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Q&A
Magdaleena Nikolov

The GM of spa, wellness and retail at Fairmont Century Plaza talks to Jane Kitchen


How has Yabu Pushelberg’s design set the scene?
It’s a clean and minimal space, yet features intricate touches, such as detailed woodwork and beautiful marble. The high arching ceilings within the grand treatment rooms give a modern global feel, yet with a nostalgic elegant grandeur.

We’ve designed our experiences to pay homage to the past, bringing tried and true ancient modalities to our guests in a modern way.

Tell us about the biohacking room
It offers experiences focused on mindfulness, improved sleep and stress elimination – all things that are plaguing many people, especially now – given the world we live in.

Biohacking sessions have been curated to maximise the time and effectiveness of different tools to directly impact guests’ wellbeing, not only on the day of their treatment, but also moving forward in their life. Session includes an anti-gravity chair, PEMF infrared mat, compression boots and a Nucalm session, all proven to impact mental and physical health.

We believe it’s extremely important to engage in therapies that support mental health and recovery and have a lasting effect on wellbeing.

These biohacking treatments complement many other offerings throughout the property that have a focus on mental and physical recovery and range from curated meditation moments on our front drive, to virtual fitness and recovery sessions accessible on our TVs, and a recovery station in the fitness centre by Three Sages Wellness.

Tell us about your partnerships
Having strategic partners enables us to be at the top of the game in various categories by engaging with the experts in each area. I often joke that I know a little about a lot, and can then find those who know the most within their respective space. Having these strategic partnerships also allows guests to access new experts.

You’ve gone to great lengths to engage all the senses. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this?
In everything we do, the magic is in the detail, which I have always found to be extremely important.

In the luxury market, there’s a high expectation of great service and beautiful facilities, so the curation of the details is what sets you apart.

Targeting the senses is the place to start. The subtleties of how something feels, tastes, smells and looks is the best part of what we do. In addition, it’s the element of surprise and delight that creates an outstanding memorable experience.

From the moment guests arrive they’re welcomed by our signature sunset aroma. In the treatment rooms they lie on special wellness linens atop custom-made heated tables and their experiences conclude with a locally-inspired tasting in our relaxation space. We also fill the spa with soothing binaural beats with healing frequencies. I often smile to myself that we’re helping heal people and they don’t even realise it!

Can the service continue to live up to the hotel’s reputation?
It’s been an honour and privilege to be the opening GM for this property and spa. We’ve been given the creative freedom to curate special experiences for our guests that we believe are unparalleled. As a leader there’s not a lot more I can ask for, apart from an outstanding team, which is exactly what we have.
photo: Fairmont Hotels and Resorts/CPZ

"It’s the element of surprise and delight that creates an outstanding memorable experience," – Magdaleena Nikolov

Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine

View contents of Spa Business 2022 issue 2
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Longevity in spas: a strategic choice, not a default setting
Longevity has become one of the most debated concepts in contemporary wellness. [more...]

Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. - bespoke means moving beyond the catalogue to delivering contextual design responses
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness environments. [more...]
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COMPANY PROFILES
Yon-Ka

As pioneers in aromatherapy since 1954 and founders of the Yon-Ka brand, the Multaler Laboratories, [more...]
Wellness & Spa Solutions

Wellness & Spa Solutions, act as a strategic partner for luxury hotels, international resorts, and [more...]
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CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
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DIARY

 

03-05 Jul 2026

World Championship in Massage

Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 
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©Cybertrek 2026
Uniting the world of spa & wellness
Get Spa Business and Spa Business insider digital magazines FREE
Sign up here ▸
News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
Q&A
Magdaleena Nikolov

The GM of spa, wellness and retail at Fairmont Century Plaza talks to Jane Kitchen


How has Yabu Pushelberg’s design set the scene?
It’s a clean and minimal space, yet features intricate touches, such as detailed woodwork and beautiful marble. The high arching ceilings within the grand treatment rooms give a modern global feel, yet with a nostalgic elegant grandeur.

We’ve designed our experiences to pay homage to the past, bringing tried and true ancient modalities to our guests in a modern way.

Tell us about the biohacking room
It offers experiences focused on mindfulness, improved sleep and stress elimination – all things that are plaguing many people, especially now – given the world we live in.

Biohacking sessions have been curated to maximise the time and effectiveness of different tools to directly impact guests’ wellbeing, not only on the day of their treatment, but also moving forward in their life. Session includes an anti-gravity chair, PEMF infrared mat, compression boots and a Nucalm session, all proven to impact mental and physical health.

We believe it’s extremely important to engage in therapies that support mental health and recovery and have a lasting effect on wellbeing.

These biohacking treatments complement many other offerings throughout the property that have a focus on mental and physical recovery and range from curated meditation moments on our front drive, to virtual fitness and recovery sessions accessible on our TVs, and a recovery station in the fitness centre by Three Sages Wellness.

Tell us about your partnerships
Having strategic partners enables us to be at the top of the game in various categories by engaging with the experts in each area. I often joke that I know a little about a lot, and can then find those who know the most within their respective space. Having these strategic partnerships also allows guests to access new experts.

You’ve gone to great lengths to engage all the senses. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this?
In everything we do, the magic is in the detail, which I have always found to be extremely important.

In the luxury market, there’s a high expectation of great service and beautiful facilities, so the curation of the details is what sets you apart.

Targeting the senses is the place to start. The subtleties of how something feels, tastes, smells and looks is the best part of what we do. In addition, it’s the element of surprise and delight that creates an outstanding memorable experience.

From the moment guests arrive they’re welcomed by our signature sunset aroma. In the treatment rooms they lie on special wellness linens atop custom-made heated tables and their experiences conclude with a locally-inspired tasting in our relaxation space. We also fill the spa with soothing binaural beats with healing frequencies. I often smile to myself that we’re helping heal people and they don’t even realise it!

Can the service continue to live up to the hotel’s reputation?
It’s been an honour and privilege to be the opening GM for this property and spa. We’ve been given the creative freedom to curate special experiences for our guests that we believe are unparalleled. As a leader there’s not a lot more I can ask for, apart from an outstanding team, which is exactly what we have.
photo: Fairmont Hotels and Resorts/CPZ

"It’s the element of surprise and delight that creates an outstanding memorable experience," – Magdaleena Nikolov

Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine

View contents of Spa Business 2022 issue 2
LATEST NEWS
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Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
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.
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Palazzo di Varignana launches family wellbeing and longevity retreat in Emilia Romagna
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Ansana Wellness and Spa debuts at Patmos Aktis as it joins Marriott
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Mauna Kea Beach Hotel launches destination spa with sacred Hawaiian cultural concept
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The Good Spa Guide sets up event for modified Good Spa Guide Awards
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.
McKinsey: 84 per cent of consumers say wellness is a top priority
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.
Protests continue in Albania against US$1.6 billion luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump
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.
Barons Eden rebrands to Hiddenwell ahead of spa hotel portfolio expansion
Barons Eden, the UK parent company that operates luxury destination properties in England, has rebranded to become Hiddenwell.
Belgin Aksoy marks 15 years of Global Wellness Day
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.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Longevity in spas: a strategic choice, not a default setting
Longevity has become one of the most debated concepts in contemporary wellness. [more...]

Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. - bespoke means moving beyond the catalogue to delivering contextual design responses
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness environments. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Yon-Ka

As pioneers in aromatherapy since 1954 and founders of the Yon-Ka brand, the Multaler Laboratories, [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

03-05 Jul 2026

World Championship in Massage

Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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