Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Magazine Issue # 80 2021

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A Professional take on SPA Business, Health Therapies, Products & Simple Relaxation 2021*ISSUE*80

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Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Conference 2021 2 The Future of Wellness 6 “I'm Starting to Hate the Word Wellness” 8 SCFSA's Esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award Honours Dr Desmond Fernandes For Skincare Contributions 10 Starting a Spa 12 What makes the perfect spa? 18 Why Being Near Water Really Does Make Us Happier 20 Sustainability Matters: Lessons Learned After Covid 24 5 Easy Ways to Use Biophilic Design to Connect with Nature 26 Sustainable by Design: The 'New Normal'? 30 Three Steps to Decarbonize Your Spa 32 Main Advantages of Disposable Linens for Your Business 34 How 'Well' Is Your Spa? 36 Is it Possible to Keep Spa Textiles in a Circular Economy Business Model? 38 Spa Design Insights on Fireplaces and Heating 40 Physical Activity and Fitness Technologies: A Fast-Growing $26 Billion Global Market 42 10 Actionable and Inspiring Tips for Leading Well 44 A Small Business Owner's Guide to Effective Collaboration Strategies 46 The Secret To Success For Future Leaders? Curiosity 48 The Mind-Body Connection and Mental Health 50 Stop Making This BIG Pricing Mistake 52 The Driving Factor Behind the Business Travel Comeback 54

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How Spa Design can ensure the right first impression. We understand that today’s guest is taking wellness to heart. More than ever individuals are seeking environments and experiences where they can discover, learn, and nurture healthier habits and ways of being. Environments that help quiet the mind, reduce anxiety, improve mental and physical vitality and create a sense of community are now providing hospitality and travel industry with new opportunities to increase revenue, customer satisfaction, and loyalty. Through spa architecture and wellness design, we incorporate aesthetics with holistic and functionality to create extraordinary experiences, and memorable settings that help you to make a lasting impression and re-enforcing a healthy difference in your guests life. Additionally spa guests expect a spa to promote a general sense of well-being. When entering a spa they want to immediately feel at ease. Their spa escape can only be gratifying when they feel safe. There are a lot of things to consider when designing a spa such as the colours, entrance experience, spa room decoration and lightning, but also the flow from the busy reception area, to the peace of a treatment room. The key to the guest’s satisfaction lies in a spa design solution that takes into account form, flow and function of the whole spa environment. Dates to Diarise: Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Conference and Spa Awards 2021 are taking place on the 29th & 30th July 2021, at the new Houghton Hotel. An event not to be missed! Register today on www.lesnouvelleblog.co.za Enjoy the read !

Dr. Nadine de Freitas

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques International Publisher I 7, avenue Stephane Mallarme 75017 PARIS Tel: 01 43 80 06 47 Fax: 01 43 80 83 63 www.nouvelles-esthetiques.com I Fondateur : H. Pierantoni I Directeur de la Publications: Jeannine Cannac-Pierantoni I Redactrice en chef: Michéle de Lattre-Pierantoni I International Editions • Argentina • Baltic • Benelux • Brazil • Bulgaria • Canada • China • France • Greece • Hong Kong • Hungary • Israel • Italy • Japan • Mexico • Poland • Portugal • Romania • Singapore • South Africa • Spain • Taiwan • Turkey • Ukraine • USA • Yugoslavia Les Nouvelles Esthétiques South African Edition I Max Cafe P. O. Box 81204, Parkhurst Johannesburg, South Africa 2120 I Tel: +27 83 267 2773 e-mail: info@lesnouvelles.co.za www.lesnouvelles.co.za I Publisher/Creative Director : Anthony de Freitas e-mail: tony@maxcafe.co.za I Managing Editor : Dr. Nadine de Freitas e-mail: nadine@maxcafe .co.za I Editor ial Assistant: Sarene Kloren editor ial @lesnouvelles.co.za I Adver tising Enquir ies: Dr Nadine de Freitas e-mail: info@lesnouvelles.co.za I Subscription Enquiries: Tel: +27 83 267 2773 e-mail: info@lesnouvelles.co.za or visit: www.lesnouvelles.co.za

Workshop

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Network

Awards

Doc: Alice Alinari

Conference

Innovate, Invigorate & Elevate your Spa Peruse the top 10 business skills forecasted for the future and you’ll find the common thread of Creativity.

Emotional intelligence, originality, critical thinking, innovation, and complex problem solving are essential to invigorate and elevate your Spa. Creativity is Intelligence having Fun Albert Einstein

29 & 30 August 2021

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011 447 9959 or info@lesnouvelles.co.za Online Registration: www.lesnouvelles.co.za

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11.30 - 12.00 Mind - Body - Skin Connections - Symphony of Graceful Ageing- Dr Denise Bjorkman (CEO at Neuro Business Institute)

Sunday, 29 August 2021

Providing a mind-body-skin connections that restores the cellular balance between the skin, nervous system and immune system. One treatment at a time, through touch you can help create a more connected and compassionate world, beyond the immediate effects of reducing individual stress.

There's a new shift that suggests companies and their employees will have to start thinking in a different way when it comes to the way we work and live. This isn't only because there are fewer of us to do more work, but because the is going to be occupied by different generations. This is especially true for jobs that require creative solutions, knowledge and innovation. Employees in these fields fight to reach the ideal balance with set patterns, when in fact they would benefit significantly from breaking the pattern and instead of following a system 8.30 - 9.30 Registration based on the individual tasks and their own energy levels. To get as much as MC: Sheila Otieno-Osanya (Founder of The Spa People) possible out of our human resources, it is vital that we put the work-life balance 9.30 - 10.00 Welcome - Innovate to Elevate: How to Use Creativity in focus. to take your Business to the Next Level - Dr Nadine de Freitas (Managing 15.15 - 16.00 Being Part of the Blue Wellness Movement - Kent Editor - Les Nouvelles Esthetiques) Richards (Hong Kong) - Spa Operations Director Six Senses Hotel Resorts Peruse the top ten requisite business skills right now and forecasted for the future & Spas International (as determined by last year's World Economic Forum Future of Jobs report) and you'll find a common thread of creativity. Skills like manual dexterity and time You are familiar with the green beauty movement that was pioneered by small, management are trending downward. Emotional intelligence, originality, critical independent brands as it steadily emerged over the past three decades. Green thinking, innovation, and complex problem solving are gaining ground. Creative beauty is generally defined as beauty products that are plant-based, organicfocused, and ethically sourced. Over the past few years, green beauty has gone problem solving is a highly sought after skill. more mainstream. But have you heard of Blue Beauty? Businesses have to “go The Future of Spas - Patrick Huey (USA) - (Chairman blue,” which means that they were going to be held accountable by consumers 10.00 - 11.00 of the International Spa Association and Corporate Spa Director at to surpass being green and sustainable and forge new ways to use their businesses to make a positive impact on the environment, not just minimize their impact. Montage Hotels & Resorts) The wellness movement has grown to a multitrillion dollar industry, creating a world of opportunities, where you can strategically position your business to take advantage of “what's next.” Businesses that come up with new ideas and trial them are the ones that will evolve faster. Mobilise the magic, it's you and Registration your people and once you ignite your magic, that builds resilience in your team.” 8.30 - 9.00 Tebogo Thoka - Founder and CEO of Fabu-Health & Co 11.00 -11.30 Mid Morning Break Welcome & Spa Awards 2021 - Dr Nadine de Freitas 9.00 - 9.15 11.30 -12.15 The 4 Curves and Flat Earth - Dr Wynand Goosen (CEO The Word “Wellness” - Andrew Jacka (Singapore) 9.15 - 9.30 and Founder of Skillzbook) (Chairman - Asia-Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition There are plenty of echoes in our modern-day Vesuvius. For years, we have lived with - and largely ignored as “not particularly alarming” - increases in chronic The Dangers of Wellness.“It’s actually worse than when we started the spa diseases, an accelerating mental health crisis and growing income inequalities industry and 'spa’ was used to describe everything. The word 'wellness’ is now - not to mention the escalating climate change crisis. So here are four curves used to describe everything and this is dangerous. As an industry we need to define exactly what we mean by wellness. We can deliver 'light wellness’ or that we need to start flattening. 'integrative wellness’ but we need to be clear about what we do, especially in 12.15 -12.30 The Power of Connection - Dr Lientjies van Rensburg hospitality.

Monday, 30th August 2021

Is it a Bullish or Bearish Spa Market for Investment The skin is the largest organ in our body and is designed, amongst other things, 9.00 - 10.30 to experience touch. As our brains and bodies have developed extensive and Panel Discussion - Panel Discussion : Tebogo Thoka (CEO: Fabu-Health complicated responses to being touched, massage has a profound impact. & Co), Debbie Merdjan (CEO: Camelot International), Patrick Huey (Chairman: iSpa), Stav Dimitriadis (CEO: Twincare International) Spa Design: Wellness and Biophilic Architecture that 12.30 - 13.00 creates Emotional Connections - Andrew Scrivener (Managing Director The term “Bullish” is used because of the way a Bull attacks, moving his horns and head upwards and higher. So the price will rise.. A bearish market means - Distinctive Spaces) that the price is going down and falling. So is the Spa Market currently and into Biophilic and wellness design is a concept used within the design and architectural the future: Bullish or Bearish. industry to increase connectivity to the natural environment through the use of Future Proofing - Increasing Profitability and Wellness direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions. 10.30 - 11.00 ROI - Marisa Dimitriadis (Founder and Managing Director - The Spa Consultants) 13.00 -14.00 Lunch 14.20 -15.00 Preparing to Dream - a New World of Well-being - It takes a lot to keep an organization running efficiently, ask any spa owner or Jean-Guy de Gabraic (Belgium) (Founder World Wellness Weekend) manager, to produce better outcomes, profit margins and have the best chance at making the most of well-suited investments. Allowing money or time to slip Wellness does not start with “me,” but with “we.” We should become the artisans through the cracks or go to waste can quickly deter progress on any initiative. of healthier and more vibrant lifestyles. Wellness does not just help us to survive, Of course, this is all easier said than done. Especially when it comes to abstract, it helps us to thrive. This is the goal of World Wellness Weekend and every highly impactful initiatives like an employee wellness program or marketing Weekend and encourages people to take the Wellness Pledge to positively programs, it can be challenging to assess its value and ensure the investment impact the lives of people near or far, through solidarity and a sense of purpose. is worth it. 11.00 - 11.30 14.30 - 15.15 How the Future of Work-Life Balance Will Look Like? - Ronald Abvajee (CEO of HLC: Winner of the 2019 Corporate Wellness Champion Award at the Future of HR Awards. Physiologist and Health and Wellness Expert, Entrepreneur and Motivational Speaker)

Mid Morning Tea Break

12.00 - 12.30 Media, Influencers and new Technologies are Driving Wellness - Unaiza Suliman - The Brow Queen but her influence extends To Business, Beauty & Aesthetics, Fashion, Parenting, Health & Fitness THE INFLUENCER WELLNESS REPORT states “2,267 social media influencers, trendsetters and early adopters reveal next years biggest trends in exercise, nutrition, food, alcohol, cannabis, supplements, e-commerce, apps, and much more…” Talent Management Strategies to help your Business 12.30 - 13.00 Stand out - Miranda Forrester (Owner of MF Spa & Beauty Placements)

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Conference 2021 Theme : Innovate, Invigorate and Elevate your Spa A must attend event for all spa managers, salon or spa owners, and wellness professionals. The Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Conference focuses on building capacity, raising benchmarks and adding value to the spa industry, in addition to the infinite networking opportunity. This results in a speaker program that is focused in helping delegates to better understand their business; master industries best practices and directly apply practical lessons in their business. Peruse the top ten business skills forecasted for the future and you'll find the common thread of Creativity. Emotional intelligence, originality, critical thinking, innovation, and complex problem solving are essential to invigorate and elevate your Spa.

Creativity is Intelligence having Fun - Albert Einstein

Talent management is an ongoing process of attracting and retaining highperforming employees, providing the tools to develop their skills, and keeping them engaged and motivated. Retainment is a big part of a talent management strategy 13.00 -14.00

Lunch

14.00 -14.30 Embracing Diversity - Creating a new breed of culture driven leaders to grow the SA economy. Diversity is about what makes each of us unique and includes our backgrounds, personality, life experiences and beliefs, all of the things that make us who we are. It is a combination of our differences that shape our view of the world, our perspective and our approach Circular Economy EXPLAINED : Lucy Brialey (UK) 14.30 -15.00 (Co-Founder and Director of the Sustainable Spa Association) and Stephanie Hodgson (UK) (Campaign Partner #spawastenotchallenge) A circular economy is based on reducing consumption, waste and pollution through better design of materials, products and packaging. It also prioritises reverse logistics trends and practices to ensure the return of those goods back into the system where they can be reused, repaired or recycled. These are the five Rs of a circular economy, according to MeetthefiveRs: REDUCE - REUSE RECYCLE - REPAIR - RETURN Brand Shaper: Shape your professional brand and 15.00 -15.30 polish your personal presence - Lori Milner - Speaker | Trainer | Author What is the image that lights up in the minds of people you work with when they hear your name? In other words, what do others perceive, think, believe and remember about you? Can you control those things? And if so, what would you have them say? Whether you are conscious of it or not, everything you do or say contributes enhances or detracts from your brand. Why not consciously brand yourself before others can brand you? This program gives you the power to shape your own reputation in ways that are strategic to your career and life goals and congruent with who you are as a professional.

DELEEGA OSTS SPA CONFERENCE COSTS S PER PE DELEGATE an Sp South African Spa p Asso Association M ber bers ociation ation Memb Members 2 Day Conference eren Din nner ence & Gala ala Dinner 2 Dayy Conference Confe ence 1 Dayy Conference Confe A d G l Di err pa Aw nner Spa Awards Gala Dinner

R 2950.00 2950. R 2650.00 2650. R 1550.00 1550.0 50.0 R 500.0 500.00

Non-members Non-m mbers ner 2 Day Conference Confere ce & Gala Dinner Dinne nfere 2 Day Conference 1 Day ay Conference Confere e Spa Awa Awardss Gala Dinner a Dinne

R 3250.00 3250 50.00 R 2950.00 2 50 00 R 1850.00 850.00 0 00 18 500.00 00.00 R 5

Included conferenc conference osts: Welc Welcome tea, tea coffee cluded in the spa conferen conf ff and ence costs: W a d juice. coffee ce. Midmorning co ee and nd snack. snack Delectable Spa Cuisine Cuis morning tea, t Cu Lunch.. Notepa pen and Spa Confe Notepad, pe Con Conference Bag. ag. rence Goody G

REGISTER REGISTER REG STER R ON N LIN LINE: LI www.l www www.lesnouvellesblog.co.za w.le le ouvellesblo ellesblog.co.z esno f @lesn info@lesnouvelles.co.za fo@ snouvelles uvel es.co.za

“How you see your Future is much more Important 15.30 -16.00 than what has Happened in the Past” - Zig Ziglar - Leona Toussaint (GIBBS Business School) 16.00 Closing & Thank you - Dr Nadine de Freitas (Managing Editor Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa)

The Houghton Hotel Lloys Ellis Ave, Houghton Estate, Jhb

29 & 30 Aug 2021

Conference

Workshop

Product

Network

Awards

LNE Spa Conference Programme 2021

11.30 - 12.00 Mind - Body - Skin Connections - Symphony of Graceful Ageing- Dr Denise Bjorkman (CEO at Neuro Business Institute)

Sunday, 29 August 2021

Monday, 30th August 2021

Mid Morning Tea Break

Creativity is Intelligence having Fun - Albert Einstein

Lunch

R 2950.00 2950. R 2650.00 2650. R 1550.00 1550.0 50.0 R 500.0 500.00

Non-members Non-m mbers ner 2 Day Conference Confere ce & Gala Dinner Dinne nfere 2 Day Conference 1 Day ay Conference Confere e Spa Awa Awardss Gala Dinner a Dinne

R 3250.00 3250 50.00 R 2950.00 2 50 00 R 1850.00 850.00 0 00 18 500.00 00.00 R 5

REGISTER REGISTER REG STER R ON N LIN LINE: LI www.l www www.lesnouvellesblog.co.za w.le le ouvellesblo ellesblog.co.z esno f @lesn info@lesnouvelles.co.za fo@ snouvelles uvel es.co.za

The Houghton Hotel Lloys Ellis Ave, Houghton Estate, Jhb

29 & 30 Aug 2021

spa therapies

The wellness movement hs grown to a multitrilliondollar industry, cre)ting a world of career opportunities. The past 12 months have taught us many lessons. Not the least, and perhaps the greatest, is the importance of maintaining personal wellness in body and mind. Even in relatively placid times, the benefits of meditation, yoga or a refreshing spa day are myriad, promoting physical and emotional health that resonates in our own lives and society as a whole. Wellness has now grown into a global movement. The challenge for spas lies in the need to deliver real wellness options beyond pure beauty and pampering treatments. A combination of a healing touch with effective business strategies is key to a successful career in this industry, said Carmelina Montelongo, instructor for the DCE Spa and Wellness Management certificate program. “I would say that the most challenging aspect of any spa management educational program is the fact that professionals in this sector require an essential combination of hard and soft skills,” Carmelina said. “On one hand, spas are traditionally about the healing power of human touch, but then on the other hand, hard skills such as business, management and finance are critical to the success of the spa business.” Simply put, spa managers need to “create and maintain the magic that makes up a spa, while operating a financially solid business.” That’s exactly what Carmelina and the Spa and Wellness Management program aim for — advancing the careers of today’s wellness pros and introducing newcomers to the art and business of the industry. As an experienced spa consultant, she has lent her vision and financial management skills to top luxury boutique spas throughout Mexico. Notably, she was a key player in the planning stages for the Chable Resort & Spa in Yucatan, served as its Wellness Director, and led the spa to becoming one of the Seven Best Spas in the World in 2018, according to Tatler Spa Guide.

The New State of Wellness

Chable Resorts is a leading example of the ‘wellness’ approach the industry has adopted. Wellness for Chable is about making people laugh, helping them to reconnect and a celebration of mind, body and soul. C&armelina took the time from her latest project in Mexico to share her thoughts on the state of wellness in 2021. Clearly, there’s more to it than just massages and facials.

sectors, growing over five times faster than global GDP. All of these sectors enable consumers to incorporate wellness activities and treatments into their daily lives. What are the key factors driving this phenomenal growth? As the world’s population grows older, as well as lonelier, consumers are looking to incorporate more wellness choices into their lives. Simultaneously, the decline in health as well as the environmental crisis has led people to find alternative and healthier lifestyles. The pandemic is another factor. I think that an increased awareness proves that wellness is not static but rather an active process where a person’s choices and actions determine their overall state of health.

What are the biggest trends in the industry? I would say there’s a growing need to deliver real wellness options beyond pure beauty and pampering treatments. In the past couple of years, a disruptive concept has been introduced by Adria Lake, and I feel very proud to say that our latest spa projects have all incorporated this ‘Wellness Without Walls’ model. The result is more spaces delivering wellness solutions beyond the spa walls, throughout the entire properties. Guests are encouraged to particip&te in the design of their own regimens and practices. How has the COVID pandemic affected it? In just a few months the entire world became more aware of the importance of integrating simple wellness routines into their everyday lives, including daily mindfulness, meditation and yoga practices, among others. We’ve seen increased demand for streaming classes and at-home workouts. And with so much uncertainty, mental wellness has never been more important. In fact, the Global Wellness Institute determined this sector to be a new bubble valued at $121 billion. The pandemic has also raised consciousness on the need for a strong immune system. What changes can we expect in a postpandemic world? It may take long for the global economy to recover, so I think it’s finally time for a paradigm shift in the spa industry. Change is in the air, in my opinion. This is the perfect time for spas to focus more on science-backed treatments, especially those supporting the immune system — ozone therapy and IV infusions are my favorites. Sauna bathing, steam rooms and hot springs have also proved effective in preventing viral infections.

How would you characterize the growth of the Tell me about the DCE Spa and Wellness Program. wellness movement? Wellness is a word that was rarely even spoken 10 years ago. Today the spa and wellness movement forms a $4.5 trillion global industry made up of 11

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How does it prepare students to succeed in this space? The program teaches technical skills on how to effectively man&ge staff, operations and facilities, while at the same time sharing values and inspiration

from top experts in the industry. Combining the hard and soft skills can be a challenge. Trust me, I’ve come across re&al masters in the industry; however, only a few go beyond this set of skills by truly caring for the wellbeing of guests and their own staff. I am proud to say that our Spa and Wellness Management program addresses all of these needs, and more.

On a personal note, what’s your own Wellness Philosophy? For me it’s breathing, getting a good night’s sleep, meditating and setting a daily intention, cooking my own food, even doing some fasting once in & while. I like dancing, being in contact with nature, taking some sun and sharing quality time with my partner, family and friends. If I stick to all of this, there’s no way I cannot be happy. And it’s important to know that if we fail to stick to it, all we have to do is get back on track the next day. Life is more fun when we don?t take it so seriously! Simply put, spa managers need to “create and maintain the magic that makes up a spa, while operating & financially solid business.”

spa therapies

The New State of Wellness

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

spa therapies

“I'm Starting to Hate the Word Wellness” By Megan Whitby interviewing Sue Harmsworth, as part of the GWS In the Global Wellness Institute’s (GWI) latest Q&A, spa and wellness icon Sue Harmsworth spoke to VP of research and forecasting Beth McGroarty about the trends and challenges facing the spa and wellness industry. “I’m starting to hate the word wellness because it’Is become so generic it’s utterly confusing the consumer,” she began.

“Mental and cognitive health will be huge coming out of the pandemic, with depression and anxiety having risen exponentially since COVID and now affecting a third of the population globally.

In her opinion, the industry should begin differentiating between light wellness and serious wellness.

“I’m working on properties now that bring everything together: functional medicine and diagnostics, an aesthetics clinic, and all the traditional wellness, from complementary medicine to fitness to serious meditation,” she added.

“As the spa industry took off, the word and concept of wellness became confusing, and it has to do with what the US means by it, versus the rest of the world.

In her opinion, functional medicine and diagnostics will be a huge part of this trend and are important because they provide people with tangible results.

“In the US, every beauty salon, or every two treatment rooms by a pool, suddenly became a spa. When the spa movement became powerful in the 90s, stress was the overwhelming focus and most spas were built for relaxation – from massages to meditation. What I would call light wellness – with no negative connotations.

“It seems crazy, but you really can significantly impact your blood pressure or cholesterol in one week. What I want to do is to be able to programme individuals on a personalised plan with a very full set of stats so they can see their results over time.”

“But now, we have a much more complex set of modalities and advanced practitioners at wellness destinations. Plus, we also have more medical or ‘serious’ wellness.

McGroarty next touched on how the pandemic has given wellness real estate new momentum and asked Harmsworth for her thoughts on this.

“So, you have light wellness, which spas and hospitality destinations have excelled at and you have medical or serious wellness, but it’s different this time around. It’s preventative, functional medicine and diagnostics.” Ultimately, she believes the word wellness alone is too imprecise to mean anything and that spa businesses have got to focus on what their consumers want and be clear about what they’re delivering.

Integrative Wellness is the Future According to Harmsworth, an integrative approach to wellness will become standard practice due to

the prevalence of so many lifestyle diseases in today’s society.

Growing Interest for Wellness Real-estate

"Now that’s relatively affordable," she said, "it's going to be an interesting community where everything will be grown themselves and have its own Waldorf school for the kids." She firmly champions that the way forward will be affordable and multigenerational wellness communities encompassing an entire lifestyle of wellbeing. The need for more intensive therapist training Harmsworth believes the spas that will thrive in future will be underpinned by exceptional flow, therapists, treatments, design and thermal areas, as well as great hardware, air quality and infection control. However, she urged that spa therapists and practitioners are going to have to be much better trained with deeper skills because the majority of consumers that walk in now will have some kind of contraindication. “Therapists need a much broader knowledge set to be able to deal with all the things increasingly coming their way. They’re already being bombarded with more serious issues such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, depression and grief.

“COVID has obviously woken all of us up to working from home, and this ongoing reality will drive real growth in wellness real estate and communities. Plus, lots of people are spending a lot or all of their time in their second homes.

“This is why I’m so strong on what we’re doing in the UK with the training ruling bodies, putting modules together so that well-qualified therapists can keep adding extra modules (whether cancer or nutrition training) so they can deliver more 'wellness' than just massages or facials; be empowered to deal with the day-to-day realities they see and be set on a career path of constant skill-upgrading.

“As a consequence, more people will choose a wellness community as their primary (or near-primary) residence.”

“The spas that will take it to the next level will focus on training in a much more intensive way.”

Harmsworth believes this demand will naturally drive more projects to be conceptualised with more affordable options. She illustrated this by drawing on one of her current wellness real estate projects, where the most expensive villa costs US$1mn while artisan homes sit at US$300,000.

Be inspired...The Global Wellness Summit is an international organisation that brings together leaders and visionaries to positively impact and shape the future of the global wellness industry.

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

spa therapies

“ I wanted to make something that would help skin to acyually be better, not mererly feel of appear better.”

SCFSA's Esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award Honours Dr Desmond Fernandes For Skincare Contributions The Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa (SCFSA) has awarded Dr Des Fernandes, Founder and Scientific Director of Environ Skin Care, with their first ever Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contribution to the techniques and technologies associated with skin rejuvenation as well as photoprotection. The globally acclaimed and respected plastic surgeon and scientist was also recognised for his contribution to the field of topical antioxidants and vitamins, to which he has dedicated over 30 years. Says Dr Marc Roscher, CEO of the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa, “Dr Des Fernandes has truly adjusted our understanding and influenced the way we work as physicians, not just as South Africans but worldwide. Testament to this, he received the Dermatological Aesthetic Surgery International League (DASIL) International Lifetime Achievement Award in Doha in 2019. As South Africans, we are very honoured to give this award to him in recognition of his monumental contribution in the fields of skin rejuvenation, photoprotection and the development of the field of needling.” It was the agonising loss of two young melanoma patients in the 1980's that motivated Dr Fernandes' research into the skin and skin cancer. This defining point in his career was when that he discovered the revolutionary effects of vitamin topical applications

on the skin, especially that of vitamin A. This scientific breakthrough within the skincare industry led to the conception of Environ Skin Care and an unprecedented 30-year legacy in scientific innovation that followed, including many more 'world first' skin health developments that are Environ's products embody. Says Dr Fernandes, "I am truly humbled to receive this award. My work is and has always been driven by my passion for finding scientific solutions to common skin issues and sharing that knowledge as widely as possible. The skin is the largest organ in the human body and so it's my belief that we should all be united in understanding how it works and should be cared for." “Dr Fernandes is truly deserving of this award. He has been giving freely of his knowledge to peers and non-medical healthcare practitioners. This is truly a unique part of who he is, and we thank him for that”, concludes Theresa De Beer, COO of the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa. About Environ Skin Care: Environ Skin Care is a globally recognised and loved professional skincare brand that is built on science, beauty and care. Since 1990, Environ has used the

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

science of beauty to change the way the world sees skincare. The introduction of vitamin A to skincare formulations was a ground-breaking development, first successfully included in cosmetic products by top plastic surgeon, skincare pioneer and Environ founder Dr Des Fernandes. His sister, Val Carstens, Environ's Chairman, has built the brand from a dream to a global success. Today the brand has over 140 products in more than 70 countries. Environ has received over 100 international awards which have recognised the brand for its outstanding products, most recently being voted Top Medical Skincare Line of the Decade in the highly revered Aesthetic Everything® Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine Awards. Environ is favoured by international skincare therapists, the medical fraternity, beauty editors, aestheticians and film stars. About Dr Des Fernandes: Dr Des Fernandes has written a number of thoughtleadership chapters for textbooks in plastic surgery, pharmaceutics and dermatology, as well as coauthored textbooks for skin needling, facial surgery and skincare. He is a member of the Association of Plastic Reconstructive Aesthetic Surgery of Southern Africa, the International Society Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, International Plastic

spa therapies 1. About Wellness Tourism The Wellness tourism industry which involves relaxation, beauty treatments and health maintenance is booming in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the SRI, the Stanford Research institute, a non-profit research organisation which publishes the Global Spa and Wellness Monitor report, the years from 2007 to 2013 saw the demand increasing some 186%. According to South African Tourism, for the region's spa market, South Africa, Kenya and Seychelles were the top-three countries in terms of revenues received, and South Africa, Kenya and Mauritius had the highest revenue for the region's wellness tourist market. This involved 4.2 million wellness trips with visitors spending $3.2 billion on wellness. In September 2014, according to a report released by The Global Spa & Wellness Summit the consumer demand for wellness services and products is at an all-time high, with the report showing that the global wellness market is now worth S3.4 trillion, making it nearly three times larger than the $1 trillion" worldwide pharmaceutical industry. Conducted by the independent, non-profit research firm SRI International, the study confirms wellness as one of the world's largest and fastest-growing industries. To assess the size of the industry, SRI identified and evaluated ten major wellness sectors: alternative and complementary medicine; beauty and anti-aging, fitness and mind-body, healthy eating, nutrition and weight loss; preventative and personalized health; spa; thermal and mineral springs; wellness real estate; wellness tourism; and workplace wellness. The Potential for Growth Wellness sectors seeing the most significant growth since 2010 are: Healthy eating, nutrition and weight loss (108 percent increase to $276.5 billion) Preventative and personalized health (78 percent increase to $243 billion) Complementary and alternative medicine (65 percent increase to $113 billion); Beauty and anti-aging (51 percent increase to $679 billion)

Starting or Expanding Your Spa By Salvagente - Ozone Therapy

Other highlights of the study include: The spa industry grew 58 percent from $60 billion in 2007 to $94 billion in 2013, with 47 percent increase in spa locations from 71,762 to 105,591. Wellness tourism expanded to $494 billion in revenues, rising 12.5 percent from 2012, significantly outpacing SRI's original growth forecast of 9 percent. The research shows the trend in the upsurge of revenue in the wellness industry. Particularly relevant to Sub-Saharan Africa is the fact that South Africa ranks as one of the three top earning countries in the region, making this an excellent time to invest further in your spa's facilities and offerings or start a spa and use specialized offering to differentiate your business from the competition by following the 14 steps below: Step 1: The Business Model Whether you are looking to expand your current spa business or to start up a spa offering, weigh up the pros and cons of each business model, taking

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

into account your current budget and also the service that your wish to provide. Choose your business model from the following: Franchise Operations: Enter into an existing infrastructure and expertise of an established business (and reputation). Purchase Existing Business: The advantage of here is the established infrastructure such as plumbing, electrical outlets and fixtures such as treatment tables and reception desk. In-depth research is needed to assess the business's reputation, reason for selling and commercial viability. Independent Owner: Establish your own spa with your own money, bank loan or money from investors Step 2: Finance Matters Professional Advice: Together with an accountant or financial expert analyse the costs and potential income to ensure profitability of your venture. If it is an existing business, review the products and services to see how they need to be revamped. Get advice regarding personal insurance and finance related matters such as VAT license. Find out regulations regarding a business license and required permits. Ask your health department about a preopening inspection. Step 3: Location Whether you are buying, leasing or building, it is important to have a convenient and visible location. This will encourage foot traffic and draw attention to your offering, especially if the building is easily accessed via main roads and there is space for ample parking for your clientele. Ensure that all zoning is in place and you have written approval before committing to signing a lease or purchasing the property Step 4: Revenue vs Non-Revenue Areas The space of a spa can be divided into 2 areas: one is revenue producing space include treatment rooms, reception and retail area, manicure and pedicure areas and the hair salon if this is included in your offering; the other is non-revenue producing space. This includes relaxation rooms, change rooms, hallways, bathrooms, laundry rooms, offices and storage areas. It is important to allocate both areas in the right ratio and a safe allocation is 75:25 or 80:20 for revenue producing space and non-revenue producing space, respectively. In terms of position for your manager's office, this is best kept near the reception area, enabling her to see what is happening in front. Any consultation, either with a client or staff member can also be done in the noisier front area, rather than the quiet of the treatment area of the spa. Additional revenue can be garnered from retail sales, beverages and food. Step 5: Keep Your Enemies Close It is important to know what your competition is

offering so that you can differentiate your services. Research your regional spa competitors from either your city or the surrounding areas by discreet visits where you can observe the spa's décor and overall customer service practices. Take note of aspects such as service menus as a foundation to enhancing your own offerings and treatments. . Step 6: Your Defining offerings Create a spa services menu tailored to meet the needs of your regional target market. Include a wide range of professionally applied facials and scrub treatments, available in other spas, but make sure that your offering includes a special signature application such as a treatment which enhances their overall health or sense of well-being. It is also important to note what qualifies you as a spa… Specialization: Include the offering of several massage modalities and body-enhancing treatments as part of your differentiating offering, especially those unfilled by other day spas. The need to provide unique offerings has given rise to specialized services which provide new products, advanced technology and cutting edge techniques which enhance both beauty and overall well-being. Unique signature treatments such as Ozone Therapy ensure that you differentiate your service offering from competitors. Ozone therapy is a revolutionary alternative medical and beauty treatment and is being practiced in over 20 countries around the world such as Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Spain and South Africa. The therapy focuses on getting more oxygen into our bodies which result in various improved conditions such as softer and healthier skin, improved sleeping patterns, reduction in cellulite as well as numerous health benefits. Step 7: Your Suppliers Spa products, fixtures and equipment such as facial steamers and massage tables need to be ordered via a supplier. Specialty shower and sauna equipment can also be ordered if this is going to be part of your spa service offering. Suppliers may offer support to help blend the fixtures into your spa's environment. Step 8: Organising the spa All areas of the spa contribute to the décor theme and the overall ambiance experienced. Use your reception area to display beautiful welcoming flower arrangements. Treatment rooms must be clean and organised, creating a professional, inviting facility. Budget allowing, schedule a maid and laundry service on a regular basis, and have them tidy up after each client. If budget needs to be considered, then team members can rotate turns in tidying up. Treatment rooms should be immaculate with fresh sheets and towels for each new client. Hygiene must be further facilitated by using disposable gowns, head coverings and chair liners. It is also advisable to work with an interior designer in order to create a colour scheme that is conducive to soothing environment offered by a spa.

Starting or Expanding Your Spa By Salvagente - Ozone Therapy

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

spa therapies

Step 9: Layout Depending on the extent of your expansion or yourlevel of experience with spas you will either need to engage the services of an architect or a draftsperson to draw up plans for the spa, and then hire a builder for the construction or alterations. The spa area is divided up into different rooms used either as changing and showering facilities, treatment rooms, consultation rooms (for discussing treatment options and post-treatment care) and other spa offerings. Additional areas include space for locker rooms, relaxation areas (one for guests and one for staff), dispensary, utility room and proper corridors to provide access to all the different rooms. Other layout aspects to consider are the separate treatment rooms for wet and dry services. Allowance also needs to be made for air conditioner and also access to hot and cold water so that the technician can mix dry products or dampen towels during treatment without leaving the room. Ambiance: Before you build your spa, research the demographics and psychographics of your target clientele and understand what services they want. Identify the features that will attract these clients and drive the design process. Décor plays an essential role in creating the perfect ambiance which directly impacts on your client's experience. Lighting, colour, textures all play an important role in setting up your spa theme. Your spa room may require additional electrical and plumbing needs, floors may need to be reinforced, ventilation and exhaust fans may need to be installed and permits may need to be filed. Finally, the treatment room should have its own sound system, providing relaxing music to create a sense of peace and well-being for the client. Music volume and selection, together with temperature and lighting should be adjustable according to the needs of each client.

Additionally lights need to have a dimmer switch and only turned fully on to render cleaning services before and after a client is in the room. Create space, design and finishes which are pleasing for both male and female clients. Stage 11: The perfect setup Provide hooks and a chair so clients can store any belongings they may have brought in with them. Use a treatment bed which offers features which add to the experience of comfort such as adjustable height, removable headrest, adjustable foot and headrest, and electric control. As your client often faces the ceiling, this part of the room must also be considered. Using colours of blue or green tones facilitate further relaxation during a treatment.

making company for building signage for the outside of your spa, providing insight into the theme of your spa, inviting people to come in and take a closer look at your offerings. Host a luxury-filled grand opening. Customers can be introduced your spa experience by special sample gifts and discount opening pricing packages. Hosting a competition is a great way to collect names for a database which you can later use as your mailing list. Key spa experts can speak on various topics such as how to look after your skin or how to destress. Tasteful invitations can also be placed at noncompeting pharmacies, fitness centres, upmarket clothing stores, and hair or nail salons. Creating a website or online presence through social media is critical to increase visibility.

Step 12: Staff Step 14: Additional Considerations If you are looking to expand your current staff or need professionals for the services you are intending to offer, it is best to hire people who are competent and charming as they will breathe life into your business. Ask community college cosmetology instructors to recommend their students. Look for professionals who have a clientele matching your spa's target market. Find out about insurances needed to cover your staff's services.

Software programmes for bookings, staff records and stock monitoring. Equipment repair or replacement. Employee training, marketing, printing costs for new treatment menus, facility updates in equipment for new services, Signage if you change the name. License fees, Business license fees and establishing vendor accounts. Conclusion

Keep your staff updated on current product or service trends by attending trade shows. Step 13: Marketing Develop a brand image through your logo, profiling your company and its offerings and advertising your spa in the local press, relevant magazines social media, etc. Create a menu of treatments and pricing, with a design in keeping with your brand. Contact a sign-

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

Opening a spa is challenging and hard work. It is also rewarding, seeing your idea blossoming into a business and providing a service which uplifts the lives of others. We wish you all the best on your journey. For all enquiries, please contact Salvagente or visit: www.salvagente.co.za

sponsored advertorial threads to melt into the dermis. This process leaves the skin clean and bright. 2. Silk PDO Melting String Threads are then mixed with the High Tension Serum and applied over the face or neck with a spatula brush. This can be massaged into the skin using a lifting technique if not applied with a spatula which further helps absorption and skin lifting. You may also use a HF machine to massage or press them in further. The threads flow down the open tunnels into the dermis, targeting areas that need tightening. Once the targets are found, the capsules release the threads, which work similarly to a conventional PDO thread lift where they attach themselves to the fibroblasts, agitate them and they start multiplying. 3. The hydro booster is applied immediately af ter to enhance absorption, hold the threads in place and add moisture to the skin. 4. The High Tension Gel is then applied to tighten and lift the wrinkles and a Finger Technique Massage further tightens and boosts elasticity. 5. The High-Tension Ampoule is then applied to nourish, lighten and brighten the skin. The treatment is then completed with moisturiser and sun screen.

THESERA

Duration: 75 mins

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Benefits Lifting Hydration Pore Tightening Lasts 6-18 Months Improves Volume Improves Elasticity Improves Pigmentation Natural Youthful Appearance

PREMIUM ANTI-AGING TREATMENT WITH SILK PDO MELTING STRING THREADS THESERA has been designated as Brand K, the brand representing South Korea. As a leading manufacturer of noninvasive anti-aging skin care, THESERA will keep researching and developing unique, safe, and effective anti-aging products for our valued clients. #THESERA #brand_K was established in South Africa in October 2019. I proudly became the official SA distributor and Korean trained trainer in Februar y 2020. Thesera is an innovative, revolutionary, non surgical and

ecological brand, offering affordable antiaging solutions to all women and men in over 1500 leading salons internationally. Thesera.L was launched first in South Africa and is the perfect non surgical PDO facial thread lifting treatment for aging and saggy skin.

For all Permanent Makeup Artists, Educators, Academies, Salons, qualified Beauty Therapists, Microblading Artists and Aesthetic Practitioners. It uses ground breaking TDN technology to absorb Threads into the skin using Nanotechnology to produce collagen and elastin.

technology is the core technology for penetration of various active ingredients such as Hyaluronic acid, PPC, peptides and various acids. Definition of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology in Cosmetics and Skin Care. ... Skin creams that uses proteins derived from stem cells to prevent aging of the skin. These proteins are encapsulated in liposome nanoparticles which merge with the membranes of skin cells to allow delivery of the proteins. 1 treatment last 3 months. 4 treatments lasts 6-18 months. Simply an amazing nonsurgical antiaging treatment to add on in your business. High quality products and a unique procedure for your client with clinically proven results and referrals. All training and ongoing support . Products are through Thesera SA. Thesera.H 8 treatments follows Thesera.l 4 treatments another revolutionary treatment, and the ultimate kit to volumize and hydrate dry skin by stimulating water cells. Thesera.O plant stem cells follows Thesera.H, another revolutionary treatment that protects and stimulates collagen synt hesis, combating chronological aging. Thesera Stem cells allows for cells to have the ability to increase their cell turnover and help with healthy cellular regeneration. Stem cells have two properties: Selfrenewal (the ability to go through numerous cycles and cell divisions while maintaining the undifferentiated state) and differentiation (the capacity to differentiate into other cell types to replenish cells and regenerate tissue.

The treatment consists of 5 steps.

The role of TDN Technology. TDN (Transfer Double Nanosphere)

1. After the cleanse we mix an Epidermis Balance Foam with the Dermis Balance Precleanser to remove dead skin cells, this improves the turnover rate of the skin cells and opens up "micro tunnels” into the skin, which allow the

For More Info Please Contact Celest Antiga | Tel: +27 82 788 7026 | Email: houseofblpm@gmail.com Facebook @Celestantiga1 | Instagram @Celest101

THESERA

Duration: 75 mins

Professional and Consumer Ranges Available

Benefits Lifting Hydration Pore Tightening Lasts 6-18 Months Improves Volume Improves Elasticity Improves Pigmentation Natural Youthful Appearance

The treatment consists of 5 steps.

The role of TDN Technology. TDN (Transfer Double Nanosphere)

For More Info Please Contact Celest Antiga | Tel: +27 82 788 7026 | Email: houseofblpm@gmail.com Facebook @Celestantiga1 | Instagram @Celest101

spa design

‘What Makes The Perfect Spa? Everyone has their own idea on what constitutes the perfect spa. From bold, contemporary spaces to more traditional spa and sauna styles, home spas (like home cinemas and infinity pools) are elements that speak of a luxurious lifestyle. The perfect spa should inspire relaxation and wellness, whether it's a minimalist style in a small space, or a vast and luxurious design with every amenity imaginable. A spa can make a welcome permanent addition to your indoor or outdoor space, while 'non-permanent' elements like portable saunas can transform that extra space or room as and when required.

Spa Ideas and Inspiration Here at homify, we are brimming with design inspiration, whether it's in image or text form. In terms of visual inspiration, we have a widespread collection of top-quality images that speak of any space in-and outside, from gardens and patios to treatment rooms. Text-wise, we bring you daily articles detailing inspiration, design problems, or anything else that relates to architecture, interior design and lifestyle. Don't forget that we also put you in touch with a widespread variety of professionals operating throughout South Africa, ensuring you are so much closer to that perfect indoor (and outdoor) style you desire.

How do I Design a Spa? The perfect spa needs to incorporate your needs and lifestyle. For those looking for the occasional indulgence and spa facilities can turn existing areas into spas. What do I need to consider when building a spa? When installing more permanent fixtures like pools and water features, long-term impact and investment need to be considered. Filtration and cleaning systems either need to be easily maintained, or able to last the pool's intended lifetime. Ensuring an ecofriendly design with low environmental impact is essential. Investing in quality systems and foundations

at this stage is a must to ensure savings on maintenance down the line.

What equipment do I need for my spa? Spas can be as simple as an indoor pool and steam room, of offer up a much more lavish space complete with saunas, hot tubs, treatment rooms, spacious wooden decks, sublime garden views, etc.. Everyday essentials like loungers and recliners, massage boards and treatment tables should all be selected for comfort and long-term value. Extended treatment rooms and facilities might require specialist equipment and supplies, while larger features like pools will need their own stock of spares for repairs and maintenance supplies.

What Facilities does a Spa Need? Other than the staple spa equipment and essentials, every spa should be equipped with en-suite shower and changing facilities, as well as plenty of recliningand relaxation space. Many spas also integrate a small serving area, or open into larger outdoor hosting areas, seeing as eating and drinking are also favoured activities at spas worldwide. Some of the more popular elements that can be found in most spas include: Sauna: Saunas use steam and aromatherapy to promote maximum relaxation. With designs dating back centuries, there's a range of more traditional steam saunas made of wood or stone to contemporary relaxation retreats with contoured seating, integrated lighting and aroma-release technology. Hot tub / Jacuzzi: An icon of modern spas, which can be utilised indoors or out. Hot tubs are designed for hosting, with multi-person capacities and contoured edges for optimum comfort. From simple heated pools to Jacuzzis, hot tubs offer up a range

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

of features to help de-stress the user. Hot tubs, especially, are excellent choices for when you want to take your spa/soaking experience outdoors with a beautiful garden view and fresh air. Steam room: From traditional sweat lodge styles to more modern steam cabins, the steam room is a spa staple. Steam rooms can be more open and expansive spaces that cater to multiple users at a time, or smaller, single-user cabins for solitary relaxation and enjoyment. Steam rooms offer more concentrated steam therapy, with simple-to-use controls for occasional enjoyment, or a full-blown steam and aromatherapy routine focusing on different senses and body parts.

What Styles Can I Consider For a Spa? We're spoiled for choice; however, factors like space, personal preference and budget all feature in the final design of your spa. Modern spas: Modern spas take relaxation to the next level, with sleek and contemporary fixtures and fittings and seamlessly integrated technology to enhance your experience. Pools heated to perfection, ambient lighting, underfloor heating, hot-tub extensions. Eclectic spas: When making a design statement, eclectic spas are ideal for tailoring a space to suit individual tastes. Custom hot tub and spa design can turn spa staples into real points of interest, with bespoke systems and settings for tailor-made relaxation and maximum enjoyment. Eclectic spas can be outdoors, freestanding or integrated into indoor living space. Classic spas: Those opting for the classic spa option still have plenty of choice in terms of design, with beautifully shaped pools streamlined for comfort, water features clad in golden finishes, and eyecatching tiling designs for floors and walls (and even ceilings) being just some of the signature trademarks of classic spas.

spa therapies everything from the rising and lowering of tides to the smell of fresh salty ocean air plays a role in the everyday. He remembers a fog horn from Portland Head Light, a mile from his bedroom. “The sound was so soothing. It represented the ocean, where I loved to be on muggy summer days, when I wanted to get away from the stress of school or work, or where I wanted to find peace.” Currently living in Los Angeles, Tselikis says: “Every time I drift asleep I think of that fog horn back home” When we physically enter the water, our body can rest muscles used every day, and work others that are used far less frequently. Not only that, but we give up gravity, something that’s somatically a break for your brain. For some, time spent in the water is an opportunity for insightful thinking, creative output, and quality conversations. “If we are close to someone, they join us in that private bubble and conversations become more intimate; an intimate conversation while walking the beach with waves nearby becomes more private,” Nichols says. “People a short distance away can’t hear our words, and 180 degrees or more of our surrounding is open blue space.”

Why Being Near Water Really Does Make Us Happier By Cassie Shortsleeve - Conde Nast Traveler There are scientific reasons why we're so drawn to lakes, rivers, and oceans.

from pulmonary complications to mental health conditions.

Every time my brother crosses the Sagamore Bridge from mainland Massachusetts to Cape Cod, we all know where he’s headed: a sandy spot off an ocean road on the Nantucket Sound, home to the little beach club my family has belonged to for over 30 years. On clear days, you can see the shores of Martha’s Vineyard in the distance. That’s his water.

Humans are pulled toward Mother Nature’s blue for, in part, its restorative benefits. More recent studies—including those out of a UKbased project called Blue Gym—have found that people who live near the coasts are generally healthier and happier. Other studies find that when shown photographs of natural green spaces, people’s stress levels drop, but the more blue spaces in the photos, the more people prefer them. Nichols, who has spent the last 25 years studying our relationship to water, has heard of everything from a drop of dew on a flower to the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, providing a sense of calm.

If you talk to Wallace J. Nichols, Ph.D., a marine biologist and the author of Blue Mind, a book about the physical and psychological benefits of water, for long enough, he’ll eventually ask you what your water is. And as it turns out, nearly everyone has an answer.

Since humans started exploring the planet, we’ve followed the water. Crossing oceans gave way to new discoveries and changed the course of history; chasing rivers opened our horizons. As travelers, we seek waterways on vacation, driving new coastlines in search of wild surf spots. We return to familiar "blue spaces" we grew up around. Month after month, water graces the covers of travel magazines.

Real estate data even suggests a water view tacks a 116.1% premium on a property; and real-world figures suggest we’re willing to pay 10 to 20 percent more for the same room with a sea view in a hotel. For the ultimate in luxury, we seek out overwater bungalows in the Maldives, and underwater hotels all around the world. And even in places where water isn’t always a given, such as urban metropolises like Pittsburgh and Austin, crowds frequent refurbished river ways and gather in fresh water pools.

The immeasurable sense of peace that we feel around water is what Nichols calls our "blue mind"— a chance to escape the hyper-connected, overstimulated state of modern day life, in favour of a rare moment of solitude. Research has long found that humans are pulled toward Mother Nature’s blue for, in part, its restorative benefits. Take the Victorians for example: Doctors in that era prescribed “sea air” as & cure for all sorts of issues,

Our love of water is pervasive, and the reasons behind why we travel—and rack up vast credit card bills—to be by the water can be hard to articulate. “You’re paying for a feeling,” Nichols tells Condé Nast Traveler. “When you ask people to describe that feeling, it’s hard for them to describe other than to say they really like it, need it, and are willing to pay a lot of money for it.” Take travelers by their own words. Cassie Abel, 34, a communications

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

manager in Sun Valley, ID grew up on Vashon Island, WA, the largest island in the Puget Sound. “I love the water because it’s so much bigger and more powerful than anything else on Earth,” she says. “It’s moody—sometimes it’s the most calming presence, sometimes the most turbulent.” Lara Rosenbaum, a 38-year-old writer and editor based in landlocked Nashville shares a similar sentiment. “Water pulls on me the way the moon pulls on it. It's just in my blood and bones. It makes me feel alive in a deep, calm way. It sort of brings me in.” Rosenbaum isn’t wrong, either. While water makes up about 70 percent of the human body (and about 70 percent of Earth), it also comprises 31 percent of our bones. “When we are by the water it…cuts us off from the rattle and hum of modern society,” says Nichols. “Moving water is expert at masking noise, especially the sound of the human voice,” he says, noting that the human voice is considered the number one source of workplace stress. Offering us an auditory break, water even helps us fall asleep. “There is some research that says people may sleep better when they are adjacent to nature,” explains W. Christopher Winter, M.D., author of The Sleep Solution. “No wonder sleep machines always feature the sounds of rain, the ocean, or a flowing river.” One small study out of Northwestern University found that people who fell asleep listening to "pink noise"—sounds like rushing water or rain falling on pavement—not only slept more deeply but the experience also boosted their memories. Jim Tselikis, co-founder of Cousins Maine Lobster, grew up in a small coastal town in Maine where

So, what do we miss when we miss out on water? Ask Andrew Gray, & 25-year old from Oklahoma City. Growing up in & landlocked state, he didn’t see the ocean for the first time until college. “I had watched so many movies, documentaries, and shows and was always fascinated with the idea of not being able to see land on the other

side of the water,” he says. “I think the fact that there is this feeling of being ‘trapped’ in a land-locked state just made that desire so much stronger to breathe in the ocean air and lose yourself in its vastness.” That's why he signed up for Semester at Sea during college, a four-month-long study abroad program that takes place on a globe-roaming ship. While drifting out of the port of Southampton, England he finally saw the sea up close. “It had such a still and calm presence, but there was this overarching feeling of being in awe and feeling completely tiny and helpless—that there was this force of reckoning beneath my feet. I was completely speechless, just staring off the aft of our ship for about 30 minutes,” he remembers. “It was very humbling, I will never forget it.” Without water, then, we miss a part of ourselves, perhaps. A California resident, Nichols recalls natural disasters such as the state’s multi-year drought. “Simple things like taking a shower made you feel bad,” he says. “But if your shower or bath was your moment of solitude and clarity and disconnect—if that was your ‘blue mind? moment— it was taken away. It became a source of guilt and stress and fear and anger.” 'Our oceans, waterways, and the life they contain are so much more than their ecological, economic, and educational value. They have vast emotional benefits. They make life on earth possible, but also worth living,' says Nichols. Issues like pollution, oil

spills, and droughts don’t just have ecological and economic costs, then, but emotional ones, too, Nichols argues. “Pollution shatters our ‘blue mind? experience—even in beautiful places,” he says. “The beach can become sad. The ocean can make you angry or frustrated.” During a U.K. study last year, researchers observed people during & visit to the aquarium: Participants watched an empty tank of water, a partially-stocked tank (home to fish, crustaceans, and plants), then & fully-stocked tank, containing double the number of species. Other experiments involved measuring people’s heart rates and blood pressure while watching either an empty, partially-stocked, or fully-stocked tank. As it turned out, even just looking at an empty body of water at an aquarium proved to be relaxing. But the experience grew boring after time. The antidote? Biodiversity. As wildlife, flora, and fauna increased in the tank, so too did the therapeutic benefits of standing there. With more wildlife, people’s blood pressure and heart rates dropped; and the longer they wanted to stay. It's a poignant argument for keeping our planet healthy. “Our oceans, waterways, and the life they contain are so much more than their ecological, economic, and educational value. They have vast emotional benefits. They make life on earth possible, but also worth living,” says Nichols. “I like to imagine the world would be a better place if we all understood just how true that is. Water is medicine, for everyone, for life.”

Why Being Near Water Really Does Make Us Happier By Cassie Shortsleeve - Conde Nast Traveler There are scientific reasons why we're so drawn to lakes, rivers, and oceans.

from pulmonary complications to mental health conditions.

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

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For more info contact Celest Antiga | Tel: +27 82 788 7026 | Email: houseofblpm@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com / My Filler SA| Instagram: @my_filler_sa102

MyFiller- New Life to The Skin Distributed by Bespoke Aesthetic Distributors The award winning MyFiller SA's cross linked hyaluron products are created and developed in Italy. MyFiller SA's aim is simply to make the aesthetics industry safe, by creating safer techniques and educating practitioners to the highest standard. We hold our own importation license and supply aesthetics practitioners/therapists with the highest quality premium dermal fillers and Meso serums that %re fully compliant to SA regulations and CE certification. A natural part of the skin is hyaluronic acid (HA). As we age, the skin produces less of it. HA injections work to fill the space between the collagen and elastin fibres within the skin. These fibres normally replenish the skin’s natural volume, which is gradually lost with aging. There are various natural and synthetic product variations available where the HA molecule is modified

to breakdown at a slower rate. This means that results can last for longer periods (up to nine months or longer with less tissue injury or inflammation). Some materials are thicker and can provide significant structure and volume, while others are thinner and able to flow more consistently. There have been no allergic reactions to this type of injectable filler. These fillers are effective in filling shallow areas, such as the deeper folds around the nose, the fine lines above the lips and ‘marionette lines’ (creases that run downward from the corners of the mouth). HA injections also restore volume to cheeks, add definition to a slackening jawline, plump up thinning lips and fill hollows under the eyes or forehead lines. HA fillers pose no risk of infection and help to attract and bind water in the skin, which maintains fullness where it is injected. Repeated treatments are required to maintain results.

Products are distributed through Bespoke Aesthetic Distributors and appointed sub distributors.

For more info contact Celest Antiga | Tel: +27 82 788 7026 | Email: houseofblpm@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com / My Filler SA| Instagram: @my_filler_sa102

spa design A year ago, it was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Currently in Central America, where my company operates, things are starting to look brighter. But it sure has been a rough year! We went from record occupancies in early 2020 to a complete shutdown of airports and hotels. Around the month of August 2020, we reopened for local markets and gradually have navigated towards the return of international travelers. In this article, I would like to share some lessons learned about "how sustainability really mattered" in the past year and how this has prepared us for a strong comeback.

By Hans Pfister, Owner, Cayuga Collection

Sustainability Matters: Lessons Learned from Covid

Let's talk about sustainability in general. I developed my first sustainability program in Costa Rica in 1994, long before it was "trendy" or a good business practice. Over the years, we have learned that there are two concepts that are critical to being truly sustainable. It is about "local", and it is about "people". If you get those two concepts right, you should be in good shape. In the past years, we have seen a lot of new buzzwords and concepts that attempt to replace the true meaning of sustainability. Many of them such as regenerative travel, conscious tourism, impact travel or geo tourism strike me as more of a marketing and PR spin seeking to rebrand the same principles and practices of sustainable tourism that many of us have been doing for years. The challenge that we face is not coming up with new terms and branding them. It is about walking the talk and finding true action that will create a real impact. Here are some of our lessons learned in 2020 - and we are still learning as this not quite over yet. Arenas del Mar is a 37 room hotel nestled into a 5 hectar private reserve in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. 1. The Pandemic as an Accelerator There has been talk that after this pandemic, sustainability will play a more important role. This crisis has accelerated processes that were already under way. So, if you were already committed with being more sustainable, it is likely that you will continue down that path with more drive and passion. However, if sustainability was just a "have to" dictated by a strategy developed in a corporate boardroom in 2019, you most likely have dropped it by now. We learned that not cutting corners in our sustainability practices helped us to be in a better place during the pandemic and has guided us to come out of this crisis more smoothly. We were able to avoid the "return" of single use plastic and still developed highly effective Covid-19 protocols to keep our guests and staff safe. We continued our involvement in the communities where we operate, helping most where it was needed. In some cases, it was feeding families that lost their income. In other cases, preparing schools with handwashing facilities for a safe return for students. We became even more local in how we sourced our food along with other operating supplies, as this vehicle seemed much more reliable. We realized the value of local employment since the teams were able to stay intact and functional, even when the hotels were temporarily closed. Nobody had to return home to another country, as it would have happened if we would have hired foreign employees.

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

2. Stakeholder Relationships are Key Investing in our relationships with our stakeholders

was and still is key. We worked closely with our guests to help them reschedule their vacations or if necessary and reimburse them when airports closed when travel came to a halt. We also offered them the option to purchase "Cayuga Green Future Bonds" which were highly discounted future vacations. We organized a "Cayuga Gratitude Giveaway" honoring the hard work and sacrifices of travel advisors during the past months. We did the same with our key suppliers and invited them to vacation in our hotels once we reopened to the local market. We worked very closely with the owners of the hotels we manage. Open and honest communication was extremely important. We all had to make sacrifices, but we had our core values and goals for the future aligned. While managing cash flows very carefully was the short-term focus, we all agreed that business continuity and survival were our common goals. 3. Goodwill is Tangible It is the one asset that we cannot discount. A sustainable business will always look for win-win solutions and find ways to help others move forward. Today, we see the results. Our hotel owners are thankful for how we steered the ship, and we are thankful that they believed in us. Bookings by former guests are back and stronger than ever. Agencies honor our gestures of appreciation and paying us back with much anticipated bookings. Our suppliers have walked the extra mile just to make sure that they meet our requirements and expectations during this phase. 4. Nobody is More Important than our Employees Letting go of staff is never easy, and it can prove to be even harder when you must let go people that did a great job. That is what happened in March 2020. We had to let go of 50% of our staff. At least we were able to pay them their severance pay. In quite a few cases, this meant a significant amount of money, as many of our employees had been with us for over 10 years. While the hotels were closed, we kept the other 50% of our staff on the properties, earning 50% less of their salary. However, we were able to bring their compensation up again once we reopened. Today, we have hired back more than 30% of our staff and hope to be back at 100% later this year. During this whole time, we continued to pay social security and insurance to our employees and I must say that it was an honor to be able to do this since not everyone in the tourism industry had the means and motivation to do so. We also continued to invest in employee training and growth. Some of our staff members lived in our hotels during the pandemic, as they could no longer afford housing. Our teams really appreciated these gestures and initiatives. And now, we are seeing many employees in the communities wanting to come and work for us. And of course, our staff that stayed with us or came back is very grateful. It pays off to treat employees well in difficult times. They will pay you back later manyfold. 5. Keep Investing in Your Systems and Assets Keep your infrastructure in tip top shape, otherwise it will be extremely difficult to catch up - especially in the tropics. It has been crucial to maintain treatment plants, air conditioning and refrigeration units in top condition, as the lack of doing so could lead to serious pollution and increase energy consumption when operations would resume. We realized that a hotel goes through a lot of wear and tear with guests. But ironically, it suffers even more without guests.

We have also invested in upgrading our administrative, reporting and accounting systems and procedures. This allowed us to be 100% on top of our expenses during the pandemic and identify fixed costs that we later turned into variable costs. We did weekly cash flow forecasts thus allowing us to improve our original "cash end of the year" projections. While this does not sound like a "sustainability" measure in the first place, remember that financial sustainability is one of three key factors of the three-legged stool of sustainability. (Nature Conservation - Community Development - Financial Success). 6. Crisis Times are Opportunities for Innovation We needed to be creative in dealing with this crisis. It occurred to us that creating an innovation contest would be a good way to keep our staff engaged and help us come up with ideas and projects that could really make a difference. Almost all winning projects from the hotels had something to do with sustainability. In one hotel, the focus was on energy efficiency in the laundry process. Another team of employees suggested cultural tours in their communities, highlighting the local history. In one property, the chefs suggested to grow tilapia in a pond, while in another they thought of bottling our famous hot sauce and selling it in the gift shop. In a third hotel, we expanded sales from small producers by helping them get their billing requirements fulfilled. We are currently implementing these ideas at various hotels. Some former guests have even contacted us asking to partake in the next innovation contest so they too could contribute their ideas. 7. The Sustainable Tourism Model Costa Rica has been a pioneer in ecotourism and its current tourism model is focused on sustainability. It organically evolved into a unique, sustainable economic model, where most tourism businesses are small and the wealth generated gets distributed evenly within the country. Many tourism destinations around the world have disconnected from the local communities and cultures and, in the worst cases, made enemies with the local populations. Costa Rica faired well during this crisis and is very well positioned to come out of this even stronger. 8. Gratitude and Lots of Thanks I believe that gratitude is the frontrunner of this pandemic. If you work in the tourism industry and at this moment you are alive, boast health, have a job and have been able to keep in touch with your loved ones, well than say thank you a thousand times. Thank your co-workers, your employees, your employer, your friends, your neighbors, your husband, wife, children, parents, grandparents and everyone else that helped you or is helping you to make it through this crisis. Gratitude will lead to sustainability as it relates to building a better future for everybody. Mr. Hans Pfister. In 1994, Hans Pfister and Andrea Bonilla created Cayuga Hospitality with the goal to blend true luxury travel with practices that are both environmentally friendly and beneficial to the local communities. A graduate of the Cornell University and dedicated ecotourism professional, he manages eight award-winning, sustainable luxury hotels in Costa Rica, Panama & Nicaragua. They are all tucked away in the most incredible corners, committed to protect and preserve the communities and ecosystems that surround them. What really makes them unique is their mission to achieve the ultimate symbiosis of sustainability and luxury.

By Hans Pfister, Owner, Cayuga Collection

Sustainability Matters: Lessons Learned from Covid

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

2. Stakeholder Relationships are Key Investing in our relationships with our stakeholders

spa design

5 Easy Ways to Use Biophilic Design to Connect with Nature A living wall is an ideal example of biophilic design. Biophilia. What does this strange word mean? Studies have shown that all three mind-body systems— cognitive, psychological, and physiological—are impacted by one’s environment. That’s where biophilic design comes in. It uses evidence-based, nature-inspired design to ensure people’s health and wellbeing are not only maintained but actually improved by their environments. Here are the five most important aspects of biophilic design: 1. Visual Connection with Nature Viewing scenes of nature stimulates a larger portion of the visual cortex than non-nature scenes. This helps trigger more pleasure receptors in our brain. Establish a view to elements of nature, living systems, and natural processes, such as through a window or a balcony, and arrange furniture to maximize any views. Heart rate recovery has been shown to occur 1.6 times faster when a space has a glass window with a nature view versus a high-quality simulation, such as a video, of the same nature view or no view at all. 2. Non-Visual Connection with Nature Our sight is not the only way we perceive our surroundings. Exposure to nature sounds, when compared to urban or office noise, accelerates physiological and psychological restoration up to 37 percent faster after a psychological stressor. These sounds can also reduce cognitive fatigue and help increase motivation. Incorporating nature sounds and aromatherapy into a space aren’t options just reserved for a spa #anymore. Participants of one study who either listened to river sounds or saw a nature movie with river sounds during a post task restoration period reported having more energy

and greater motivation after the restoration period compared to participants who only listened to office noise or silence. In addition, viewing a nature movie with a river soundtrack during the restoration period had a more positive effect than only listening to river sounds alone. Combining methods makes the positive impact even greater. The act of touching pets and real plant life, versus synthetic plants, has been shown to induce relaxation through a change in cerebral blood flow rates. 3. Thermal & Airflow Variability People like variations in light, sound, and temperature. Even subtle changes in air temperature, relative humidity, airflow across the skin, or surface temperatures can help to mimic natural environments. Consider how welcome a cool breeze is on a hot sunny day or a rest upon a warm rock on a chilly afternoon. Providing variable conductance materials, seating options with differing levels of solar heat gain (indoors and outdoors), or proximity to operable windows can create opportunities for these moments of change, thus improving the overall satisfaction of a space. 4. Presence of Water The sounds created by small-scale running water, and our capacity to touch it, are healing. Views of large bodies of water or physical #ccess to n#atural or designed water bodies also have healing effects so long as they are perceived as “clean” or unpolluted. Images of nature that include water are also more likely to help reduce blood pressure and heart rate than similar imagery without water. 5. Dynamic & Diffuse Light In nature, we encounter varying intensities of light and shadow that change over time. Sunlight changes color from yellow in the morning to blue at midday to red in the afternoon and evening. The changes

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

By Elisa Garcia, AIA

affect our body temperature, heart rate, and even circadian functioning. Higher content of blue light produces serotonin, whereas an absence of blue light (which occurs later in the day and at night) produces melatonin. The balance of serotonin and melatonin are linked to sleep quality, mood, alertness, depression, breast cancer, and other health conditions. It’s exciting to see such a growth in both research and applic#ation of biophilic design practices, especially as we continue to spend many hours indoors. Every space can be improved upon with some, or all, of these biophilic design principles. Lifestyle About Elisa Garcia, AIA. Elisa leads Zen Spaces, a wellness-focused interior design firm based in Santa Barbara, CA. She is a licensed architect, interior designer, and construction manager with 32 years of experience. She’s also a self-proclaimed science nerd. Elisa grew up working in her father’s architectural and development firm. Being that it was the 1970s in California, her dad was interested in meditation, creative visualization, and Eastern philosophies and shared his ide#as with his young daughter while driving her around to his building sites on the weekends. Elisa?’s passion for organic, nature-inspired design was fueled when she read Frank Lloyd Wright’s autobiography at the age of 15. At the age of 18, Elisa went to work for several interior design and construction management firms for the following 15 years. She then started her own firm when she obtained her architectural license in 2004. Well Defined: Adopt healthier habits for a life of wellbeing! Sign Up For the Newsletter, visit the website or social media platforms. https://welldefined.com/

spa design As I write on the day hospitality businesses once again open their doors to the public and do the thing they are best at: providing a generous and friendly welcome for guests. Having been deprived for so long of the opportunities to gather, there is a palpable sense of excitement that we can once again congregate (albeit outside and in small groups of six for the time being) in the hotels, community halls, pubs, cafes, and other venues that we take so much for granted in more normal times. It is in our hospitality venues that communities come together and for many of us this reopening is about more than having additional choices of places to eat, sleep or drink. It is about rediscovering our communities, engaging in experiences and making memories. A combination of common sense and sentiment surveys tell us that international visitors are unlikely to return in any volume to the UK at least until 2022 and hospitality venues will depend on their ability and so it is imperative for that they to attract visitors from closer to home. The basics for any hotel seeking to do this must be right (great facilities, excellent customer care and effective COVID safe processes). To really stand out from the crowd, however, hoteliers will need something else, to delight customers who have been cooped up for the best part of a year and who are seeking opportunities to rediscover explore the a holiday offer where in which neither the weather nor novelty value of going somewhere they have never been before are on offer. The evidence indicates that the additional dimension to win over these consumers is providing meaningful experiences that encapsulate the essence of place, something that will be especially important for those seeking to attract the young:

Sustainable by Design: The 'New Normal'? By Rebecca Hawkins Managing Director, Responsible Hospitality

"The value of human connection became acutely apparent in 2020, and this realization will not be lost on this generation of young people in the future. Having experienced the detriment of isolation and also witnessed the power of community, they will seek to strengthen their close ties and build meaningful new ones. They will seize the day they can come together again, sharing moments and building memories. They will also seek a deeper sense of belonging, gravitating to experiences that bring together people with shared values and facilitate more authentic and intimate connections". (Vivid Media Group - Make Contact - The ReEmergence of the Experience Economy, April 21) This the trend towards favoring experiences over consumers goods is not new: in 2017, McKinsey stated "Faced with the choice of buying a trendy designer jacket or shiny new appliance or of attending a show, consumers increasingly opt for the show and more broadly experiences with their friends and family". However the pandemic has heightened demand, "remind[ing] the whole world that there is more to life than material possessions". In tourism in particular, we are now seeing consumers state a preference to place experiences that provide a real sense of place/authenticity over price when choosing where to go.

How to Maximize on this Trend:

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

1. Integrate Local Products Across the Experience Local products are one of the most visible ways for hotels to show customers that they are connected with their place (and they certainly beat the ubiquitous

towel reuse cards when demonstrating sustainability credentials). Whether using local food on menus, local products in in-room facilities, or show casing local art and crafts, local products give a real sense that the hotel is embedded into its wider community. Most local areas have a local food network and - if you need help to find yours the Sustain web site can point you in the right direction. There are also growing band of artisans crafting hand made soaps using local produced products, which can tap into the trend that runs parallel to experiential tourism: well-being. 2. Make Opportunities for Local Residents There is no substitute for insider knowledge when it comes to exploring all that is special about place. Local residents will know the hidden gems that have the potential to entice back customers who feel they are already familiar with the destination. Many are looking for work and offering them opportunities can help bring new talent into the sector as well as inviting them to share their local knowledge and recommendations with customers. Other destinations have Ambassador programmes that help employees from further afield become familiar with the destination (The NCTA provide Ambassador training for some destinations. Over COVID, a number of resident groups have also provided emerged to help locals and visitors alike learn more about a place. 3. Make the Most of the Great Outdoors If anything good has come out of the pandemic, it is perhaps the fact that so many people have found the time to reconnect with nature. Whether located in a town centre or rural area, there are lots of opportunities to help guests explore more in the great outdoors (according the ONS, almost a third of urban area in Great Britain consists of natural land and green space so hotels in urban areas can find ways to maximise the value in their local parks). Partnering with a local cycle hire company (including promoting the use of electric bikes) can provide great opportunities for new experiences especially for customers anxious to avoid crowded public transport. Almost all localities can offer local walks using apps such as GPSMyCity (which features tours of attractions), Route You (which features walking tours) or published guides such as Lonely Planet that provide easy access to routes for all levels of fitness. For young families, gaming apps such as Pokemon Go provide a novel way to engage children in walking and are available in a number of destinations. 4. Maximise the Local Value of Visitor Spend Tourism businesses can play an essential part in helping areas to recover economically, especially if hotels maximise the multiplier effect: the mystic force that converts the generosity of visitors into local impact. Strengthening local supply chains can go beyond the obvious product procurement to transform the nature of experience on offer and extend length of stay by supporting the development of new bookable products. Art and creative businesses can both create authenticity and a reason for customers to stay an extra night. Activate in Dorset, for example, specialise in providing extraordinary events in places and host many of their performances in the great outdoors. Most local authorities have an organisation responsible for culture and they can connect you with your local creatives to support the development of 'packages'

5. Give Back Having reflected on the last year, nearly half of all of the British public say that they want post pandemic life to be different. The good news is that this means, spending more time away with loved ones, but it also means giving back themselves. Partnerships with volunteering organisations can provide new aspects to your offer as can engaging staff in volunteering opportunities. The National Council for Volunteer Organisations (NCVO.org.uk) can match organisations with volunteering opportunities. If volunteering is for you, a number of destinations have customer giving schemes that will partner with hotels and allow customers to make a voluntary addition to their bill to support specific causes. 6. Do Your Bit As well as giving back many consumers are also keen to give their business to companies with good ethical credentials. So if your business is already managing its energy and water effectively (for those who aren't now might be a good time to look at these issues - savings of 10% are easily achievable for those who have not undertaken a review), now might be a time to communicate this. To keep customers engaged, however, take care to avoid the greenwash. While an essential part of your 'green' armoury, energy and water reduction programmes alone are unlikely to cut the mustard for the new and sustainability savvy consumer. Local procurement will be important (see above) and a tangible difference can be made by keeping a careful eye on food waste. In fact managing food waste may be one of the biggest commitments that your business can make to conservation and to showing your customers that you are serious about sustainability. 70% of water globally is used by the agricultural sector; 25% of global warming gases are associated with forestry and agriculture and food production is the top threat for some 86% of the 28,000+ plant and animal species known to be at risk of extinction. Making conscious choices about the foods that you buy (choosing those that are local and ethically sourced) as well as making good use of food by preventing waste, therefore, can play a significant role in reducing environmental impacts. What's more, changing the processes in particular in hotels can reduce food procurement costs by 5% or more. If your hotel wants to maximise on the value of the domestic market, therefore, it is time to really invest in developing memorable experiences and helping customer create memories … and the very best of these build on the unique characteristics of place. As such, they have the broadest possible interpretation of the term sustainability (economy, community and environment) at their core. Dr. Hawkins Rebecca Hawkins is the Managing Director of RHP Ltd, a Research Fellow of Oxford Brookes University and Visiting Professor to the International Centre for Responsible Tourism at Leeds Metropolitan University. A resource management specialist, with training in ISO 14001 implementation, Dr. Hawkins has managed a number of projects that combine the need to deliver sustainability initiatives alongside cost savings. Dr. Hawkins regularly provides training within hotel businesses and offers strategic consultancy to help senior executives in the sector design effective responsible business programs.

Sustainable by Design: The 'New Normal'? By Rebecca Hawkins Managing Director, Responsible Hospitality

How to Maximize on this Trend:

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

spa design This article provides a roadmap for reducing your carbon footprint. We've broken it down into three main steps: 1. reduce reliance on fossil fuels, 2. protect forests and blue carbon ecosystems, and 3. Support innovative climate solutions that scale.

Beyond the design of the building itself, spas can utilize energy saving technologies to further drive down their carbon footprint. Replace existing light fixtures with LED bulbs which use 75% less energy, and last much longer, than incandescent lighting.

Step 1: Reduce Reliance on Fossil Fuels

This day in age, it's no longer just about which devices you use, it's also about how you control them. Automated energy management technologies are quickly becoming the way of the future. Photosensors or timers can be used to automatically turn off or dim lights at certain times of day. This is especially useful for areas such as outdoor areas that only require bright lighting after dark.

Spas consume energy for lighting, heating, cooling, cooking, refrigeration, and other end-uses. When this energy comes from fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal it can add up to a massive carbon footprint. To identify which of your operational activities are the most carbon-intensive, you can conduct a carbon footprint assessment. Once you've done this, you'll have a better idea of the greatest opportunities to reduce your carbon footprint. Switch to Renewable Energy Sources The most effective way to reduce their carbon footprint is by transitioning to renewable energy sources which produce significantly less emissions than fossil fuels. In addition to mitigating climate change, switching to renewables can result in long-term cost savings. Over the past few decades, many spas have started using solar energy. It is important to note that there are actually two different types of solar energy technologies: solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar thermal systems. Though these technologies both harness the power of the sun's rays, they serve different purposes. Solar PV panels convert sunlight directly into electricity which can be used for your spas power needs. Solar thermal systems on the other hand absorb the sunlight and then convert it into heat. Other types of on-site renewable energy technologies that harness the power of the local environment include small-scale wind turbines or micro-hydropower systems. Looking for a more creative option? Some spas are introducing electricity-generating gym equipment that allows guests to power up the building while they're working out. When determining which type of renewable energy technology to utilize at your property, there's no onesize-fits-all answer. Select the type that makes the most sense for your spas particular needs and the energy sources that are readily available. If there isn't much wind in the destination where you're located, it probably doesn't make sense to install wind turbines.

Three Steps to Decarbonize Your Spa By Paloma Zapata, Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Travel International

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

Adopt Energy-Efficient Design and Technologies Spas can also lower the carbon-intensity of their operations by reducing the amount of energy that is used for different processes and activities. By decreasing your energy usage, you'll also cut down on needless energy expenditures. Spas can incorporate efficiencies directly into their buildings by adopting bioclimatic design principles. Bioclimatic design works in harmony with the local climate to create comfortable spaces while optimizing energy use. Though bioclimatic techniques vary by climate type, examples include orientating windows to absorb the sun's heat, using trees and overhangs for shading, and choosing light-colored roofing materials to reflect solar rays. Traditional architecture styles often tend to be bioclimatic since they've been adapted to the local environment for centuries. They are also a good way to showcase traditional construction techniques and locally-sourced building materials.

More advanced "smart" energy management systems utilize sensors to detect when a treatment room is empty. These systems prevent unnecessary energy use by automatically turning off the lights, or adjusting the thermostat when rooms are unoccupied. Localize Your Supply Chains Once you've optimized your direct operations, you can go a step further to reduce fossil fuel usage within your supply chain. While there are a number of ways to decarbonize your supply chain, there are some tactics that you will have more control over such as where you source your goods from. Localizing your supply chain can reduce carbon emissions while also providing a number of business benefits. There is a growing movement among consumers to "buy local," so incorporating the local flavors and culture into your offering can make for a distinctive guest experience. For spas, this means creating locally-inspired menus and sourcing ingredients from local farmers, fishers, cheese-makers, or bakeries. Furnishings, decor, linens, and staff uniforms are also good items to source from local suppliers. When you procure goods locally, it cuts down on the amount of transportation, packaging, and refrigeration needed to get them from point A to point B. This equates to less energy usage and a smaller carbon footprint. As the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, local supply chains also tend to be more resilient to global crises and disruptive events.

Step 2: Protect Forests and Blue Carbon Ecosystems After you've cut down your spas fossil fuel use, the next step is to protect or restore natural ecosystems that act as carbon sinks. Forests are carbon sinks, as are blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass, and salt marshes. These ecosystems possess a natural ability to fight climate change by capturing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in their biomass and soils. In addition to preventing carbon emissions, forests and coastal habitats provide other important benefits. These critical habitats promote biodiversity and support nature tourism activities, such as birdwatching, hiking, and snorkeling. They can also help to reduce flooding and stabilize shorelines. In fact, one study found that mangroves prevent more than $65 billion of property damage each year. The most direct way that you can protect these ecosystems is by leaving them intact. It is common for coastal hotels to remove mangroves that grow along their property or use fertilizers that kill seagrass beds. Be consciously aware of your impact on these sensitive ecosystems and implement practices that conserve them.

Another way that you can protect these ecosystems is through carbon offsetting. When you purchase carbon offsets, you fund projects around the world that have been certified to reduce carbon emissions. One way that carbon offset projects can deliver these emissions reductions is by protecting or restoring natural ecosystems. When you invest in these types of carbon offset projects, you can help create benefits that go beyond carbon reductions and conservation. Many projects also improve the livelihoods of local communities by creating local jobs, providing skills training, improving sanitation, or increasing food security. There are a number of different organizations that offer carbon offsets. To create the greatest impact, look for projects that are located in the country or region where your spa is located and be sure to choose a reputable provider.

Step 3: Support Innovative Climate Solutions As the world races to tackle the climate crisis, new technologies and solutions are emerging on a regular basis. You can support decarbonization at a larger scale by supporting the development and implementation of these innovative technologies. In order to fully decarbonize the planet, we must reach a point where all energy is generated by renewable sources. However, there isn't currently the infrastructure in place to meet the world's energy demands. You can advance the global clean energy transition by investing in the development of renewable energy infrastructure. Again, carbon offsetting offers a means to do this. While some carbon offset projects reduce emissions by conserving ecosystems, others focus on replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy. You can also help curb the climate crisis by investing in companies or donating to projects that are researching and developing newer technologies. While some companies are developing renewable energy technologies that harness the power of the ocean, others are working to improve energy storage technologies. As it becomes more apparent that we'll need to go beyond reducing emissions, more attention is being given to carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies which remove existing carbon from the atmosphere. As climate solutions continue to evolve, stay informed on the latest technologies and strategies and take action to position your spa as a leader in the fight against climate change. About: Paloma Zapata leads the Sustainable Travel International's global efforts to maximize tourism's contribution to conservation and development in order to protect destinations, preserve natural environments, and improve community well-being. With over 15 years of experience in sustainable tourism and economic development, Ms. Zapata has designed and implemented impactful initiatives and projects in 25 nations across the globe. Her work has ranged from addressing the shortcomings of the current tourism supply to deriving sustainable development strategies and formulating policies. Earlier in her career she worked for IBM's microelectronics division as Staff Industrial Engineer and registered three patents. Ms. Zapata holds a master's in business administration and a postgraduate degree in tourism management from ESADE Business School in Barcelona, Spain.

Step 1: Reduce Reliance on Fossil Fuels

Three Steps to Decarbonize Your Spa By Paloma Zapata, Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Travel International

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

spa therapies

Main Advantages of Disposable Linens for Your Business

Many salons, aesthetic institutes and spas are now using disposable linens rather than the traditional fabric varieties. Single-use items, like disposable aprons and gloves, and linens, are becoming more and more commonplace as businesses catch on to the advantages they offer. Let’s take a quick look at the main advantages of swopping over to disposable linens. 1. Disposable linens can save a lot of time. If clothing, protective equipment, linen and hygiene appliances are disposable, it saves a lot of time on laundry. Salons and Spas in particular find that a lot of time is spent on cleaning bed linens, aprons, and sundries.

launder reusables. You also need to factor in the costs of laundry powder, bleach, fabric conditioner, water and maintaining and replacing washing machines and dryers.

If you have a sudden spike in demand or activity, your staff will also have everything they need to carry out their duties safely, without waiting for the drying cycle to finish.

Additionally, by switching over to disposables, you know when you’ll be paying for them – you may have a monthly or weekly order and it’s a predictable amount at a predictable time. A sudden breakdown of a washing machine not only interrupts the cleaning cycle, it also represents a sudden (and not insignificant) expense. If you rely on several staff members to do all the laundry too, then sickness or absence can disrupt the flow of clean linens. With disposables, as long as you have the right re-ordering schedule, you’ll always have them on hand.

Can using disposables ever be environmentallyfriendly? Most manufacturers of disposable linens make their products from recycled plastics – post-consumer waste. There are already lots of innovative manufacturing processes that can produce strong, flexible films that can be used in lots of applications. Some manufacturers try to make their products biodegradable, or at least recyclable, too. It’s an area that is constantly being worked on.

3. Disposables are a reassuring sight Sometimes a load has to be put through a wash again if it’s not quite clean enough and this can cause shortages or delays. If there’s a plentiful, ready-to-use supply of linens, the Salon or Spa can operate that little bit more smoothly. 2. Disposables can save money

Image means a lot to clients, so if they see staff wearing single-use gloves and aprons to prepare and perform their services booked, they’ll be reassured that these linens are clean. Using disposable linens means that everything is as clean as possible, with no risk of, for example, having been washed at too low a temperature to kill bugs.

Most disposable linens cost less than it costs to

It’s important, then, if you decide to switch to disposables, that you try to recycle them, or at least dispose of them appropriately. Once viewed with suspicion by environmentalists, disposables have come a long way and are now increasingly accepted. After all, if they biodegrade and are recycled, they’re better for the planet than an energyhungry washer-drier; not to mention all those detergents and bleaches!

New Products from HDW Group Our Disposable Fitted sheets fits perfectly, and customers are loving it . We have changed our standard size and made it bigger from 180 x 80 to 2.10 x 80 so if you have a wider and longer treatment beds our disposable fitted sheet should fit perfectly. To view or sample trial contact us Phillip 062 890 5398 info@hygienedisposablewear.co.za

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

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spa lifestyle In January of 2020 the response to 'How Well is Your Hotel' focused on the increasingly popular trend 'Wellness'. Hotels, resorts and spas internationally have incorporated this trend, offering a wide range of guest focused services and activities based on the principles of well-being: fitness, nourishment and mindfulness'. In March of 2020, relating wellness to a lodging/spa property took on a very different set of criteria and definitions.

practices, mask and distancing policies, food handling regulations in the kitchens and food service outlets are the key components. There is however, a much larger area of operations that needs to be addressed in that umbrella of 'Safety and Wellness". The key areas of air quality, water quality and comfort quality have always been a focus of operations, but not necessarily a priority with the customer.

The onset of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus pandemic impacted the tourism and hospitality industry, closing down facilities across the globe. As a response to COVID-19, major hotel companies quickly opened their web sites with banners announcing COVID-19 preventive practices and policies for staff and customers. Marriott International has a continuing program 'Commitment to Clean', Hilton Hotels 'Clean Stay Program' partnered with RB Products Lysol and Dettol and Hyatt Hotels partnered with the Cleveland Clinic. All three hotel companies responded with a concerted attempt to convince customers and investors of their focused efforts to create a 'safe environment' for the 'wellbeing of guests and associates'.

Air Quality and Comfort have generally been combined together under heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). Today we see this as two separate operational areas with each now given separate priorities. Air Quality, unless you have a health concern such as asthma or allergies, has generally been thought of by customers as a function of heating and air conditioning. While no one wanted to be caught around people sneezing and coughing, it was a reality of being out in public. Start to cough or sneeze in a public area today and people flee for the nearest exit spraying disinfectant as they go.

Customer confidence that lodging companies will focus on their safety and well-being has become the key focus of hotel marketing efforts. With business travel down significantly, efforts are focused on the individual traveler. Currently the spread of COVID19 variants across the United States and globally, coupled with mixed messages as to restrictions and regulations, and regional, large group gatherings has created outbreaks of COVID19 virus 'hot spots' and increased concerns about the safety and common sense of travel. While large populations across the countries have received vaccines there are still groups that are not yet vaccinated or resistant to being so.

How 'Well' Is Your Hotel? By Nancy Loman Scanlon, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

How now do owners and companies face the reality that this will not 'all go away soon'? Individual travelers on expendable income budgets are focusing on lower rates rather than quality facilities. The business traveler is generally staying in their home office, leaving mid-range and luxury hotels to rely on financially able individual travelers seeking vacations and away from home breaks. While the source of customers remains unsure, what is consistent is the need to provide staff and guests with the assurance that 'Safety and Wellness of Staff and Associates' is at the forefront of hotel operating practices. It is not just the customer that is uneasy about coming back to hotels. Hotel staff are reluctant to return to a work place population that is constantly changing. Many younger employees have not had access to vaccines and are also unsure of the health status of incoming hotel guests. Line level employees work in direct contact with guest areas, sleeping rooms and restaurants where people are often without face masks and gathering in groups. So how then to demonstrate the actual operating practices that will give both staff and customers confidence?

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The major hotel brand practices posted on web sites to assure customers and staff about coming back, are focused on safety and cleanliness. Cleaning

Wellness in Air Quality is about Life Quality In May 2021, the quality of the air we breath has taken on a whole new meaning. Whether fresh or conditioned (heated or cooled), air quality in public space areas is expected to be filtered and monitored for particulate matter. We once opened doors and windows with the idea of flushing out 'used and contaminated air' with fresh outside air. We are now 'designing for air quality' with the newest practices in air quality monitors and high grade air filters. We are considering technology that will monitor air quality for viruses, fire smoke, dust storms, car exhaust and other particulates and installing air handling unites specifically for outside air intake with high grade air filters. Air quality monitors are blue tooth enabled making them much more flexible. UV (ultra violet) systems implemented to disrupt the virus, require specific contact times, creating the challenge of monitoring the flow of air. The value of these air quality efforts cannot be underestimated. Brian Lomel, PE, TLC Engineering Solutions while recently speaking about air quality issues, noted that "If I tell them (investors) we are building a healthy smart building that has air quality monitors I can raise capital overnight." Indoor air quality is also about air flow and duct work. In a conversation with indoor air quality consultant Sterling Laylock, these questions were posed for hotel property operators: What is the condition of a building's HVAC rooftop systems? Was the duct work installed properly? CDC regulations require that a building take in more outside air into the ventilation system where possible in an attempt to dilute possible contaminants. Can the building meet that requirement? Can the HVAC system remove humidity from that airflow at the rate that it is coming into air handling units and at what cost to energy efficiency? In an effort to manage the risks and associated financial costs of these decisions, what are the accessible trade offs? How will we really know what works? To answer these questions: 1. Establish a baseline assessment to determine exposure levels for airborne pathogens.

2.Enact some of the engineering controls mentioned. 3. Verify the efficacy of the implemented controls specific to the established baseline. In addition use ground breaking pathogen technology that leverages DNA#articles which safety mimic the mobility of airborne pathogens like COVID19. Perhaps your building is using a combination of decentralized and centralized air handling units. The maintenance plan for decentralized window/wall mounted units is certainly on a different schedule given today's challenges than was previously in effect. This makes the installation of air quality monitors in every impacted room a responsible investment, demonstrating consistent data driven decisions that will need to be fully documented if and when confronted with possible litigation.

Comfort Healthy, smart buildings are also about COMFORT. How do we create comfort in a built environment that supports 'wellness' without producing excess carbon emissions? How do we create ambient temperatures that combine natural heat and cooling sources in addition to that produced by air conditioners and heating units? Ventilation is about removing humidity from the air. In hot climates this is about reducing the risk for mold. Treatment plans for ventilation loads, like lighting loads, is climate specific. The operational benefits of natural light sources vary by climate. In cold climates, untreated glass will radiate cold and create a demand for indoor heat. In hot climates the reverse applies with glass radiating heat into the space and increasing the AC load. The challenge of operational designing for lighting with hotels is to factor in the value of the view even while trying to reduce the amount of heat induced energy or radiant cold coming into the building. Biophilic Design is indoor design for wellness creating green spaces in buildings, particularly public indoor areas in hotels. Green walls and indoor plantings recycle air, removing carbon and releasing oxygen. Natural light harvesting captures the heat in light, provides the benefits of vitamin D and the psychological impacts of open space. Water in the form of fountains and/or flowing channels provides acoustical sound buffers and creates a soothing psychological impact.

WELL Building Standard The International Well Building Institute Well Building Standard has created a WELL building certification. "The WELL Building Standard takes a holistic approach to health in the built environment addressing behavior, operations and design…. and focuses on seven aspects of a building for the WELL Building Standard: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Fitness, Comfort and Mind". How well is YOUR Building? How many of the operating practices and designs touched on here are currently in practice in your buildings? New ways of prioritizing the operation of healthy buildings will increase both financial value and consumers' perceived value of businesses.

How 'Well' Is Your Hotel? By Nancy Loman Scanlon, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

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The major hotel brand practices posted on web sites to assure customers and staff about coming back, are focused on safety and cleanliness. Cleaning

spa design

By Lucy Brialey - The Sustainable Spa Association

Is it Possible to Keep Spa Textiles in a Circul.r Economy Business Model? The challenge. Manufacturing textiles is most often incredibly resource intensive, putting great pressure on natural ecosystems, water supplies and water systems, and so on. Very little textile waste is salvaged or recycled as most ends up either in landfill or being incinerated. The solution. ReBlend brings together people from along the textile value chain to create recycled fabrics and then using those fabrics to produce things like clothing, towelling and furniture. What makes it circular? ReBlend finds a use for post industrial as well as post-consumer textiles. Bringing more circular textiles to the market reduces demand for virgin fibres and strengthens a circular textiles future. The benefits. By working on ‘low design’ products (eg towels) ReBlend can scale up the market for recycled textiles faster. By working with specific industries (eg healthcare), ReBlend can help divert specific and very large waste streams. Anita De Wit at ReBlend is the right sort of person to bring leadership to the circular textiles movement. Her background in economics and sustainable business development lends itself well to pragmatic courses of action. Steering the textiles world away from linear production to circular, we need prudence and almost un-idealistic thinking as well as imagination and idealism. And for Anita, ReBlend is the perfect combination of a long-lived interest in fashion design and an enthusiasm for creating systems that balance people, planet and profit. Stephanie Hodgson from Meetthe5Rs met with Anita who explained her hopes to go with ReBlend in the future. This case study is about Anita and her team’s successes and struggles as they navigate creating recycled textile fabrics, garments and products. Written By Stephanie Hodgson at MeetthefiveRs for The Sustainable Spa Association.

Innovation for Textiles The goal of ReBlend at the outset was simple: bring together people from different sides of the textile

chain to make joint initiatives that would save textiles from incineration. Beyond that, the sky was the limit. They could join forces with furniture makers and other interior companies to make upholstery fabrics. They could also work with fashion designers to produce clothes. Anita does not seem to feel restricted by any preconceived notions of what ReBlend should be or should be trying to do. What really intrigues me about this business, what I’ve come to really respect about it, is its open mindedness and willingness to welcome new proposals and partners. This allows ReBlend to take any direction it chooses, to have an impact where the opportunities to do so come knocking. A pivotal moment was in 2014 when the ReBlend team worked with German students to transform 20 kilos of post consumer textiles into durable yarn. That yarn was woven into upholstery fabrics that a thenstart-up used for its completely circular furniture. That start-up was Van de Sant and is now a thriving business that continues to source much of its fabric from ReBlend. An issue, though, with regularly supplying circular fabrics to van de Sant or any number of other established businesses is that you need to have a steady supply of the stuff, ready and available for when these partner brands make an order. This usually means having stock but that, says Anita, is another problem. Having stock, having a supply of any material or product in excess of what is currently being ordered, leaves a business open to unsold inventory. That is a recipe for waste and goes against everything Anita and her team believe in. It is a bit of a conundrum: wanting to regularly supply an innovative, circular material to current and even prospective purchasers but not keep any unaccounted for supply to hand. “When people decide they want to have fabric, they want it tomorrow.”

Rebuild and ReBlend One way to do this is to bring in people who have access to a wider community of makers (i.e. agents) so ReBlend fabrics can reach more designers and

manufacturers. It distances Anita and her team somewhat from the products they are part of creating but like for the parents whose children go off to college, it can be so rewarding to see your baby flourish on its own. Anita has 7ctually experienced this first hand, not only with fashion designers and design students. She has felt the complications around employing her fabrics to garments when working with Dutch health care professionals in developing an alternative to disposable protective smocks.

Keep it simple Another possible way to scale up the use of their circular textiles is by limiting the design factor. Think about how many more decisions need to go into generating wearable, ontrend, long lasting fashion pieces compared to generating towels, for example. And this is precisely the direction ReBlend is now headed. They have a prototype towel, which I got to see and feel, that is 70% post industrial cotton waste and 30% Tencel*. These can then be recycled again 23 times. The next step, however, is completely replacing the Tencel fibres with post consumer recycled cotton, making the towels 100% recycled. Towels are great because they can be produced with little design input and they reach so many industries. Consumers, directly, yes. Also the hospitality industry, the spa industry, the hair and beauty industry, too list but a few. These connections were first in my mind when speaking with Anita, in particular my own connection with the Sustainable Spa Association which I have developed a circular economy campaign for: #SpaWasteNotChallenge. ReBlend fit perfectly in the #SpaWasteNotChallenge camp7ign. In response to this we extremely proud to announce that together, MeetthefiveRs, The SSA and ReBlend have a proposal to encourage spas into a pilot scheme to enter a circular business model for towels by sending in their old cotton textiles and purchasing new recycled towels. Those spas would then be able to close the loop on that key waste stream. #SpaWasteNotChallenge

spa design

Spa Insights on Fireplaces and Heating By Kim Williams Having the right fireplace can bring an elemental warmth that not only heats your spa but comforts the soul. Choosing which fireplace will work best for your needs will depend on aesthetics, the ambience you want to create, the fuel that you want to burn and the size of the space you need to heat. Kim Williams is here to share with us her top insights on selecting the perfect heating solution.

it is kept warm but does not use unnecessary fuel and therefore cost more. There are many experts whose main focus is understanding the science behind space and airflow, and how sunlight and energy interact in a space. When I design a space, I collaborate with them to ensure that the end result matches both the heating and business requirements so that my clients end up with a functional and beautiful space.

Aesthetics and Ambiance Fire brings such energy into a space because it represents passion, zeal and motivation and brings literal and physical warmth. With so many options from gas-oil hybrids, to ergonomic pellet fireplaces, and classic stone hearths there is sure to be one that fits your ideal aesthetic. Considering the style and ambience you want to create will determine which option will work best for you.

Follow the sun The sun is often overlooked and yet light is the most fundamental factor and changes with the day and seasons. Having a sunny space will make an enormous difference to how much energy you are putting into heating your space because of the solar gain that will naturally build up as the sun filters in during the day. The sun will always be the most efficient way to heat a spa.

Go high quality The final fireplace you choose should fit with your business requirements and be realistic for you to run in terms of fuel and effort. If you want to simply flip a switch, a gas option is probably better for you than wood because it eliminates the labour of carrying wood inside. The longevity of your design choice is also paramount on both essential materials such as fire bricks and in terms of style. I always recommend clients go for what they truly love, not just what is on-trend because fireplaces are expensive to repair or replace.

Keep it connected A fireplace creates a warm social hub and the perfect ambience to relax. When building your fireplace, consider how space will be used and use furniture that makes it easy to gather safely around the fire and facilitates being together.

Size up your space The most successfully heated spaces are where the heating source is proportional to the room to ensure

Remember all the elements in the room Making a space warm is also psychological. By considering elements such as the floors, wall coverings, lighting, colour and textures you can make even the darkest room feel cosy. To find balance among all these elements I often look to nature and incorporate earth, air, water and fire. Vibrant plants in open spaces infuse a space with life and cool ocean blues make the perfect inky

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

backdrop for warm colours and earthy tones. Lush rugs and dim candles as well as rich wallpaper also help to add psychological warmth and insulation. Make it multifunctional Fireplaces are amazing spaces to display paintings, hang mirrors. Nowadays, it is easy to make space for recessed TV's above fireplaces, or make the fireplace central. Wood storage can also be magnificent if built floor to ceiling or using large decorative baskets. Take the fun Outside Using your outdoor space with the kind of weather we have in South Africa is also very much an option. With us spending much more time outdoors we are seeing a huge resurgence of the fire pit. I personally love them and adore how versatile they can be from a simple cost effective metal pit to grand sunken landscaped arenas there really is something for every budget. If a fire is not your preference, or perhaps you have a smaller courtyard garden, outdoor heaters are a lovely alternative. Coldness can make us retreat into our spaces to cocoon away from the harshness of the world. Building a fireplace is so much more than a heating solution, it is a way to draw us together to find comfort and help us revive our souls. For more tips from Kim Williams, sign-up for her blog at www.kimwilliams.co.za or follow her on Facebook and Instagram @kim_williams_design.

spa lifestyle Technology is arguably the biggest force driving change in the physical activity economy, bringing new business models and methods of participation, new ways to reach customers, and new kinds of devices and equipment. Technology is transforming how consumers engage with all types of fitness and physical activity, enabling us to track our own metrics, monitor performance and progress, access programs and services on demand, and connect with likeminded “tribes” and communities. GWI estimates that technologies related to recreational physical activity represented a $26.3 billion global market in 2018. Asia-P%cific is the largest regional market, at $10.8 billion, because it is the world’s largest consumer market for fitness wearables and trackers. North America ranks second in size for technology, at $8.6 billion, and it is the largest region for technology services that support physical activity (e.g., streaming services, apps, intermediaries, software, and other platforms). The United States and China are the dominant countries in the physical activity technology sector, accounting for over half the market in 2018. The GWI report, Move to be Well: The Global Economy of Physical Activity, further breaks out the market sizes for this segment across the world’s regions and the top 20 countries. The physical activity technology landscape encompasses a diverse range of devices/equipment and software/services (as elaborated in the table above) that support people’s participation in fitness, sports, active recreation, and mindful movement in many different ways. With promises of making exercise more convenient, fun, affordable, personalized, portable, social, gamified, trackable, efficient, and results-oriented, these technologies are seeing a rapid uptake by consumers all over the world, even in countries that have not previously had well-developed fitness and gym offerings.

Physical Activity and Fitness Technologies A Fast-Growing $26 Billion Global Market By Katherine Johnston and Ophelia Yeung, GWI Senior Research Fellows

On the other hand, all of these technologies are so new that there is not yet conclusive scientific evidence on what is effective at changing behavior and increasing physical activity and what is just a gimmick. The rise of fitness and health tracking, monitoring, and connectivity is also giving rise to a host of concerns related to personal security and privacy, stress and anxiety, the impacts of digital versus face to-face connections, and other issues. While trackers, apps, social media platforms, streaming services, etc., may be adding a level of convenience, motivation, and fun to exercise, it is also important to keep in mind that these technologies are not essential for people to be physically active. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world get enough movement each day with nothing more than a pair of shoes, a simple bicycle, or a ball and an empty field. In many ways, technologies are attempting to fill gaps in our built environments and lifestyles that prevent us from getting enough movement. As long as our environment continues to favor a sedentary lifestyle over movement and our busy lives keep us from exercising, we will be looking to technology to help reduce those barriers.

The Diverse Landscape of Physical Activity Technologies Streaming and on-demand services: While athome and on-demand fitness first emerged in the 1980s (the early years of video technology, the

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fitness boom, and Jane Fonda VHS tapes), today’s technology-driven streaming and on-demand exercise options have become a major disruptor in the industry. GWI estimates that online and app-based streaming / on-demand exercise classes and workouts were a $6.1 billion market globally in 2018 (this represents about 4.4% of glob%l consumer spending on doing fitness and mindful movement activities). The range of options span every category of exercise imaginable (spin, running, boxing, dance cardio, yoga, barre, ballet, and so on). They include: subscription, pay-as-you-go, and free options; livestre amed and on-demand/recorded classes; equipment linked services (e.g., Peloton, Mirror); gym/studio spin-offs (e.g., Exhale On Demand); celebrity/ influencer-based workouts (e.g., AKT On Demand, TA Online Studio); online only services (e.g., Daily Burn, Keep); and virtual personal training (e.g., Aaptiv Coach). Most streaming/ on-demand services are currently U.S.-based, although China and the United Kingdom are also rapidly-growing hubs. Apps: The first fitness apps were launched in 2008, soon after the introduction of the iPhone and the Apple App Store. There are now an estimated 250,000-300,000+ fitness and health apps available for download, generating an estimated $2.4 billion in user revenues in 2018 (from downloads, upgrades, and in-app purchases). Most fitness apps focus on tracking, measuring, and analyzing various fitness and health metrics (e.g., tracking workouts, counting steps, monitoring fitness goals, counting calories consumed and burned, etc.). Some of the most popular apps in this category are free for users (e.g., My Fitness Pal, Samsung Health, Pacer), although many are paid or offer a premium/paid upgrade option. Apps are increasingly adding a social and community dimension (e.g., Runtastic, Joyrun), or an element of gamification, competition, and rewards (e.g., Fitocracy, Yodo Run, Nexercise). Some include informational/educational tutorials, while some provide personalized music and playlists for workouts (e.g., RockMyRun, Fit Radio). Some popular apps are connected with wearable devices (e.g., Fitbit, Codoon), and some are connected with major fitness brands (e.g., Nike Run Club, UA Record). (Note that GWI has separated apps that focus primarily on providing streaming/ondemand workouts and classes into a separate category, above.) Software and platforms: Estimated at $1.4 billion globally in 2018, a wide variety of software and online services and platforms are streamlining management, booking, and customer- facing functions across all types of physical activity-related businesses. The emergence of class finder and booking intermediaries has been a major disruptor for gyms and fitness studios in the last five years – ClassPass is the largest player, although there are many other competitors across different regions, such as Singapore-based GuavaPass (recently acquired by ClassPass), UK-based PayAsUGym, Gympass (focused on the corporate market), Indiabased FitPass, FitReserve, and others. The other major segment in this sector is booking, scheduling, billing, and back-office management software and systems. Mindbody is the most recognized player in this segment, but there are dozens of other services focusing on different types of businesses, such as gyms (e.g., Virtuagym), sports and active recreation providers and nonprofits (e.g., ACTIVE Network,

PerfectMind), yoga studios (e.g., TULA), dance studios (e.g., The Studio Director), martial arts (e.g., Kicksite), personal trainers (e.g., My PT Hub), and so on. The United States is home to the largest number of exercise- related software services and platforms, although other countries that have sizable tech and software industries also have many companies and start-ups (United Kingdom, Canada, India, China). Wearables and trackers: At $14.7 billion in 2018, wearables represent over half the technology market. This category includes fitness bands (e.g., Fitbit, Garmin, Polar, Huawei Band, Xiaomi Mi Band) and other types of activity trackers that range from simple pedometers to high-tech clip-ons. Other types of sensor-embedded trackers and fitness wearables have emerged in recent years including smart jewelry (e.g., Bellabeat Leaf, Misfit Shine); smart clothing (e.g., Hexoskin, Sensoria fitness socks, Nadi X yoga pants, SUPA Powered sports bra); smart footwear (e.g., UA HOVR shoes, Altra IQ shoes, Digitsoles, Lechal smart insoles); and smart eyewear (e.g., Recon Jet, Vue, Level, Solos AR smart glasses). Smart and networked equipment: Estimated at $1.7 billion in 2018, exercise/ fitness/gym equipment and sporting goods embedded with sensors and networking capabilities are a small but rapidly growing portion of the fitness/ sports equipment and supplies market. This category includes sophisticated fitness and gym equipment with connectivity, tracking, streaming, artificial reality, and other high-tech functions (e.g., treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, other cardio/strength training equipment). All types of sporting goods and equipment –balls, bats, tennis racquets, golf clubs, etc. – are also being transformed by sensors and smart functions that track metrics, analyze performance, provide virtual coaching, and more. Exergaming: The video gaming industry made its first foray into fitness in the 1980s with early versions of vir tual reality exercise systems (e.g., HighCyclevirtual exercise bike and Atari Puffer game-connected bike) and fitness mats connected with gaming systems (e.g., Nintendo Power Pad). While none of these early products were successful, the “exergaming” or “exertainment” industry started to take off with the launch of the D.nce D.nce Revolution g%me in 1998, the Wii Fit system in 2007, and the advanced Kinect motion detection in 2010 (allowing a person’s body to become the game controller). The proliferation of mobile devices and gaming apps in the last decade has brought wildly popular augmented reality exergaming apps like Zombies, Run!; Pokémon GO; %nd Superhero Workout. Today, every major gaming system offers a wide array of fitness-focused games and connected controllers/equipment, such as Wii Sports, EA Sports Active 2, Nike+ Kinect Training, Just Dance, etc. GWI has not estimated the market size for exergaming because no recent data are available, and it is not possible to separate fitness-focused games and gaming equipment (hardware/ controllers) from the overall video gaming, eSports, and related markets. A ten-year-old study by the U.S.-based Games for Health Project found that worldwide sales of health-focused games (e.g., Wii Fit, EA Sports Active, Dance Dance Revolution) totaled $2 billion over an 18-month period in 2009.

Physical Activity and Fitness Technologies A Fast-Growing $26 Billion Global Market By Katherine Johnston and Ophelia Yeung, GWI Senior Research Fellows

The Diverse Landscape of Physical Activity Technologies Streaming and on-demand services: While athome and on-demand fitness first emerged in the 1980s (the early years of video technology, the

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

spa business

10 Actionable and Inspiring Tips for Leading Well By Mia Kyricos - Founder and President of Kyricos & Associates, In spite of the events of the past year, I have never been more bullish about the business or practice of wellness or the role it now has to play on a global stage, and as it turns out, I’m not the only one. Thierry Malleret, economist and author of COVID-19: THE GREAT RESET, reminds us that when something like wellness, which the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) defines as “the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health,” becomes rarer or scarcer, the greater is its appeal. And wellbeing—that outcome we’re all trying to achieve as a result of our wellness habits—can easily become a mirage in the desert. The reality is that the “American Dream” and the science of wellbeing are, in fact, in conflict with one another, and we now have the somewhat unexpected opportunity to realign the two, if not better help them to live in concert together. And the evidence is clear: it’s not the pursuit of padded bank accounts or career strata or quarterly earnings that make your home or company a great place to live or work; these pursuits can actually negatively impact your productivity and happiness over time. Instead, practicing acts of kindness and gratitude, making time for meaningful social connection, and caring for our own personal wellness while championing the wellbeing of others, is what actually does the trick (and if you don’t believe me, just ask expert Laurie Santos, professor of Yale University’s The Science of Wellbeing, a course within which more than 3 million people have now enrolled). So, what does this all mean for leaders? And what can we all do to effectively transform our businesses with less resources, and still care for ourselves, our families, and our colleagues along the way? In an effort to answer these questions, the following are my top tips for leading well, based on my experience leading and advising the wellness strategies of private and public organizations, the science and business of wellbeing, and the recalibrating events of the last year. 1. Identify your STOP LIST and champion it. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a Fortune 500 CEO, or the leader of your own jam-packed household, we’ve all been asked to do more with less (less resources, less room, less time, less patience). In most business cases, the reductions have been dramatic, calling for a need to simplify in order to stabilize. In other words, the single-best thing you can do to ease the strain on your organization and to positively impact the wellbeing of those looking to you for guidance, is to identify what you and your teammates will STOP doing in order to leave more space for what is truly important and impactful. Best-in-class leaders will not only help to lead their organization through this process, but they will also communicate and publish the collective outcome for all to see.

2. Understand the role that FEAR and TRUST play in your organization. This is where humility comes in because you have to be brave enough to assess your unique situation, ask for help if you need it (often from an objective, third-party), accept the answers you receive (even if you disagree with them), and take swift, corrective action. Michael C. Bush, CEO at Great Place to Work, a company that has conducted extensive research around workplace culture in 2020, recently reminded me that “fear stops innovation and makes people feel and think small.” Moreover, the absence of trust is a deal-breaker for meaningful job satisfaction, particularly between employees and their immediate supervisors as employees tend to leave their bosses, not their jobs or companies. 3. Lead with LOVE. The opposite of fear—from which ego often leads is love. Earlier last year, I went on an odyssey of love, so to speak, to find a beacon of hope that could potentially guide us through these trying times. And before you complete that eye-roll, trust me when I tell you: I was suspect. Much like the science and business of wellness (now a multi-trillion-dollar, global economy), I needed to find evidence that love could truly make strategic impact. That is, if companies institutionalized love, a supreme form of positivity, could they actually impact their bottom lines? The short answer, and only after digging into the successful business practices of companies like Subaru, Southwest Airlines, and even Prudential Real Estate, is YES. You can read more details here, but what this ultimately means for leaders is this: when the going gets tough, and you have to m#ake difficult business decisions in the heat of the moment, ask yourself: “what would love do?” You will be surprised how this simple question can calm your brain?s amygdala (home of our flight and fight response), engage your frontal lobe, and have you championing humanity and grace over callous judgement or panic. More importantly, you stand a better chance of treating people like humans, not robots, and seeing their whole selves shine at work. 4. Invite WHOLE SELVES to work. Like it or not, 2020 has changed how we all work, see, identify, and empathize with one another, and we can’t unsee that, nor should we. Remember what the start of quarantine looked like for you and your colleagues? Zoom at home, often in spaces not designed for work, dogs barking, kids struggling, al while you were trying to conduct business as normal— only it wasn?’t. And in many instances, usually during a heated team meeting or important client pitch when a pet yelped or the wireless went down, we were uncomfortably reminded that our whole selves

were on display for the world to see. And now, the hats we have historically hung outside the office while we pretended not to struggle or flourish in roles left unsaid on our business cards (i.e., mother, father, caretaker, you name it), hang front and center in the living rooms within which we all now work. They can’t be put on mute any longer. It’s time we acknowledge them, even celebrate them, and allow room for our whole self, and the whole selves of others, to be present at work. 5. Make wellness about CULTURE, not programs. Speaking of culture, companies are still championing the quality of their workplace wellness “perks and programs” including things like flexible work schedules, unlimited PTO, access to healthy food and beverage, free subscriptions to mindfulness or fitness apps, and so forth, versus focusing on the quality of life that their workplace cultures have the potential to foster. Sure, you can offer the world’s best wellness resources but if your colleagues do not feel like they have the permission to use them (i.e., anyone feel chained to their desks in 2020?) or are expected to be accessible at all hours of the day, or if they do not feel included in their workplace, or are struggling with issues of fear and trust with their supervisors, well, said “perks and programs” will be dead on arrival. So, here’s a hint: lead by example and/or find someone who can with authenticity. People will notice and over time, they will believe you enough to follow suit. 6. Model, set, and respect BOUNDARIES. It’s amazing to me how many leaders still get this wrong, particularly those who claim to make the wellbeing of their employees a comp#ny priority. Related to #3 above, a great first step towards modeling the right kind of behavior that stands to generate a well culture, is to set and respect boundaries by first claiming your own. In fact, the best leaders today proactively manage their calendars to allow time to work out, reflect and/or be mindful each day, while also finding ways to socially connect with loved ones, disconnect from digital devices, and here’s a big one: actu#lly celebrate (versus hide or indefinitely accrue) vacation time. The very best leaders of tomorrow will take these actions a step further by publicly sharing how they care for their own wellbeing, what kind of habits enable them to show up as the best versions of themselves, share stories and pictures of recent holidays or vacation, and then encourage teammates to regularly do the same. 7. Normalize discussions of MENTAL HEALTH. Our friends at the Global Wellness Institute recently released new research on mental health including

and mental illness, signaling the need for us to ultimately understand and resource both. While companies have typically provided third-party resources or hotlines for individuals struggling with clinical, mental health conditions, they have a long way to go before they normalize the existence of these conditions among the workplace. Providing spaces or platforms for colleagues to take mental he#lth breaks largely ignores those people who struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and other common conditions on a daily basis, or those who have new conditions sparked by major life events such as divorce, bereavement, or say, a global pandemic. We all need to do better job acknowledging and normalizing the full spectrum of mental health needs in our workpla#ces—and in our lives—and it starts at the top. 8. Make TRAVEL SPECIAL again. This is a two-sided coin for both my friends and colleagues in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry, all gravely impacted by the pandemic, as well as leaders seeking opportunities to manage costs and business recovery, not to mention the health and wellbeing of their colleagues. Simply put, we have the opportunity to make travel special again, as recently discussed with my good friend, Carolyn Kremins, president at Skift. We talked about the future of wellbeing in a COVID-19 world and agreed that in some ways, the world was spinning out of control before the pandemic hit, and many of us road warriors, regardless of industry, began to dread travel. Now, leaders have the opportunity to rethink the necessity of travel, which will likely result in less

frequent trips for their families and colleagues in the short-term, but potentially more valued, impactful trips in the long-term. Why? Because everyone from select serve to luxury to wellness travel brands now have a rare, second chance to make a first impression, proving that they are not only clean and safe, but memorable, trusted establishments worthy of consumers’ lifelong loyalty at perhaps, a higher price. 9. Prioritize PURPOSE over profit. It’s no secret that having a sense of purpose actually contributes to living longer, richer, and more meaningful lives. Okinawans call it ikigai and Nicoyans, found on a peninsula in Costa Rica, call it plan de vida. No matter what you call it, these two Blue Zones, among several others found in Greece, Italy, and California, all share one thing in common: an average addition of seven-years life expectancy just because they have a clear idea of their purpose, or better said, the reason why they wake up every morning. And guess what? Purpose applies to our whole selves. Leaders among us can realize a competitive advantage over time should they, and their companies, choose to Align themselves with a purpose and exist for reasons other than profits. Once identified, championing that purpose via a well-articulated brand and operating strategy (much like Patagonia has done #as just one example) is essential.

full circle for me when I witnessed the devast#ting end to George Floyd’s life, followed by the subsequent, awkward frenzy by organizations of all kinds to hire leaders and reexamine their inclusion and diversity (I&D) policies. The reality is that inclusive leadership—inclusive citizenship—is required for wellbeing to thrive in companies and communities at large. Our friends at PwC echoed this finding as part of their Well-being Learning Project, and while their study was commercial in nature, one can easily see how it can be societal in practice. The time has come for leaders to foster a dialogue among those responsible for bringing their wellbeing and I&D strategies to life as they are natural, if not essential, teammates. On a personal note, I can now honestly say, with the benefit of this hindsight, that the past year has indeed been one of the gre#test gifts of my life. I’ve identified my stop list; better understood the role that fear and trust have played in my career; understood that well workplaces actually foster happier, more inclusive cultures and societies; reclaimed my boundaries; LOVED like my life depended on it; celebrated my whole, flawed self; invited a regular discussion of mental health into my own life (with thanks to my therapist); giddily and safely traveled to a warm, beach-side destination for my first trip in seven months; and reminded myself that my purpose—to help people live well — has never been more important or inspiring than it is to me today.

10. Treat WELLBEING, INCLUSION, and DIVERSITY as one mindset. On a much more serious note, one of the most impactful lessons I learned this year actually came

*This article is an excerpt from COVID-19’s PARTING GIFT: Top 10 Tips for Leading Well in 2021.

spa business

10. Treat WELLBEING, INCLUSION, and DIVERSITY as one mindset. On a much more serious note, one of the most impactful lessons I learned this year actually came

*This article is an excerpt from COVID-19’s PARTING GIFT: Top 10 Tips for Leading Well in 2021.

spa business working together helps them build something much larger than themselves. In discussing community-building efforts with the team you manage, position the projects and work environment in a way that makes it easy for individuals to share their opinions and ideas. That way, they see that doing so is part of what makes collaboration work so well. 3. Stimulate Creativity

A Small Business Owner's Guide to Effective By John Boitnott - Everything Entrepreneurship Collaboration Strategies

Design a collaboration strategy for your small business and reap the rewards of an engaged workforce. An old adage tells us that "It takes teamwork to make the dream work." In a nutshell, that's exactly what developing and implementing effective collaboration strategies can do for your small business. While members of any cross-functional team can make progress playing nicely in the sandbox together, a little strategic effort can get even more out of people collaborating on a team or project. To maximize a company's results, a small business owner must develop and execute a thoughtful collaboration strategy. This guide walks you through strategies for collaboration and how to develop them. It also offers insights into how to leverage effective team collaboration strategies implemented by other organizations as best practices to get the most out of your team's collaboration.

Overview: What is a Collaboration Strategy? We can think of collaboration as a process of working together to accomplish a specific goal, such as completing a project, in a way that creates a win for everyone involved. Collaboration isn't quite the same thing as teamwork, although they both involve a group of people who are willing to help and interact positively with each other. Collaboration involves people working collectively rather than individually, which can be somewhat more challenging to accomplish. Working with this mindset and completing projects as one team instead of many individuals can be complex without the right strategies in place. Co-workers may not communicate or share as much as is necessary to optimize the collaborative environment. However, you can enact strategies for collaboration that deliver multiple benefits for your team's efforts.

4 Advantages of Improving Team Collaboration To enhance team outcomes, your team must understand the value of building greater collaboration. Here are some of the key business benefits of improved collaboration. 1. Greater Flexibility Team members who collaborate well know what others on the team can do, how they think, and how they react. When a sudden or unexpected situation arises - like the pandemic - close collaboration enables more effective handling of these surprises through flexibility, which may mean pivoting or making a series of smaller changes. Teams can use project management methodologies like scrum and agile as collaboration tools to become more flexible and respond quickly as a group, rather than as individuals. 2. Deeper Employee Engagement Engaged employees bring your business a number of benefits. They tend to stay at your company longer, thus maximizing the return on your investment in their training. As the employer, you will get the most out of their skills and knowledge. Enabling a better work environment that lets each member be more involved in projects with other team members can give them a greater sense of ownership, which can result in greater productivity and more efficient work processes. The positive feeling that they are making a difference creates deeper engagement. 3. More Productive Meetings Some of the most successful teams I've seen, ones that work like a well-oiled machine, are already brainstorming, communicating, and completing tasks through collaboration. They do it whether they're in

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a physical workspace or using video conferencing calls. What's great about these teams is that you can increase productivity related to meetings without holding so many. When you do need to schedule team meetings, they will be more productive because many time-consuming agenda items have already been resolved. 4. Faster Time To Market An organizational culture built on collaboration helps you get products or services to market at a much faster rate. A collective approach to tasks, communication tools, and problem-solving produces accelerated workflows that get the job done. Using online tools like Slack or project management software, your cross-functional team can speed up their task completion time by working together virtually and sharing real-time updates.

5 Effective Collaboration Strategies For Improving Teamwork You can employ multiple strategies to improve team collaboration and drive a collaborative culture for your organization. Here are five effective collaboration strategies to consider. 1. Highlight Individual Skills and Strengths For truly effective collaboration, everyone has to bring something unique to the team. When the team members share their individual skills, everyone better understands the role they play in the overall success of the project. They also recognize that their employer values those individual traits. 2. Promote the Concept of Community When you emphasize collaboration as part of a bigger picture, you're promoting a sense of community. As a result, team members can see that

For a collaborative team to succeed, it must provide innovative ways to solve existing problems. That takes creativity and brainstorming, two things that flourish in a collaborative environment. Your strategies should give your team space to unleash their creative thinking. Give them an area to meet in-person or through an online breakout or huddle room. 4. Be the Model Emphasizing team collaboration won't work unless you also exhibit the same behavior. Let others see you collaborate with the leadership team or other stakeholders. It might even be ideal to sit down with your team members as a group and in one-to-one meetings to see how you can collaborate.

collaborative successes is a good way to cement this process and mindset in the organization. It illustrates that you see collaboration as one of your company's values. You can also use employee appraisal metrics that include team collaboration along with individual successes to enhance employee motivation.

4 Best Practices When Encouraging Your Team To Collaborate You can achieve better collaboration for your team by using these best practices to increase motivation and help them work more effectively together. 1. Give them a Reason Clearly explain the benefits of collaboration and how it will positively impact both the company and each team member. Provide a clear explanation of how this process links to the company's goals and objectives. 2. Provide Specific Expectations

Additionally, providing them the resources, training, and technology to do their job shows that you value collaboration and consider it a must for the company

Be as detailed as possible about what you expect them to do and achieve on each project where you want them to collaborate. You should effectively communicate both individual and team responsibilities so that everyone involved is on the same page.

5. Reward Collaboration

3. Make it easy to Collaborate

Using positive reinforcement such as rewards for

By providing the tools, software, and technology

that enable collaboration, you are making it as easy as possible for team members to work more closely together toward a common goal. 4. Hold Daily Huddles When teams participate in daily huddles, whether in-person or virtually, it enables all team members to update each other on their efforts so that nothing is duplicated or unclear. This information then empowers individuals on the team to determine whether they need to redirect efforts or continue on the current trajectory in order to stay on time and under budget.

Add a spirit of collaboration to your teamwork strategy To permeate your organization's culture with collaboration, you need to leverage varied communications strategies, tools, software, and leadership approaches, all of which will help your employees understand the benefits of working more closely together. About John Boitnott. John Boitnott is a journalist and digital consultant who has worked at TV, newspaper, radio and Internet companies for 25 years. He writes about startups, marketing, leadership and more at Entrepreneur, the Motley Fool, Readwrite.com, JotForm.com, and his blog. He's also written for Inc, Venturebeat, Business Insider, USAToday and NBC, among others.

A Small Business Owner's Guide to Effective By John Boitnott - Everything Entrepreneurship Collaboration Strategies

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

Additionally, providing them the resources, training, and technology to do their job shows that you value collaboration and consider it a must for the company

5. Reward Collaboration

3. Make it easy to Collaborate

Using positive reinforcement such as rewards for

By providing the tools, software, and technology

spa business

The Secret To Success For Future Leaders? Curiosity As the future of work changes, leaders have to be willing to take risks and ask questions.

Curiosity In The Fast-Paced Future Of Work

Francesco Starace isn't afraid to try new things. In his personal life, he pushes himself by participating in cycling races. At work, he has been named a top leader and manager and is constantly asking questions and learning so he can better serve his employees and customers.

The world is moving forward at breakneck speeds, and that will only increase. Leaders need to know what is happening and be prepared to adapt to rapid changes. Francesco says that's why being curious is so crucial for future leaders-they need to understand what's next and prepare for that.

As CEO of Enel Group, Francesco leads Europe's largest utility company by market capitalization with more than 73 million global customers and 68,000 employees. I had the chance to interview Francesco for my book, The Future Leader, and he shared valuable insights from his distinguished career in Italy. From his years of experience, Francesco says success for future leaders comes down to one mindset: curiosity. Francesco put it this way: “Leaders have to have an inbred curiosity that keeps them hooked and connected with what changes or happens around themselves, not to lose touch.” As leaders stop being curious, they truly do lose touch with their teams, their customers, and their organizations. Those connections are vital to growing a business in the ever-changing world of work. Being curious is more than just learning about your company. Francesco says it's paying attention and being interested in all kinds of things, even if they don't seem relevant in the moment. Those things might someday be important, so curiosity can give yourself and your organization a head start on the competition.

He put it this way: “We all know things are going to be faster, but we tend to ignore that when it comes to our own environment. I think one of the key roles of a leader is to push that into reality.” Curious leaders ask questions and consider various possibilities. They learn about the world around them and are aware of what could happen. That thirst for information helps them understand what is coming down the pipeline and have the ability to pivot and change as needed.

How To Develop Curiosity Curiosity is crucial, but it can't be taught. Francesco says you have to find it and keep it alive. Some people naturally aren't curious, while others are wildly curious. But almost everyone has some degree of curiosity inside themselves. It may be hidden deeper in some people or has been squashed with years of corporate drivel. “Often curious people get shut up and get pushed away because they ask too many questions. They

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By Jacob Morgan

are constraining because their mind is continuously moving around. That's a problem. A lot of curious people are like those left-handed people that learn to use their right hand but they're not really perfect at it because their best hand would be left. Curiosity is something that needs to be born with but has to be kept and worked at over the years,” Francesco said. To keep curiosity alive, spend time alone in your thoughts. Schedule time to think freely instead of going from meeting to meeting without giving your mind time to wander. Francesco likes to ride his bike alone, which gives his mind a chance to explore and ask questions. It's especially important for leaders, who tend to be constantly surrounded by people and connected through technology. That regular time to be alone and practice curiosity keeps his natural curiosity alive. If you want to succeed as a future leader, you have to learn to be curious and ask questions. Paying attention to what's happening around you and challenging the status quo is one of the most important things you can do. About Jacob Morgan: Over the last 15 years, I've had the privilege of speaking and working with some of the world's top leaders. Here are 15 of my favorite leadership lessons that I learned from the CEOs of organizations like Netflix, Honeywell, Volvo, The Home Depot, and others. I hope they inspire you and give you things you can try in your work and life.

spa therapies

The Mind-Body Connection and By Naveen Jain and Deepak Chopra, MD Mental Health In very important ways mind and body are being connected as never before. The separate specialties that modern medicine is divided into are blurring around the edges. This is particularly true when it comes to mental health, which has long been outside the skill, or interest, of M.D.s who are not psychiatrists. As mental health is increasingly connected to the body, it is becoming clear that a faraway region like the intestine, and its population of micro-organisms known as the microbiome, plays a major role in a person's moods and general susceptibility to anxiety and depression, both of which rose alarmingly during the COVID crisis. By now most people have learned at least the basics about the gut microbiome. Its teeming microbes are essential for digestion, and the proportions of thousands of species of bacteria are dynamically changing all the time. The advent of the microbiome is barely a decade old as a serious subject of study, but research has progressed rapidly. You don't really know your own body unless you have absorbed the following facts: • Chronic inflammation is now connected to many if not most lifestyle disorders and chronic diseases. A major source of inflammation seems to be the microbiome. Bacteria can secrete chemicals that promote inflammation, and in some cases these pass through the intestinal wall, giving rise to “leaky gut,” which sends inflammatory markers through the body. • The intestine has an independent nervous system known as the enteric nervous system, which responds to a person's mental and physical health. The enteric nervous system sends constant messages to the brain via the vagus nerve.

The intestines plays a major role in immunity, for example, and secrete more serotonin than the brain itself. Since level of serotonin are directly related to depression, this fact may be of utmost importance. If people begin to realize that depression and anxiety have roots in the body as well as the mind, the stigma still associated with mental health challenges can start to lessen and hopefully disappear. Bringing the microbiome into play also makes these conditions a matter of general wellness, which gives a person more control over depression and anxiety beyond joining the tens of millions of prescriptions written for these disorders every year, for drugs that alleviate symptoms without leading to a cure. It's time that mental health became holistic, and the microbiome takes a positive step in that direction. Not all of the findings we've summarized are settled science-research on the gut microbiome is proceeding quickly on many fronts-but enough is known to date that a major front has opened in self-care. Doctors are not trained to deal with the microbiome, and the whole system in medical school emphasizes specialization rather than holistic perspectives. There is no pill or surgery to heal a disturbed or imbalanced microbiome, and because no two people have the same microbiome, or even the same from day to day, the whole field remains open-ended. But some indications are very clear. The microbiome is one of the key players in the bodymind as a whole. It needs to thrive, which will prevent the secretion of harmful inflammatory chemicals and boost the production of beneficial chemicals. This holds true not just for physical health but mental health as well.

• Adding another link to the expanded mindbody connection, the vagus nerve delivers most of the sensory information that the brain receives. The vagus nerve is connected to heart rate and breathing, which makes it extremely sensitive to a person's level of anxiety or depression.

Some studies suggest that leaky gut might be connected to depression, and everyone has experienced how anxiety is felt physically by a queasy stomach or more serious conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Since low-level chronic inflammation, along with stress, has become a major culprit in depriving us of lifelong well-being, selfcare requires that we pay attention to these findings.

• Finally, the notion of separate systems in the body, each ruling over its own domain, is inaccurate.

How do you know if your microbiome is out of balance and causing inflammatory activities? Go

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to your favorite search engine and look for a gut intelligence test that can analyze your gut and provide you with insights about your intestinal health, biological age, immune health and other health scores. It will also suggest what foods or supplements to eat or avoid to maintain your microbiome. In practical terms, the value of stress reduction and good sleep every night keeps increasing in importance. Joining these two measures as a top priority is diet, which probably is the crucial element in a healthy microbiome. Here some welcome simplicity enters the picture. The microbiome feeds off the fiber that the body doesn't digest for nourishment. Fiber comes from vegetables, fruits, seeds, and nuts. It appears totally valid that each of these groups should be part of everyone's diet, because among the thousands of species of bacteria in the microbiome, not all feed off the same fiber. Giving the microbiome many types of fiber is as important as giving it lots of fiber. On the whole, people consume far too little fiber compared to indigenous peoples around the world and even past generations in the West. When meat was a luxury for the average person, a larger part of the meal was vegetables. Now that meat is historically inexpensive and available to everyone, consumption of fiber has diminished. This is severely affected by the rise of fast food, junk food, and the rise of white sugar and refined flour in processed food. None of these food sources are high in fiber, and some contain close to zero (hamburgers without lettuce and tomato, French fires, milk shakes, and pizza without vegetable toppings are basically fiberfree zones, as are packaged cookies, candy, chips, and a huge range of snack foods). Lifelong wellness was a dream in the past that rarely came true. Now we know enough to see that it is within reach of everyone, short of the intervention of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. The adoption of the measures we've presented here can go a long way to cutting into the rates of those disorders, which brings lifelong wellness much closer.

spa business Wal-Mart, but not by a lot. It was a pleasant surprise. It turns out that we humans have a hard time with magnitudes in our general price impressions. We get it at a product level but not at a comprehensive level for the entire experience.

So, What Can You Do with This Information in Your Pricing Strategy? There are some strategies you can use to use science in your pricing strategy. Start by understanding the following:

Stop Making This BIG Pricing Mistake What Tactics Do You Use In Your Pricing Strategy? There are various ways, such as running promos like "buy one, get one free," or branding it into your customers' minds like "everyday low prices." Some coupons discount 20% off any item in the store or offer subscription discounts versus buying one-time that you submit at the online checkout. However, I learned that organizations make a common mistake in pricing, and you can use science to correct it. We discussed the tactics and pitfalls of pricing strategy. At first glance, the general pricing strategy seems basic: get the highest price possible that sells enough product to make an excellent profit. However, it turns out that there is more to pricing than that, and no surprise here, some of that extra bit is psychological. There are two ways to analyze pricing: quantitatively and psychologically. Pricing can produce excellent data, which you can analyze quantitatively and do a lot of fantastic things. There are also psychological impacts of pricing, discovered and published in the behavioral pricing research literature. Neither quantitative nor behavioral pricing analysis is correct while the other is wrong; many times, the two ways to look at the data don't even conflict. Price Elasticity of Demand is an example of a concept introduced by the behavioral pricing research literature. Price Elasticity means that people are sometimes more sensitive to price changes than other times in layman's terms. You can take pricing data and purchase data and compute elasticities around it. Then, you can use those computed elasticities to guide you in making future price changes. In other words, these two ways of looking at pricing are collaborative, not combative. Pricing is an area where quantitative people look at behavioral pricing findings and incorporate them into their models. Many of the behavioral pricing folks will also look at the results of the quantitative models and try to develop theories around them. People are responsive to pricing changes. You find

out how much by changing the price and seeing what that does to your demand. From a fundamental perspective, you can see you sold X number of products at this price. Then, you reduce the price by ten percent and see you sold Y amount. If the difference between X and Y is only a small percentage, then it means the demand was inelastic around price. In other words, changing the price did little on the sales side. However, if the difference was significant between X and Y, then changing the price did change things a lot on the sales side. Elasticities are a powerful tool, but they're also limited by the data that you have. Moreover, you must be careful that the pricing is the only change in the demand situation. Usually, it's more complicated than that. For example, in a grocery store, you might have reduced the price of your product, and it affected sales. However, did you advertise the price? Through what channels? Was there an end-cap display? Was there signage that pointed the customers to the "deal?" Moreover, these are only the things you can control. What your competitor is doing in the marketplace can also affect what your customers buy from you. So, the beautiful part about pricing is that we do get these numbers out of it, which produce clean quantitative models. The downside is that even the most sophisticated models that we have do not capture all the influences on those numbers. The most effective pricing models will incorporate as much of that influential data as they possibly can. However, I would caution you to avoid putting blind trust in your models' output since some unknowns are in the mix.

The Two Levels of Pricing For my part, everything seems to be on a constant sale. So, discounting pricing appears to be a favorite strategy. However, is there more to pricing strategy to drive customer behavior? Not surprisingly, the answer to my question is yes. Pricing strategy occurs in two levels: individual

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

products strategy and general price impressions. With pricing strategy around individual products, you try things with the price to make the sales numbers increase using a set of strategies and tactics involving the established price, and the rate and frequency of the discount, among others. The second level is general price impressions. General price impressions are what people form about your brand. Some brands have a high price impression, and others don't. It's like the difference between the price impression of a Rolls-Royce versus a Kia. Retailers can have that general price impression, too. Walmart has a different price impression than Neiman Marcus. Therefore, in these cases where the general price impressions influence customer behavior, there are other strategic concerns for pricing. Their prices are part of the brand for the store. Many decisions customers make on those two different levels will be consistent. If you make a lot of the individual prices in your store low or seem low, then the store will likely seem to have lower prices, i.e., Walmart and its everyday low prices. However, suppose you charge $800 for a designer necktie at Neiman Marcus. In that case, most people will have a high general price impression of your store, even if you price other things amongst your offerings more reasonably. However, we sometimes discover that our general price impression was wrong once we take a deeper dive into the individual pricing strategy. I was doing some shopping on the Publix app the other day. Publix is a grocery store in the Southeast US. It has a high general price impression, combined with a reputation for high-quality goods and a high level of customer service. However, I didn't want to overpay for groceries, so I also downloaded the Walmart app. After comparing prices between the two brands, I was surprised to learn there wasn't a significant price difference between the two, even though my general price impression of each brand is quite different. Now, on average, Publix is more expensive than

For most stuff, people don't have great reference prices, so give them one. People don't always know what an appropriate comparison for your price is. There are exceptions. Therefore, if we know people don't always have great reference prices, we can make a price more attractive by giving people reference prices making our price look more attractive. For example, Amazon might have the price struck through and a new price listed next to the items you are considering. That's because you might not have a reference price for a lamp/hockey stick/hairbrush when you initiated the search, but now you do because Amazon gave you one. Amazon gave you a way to evaluate the price. This strategy is anchoring, which provides people with a starting point from which to negotiate. One of the results most replicated in research on pricing is that if you give people a reference price, they're going to use it-and hopefully evaluate your price more favorably.

People will skip complicated mental math when comparison shopping. "Buy one, get one free" works to obscure comparisons. If you are comparing two brands of Ginger Ale at the grocery store, you can compare those prices easily. However, if one of the Ginger Ale brands throws in another bottle for no additional money, the math gets harder (not really; the price per bottle reduces by half, but I digress). Because the math with buy-one-get-one-free offers involves another step, many people won't bother, eliminating direct comparison. (Moreover, the buyone-get-one-free promo promotes stockpiling, which is a win for manufacturers and retailers. If they can get you to pull forward that demand and buy all those Ginger Ales simultaneously, they will. After all, why should they put off a sale until tomorrow when they can get you to buy it today?) Now, putting these two pricing truths to use has some practical advice: 1. Determine your pricing goal. I would encourage you to recognize that there are multiple pricing goals that people can have. So, is your pricing goal to move this one item or service? Then, there's a set of pricing strategies that work for that. Is your goal to create a price impression for the brand overall or the retailer? That requires a different approach that collaborates with your individual pricing strategy; otherwise, you can send mixed signals. So, know what your goals are and what's important to manage.

2. Know what reference price your customers have. Often, we assume it is our competitor's price. Sometimes it is, but sometimes they're comparing our price to a different category, like a previous experience. If the last time you bought a refrigerator was ten years ago and you remember what you paid for at that time, you're going to be shocked when you go back to purchase refrigerators now. 3. Consider how you can influence those reference points. Can you give them other reference points to use, comparison ads or markdowns, etc.? Controlling those reference points can help your price look better by comparison. 4. Don't oversimplify pricing influences. Remember, like everything in the Behavioral Sciences, pricing is complicated. Pricing strategy requires some attention, deliberate design, and testing to get right. From a learning perspective, try to understand the variables influencing pricing to illuminate your quantitative findings, like seasonality, competitive disruptions, or economic conditions. The combination of both hard data and psychology will help you establish a winning pricing strategy. It's no surprise that some organizations devote substantial resources to managing pricing strategies. It's an essential and evolved area. However, by understanding the influences, managing the parts of the decision-making process that you can, and being deliberate and flexible, you can ensure that you stop making pricing mistakes and use science to help you ensure that the Price is Right.

So, What Can You Do with This Information in Your Pricing Strategy? There are some strategies you can use to use science in your pricing strategy. Start by understanding the following:

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

spa business

The Driving Factor Behind the Business Travel Comeback As vaccine distributions continue worldwide, the demand for traveling is returning as evidenced by airlines and hotel bookings. Tripadvisor says 67% of Americans plan to travel this summer, and the “Big Four” - United, Delta, American and Southwest - U.S. domestic airlines agree that leisure travelers are rapidly returning to air travel over the next couple of months.

In the Halls: Between sessions, coffee breaks provide side meeting opportunities to connect with new contacts or catch up with old friends. The power of networking “in the halls” is invaluable and makes a difference when 50% of closed-won opportunities consist of two meetings or more.

So, the big question: when will businessl rebound? When will companies feel it's safe or justified to resume business travel again?

Face-to-face meetings are of greater significance to all when some or all attendees traveled to the destination in order to participate. Events allow for carved-out time from typical office meeting schedules to talk business and help get the most ROI out of traveling. 84% of remote workers actually prefer to meet in person when possible to make these important connections.

While virtual meeting technology provides better efficiency for both time and money, nothing can replace the unique aspects of attending trade shows, events and business meetings in person. One of the biggest losses from virtual meetings is what happens before, around and after those main live events. Beyond the planned programming, business executives can network, catch up on long overdue discussions and book additional appointments around the city of the main event - all while masked and sanitized. Let's look at three areas of lost networking opportunities when business travelers can't do inperson events.

Informal Meetings Sharing a Meal: Before or after the formal meeting, many smaller groups break out for dinner to allow for exponential returns of relationship-building or sharing of additional ideas. In fact, 77% agree that a main benefit of face-to-face meetings is the ability to read others' body language and expressions something not easily done via video conferencing or phone calls.

Dedicated Time & Attention for Connections

These factors make the in-person meetings more impactful and produce better results, such as closing more sales, building better relationships and expanding your network, than the instant sign-on and sign-off of meetings. Furthermore, a TripActions survey reported 90% of respondents said that business travel is essential to company growth. The desire and organizational need for business travel is apparent, and now it will be put to the test.

The Good News: Events Are Coming Back In the U.S, several cities are reopening to some degree for business trade shows, including Las Vegas, Orlando, Dallas and Atlanta: •Las Vegas is currently allowing meetings and conventions at 50% capacity or 250 people before June 30. It's been reported that statewide restrictions will lift June 1, except for face coverings, which will still be mandated.

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques no’80

By Speleos Dravillas

• Orlando's Orange County Convention Center is open, following CDC Guidelines, without reduced capacity requirements. Orlando's New6 reports the convention center will have 95,000 attendees for their upcoming spring and summer events. Interestingly, New6 notes that the convention center will also remain a regional COVID-19 testing and vaccination site, coinciding with forthcoming meetings and events. • Dallas' Kay Bailey, Hutchison Convention Center, will host two events where I will be in attendance representing Nomadix: AAHOA 2021 in August and HITEC 2021 in September. The convention center has a full schedule of events starting in June of this year. • Atlanta's GWCC and GICC are both open and follow CDC guidelines for social distancing. These attendance numbers illustrate the demand and acceptance for moving back to in-person, traditional events. Conferences and events are the key to bringing business travel. And for those still a bit wary, the CDC provided guidance that assures fully vaccinated individuals may travel freely (domestically) without a need for testing before or after their flights, as long as they wear a mask, avoid crowds and wash or sanitize hands frequently. All of this is excellent news for the travel and hospitality industry. The reopening of these top U.S. convention cities will not only kick off increased business travel but sustain it into the future as well. After an in-person large trade show, the business that originated there will continue with the appropriate mixture of business travel and video calls, all bolstered by a live experience.

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Magazine Issue # 80 2021

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