What have been the most pivotal moments in your career? In 2002, I moved to Dubai to work at the Burj al Arab and this was the start of my journey in the spa, wellness and luxury hospitality space. It was a steep learning curve but the knowledge I accrued still serves me well.
Joining Accor in 2018 was also a significant milestone that has seen me work globally in the wellness realm.
Who have been the biggest industry influencers? We should remember the positive impact ESPA had on our industry in its early days, as well as the foundations laid by Mandarin Oriental spas, started by Ingo Schweder and Fairmont’s Willow Stream spas led by Anne McCall.
Six Senses, which I was fortunate enough to work for, was a passionate advocate of wellness and sustainability well before it became mainstream in hospitality and should be congratulated for what it’s achieved.
What spa models are coming down the track? I’m really excited by the interface of technology and spa. Nothing will replace the power of human interaction and touch therapists, but the advances in medi-tech over the past 20 years have been incredible and I truly believe it will have a dramatic role in helping people live better for longer.
How can the industry realise its true potential? We still lag in terms of sales and marketing planning and execution. We also need to see better commercial education of future leaders as they develop and enter the workforce.
Meanwhile, the current boom in social bathing is a great example of how we can embrace a business model that’s more affordable and that’s understood by and accessible to a broader demographic.
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
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2023 issue 3
Editor's letter: Reflection point
As Spa Business celebrates its 20th birthday, Katie Barnes pauses for thought and rejoices in the industry’s evolution
Spa People: 20th anniversary issue: Anna Bjurstam
The strategic senior advisor at Six Senses and Raison d'Etre on being initiated as a shaman, why psychedelics are here to stay and her bigger fear for the global spa industry
Promotion: Klafs: Relax into wellbeing
Klafs and Studio F. A. Porsche have combined their design and wellness expertise to create an oasis for total-body relaxation
News report: Eastern promise
Japan’s spa industry is valued at US$4.2 billion and is part of the world's third highest-performing wellness economy
Jeremy McCarthy: Theory of evolution
From spa to wellness and now leisure – Spa Business’ contributing editor looks at where hospitality experiences are heading
Promotion: Lemi: Built to last
Lemi is committed to leading with innovation to create
cutting-edge treatment room solutions that excel
in terms of performance and eco-credentials
Promotion: G.M. COLLIN: Collagen pioneers
GM Collin’s expertise in collagen research and product formulation has resulted in the creation of a new serum that combats age-related skin degeneration
Promotion: Comfort Zone: A brighter future
Consumers are increasingly interested in reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation and a new line from Comfort Zone has been launched to address this emerging need
Promotion: Art of Cryo: Life changing experience
Vikki and Robbie are often exhausted after work. A visit to the spa to experience
the Art of Cryo Tech-Spa Module is a chance to re-set and rejuvenate together
What have been the most pivotal moments in your career? In 2002, I moved to Dubai to work at the Burj al Arab and this was the start of my journey in the spa, wellness and luxury hospitality space. It was a steep learning curve but the knowledge I accrued still serves me well.
Joining Accor in 2018 was also a significant milestone that has seen me work globally in the wellness realm.
Who have been the biggest industry influencers? We should remember the positive impact ESPA had on our industry in its early days, as well as the foundations laid by Mandarin Oriental spas, started by Ingo Schweder and Fairmont’s Willow Stream spas led by Anne McCall.
Six Senses, which I was fortunate enough to work for, was a passionate advocate of wellness and sustainability well before it became mainstream in hospitality and should be congratulated for what it’s achieved.
What spa models are coming down the track? I’m really excited by the interface of technology and spa. Nothing will replace the power of human interaction and touch therapists, but the advances in medi-tech over the past 20 years have been incredible and I truly believe it will have a dramatic role in helping people live better for longer.
How can the industry realise its true potential? We still lag in terms of sales and marketing planning and execution. We also need to see better commercial education of future leaders as they develop and enter the workforce.
Meanwhile, the current boom in social bathing is a great example of how we can embrace a business model that’s more affordable and that’s understood by and accessible to a broader demographic.
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
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2023 issue 3
Editor's letter: Reflection point
As Spa Business celebrates its 20th birthday, Katie Barnes pauses for thought and rejoices in the industry’s evolution
Spa People: 20th anniversary issue: Anna Bjurstam
The strategic senior advisor at Six Senses and Raison d'Etre on being initiated as a shaman, why psychedelics are here to stay and her bigger fear for the global spa industry
Promotion: Klafs: Relax into wellbeing
Klafs and Studio F. A. Porsche have combined their design and wellness expertise to create an oasis for total-body relaxation
News report: Eastern promise
Japan’s spa industry is valued at US$4.2 billion and is part of the world's third highest-performing wellness economy
Jeremy McCarthy: Theory of evolution
From spa to wellness and now leisure – Spa Business’ contributing editor looks at where hospitality experiences are heading
Promotion: Lemi: Built to last
Lemi is committed to leading with innovation to create
cutting-edge treatment room solutions that excel
in terms of performance and eco-credentials
Promotion: G.M. COLLIN: Collagen pioneers
GM Collin’s expertise in collagen research and product formulation has resulted in the creation of a new serum that combats age-related skin degeneration
Promotion: Comfort Zone: A brighter future
Consumers are increasingly interested in reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation and a new line from Comfort Zone has been launched to address this emerging need
Promotion: Art of Cryo: Life changing experience
Vikki and Robbie are often exhausted after work. A visit to the spa to experience
the Art of Cryo Tech-Spa Module is a chance to re-set and rejuvenate together
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.
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.
