SPA INDUSTRY LEADERS 2026
Mahesh Natarajan
Chief operating officer, Ananda in the Himalayas, India
The holistic expert explains why there is increasing demand for soulful retreats and how spas can authentically respond to this demand
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oday’s wellness guests arrive seeking far more than relaxation. They want transformation, meaning and connection, both to themselves and the world. The intensity of modern life leaves people fragmented. Increasingly, guests hope not only to detox the body but to recalibrate their entire being, seeking guidance on managing stress, hormonal changes, sleep issues and emotional heaviness. Their goal is lasting vitality, not a fleeting effect. In the wake of global uncertainty, people are drawn to experiences that restore meaning. It’s for this reason that soulful programming, offering integrative, evidence-based holistic solutions, is becoming ever-more crucial.
“Soulful retreats transcend transactional relaxation” At Ananda, soulfulness is not decorative, it is inherent, anchored by the spiritual energy of the Himalayas and ancient traditions. Spas often focus on the exterior, with bodywork and pampering therapies; soulful retreats move inward, nurturing emotional resilience, mental clarity and spiritual awakening. Guests journey through a deep sense of renewal that guides them back to their centre and endures beyond their stay. 92
EUROPEAN SPA LEADERS’ RESOURCE 2026