Jeremy McCarthy, Mandarin Oriental
/ photo: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
How has the industry evolved? The biggest change I’ve observed is the rise of awareness around mental wellbeing. I came to the spa industry with an academic background in psychology and was always thinking about the psychological and emotional impact of the spa experience. But it’s only in the last 15 years or so, as a consequence of our deepening relationship with technology, the increasing pace of change and the gradual erosion of traditional family and social networks, that mental wellbeing has taken a prominent place in the minds of consumers.
What do you wish had been invented? In college, over 30 years ago, I had a chance to try one of the first experimental virtual reality systems. I was excited about what this technology could do, but it’s now three decades later and I’ve not really seen a wellbeing application of VR that’s taken off.
What will have the biggest impact on spas? Technology will continue to be the largest disruptor of human wellbeing – interfering with sleep, relationships, safety, work-life balance, physical movement and mindfulness. As that continues, the need and demand for quintessentially non-digital experiences will also grow.
Spas play an important role in the age of technology, giving people a place to disconnect, indulge in silence and receive touch and nurturing interactions with caring human beings. The increasing scarcity of these kinds of experiences makes them luxuries of the modern era.
What’s your hope for the industry? I’m a big believer in the timeless aspects of spas so I’d say the spa of the future should look much like the spas of the past – a place that’s soothing and serves as an escape from the stresses of daily life, a multisensory experience. It will be somewhere that offers therapeutic modalities using heat, water and other natural elements, that provides a sense of slowness enabling guests to regather energy and that has nurturing, empathetic healers who guide people on their own path to wholeness.
Birthday message to Spa Business
"Spa Business is an incredible resource. I turn to it again and again for ideas, education and inspiration"
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.
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
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
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...]
Jeremy McCarthy, Mandarin Oriental
/ photo: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
How has the industry evolved? The biggest change I’ve observed is the rise of awareness around mental wellbeing. I came to the spa industry with an academic background in psychology and was always thinking about the psychological and emotional impact of the spa experience. But it’s only in the last 15 years or so, as a consequence of our deepening relationship with technology, the increasing pace of change and the gradual erosion of traditional family and social networks, that mental wellbeing has taken a prominent place in the minds of consumers.
What do you wish had been invented? In college, over 30 years ago, I had a chance to try one of the first experimental virtual reality systems. I was excited about what this technology could do, but it’s now three decades later and I’ve not really seen a wellbeing application of VR that’s taken off.
What will have the biggest impact on spas? Technology will continue to be the largest disruptor of human wellbeing – interfering with sleep, relationships, safety, work-life balance, physical movement and mindfulness. As that continues, the need and demand for quintessentially non-digital experiences will also grow.
Spas play an important role in the age of technology, giving people a place to disconnect, indulge in silence and receive touch and nurturing interactions with caring human beings. The increasing scarcity of these kinds of experiences makes them luxuries of the modern era.
What’s your hope for the industry? I’m a big believer in the timeless aspects of spas so I’d say the spa of the future should look much like the spas of the past – a place that’s soothing and serves as an escape from the stresses of daily life, a multisensory experience. It will be somewhere that offers therapeutic modalities using heat, water and other natural elements, that provides a sense of slowness enabling guests to regather energy and that has nurturing, empathetic healers who guide people on their own path to wholeness.
Birthday message to Spa Business
"Spa Business is an incredible resource. I turn to it again and again for ideas, education and inspiration"
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.
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
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
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 Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
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...]
