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Spa people
Anna Teal

The role of DIY wellness is going to stick around and this is something for spas to reflect on


According to CEO of Aromatherapy Associates (AA), Anna Teal, online retail has been crucial for business following the enforced closure of spas. Speaking to Spa Business, she shares some of the group’s innovations which are helping it to connect to customers in a new way.

As a company, AA has historically drawn around 70 per cent of income from the 495 spas it supplies globally, but since the lockdown 80 per cent of its revenue has been generated by online retail and 20 per cent from facilities.

The company’s web traffic is up 500 per cent as consumer interest in at-home wellness surged. One particular success story has been its complimentary, digital, education sessions – MirrorMe calls conducted via Zoom – which attract 120-150 attendees a week. The majority of attendees pre-purchase an AA product pack, costing around £75 (US$99, €84), and a therapist then explains how to use the products and the theory behind aromatherapy.

“This exemplifies how you can use digital to engage with people in different ways, drive revenue and educate them, even though spas may be closed,” says Teal.

That’s not to say the company is switching tack, by June next year Teal is aiming to have spas propping up 40-50 per cent of revenue. But she does believe businesses need to adapt in a post-COVID-19 world where consumers may be nervous about returning to spas – and to use this as an opportunity.

“The role of DIY wellness is going to stick around and this is something for spas to reflect on,” she says. “There needs to be a conversation about reevaluating the role of the therapist. They’ll still deliver hands-on treatments, but there’s nothing stopping spas from engaging with customers by hosting virtual educational calls.

“If you keep a conversation going with customers even when you’re not physically with them, it gives you more opportunity to sell to them.”

In another move to adapt, AA has just revealed four no-touch treatment programmes for its hotel partners and spa accounts to offer wellbeing experiences outside the spa (see p24).

Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine

View contents of Spa Business 2020 issue 3
  • Editor's letter: The fight ahead
    There’s a huge job of work to do to build our reputation and win support in the corridors of power, says Katie Barnes
  • Spa people: Patrick Huey
    The vice-president of spa and retail at Montage talks about his new role as ISPA chair, Black Lives Matter and how his spas are fighting back against COVID-19
  • Spa people: Rianna Riego
    Wellness consultant Rianna Riego speaks out about racial discrimination in the global spa industry
  • Spa people: Anna Teal
    The CEO of Aromatherapy Associates outlines the online innovations it's using to connect with customers in exciting new ways
  • News report: Spas collaborate with medical institutions
    Spa operators around the world strike up allegiances with medical and research institutes to affirm their position as providers of ‘safe touch’
  • Spa programmes: On the menu
    How are spas changing their treatments and services now they’re staring to reopen again?
  • Interview: Lee Woon Hoe
    Banyan Tree’s executive director of wellbeing tells Spa Business magazine why now is the right time for the group to launch its new wellness concept
  • Ask an expert: Spa design 2030
    Spa Business magazine asks leading designers and architects to give their predictions about pandemic-proof spa models
  • Promotion: Trendsetting
    Design specialists, The Wellness, worked with in-house engineers for Jumeirah to create a state-of-the-art gym for Talise Fitness at the Jumeirah Al Naseem in Dubai
  • Research: Manner of speaking
    ISPA’s latest study reveals consumer attitudes in the aftermath of COVID-19. Josh Corman picks out the key details
  • Research: New perspectives
    Two surveys in the UK highlight both spa operator and spa-goer insights as facilities across the country begin to welcome guests back
  • Promotion: The power of touchless
    Spa and wellness innovator, Sammy Gharieni, reveals how his on-trend products are perfect for delivering high-value touchless treatments
  • Country focus: Best of British
    We take a look at the standout concepts offered in the world-class spas that have opened in the UK over the last three years
  • Promotion: Sustain and regenerate
    Sustainable skincare brand, Comfort Zone, has radically reinvented its entire Sacred Nature line, driven by the ambition to create some of the world’s first carbon-negative products
  • Interview: Emma Darby
    Despite closing during in lockdown, some Resense spas still hit revenue targets. Its COO tells Spa Business magazine how
  • Business analysis: Model behaviour
    Spa Business magazine analyses the innovative business model behind Remedy Place and Next Health
  • Treatments: Touchdown
    We investigate spa equipment and services with minimal human contact
  • Treatments: Pinch of salt
    Halotherapy experts outline its benefits
  • Promotion: Redefining the snowroom
    Italian snowroom expert, TechnoAlpin, has collaborated with groundbreaking architectural practice, Snøhetta, to create a snowroom like no other
  • Medi-wellness: On good termes
    Italy’s Long Life clinic, which offers anti-ageing science alongside water cures, is gaining greater attention post-lockdown. Sophie Benge pays a visit
  • Supplier showcase: Premium Fitness
    Dormy House has partnered with Matrix Fitness to create two fully-connected fitness suites to take its offering to a new and more sophisticated level @DormyHouse @MatrixFitnessUK
  • Technology: Soft touch
    How can software help spa operators navigate issues following lockdown?
  • Promotion: Sothys
    Sothys’ beauty treatment designer, Séverine Monjanel, and training director, Isabelle Villey, talk to Spa Business about the company’s new authentic ancestral Indonesian treatment
  • Promotion: Iyashi Dôme
    Iyashi Dôme is now COVID-19 compliant, says Shogoro Uemura
  • Research: Finishing Touch – water cure
    Study reveals the preventative and therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy
Since lockdown, 80 per cent of AA’s revenue has been generated by online retail
Since lockdown, 80 per cent of AA’s revenue has been generated by online retail
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Zerobody Cryo: Starpool's contrast therapy solution
Contrast therapy, based on the alternation of hot and cold rituals, has become one of the most valued practices in the fields of wellness and recovery. [more...]

Elemis launches its first Red Light Mask, lighting the way to advanced skin health and restoration
Elemis has branched into LED skincare with the launch of its breakthrough Red Light Mask. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Seed To Skin

Founded by Jeanette Thottrup in 2018, in Tuscany, Seed to Skin is an award winning skincare line. [more...]
The Wellness

Founded in 2007, headquartered in Dubai and based in Hong Kong and Singapore, The Wellness is an int [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
10-12 Sep 2026

ASEAN Patio Pool Spa Expo 2026

MITEC Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia, Malaysia
+ More diary  
 
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©Cybertrek 2026
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
Anna Teal

The role of DIY wellness is going to stick around and this is something for spas to reflect on


According to CEO of Aromatherapy Associates (AA), Anna Teal, online retail has been crucial for business following the enforced closure of spas. Speaking to Spa Business, she shares some of the group’s innovations which are helping it to connect to customers in a new way.

As a company, AA has historically drawn around 70 per cent of income from the 495 spas it supplies globally, but since the lockdown 80 per cent of its revenue has been generated by online retail and 20 per cent from facilities.

The company’s web traffic is up 500 per cent as consumer interest in at-home wellness surged. One particular success story has been its complimentary, digital, education sessions – MirrorMe calls conducted via Zoom – which attract 120-150 attendees a week. The majority of attendees pre-purchase an AA product pack, costing around £75 (US$99, €84), and a therapist then explains how to use the products and the theory behind aromatherapy.

“This exemplifies how you can use digital to engage with people in different ways, drive revenue and educate them, even though spas may be closed,” says Teal.

That’s not to say the company is switching tack, by June next year Teal is aiming to have spas propping up 40-50 per cent of revenue. But she does believe businesses need to adapt in a post-COVID-19 world where consumers may be nervous about returning to spas – and to use this as an opportunity.

“The role of DIY wellness is going to stick around and this is something for spas to reflect on,” she says. “There needs to be a conversation about reevaluating the role of the therapist. They’ll still deliver hands-on treatments, but there’s nothing stopping spas from engaging with customers by hosting virtual educational calls.

“If you keep a conversation going with customers even when you’re not physically with them, it gives you more opportunity to sell to them.”

In another move to adapt, AA has just revealed four no-touch treatment programmes for its hotel partners and spa accounts to offer wellbeing experiences outside the spa (see p24).

Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine

View contents of Spa Business 2020 issue 3
  • Editor's letter: The fight ahead
    There’s a huge job of work to do to build our reputation and win support in the corridors of power, says Katie Barnes
  • Spa people: Patrick Huey
    The vice-president of spa and retail at Montage talks about his new role as ISPA chair, Black Lives Matter and how his spas are fighting back against COVID-19
  • Spa people: Rianna Riego
    Wellness consultant Rianna Riego speaks out about racial discrimination in the global spa industry
  • Spa people: Anna Teal
    The CEO of Aromatherapy Associates outlines the online innovations it's using to connect with customers in exciting new ways
  • News report: Spas collaborate with medical institutions
    Spa operators around the world strike up allegiances with medical and research institutes to affirm their position as providers of ‘safe touch’
  • Spa programmes: On the menu
    How are spas changing their treatments and services now they’re staring to reopen again?
  • Interview: Lee Woon Hoe
    Banyan Tree’s executive director of wellbeing tells Spa Business magazine why now is the right time for the group to launch its new wellness concept
  • Ask an expert: Spa design 2030
    Spa Business magazine asks leading designers and architects to give their predictions about pandemic-proof spa models
  • Promotion: Trendsetting
    Design specialists, The Wellness, worked with in-house engineers for Jumeirah to create a state-of-the-art gym for Talise Fitness at the Jumeirah Al Naseem in Dubai
  • Research: Manner of speaking
    ISPA’s latest study reveals consumer attitudes in the aftermath of COVID-19. Josh Corman picks out the key details
  • Research: New perspectives
    Two surveys in the UK highlight both spa operator and spa-goer insights as facilities across the country begin to welcome guests back
  • Promotion: The power of touchless
    Spa and wellness innovator, Sammy Gharieni, reveals how his on-trend products are perfect for delivering high-value touchless treatments
  • Country focus: Best of British
    We take a look at the standout concepts offered in the world-class spas that have opened in the UK over the last three years
  • Promotion: Sustain and regenerate
    Sustainable skincare brand, Comfort Zone, has radically reinvented its entire Sacred Nature line, driven by the ambition to create some of the world’s first carbon-negative products
  • Interview: Emma Darby
    Despite closing during in lockdown, some Resense spas still hit revenue targets. Its COO tells Spa Business magazine how
  • Business analysis: Model behaviour
    Spa Business magazine analyses the innovative business model behind Remedy Place and Next Health
  • Treatments: Touchdown
    We investigate spa equipment and services with minimal human contact
  • Treatments: Pinch of salt
    Halotherapy experts outline its benefits
  • Promotion: Redefining the snowroom
    Italian snowroom expert, TechnoAlpin, has collaborated with groundbreaking architectural practice, Snøhetta, to create a snowroom like no other
  • Medi-wellness: On good termes
    Italy’s Long Life clinic, which offers anti-ageing science alongside water cures, is gaining greater attention post-lockdown. Sophie Benge pays a visit
  • Supplier showcase: Premium Fitness
    Dormy House has partnered with Matrix Fitness to create two fully-connected fitness suites to take its offering to a new and more sophisticated level @DormyHouse @MatrixFitnessUK
  • Technology: Soft touch
    How can software help spa operators navigate issues following lockdown?
  • Promotion: Sothys
    Sothys’ beauty treatment designer, Séverine Monjanel, and training director, Isabelle Villey, talk to Spa Business about the company’s new authentic ancestral Indonesian treatment
  • Promotion: Iyashi Dôme
    Iyashi Dôme is now COVID-19 compliant, says Shogoro Uemura
  • Research: Finishing Touch – water cure
    Study reveals the preventative and therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy
Since lockdown, 80 per cent of AA’s revenue has been generated by online retail
Since lockdown, 80 per cent of AA’s revenue has been generated by online retail
LATEST NEWS
Robert Thurman: a life dedicated to enlightenment
Robert Thurman, an expert on Tibetan Buddhism and the spiritual director of Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Woodstock, has died, aged 84.
BBSpa Group to launch holistic bathhouse Atera in Glasgow
International spa, wellness and longevity consultancy, BBSpa, will launch a new bathhouse called Atera in Glasgow, Scotland, in September.
Ananda in the Himalayas publishes Ayurvedic cookbook
Ananda in the Himalayas, India, has published its first cookbook, built on the wellness retreat’s 25 years of Ayurvedic cuisine expertise.
Minor Hotels appoints Aditya Saluja as commercial director for MSpa International
Aditya Saluja, an industry leader in luxury wellness hospitality, has been appointed as commercial director of spa and wellness for the spa management division of Minor Hotels, MSpa International.
Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort to unveil new spa in February 2027
Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort, a destination resort and spa in Naturno, South Tyrol in Italy, will reveal a new spa in February 2027, which has been designed by wellness expert and consultant Patrizia Bortolin.
ISPA launches on-demand customer experience course by Dan Gingiss
The International Spa Association (ISPA) has launched a course by customer experience expert Dan Gingiss on its iLearn platform.
Virgin Active opens social wellness club in London's Mayfair
Virgin Active has officially opened its redesigned Mayfair club, unveiling its latest Social Wellness Club and signalling a significant evolution of its proposition.
Corinthia appoints Peter Roth as president of hotel operations
Peter Roth has been appointed as Corinthia’s president of hotel operations.
Hoshino Resorts opens Kai Kusatsu as it expands the Kai onsen ryokan brand
Kai Kusatsu, an onsen ryokan property has launched in the famous Japanese hot spring destination, Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture.
Luxury resort coming to Hunter Valley will have longevity spa
Private hotel owner and developer HVL Hotels will open a new luxury resort and tourism destination called Laval Hunter Valley in the second half of 2027 in Pokolbin, Australia.
Rocco Forte’s Verdura Resort to host wellness festival Alma near emerging Blue Zone in Sicily
The annual wellness festival dedicated to wellbeing, culture, longevity and human connection, called Alma, will be hosted by Rocco Forte hotel, Verdura Resort in Sicily, Italy.
Feisal Jaffer becomes chief development officer for Capella Hotel Group
Capella Hotel Group has appointed Feisal Jaffer as chief development officer as the company ramps up its global expansion of both its Capella and Patina brands.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Zerobody Cryo: Starpool's contrast therapy solution
Contrast therapy, based on the alternation of hot and cold rituals, has become one of the most valued practices in the fields of wellness and recovery. [more...]

Elemis launches its first Red Light Mask, lighting the way to advanced skin health and restoration
Elemis has branched into LED skincare with the launch of its breakthrough Red Light Mask. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Seed To Skin

Founded by Jeanette Thottrup in 2018, in Tuscany, Seed to Skin is an award winning skincare line. [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
10-12 Sep 2026

ASEAN Patio Pool Spa Expo 2026

MITEC Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia, Malaysia
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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