Swell by Brian d’Souza launches to deliver immersive sound environments for spas, as
research shows singing, listening to or playing music can improve mental wellbeing
Music psychologist, Brian d’Souza wants spas to look beyond linear sound / Swell
Singing, listening to or playing music can improve mental wellbeing and quality of life, according to a recent research review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The work, titled Association of music interventions with health-related quality of life, showed that the benefits to mental quality of life of experiencing music are similar to those associated with exercise or weight loss.
The review could encourage spa and wellness operators to incorporate more music into their guest journey, such as offering music-centric rituals or retreats. More: www.spabusiness.com/JAMA
Creating soundscapes for spas In other news, music psychology specialist Brian d’Souza recently launched a new business to offer transformative sound experiences to the spa, wellness and hospitality industries.
Called Swell, the company delivers bespoke music and sound solutions combining field recording, music composition, nature and sound therapy to improve relaxation while promoting positive listening habits.
d’Souza says the traditional linear listening experience can result in ‘listener fatigue’ if guests and staff hear the same music on repeat.
Swell is aiming to provide therapists with an audio solution to elevate treatments and create more immersive environments.
Supporting software platform The company designs develops and supports its own software platform and apps which enable the user to sync music selections and compositions to any kind of physical or therapeutic journey.
The Swell team has also recently partnered with Scottish spa and skincare brand ishga to create personalised treatment sequences, paired with Swell’s sound wellness concept.
Swell is an offshoot of d’Souza’s primary business – Open Ear Music, a music design delivery service creating bespoke playlists and on-brand solutions for businesses such as Google, Nike and IHG.
Open Ear recently collaborated with the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow to deliver La Chambre Verte, (www.spabusiness.com/verte), Scotland’s first biophilic hotel room, inspired by forest bathing.
Spa People: Zoe Wall
Zoe Wall talks about driving the global spa and wellness agenda at Kerzner
New opening: Healing oasis
Zoya, a new integrative health and wellbeing retreat, is opening in the Middle East, as Megan Whitby reports
Interview: Deborah Szekely
As the 'godmother of spa' approaches her 100th birthday, Jan Kitchen travelled to Rancho La Puerta to find out more about her extraordinary life
First Person: Siempre Mejor!
After 82 years, Rancho La Puerta is
still beloved among guests around
the world, who return year after
year for a dose of holistic wellbeing.
Jane Kitchen spent a week at the
Mexican resort to discover how the
spirit of ‘Siempre mejor!’ or ‘Always
better!’ lives on in the 21st century
Sponsored: Phytomer: Celebrating the sea
The story surrounding Phytomer is one of a unique wellness vision, a loyal family, remarkable marine science and pioneering skincare. We talk to deputy general manager Mathilde Gédouin-Lagarde as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary
GWS: Boston strong
If you missed the GWS – or even if you were there – Jane Kitchen's detailed report will give you endless useful actionable insights
Promotion: Yon-ka: Plant power
Benefiting from its founders’ passion for plants, Yon-Ka’s new brand identity reflects its past and its continued research into the healing power of plants which enables the company to craft innovative formulas that deliver results
First person: Paradise at Preidlhof
Lisa Starr travelled to Italy to interview Patrizia Bortolin for Spa Business and experience all that Preidlhof has to offer
Q&A: Patrizia Bortolin
Lisa Starr talks to the award winning visionary
who’s injecting new vigour into Preidlhof
Promotion: Reconnect with ISPA
After a two-year absence, ISPA’s annual Conference offers its
members an opportunity to reconnect and to learn more about
the available tools that can help them recharge their businesses
Q&A: Daniele Vastolo
Chiva-Som has opened a major new property in Qatar, with treatments focused on Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine. We talk to the GM
Research: Human nature
Anne Dimon reports on the latest research insights from the Wellness Tourism Association
Saunas: Aufguss
The first aufguss sauna experience in the US has opened in Las Vegas, as Cassandra Cavanah reports
Software: Getting (Hyper) personal
Software that drives generational marketing can create hyper-personalised offerings, as Karen Maxwell discovers
Supplier showcase: Art of Cryo: Best of both worlds
Art of Cryo is blending its high-performance cryotherapy
solutions with intermittent vacuum therapy to offer a
complete and effective whole-body wellness experience
Promotion: Comfort Zone
From 2022, Comfort Zone’s products are going plastic-neutral, certified by Plastic Bank
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...]
Swell by Brian d’Souza launches to deliver immersive sound environments for spas, as
research shows singing, listening to or playing music can improve mental wellbeing
Music psychologist, Brian d’Souza wants spas to look beyond linear sound / Swell
Singing, listening to or playing music can improve mental wellbeing and quality of life, according to a recent research review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The work, titled Association of music interventions with health-related quality of life, showed that the benefits to mental quality of life of experiencing music are similar to those associated with exercise or weight loss.
The review could encourage spa and wellness operators to incorporate more music into their guest journey, such as offering music-centric rituals or retreats. More: www.spabusiness.com/JAMA
Creating soundscapes for spas In other news, music psychology specialist Brian d’Souza recently launched a new business to offer transformative sound experiences to the spa, wellness and hospitality industries.
Called Swell, the company delivers bespoke music and sound solutions combining field recording, music composition, nature and sound therapy to improve relaxation while promoting positive listening habits.
d’Souza says the traditional linear listening experience can result in ‘listener fatigue’ if guests and staff hear the same music on repeat.
Swell is aiming to provide therapists with an audio solution to elevate treatments and create more immersive environments.
Supporting software platform The company designs develops and supports its own software platform and apps which enable the user to sync music selections and compositions to any kind of physical or therapeutic journey.
The Swell team has also recently partnered with Scottish spa and skincare brand ishga to create personalised treatment sequences, paired with Swell’s sound wellness concept.
Swell is an offshoot of d’Souza’s primary business – Open Ear Music, a music design delivery service creating bespoke playlists and on-brand solutions for businesses such as Google, Nike and IHG.
Open Ear recently collaborated with the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow to deliver La Chambre Verte, (www.spabusiness.com/verte), Scotland’s first biophilic hotel room, inspired by forest bathing.
Spa People: Zoe Wall
Zoe Wall talks about driving the global spa and wellness agenda at Kerzner
New opening: Healing oasis
Zoya, a new integrative health and wellbeing retreat, is opening in the Middle East, as Megan Whitby reports
Interview: Deborah Szekely
As the 'godmother of spa' approaches her 100th birthday, Jan Kitchen travelled to Rancho La Puerta to find out more about her extraordinary life
First Person: Siempre Mejor!
After 82 years, Rancho La Puerta is
still beloved among guests around
the world, who return year after
year for a dose of holistic wellbeing.
Jane Kitchen spent a week at the
Mexican resort to discover how the
spirit of ‘Siempre mejor!’ or ‘Always
better!’ lives on in the 21st century
Sponsored: Phytomer: Celebrating the sea
The story surrounding Phytomer is one of a unique wellness vision, a loyal family, remarkable marine science and pioneering skincare. We talk to deputy general manager Mathilde Gédouin-Lagarde as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary
GWS: Boston strong
If you missed the GWS – or even if you were there – Jane Kitchen's detailed report will give you endless useful actionable insights
Promotion: Yon-ka: Plant power
Benefiting from its founders’ passion for plants, Yon-Ka’s new brand identity reflects its past and its continued research into the healing power of plants which enables the company to craft innovative formulas that deliver results
First person: Paradise at Preidlhof
Lisa Starr travelled to Italy to interview Patrizia Bortolin for Spa Business and experience all that Preidlhof has to offer
Q&A: Patrizia Bortolin
Lisa Starr talks to the award winning visionary
who’s injecting new vigour into Preidlhof
Promotion: Reconnect with ISPA
After a two-year absence, ISPA’s annual Conference offers its
members an opportunity to reconnect and to learn more about
the available tools that can help them recharge their businesses
Q&A: Daniele Vastolo
Chiva-Som has opened a major new property in Qatar, with treatments focused on Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine. We talk to the GM
Research: Human nature
Anne Dimon reports on the latest research insights from the Wellness Tourism Association
Saunas: Aufguss
The first aufguss sauna experience in the US has opened in Las Vegas, as Cassandra Cavanah reports
Software: Getting (Hyper) personal
Software that drives generational marketing can create hyper-personalised offerings, as Karen Maxwell discovers
Supplier showcase: Art of Cryo: Best of both worlds
Art of Cryo is blending its high-performance cryotherapy
solutions with intermittent vacuum therapy to offer a
complete and effective whole-body wellness experience
Promotion: Comfort Zone
From 2022, Comfort Zone’s products are going plastic-neutral, certified by Plastic Bank
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.
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...]
