018, she immediately brought a sharpened focus and direction, prioritising the many programmes and goals GSN has been pursuing. Joanna and I complemented each other from the very start in the way we understand GSN’s mission, and our belief in the importance of sustainable practices for personal and planetary wellbeing.
What changes have you made so far? Baker: There have been many changes internally, as well as in relation to our membership which includes new strategies and benefits. We’ve created new GSN events; re-branded and re-structured the website; developed a webinar series; re-structured our sponsorship packages; and evolved the board of directors to be more of an advisory board, and less of a management board. We also initiated an annual action initiative, which started last year with the goal of planting one million trees, and this year, we launched our first sustainability research, where we collect monthly surveys from our community of 5,000 members to get insight into their environmental efforts – which means we can bring of-the-moment data on green topics to the wider wellness community.
Roche: We also have a Sustainability Assessment Tool (SAT), where we can come to your business and help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and offer suggestions and solutions, which is great for spas or suppliers that want to learn how to become more eco-friendly in their practices, operations or manufacturing.
Why should those in the spa industry get involved with GSN? Roche: We should all care about the sustainability of the planet, and for US$1 a day you can be a member of GSN and make a difference – whether it’s participating in the tree planting initiative, taking the SAT back to your brand or business, or engaging with thought leaders at our annual congress. Consumers are driving the demand for more sustainable solutions across the wellness industry – whether it’s plastics or packaging, they want less, and we as an industry need to listen.
Baker: Any business truly looking to participate in the experience of wellness should become involved in GSN, but especially companies which have identified sustainability in their core values, manufacturers which want to take a more environmentally or socially responsible approach, and corporate wellness divisions that are setting up standards and operating practices for multiple locations. It doesn’t matter the size or focus of a business, GSN can provide the baseline tools and resources for taking steps to become more sustainable.
What plans do you have for the future for GSN? Baker: GSN has primarily been a US-based organisation, but we’re now looking at expanding with initiatives in the UK, Mexico and Costa Rica. In December, we’re holding our first-ever Self-Care Summit at the Kripalu Center in New York. This will be focused on caring for the caregivers, including spa managers and practitioners.
Roche: We’re also launching a new GSN Foundation, which is an independent tax-deductible nonprofit association. We’re partnering with Hutchinson Consulting on an industry job board, and launching a ‘Growing Greener’ Facebook page for members to discuss sustainability challenges and solutions. And in January, 2020, we’ll have our annual congress in Ojai, California, as well as our Sustainability Awards. The theme this year is ‘Transformation’.
Roche and Baker’s top tips for eco-friendly spas
Skip the plastic – bags, straws, water bottles – and reduce plastic packaging
Re-cycle, up-cycle, and bicycle
Switch to towels and linens that weigh less and require less water to wash
Go with organic ingredients everywhere, go local where practical, go in-house when possible
From our members...
28% have a sustainability officer or a green team
84% say consumers are choosing brands because they are green
57% say time is the biggest challenge to being green
GSN members are passionate about sustainability and the health of our planet
Upcoming GSN events
11 September 2019
GSN Breakfast, Las Vegas
Held during ISPA for the first time last year, where more than 70 people attended
27 September 2019
GSN Media Event, Rainbow Room, New York
Second annual media event to feature sustainable stories and ventures from properties and suppliers
1-3 December 2019
Self-Care Summit, Kripalu Center, New York
A first for GSN, focusing on caring for the caregivers, including spa managers, therapists and practitioners
26-29 January 2020
GSN Congress, Ojai, California
GSN’s signature event, with a theme this year of ‘Transformation’
17-20 May 2020
GSN Buyers Conference, Lake Tahoe
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Spa Programmes: On the menu
Energy medicine at Six Senses; aroma retreat on Croatia’s Island of Vitality and menopause programming all feature in our spa menu round-up
Top team: Rosewood
Jane Kitchen talks to the wellness team behind Rosewood, and its forward-thinking spa concepts, as CEO Sonia Cheng leads a vigorous global rollout
Everyone’s talking about: CBD
Are CBD treatments and products an unregulated fad, or a serious business proposition? Spa Business investigates
Promotional feature: The Madison Collection
Innovation of form and function in robes and towels is a vital part of attracting the next generation of wellness consumers. Charmaine T Lang from The Madison Collection explains how her company consistently maintains its successful point of difference
Interview: Markus Engel
The CEO of Asia’s Urban Resort Concepts talks to Spa Business about positive disruption in the hospitality and spa sector
Promotional feature: The Wellness
A beautiful pool can be the standout feature that draws new customers. It can also cut your running costs if it’s designed to be sustainable. Mohammed Ibrahim, CEO of The Wellness, explains
Interview: Davide Bollati
Liz Terry speaks to the founder of Comfort Zone about the group’s new botanical garden and ongoing commitment to environmentalism
Research: Generation gap
A new consumer study by ISPA uncovers spa-goer preferences and habits across different age groups
Promotional feature: Phytomer
Formulating the ultimate universal product to heal and defend the skin has taken three years of R&D for Phytomer, the French luxury marine skincare brand. The company’s scientific director tells Spa Business about the launch of the groundbreaking Prebioforce serum
Event Report: APSWC Round Table
Industry leaders contribute to APSWC’s third white paper at annual gathering. Catharine Nicol reports from Malaysia
Family spa: Play time
Spa Business takes a look at innovative spa programmes for children and families
Eco spa: Going green
Joanna Roche and Bonnie Baker share their ambitions for the Green Spa Network
Executive director Joanna Roche and board president Bonnie Baker are aiming
to breathe new life into the Green Spa Network – and to grow the non-profit
internationally. Jane Kitchen sits down with the GSN’s new leaders
By Jane Kitchen | Published in Spa Business 2019 issue 3
Roche (left) and Baker (right) want to expand GSN to the UK, Mexico and Costa Rica
First set up in 2002, when Rancho La Puerta’s Deborah Szekely urged spas to become active in sustainability, the Green Spa Network (GSN) has found itself, 17 years later, at the forefront of a mushrooming environmental movement, as consumers become more aware of the devastating impact of modern-day living on our natural world. With a mission to promote the natural connections between personal wellbeing, economic sustainability and the health of our planet, GSN aims to help support those in the spa industry to make step-by-step changes to become more sustainable.
Last year, spa operations and marketing professional Joanna Roche joined the organisation as its new executive director, and Bonnie Baker of consultancy Satteva Wellness took the position of board president. Together, these two women are breathing fresh life into the nonprofit at what is perhaps its most critical time.
“In today’s world, we collectively face some of the greatest ecological challenges in known history, as well as some of the greatest threats to our health,” says Baker. “The shortsighted approach we’ve been living with is unsustainable and offers no resolution. It’s becoming all the more obvious, that only a deep shift in our perspective from short-term solutions to long-term regenerative practices will carry us into a healthy future.”
What are your GSN roles? Roche: Bonnie and I are incredibly well-suited to work together – our personalities, passion and desire to inspire change in our industry make this effort a true joy for both of us. I’m strategic and tactical, while Bonnie is diplomatic and generous of spirit. Since working together, we’ve applied professional standards for operations and an entrepreneurial management style to growth and future vision.
Baker: Since Joanna first joined GSN in May of 2018, she immediately brought a sharpened focus and direction, prioritising the many programmes and goals GSN has been pursuing. Joanna and I complemented each other from the very start in the way we understand GSN’s mission, and our belief in the importance of sustainable practices for personal and planetary wellbeing.
What changes have you made so far? Baker: There have been many changes internally, as well as in relation to our membership which includes new strategies and benefits. We’ve created new GSN events; re-branded and re-structured the website; developed a webinar series; re-structured our sponsorship packages; and evolved the board of directors to be more of an advisory board, and less of a management board. We also initiated an annual action initiative, which started last year with the goal of planting one million trees, and this year, we launched our first sustainability research, where we collect monthly surveys from our community of 5,000 members to get insight into their environmental efforts – which means we can bring of-the-moment data on green topics to the wider wellness community.
Roche: We also have a Sustainability Assessment Tool (SAT), where we can come to your business and help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and offer suggestions and solutions, which is great for spas or suppliers that want to learn how to become more eco-friendly in their practices, operations or manufacturing.
Why should those in the spa industry get involved with GSN? Roche: We should all care about the sustainability of the planet, and for US$1 a day you can be a member of GSN and make a difference – whether it’s participating in the tree planting initiative, taking the SAT back to your brand or business, or engaging with thought leaders at our annual congress. Consumers are driving the demand for more sustainable solutions across the wellness industry – whether it’s plastics or packaging, they want less, and we as an industry need to listen.
Baker: Any business truly looking to participate in the experience of wellness should become involved in GSN, but especially companies which have identified sustainability in their core values, manufacturers which want to take a more environmentally or socially responsible approach, and corporate wellness divisions that are setting up standards and operating practices for multiple locations. It doesn’t matter the size or focus of a business, GSN can provide the baseline tools and resources for taking steps to become more sustainable.
What plans do you have for the future for GSN? Baker: GSN has primarily been a US-based organisation, but we’re now looking at expanding with initiatives in the UK, Mexico and Costa Rica. In December, we’re holding our first-ever Self-Care Summit at the Kripalu Center in New York. This will be focused on caring for the caregivers, including spa managers and practitioners.
Roche: We’re also launching a new GSN Foundation, which is an independent tax-deductible nonprofit association. We’re partnering with Hutchinson Consulting on an industry job board, and launching a ‘Growing Greener’ Facebook page for members to discuss sustainability challenges and solutions. And in January, 2020, we’ll have our annual congress in Ojai, California, as well as our Sustainability Awards. The theme this year is ‘Transformation’.
Roche and Baker’s top tips for eco-friendly spas
Skip the plastic – bags, straws, water bottles – and reduce plastic packaging
Re-cycle, up-cycle, and bicycle
Switch to towels and linens that weigh less and require less water to wash
Go with organic ingredients everywhere, go local where practical, go in-house when possible
From our members...
28% have a sustainability officer or a green team
84% say consumers are choosing brands because they are green
57% say time is the biggest challenge to being green
GSN members are passionate about sustainability and the health of our planet
Upcoming GSN events
11 September 2019
GSN Breakfast, Las Vegas
Held during ISPA for the first time last year, where more than 70 people attended
27 September 2019
GSN Media Event, Rainbow Room, New York
Second annual media event to feature sustainable stories and ventures from properties and suppliers
1-3 December 2019
Self-Care Summit, Kripalu Center, New York
A first for GSN, focusing on caring for the caregivers, including spa managers, therapists and practitioners
26-29 January 2020
GSN Congress, Ojai, California
GSN’s signature event, with a theme this year of ‘Transformation’
17-20 May 2020
GSN Buyers Conference, Lake Tahoe
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Spa Programmes: On the menu
Energy medicine at Six Senses; aroma retreat on Croatia’s Island of Vitality and menopause programming all feature in our spa menu round-up
Top team: Rosewood
Jane Kitchen talks to the wellness team behind Rosewood, and its forward-thinking spa concepts, as CEO Sonia Cheng leads a vigorous global rollout
Everyone’s talking about: CBD
Are CBD treatments and products an unregulated fad, or a serious business proposition? Spa Business investigates
Promotional feature: The Madison Collection
Innovation of form and function in robes and towels is a vital part of attracting the next generation of wellness consumers. Charmaine T Lang from The Madison Collection explains how her company consistently maintains its successful point of difference
Interview: Markus Engel
The CEO of Asia’s Urban Resort Concepts talks to Spa Business about positive disruption in the hospitality and spa sector
Promotional feature: The Wellness
A beautiful pool can be the standout feature that draws new customers. It can also cut your running costs if it’s designed to be sustainable. Mohammed Ibrahim, CEO of The Wellness, explains
Interview: Davide Bollati
Liz Terry speaks to the founder of Comfort Zone about the group’s new botanical garden and ongoing commitment to environmentalism
Research: Generation gap
A new consumer study by ISPA uncovers spa-goer preferences and habits across different age groups
Promotional feature: Phytomer
Formulating the ultimate universal product to heal and defend the skin has taken three years of R&D for Phytomer, the French luxury marine skincare brand. The company’s scientific director tells Spa Business about the launch of the groundbreaking Prebioforce serum
Event Report: APSWC Round Table
Industry leaders contribute to APSWC’s third white paper at annual gathering. Catharine Nicol reports from Malaysia
Family spa: Play time
Spa Business takes a look at innovative spa programmes for children and families
Eco spa: Going green
Joanna Roche and Bonnie Baker share their ambitions for the Green Spa Network
People taking GLP-1 weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound
may be losing weight, but they’re also becoming less physically active, according to new
research presented at the ENDO 2026 annual meeting of the Endocrine Society
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Global retreat trade show, Synergy The Retreat Show, has launched a resource called The
Source, which hosts an open-access online Transformation Series programme.
The Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC) charity has announced its first five-
day Living with Cancer and Beyond retreat, which will be held at Carden Park Hotel and Spa in
Cheshire, UK, between 1 and 5 September.
Patmos Aktis, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, has opened in Greece, with a renovated and
rebranded wellness offering called Ansana Wellness and Spa.
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, an Autograph Collection property in Hawaii, US, has opened its
22,000 sq ft indoor-outdoor Spa at Mauna Kea as the final step in the property’s overall
renovation, which has cost more than US$180 million (€166 million, £140 mill
The UK spa review and discovery platform for consumers, the Good Spa Guide, has announced
it will host the Good Spa Guide Awards 2026 during an event on 16 November at Sopwell House
Hotel in St Albans, UK.
Eighty-four per cent of consumers now say wellness is a top priority in their lives, with this
percentage increasing year on year, according to a preview presentation of McKinsey’s Future of
Wellness 2026 research report.
Mass protests have been taking place since Monday 1 June in Albania over the development of
a luxury resort by Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner.
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked 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.
