It seems impossible to find even a leaf out of place, says Ryan / photo: Auberge Resorts Collection
In my 27 years in the spa industry, I’ve had the honour of visiting hundreds of spas around the world – each offering a unique experience in some of the most breathtaking locations and associated with some of the finest luxury hospitality brands. Lately, I’ve noticed how these facilities are commanding substantial reinvestments as hoteliers recognise the undeniable value a top-tier wellness centre brings to their property. Not only does it elevate the overall guest experience, but it also enhances the property’s reputation, establishing it as a modern and luxurious destination.
The Spa at Esperanza, an Auberge Resorts Collection property in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is a prime example of such work. It reopened in December 2023 with a complete refresh – where an apothecary blending bar, soaking tubs and outdoor relaxation came together with a new fitness centre and a menu overhaul drawing inspiration from the ancient Aztec medicine wheel (see www.spabusiness.com/esperanzarefurb). A year on, I was curious to see if the reinvestment is still paying off…
Welcome drink highlight From the outset, it’s clear this property, with its gated entrance, manicured roadways and lush tropical vegetation, prioritises detail, quality and the guest experience. It’s impossible to find even a leaf out of place. Would the spa measure up, I wondered.
At the main entrance, I’m greeted by name and whisked off in a golf cart to the spa. The vibrant plants framing its approach are impressive and once inside, I’m struck by the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Handcrafted details are evident throughout and the vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, paired with a thatch roof, highlight the use of natural materials.
I’m also impressed with how the reception area blends a spa check-in with a substantial retail offering – including clothing and products by Augustinus Bader, Osea and Lola’s Apothecary – that might otherwise feel overwhelming if it wasn’t so carefully curated.
My check-in is swift and handled with warmth by Guadalupe and the welcome drink is unlike any I’ve ever had. The options on the menu, dubbed Seasonal Aguas Frescas, not only sounded appealing but tasted absolutely incredible – on par with the finest cocktail bars. I enjoyed one before my treatment and another, a refreshing Citrus Mint Seltzer, in the relaxation room afterwards. My only suggestion would be to replace the plastic cups with luxury drinkware for this experience to truly shine.
Design differentiators One element of spa design that’s often overlooked, yet deeply important, is the use of transition spaces. Esperanza’s spa excels in this regard, creating a seamless journey between indoor and outdoor spaces which boast a peaceful water garden, paths traversing bubbling streams and fountains creating a tranquil soundtrack. Locally inspired wooden gates are a striking feature used to signal a shift in space, each adding an element of surprise and delight as I move through the spa.
The locker rooms were spacious and thoughtfully laid out, especially the showers, which offer a dry vestibule first (an essential in my opinion) before leading to an outdoor shower in a private courtyard. Surrounded by local stone, towering palm trees and blue skies above, it feels like I’m bathing in a mountain waterfall.
The only minor flaw is the lack of space for hanging clothes, which bunch up despite the large locker size.
Esperanza’s hydrothermal area provides a soothing setting to unwind – large comfortable loungers sit alongside a grotto-like whirlpool with a trickling waterfall, a robust herbal-infused steamroom and a natural cold-water shower. However, I question whether the offering is strong enough to keep up with its many nearby competitors, from JW Marriott and Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve to the upcoming St Regis, all of which incorporate extensive thermal and vitality areas as a selling point.
Tension-melting treatment I start my signature treatment, the 90-minute Fire Element Muscle Melt Massage, by selecting one of three scents before being guided into a non-traditional face-up position where a gratitude prayer and light breathwork help ground me and bring me fully into the moment. Charged gemstones are placed on my chakras to support my overall wellbeing and during the massage my therapist uses fluid movements, seamlessly switching between her hands and warm stones, to melt away the tension in my muscles.
Livier, my therapist, was a true healer, capable of reading my body’s needs and delivering an incredibly intuitive and memorable experience. This US$375 (€346, £289) treatment is one I would highly recommend to anyone visiting this spa.
Unspoken elements Details truly matter in creating an exceptional spa experience and it’s often the unspoken elements across hundreds of touchpoints which, if done well, set the stage. Esperanza delivers on that promise. If you didn’t know the spa had been recently renovated, you’d think it was a brand-new space. Every area has been thoughtfully updated to feel fresh, modern and in perfect harmony with its surroundings. I even found a hand-sewn pillow with puka shells – a small but charming touch that spoke volumes.
Tranquillity in a spa is a delicate dance between this thoughtful design and impeccable service – another element which was consistently first-class throughout my visit. From Guadalupe and Maricruz at reception to Pablo and Leon, the spa valets and Dariela, the extraordinary spa director, each team member was professional, warm and genuinely caring. Their approach was far from formulaic, combining skill with heart resulting in a truly remarkable visit – one I’ll remember for years to come.
Kenneth Ryan with spa
receptionist Maricruz / Ryan Wellness Group
"Spas are commanding substantial reinvestments as hoteliers recognise the undeniable value of a top-tier wellness centre" - Kenneth Ryan
Kenneth Ryan launches global consultancy
photo: Ryan Wellness Group
With close to 30 years of experience, Kenneth Ryan is a widely recognised leader in luxury wellness, hospitality and experiential development worldwide.
He launched the Ryan Wellness Group in January 2025 with a view of going “beyond traditional spa consulting” using an approach that fuses science-backed longevity, elevated services and cutting-edge innovation to create and scale ultra-high-end wellness experiences in hospitality, private membership clubs and residential communities.
Previously, he served as vice president of global operations for spa, fitness and retail at Marriott International, overseeing 650-plus locations and US$500 million (€462.6 million, £386.1 million) in annual revenues.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2025 issue 1
Editor's letter: Auto spas
Fully automated, self-service spas are set to enter the market, presenting a disruptive opportunity for investors and operators
Spa People: Christian Louboutin
The fashion designer teams up with his personal trainer to create a Brain Edit retreat at his hotel in Portugal
Spa People: Julien Alfred
Exercise, endurance and resilience are the focus of a programme being led by Olympic 100m winner Julien Alfred at BodyHoliday in St Lucia
News report: Emerging economies
Two fresh GWI reports highlight the potential of the wellness markets in the Maldives and Saudi Arabia
Interview: Paul Hawco
Katie Barnes talks to the man heading up wellbeing at Banyan Group as it prepares to open its 100th resort and reports a 16 per cent rise in revenue
Wellness design: Design of the times
Sixteen experts share their insights on how wellness design can be used to create more impactful and profitable spas in a new white paper by Accor
Opinion: High leverage learning
What three skills do people need to master to future-proof their spa careers? Jeremy McCarthy reports
Spa tourism: Hot on the trail
A famous pilgrimage route and natural hot springs are being combined in an innovative tourism package in Spain
Opinion: Beacons of light
As cities in the US start to hire chief wellness officers, Mia Kyricos reveals what this means for our sector
Sponsored: 111SKIN - Winning formulation
111SKIN’s spa/clinic concept is making waves globally – backed by a combination of medical expertise, intuitive partner support and potent products
Product focus: AI and robot massage
Spas around the world are starting to offer AI massage. We highlight the different types of equipment coming to market
Menu engineering: At your service
A dedicated brain health facility at Kamalaya and a menopause package by actor Naomi Watts feature in our programming pages this issue
Finishing touch: Big business
Companies investing in workers’ happiness outperform other portfolios in major global stock markets, according to new research
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Wellhub
Wellhub (formerly Gympass) is the
world’s leading corporate wellness
platform, trusted by 70,000+ [more...]
It seems impossible to find even a leaf out of place, says Ryan / photo: Auberge Resorts Collection
In my 27 years in the spa industry, I’ve had the honour of visiting hundreds of spas around the world – each offering a unique experience in some of the most breathtaking locations and associated with some of the finest luxury hospitality brands. Lately, I’ve noticed how these facilities are commanding substantial reinvestments as hoteliers recognise the undeniable value a top-tier wellness centre brings to their property. Not only does it elevate the overall guest experience, but it also enhances the property’s reputation, establishing it as a modern and luxurious destination.
The Spa at Esperanza, an Auberge Resorts Collection property in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is a prime example of such work. It reopened in December 2023 with a complete refresh – where an apothecary blending bar, soaking tubs and outdoor relaxation came together with a new fitness centre and a menu overhaul drawing inspiration from the ancient Aztec medicine wheel (see www.spabusiness.com/esperanzarefurb). A year on, I was curious to see if the reinvestment is still paying off…
Welcome drink highlight From the outset, it’s clear this property, with its gated entrance, manicured roadways and lush tropical vegetation, prioritises detail, quality and the guest experience. It’s impossible to find even a leaf out of place. Would the spa measure up, I wondered.
At the main entrance, I’m greeted by name and whisked off in a golf cart to the spa. The vibrant plants framing its approach are impressive and once inside, I’m struck by the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Handcrafted details are evident throughout and the vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, paired with a thatch roof, highlight the use of natural materials.
I’m also impressed with how the reception area blends a spa check-in with a substantial retail offering – including clothing and products by Augustinus Bader, Osea and Lola’s Apothecary – that might otherwise feel overwhelming if it wasn’t so carefully curated.
My check-in is swift and handled with warmth by Guadalupe and the welcome drink is unlike any I’ve ever had. The options on the menu, dubbed Seasonal Aguas Frescas, not only sounded appealing but tasted absolutely incredible – on par with the finest cocktail bars. I enjoyed one before my treatment and another, a refreshing Citrus Mint Seltzer, in the relaxation room afterwards. My only suggestion would be to replace the plastic cups with luxury drinkware for this experience to truly shine.
Design differentiators One element of spa design that’s often overlooked, yet deeply important, is the use of transition spaces. Esperanza’s spa excels in this regard, creating a seamless journey between indoor and outdoor spaces which boast a peaceful water garden, paths traversing bubbling streams and fountains creating a tranquil soundtrack. Locally inspired wooden gates are a striking feature used to signal a shift in space, each adding an element of surprise and delight as I move through the spa.
The locker rooms were spacious and thoughtfully laid out, especially the showers, which offer a dry vestibule first (an essential in my opinion) before leading to an outdoor shower in a private courtyard. Surrounded by local stone, towering palm trees and blue skies above, it feels like I’m bathing in a mountain waterfall.
The only minor flaw is the lack of space for hanging clothes, which bunch up despite the large locker size.
Esperanza’s hydrothermal area provides a soothing setting to unwind – large comfortable loungers sit alongside a grotto-like whirlpool with a trickling waterfall, a robust herbal-infused steamroom and a natural cold-water shower. However, I question whether the offering is strong enough to keep up with its many nearby competitors, from JW Marriott and Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve to the upcoming St Regis, all of which incorporate extensive thermal and vitality areas as a selling point.
Tension-melting treatment I start my signature treatment, the 90-minute Fire Element Muscle Melt Massage, by selecting one of three scents before being guided into a non-traditional face-up position where a gratitude prayer and light breathwork help ground me and bring me fully into the moment. Charged gemstones are placed on my chakras to support my overall wellbeing and during the massage my therapist uses fluid movements, seamlessly switching between her hands and warm stones, to melt away the tension in my muscles.
Livier, my therapist, was a true healer, capable of reading my body’s needs and delivering an incredibly intuitive and memorable experience. This US$375 (€346, £289) treatment is one I would highly recommend to anyone visiting this spa.
Unspoken elements Details truly matter in creating an exceptional spa experience and it’s often the unspoken elements across hundreds of touchpoints which, if done well, set the stage. Esperanza delivers on that promise. If you didn’t know the spa had been recently renovated, you’d think it was a brand-new space. Every area has been thoughtfully updated to feel fresh, modern and in perfect harmony with its surroundings. I even found a hand-sewn pillow with puka shells – a small but charming touch that spoke volumes.
Tranquillity in a spa is a delicate dance between this thoughtful design and impeccable service – another element which was consistently first-class throughout my visit. From Guadalupe and Maricruz at reception to Pablo and Leon, the spa valets and Dariela, the extraordinary spa director, each team member was professional, warm and genuinely caring. Their approach was far from formulaic, combining skill with heart resulting in a truly remarkable visit – one I’ll remember for years to come.
Kenneth Ryan with spa
receptionist Maricruz / Ryan Wellness Group
"Spas are commanding substantial reinvestments as hoteliers recognise the undeniable value of a top-tier wellness centre" - Kenneth Ryan
Kenneth Ryan launches global consultancy
photo: Ryan Wellness Group
With close to 30 years of experience, Kenneth Ryan is a widely recognised leader in luxury wellness, hospitality and experiential development worldwide.
He launched the Ryan Wellness Group in January 2025 with a view of going “beyond traditional spa consulting” using an approach that fuses science-backed longevity, elevated services and cutting-edge innovation to create and scale ultra-high-end wellness experiences in hospitality, private membership clubs and residential communities.
Previously, he served as vice president of global operations for spa, fitness and retail at Marriott International, overseeing 650-plus locations and US$500 million (€462.6 million, £386.1 million) in annual revenues.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2025 issue 1
Editor's letter: Auto spas
Fully automated, self-service spas are set to enter the market, presenting a disruptive opportunity for investors and operators
Spa People: Christian Louboutin
The fashion designer teams up with his personal trainer to create a Brain Edit retreat at his hotel in Portugal
Spa People: Julien Alfred
Exercise, endurance and resilience are the focus of a programme being led by Olympic 100m winner Julien Alfred at BodyHoliday in St Lucia
News report: Emerging economies
Two fresh GWI reports highlight the potential of the wellness markets in the Maldives and Saudi Arabia
Interview: Paul Hawco
Katie Barnes talks to the man heading up wellbeing at Banyan Group as it prepares to open its 100th resort and reports a 16 per cent rise in revenue
Wellness design: Design of the times
Sixteen experts share their insights on how wellness design can be used to create more impactful and profitable spas in a new white paper by Accor
Opinion: High leverage learning
What three skills do people need to master to future-proof their spa careers? Jeremy McCarthy reports
Spa tourism: Hot on the trail
A famous pilgrimage route and natural hot springs are being combined in an innovative tourism package in Spain
Opinion: Beacons of light
As cities in the US start to hire chief wellness officers, Mia Kyricos reveals what this means for our sector
Sponsored: 111SKIN - Winning formulation
111SKIN’s spa/clinic concept is making waves globally – backed by a combination of medical expertise, intuitive partner support and potent products
Product focus: AI and robot massage
Spas around the world are starting to offer AI massage. We highlight the different types of equipment coming to market
Menu engineering: At your service
A dedicated brain health facility at Kamalaya and a menopause package by actor Naomi Watts feature in our programming pages this issue
Finishing touch: Big business
Companies investing in workers’ happiness outperform other portfolios in major global stock markets, according to new research
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.
Swire Hotels’ luxury hospitality brand Upper House has revealed it will roll out its two-day
House of Healing retreats at its three hotels in Hong Kong, Chengdu and Shanghai.
LVMH-owned beauty house Guerlain will launch up to five spas with partners a year as part of
its plan to expand globally, according to the brand’s international spa and wellness director,
Diane Davody.
A new global study by Kevin Kelly and Peter Yesawich, called WELLSurvey 2.0, has revealed
more than half of consumers in the UK, US and Germany would not choose numerous high-
profile wellness resort brands for a future trip.
Luxury hospitality and wellness pioneer Jeremy McCarthy has launched Leisure Alchemy, a
digital platform that will provide professionals with strategic guidance on how to build
transformational leisure experiences that drive profit.
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Wellhub Wellhub (formerly Gympass) is the
world’s leading corporate wellness
platform, trusted by 70,000+ [more...]
