Rapid innovation in DNA testing methods is creating exciting opportunities for spas when it comes to prescribing everything from exercise to diet and treatments.
In the last issue of Spa Business, we examined Nobel Prize-winning research into telomere testing which is enabling spas to prescribe lifestyle change and prove its efficacy (see sb13/1 p54).
In this issue, we go on to examine the use of DNA testing in enabling exercise scientists to identify the existence of non-responders – people who fail to gain the expected benefits from physical activity due to their physiological make-up (see page 82). In fact it appears there are rare instances of people who actually experience a deterioration in fitness as a result of exercise.
The important message to emerge from this research is not that exercise is a waste of time for non-responders, but that it must be prescribed very carefully in these cases, because the areas of ‘non-response’ are typically very specific and non-responders can expect to experience positive change in other areas of fitness.
DNA tests today can be done from a mouth swab in just half an hour and at a very reasonable cost, putting them within reach of spas as a diagnostic tool and meaning that it will be possible in future to customise a wide variety of different parts of the spa experience.
Evolution makes us different from each other to ensure we don’t all succumb to the same threat, so treating everyone in exactly the same way is a crude way to operate. Objective knowledge of our fundamental differences enables all interventions to be far more effective.
But it’s important the industry is highly credible in the use of things like DNA and telomere tests – it’s not acceptable for them to be used simply to sell products and packages without any scientific basis for test result analysis. Such activity would undermine our credibility as an industry at a time when we’re seeking to build a reputation for provable outcomes and sound science.
There are also big issues surrounding the storing and security of DNA, with experts predicting DNA hacking will be part of a new wave of bio crime.
So before we even think about taking DNA samples, we need to ensure we have people trained to deal with it, protocols for the storage and destruction of DNA samples we take from clients and most importantly, that we have the knowledge, skill and training to be able to accurately analyse what we find and give sound advice.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Ask an expert: Cancer
The number of cancer sufferers and survivors is growing. How can spas cater for them? Kath Hudson reports
Interview: Neil Jacobs
Six Senses’ new CEO reveals the group’s spa strategy and development plans
Profile: Anna Bjurstam
The new vice president of spa and wellness at Six Senses will oversee 28 facilities worldwide
Hotel spa: Palace pampering
A E100m refurbishment of Paris’ Hôtel Le Bristol attracted footballer David Beckham for a six month-long stay. Julie Cramer pays a visit to its new Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie which is becoming a healthy profit centre
Promotional feature: Design consulting
Implementing a great spa design takes inspiration, patience and discipline, according to Cary Collier, principal of Blu Spas, WTS' strategic partner. In the third of our WTS series, he shares his design philosophy with Spa Business
Research: India's wellness consumers
Leonor Stanton analyses PwC’s latest research profiling Indian wellness consumers – an industry projected to be worth US$18bn in four years’ time
Thermal spa: Hot spot
The Banjaran is Malaysia’s first and only hot springs retreat. Jennifer Harbottle examines the growth strategy
Company profile promotion: QMS Medicosmetics
QMS Medicosmetics' revolutionary skincare system was created by a trauma surgeon from Germany. Here, the company's managing partner explains how the products' unique ingredients and actions are delivering exceptional results in spas worldwide
Hotel spa: Making a debut
Steigenberger Hotels has introduced a flagship spa concept in Frankfurt. Sophie Benge reports
Resort spa: Botanical beauty
The new Spa Botánico at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is set in five acres of ‘purification gardens’ and has a plant and herb apothecary
Product news: Product news
Product editor, Kate Corney highlights the latest product and equipment launches from the Spa Business search engine, Spa-Kit.net
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...]
Rapid innovation in DNA testing methods is creating exciting opportunities for spas when it comes to prescribing everything from exercise to diet and treatments.
In the last issue of Spa Business, we examined Nobel Prize-winning research into telomere testing which is enabling spas to prescribe lifestyle change and prove its efficacy (see sb13/1 p54).
In this issue, we go on to examine the use of DNA testing in enabling exercise scientists to identify the existence of non-responders – people who fail to gain the expected benefits from physical activity due to their physiological make-up (see page 82). In fact it appears there are rare instances of people who actually experience a deterioration in fitness as a result of exercise.
The important message to emerge from this research is not that exercise is a waste of time for non-responders, but that it must be prescribed very carefully in these cases, because the areas of ‘non-response’ are typically very specific and non-responders can expect to experience positive change in other areas of fitness.
DNA tests today can be done from a mouth swab in just half an hour and at a very reasonable cost, putting them within reach of spas as a diagnostic tool and meaning that it will be possible in future to customise a wide variety of different parts of the spa experience.
Evolution makes us different from each other to ensure we don’t all succumb to the same threat, so treating everyone in exactly the same way is a crude way to operate. Objective knowledge of our fundamental differences enables all interventions to be far more effective.
But it’s important the industry is highly credible in the use of things like DNA and telomere tests – it’s not acceptable for them to be used simply to sell products and packages without any scientific basis for test result analysis. Such activity would undermine our credibility as an industry at a time when we’re seeking to build a reputation for provable outcomes and sound science.
There are also big issues surrounding the storing and security of DNA, with experts predicting DNA hacking will be part of a new wave of bio crime.
So before we even think about taking DNA samples, we need to ensure we have people trained to deal with it, protocols for the storage and destruction of DNA samples we take from clients and most importantly, that we have the knowledge, skill and training to be able to accurately analyse what we find and give sound advice.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Ask an expert: Cancer
The number of cancer sufferers and survivors is growing. How can spas cater for them? Kath Hudson reports
Interview: Neil Jacobs
Six Senses’ new CEO reveals the group’s spa strategy and development plans
Profile: Anna Bjurstam
The new vice president of spa and wellness at Six Senses will oversee 28 facilities worldwide
Hotel spa: Palace pampering
A E100m refurbishment of Paris’ Hôtel Le Bristol attracted footballer David Beckham for a six month-long stay. Julie Cramer pays a visit to its new Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie which is becoming a healthy profit centre
Promotional feature: Design consulting
Implementing a great spa design takes inspiration, patience and discipline, according to Cary Collier, principal of Blu Spas, WTS' strategic partner. In the third of our WTS series, he shares his design philosophy with Spa Business
Research: India's wellness consumers
Leonor Stanton analyses PwC’s latest research profiling Indian wellness consumers – an industry projected to be worth US$18bn in four years’ time
Thermal spa: Hot spot
The Banjaran is Malaysia’s first and only hot springs retreat. Jennifer Harbottle examines the growth strategy
Company profile promotion: QMS Medicosmetics
QMS Medicosmetics' revolutionary skincare system was created by a trauma surgeon from Germany. Here, the company's managing partner explains how the products' unique ingredients and actions are delivering exceptional results in spas worldwide
Hotel spa: Making a debut
Steigenberger Hotels has introduced a flagship spa concept in Frankfurt. Sophie Benge reports
Resort spa: Botanical beauty
The new Spa Botánico at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is set in five acres of ‘purification gardens’ and has a plant and herb apothecary
Product news: Product news
Product editor, Kate Corney highlights the latest product and equipment launches from the Spa Business search engine, Spa-Kit.net
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...]
