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Susie Ellis, Global Wellness Summit and Global Wellness Institute / photo: Global Wellness Summit
How has the industry evolved? In 2003, wellness wasn’t a word used in the spa arena frequently. Facilities were seen as elitist and the medical arena, workplaces and governments didn’t understand what they were about. Our organisations (GWI and GWS) started using the term ‘wellness’ in 2010 and now that it’s part of the industry landscape everything has changed.
Who have been the biggest industry influencers? Deborah Szekely, Mel Zuckerman, Nerio Alessandri, Rick Stollmeyer, Liz Terry, organisations such as our own, ISPA, Biologique Recherche and Global Wellness Day.
What business models are the most exciting? True wellness real estate communities where you can live alone or as a family and be assured of a healthy life are extremely exciting. Today, that only really exists at Serenbe in Atlanta, Georgia, however there are more in the works.
I also love affordable and meaningful wellness. These days, some of the thermal resorts, such as Therme Bucharest, charge as little as US$35 a day to access many of its experiences.
Finally, there are evidence-based medical wellness models which offer true preventative diagnostics and work with people to avoid becoming ill in the first place.
What societal trends are having the biggest impact on spas globally? Since COVID, it’s the recognition of the profound effect connection, community and gathering can have on mental and physical health. It’s something the industry should be more cognisant of and embrace and engage with because we have the opportunity to truly ‘own’ that space.
"With its trusted, high-quality
and unbiased communications,
Spa Business has been a very uniting factor in our sector. In fact, there was no global spa and wellness industry until Spa Business began and helped aggregate the various players"
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 today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
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Susie Ellis, Global Wellness Summit and Global Wellness Institute / photo: Global Wellness Summit
How has the industry evolved? In 2003, wellness wasn’t a word used in the spa arena frequently. Facilities were seen as elitist and the medical arena, workplaces and governments didn’t understand what they were about. Our organisations (GWI and GWS) started using the term ‘wellness’ in 2010 and now that it’s part of the industry landscape everything has changed.
Who have been the biggest industry influencers? Deborah Szekely, Mel Zuckerman, Nerio Alessandri, Rick Stollmeyer, Liz Terry, organisations such as our own, ISPA, Biologique Recherche and Global Wellness Day.
What business models are the most exciting? True wellness real estate communities where you can live alone or as a family and be assured of a healthy life are extremely exciting. Today, that only really exists at Serenbe in Atlanta, Georgia, however there are more in the works.
I also love affordable and meaningful wellness. These days, some of the thermal resorts, such as Therme Bucharest, charge as little as US$35 a day to access many of its experiences.
Finally, there are evidence-based medical wellness models which offer true preventative diagnostics and work with people to avoid becoming ill in the first place.
What societal trends are having the biggest impact on spas globally? Since COVID, it’s the recognition of the profound effect connection, community and gathering can have on mental and physical health. It’s something the industry should be more cognisant of and embrace and engage with because we have the opportunity to truly ‘own’ that space.
"With its trusted, high-quality
and unbiased communications,
Spa Business has been a very uniting factor in our sector. In fact, there was no global spa and wellness industry until Spa Business began and helped aggregate the various players"
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
Global Wellness Day (GWD) will mark its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
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
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
Blue Rakun Blue Rakun spaces are thoughtful, intuitive,
and designed around real human
behaviour, taking into [more...]
