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Having a Kennedy on stage, sums up the style of this year’s event; 138 delegates learned from their collective wisdom
The sixth annual Healing Summit moved from Berlin to Portugal this year, with a theme of Take a Quantum Leap. Meant to be a call to action for delegates, the theme was also a reflection of the changing nature of the summit, which took the programming and speakers to new heights. The annual gathering – an initiative of the Healing Hotels of the World consortium – brings together like-minded wellness individuals, including leading spa operators, who are drawn to collaborate, raise awareness and inspire change. Held at the Pine Cliffs Resort on Portugal’s Algarve coast in May, it saw 138 delegates from 28 countries meet to debate, discuss and learn from their collective wisdom, with a mission to create a future committed to healing.
“This year’s Healing Summit exceeded my expectations,” says Anne Biging, co-founder of Healing Hotels of the World and the Healing Summit. “It was not just a quantum leap – it was life-changing, and so many of the delegates said they felt that way as well.”
Each day began with sunrise beach activities including swimming, running, hatha yoga, chanting and meditation, which meant participants had the option to start their day with a healthy practice and meet and connect with others. Throughout the summit, through small group work and inspiring speakers, delegates were asked to consider how they might best take their own quantum leap in their business or personal lives.
Dr Marjorie Woollacott, professor of neuroscience at the University of Oregon in the US, opened the summit by detailing the science behind a quantum leap and how it applies to our world. As she explained, a quantum leap is what happens to atoms when they go from one state to another, and it usually begins with an infusion of light in a moment of transformation. This theme permeated the entire event, which included topics from sustainable practices to charity projects and the paradigms of business rooted in a soulful economy.
Speakers included investor and entrepreneur Stephen Kennedy Smith, who gave insight into what we can learn from the 1960s, when his two uncles, John F Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, inspired an idealism in American politics. Actress Arta Dobroshi, who grew up during the war in Kosovo, talked about the importance of believing in peace during times of war.
Meanwhile, Sarah Livia Brightwood, president of Rancho La Puerta, outlined how giving back to the community shapes an entire ecosystem.
Investor and philanthropist Adam Rockefeller Growald gave an inspiring talk about creating the future by following the path of the heart, and investing by trusting intuition. He then moderated an impressive panel on quantum investment that included Kennedy Smith, as well as Catherine Parrish, founder of NextLevel Leadership Consulting; Binod Chaudhary, chair of CG Corp Global; Brian Brazeau, general manager at Comfort Zone; and Sarah Collins, CEO and creator of Wonderbag, an invention which is helping women across Africa cook using less fuel and less time.
On the hospitality front, delegates heard from Marina Efraimoglou, founder of Euphoria Retreat in Greece (see SB18/3 p64), about the importance of self-healing; Diana Stobo, founder of The Retreat Costa Rica, on the power of intention; Dr Shruti Nada Poddar on how she rebuilt the city of her ancestors into a healing abode and cultural centre; Harald Schopf, director of medical spa Kurhaus Schaerding in Austria, on how ancient traditions are in line with the new way of doing business; and Dr Marian Alonzo, medical chief at The Farm at San Benito in the Philippines, on the holistic healing practices there. Claudia Roth, founder and managing director of Soul Luxury, led a panel on the emergence of the spiritualised consumer.
Other highlights included insight into Green Flow Hotel in Russia, and how the climb to the top of Mount Everest inspired owner Alexander Tertychnyy; details from Barry Scherr, president of the Sundar Corporation, on how enlightened real estate can build connection, community and consciousness; holistic psychologist Dr Ellie Cobb on the power of connection; and Julie Bach, executive director of Wellness for Cancer on the importance of healing modalities for those touched by cancer (see SB18/3 p60).
The Healing Summit concluded on a hopeful note. Holly Ornstein Carter, founder of BYkids, interviewed local children, who showed a remarkable ability to understand the complexities of the challenges we face in this modern world, especially when it comes to healing the planet. Finally, Rancho La Puerta’s Brightwood led delegates in a closing ceremony outside on the cliff-side lawn, with a prayer to the planet earth.
“We still feel the incredible spark of energy, creativity and enthusiasm that we experienced at this year’s event,” says Elisabeth Ixmeier, co-founder of the Healing Summit and Healing Hotels of the World. “It was an amazing gathering full of open-hearted people, and we’re already planning another exciting gathering for next year’s event, which will return to Pine Cliffs on 17-19 May 2020.”
Save the date
Healing Summit 2020
17-19 May
Pine Cliffs Resort,
Portugal
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
Having a Kennedy on stage, sums up the style of this year’s event; 138 delegates learned from their collective wisdom
The sixth annual Healing Summit moved from Berlin to Portugal this year, with a theme of Take a Quantum Leap. Meant to be a call to action for delegates, the theme was also a reflection of the changing nature of the summit, which took the programming and speakers to new heights. The annual gathering – an initiative of the Healing Hotels of the World consortium – brings together like-minded wellness individuals, including leading spa operators, who are drawn to collaborate, raise awareness and inspire change. Held at the Pine Cliffs Resort on Portugal’s Algarve coast in May, it saw 138 delegates from 28 countries meet to debate, discuss and learn from their collective wisdom, with a mission to create a future committed to healing.
“This year’s Healing Summit exceeded my expectations,” says Anne Biging, co-founder of Healing Hotels of the World and the Healing Summit. “It was not just a quantum leap – it was life-changing, and so many of the delegates said they felt that way as well.”
Each day began with sunrise beach activities including swimming, running, hatha yoga, chanting and meditation, which meant participants had the option to start their day with a healthy practice and meet and connect with others. Throughout the summit, through small group work and inspiring speakers, delegates were asked to consider how they might best take their own quantum leap in their business or personal lives.
Dr Marjorie Woollacott, professor of neuroscience at the University of Oregon in the US, opened the summit by detailing the science behind a quantum leap and how it applies to our world. As she explained, a quantum leap is what happens to atoms when they go from one state to another, and it usually begins with an infusion of light in a moment of transformation. This theme permeated the entire event, which included topics from sustainable practices to charity projects and the paradigms of business rooted in a soulful economy.
Speakers included investor and entrepreneur Stephen Kennedy Smith, who gave insight into what we can learn from the 1960s, when his two uncles, John F Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, inspired an idealism in American politics. Actress Arta Dobroshi, who grew up during the war in Kosovo, talked about the importance of believing in peace during times of war.
Meanwhile, Sarah Livia Brightwood, president of Rancho La Puerta, outlined how giving back to the community shapes an entire ecosystem.
Investor and philanthropist Adam Rockefeller Growald gave an inspiring talk about creating the future by following the path of the heart, and investing by trusting intuition. He then moderated an impressive panel on quantum investment that included Kennedy Smith, as well as Catherine Parrish, founder of NextLevel Leadership Consulting; Binod Chaudhary, chair of CG Corp Global; Brian Brazeau, general manager at Comfort Zone; and Sarah Collins, CEO and creator of Wonderbag, an invention which is helping women across Africa cook using less fuel and less time.
On the hospitality front, delegates heard from Marina Efraimoglou, founder of Euphoria Retreat in Greece (see SB18/3 p64), about the importance of self-healing; Diana Stobo, founder of The Retreat Costa Rica, on the power of intention; Dr Shruti Nada Poddar on how she rebuilt the city of her ancestors into a healing abode and cultural centre; Harald Schopf, director of medical spa Kurhaus Schaerding in Austria, on how ancient traditions are in line with the new way of doing business; and Dr Marian Alonzo, medical chief at The Farm at San Benito in the Philippines, on the holistic healing practices there. Claudia Roth, founder and managing director of Soul Luxury, led a panel on the emergence of the spiritualised consumer.
Other highlights included insight into Green Flow Hotel in Russia, and how the climb to the top of Mount Everest inspired owner Alexander Tertychnyy; details from Barry Scherr, president of the Sundar Corporation, on how enlightened real estate can build connection, community and consciousness; holistic psychologist Dr Ellie Cobb on the power of connection; and Julie Bach, executive director of Wellness for Cancer on the importance of healing modalities for those touched by cancer (see SB18/3 p60).
The Healing Summit concluded on a hopeful note. Holly Ornstein Carter, founder of BYkids, interviewed local children, who showed a remarkable ability to understand the complexities of the challenges we face in this modern world, especially when it comes to healing the planet. Finally, Rancho La Puerta’s Brightwood led delegates in a closing ceremony outside on the cliff-side lawn, with a prayer to the planet earth.
“We still feel the incredible spark of energy, creativity and enthusiasm that we experienced at this year’s event,” says Elisabeth Ixmeier, co-founder of the Healing Summit and Healing Hotels of the World. “It was an amazing gathering full of open-hearted people, and we’re already planning another exciting gathering for next year’s event, which will return to Pine Cliffs on 17-19 May 2020.”
Save the date
Healing Summit 2020
17-19 May
Pine Cliffs Resort,
Portugal
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.
