A growing number of industry operators are striking up
allegiances with medical bodies to develop enhanced
cleanliness and health standards following COVID-19
Four Seasons has launched a health and safety programme with Johns Hopkins Medicine
As spas look to develop themselves as places of safe-touch, operators are joining forces with hospitals and medical research institutes to develop cleanliness certifications, to reinforce a sense of trust and confidence in returning consumers.
One of the first off the mark was Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, which announced a collaboration with global healthcare and research leader Johns Hopkins Medicine in early May, to develop an enhanced health and safety programme called Lead with Care.
The programme will see Four Seasons’ 100-plus spas roll out modified treatments to reduce interaction with and proximity to guests, run wet areas and relaxation spaces with occupancy limits, implement social distancing regulations and operate with regular disinfection of all facilities, especially wet areas and pools.
More generally, Four Seasons hotels will also feature on-property hygiene officers, enhance sanitation procedures and provide staff with access to a response team where senior infectious disease specialists from Johns Hopkins will offer on-demand response and guidance to COVID-19 situations.
“This new programme is about offering genuine care and the highest levels of service, enhancing procedures to protect our guests, residents and employees, while also ensuring that they feel safe and reassured,” says John Davison, Four Seasons president and CEO. “Lead With Care is a continuation of Four Seasons’ high standards, building upon the strong foundation of trust and confidence that we have established through decades of experience.”
Similarly, IHG Hotels and Resorts – which owns Six Senses Hotels, Resorts and Spas as well as InterContinental properties – has revealed a tie-up with American medical and research centre, The Cleveland Clinic; Ecolab, a global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions; and cleaning and hygiene technology company Diversey.
Together they’ve launched IHG Clean Promise, to strengthen and evolve its hygiene measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, as well as support the wellbeing of guests and colleagues.
Montage International, owner of five luxury US resorts with major Spa Montage facilities, has also partnered up with digital health and primary care organisation, One Medical, to provide 24/7 virtual care services to Montage guests via a 30-day membership to One Medical’s app.
The memberships will allow guests to get in touch with a One Medical provider within minutes over on-demand video chat or secure messaging during their stay or upon their return home. The team will be available to remotely triage symptoms, including COVID-19 related concerns, and provide a recommended care plan for guests’ concerns or condition.
In addition, Marriott International – which has 550 hotel spas across brands such as Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, St Regis, Le Méridian, Westin and W – has also worked with Ecolab, to launch a Global Cleanliness Council to develop the next level of hospitality cleanliness standards, norms and behaviours designed to enhance safety for Marriott consumers and staff alike.
Marriott International’s Kenneth Ryan, VP of global operations: spa, fitness and online retail, recently spoke out about the importance of strict hygiene procedures during the reopening phase. “It’s likely from what we’re hearing around the world that the first customers coming through your door are going to be a minority and they’re going to be a little more relaxed,” he says.
“We need to be very careful that we’re steadfast for the long haul in the procedures and policies we put in place because it’s the customers that come after those carefree guests that are going to be checking your hygiene and cleaning protocols and procedures. Stay steadfast with whatever procedures you put in place and continue them for the long haul. You have to make sure that every customer feels comfortable and safe.”
In a post-COVID-19 landscape, public demonstrations like the aforementioned operators have taken, that show that hygiene is being taken seriously, will ultimately underpin the future and potential success of businesses because steps to tackle hygiene will reassure clients it is safe to visit again.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2020 issue 3
Editor's letter: The fight ahead
There’s a huge job of work to do to build our reputation and win support in the corridors of power, says Katie Barnes
Spa people: Patrick Huey
The vice-president of spa and retail at Montage talks about his new role as ISPA chair, Black Lives Matter and how his spas are fighting back against COVID-19
Spa people: Rianna Riego
Wellness consultant Rianna Riego speaks out about racial discrimination in the global spa industry
Spa people: Anna Teal
The CEO of Aromatherapy Associates outlines the online innovations it's using to connect with customers in exciting new ways
Spa programmes: On the menu
How are spas changing their treatments and services now they’re staring to reopen again?
Interview: Lee Woon Hoe
Banyan Tree’s executive director of wellbeing tells Spa Business magazine why now is the right time for the group to launch its new wellness concept
Ask an expert: Spa design 2030
Spa Business magazine asks leading designers and architects to give their predictions about pandemic-proof spa models
Promotion: Trendsetting
Design specialists, The Wellness, worked with in-house engineers for Jumeirah to create a state-of-the-art gym for Talise Fitness at the Jumeirah Al Naseem in Dubai
Research: Manner of speaking
ISPA’s latest study reveals consumer attitudes in the aftermath of COVID-19. Josh Corman picks out the key details
Research: New perspectives
Two surveys in the UK highlight both spa operator and spa-goer insights as facilities across the country begin to welcome guests back
Promotion: The power of touchless
Spa and wellness innovator, Sammy Gharieni, reveals how his on-trend products are perfect for delivering high-value touchless treatments
Country focus: Best of British
We take a look at the standout concepts offered in the world-class spas that have opened in the UK over the last three years
Promotion: Sustain and regenerate
Sustainable skincare brand, Comfort Zone, has radically reinvented its entire Sacred Nature line, driven by the ambition to create some of the world’s first carbon-negative products
Interview: Emma Darby
Despite closing during in lockdown, some Resense spas still hit revenue targets. Its COO tells Spa Business magazine how
Promotion: Redefining the snowroom
Italian snowroom expert, TechnoAlpin, has collaborated with groundbreaking architectural practice, Snøhetta, to create a snowroom like no other
Medi-wellness: On good termes
Italy’s Long Life clinic, which offers anti-ageing science alongside water cures, is gaining greater attention post-lockdown. Sophie Benge pays a visit
Supplier showcase: Premium Fitness
Dormy House has partnered with Matrix Fitness to create two fully-connected fitness suites to take its offering to a new and more sophisticated level @DormyHouse @MatrixFitnessUK
Promotion: Sothys
Sothys’ beauty treatment designer, Séverine Monjanel, and training director, Isabelle Villey, talk to Spa Business about the company’s new authentic ancestral Indonesian treatment
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
The MSpa Oslo series is a perennial bestseller in global markets. With innovative
engineering and premium performance, this completely portable spa line-up is expertly
designed to meet the needs of customers worldwide. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
TLEE Spas + Wellness
Founded in 2010 by industry visionary Tracy Lee, TLEE Spas + Wellness is a globally acclaimed spa an [more...]
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Founded in 1946, Sothys is owned by the
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oversees the com [more...]
A growing number of industry operators are striking up
allegiances with medical bodies to develop enhanced
cleanliness and health standards following COVID-19
Four Seasons has launched a health and safety programme with Johns Hopkins Medicine
As spas look to develop themselves as places of safe-touch, operators are joining forces with hospitals and medical research institutes to develop cleanliness certifications, to reinforce a sense of trust and confidence in returning consumers.
One of the first off the mark was Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, which announced a collaboration with global healthcare and research leader Johns Hopkins Medicine in early May, to develop an enhanced health and safety programme called Lead with Care.
The programme will see Four Seasons’ 100-plus spas roll out modified treatments to reduce interaction with and proximity to guests, run wet areas and relaxation spaces with occupancy limits, implement social distancing regulations and operate with regular disinfection of all facilities, especially wet areas and pools.
More generally, Four Seasons hotels will also feature on-property hygiene officers, enhance sanitation procedures and provide staff with access to a response team where senior infectious disease specialists from Johns Hopkins will offer on-demand response and guidance to COVID-19 situations.
“This new programme is about offering genuine care and the highest levels of service, enhancing procedures to protect our guests, residents and employees, while also ensuring that they feel safe and reassured,” says John Davison, Four Seasons president and CEO. “Lead With Care is a continuation of Four Seasons’ high standards, building upon the strong foundation of trust and confidence that we have established through decades of experience.”
Similarly, IHG Hotels and Resorts – which owns Six Senses Hotels, Resorts and Spas as well as InterContinental properties – has revealed a tie-up with American medical and research centre, The Cleveland Clinic; Ecolab, a global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions; and cleaning and hygiene technology company Diversey.
Together they’ve launched IHG Clean Promise, to strengthen and evolve its hygiene measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, as well as support the wellbeing of guests and colleagues.
Montage International, owner of five luxury US resorts with major Spa Montage facilities, has also partnered up with digital health and primary care organisation, One Medical, to provide 24/7 virtual care services to Montage guests via a 30-day membership to One Medical’s app.
The memberships will allow guests to get in touch with a One Medical provider within minutes over on-demand video chat or secure messaging during their stay or upon their return home. The team will be available to remotely triage symptoms, including COVID-19 related concerns, and provide a recommended care plan for guests’ concerns or condition.
In addition, Marriott International – which has 550 hotel spas across brands such as Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, St Regis, Le Méridian, Westin and W – has also worked with Ecolab, to launch a Global Cleanliness Council to develop the next level of hospitality cleanliness standards, norms and behaviours designed to enhance safety for Marriott consumers and staff alike.
Marriott International’s Kenneth Ryan, VP of global operations: spa, fitness and online retail, recently spoke out about the importance of strict hygiene procedures during the reopening phase. “It’s likely from what we’re hearing around the world that the first customers coming through your door are going to be a minority and they’re going to be a little more relaxed,” he says.
“We need to be very careful that we’re steadfast for the long haul in the procedures and policies we put in place because it’s the customers that come after those carefree guests that are going to be checking your hygiene and cleaning protocols and procedures. Stay steadfast with whatever procedures you put in place and continue them for the long haul. You have to make sure that every customer feels comfortable and safe.”
In a post-COVID-19 landscape, public demonstrations like the aforementioned operators have taken, that show that hygiene is being taken seriously, will ultimately underpin the future and potential success of businesses because steps to tackle hygiene will reassure clients it is safe to visit again.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2020 issue 3
Editor's letter: The fight ahead
There’s a huge job of work to do to build our reputation and win support in the corridors of power, says Katie Barnes
Spa people: Patrick Huey
The vice-president of spa and retail at Montage talks about his new role as ISPA chair, Black Lives Matter and how his spas are fighting back against COVID-19
Spa people: Rianna Riego
Wellness consultant Rianna Riego speaks out about racial discrimination in the global spa industry
Spa people: Anna Teal
The CEO of Aromatherapy Associates outlines the online innovations it's using to connect with customers in exciting new ways
Spa programmes: On the menu
How are spas changing their treatments and services now they’re staring to reopen again?
Interview: Lee Woon Hoe
Banyan Tree’s executive director of wellbeing tells Spa Business magazine why now is the right time for the group to launch its new wellness concept
Ask an expert: Spa design 2030
Spa Business magazine asks leading designers and architects to give their predictions about pandemic-proof spa models
Promotion: Trendsetting
Design specialists, The Wellness, worked with in-house engineers for Jumeirah to create a state-of-the-art gym for Talise Fitness at the Jumeirah Al Naseem in Dubai
Research: Manner of speaking
ISPA’s latest study reveals consumer attitudes in the aftermath of COVID-19. Josh Corman picks out the key details
Research: New perspectives
Two surveys in the UK highlight both spa operator and spa-goer insights as facilities across the country begin to welcome guests back
Promotion: The power of touchless
Spa and wellness innovator, Sammy Gharieni, reveals how his on-trend products are perfect for delivering high-value touchless treatments
Country focus: Best of British
We take a look at the standout concepts offered in the world-class spas that have opened in the UK over the last three years
Promotion: Sustain and regenerate
Sustainable skincare brand, Comfort Zone, has radically reinvented its entire Sacred Nature line, driven by the ambition to create some of the world’s first carbon-negative products
Interview: Emma Darby
Despite closing during in lockdown, some Resense spas still hit revenue targets. Its COO tells Spa Business magazine how
Promotion: Redefining the snowroom
Italian snowroom expert, TechnoAlpin, has collaborated with groundbreaking architectural practice, Snøhetta, to create a snowroom like no other
Medi-wellness: On good termes
Italy’s Long Life clinic, which offers anti-ageing science alongside water cures, is gaining greater attention post-lockdown. Sophie Benge pays a visit
Supplier showcase: Premium Fitness
Dormy House has partnered with Matrix Fitness to create two fully-connected fitness suites to take its offering to a new and more sophisticated level @DormyHouse @MatrixFitnessUK
Promotion: Sothys
Sothys’ beauty treatment designer, Séverine Monjanel, and training director, Isabelle Villey, talk to Spa Business about the company’s new authentic ancestral Indonesian treatment
Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, the spa business with more than 650 locations across
the US and Canada, has appointed franchise expert Carrie Walsh as CEO as the company plans
to expand.
Synergy – The Retreat Show, the global trade show for retreats, has launched a global research
initiative that will provide insights into the retreat sector from both consumer and industry
perspectives.
The Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) has published a non-regulatory global industry
framework designed to ensure the retreat market offers responsible experiences.
A new survey of UK and international spa practitioners shows that stress, burnout and
wellbeing concerns have caused one in three respondents to consider leaving the industry.
The UK's four Chief Medical Officers have published a refreshed edition of Physical activity
guidelines: UK Chief Medical Officers' report, updating the evidence that underpins the nation's
physical activity recommendations and placing greater emphasis on strength, balance, reducing
sedentary behaviour and, for the first time, supporting people taking weight loss medications.
Anna Bjurstam has left her role as Wellness Pioneer at Six Senses Hotels and Resorts and
launched a new wellness, longevity and “consciousness consultancy” called Wahayla.
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, has opened today (10 July) in the Northwest of England
with a
1,715sq m Fairmont Spa that has been designed using a ‘Wellness without Walls’
concept.
Wellness hotels generating less than US$1 million (€932,700, £785,200) – or 10 per cent of
total revenue from wellness and leisure – recorded the strongest RevPAR and TRevPAR growth
in 2025 across categories when compared with 2024, according to the latest Wellness Real
Estate Report by RLA Global, produced in partnership with P and L benchmarking firm HotStats.
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
The MSpa Oslo series is a perennial bestseller in global markets. With innovative
engineering and premium performance, this completely portable spa line-up is expertly
designed to meet the needs of customers worldwide. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
TLEE Spas + Wellness Founded in 2010 by industry visionary Tracy Lee, TLEE Spas + Wellness is a globally acclaimed spa an [more...]
