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Spa People: 20th anniversary issue
Leo Tonkin

I started Salt Chamber at the age of 52. There’s real power in ‘intentionally choosing’ and making things happen


What’s been your most pivotal career moment?
After a 35-year consultancy career steeped in organisational culture, strategy and leadership development, I started Salt Chamber at the age of 52. We all have visions, ideas and possibilities … but nothing gets done without action. There’s real power in ‘intentionally choosing’ and making things happen.

What do you still hope to accomplish?
To raise awareness about respiratory wellness so individuals, communities and societies take action to impact the quality of the air we breathe and how we affect climate change.

Who will disrupt our industry the most?
Technology companies such as Google, Amazon and Apple with their smart devices, wearables and health-focused applications, will have the biggest influence in the spa and wellness space. They’ll drive spas to engage with their guests, track their wellness and deliver personalised recommendations, regardless of their physical location.

Furthermore, advancements in telehealth and telemedicine will enable spas to extend their reach and provide virtual consultations and treatments.

What trends are impacting spas?
Conscious consumerism will play a role as spa-goers seek authentic offerings that have integrity and are socially responsible.

There’s an increased focus on self-care and wellbeing, as well as therapies that help mental wellness – intentional music therapy, mindfulness and breathwork rituals and psychedelic retreats.

What radical changes do you foresee?
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) technologies into spa experiences. Biohacking and creating evidence-based multisensory and personalised offerings will be key.

AI will revolutionise the way spas operate. Through machine-learning algorithms, spas will be able to analyse vast amounts of customer data to truly tailor treatments. Meanwhile, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants will enhance customer service, providing 24/7 support and customised recommendations.

Additionally, VR will play a pivotal role in transforming the spa experience. It can transport guests to breathtaking environments, enabling them to escape from their daily routines and immerse themselves in serene and rejuvenating settings. Customers will have the opportunity to explore virtual worlds and engage in guided meditations, mindfulness exercises and virtual fitness classes, all within the spa environment.

Overall, the spa of the future will be a blend of technology and human touch, offering unparalleled levels of personalisation, convenience and holistic wellness.

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: Sammy Gharieni

Conscious consumerism and self-care are two trends impacting spas Credit: photo: JW MARRIOTT MIAMI TURNBERRY RESORT & SPA
New tech will drive spas to engage with guests regardless of physical location Credit: photo: bungalows key largo
Tonkin’s goal is to raise awareness of respiratory wellness Credit: photo: auberge beach residences
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

How technology can help drive growth for your spa business
It's safe to say that technology is transforming every sector, and the spa, wellness and beauty industries are no exception. [more...]

Crafting luxury: Beltrami Linen's bespoke spa solutions
Beltrami Linen’s approach to the world of spa is underpinned by a strong emphasis on bespoke design, where close collaboration with customers and their designers is always of the utmost importance. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Biologique Recherche

Biologique Recherche’s best asset is its personalised methodology, which combines powerful products [more...]
Phytomer

Phytomer remains an independent family business led by the founder’s son, Antoine Gédouin. We coun [more...]
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08-08 May 2024

Hospitality Design Conference

Hotel Melià , Milano , Italy
10-12 May 2024

Asia Pool & Spa Expo

China Import & Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China
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©Cybertrek 2024
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
Leo Tonkin

I started Salt Chamber at the age of 52. There’s real power in ‘intentionally choosing’ and making things happen


What’s been your most pivotal career moment?
After a 35-year consultancy career steeped in organisational culture, strategy and leadership development, I started Salt Chamber at the age of 52. We all have visions, ideas and possibilities … but nothing gets done without action. There’s real power in ‘intentionally choosing’ and making things happen.

What do you still hope to accomplish?
To raise awareness about respiratory wellness so individuals, communities and societies take action to impact the quality of the air we breathe and how we affect climate change.

Who will disrupt our industry the most?
Technology companies such as Google, Amazon and Apple with their smart devices, wearables and health-focused applications, will have the biggest influence in the spa and wellness space. They’ll drive spas to engage with their guests, track their wellness and deliver personalised recommendations, regardless of their physical location.

Furthermore, advancements in telehealth and telemedicine will enable spas to extend their reach and provide virtual consultations and treatments.

What trends are impacting spas?
Conscious consumerism will play a role as spa-goers seek authentic offerings that have integrity and are socially responsible.

There’s an increased focus on self-care and wellbeing, as well as therapies that help mental wellness – intentional music therapy, mindfulness and breathwork rituals and psychedelic retreats.

What radical changes do you foresee?
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) technologies into spa experiences. Biohacking and creating evidence-based multisensory and personalised offerings will be key.

AI will revolutionise the way spas operate. Through machine-learning algorithms, spas will be able to analyse vast amounts of customer data to truly tailor treatments. Meanwhile, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants will enhance customer service, providing 24/7 support and customised recommendations.

Additionally, VR will play a pivotal role in transforming the spa experience. It can transport guests to breathtaking environments, enabling them to escape from their daily routines and immerse themselves in serene and rejuvenating settings. Customers will have the opportunity to explore virtual worlds and engage in guided meditations, mindfulness exercises and virtual fitness classes, all within the spa environment.

Overall, the spa of the future will be a blend of technology and human touch, offering unparalleled levels of personalisation, convenience and holistic wellness.

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: Sammy Gharieni

Conscious consumerism and self-care are two trends impacting spas Credit: photo: JW MARRIOTT MIAMI TURNBERRY RESORT & SPA
New tech will drive spas to engage with guests regardless of physical location Credit: photo: bungalows key largo
Tonkin’s goal is to raise awareness of respiratory wellness Credit: photo: auberge beach residences
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Breakers Hotel in Long Beach to relaunch as Fairmont property with tech-forward spa in 2024
The historic Breakers Hotel in Long Beach, California, is set to reopen in mid-2024 as a Fairmont Hotels & Resorts property after a significant restoration and redevelopment project.
Kempinski to make Vietnamese debut with riverside resort and spa designed by Kengo Kuma
High-end five-star hotel company Kempinski Hotels is making its mark in Vietnam with a luxury waterfront property overlooking the Saigon River.
Marriott to realise Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Trojena, the Mountains of Neom
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Bannatyne has bounced back from the pandemic
The Bannatyne Group says it has officially bounced back from the pandemic, with both turnover and profits restored to pre-2020 levels in 2023, according to its year-end results.
Sport England’s Active Lives insight finds record activity levels, but enduring health inequalities
While British adults are the most active they’ve been in a decade, health inequalities remain with the same groups missing out, according to Sport England’s latest Active Lives Adults Report.
Kerzner to expand Siro portfolio with recovery-focused hotels in Los Cabos and Riyadh
Kerzner International has signed deals to operate two new Siro recovery hotels in Mexico and Saudi Arabia, following the launch of the inaugural Siro property in Dubai this February.
Nuffield Health calls for National Movement Strategy as research shows decline in fitness levels among some consumers
Nuffield Health’s fourth annual survey, the Healthier Nation Index, has found people moved slightly more in 2023 than 2022, but almost 75 per cent are still not meeting WHO guidelines.
US spa industry hits record-breaking US$21.3 billion in revenue in 2023
The US spa industry is continuing its upward trajectory, achieving an unprecedented milestone with a record-breaking revenue of US$21.3 billion in 2023, surpassing the previous high of US$20.1 billion in 2022.
Immediate rewards can motivate people to exercise, finds new research
Short-term incentives for exercise, such as using daily reminders, rewards or games, can lead to sustained increases in activity according to new research.
Shannon Malave appointed spa director at Mohonk Mountain House
Spa and wellness veteran Shannon Malave has been named spa director at iconic US spa destination Mohonk Mountain House.
Six Senses unveils urban wellness retreat in Kyoto inspired by Japanese Zen culture
Six Senses Kyoto opens its doors today, marking the eco-luxury hotel and spa operator’s entry into Japan and a new addition to its urban collection.
UAE’s first Dior Spa debuts in Dubai at Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, The Lana
The UAE’s first-ever Dior Spa has officially launched at The Lana, Dubai – the Dorchester Collection’s debut property in the Middle East.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

How technology can help drive growth for your spa business
It's safe to say that technology is transforming every sector, and the spa, wellness and beauty industries are no exception. [more...]

Crafting luxury: Beltrami Linen's bespoke spa solutions
Beltrami Linen’s approach to the world of spa is underpinned by a strong emphasis on bespoke design, where close collaboration with customers and their designers is always of the utmost importance. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Biologique Recherche

Biologique Recherche’s best asset is its personalised methodology, which combines powerful products [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

08-08 May 2024

Hospitality Design Conference

Hotel Melià , Milano , Italy
10-12 May 2024

Asia Pool & Spa Expo

China Import & Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2024

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