How are spas changing their menus since
coronavirus struck? And what other industry
events are taking place? We take a look at some
of the latest concepts, trends and programmes
Lefay spa resort in Lake Garda, Italy has introduced five packages which blend outdoor activities, TCM practices and wellness treatments.
Each journey includes a Natural Wellness Trail set in 11 hectares of beautiful grounds where guests encounter ‘treatment stations’ which represent different shapes, colours, aromas and recommend activities.
The White Tiger journey, for example, represents meditation and autumn, and is characterised by the colour white. The trail is recommended at sunset and includes yoga for overall balance, body awareness and improved breathing. A full body massage aims to curb feelings of melancholy.
“Even before COVID-19, more academic studies were highlighting the benefits of prescribing a connection with nature and the great outdoors,” says Dr Carlo Barbieri, president of Lefay’s Spa Method Scientific Committee.
Cost: €320 (US$378)
Bürgenstock offers COVID-19 recovery retreats
Bürgenstock, Switzerland has rolled out three executive retreats focused on preventative health solutions, mindfulness and mobility, respectively, at its five-star medi-wellness facility, Waldhotel.
The preventative health programme is a particular highlight. It’s conceptualised as “the ultimate medical MOT” and includes two days of screening followed by a comprehensive review and onsite intervention recommendations by a medical team member.
Opened in late 2017, the Bürgenstock Hotel is also home to the Alpine Spa which covers 107,000sq ft on three levels.
Cost: CHF2,200 (US$2,372) including lunch and dinner. Can be booked with or without an overnight stay
The prevention programme is referred to as “the ultimate medical MOT”
Celebrating hot springs worldwide with Soakember
David Dronet
The Global Wellness Institute’s Hot Springs Initiative team organised a live international soaking event to champion hot spring bathing on 13-14 November.
Live-streamed on Facebook and Soakember.com it ran simultaneously at hot springs in Japan, France, Hungary, China, Germany, Austria, Australia, the US, Slovenia, New Zealand and Costa Rica.
Initiative member and co-owner of The Springs in Colorado, David Dronet, has spearheaded the function to celebrate hot springs’ healing powers and the diversity of global bathing traditions. “Hot spring communities of the world are coming together in the shared belief that hot springs and hydrothermal thermal therapy can provide the mind, body and soul with the rejuvenation and renewal that so many of us need,” he says.
Initiative chair, Charles Davidson adds: “During these difficult times when the world has been so impacted by COVID-19, it’s important that we remember how beneficial mother nature can be to our health and wellbeing. Let’s soak together, to heal together.”
Cost: Free
Hot springs from around the world showcased their facilities / The Springs Resort & Spa, Pagosa Springs, CO
Armathwaite offers wild swimming and cold water therapy
Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa in the Lake District, UK, has launched a wild swimming package to improve people’s wellbeing using cold water.
Guests can choose a half-day or full-day package exploring local natural water features. This includes the chance to experience and immerse themselves in breathtaking water destinations such as a natural infinity pool; a string of spectacular waterfalls; and secluded locations, including the local Gin Pool, known for its crystal clear waters.
The new wild swimming retreat is designed to let guests discover the benefits of cold water swimming, including pain relief, a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, and an increase in the happiness hormone serotonin.
Cost: Starts at £90 (US$118)
Cold water will be used to improve wellbeing / Ian Doctor
Anantara opens first IV drip bar
Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas has stepped into the world of medi-wellness with its inaugural IV drip bar, VIVID by Verita Health clinic, at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.
The VIVID bar is characterised by bright, contemporary interiors and offers a variety of solutions to relieve symptoms of anything from jetlag or burnout to addressing beauty concerns. Treatments start at THB5,500 (US$176, €151, £136) for 40 minutes.
Other services include medical grade oxygen therapy, light therapy for circadian balancing and anti-ageing cosmetic treatments.
The new opening is a product of Anantara’s joint venture with Singapore group Verita Healthcare to create a global network of integrated health centres. Two other facilities are earmarked for Anantara properties in Bangkok and Phuket next year.
Cost: Start at THB5,500 (US$176)
VIVID has bright, contemporary interiors
Underwater breathwork programme in St Lucia
Diving is a great way to practice breathwork / Elovich /Shutterstock
Breathwork is a key pillar of wellness and its positive effects are well documented on the physical, mental and emotional state. In St Lucia, Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort and Spa has blended it with diving and yoga to create an underwater wellness programme.
Based around an early morning sunrise dive, the programme sees submerged participants practising four different breathing techniques to aid mindfulness and buoyancy control, while also following demonstrations of controlled yoga positions. The experience is 2.5 hours in total with 45 minutes underwater.
It claims to be the first of its kind to offer underwater breathwork and helps to slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, instil calmness and reduce overall stress and anxiety.
Cost: US$180
Clinique La Prairie supports immunity
Swiss medi-wellness clinic, Clinique La Prairie, has revealed two limited edition retreats, called Energising Wellness and Immunity Boost, available for Q4 2020 and throughout 2021.
Developed by the clinic’s expert health practitioners, the five-day programmes have been conceived to replenish energy and immunity levels and to help guests kickstart health habits.
They include a comprehensive health check-up, which assesses cardiac health, blood analysis, body composition and skin health, plus mindfulness classes, PT training and IV drips to correct deficiencies.
There’s also an emphasis on the role a healthy diet plays in immunity, with the retreats featuring nutritional coaching sessions and a private masterclass about antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Cost: Prices start at CHF6,900 (US$7,520)
The retreats will run throughout 2021 / Clinique La Prairie
GSN partners with Esalen Institute for Healing Arts webinars
Doug Drummond
The Green Spa Network (GSN) has teamed up with the Esalen Institute to produce a complimentary webinar series dedicated to personal and professional healing and growth during the global pandemic.
Founded in 1962, Esalen is a non-profit organisation seeking to ‘explore human potential through experience, education and research’ and is known for its therapeutic massage technique worldwide. The group has a retreat centre in California where it offers personal, spiritual and social transformation practices through healing arts.
Working with GSN, select Esalen healing arts specialists will focus on raising awareness of its practices to provide inspiration in the ever-changing wellness landscape. “We’re looking forward to sharing some unique perspectives,” says Doug Drummond, Esalen’s director of Healing Arts.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2020 issue 4
Editor's letter: Nurturing mental health
It’s time for spas re-evaluate their mental wellness approach to help governments and society to tackle the escalating mental health crisis says Katie Barnes
Spa people: Dr Narinthorn Surasinthon
RAKxa Jai, a cutting-edge medi-wellness spa, has opened in partnership with Bumrungrad International Hospital and Minor Hotels in Bangkok. Spa Business talks to its COO
Spa people: Isabelle Duchesneau
The executive director of Québec's Le Monastère Augustines explains why its priority of serving caretakers is more relevant today than ever
Spa people: Michael Banissy
The world's largest study on touch uncovers the role it plays in our health and wellbeing. Spa Business talks to the lead researcher
Interview: Krip Rojanastien
Chiva-Som’s CEO talks to Spa Business magazine about guiding the destination spa through COVID-19 and its first contract management project in Qatar
Ask an expert: Corridors of power
What will it take to make politicians realise the value of spas? Spa Business magazine asks those in government and others who’ve made inroads
Promotion: Artofcryo: Cold Calling
Artofcryo.com aims to offer the best whole-body cryotherapy chambers as well as a complete, reliable and effective solution for operators and results for guests
Promotion: ISPA: Lead, inform, inspire
Lead, Inform, Inspire. It’s been quite a year for ISPA, with its firm commitment to supporting members through the pandemic, as president, Lynne McNees explains
Interview: Mark Hennebry
Ensana’s chair tells Spa Business magazine about its landmark development, Buxton Crescent, one of the only genuine spa hotels in the UK
Promotion: Lemi: Creating the dream team
This year leading Italian supplier Lemi launched three new spa solutions, and ventured into the creation of signature treatments for the first time. General manager Matteo Brusaferri explains why he sees this as the way forward to help spas maximise their investment
Interview: Luisa Anderson
A Longevity Garden and inner healing room are just two of the extra special features at the new Healing Village Spa at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, Bali, says its regional spa director
Promotion: Biologique Recherche
Skincare specialist, Biologique Recherche, is using its knowledge of chronobiology to create new approaches to skincare which yield powerful results
Event review: Global Wellness Summit 2020
This year’s Global Wellness Summit saw two US surgeon generals, leading spa stakeholders and wellness professionals look towards the role they have to play following the global pandemic. Spa Business magazine gives its highlights
Research: Matter of minds
A new study is the first to define and put a value on the global mental wellness industry – estimating it to be worth US$121bn. But what does this mean for spas?
Sponsored briefing: Starpool: Cargo-tecture
During lockdown, Riccardo Turri, CEO of Starpool, was inspired to create a whole new category of product, based on recycled containers. The result is the new i.con spa brand, which fuses luxury, wellness, recycling and design
Software: All booked up
Spa software suppliers take a look at 'big data' to reveal the booking trends they’ve seen since spas have reopened
Promotion: Voya: supporting spa partners
Jessica Anhold, Voya’s head of global sales and marketing, talks community in a time of crisis and how the company is supporting its spa partners
How are spas changing their menus since
coronavirus struck? And what other industry
events are taking place? We take a look at some
of the latest concepts, trends and programmes
Lefay spa resort in Lake Garda, Italy has introduced five packages which blend outdoor activities, TCM practices and wellness treatments.
Each journey includes a Natural Wellness Trail set in 11 hectares of beautiful grounds where guests encounter ‘treatment stations’ which represent different shapes, colours, aromas and recommend activities.
The White Tiger journey, for example, represents meditation and autumn, and is characterised by the colour white. The trail is recommended at sunset and includes yoga for overall balance, body awareness and improved breathing. A full body massage aims to curb feelings of melancholy.
“Even before COVID-19, more academic studies were highlighting the benefits of prescribing a connection with nature and the great outdoors,” says Dr Carlo Barbieri, president of Lefay’s Spa Method Scientific Committee.
Cost: €320 (US$378)
Bürgenstock offers COVID-19 recovery retreats
Bürgenstock, Switzerland has rolled out three executive retreats focused on preventative health solutions, mindfulness and mobility, respectively, at its five-star medi-wellness facility, Waldhotel.
The preventative health programme is a particular highlight. It’s conceptualised as “the ultimate medical MOT” and includes two days of screening followed by a comprehensive review and onsite intervention recommendations by a medical team member.
Opened in late 2017, the Bürgenstock Hotel is also home to the Alpine Spa which covers 107,000sq ft on three levels.
Cost: CHF2,200 (US$2,372) including lunch and dinner. Can be booked with or without an overnight stay
The prevention programme is referred to as “the ultimate medical MOT”
Celebrating hot springs worldwide with Soakember
David Dronet
The Global Wellness Institute’s Hot Springs Initiative team organised a live international soaking event to champion hot spring bathing on 13-14 November.
Live-streamed on Facebook and Soakember.com it ran simultaneously at hot springs in Japan, France, Hungary, China, Germany, Austria, Australia, the US, Slovenia, New Zealand and Costa Rica.
Initiative member and co-owner of The Springs in Colorado, David Dronet, has spearheaded the function to celebrate hot springs’ healing powers and the diversity of global bathing traditions. “Hot spring communities of the world are coming together in the shared belief that hot springs and hydrothermal thermal therapy can provide the mind, body and soul with the rejuvenation and renewal that so many of us need,” he says.
Initiative chair, Charles Davidson adds: “During these difficult times when the world has been so impacted by COVID-19, it’s important that we remember how beneficial mother nature can be to our health and wellbeing. Let’s soak together, to heal together.”
Cost: Free
Hot springs from around the world showcased their facilities / The Springs Resort & Spa, Pagosa Springs, CO
Armathwaite offers wild swimming and cold water therapy
Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa in the Lake District, UK, has launched a wild swimming package to improve people’s wellbeing using cold water.
Guests can choose a half-day or full-day package exploring local natural water features. This includes the chance to experience and immerse themselves in breathtaking water destinations such as a natural infinity pool; a string of spectacular waterfalls; and secluded locations, including the local Gin Pool, known for its crystal clear waters.
The new wild swimming retreat is designed to let guests discover the benefits of cold water swimming, including pain relief, a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, and an increase in the happiness hormone serotonin.
Cost: Starts at £90 (US$118)
Cold water will be used to improve wellbeing / Ian Doctor
Anantara opens first IV drip bar
Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas has stepped into the world of medi-wellness with its inaugural IV drip bar, VIVID by Verita Health clinic, at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.
The VIVID bar is characterised by bright, contemporary interiors and offers a variety of solutions to relieve symptoms of anything from jetlag or burnout to addressing beauty concerns. Treatments start at THB5,500 (US$176, €151, £136) for 40 minutes.
Other services include medical grade oxygen therapy, light therapy for circadian balancing and anti-ageing cosmetic treatments.
The new opening is a product of Anantara’s joint venture with Singapore group Verita Healthcare to create a global network of integrated health centres. Two other facilities are earmarked for Anantara properties in Bangkok and Phuket next year.
Cost: Start at THB5,500 (US$176)
VIVID has bright, contemporary interiors
Underwater breathwork programme in St Lucia
Diving is a great way to practice breathwork / Elovich /Shutterstock
Breathwork is a key pillar of wellness and its positive effects are well documented on the physical, mental and emotional state. In St Lucia, Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort and Spa has blended it with diving and yoga to create an underwater wellness programme.
Based around an early morning sunrise dive, the programme sees submerged participants practising four different breathing techniques to aid mindfulness and buoyancy control, while also following demonstrations of controlled yoga positions. The experience is 2.5 hours in total with 45 minutes underwater.
It claims to be the first of its kind to offer underwater breathwork and helps to slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, instil calmness and reduce overall stress and anxiety.
Cost: US$180
Clinique La Prairie supports immunity
Swiss medi-wellness clinic, Clinique La Prairie, has revealed two limited edition retreats, called Energising Wellness and Immunity Boost, available for Q4 2020 and throughout 2021.
Developed by the clinic’s expert health practitioners, the five-day programmes have been conceived to replenish energy and immunity levels and to help guests kickstart health habits.
They include a comprehensive health check-up, which assesses cardiac health, blood analysis, body composition and skin health, plus mindfulness classes, PT training and IV drips to correct deficiencies.
There’s also an emphasis on the role a healthy diet plays in immunity, with the retreats featuring nutritional coaching sessions and a private masterclass about antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Cost: Prices start at CHF6,900 (US$7,520)
The retreats will run throughout 2021 / Clinique La Prairie
GSN partners with Esalen Institute for Healing Arts webinars
Doug Drummond
The Green Spa Network (GSN) has teamed up with the Esalen Institute to produce a complimentary webinar series dedicated to personal and professional healing and growth during the global pandemic.
Founded in 1962, Esalen is a non-profit organisation seeking to ‘explore human potential through experience, education and research’ and is known for its therapeutic massage technique worldwide. The group has a retreat centre in California where it offers personal, spiritual and social transformation practices through healing arts.
Working with GSN, select Esalen healing arts specialists will focus on raising awareness of its practices to provide inspiration in the ever-changing wellness landscape. “We’re looking forward to sharing some unique perspectives,” says Doug Drummond, Esalen’s director of Healing Arts.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2020 issue 4
Editor's letter: Nurturing mental health
It’s time for spas re-evaluate their mental wellness approach to help governments and society to tackle the escalating mental health crisis says Katie Barnes
Spa people: Dr Narinthorn Surasinthon
RAKxa Jai, a cutting-edge medi-wellness spa, has opened in partnership with Bumrungrad International Hospital and Minor Hotels in Bangkok. Spa Business talks to its COO
Spa people: Isabelle Duchesneau
The executive director of Québec's Le Monastère Augustines explains why its priority of serving caretakers is more relevant today than ever
Spa people: Michael Banissy
The world's largest study on touch uncovers the role it plays in our health and wellbeing. Spa Business talks to the lead researcher
Interview: Krip Rojanastien
Chiva-Som’s CEO talks to Spa Business magazine about guiding the destination spa through COVID-19 and its first contract management project in Qatar
Ask an expert: Corridors of power
What will it take to make politicians realise the value of spas? Spa Business magazine asks those in government and others who’ve made inroads
Promotion: Artofcryo: Cold Calling
Artofcryo.com aims to offer the best whole-body cryotherapy chambers as well as a complete, reliable and effective solution for operators and results for guests
Promotion: ISPA: Lead, inform, inspire
Lead, Inform, Inspire. It’s been quite a year for ISPA, with its firm commitment to supporting members through the pandemic, as president, Lynne McNees explains
Interview: Mark Hennebry
Ensana’s chair tells Spa Business magazine about its landmark development, Buxton Crescent, one of the only genuine spa hotels in the UK
Promotion: Lemi: Creating the dream team
This year leading Italian supplier Lemi launched three new spa solutions, and ventured into the creation of signature treatments for the first time. General manager Matteo Brusaferri explains why he sees this as the way forward to help spas maximise their investment
Interview: Luisa Anderson
A Longevity Garden and inner healing room are just two of the extra special features at the new Healing Village Spa at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, Bali, says its regional spa director
Promotion: Biologique Recherche
Skincare specialist, Biologique Recherche, is using its knowledge of chronobiology to create new approaches to skincare which yield powerful results
Event review: Global Wellness Summit 2020
This year’s Global Wellness Summit saw two US surgeon generals, leading spa stakeholders and wellness professionals look towards the role they have to play following the global pandemic. Spa Business magazine gives its highlights
Research: Matter of minds
A new study is the first to define and put a value on the global mental wellness industry – estimating it to be worth US$121bn. But what does this mean for spas?
Sponsored briefing: Starpool: Cargo-tecture
During lockdown, Riccardo Turri, CEO of Starpool, was inspired to create a whole new category of product, based on recycled containers. The result is the new i.con spa brand, which fuses luxury, wellness, recycling and design
Software: All booked up
Spa software suppliers take a look at 'big data' to reveal the booking trends they’ve seen since spas have reopened
Promotion: Voya: supporting spa partners
Jessica Anhold, Voya’s head of global sales and marketing, talks community in a time of crisis and how the company is supporting its spa partners
The UK spa review and discovery platform for consumers, the Good Spa Guide, has announced
it will host the Good Spa Guide Awards 2026 during an event on 16 November at Sopwell House
Hotel in St Albans, UK.
Eighty-four per cent of consumers now say wellness is a top priority in their lives, with this
percentage increasing year on year, according to a preview presentation of McKinsey’s Future of
Wellness 2026 research report.
Mass protests have been taking place since Monday 1 June in Albania over the development of
a luxury resort by Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner.
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked 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.
