Sammy Gharieni, Gharieni Group
/ photo: Gharieni Group
What keeps you motivated? I’m inspired by finding solutions and new ways of doing things. If you want to continue to grow, you must innovate and think outside the box.
What’s been your biggest life lesson? Over the years, the main thing I’ve come to realise is that, for me, having a purpose in life and work is completely integrated.
How has the sector evolved? The biggest leap for Gharieni has been introducing technologies into traditional treatment beds – from binaural acoustic and vibrational frequencies and far infrared to chromatherapy and plasma light therapy. Most recently, music and sound systems in treatment tables can now even respond in real time to the position and speed of massage movements.
What trends are impacting spas the most? Today’s spa visitors are now looking for both mental and physical benefits. Pampering is no longer the sole objective. They seek mental fitness, health optimisation and take-home value.
How can the industry realise its potential? Increasingly, consumers are looking for evidence-based claims to ensure value for their wellness spend. Brands need to work harder than ever to deliver reliable information about the promises they make and to balance scrutiny and authenticity.
We’re also in the middle of a convergence of traditional spa and wellness approaches and medical and wellness practices – integrative wellness. This means that the industry must continue to work with the latest science to deliver more targeted and bespoke experiences to educate wellness consumers.
What innovations do you foresee? Treatments which combine high tech and high touch – harnessing the power of technology to augment and accelerate the wellness experience.
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
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...]
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Lemi Group
Lemi Group designs and produces treatment tables, chairs and multi-functional furniture and equipmen [more...]
Sammy Gharieni, Gharieni Group
/ photo: Gharieni Group
What keeps you motivated? I’m inspired by finding solutions and new ways of doing things. If you want to continue to grow, you must innovate and think outside the box.
What’s been your biggest life lesson? Over the years, the main thing I’ve come to realise is that, for me, having a purpose in life and work is completely integrated.
How has the sector evolved? The biggest leap for Gharieni has been introducing technologies into traditional treatment beds – from binaural acoustic and vibrational frequencies and far infrared to chromatherapy and plasma light therapy. Most recently, music and sound systems in treatment tables can now even respond in real time to the position and speed of massage movements.
What trends are impacting spas the most? Today’s spa visitors are now looking for both mental and physical benefits. Pampering is no longer the sole objective. They seek mental fitness, health optimisation and take-home value.
How can the industry realise its potential? Increasingly, consumers are looking for evidence-based claims to ensure value for their wellness spend. Brands need to work harder than ever to deliver reliable information about the promises they make and to balance scrutiny and authenticity.
We’re also in the middle of a convergence of traditional spa and wellness approaches and medical and wellness practices – integrative wellness. This means that the industry must continue to work with the latest science to deliver more targeted and bespoke experiences to educate wellness consumers.
What innovations do you foresee? Treatments which combine high tech and high touch – harnessing the power of technology to augment and accelerate the wellness experience.
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
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.
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...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Lemi Group Lemi Group designs and produces treatment tables, chairs and multi-functional furniture and equipmen [more...]
