The Spa Business team. From top left: Jane Kitchen, Liz Terry, Megan Whitby. Seated: Astrid Ros and Katie Barnes / photo: Jack Emmerson
I can hardly believe this issue marks the 20th birthday of Spa Business. I also feel incredibly grateful to have been involved with this special magazine for 19.5 of those 20 years – joining Leisure Media as a fledgling beauty journalist and being part of a talented team which has produced more than 10,000 spa news stories, 2,000 in-depth features and no less than 8 million ezines.
Spa Business was the first global spa magazine. Liz Terry, our editorial director, launched it with the intention of uniting the world of spa and wellness, helping it to forge a powerful identity through collaboration. She talks more about her motivation for starting the title on page 12.
In celebration of our milestone, we’ve handed this issue over to the thought leaders of our sector. Starting on page 16, a host of experts share their career highlights, reflect on the industry’s pivotal moments and tell us what they think we’ll be writing about in the years to come.
On page 76, Andrew Gibson nails it when he says “the real growth of our sector is the result of a global collaboration by a dedicated group of passionate leaders who wanted to elevate the industry into a serious and relevant contributor to personal and societal health”.
This is an important thing to acknowledge, as our industry has been blessed with caring, inspirational and driven individuals who have been key to its transformation.
Since Spa Business’ inception in 2003, spas have undergone a seismic shift in purpose from places of pampering to providers of wellness. They heal people with the modalities they offer, educate them about healthy lifestyle and change their quality of life, making our work rewarding and meaningful.
Spas have become significant players in the much wider global wellness economy. An economy that, according to the Global Wellness Institute, is worth US$4.4 trillion (€4.1 trillion, £3.6 trillion) today and that’s forecast to reach a staggering US$7 trillion (€6.6 trillion, £5.7 trillion) by 2025.
That date isn’t far away and we’re excited to see where this dynamic industry goes next.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us on our own journey – particularly our clients and writers, past and present, and Leisure Media colleagues behind the scenes. And a special mention to the core Spa Business team: Liz Terry, Astrid Ros, Megan Whitby and Jane Kitchen – you make the magazine what it is.
Katie Barnes is the editor of Spa Business magazine
| [email protected]
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
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
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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The Spa Business team. From top left: Jane Kitchen, Liz Terry, Megan Whitby. Seated: Astrid Ros and Katie Barnes / photo: Jack Emmerson
I can hardly believe this issue marks the 20th birthday of Spa Business. I also feel incredibly grateful to have been involved with this special magazine for 19.5 of those 20 years – joining Leisure Media as a fledgling beauty journalist and being part of a talented team which has produced more than 10,000 spa news stories, 2,000 in-depth features and no less than 8 million ezines.
Spa Business was the first global spa magazine. Liz Terry, our editorial director, launched it with the intention of uniting the world of spa and wellness, helping it to forge a powerful identity through collaboration. She talks more about her motivation for starting the title on page 12.
In celebration of our milestone, we’ve handed this issue over to the thought leaders of our sector. Starting on page 16, a host of experts share their career highlights, reflect on the industry’s pivotal moments and tell us what they think we’ll be writing about in the years to come.
On page 76, Andrew Gibson nails it when he says “the real growth of our sector is the result of a global collaboration by a dedicated group of passionate leaders who wanted to elevate the industry into a serious and relevant contributor to personal and societal health”.
This is an important thing to acknowledge, as our industry has been blessed with caring, inspirational and driven individuals who have been key to its transformation.
Since Spa Business’ inception in 2003, spas have undergone a seismic shift in purpose from places of pampering to providers of wellness. They heal people with the modalities they offer, educate them about healthy lifestyle and change their quality of life, making our work rewarding and meaningful.
Spas have become significant players in the much wider global wellness economy. An economy that, according to the Global Wellness Institute, is worth US$4.4 trillion (€4.1 trillion, £3.6 trillion) today and that’s forecast to reach a staggering US$7 trillion (€6.6 trillion, £5.7 trillion) by 2025.
That date isn’t far away and we’re excited to see where this dynamic industry goes next.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us on our own journey – particularly our clients and writers, past and present, and Leisure Media colleagues behind the scenes. And a special mention to the core Spa Business team: Liz Terry, Astrid Ros, Megan Whitby and Jane Kitchen – you make the magazine what it is.
Katie Barnes is the editor of Spa Business magazine
| [email protected]
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
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.
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.
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Cariitti Oy Cariitti is a Finnish family business founded by Kari Ruokonen in 1998 that offers versatile lightin [more...]
