The female revolution

According to Forbes, one billion women (12 per cent of the world’s population) will be experiencing menopause in 2025. Increasingly, European Spa has seen women seeking help from the wellness sector to better manage this life stage, and market analyst Grand View Research says menopause is now a $600 billion market. Despite these figures, McKinsey’s 2024 Future of Wellness report, which examines trends shaping consumer wellness, noted that menopause remains an overlooked, underserved and underfunded market segment.

European Spa saw a new era of female wellness on the horizon before the pandemic. We believe that era has arrived and now is the time for spas to respond to demand. Indeed, there has been growing recognition from investors, with female healthcare firm Maven Clinic valued at $1.7 billion after it raised $125 million in its latest funding round.

After an initial rush to engineer hormonal health treatments onto menus, now the sector must focus on authentic offerings that create a lasting impact on women’s wellbeing. Absolute Sanctuary in Thailand runs a 360-degree women’s holistic health retreat, while Menopause at Preidlhof in Italy adopts ancient natural remedies and Glowing Flow sessions to achieve hormonal harmony.

Austria’s Ayurveda Resort Mandira has a

ten-night Change of Life stay that tailors treatments to the individual.

“A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work,” says Jennifer Young, wellness consultant and founder of The Menopause Plus. “Treatment offerings must include education on lifestyle changes and effective at-home self-care techniques. In-spa, evidence-based offerings are key. Research shows certain therapies, such as aromatherapy and auricular acupuncture, are proven to reduce symptoms. Spas can easily integrate these, providing both immediate relief and long-term support.”

WHAT IT MEANS FOR SPAS…

Female consumers are looking to spas for solace and solutions. Spas must understand the size of this sector and put genuine women’s offerings front and centre, allowing people to take charge of their hormonal health.