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Spa People: 20th anniversary issue
Ana Crawford

We need more internationally-recognised research to prove the tangible benefits of spa modalities


What trends are impacting spas the most?
The modern obsession with the digital age and technology has become a real threat to societal wellbeing. Anxiety and depression are skyrocketing and the soaring pace and expectations of today’s modern lifestyles are taking their toll. This is, of course, great for business as people rely more heavily on our industry to switch off and for nurturing connections, but devastating for wellbeing unless a vast global shift is made.

How do you hope the industry will look in 2050?
In recent years, we’ve been inching closer to holistic integration where wellness and water are playing much larger roles and facilities are more high-tech and well-considered.

It’s exciting to be a part of this movement and I expect it to continue, but in parallel with simplicity. Spas will go back to basics, but with more multidimensional and evolved offerings with a modern edge – continuing to connect more deeply with nature, earth-to-body rituals, sustainable practices, nourishing cuisines and wellbeing in architecture.

It’s this reconnection to what’s important that will have the most powerful impact.

How can the industry realise its true potential?
The more internationally recognised research that’s done on the tangible benefits of spa modalities, the more quality control is placed around the work we do and the more that big pharma and western medical institutions recognise the need for our industry, the more it will be seen for the powerful wellness agent that it is.
Birthday message to Spa Business

"Spa Business is truly is a global publication that shines a spotlight on wellness worldwide, enabling connectivity no matter where you’re based. It’s been a huge resource to me over the years"

More from spa industry leaders...

In celebration of Spa Business’ 20th anniversary, industry leaders take a look at how far the sector has come since the magazine’s inception in 2003, share personal career highlights and reveal their plans and ideas for the future.

View next: Karen Short

Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine

View contents of Spa Business 2023 issue 3
Ana Crawford

Spa People: 20th anniversary issue

Ana Crawford

Current article
A deep connection with nature will continue
A deep connection with nature will continue / photo: The Farm at San Benito
Spas will go back to basics, but offer more evolved approaches such as earth-to-body rituals by The Farm at San Benito
Spas will go back to basics, but offer more evolved approaches such as earth-to-body rituals by The Farm at San Benito / photo: The Farm at San Benito
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Embrace the chill: TechnoAlpin's Snowsky revolutionises post-fitness recovery with falling snow
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...]

Why future-ready in-house laundry is the new luxury spa essential
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
The Wellness

Founded in 2007, headquartered in Dubai and based in Hong Kong and Singapore, The Wellness is an int [more...]
Hydrafacial

Founded in 1997, Hydrafacial has grown to become one of the world’s leading skin health brands. [more...]
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DIRECTORY
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DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
09-12 Jun 2026

W3Spa EMEA

Hotel Cascais Miragem Health & Spa, Portugal
+ 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
Spa People: 20th anniversary issue
Ana Crawford

We need more internationally-recognised research to prove the tangible benefits of spa modalities


What trends are impacting spas the most?
The modern obsession with the digital age and technology has become a real threat to societal wellbeing. Anxiety and depression are skyrocketing and the soaring pace and expectations of today’s modern lifestyles are taking their toll. This is, of course, great for business as people rely more heavily on our industry to switch off and for nurturing connections, but devastating for wellbeing unless a vast global shift is made.

How do you hope the industry will look in 2050?
In recent years, we’ve been inching closer to holistic integration where wellness and water are playing much larger roles and facilities are more high-tech and well-considered.

It’s exciting to be a part of this movement and I expect it to continue, but in parallel with simplicity. Spas will go back to basics, but with more multidimensional and evolved offerings with a modern edge – continuing to connect more deeply with nature, earth-to-body rituals, sustainable practices, nourishing cuisines and wellbeing in architecture.

It’s this reconnection to what’s important that will have the most powerful impact.

How can the industry realise its true potential?
The more internationally recognised research that’s done on the tangible benefits of spa modalities, the more quality control is placed around the work we do and the more that big pharma and western medical institutions recognise the need for our industry, the more it will be seen for the powerful wellness agent that it is.
Birthday message to Spa Business

"Spa Business is truly is a global publication that shines a spotlight on wellness worldwide, enabling connectivity no matter where you’re based. It’s been a huge resource to me over the years"

More from spa industry leaders...

In celebration of Spa Business’ 20th anniversary, industry leaders take a look at how far the sector has come since the magazine’s inception in 2003, share personal career highlights and reveal their plans and ideas for the future.

View next: Karen Short

Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine

View contents of Spa Business 2023 issue 3
Ana Crawford

Spa People: 20th anniversary issue

Ana Crawford

Current article
A deep connection with nature will continue
A deep connection with nature will continue / photo: The Farm at San Benito
Spas will go back to basics, but offer more evolved approaches such as earth-to-body rituals by The Farm at San Benito
Spas will go back to basics, but offer more evolved approaches such as earth-to-body rituals by The Farm at San Benito / photo: The Farm at San Benito
LATEST NEWS
Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day
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 announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
Healing sanctuary Tulah Clinical Wellness opens in Kerala
Tulah Clinical Wellness, a holistic wellness destination, has officially opened in the hills of northern Kerala, India.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai creates Global Wellness Day programme rooted in nature
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.
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Lithuanian care operator Addere Care has launched a new “wellness care hospital” in Vilnius.
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Global Wellness Summit announces 2026 theme: the science, art and soul of wellness
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.
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
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 reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
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. 
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
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’ Upper House unveils House of Healing wellness programme rollout
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.
Guerlain to open up to five spas with handpicked partners a year, says Diane Davody
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.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Embrace the chill: TechnoAlpin's Snowsky revolutionises post-fitness recovery with falling snow
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...]

Why future-ready in-house laundry is the new luxury spa essential
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
The Wellness

Founded in 2007, headquartered in Dubai and based in Hong Kong and Singapore, The Wellness is an int [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
09-12 Jun 2026

W3Spa EMEA

Hotel Cascais Miragem Health & Spa, Portugal
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS