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The Gharieni Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers
of treatment tables and equipment for spa and wellness.
We talk to CEO, Sammy Gharieni, about his relentless drive
to deliver innovative products to underpin operators’ success
We live in challenging times,” says Sammy Gharieni, CEO of Gharieni Group. “Not only are people more time-starved, but when they go for a wellness experience, they also want more personalised service.
“They want to experience moments that add value and exceed their expectations – success comes from always keeping the customer journey fresh for wellness seekers. This fosters customer engagement and loyalty, enhancing their lives and creating a sense of the spa as an oasis.”
Shifting trends “Gharieni Group began by specialising in medical and spa equipment, so innovation has always been deeply embedded in our DNA,” says Gharieni.
“We foresaw the shift in our industry from spa to the more holistic spa and wellness offering and we’ve been meeting the needs of the industry in delivering on this trend, by adapting our offering to keep one step ahead.
“This approach has accelerated the growth of both our company and our client’s businesses and our capacity for responding rapidly to trends has seen us continue to lead the way in delivering high-end tech-driven experiences through our wellness concepts.
“However, in spite of this focus on technology, we still value the human response above all else,” says Gharieni. “Authenticity and quality of experience are cornerstones of everything we do. We create environments where the wisdom of self-care and healing meets the 21st century – with huge benefits for customers and the creation of unparalleled guest journeys.
“Spa investors should give more thought to individual or more personalised client treatments. One size no longer fits all.”
Selling concepts, not products “It’s important to stay on top of trends and what consumers need,” says Gharieni, “addressing these needs means higher returns for the operator and the creation of a fulfilling immersive environment for spa and wellness customers that keeps them coming back, so everyone wins.
“Combining holistic treatments with innovative technology is a key differentiator when it comes to the success of any wellness offering.
“‘Touchless treatments can also provide new options that can be integrated into wellness programmes to deliver proven benefits, with the assurance of knowing clients will be delighted with the results.”
Research – an industry first “We saw a unique opportunity during the early stages of the pandemic to start a programme of groundbreaking research to prove the efficacy of our products,” says Gharieni. “This research began with an investigation into two of our key lines – the Welnamis system and the Gharieni MLX Quartz bed and we intend to continue to research more of our products going forward.
“The Welnamis system is used to calm the mind during treatments, while the MLX Quartz Bed is filled with warm quartz sand that cocoons the body and replicates the benefits of a day spent at the beach.
“Our research found they both positively impact the Autonomic Nervous System, leading to greater levels of healing relaxation,” says Gharieni.
“This is the first study of its kind in the wellness market, so we’re pioneering in bringing these products to market, and undertaking research to prove their efficacy.
“We’re committed to the highest standards and to creating verified wellness experiences through our ongoing clinical studies,” he says.
See Gharieni’s product in action at its global network of flagship spas. Find out more at www.gharieni.com
About the research
Gharieni’s study into two of its touchless spa treatment concept beds looked at their effects on the Autonomic Nervous System, which is responsible for regulating important bodily functions and stimulating fight-or-flight reactions.
Good health and prevention rely on a sense of balance throughout the ANS.
Researcher and early human development specialist Sergio Pecorelli, MD, PhD, led the study, in collaboration with Alina Hernandez, vice-chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Mental Wellness Initiative.
Hernandez told Spa Business Gharieni launched the trial to provide scientific evidence to prove its products’ efficacy. She added that these kinds of studies will be crucial for spa and wellness going forward.
She believes this kind of evidence will help spa and wellness businesses stand out from the crowd and benefit the industry by reassuring customers that healing modalities are scientifically-backed, safe and worth their money.
“We immediately saw improvement in the ANS right after treatments. In fact, we saw peak improvement after three to four treatments, with maintenance and sustained improvement over the eight weeks of the study.
“Chronic stress is one of the greatest challenges to health and wellbeing, because it can trigger chronic inflammation which is ultimately the root of nearly all chronic diseases,” she said.
“This study is especially meaningful during a time when value and authenticity are highly important to the end-consumer,” said Hernandez.
To find out more about the research, go to www.spabusiness.com/Gharieniresearch
Positive effects on the nervous system were seen after just one Quartz bed treatment / photo: gharieni
photo: gharieni
We create environments where the wisdom of self-care and healing meets the 21st century – with huge benefits for customers and the creation of unparalleled guest journeys" – Sammy Gharieni, CEO
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2021 issue 3
Editor's letter: All about the people
With global staff shortages threatening to stall economic recovery, it’s time to reboot our commitment to driving improvements in pay and working conditions across the spa and wellness industry
Spa people: Dr Mark Hyman
Dr Mark Hyman MD believes functional medicine has the power to be life-changing in the health and wellbeing of patients.
New opening: Six Senses Shaharut
Six Senses has opened the doors to its new 60-key retreat in Israel’s southern Negev Desert, complete with a 1,900sq m, two-level spa and wellness sanctuary
New opening: QC NY
A 74,000sq ft Italian day spa has opened on New York’s Governors Island after a US$50m investment and seven years of planning, building and restoration.
Interview: Kenneth Ryan
We talk to the global head of spa at Marriott International about navigating the global lockdown, re-imagining the company's brand portfolio and what it will take to succeed post-COVID-19
Sponsored: Time out
Answering a growing demand
for non-invasive, anti-ageing skin
care, Comfort Zone is relaunching
its Sublime Skin line with a new
filler-like natural formula that
reverses cellular degeneration
Research: Total impact
Latest ISPA report considers the economic fallout of the pandemic and the spa industry's road to recovery
Sponsored: Gharieni Group
CEO Sammy Gharieni talks about his relentless drive
to deliver innovative products to underpin operators’ success
Analysis: Role model
What business models are showing the most potential in the wellness industry? Lyndsay Madden Nadeau shares her insights
Interview: Lorenzo Giannuzzi
The hospitality veteran dreamed of reinventing an historic Italian palazzo as a world-class medical spa. Lisa Starr went to find out more
Sponsored: TechnoAlpin
Snow rooms are creating a ‘wow’ factor for customers,
while reducing operating costs in the delivery of hot and cold
experiences
Interview: Gloria Caulfield
The executive director of Lake Nona wellness community talks about tapping into the latest tech to create healthy living environments
Software: Revenue management
How software suppliers have been supporting spas to get savvy with yield management since the pandemic began
Promotion: Iyashi Dôme
Iyashi Dôme’s touchless infrared tech is the perfect investment for the post-lockdown world, says Florent Cornelis
The Gharieni Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers
of treatment tables and equipment for spa and wellness.
We talk to CEO, Sammy Gharieni, about his relentless drive
to deliver innovative products to underpin operators’ success
We live in challenging times,” says Sammy Gharieni, CEO of Gharieni Group. “Not only are people more time-starved, but when they go for a wellness experience, they also want more personalised service.
“They want to experience moments that add value and exceed their expectations – success comes from always keeping the customer journey fresh for wellness seekers. This fosters customer engagement and loyalty, enhancing their lives and creating a sense of the spa as an oasis.”
Shifting trends “Gharieni Group began by specialising in medical and spa equipment, so innovation has always been deeply embedded in our DNA,” says Gharieni.
“We foresaw the shift in our industry from spa to the more holistic spa and wellness offering and we’ve been meeting the needs of the industry in delivering on this trend, by adapting our offering to keep one step ahead.
“This approach has accelerated the growth of both our company and our client’s businesses and our capacity for responding rapidly to trends has seen us continue to lead the way in delivering high-end tech-driven experiences through our wellness concepts.
“However, in spite of this focus on technology, we still value the human response above all else,” says Gharieni. “Authenticity and quality of experience are cornerstones of everything we do. We create environments where the wisdom of self-care and healing meets the 21st century – with huge benefits for customers and the creation of unparalleled guest journeys.
“Spa investors should give more thought to individual or more personalised client treatments. One size no longer fits all.”
Selling concepts, not products “It’s important to stay on top of trends and what consumers need,” says Gharieni, “addressing these needs means higher returns for the operator and the creation of a fulfilling immersive environment for spa and wellness customers that keeps them coming back, so everyone wins.
“Combining holistic treatments with innovative technology is a key differentiator when it comes to the success of any wellness offering.
“‘Touchless treatments can also provide new options that can be integrated into wellness programmes to deliver proven benefits, with the assurance of knowing clients will be delighted with the results.”
Research – an industry first “We saw a unique opportunity during the early stages of the pandemic to start a programme of groundbreaking research to prove the efficacy of our products,” says Gharieni. “This research began with an investigation into two of our key lines – the Welnamis system and the Gharieni MLX Quartz bed and we intend to continue to research more of our products going forward.
“The Welnamis system is used to calm the mind during treatments, while the MLX Quartz Bed is filled with warm quartz sand that cocoons the body and replicates the benefits of a day spent at the beach.
“Our research found they both positively impact the Autonomic Nervous System, leading to greater levels of healing relaxation,” says Gharieni.
“This is the first study of its kind in the wellness market, so we’re pioneering in bringing these products to market, and undertaking research to prove their efficacy.
“We’re committed to the highest standards and to creating verified wellness experiences through our ongoing clinical studies,” he says.
See Gharieni’s product in action at its global network of flagship spas. Find out more at www.gharieni.com
About the research
Gharieni’s study into two of its touchless spa treatment concept beds looked at their effects on the Autonomic Nervous System, which is responsible for regulating important bodily functions and stimulating fight-or-flight reactions.
Good health and prevention rely on a sense of balance throughout the ANS.
Researcher and early human development specialist Sergio Pecorelli, MD, PhD, led the study, in collaboration with Alina Hernandez, vice-chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Mental Wellness Initiative.
Hernandez told Spa Business Gharieni launched the trial to provide scientific evidence to prove its products’ efficacy. She added that these kinds of studies will be crucial for spa and wellness going forward.
She believes this kind of evidence will help spa and wellness businesses stand out from the crowd and benefit the industry by reassuring customers that healing modalities are scientifically-backed, safe and worth their money.
“We immediately saw improvement in the ANS right after treatments. In fact, we saw peak improvement after three to four treatments, with maintenance and sustained improvement over the eight weeks of the study.
“Chronic stress is one of the greatest challenges to health and wellbeing, because it can trigger chronic inflammation which is ultimately the root of nearly all chronic diseases,” she said.
“This study is especially meaningful during a time when value and authenticity are highly important to the end-consumer,” said Hernandez.
To find out more about the research, go to www.spabusiness.com/Gharieniresearch
Positive effects on the nervous system were seen after just one Quartz bed treatment / photo: gharieni
photo: gharieni
We create environments where the wisdom of self-care and healing meets the 21st century – with huge benefits for customers and the creation of unparalleled guest journeys" – Sammy Gharieni, CEO
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2021 issue 3
Editor's letter: All about the people
With global staff shortages threatening to stall economic recovery, it’s time to reboot our commitment to driving improvements in pay and working conditions across the spa and wellness industry
Spa people: Dr Mark Hyman
Dr Mark Hyman MD believes functional medicine has the power to be life-changing in the health and wellbeing of patients.
New opening: Six Senses Shaharut
Six Senses has opened the doors to its new 60-key retreat in Israel’s southern Negev Desert, complete with a 1,900sq m, two-level spa and wellness sanctuary
New opening: QC NY
A 74,000sq ft Italian day spa has opened on New York’s Governors Island after a US$50m investment and seven years of planning, building and restoration.
Interview: Kenneth Ryan
We talk to the global head of spa at Marriott International about navigating the global lockdown, re-imagining the company's brand portfolio and what it will take to succeed post-COVID-19
Sponsored: Time out
Answering a growing demand
for non-invasive, anti-ageing skin
care, Comfort Zone is relaunching
its Sublime Skin line with a new
filler-like natural formula that
reverses cellular degeneration
Research: Total impact
Latest ISPA report considers the economic fallout of the pandemic and the spa industry's road to recovery
Sponsored: Gharieni Group
CEO Sammy Gharieni talks about his relentless drive
to deliver innovative products to underpin operators’ success
Analysis: Role model
What business models are showing the most potential in the wellness industry? Lyndsay Madden Nadeau shares her insights
Interview: Lorenzo Giannuzzi
The hospitality veteran dreamed of reinventing an historic Italian palazzo as a world-class medical spa. Lisa Starr went to find out more
Sponsored: TechnoAlpin
Snow rooms are creating a ‘wow’ factor for customers,
while reducing operating costs in the delivery of hot and cold
experiences
Interview: Gloria Caulfield
The executive director of Lake Nona wellness community talks about tapping into the latest tech to create healthy living environments
Software: Revenue management
How software suppliers have been supporting spas to get savvy with yield management since the pandemic began
Promotion: Iyashi Dôme
Iyashi Dôme’s touchless infrared tech is the perfect investment for the post-lockdown world, says Florent Cornelis
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.
