European Spa magazine Summer issue 100

The Red-Light Revolution

Meet the mask designed to upgrade every treatment, enhance visible skin results and extend your client’s experience beyond the spa.

Harnessing three precision red and near-infrared wavelengths, as well as expertly engineered LED placement for uniform light coverage, the ELEMIS Red Light Mask is the ultimate treatment enhancer – working seamlessly alongside expert touch and clinically proven skincare to boost skin radiance.

A New Era in Skin Rejuvenation

LED red light therapy delivers cumulative skin-enhancing benefits, making our flexible, lightweight mask an ideal treatment-to-retail opportunity. Clients can continue their skin journey at home with technology designed to help maintain and enhance the results of their facial – revealing a visibly brighter, smoother and more rejuvenated-looking complexion over time.

For hotel spas, the ELEMIS Red Light Mask can be used to create an in-room LED wellness package, adding value to guest stays while driving additional revenue.

Scan to find out more or email newbusiness@elemis.com newbusiness@elemis.com

www.nadclinic.com

partnerships@nadclinic.com

www.nadairx.com

sales@nadairx.com

Balance Your Mind, Body and Spirit

Our turnkey, flexible spa services and support:

• Product and treatment development & supply

• Spa design and development

• Spa management and business solutions

To find out more, please contact us at enquiries@espainternational.co.uk espaskincare.com @espaskincare

• Training and education enquiries@espainternational.co.uk www.espaskincare.com

Welcome

Sarah Camilleri Editorial director and founder sarah.camilleri@spapublishing.com

When I launched European Spa almost two decades ago, I wanted to create something that was everything I believed great publishing should be: independent, insightful, beautifully designed and genuinely useful. My ambition was never to be the biggest – it was always to be the most trusted resource for the spa industry.

Behind every edition of the magazine lies months of conversations, research, interviews, writing, editing and design. I am proud to lead a talented team who share that commitment and help bring European Spa to life every day. That includes my wonderful mum, Angela, and my husband, Don, whose support, care and encouragement behind the scenes have meant so much to me over the years.

One hundred magazines later, I remain as passionate about our industry as I was on day one. It is still a thrill to interview people, see a finished issue go live, or receive a note from someone we have featured simply to say thank you.

As wellbeing, self-care and our understanding of the connection between body and mind continue to evolve, I believe our industry has an extraordinary opportunity to improve lives and help shape a healthier future. This landmark edition has been created with great care and gratitude for the people, places and partnerships that continue to inspire us. I hope you enjoy our 100th issue celebration feature (p44).

While planning these pages, I lost my beloved brother, Matty, who was simply golden. He was always with me behind the scenes, encouraging me in my life and my business. Matty, thank you for being the best brother I could ever wish for. You will always be in my heart.

I dedicate our 100th issue to this extraordinary man, who understood the healing power of water and the importance of human connection. I also dedicate it, with deep gratitude, to my family, my team and everyone who has helped build the beautiful story that is European Spa today.

With love,

THE HOME OF GLOBAL SPA INTELLIGENCE

Meet the team

European Spa is the No.1 business magazine for spa and wellness leaders

Sarah Camilleri

Editorial director and founder

A respected magazine editor with over 30 years’ experience, Sarah founded European Spa in 2007 to help the spa industry flourish. An influential voice in the global wellness community, she serves on the media advisory board of the British Beauty Council and supports the invaluable work of the SATCC and Made for Life Foundation.

Richard Page

Art director

When it comes to design, we hope you would agree that European Spa is far and away the most beautiful business magazine in the spa industry. Since Issue 15 in 2010, Rich has been responsible for creating our gorgeous and engaging magazine pages as well as our social media and marketing assets.

Mark Smith

Deputy editor and events lead

Our trusted editorial wingman since Issue 30 in 2012, Mark is a leading voice within the European Spa team. As deputy editor and events lead, he produces features, interviews and industry reports. In this issue, he selects five of Italy’s finest spas and shares the latest products and treatments in our Menu section.

David Fagan

Production and online editor

At the heart of European Spa’s editorial production since Issue 32 in 2012, David oversees the creation of all our publications. Working across words and design, he helps maintain the quality, accuracy and timing of our editorial content, and publishes daily content at europeanspamagazine.com.

Wendy Golledge Managing editor

Up to date with the latest trends, property openings and appointments since Issue 83 in 2022, Wendy visits Galgorm Resort in Northern Ireland to find out about its evolving offer and deep brand partnerships. She also reports back from the UK Aufguss Championship, which was another milestone for the burgeoning sauna trend.

Adam Mogelonsky

Co-founder,

Hotel Mogel Consulting

An engaging public speaker, Adam advises spa owners and developers on capital planning, repositioning, new build conceptualisation, wellness, longevity, technology and marketing. For our 100th edition, he encourages spas to deliver programming that enables real metamorphosis.

Editorial director and founder Sarah Camilleri sarah.camilleri@spapublishing.com

Deputy editor and events lead Mark Smith mark.smith@spapublishing.com

Managing editor Wendy Golledge wendy.golledge@spapublishing.com

Art director Richard Page richard@spapublishing.com

Production and online editor David Fagan david.fagan@spapublishing.com

Production and proofing Angela Sharpe angela@spapublishing.com

Accounts manager Julie Jones accounts@spapublishing.com

Media sales Zoe Williamson zoe.williamson@spapublishing.com

Spa Publishing Ltd Registered in England. Company No. 6293825

44 EUROPEAN SPA CELEBRATES 100 MAGAZINE EDITIONS

To mark this milestone magazine, our team, led by founder and editorial director Sarah Camilleri, honours the people, concepts and entrepreneurial drive that continues to move the spa industry forward

20 BÜRGENSTOCK RESORT LAKE LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND

The Alpine Spa at Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne has always evolved to meet guests’ needs. Spa and wellness leader Maggie Derblay discusses the value of partnerships and shifting wellness demand

102 GALGORM RESORT, NORTHERN IRELAND

It is no coincidence that Galgorm Resort is one of the UK’s most awarded spas, but how does a business at the top of its game continue to stay ahead? We meet associate director of spa Tara Moore

BUSINESS INSIGHT

32 DR OLIVIER COURTIN, MYBLEND

European Spa meets the founder of myBlend and managing director of Clarins to discuss epigenetic skincare

110 ADAM MOGELONSKY, HOTEL MOGEL CONSULTING

Our guest contributor outlines how spas can offer truly transformative experiences that facilitate reflection and lasting change in their guests

122 SPIRIT OF THE STEAM

• Senses Spa, Cape of Senses, Lake Garda

• Corinthia Spa, Rome

• Terme De Montel Milano

European Spa attends the UK Aufguss Championship at Galgorm Resort in Northern Ireland, to investigate the ritual that’s taking spas by storm

• Longevity Institute at Villa Eden, Merano

• Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti

Contents

BRANDS TO WATCH

30

30 GROUND WELLBEING: CONNECTING WITH THERAPISTS

Rachel O’Malley, head of spa treament training and design, reveals how the Irish skincare brand’s Advanced Massage training takes a therapist-first approach

38 AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES: THE POWER OF THE DESERT

Holly Mandall, global head of spa, distributors and training, discusses the new Desert Therapy oil blend and what its products and rituals offer spas

42 SEABODY: BORN FROM THE SEA European Spa speaks to the company’s founder, cellular biochemist Dr Helena McMahon, about her breakthrough venture in marine bioactive skincare

62 BELVOIR CASTLE: GROWING TOGETHER

For our 100th issue, the Duchess of Rutland discusses her search for the right operating partner to help expand Belvoir Castle’s wellbeing vision for the future

68 SUNSOLVEMD BY THESOLVEMD: SCIENCE-LED SKINCARE MEETS SPF

Incorporating SPF into skincare routines no longer needs to be an afterthought. SunSolveMD was created to bridge the gap between skincare and protection

84 ARIADNE ATHENS:

INSPIRED BY THE LIGHT

The brand’s founder, Ariadni Diamanti, explains how it is embracing summer with its latest advanced skin-protecting products and treatments

86 INLIGHT BEAUTY: BEGINNING OF A TRILOGY

We speak to Sarah Cammock, spa development and training manager, about why inclusive education is central to delivering true wellness

100 TECHNOGYM:

TAKING PILATES TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Technogym Reform, the debut Pilates product from the Italian wellness brand, offers a stylish and innovative new take on the traditional reformer

71 ON THE MENU

European Spa’s round-up of the best new products begins with a look at the transformative new bodycare duo from Elemis. We also share a selection of six of the best nourishing masks

115 WELLNESS TRENDS

Tuning into the world of wellness, we find out how the new GLP-1 Lifestyle Integration Program at Mayrlife Medical Health Resort Altaussee in Austria is helping guests to maximise the use of weight-loss drugs. In addition, we explore how spas are incorporating astrology into their programming

129 SPA STYLE

Our showcase of the most innovative new equipment and leading-edge technologies includes a beautiful new double panoramic sauna from Iglucraft and the multifunctional, five-in-one Ultima Reset Lounger from Living Earth Crafts

RLX BRAINGYM™

MENTAL FITNESS LOUNGER

G-Vac

ChrmoZone

MLX I3Dome

reLounge ZeroG

DryFloat

Spa Spotlight Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

Spa Spotlight Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

Beyond the clouds

The famous Alpine Spa at Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne has always evolved to meet wellness travellers’ needs. Spa leader Maggie Derblay joins us to discuss the value of partnerships and shifting wellness demand

REPORT BY SARAH CAMILLERI

Spa Spotlight Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

Perched on a dramatic mountain plateau 500 metres above the lake from which it takes its name, Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne is an iconic Swiss luxury destination. Offering three hotels, a collection of Residence Suites, 12 restaurants and superlative wellness facilities across an expansive alpine plain, the resort has welcomed world leaders, royalty and celebrities for more than 150 years.

At its centre sits the Bürgenstock Hotel and its celebrated Alpine Spa, an extraordinary 10,000sqm destination spa that serves as the resort’s wellbeing heart. Occupying one of Switzerland’s most spectacular natural settings, the spa remains beautifully pristine almost a decade after opening in 2017, a testament to the vision of its design team.

Owned by Katara Hospitality, the global hospitality investment group backed by the Qatar Investment Authority, the Bürgenstock Hotel’s 89 rooms and 13 suites attract an international clientele drawn by its privacy, services and a profound sense of escape.

Inside Alpine Spa

Alpine Spa has been conceived as a ‘beyond imagination’ experience where mountains, sky and water converge. Set across three levels suspended above the mountainside, the vast facility offers uninterrupted views of Lake Lucerne below. Inside, multiple pools, two thermal zones (with and without textiles), and sequence of relaxation lounges can be explored. Open fires, generous pause points and quiet spaces invite guests to slow down and soak up the serenity of this location.

At its heart lies the iconic wrap-around outdoor infinity pool, dramatically suspended above the lake, which is among the world’s most photographed pools. Beyond its hydrothermal offering, the spa is supported by extensive leisure and fitness facilities, including a state-of-the-art fitness centre and dedicated movement spaces.

Three private spa suites, named after legendary Bürgenstock guests, and a beauty lounge offer an extensive treatment menu featuring prestige brands including 111SKIN, KOS Paris, Dr Burgener, AMRA and, most recently, myBlend.

Leading with purpose

At the head of a highly skilled international team, Maggie Derblay, the Bürgenstock Collection’s area director of spa, wellness and recreation, continues

“Success is guests talking about the people who looked after them. Our facilities are extraordinary, but ultimately hospitality is still about human connection.”

Maggie Derblay Area director of spa, wellness and recreation, Bürgenstock Collection

to shape the evolution of Alpine Spa with a focus on personalised wellbeing and evidence-led wellness.

“Coming to Switzerland was a leap of faith. I was drawn by its longstanding connection to wellness and hospitality, but also by curiosity,” Derblay says.

“I’ve always believed that sometimes you have to step outside your comfort zone. When I arrived, my first priority wasn’t facilities or programmes; it was understanding the people. Before you decide where you are going, you first need to understand where the team stands and how you got there.”

With a distinguished international career spanning several leading luxury hospitality destinations, Derblay’s grounding in exercise science and

Right: an infrared sauna in one of Alpine Spa’s two immersive thermal zones

At a glance: Katara Hospitality

Owned by the Qatar Investment Authority, Katara Hospitality is one of the world’s leading luxury hotel owners, with a portfolio spanning iconic resorts, heritage properties and landmark hotels across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.

Katara Hospitality acquired Bürgenstock Resort in 2008 as a flagship, embarking on a landmark nine-year transformation, culminating in its reopening in August 2017 following an investment of more than 650 million Swiss francs (€702 million/£616 million). The ambitious redevelopment combined the restoration of historic buildings with the creation of contemporary hospitality and wellness facilities, including the award-winning 10,000sqm Alpine Spa, repositioning Bürgenstock as one of Europe’s most significant luxury wellness destinations.

Today, Katara Hospitality’s wellness-focused portfolio includes 42 owned and managed hotels with an ambition to bring this to 60 by 2030. Alongside Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, notable properties include: Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne, Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa, Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier, Sharq Village & Spa and Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa.

Alongside these destinations, the group owns some of the world’s most celebrated hotels, including the Savoy London, the Plaza Hotel New York, Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel and Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris.

This page from top: a view of Lake Lucerne from the iconic outdoor hydrotherapy pool as night falls; floor-to-ceiling windows allow light to flood the indoor pool space

preventative health continues to shape her approach.

“Throughout my career I’ve believed that wellness should never be driven by gimmicks or fads. If something isn’t backed by research and evidence, I don’t believe we should be offering it to guests. We have a responsibility and duty of care,” she says.

Metrics that matter

Alpine Spa really works as the engine for the whole resort, with impressive capacity and seamless operations. “We welcome up to 500 guests a day and, interestingly, around 60 per cent of the spa’s revenue comes from guests using the facilities, distributed throughout the day. The largest part of the business is built around self-guided experiences,” reveals Derblay.

This volume of guests is comfortably absorbed and doesn’t affect Alpine Spa’s serene vibe.

“When people first see the scale of the spa, they often focus on the infinity pool. But for me, success is not guests talking about the infinity pool when they leave. Success is guests talking about the people who looked after them. Our facilities are extraordinary, but ultimately hospitality is still about human connection.”

“We aim for the highest standards, in harmony with people and nature. Our partnership with Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne embodies this excellence in all its dimensions.”

Dr Olivier Courtin Founder, myBlend

A trio of wellness journeys Derblay worked closely with her team to develop three self-guided wellness journeys that harness the therapeutic power of contrast bathing. Simplicity is central to the concept. Relax, Regenerate and Activate guide guests through a meaningful sequence of experiences, with a beautifully illustrated hydrothermal journey card and around two hours to explore the facilities.

“We realised guests were often overwhelmed by the size of our spa and the number of options available to them. It was too complicated. We simplified everything into three experiences designed

Above: Alpine Spa was designed to blend sympathetically into the surrounding alpine landscape

Mountain magic: building a spa designed to wow

Now in its eighth year, the Alpine Spa remains an architectural benchmark whose expertise and sense of place secure it as a timeless wellness icon.

Designed by Berlin architects Patrik Dierks and Norbert Sachs in collaboration with plus4930 Architektur, with interiors by London-based MKV Design, the vision was to embed the 10,000sqm spa into the mountain itself. Strong horizontal lines, panoramic glazing and a restrained palette of natural materials frame the surrounding landscape.

Described by MKV’s founder, Greek-born architect and interior designer Maria Vafiadis, as “the engine of the entire resort” Alpine Spa was conceived as a seamless extension of its dramatic mountain location. Inspired by the power of nature, the design balances expansive, light-filled wellness areas with quieter spaces for reflection, creating a deeply immersive connection between landscape, architecture and wellbeing.

to fit comfortably into a wider stay,” she explains.

“Relax is focused on warmth and recovery. Regenerate explores contrast therapy through heat and cold. Activate is centred around cooling and revitalisation. The aim was to make the spa easier to navigate, safer to use and more meaningful for guests. We also wanted the journeys to work whether someone was travelling alone, as a couple or as part of a small group.”

myBlend: shared values

New for 2026, Alpine Spa has partnered with high performance skincare brand myBlend to strengthen its treatment offering with a new generation of personalised, results-driven experiences.

“We were looking for a brand that combined science, simplicity and accessibility. What attracted us to myBlend was that technology was present, but in a lighter and more approachable way. We weren’t looking for technology for technology’s sake,” explains Derblay.

“One of the things I liked most was that guests could continue the experience at home. Realistically, most people aren’t having professional treatments every week, so I wanted tools and products that could become part of everyday life.”

For Derblay, the relationship is built on shared values. “The training, support and accessibility provided by Dr Olivier Courtin, Tina Frutiger and the myBlend team has been exceptional. They have been genuinely invested in helping us create something meaningful for guests and therapists.”

Commenting on the partnership, myBlend founder Dr Olivier Courtin (see interview on p32) says: “Our aim is to think about beauty holistically through high-end treatments and non-invasive technologies. It is an uncompromising vision with the highest standards, in harmony with people and nature. Our partnership with Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne embodies this excellence in all its dimensions.”

Designing for the future

While Bürgenstock Resort’s history is defined by celebrity guests and global influence, its future increasingly lies in corporate wellbeing, executive leadership development and high-end incentive travel. In an increasingly fast-paced world, wellness is no longer viewed as a luxury, but as an essential component of business performance.

With 360 rooms across its hotels and a conference

Right from top: forest views from a panoramic sauna; the spa interiors use natural materials to become an extension of their surroundings; a couples’ treatment suite

Spa Spotlight Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

centre capable of hosting up to 800 delegates, the resort regularly welcomes leadership retreats, incentive groups and full-property buyouts. Guests can combine meetings with spa experiences, hiking, golf, lake activities and curated spa and wellness programming.

“In 2025 we hosted numerous full-property buyouts, where organisations take over the entire resort. These events require the whole operation to pivot around a single group. Guests might be divided between hiking, yoga, e-biking, treatments, golf, pickleball or team activities,” explains Derblay.

“What is interesting is that wellness increasingly sits at the heart of these programmes. Organisations are looking for experiences that support wellbeing, connection and performance.”

Freedom and flexibility

Derblay is guiding the Alpine Spa team with a vision centred on freedom, flexibility and guest choice. “Not every guest wants a highly structured programme. Many people simply want guidance, inspiration and the freedom to move at their own pace,” she observes. “We are also exploring ways to

INSIDE THE PROJECT

Bürgenstock Alpine Spa

www.burgenstockresort.com/en/spa/buergenstock-alpine-spa

n Resort owner Katara Hospitality

n Resort managing director Chris K Franzen

n Resort hotel manager Dominik Stalder

n Area director of spa, wellness and recreation Maggie Derblay

n Alpine Spa team 60 n Spa size 10,000sqm

DESIGN & CONSULTANCY

Spa treatment rooms Five single, one for couples, three beauty/facial rooms, three private spa suites, two manicure and pedicure rooms

Architects Dierks Sachs Architects (now operating as Dierks & Cramer) in collaboration with plus4930 Architektur Interiors MKV Design

connect more deeply with the Alpine environment through movement and nature-based experiences. The location is one of our greatest assets and we want to ensure the wellness offering reflects that.”

However, she believes the resort’s greatest asset remains its team. “People often assume I’m most proud of the spa itself, but for me it is the team. What excites me every day is working with people from different backgrounds, ages and experiences, and helping them grow.

“We don’t look at people as utilisation percentages or productivity figures. They are human beings. As an industry, if we want to retain talent and maintain quality, we have to give wellness team members the time, support and recovery they need.

“Guests come to us for a human experience. If we forget that, we’ve missed the point entirely.”

PRODUCT PARTNERS

WELLNESS AREAS

n Fitness areas 200sqm fitness centre and exercise studio

n Fitness suppliers Technogym, Matrix Fitness

n Pools Infinity pool, indoor lap pool, bio cold pool and seasonal outdoor Hollywood pool, floating pool

n Thermal experiences Finnish sauna, aroma sauna, infrared sauna, and steam rooms, Kneipp paths, hammam

n Spa management software TAC | The Assistant Company

n Treatment beds Gharieni

Dr. Burgener, myBlend, 111SKIN, KOS Paris, AMRA

www.lemispa.com info@lemigroup.it

Connecting with therapists

GROUND Wellbeing’s Advanced Massage training takes a therapist-first approach, empowering spa teams with a sense of confidence and care

At the heart of Irish skincare brand GROUND Wellbeing is a deep commitment to spa therapists. Founded by Peigín Crowley, a holistic massage expert of more than 25 years, GROUND was born from a desire to support guests while empowering therapists with a sense of confidence in their craft.

GROUND’s Advanced Massage training is led by experienced spa therapists and trainers, including head of spa treatment training and design, Rachel O’Malley. It aims to move beyond rigid routines and protocols, guiding therapists towards a more intuitive, responsive way of working.

“In the same way our treatments are tailored to each guest, our training is shaped for each team,” says O’Malley. “My goal is to help therapists move away from one-size-fits-all treatments and reconnect with their ‘why’ – the reason they trained in the first place.”

A whole-body approach

GROUND’s training prioritises presence, adaptability and effective touch to help therapists reconnect with their love of massage. Using a nervous-system informed, whole-body approach, the training is rooted in understanding how

“My training goal is to help therapists move away from one-size-fits-all treatment.”

Rachel O’Malley Head of spa treatment training and design, GROUND Wellbeing

the body responds to stress, fatigue and recovery.

Foundational elements include nervous system regulation, muscle recovery – which approaches how therapists work with physical tension and fatigue – and vagus nerve

What the brand’s partners say....

“We are deeply grateful to GROUND as a trainer; the team’s ability to engage, inspire and adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of the spa is truly exceptional. It was wonderful to see how their enthusiasm and passion for GROUND Wellbeing translated so naturally to my team. GROUND’s dedication to spending individual time with each therapist was hugely valued.”

Chiara Campo Spa director, Bvlgari Hotel Milano

support. This explores the connection between the gut, brain and nervous system, using intentional touch and breathwork to help guide the body into a parasympathetic state.

Reconnecting with touch

GROUND’s Cancer Care training is built on the belief that no guest should ever be turned away. Rather than teaching rigid, condition-specific protocols, the programme empowers therapists with the knowledge, confidence and awareness to safely support guests at every stage of a cancer journey.

“For me, it all comes back to connection...” says O’Malley, “with ourselves, with colleagues and also the guests we meet, to develop a deeper appreciation for massage.

“True care comes from understanding how stress, lifestyle and emotional load are held within the body. Each treatment, and its accompanying training, is designed with this in mind, allowing us to meet every guest exactly where they are.”

Designed for every kind of learner

Recognising that no two therapists learn in the same way, GROUND has developed its training to be accessible, flexible and supportive, including for those who are neurodivergent. Training is complemented by a digital learning platform and mobile app, offering therapists ongoing access to materials for consistency and continued professional development.

BE INSPIRED...

To find out how GROUND Wellbeing can enhance your treatment offer, visit: www.groundwellbeing.com

Science, epigenetics and the future of beauty

European Spa meets with Dr Olivier Courtin, founder of myBlend and managing director of Clarins, to discuss epigenetic skincare

Orthopaedic surgeon, entrepreneur and managing director of Clarins, Dr Olivier Courtin has spent more than 30 years exploring the intersection between medicine, skincare and wellbeing. For decades, he has examined how lifestyle, emotions and environment shape the skin.

As European Spa reaches its landmark 100th edition, we meet to discuss why age matters less than epigenetics and why true partnership with spas and hotels is non-negotiable. From proven technology to daily cold showers and meditation, Courtin shares the philosophy driving myBlend’s next chapter.

What first inspired you to create myBlend?

In my early career as an orthopaedic surgeon, I treated many women, including sportswomen. I was always asking myself: why does one scar heal beautifully and another look terrible? Together with biologists in the hospital, we studied this and came to a clear conclusion. Age is not the main factor – lifestyle is.

Inside the skin, nerve endings are very important. They are a key part of how cells talk to each other and how skin regenerates. From there, myBlend was born, based on two pillars: personalisation and supporting communication within the skin, through carefully selected peptides.

“myBlend is about epigenetics – how your way of living, habits, emotional state and environment can switch certain genes ‘on’ or ‘off’ in relation to skin health.” Dr Olivier Courtin Founder, myBlend

INTERVIEW BY SARAH CAMILLERI

With lifestyle and epigenetics as core influences, how has your thinking evolved?

When I first created myBlend, I spoke about lifestyle because, at that time, epigenetics was not widely discussed. Today, I would say myBlend is fundamentally about epigenetics – how your way of living, your habits, your emotional state and even your environment can switch certain genes ‘on’ or ‘off’ in relation to skin health. The science has caught up with what we were observing. We now have more studies proving that lifestyle has a huge impact on how the skin repairs and protects itself. That is why, for me, the focus is not your age, but how you live.

Why has skin health become such a priority?

Today, beauty is more present in everyday life than ever before. People want healthy, beautiful skin but also to feel confident and good in themselves. For me, the skin is very close to the mind. Whether you’re happy or feeling negative emotions, your skin reflects it. I believe strongly in the brain’s power over our health, not only the skin but the whole body. Positive emotions and mindset support better health and you can see that reflected in the skin.

This page: Dr Olivier Courtin with a colleague in the myBlend laboratory; the myBlend ethos is based on personalisation and peptides

Dr Olivier Courtin on wellbeing and building a meaningful legacy

What legacy do you want to leave in the beauty and wellness industry?

I would like people to say, ‘He wanted to be efficient and honest.’ For me, it is essential to prove that what I put into a cream or a protocol really works. I want myBlend to stand for proven results. My legacy? Efficacy, transparency and trust.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

My father taught me the importance of proximity and relationships – to stay close to people, be honest and cultivate genuine relationships. It is the same in medicine, in business and in all successful partnerships.

What daily habits keep you grounded?

In the morning, I always tell myself: “Today will be a very good day.” It is simple, but it sets a positive mindset. I also love cold water. I take cold showers and often find the hotel ‘cold’ shower is not cold enough for me! It wakes me up, clears my head and keeps me feeling alive.

And then there is my boat. When I am on the water, I forget everything and sleep well. Of course, I cannot be on the boat every day, but I use it in my meditation. In the evening, I close my eyes for a few minutes and imagine I am out on the water. It works very well for me. It helps me switch off, reset and find perspective.

myBlend has always been spa led. How is beauty tech enhancing your offer?

From the beginning, I wanted to offer the best tools for skin beauty: high-performance skincare, dermo-nutrition and proven technologies. There is a lot of so-called ‘technology’ on the market that’s more marketing than science. I am only interested in methods that can be proven to be effective and safe.

For example, LED is very interesting and we see positive results. We

“I believe strongly in the brain’s power over our health... Positive emotions and mindset support better health and you can see that reflected in the skin.”

Dr Olivier Courtin Founder, myBlend

can address issues such as acne, blemishes and pigmentation with good outcomes. In spas, I also believe strongly in ultrasound and cryotherapy when they’re well studied and properly used.

My medical background allows me to analyse methodology and clinical results. If a technology is truly effective, I want to integrate it – sometimes for professional use in spa, sometimes, when appropriate, for at-home use. But the rule is always the same: science first, safety first.

What developments and innovations are you currently working on?

We are working on new devices and body products. On the business side, our focus is clearly on Europe – France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, the UK and beyond – where we are strengthening our distribution within premium spa destinations, developing e-commerce and building our presence in selected department stores. myBlend is global in spirit, but our heart and our strategy are very much rooted in Europe. https://uk.my-blend.com

Right: myBlend treatments incorporate LED therapy as well as ultrasound and cryotherapy

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To learn more about Omorovicza please contact Amy.Roberts@omorovicza.com amy.roberts@omorovicza.com

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aromatherapyassociates.com www.aromatherapyassociates.com

newbusiness@elemis.com

Discover rich, grounding aromatherapy rituals inspired by the warmth and tranquillity of the desert. Infused with Frankincense, Sandalwood, Oud and Orange, Desert Therapy is an invitation to return to stillness.

Discover the Desert Therapy collection and treatments

spanewbusiness@aromatherapyassociates.com

spanewbusiness@aromatherapyassociates.com

The power of the desert

Desert Therapy is a new oil blend by Aromatherapy Associates. Holly Mandall, global head of spa, distributors and training, describes what its new products and rituals offer spas

Aromatherapy Associates is renowned for creating luxurious, therapeutic oils, products and treatments. So it’s no surprise that its new Desert Therapy has been crafted with rare and exotic essential oils designed to inspire calm, focus and inner stillness.

“Desert Therapy arrives at a moment when consumers are seeking more than traditional wellbeing experiences,”

says Holly Mandall, the brand’s global head of spa, distributors and training.

“In a world of constant stimulation, environmental stressors and increasing demands on our time and energy, there is a growing desire to reconnect with genuinely restorative rituals.”

An inclusive blend

Inspired by the serenity of desert landscapes, the new blend is complex, rich and grounding. A combination of 50 essential oils, including frankincense, sandalwood, oud and orange, it delivers a warm and woody

aromatic experience to transport clients and restore harmony.

A new product line includes Desert Therapy Bath & Shower Oil, which uses frankincense for focus, clarity and meditative stillness; strengthening sandalwood to ground and build stability; and oud with warming orange to quieten the mind.

Desert Therapy Body Oil features the oil blend with the addition of nourishing coconut, jojoba and peach kernel oils to soften the skin.

For use in the brand’s atomiser or infused into a bath, Desert Therapy

Holly Mandall

Pure Essential Oil offers a moment of calm reflection.

Restorative Desert Therapy rituals

Launching alongside the new collection, Aromatherapy Associates has unveiled Desert Therapy immersive, expert-led treatments.

“The Desert Therapy spa rituals introduce a new category of restorative treatment within our portfolio,” says Mandall. “Inspired by the quiet power of the desert, they offer guests a deeply immersive experience that combines advanced body care with emotional wellbeing.”

Drawing on the elemental power of desert landscapes, minerals and botanicals, the treatments translate

the essence of the blend into three immersive spa journeys. Each combines specialist techniques with the signature Desert Therapy aroma to deliver results for the body and mind, restoring clarity, radiance and a profound sense of calm from the inside out.

Desert Ember Body Massage incorporates soft, meditative desert soundscapes with flowing massage, using warm stones to leave the guest’s body feeling lighter, spacious and deeply restored.

Desert Alchemy Body Treatment features body brushing and a mineral-infused body mask applied with feather-light brushes. It continues with a soothing scalp massage, refreshing facial cleanse and grounding foot ritual.

Desert Sculpt Face Massage boasts advanced myofascial release techniques with lifting and sculpting

massage movements to release tension around the jaw, temples and neck. Aromatic desert-inspired hydration mists are layered throughout the ritual.

“Desert Therapy provides spa partners with an immersive new treatment experience with a story rooted in nature, resilience and wellbeing,” explains Mandall. “Guests leave feeling renewed not only physically, but mentally and emotionally and there is a strong retail potential through a seamless connection between treatment and homecare.”

BE INSPIRED...

To find out more about the restorative power of Desert Therapy from Aromatherapy Associates, visit: www.aromatherapyassociates.com

Above from left: Aromatherapy Associates’ Desert Therapy Body Oil; the blend includes 50 essential oils; Desert Therapy spa treatments offer an immersive experience

New GLASS ACT Eye Lifting Serum

Clinically proven* to significantly reduce: Fine lines & wrinkles Under-eye puffiness Crow’s feet wrinkle depth Under-eye bags

*Independent Clinical Trial conducted with 21 subjects aged between 40 - 65 showing eye bags and mild to moderate wrinkles on crow’s feet area, over 28 days.

BEFORE

AFTER 28 DAYS

95% agree: visible results in 28 days

Smooths skin around the eye area Firmer lifted eye area Brighter glass skin effect Revives tired looking eyes

*Independent User Trial conducted with 49 subjects

Born from the sea

European Spa speaks to Seabody founder, cellular biochemist Dr Helena McMahon, about her breakthrough venture in marine bioactive skincare

With more than 20 years’ experience in biotechnology and bioactive natural ingredients, Dr Helena McMahon founded Seabody to sustainably harness the regenerative power of ocean algae. Next-generation marine bioactives are key to the development of its science-led, sustainable skincare and wellness experiences.

“I never planned to set up a beauty brand. From day one, my passion has been human health – I was always fascinated with how the human body works,” says McMahon. “After having my daughter and moving back home to Co Kerry in Ireland, I became equally fascinated by seaweed. I could be found running around in wellies with buckets of seaweed developing extracts. Not glamorous at all, but what I discovered blew me away.”

“We blend evidence-led marine biotechnology with therapeutic wellness.”

Dr Helena McMahon Founder, Seabody

McMahon says she was fascinated by the remarkably complex molecules that seaweed produces to survive in one of the harshest environments on earth.

“Marine algae are exposed to constant environmental stressors; in response, they produce a range of protective bioactive compounds,” she explains. “I saw the potential of these molecules to support human health and wellbeing at a cellular level.”

The discovery of Maraderm McMahon began searching for bioactive molecules she could isolate to promote full-body wellness across skincare and nutraceuticals. “What surprised me was the sophistication of naturally occurring bioactive compounds in seaweed,” she says. “These molecules evolved over millions of years to help organisms thrive in challenging environments. As we studied marine bioactives, we discovered their compounds can interact with biological pathways relevant to human health; Maraderm emerged from that research.

“Developed for Seabody skincare, it was our first demonstration of how marine biotechnology could be translated into products that support cellular health and wellbeing.”

Holistic biotechnology

Regenerative skincare is just one pillar of Seabody’s philosophy.

The brand’s broader approach encompasses movement, sleep, functional nutrition, holistic modalities, community and connection.

Left: Seabody’s Sleep, Drift and Dream ritual includes audio elements and rhythmic massage

Rituals for movement and rest

Seabody has launched two new sensorial massage rituals. Its Stretch and Release Massage is a targeted therapy designed to restore ease of movement, focusing on the fascia, tight tendons and aching muscles. It begins with a full-body scan using gua sha, followed by a regenerative massage that blends Thai and Shiatsu-inspired techniques.

The brand’s Sleep, Drift and Dream Ritual merges calming breathwork with sounds from an ocean drum and slow, rhythmic massage using signature lavender poultices. It helps release tension and prepare the body for a restful sleep.

This page: Seabody harnesses the power of marine biotechnology to create products that support cellular health and wellbeing

“Our treatments are designed around human biology and how touch, massage, breathwork, movement and functional fragrance influence the body’s biological responses,” says McMahon. “The way these elements are integrated within treatments can have a profound impact on how the body moves between states of stress, recovery and restoration.

“I call it holistic biotechnology because we’re bringing together two worlds that don’t often meet: evidence-led marine biotechnology and therapeutic wellness. The science provides the foundation, but our focus is always on creating solutions that help people feel and function at their best.”

BE INFORMED...

To discover more about Seabody’s latest seaweed-based wellbeing developments, visit: www.seabody.com

Celebrating our 100th edition

European Spa’s founder and editorial director, Sarah Camilleri, reflects on the people, conversations and concepts that shape the spa world

My passion as an editor has always been to capture the light; that special light that appears on the face of someone I am interviewing when they begin talking about what they truly believe in. It could be a bold vision, their team’s achievements or something new they are building for the future. This is the ‘lightbulb moment’ and you can see it instantly. When someone begins speaking from the heart about what inspires them, I know this is a story worth sharing in European Spa.

Over the past 23 years, I have learned to trust those lightbulb moments. Many of the people we first featured at the beginning of their careers have gone on to make a significant impact out in industry, driven by a genuine desire to make a difference.

Since launching European Spa, I have had the privilege of interviewing thousands of professionals across the spa and wellness world, in many different roles. Together with my team, we help shine a light on the people and ideas that are driving our industry forward.

While many investors appreciate the glamour of the spa world, what lies beneath the surface is another story. It takes vision, leadership, tenacity and resilience to run a thriving spa business. The complexity of operations and sheer number of experts at work behind the delivery of every wellness brand or destination is extraordinary.

So often underestimated, what makes a spa tick – and tick well – are the people and partnerships behind the scenes. Successful spas are the product of successful teams. You can feel it the moment you walk through the door.

European Spa’s mission has always been to provide the very latest intelligence, concepts and expertise driving our industry forward. Whether we are visiting a sublime new spa development or interviewing a therapist at the start of their career, our role is always the same: to share those insights with our readers.

Genuine connection sparks change

At the heart of our industry lies the power of touch, connection and care. Time and again, I have seen how powerful the right hands and a heartfelt approach can be; these simple qualities can transform lives. These are the stories we seek to share.

Ours is an industry built on care. While success demands commercial discipline and operational excellence, it’s humanity that sits at its heart. In an increasingly digital world, that ability to connect, empathise and care for others remains our greatest strength and will continue to drive hospitality forward.

Over the years, I have also come to appreciate the courage of entrepreneurship.

“One of the greatest privileges of producing European Spa has been hearing from readers whose own journeys have been shaped by the people and ideas in our pages”

Sarah

Camilleri Founder and editorial director

Having built my own business and spent much of my career listening to founders, leaders and innovators, I have enormous respect for the bravery it takes.

What matters to me

One of the greatest privileges of producing European Spa is hearing from readers whose own journeys have been shaped by the articles and ideas in our pages. Also, when our content connects spas with the right experts to create something new and exciting. More than once, someone has told me they began reading the magazine at the start of their spa career and today they lead their own business. For me, that is the true power of storytelling.

Today, I would like to thank my incredible team for their creativity and dedication in bringing every one of our 100 issues to life. I am equally grateful to the contributors, brand partners and champions of our industry who continue to share their knowledge, experiences and ideas with us. European Spa has always been a team effort and none of it would be possible without your passion and commitment.

Above: Euphoria Retreat in Geeece is a triumph of entrepreneurial vision and dedication to wellness

Left: European Spa’s Mark Smith, Sarah Camilleri, Wendy Golledge, Angela Sharpe and David Fagan

The spas that stand out from the crowd

European Spa celebrates the businesses that take risks, push the boundaries and shape the wellness landscape

Thousands of spas have been featured in the pages of European Spa over the last 100 editions – not to mention in our daily news updates at europeanspamagazine.com. They represent a diverse collection of innovative, caring and successful businesses. From small family-run spas to award-winning multi-site wellness destinations, integrative health retreats, medical longevity clinics and hotel spas, we have featured them all. It is impossible to compare such an eclectic range of properties, so our goal is always to take each on its own merits, showcasing the unique inspiration and dedication behind every project.

European businesses continue to influence the global market and one of the biggest recent European exports has been the practice of aufguss and social bathing. A swathe of Scandinavian properties, such as Farris Bad in Norway, as well as many across Germany and South Tirol in Italy, are leading the way as the concept goes global.

Bringing history to life

Europe has a long history of social thermal bathing in the spa towns of Czechia, Slovenia, Italy and more. Now, bathing in groups is gaining traction from London to LA and Melbourne to Milan.

Large-scale urban bathing complexes are being built, such as Terme Milano De Montel in Italy and the Therme Group’s sites, which are expanding at pace.

Therme Bucharest in Romania launched in 2016 and is said to be Europe’s largest indoor thermal spa and wellness complex. Therme Manchester, due to open in 2028, is set to surpass this in size and scale.

The rise of integrative health

European Spa has been invited behind the scenes to report first on changemaker health resorts, including brands such as Clinique La Prairie, SHA Wellness, Lefay, Lanserhof and Chenot, whose approach to preventative health has captured the zeitgeist of longevity programming. The leaders in fasting for health, such as Buchinger Wilhelmi, Park Igls, the Original Mayr Medical Resort and Mayr Life Medical Retreat, continue to innovate, while newcomers Buff Medical Resort and Mount Med Resort boast a mind-boggling array of technology to boost their preventative healthcare programming.

We have also seen the growth of heart-led, emotional healing – an approach that Euphoria Retreat in

Clockwise from above left: Naturhotel Forsthofgut in Leogang, Austria; SHA in Alicante, Spain; Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine in Valladolid, Spain

Greece has helped to define. We first met emotional healer Patrizia Bortolin and therapist Stefano Battaglia at Borgo Egnazia in Italy. The pair have gone on to spearhead other projects with their Glowing Flow concept, most recently at Preidlhof in Italy. Bortolin has taken this even further to Kintsugi Space in Abu Dhabi.

Global resort operators such as One&Only, Rosewood and Kimpton have launched innovative spas across Europe, while homegrown operators like Ikos Resorts have developed their luxury all-inclusive concepts with wellness at heart.

Six Senses made its debut on the continent in the Duoro Valley in Portugal. Since then, the group has opened a resort in Ibiza with a focus on longevity, its first urban wellness hotel in Rome and, most recently, its first Six Senses Place in London.

The UK’s spa heart

The depth and diversity of the UK market is astounding. London, always leading the way for wellness, has recently welcomed investment from some of the UK’s leading hospitality giants including the Chancery Rosewood, Four Seasons London Bridge, Raffles London at the OWO, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair and Maybourne Group, with the new Claridge’s Spa and Surrenne at the Emory. Established brands Champneys and Center Parcs’ Aqua Sana have kept their finger on the pulse and changed with the times. Champneys has grown its portfolio, to include Mottram Hall in Cheshire, Eastwell Manor in Kent and Buxton Crescent in Derbyshire. It has also expanded its footprint to open a first property on the continent in Marbella, Spain.

Clockwise from left: notable spas at the Chancery Rosewood, London, UK; Park Igls, Innsbruck, Austria; Park Hyatt London River Thames, UK

beverley@sparcstudio.co.uk

CREATORS OF BEAUTIFUL, IMMERSIVE, INNOVATIVE & BESPOKE SPA AND WELLBEING EXPERIENCES.

COWORTH PARK SPA, DORCHESTER COLLECTION CABANAS AT

COTTONMILL SPA SOPWELL HOUSE

With the launch of Aqua Sana Woburn Forest, Center Parcs debuted its forest spa concept and it has now taken this to a new level, introducing the full Aqua Sana Forest Spa offering this year.

UK groups such as Hand Picked Hotels, Harbour Hotels, Hiddenwell (formerly Barons Eden) and the Nici Group are rapidly expanding their boutique hotel portfolios to include significant spa offerings. We have also seen beautiful concepts launch at individual properties across the UK, such as the Bothy by Wildsmith at Heckfield Place.

With a vast pipeline of development planned, we know the industry has a bright future. We have seen a huge shift from spa to wellness and, more recently, a growing interest in longevity. This brings many opportunities, perhaps even more challenges and a much-needed opportunity for self-reflection. Now is the time for operators to examine the businesses they operate and what is truly appropriate for their guests. Whatever direction your wellness operations may take, always remember this quote from industry icon Sue Harmsworth MBE, who said: “There is nothing wrong with being a good spa.”

11,500+ 80,500 newsletters website visits per month global media partnerships total audience reach European Spa magazine in numbers

10

560

Right from top: the Longevity Spa at Portrait Milano, Italy; the Bothy by Wildsmith at Heckfield Estate, UK

Behindthe scenes

European Spa’s deputy editor, Mark Smith, reflects on what life as a wellness journalist really entails

You’ve got the best job!” That’s what I so often hear when I tell people what I do. And yes, we are privileged to visit some of the most incredible wellness destinations and spa hotels in the world. But what goes on behind the scenes is far more than just visiting spas.

The European Spa team goes way beyond the press releases, which so often fail to showcase the people working hard to bring spas to life. We spend much of our time researching the spa suppliers involved in projects, talking to architects and designers, interviewing development and operational teams, including spa consultants, hotel managers and spa directors, all to make sure that key figures receive the credit they so richly deserve.

What goes unseen are the hours of research, writing, photography and videography that go into our social media presence, as well as the days spent meticulously planning the magazine, our hugely successful Leaders’ Resource and our daily news stories and email newsletters.

“The European Spa team goes beyond the press releases, which often fail to showcase the people working hard to bring spas to life.”

Mark Smith Deputy editor and events lead

As a team we strive to spend time out in industry, attending events and product launches, talking to changemakers, connecting with rising stars, exploring new innovations and testing the latest treatments and concepts. As lead writer for beauty and wellness, the level of investment in science to drive results always impresses me. More recently, there’s been a shift in treatment development to incorporate mindfulness-based experiences such as breathwork and sound as well as technology and touch.

What stays with us the most?

It would be easy to assume we’re most impressed by the breathtaking views from an infinity-edge pool or the Michelin-star dining concepts, and yes, these are a magical part of the whole experience. But it’s the people, in particular the therapists, that can truly impress. I have had more than 1,000 treatments in my career, many of which have been transformative. I resolved anxiety-induced acid reflux at Lanserhof Sylt in Germany (pictured left), had an out-of-body experience at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland and began the journey of healing a traumatic head injury at Mount Med Resort in Austria. I even tried a robot massage in Switzerland and, despite not wanting to like it, can see it has a place in the market. I always look forward to my next spa adventure and the chance to showcase this remarkable industry.

YOUR PERFECT SPA PARTNER

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FROM SEED TO SKIN

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NATURE’S POWER, PROVEN RESULTS

For over 40 years, Jurlique has worked in harmony with nature, producing farm-grown actives that are as good for your skin as they are for the planet. Jurlique takes a slow approach to beauty, with a focus on wellness rituals and clean innovation to create exceptional spa experiences and visible skin results.

In line with our commitment to sustainability and transparency, Jurlique is proud to be certified B Corp, upholding the highest standards of social and environmental performance. From seed to skin, from our farm to you.

MADE RESPONSIBLY, FOR YOU AND THE PLANET

SKINCARE THAT FEELS LIKE SELF-CARE

Elevating spa leadership

Spa leaders are the backbone of our industry. To celebrate our 100th issue, European Spa invited global experts to share what matters most as we shape the future of the spa world

“Innovation and creativity should be core pillars of every spa. Concentrate on defining your wellness USP. This ensures there will be a uniquely diverse product offering and proposition that approaches the client’s experience from a 360-degree perspective.

“Spas have the potential to become social and recovery centres, bringing people together to tackle loneliness and stress. If wellness businesses look beyond their own ‘lane’, the opportunities are vast.”

“Authenticity is key – in a world where consumers want less ambiguity, organisations must lead with transparency to establish their credibility. When organisations lead by example, they encourage others to follow.”

“To meet the needs of today’s luxury wellness traveller, a new approach is required – one that aligns with their desire for customisation, performance enhancement, holistic wellness, data-driven decision making and innovative wellness experiences.”

Anna Bjurstam Wellness pioneer, Six Senses

Lindsay Madden-Nadeu Senior director wellness strategy, Red Sea Global

Emmanuel Arroyo Senior director, wellness – global operations, Rosewood Hotels and Resorts

Susie Ellis Founder, Global Wellness Institute

“Personalisation builds an emotional connection to the team and the wellness space, making clients more likely to return, recommend the service they enjoyed and remain loyal to the brand.”

“Preventive health has become the driving force behind meaningful wellness... there’s a growing desire to apply scientific insight not simply to extend lifespan, but to enhance one’s health span.”

Alejandro Bataller Co-founder and managing partner, SHA|AB Living Group

“Wellness isn’t just about appearance or feeling good; it’s about restoring and maintaining balance, both physically and mentally. This applies equally to our guests and our teams.”

“Wellbeing is undergoing a profound transformation. Across the world, the growth in mental health conditions is emerging as one of the defining challenges of our time.”

“Spas will succeed if they continue to concentrate on doing what they do well. Don’t make claims you can’t follow through on. Do less, but do it brilliantly.”

Sue Harmsworth, MBE Founder, Standards Authority for Cancer Care

“Emotional wellbeing is at the core of holistic health. Without it, other aspects of wellness are harder to achieve. Spas can address emotional health by shifting from pampering to a more holistic model.”

Teresa O’Farrell Global director of wellness and spa, Dorchester Collection

Michael Newcombe Global vice-president wellness, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Simone Gibertoni CEO, Clinique La Prairie

Gopal Kumar General manager and group director of wellness development, Kamalaya

Sharing your success stories

European Spa’s managing editor, Wendy Golledge, considers what our next 100 issues may hold

In any given week, hundreds of potential news stories land in our inboxes… press releases showcasing brilliant new spa projects, innovative products, the latest trends and the people making waves in the sector. Those invaluabe emails are the first step to us sharing with you the industry news that matters across our magazine, website, email newsletters and social media. We search for the real stories behind the spas, the brands forging ahead and the personalities leading the way.

One thing that is clear is the spa and wellness industry is booming. It’s ambitious, competitive and innovative, and its potential is extraordinary. Spa and wellness has captured the attention of consumers, securing its rightful place in the hospitality sector and forging medical partnerships – and this is catching the eye of investors.

People are the best investment

With that growth we’re seeing a thirst for knowledge. The demand for authentic, carefully researched content that shines a light on our sector has never been greater. The European Spa Leaders’ Resource 2026 has been read

“As the industry grows, we’re seeing a thirst for authentic, carefully researched content that shines a light on our sector.”

Wendy Golledge Managing editor

by 70,200 people and counting, which demonstrates how significant the interest in wellness is. With new and ever-more complex wellness technologies appearing almost weekly and AI heralding change across every department – whether we like it or not – it’s hard to predict what will the future hold. The wellbeing space is diverse and constantly evolving. But one constant is the human stories behind every brand, every spa, every therapist and every guest they see.

What comes next in spa certainly won’t be predictable, but we are sure that as well as being multi-generational, social and highly personalised,

Europe’s leading convention for spa and wellness

Growing

together

For our 100th issue, the Duchess of Rutland discusses her search for the right operating partner to help expand Belvoir Castle’s wellbeing vision for the future

INTERVIEW BY SARAH CAMILLERI

Located in the heart of the Vale of Belvoir in Leicestershire, Belvoir Castle is home to the Duke and Duchess of Rutland. Guardian of the estate’s wellbeing, Duchess Emma Manners is a passionate wellbeing advocate, now working to ensure that the magic of Belvoir’s 16,000-acre estate can be fully utilised as a wellness retreat.

The Duchess’s long-term vision is for Belvoir Lodge to become a world-class destination offering immersive, medically informed programmes rooted in ancient practice and set within one of England’s most extraordinary historic settings.

We meet to find out more about Her Grace’s mission to find a wellbeing partner to ensure a flourishing future for the Lodge.

Your Grace, what first sparked your interest in the world of wellness?

After my breast cancer diagnosis, I began a deep journey of self-healing – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. While I’ve always been interested in Ayurvedic and wellness practices, this experience truly highlighted the importance of looking inward and supporting our bodies in a more holistic way. It helped me realise that healing isn’t only found in western medicine, but also in nurturing the mind, body and spirit through more natural, intentional approaches.

You frequently travel to India – how has that helped to develop your spiritual awareness? My visits to India have deepened my journey, teaching me the importance of going inward and

truly understanding myself. Through this, I’ve been able to explore my Ayurvedic body type and gain a greater awareness of how to support my balance and wellbeing in a more intuitive and holistic way.

Why do you believe Belvoir Castle is such a special setting for retreats?

Belvoir offers a true sense of peace and tranquillity, whether experiencing wellbeing within our beautiful ballroom or outside throughout our stunning grounds. Recently, our energy worker, the Rev Dr Calen Rayne, has been carefully resetting and harmonising the energy across the estate, further enhancing the serene and restorative atmosphere.

You have already hosted a number of retreats. What have you learned so far?

We’ve learned that people deeply value having a dedicated space to step away and recharge. Guests consistently say they love the environment and how quickly it helps them to relax and feel present. What’s been most meaningful is seeing their transformations: many arrive feeling overwhelmed but leave feeling empowered, re-centred and reset. It’s shown us the importance of creating not just a beautiful setting, but a thoughtful, supportive experience where people feel cared for and truly able to reconnect with themselves.

From left: Emma Manners, Duchess of Rutland; the impressive castle has previously staged retreats allowing guests to reset in its surroundings

You are now looking for a suitable operating partner. What qualities are you looking for?

A positive, can-do attitude is at the heart of everything for me. It’s about building a strong, uplifting team with the right energy and mindset – a team who believe in the vision and can work together to bring it to life.

Tell us about your long-term vision. I want to establish Belvoir Castle as the number one Ayurvedic wellness retreat in the UK, a place known for its authenticity and transformative experiences. I want it to become a sanctuary where people can reconnect with themselves, restore balance and experience the profound benefits of Ayurveda in a truly unique setting.

Who do you think will be most drawn to the experiences you plan to offer? Anyone ready for something more in their life, more clarity, fulfilment and purpose. It’s for people who feel stuck, curious or simply open to growth and change. There isn’t one specific type of person; it’s about a mindset. Anyone willing to invest in themselves and explore new perspectives will find something meaningful in what I offer.

What would you say to businesses who would like to be part of this next exciting chapter?

Any potential partner needs to have a genuine love for wellness and a real passion for helping others – something that truly comes from the heart. This is about more than just business; it’s about creating meaningful experiences that can positively impact people’s lives.

www.belvoircastle.com

If you would like to be considered as a wellbeing operating partner for Belvoir Castle, email: duchess@belvoircastle.com or sarah.camilleri@spapublishing.com

A storied past and an open future

In her 2022 memoir, The Accidental Duchess, Emma Manners recalls her journey to becoming Duchess of Belvoir. Here she outlines the creative and healing possibilities of the estate as she plans its wellbeing elevation

Carrying forward a noble history

Belvoir Castle has been the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Rutland for over 1,000 years. The current castle was largely rebuilt in the early 19th century following a fire, and remains a privately occupied family home as well as a visitor destination.

The castle’s elevated position offers sweeping views across five counties. The grounds include formal Regency gardens, a sculpture garden, a spiral walk and extensive natural landscapes that create a rare combination of grandeur, intimacy and natural calm.

Sharing the estate’s power to heal and transform Belvoir has already hosted some retreats, consistently drawing feedback that guests arrive feeling overwhelmed and leave feeling recentred, empowered and restored.

The estate has a natural, restorative energy that guests often remark upon. There are plans to develop a regular programme of wellness events and experiences that draw on and complement that atmosphere.

Lights, cameras, action...

The castle has served as a location for a number of film and television productions, most notably as a primary filming location for the Netflix series The Crown and The Diplomat. It has also featured in other productions, including The Young Victoria, The Great, Victoria & Abdul and more.

Developing an extraordinary UK wellness destination

My long-term vision is for Belvoir Lodge to become one of the UK’s leading wellness retreat destinations – a world-class wellness estate offering immersive, medically informed programmes rooted in ancient practice and set within one of England’s most extraordinary historic settings.

CountrysideWellness Retreats

BRING YOUR RETREAT TO BELVOIR CASTLE

Set within the tranquil grounds of Belvoir Castle, Belvoir Lodge offers a luxurious countryside escape designed to restore balance, vitality and long-term wellbeing Reserve Belvoir Lodge as your own private countryside sanctuary

S E T T I N G T H E S T A N D A R D

L u x u r y l i n e n s a n d d e s i g n e d f o r t h e w o r l d ' s l e a d i n g s p a s .

Science-led skincare meets SPF protection

Incorporating SPF into skincare routines no longer needs to be an afterthought. SunSolveMD was created to bridge the gap between skincare and protection

Consumers are increasingly looking for products that solve multiple skin concerns while simplifying their routines. Yet many solutions require multiple steps to achieve results. SunSolveMD by TheSolveMD was created to simplify this situation.

“SunSolveMD was born from a simple observation,” says the brand’s co-founder and chief strategy officer, Portia Dieguez. “Despite decades of innovation, daily SPF remains one of the most under-utilised and least loved categories in beauty. At the same time, there is increased demand for intelligent, multifunctional and clinically proven products that combine treatment, protection and healthy ageing benefits in a single formulation.”

Expert insight and protection

SunSolveMD was developed by a surgeon, a biomedical engineer and a cosmetic chemist to offer results-driven skincare with SPF as a non-negotiable inclusion.

“Combing our three unique perspectives allowed us to meld science, clinical understanding and real-life experience,” says Dieguez. “Our biomedical engineer played a key role in developing our marine phytoplankton technology for supporting skin health. Our cosmetic chemist then translated that science into elegant, stable and highly effective formulations, while our

“SunSolveMD

combines protection, treatment and measurable results.”

“Daily SPF use remains one of the most under-adopted skincare habits globally, despite widespread awareness,” says Dieguez. “That disconnect told us the problem wasn’t education, it was experience. Many products feel heavy, leave a white cast or simply don’t fit into modern lifestyles. Our goal was to create an effective daily SPF so wearable people want to use it every day, which also addresses real skin concerns including pigmentation, uneven tone, dehydration and premature ageing.

“Our patented ZnO+ mineral technology solves the traditional challenges associated with mineral SPFs. Our formulations also combine advanced active ingredients and marine phytoplankton for multifunctional benefits.

aesthetic surgeon provided the clinical insight into how skin ages and how environmental damage presents.”

Simplified routines, meaningful results

Portia Dieguez Co-founder and chief strategy officer, SunSolveMD by The SolveMD BE INFORMED...

Rather than creating just another sunscreen, SunSolveMD set out to build a new category of multifunctional daily skincare, preventing future damage while actively helping to address existing skin concerns, bridging the gap between treatment and protection.

“SunSolveMD protects the skin, while supporting its health over time. Our mission is simple: products that combine protection, treatment and measurable results to help people achieve better skin. Ultimately, the better the experience and the greater the benefit, the more likely consumers are to build healthy skincare habits that last.”

To find out more about SunSolveMD by TheSolveMD visit: www.sunsolvemd.com

The shift from correction to prevention

Consumers are becoming increasingly proactive about ageing, recognising that environmental exposure influences many skin concerns and consistent prevention is more effective than trying to reverse damage.

“Healthy ageing is no longer about attempting to reverse damage once it appears, but instead protecting skin health consistently over time. Prevention is more effective, less invasive and more sustainable than correction,” says Dieguez. “This is central to the SunSolveMD philosophy – the best long-term outcomes come from maintaining healthier skin before concerns become more difficult to address.”

On the Menu

OUR PICK OF THE LATEST PRODUCT LAUNCHES AND TREATMENT INNOVATIONS

Edited by Mark Smith

EDITOR’S PICK

Elemis unveils transformative Pro-Collagen bodycare duo

Adding a new dimension to its Pro-Collagen collection, Elemis has introduced a two-step bodycare duo that harnesses over 20 years of product innovation.

The ritual pairs Pro-Collagen Body Cleansing Balm, a nourishing, barrier-boosting cleanser, with Pro-Collagen Marine Body Cream, a clinically proven moisturiser for smoother, firmer and more youthful looking skin.

“Pro-Collagen is one of the most loved and trusted franchises in skincare,” says Noella Gabriel, CEO and co-founder, Elemis. “With the launch of Pro-Collagen bodycare, we are extending this expertise beyond the face for the first time.”

Inspired by the brand’s iconic, bestselling Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, the new body-focused product melts from rich balm to silky milk to soft foam, boosting the skin’s moisture while

cleansing. It boasts a trio of British botanical oils including starflower oil, camelina and echium plantagineum to nourish and smooth. Padina pavonica ferment adds antioxidant and hydrating properties.

Pro-Collagen Marine Body Cream is a lightweight, silky gel-cream that delivers powerful hydration and visible firming without heaviness. It is formulated with marine microalgae chlorella vulgaris to help to improve skin firmness and elasticity. www.elemis.com

“This duo reflects our belief that bodycare should be treated with the same level of innovation, clinical rigour and indulgence as facial skincare. ”

Noella Gabriel CEO and co-founder, Elemis

Omorovicza reveals leave-on skin resurfacing tonic

Omorovicza has launched Acid Milk, a leave-on resurfacing tonic developed to reveal radiant and more even skin after one use. The milk combines potent exfoliation and skin comfort in one gentle yet transformative step.

Clinically proven to increase radiance by 71 per cent after one use, Acid Milk achieves visible results while maintaining skin comfort, with no irritation recorded. Formulated with a potent blend of four acids (glycolic, lactic, salicylic and azelaic), the milky resurfacing tonic smooths and brightens, balances sebum production and smooths skin tone. Replenishing coastal microalgae, ceramides and oat kernel oil support the skin barrier, leaving it radiant and deeply hydrated. www.omorovicza.com

Wildsmith makes new additions to its bath and bodycare collection

Wildsmith has unveiled two additions to its bath and bodycare line, inspired by the botanic beauty of the walled garden on the Heckfield Estate in Hampshire, UK.

Formulated with a blend of floral magnolia, fragrant English rose and warming cedarwood oils, the new Hand and Body Wash and Hand and Body Lotion are vegan and free from nuts and gluten.

English rose, grown and harvested biodynamically on the Heckfield Estate, is rich in hydrolat and naturally high in antioxidant vitamin E to support skin barrier function for improved moisture retention. The Hand and Body Lotion also boasts shea butter, grapeseed and coconut oil to super hydrate skin. Each product is presented in recyclable aluminium with no secondary packaging. www.wildsmithskin.com

Dermalogica addresses signs of ageing with new skin-boosting serum

To promote longevity and help optimise skin health over time, Dermalogica has introduced FutureCode Booster. The skin-boosting serum works to visibly reduce age-related skin damage, supporting the skin’s natural repair processes for a firmer-looking, more even-toned appearance. It also helps to strengthen the barrier that shields against daily environmental stressors, helping skin stay balanced, resilient and naturally luminous.

FutureCode Booster contains Longevity Renew Complex, featuring teprenone, niacinamide and sunflower sprout extract to support NAD+ levels and boost natural skin repair. An omni-antioxidant blend with acetyl zingerone, rosehip oil and rosemary neutralises multiple types of free radicals, helping to reverse daily DNA-related damage and defend against visible skin ageing.

www.dermalogica.co.uk

Aromatherapy Associates introduces new confidence-boosting blend

Aromatherapy Associates has enhanced its portfolio with a new aromatherapy blend designed to ease inner tension and support emotional balance. Calm Confidence also works to restore clarity and encourage renewed self-assurance.

Joining the brand’s skincare collection of the same name, Calm Confidence Bath & Shower Oil and Pure Essential Oil Blend brings together a holistic blend of ingredients.

Soothing blue tansy is renowned for its ability to calm the senses and lift the mood, offering a solution for those carrying inner tension or unease. Sandalwood is a grounding and rebalancing essence that can restore emotional equilibrium and enhance mental focus. Jasmine uplifts the spirit, balances emotions and helps to restore self-assurance.

www.aromatherapyassociates.com

Sothys offers three steps to skin health with vitamin collection

Designed as an accessible solution for normal to combination skin, Sothys has introduced its three-step Vitamin Regimen. The new generation of skincare products helps to protect, revitalise and restore the skin’s radiance, especially when disrupted by lifestyle, stress or hormonal fluctuations, which can lead to shine, unevenness or minor blemishes.

Hydra-Protective Serum protects and improves the condition of skin, leaving it more radiant, revitalised and with an even complexion and a refined texture.

Formulated with postbiotic ingredients, Hydra-Protective Cream helps maintain the skin’s natural balance while preserving its natural radiance and youthful appearance. A Perfecting Mask is formulated with a 10 per cent concentration of niacinamide to gently renew the skin and reduce shine.

Germaine de Capuccini Timexpert Skinreset

Designed as an in-clinic treatment with a capsule retail line, Timexpert Skinreset offers a streamlined, effective system for maintaining long-term skin vitality.

Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and recommended from the age of 25 onwards, the concept is designed to address visible signs of fatigue, stress, lack of sleep and environmental aggressors. Formulated with Mitocore NAD+, this works on cellular fatigue and supports optimal skin function.

The treatment combines three steps – activation, boosting and sealing – and includes Intelligent Reset

Mousse, Cellular Reset Serum and Energetic Reset Mask. A retail line includes a serum, face cream and eye contour cream to support at-home skin health. www.germainedecapuccini.com

TREATMENT FOCUS

TREATMENT FOCUS

Yon-Ka Paris Retinol-Like [RE]New Technology

Yon-Ka Paris has expanded its offering with the Retinol-Like [RE]New professional treatment, an 80-minute protocol, also available in a 50-minute version, that is said to reimagine the art of facial care.

The ritual combines two exclusive new professional products, Aqua [RE]New Gel and Lipo [RE]New Oil, with a unique protocol: double exfoliation, double mask, dual-temperature quartz massage and expert manual energy techniques.

Results are promised from the very first treatment. Skin appears smoother and intensely hydrated, pores look tightened, skin texture is refined and the complexion appears more radiant. The treatment concludes with the application of the new retail product, Bi-Serum Retinol-Like, as part of a tailored facial routine. www.yonka.com

TempleSpa captures the essence of summer with travel gift collection

Inspired by the colours, character and ingredients of the Mediterranean coastline, TempleSpa has unveiled a seasonal collection of gifts to help guests spa ‘wherever you are’.

The Riviera Collection has been thoughtfully curated to support spa retail, seasonal promotions and summer gifting opportunities, featuring a mix of hero products, limited editions and spa exclusives.

Featured products include a summer-suited Sugar Buff Zest and Lip Defence with a limited edition keychain. A spa exclusive gift, On-The-Go Sunshine Body Collection includes Simply the Zest, Peace Be Still, Aaahhh!, Sole Balm and Body Defence in a unique tote bag. The collection also features the limited-edition sets: My Kinda Skin, Spa Wherever You Are and Travel Therapies. www.templespa.com

of the best nourishing masks

We showcase the very best masks for face, hair and scalp this summer

ESPA Pink Hair & Scalp Mud

Ideal for dry, brittle, dull and frizzy hair, fruit enzymes gently clarify and exfoliate for a clean, scalp while omega+ vitamin complex, spirulina and quinoa hydrate and condition. www.espaskincare.com

Natura Bissé C+C Vitamin Soufflé Mask

This soufflé-textured vitamin C face mask with shea butter and bitter orange extract intensely moisturises, helps reduce the appearance of ageing and revitalises dull, dry skin. www.naturabisse.com

Phytomer Cica Masque

This soothing ultra nourishing mask has a ‘bandage-like’ texture formulated with prebiotic complex and marine spring water to soothe sensitive, weakened skin. www.phytomer.com

Ground Biome Repair Mask

Strengthening, hydrating and calming niacinamide boosts ceramide production, hydration and the skin’s barrier. Lactobacillus ferment protects and reduces inflammation.

www.groundwellbeing.com

Comfort Zone

Hydramemory Hyalu-Daily 15 Masks

This new addition to the Hydramemory collection contains 15 fabric face masks infused with hyaluronic acid designed to deliver an immediate boost of hydration and radiance.

www.comfortzoneskin.com

ishga Hydrating Hair & Scalp Mask

This multi-use treatment designed to nourish hair, scalp and body combines mineral-rich green clay, hyaluronic acid, botanical oils and marine actives to cleanse, rebalance

The Art of Clean Beauty

Founded and formulated by a physician, DALÚ represents a new generation of science-led natural wellness. Inspired by the Mediterranean, powered by advanced marine biotechnology, and enriched with rare botanical actives sourced from around the world, the collection combines clinically proven efficacy with elevated wellness rituals. Rooted in sustainability and guided by a holistic vision of beauty and wellbeing, DALÚ transcends traditional skincare—creating meaningful moments of restoration, sensory pleasure, and personal renewal. A refined expression of conscious, quiet luxury, where exceptional skin performance meets inner wellbeing.

Guided by its philosophy, The Art of Natural Skincare, DALÚ has developed a bespoke spa concept that seamlessly blends advanced dermocosmetic expertise with transformative wellness rituals The professional spa collection features eight bespoke anti-ageing face and eye rituals, a transformative Head, Hair & Face Ritual, a Signature body massage ritual, and five targeted body treatments, designed to deliver visible results while nurturing deep relaxation and holistic wellbeing.

“Guided by a deep understanding of skin, we believe beauty transcends age. Our treatments nurture, hydrate, and restore timeless vitality, honouring every skin’s unique needs”

INFO@DALUBEAUTY.COM

WWW.DALUBEAUTY.COM

@dalunaturalskincare

SCIENCE - SERENITY - TIMELESS ELEGANCE

Science-Led Natural Wellness Brand

Advanced Skincare Biotechnology

Rare Botanical and Marine Intelligence

Evidence-Based Performance

Transformative Guest Experiences

Sustainable Excellence

Bespoke Wellness Rituals For Skin And Soul

NEW HORIZONS IN WELLNESS

Hotel Launch

The Bristol Hotels & Resorts, Bol (https://the-bristol.com/bol)

Product Innovations

Lumiaqua Biocellulose Mask Intensive Repair Hair Mask Dalú

Aroma Blends Dalú Signature Massage Oil

Ritual Innovations

The Dalú Signature Massage Ritual Head, Hair & Face Ritual

A journey of Better-Being

As Spa L’Occitane en Provence celebrates

its 25th anniversary,

we take a look at what the brand offers its spa

partners

Unveiled in São Paulo in 2001, Spa L’Occitane en Provence is renowned for expert formulas and a holistic vision of care delivered through expert touch and experiences rooted in the lifestyle of Haute-Provence.

The spa concept expanded from Brazil through owned spas in Taiwan, Hong Kong and France, then with pioneering hotel partnerships across Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. Today, the brand brings its expertise to 100 spas worldwide, welcoming close to 500,000 guests each year. In 2026, there will be new openings in Malaysia, India and France.

Developing a philosophy

The Spa L’Occitane en Provence vision is expressed through Better-Being, a philosophy of sensoriality through textures, fragrances and gestures; science through measured benefits; and sustainability through a more conscious vision of care.

“For 25 years, Spa L’Occitane en Provence has been shaping its Better-Being

philosophy,” says global spa director Marina Glover. “This anniversary is a way to reaffirm who we are, and to celebrate and share this Better-Being philosophy.”

The celebrations comprise a number of activations and events including the launch of an editorial design book. Spa L’Occitane en Provence’s founding treatment, the Relaxing Aromachologie Massage, which is its number-one treatment worldwide, has also been reimagined for 2026.

Better-Being for brand partners

The brand’s ethos comes to life across its treatment offering through four key pillars – balance, regeneration, vitality and longevity – all of which are designed to respond to different guest needs.

“Better-Being begins with time for oneself and opens the way to deeper ties with others and with nature,” says Glover. “For our hotel partners, it offers a coherent way to take this intention beyond the treatment room, through in-room gestures, personalised recommendations and simple practices that extend spa benefits across their guest stays.”

https://spa.loccitane.com

BRAND TO WATCH

Marina Glover

Seabody launches body collection

Inspired by its body treatments, Seabody has introduced a Body Collection, combining functional, science-backed formulations with sensorial rituals.

Sleep Body Oil is designed to support a transition into stillness, with ocean-sourced magnesium and marine actives.

Sleep Body Balm, formulated with lavender, chamomile and neroli oils, helps to ease the body into restful slumber.

Movement Body Oil is enriched with marine actives, arnica and ocean-sourced magnesium, boosted by a blend of ginger, black pepper and clove oils.

A cooling Movement Body Balm is inspired by a mineral-rich ocean plunge and designed for use after movement, with menthol, as well as peppermint and eucalyptus oils. www.seabody.com

Jurlique debuts three face masks to reset, rebalance and reinvigorate

Jurlique has introduced a new collection of masks formulated with potent farm-grown botanicals to deliver targeted, clinically proven results after just one use.

Soothing Water Cream Mask utilises cucumber extract to replenish and refresh dry skin with aloe vera and chamomile to soothe and defend.

Purifying Clay Mask uses natural kaolin clay, pomegranate extract and Jurlique’s Purity Blend of rosemary, peppermint and birch leaf to reduce pores and sebum, and refine skin texture.

A Peeling Jelly Mask features a triple action blend of fruit acid AHAs, PHAs, pineapple enzyme and Jurlique’s proprietary Radiance Blend to boost radiance and remove dead skin cells.

www.jurlique.co.uk

Discover ishga, powered by antioxidant-rich Hebridean seaweed, sustainably sourced from the shores of the Isle of Lewis. Nourish, protect and transform all skin types.

Image Skincare adds to its Image MD collection

Drawing on the benefits of XOSM Technology, which helps diminish visible redness for healthier-looking skin by boosting active ingredients, Image Skincare has added three products to its Image MD collection.

Barrier Repair Recovery Balm works to soothe and protect vulnerable skin with a clinically tested formulation designed to rebuild the moisture barrier, diminish visible redness and deliver nourishing hydration.

Biotech Longevity Crème supports skin by protecting against the visible effects of damaging stressors and aids rapid recovery.

Gentle Cleansing Balm removes surface impurities with a formulation intentionally designed for vulnerable, sensitive and/or extra-dry skin types prone to redness. www.imageskincare.co.uk

TREATMENT FOCUS

Saskia Spa Dead Sea Detox Revitalizing Ritual

Designed for deep detoxification and boosting energy, Saskia Spa has unveiled its Dead Sea Detox Revitalizing Ritual. The 120-minute protocol works to combat stress, tight muscles and jet lag using detoxing Dead Sea marine silt infused with purifying lemongrass essential oil.

The sequence includes a grounding foot bath followed by an invigorating, purifying scrub for the body, enriched with Dead Sea crystals to remove old skin cells while vitamin-rich oils restore elasticity and radiance. A Dead Sea Mud Detox body wrap then draws out toxins and purifies the skin.

A 45-minute Saskia Spa signature energising massage focuses on relieving muscle stiffness, combining stretching, percussion and firm effleurage to stimulate circulation and provide a sensation of lightness. www.saskiaspa.fr | www.mamibacare.com

European Spa selects the best professional product launches for spas. Contact mark.smith@spapublishing.com

Inspired by the light

Ariadni Diamanti, founder of Ariadne Athens, says the brand is embracing summer with its latest advanced skin-protecting products and treatments

The Greek skin wellness brand Ariadne Athens is rooted in Aegean botanical heritage and advanced skin science. With an understanding of the need to protect and nurture skin in the summer sun, its latest launches include a luxury facial and a collection of partner products and skin-protecting innovations that put skin health at the heart of the story.

“Our PHOS Facial and Light Potion Vitamin-C Serum were born from the same idea: that luminosity is not just a cosmetic result, it is a state of skin health,” says the brand’s founder, Ariadni Diamanti. “We wanted to create a complete ritual around light, one that begins on the treatment bed and continues at home.”

A targeted facial and serum PHOS Facial is a glow-enhancing treatment that targets dullness, uneven tone and loss of vitality. A curated synergy of stabilised vitamin C, fruit enzymes, bergamot and mineral-rich marine elements smooths, brightens and restores hydration. Fine lines appear softened, the complexion visibly more even, skin left fresh, energised and bathed in light.

Recommended as an ideal homecare companion to the treatment, Light Potion Vitamin-C Serum is

a highly concentrated brightening, plumping and firming serum combining water-soluble and oil-soluble vitamin C with nanoparticle technology.

Cooling Gel that instantly soothes and restores sun-exposed skin.

Carrying the ritual beyond spas

Ariadne Athens offers Light and Dark variations of its Helios Defence DD Cream SPF50, which was created to defend skin from the visible signs of photoageing.

In addition, new for 2026 is Aegean Sun Bi-Phase Sunscreen Body Mist SPF30, a lightweight bi-phase body mist that absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft and protected. Joining these are the lightweight, fast-absorbing and richly nourishing Sun-Drenched Body Shimmering Oil and a Melon Sorbet After Sun

“What unites our most recent launches is the Ariadne Athens philosophy: that the best results start on the treatment bed and keep working at home,” says Diamanti.

“A guest who has a PHOS Facial and leaves with the serum and the DD Cream does not just carry a product; they carry the ritual. That is what turns a single spa visit into a long-term relationship with the brand, and what turns a spa operator into a partner rather than simply a stockist.”

BE INFORMED...

To discover the full range of benefits Ariadne Athens can offer your spa guests, visit: www.ariadne-athens.com

Ariadni Diamanti

Beginning of a Trilogy

We speak to Sarah Cammock, spa development and training manager at Inlight Beauty, about the brand’s new treatments and why inclusive education is central to delivering true wellness

Cornwall-based Inlight Beauty produces scientifically formulated, artisan-crafted skincare and trains therapists to work with compassion for guests and themselves. Its latest collection, the Trilogy, offers immersive spa rituals rooted in empathy, heritage and intentional wellbeing.

Central to the Inlight Beauty philosophy is the concept of light – from the sunlight that nourishes organic botanicals in the soil to the transformative treatment experience. “This energy is harnessed within the brand’s Bio-Lipophilic Matrix, a blend of organic cold-pressed plant oils designed to work in harmony with the skin,” says Sarah Cammock, the brand’s spa development and training manager – a Champneys trained therapist and Professional Beauty Awards 2026 Educator of the Year finalist.

“Through advanced training with our partners at the Amethyst Trust, the Trilogy can be adapted for everybody”

Sarah Cammock

Spa development and training manager

A trio of light

The Trilogy comprises three elemental rituals: Skinlight (sun), Lightline (moon) and Lightflow (earth). Each protocol delivers a unique sensory journey.

Skinlight incorporates natural energy and amplifies it with advanced Opatra LED light therapy, where deep movements transition to cooling Amethyst Gua Sha stones.

In Lightline, the nervous system is quietened with rhythmic, light-pressure touch; in Lightflow, the grounding manual flow is beautifully enriched by warm basalt stones. The journey ends

in a profound feeling of lightness for both the client and the therapist.

Training for excellence

“True wellness is about inclusivity,” says Cammock. “Through advanced training with our partners at the Amethyst Trust, the Trilogy can be adapted for everybody. Therapists learn gentle flows that prevent burnout while fostering deep empathy.

“This specialist collaboration ensures those navigating cancer, ME, MS, or fibromyalgia can safely experience the comfort of touch, leaving both guest and therapist feeling uplifted long after they step away.”

BE INFORMED...

To find out more about Inlight Beauty email: pete.simmons@inlightbeauty.co.uk www.inlightbeauty.co.uk

Five stellar spas in Italy

We showcase a selection of the best Italian spas, where wellness and design excellence shine brightly

REPORTS BY MARK SMITH AND WENDY GOLLEDGE

Italy is home to some of Europe’s most acclaimed spa resorts. The Global Wellness Institute country report values the Italian wellness market at £104bn (€119bn), ranking it tenth globally and fourth largest in Europe.

Renowned for its history of thermalism, the country has an established reputation for preventive medicine and integrative health. Its thermal and mineral springs sector is fifth in global market size, and from 2019 to 2024 its fastest-growing sectors were wellness real estate and mental wellness. In 2024, 67 per cent of Italy’s five-star hotels had a wellness offering.

Exciting wellness destinations are spread across the entire country, with new projects recently opening in Rome, Venice and Milan, and there are a number of global operators planning new openings further south in Puglia. However, northern Italy remains a key focus, into the Alps, South Tirol and the Dolomites. For our 100th edition, we present some of the best spas from across the country.

Senses Spa, Cape of Senses, Lake Garda

Set in a spectacular location 200 metres above Lake Garda in the Veneto region, Cape of Senses effortlessly combines modern luxury with a relaxed wellness offering across multiple levels, looking out across landscaped gardens.

With 55 suites offering impressive views of the lake and mountains, the luxury adults-only property, created by architects and interior designers Hugo and Alessia Demetz, brings a contemporary edge with soft colour palettes, warm lighting and modern furnishings.

The centrepiece of the resort is an outdoor heated infinity pool and hot tub with 180-degree views overlooking the lake. This pool is connected to an indoor heated bathing area.

“At Cape of Senses, wellness is intrinsically connected to nature,” says general manager Alina Deutsch. “The spa has been thoughtfully designed around biophilic principles, using natural

materials and the uninterrupted views across Lake Garda from floor-to-ceiling windows to create a seamless dialogue between indoors and outdoors.

“Surrounded by olive groves, water and light, guests are invited to slow down, reconnect with their senses and experience a more instinctive, restorative form of wellbeing.”

Alina Deutsch General manager

INSIDE THE PROJECT

Senses Spa at Cape of Senses

www.capeofsenses.com

Spa size 2,000sqm

Product partner Mei

Spa suppliers Lemi Group, Devine, Atzwanger, Prima, Talenti, Oltremondo, Technogym, Florale, Giardino di Legno

A comprehensive offering

Under the direction of spa manager Nicole Cortelletti, the stunning Senses Spa offers an extensive range of facilities. These include a 25m, unheated sports pool, a Turkish steam room, a bio sauna and a Finnish sauna with floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the gardens.

Guests can enjoy a wide range of classes including sound immersion in the sauna, yoga and Tai Chi. There is a Technogym-equipped fitness area, seven treatment rooms, a private spa and relaxation rooms.

The treatment menu includes unique rituals performed on Lemi treatment couches and using natural, sustainably sourced products from Mei that are designed to engage the senses while encouraging long-lasting wellbeing.

In-between treatments, guests can enjoy the spa library or stroll in the spa garden with furniture by Talenti and Giardino di Legno. An outdoor yoga platform is perfect for classes during the warmer months. Guests can enjoy day tours of the lake and surrounding area or take meditation, yoga and hiking tours to boost their wellbeing.

Spa Spotlight Five of the best Italian spas

Corinthia Spa, Rome

Set within the former headquarters of the Bank of Italy, a building acquired by the Reuben Brothers in 2019, Corinthia Rome marks the brand’s debut in Italy. The opening forms part of Corinthia Hotels’ ongoing global expansion, following recent openings in New York, Brussels and Bucharest.

Guests arrive to find an intimate 21 suite and 39-room hotel, set over seven floors, with interiors by GA Design offering a balance of restored heritage features with contemporary Italian design.

Located in the former bank’s vault, Corinthia Spa, Rome has embedded storytelling into its DNA. Spa consultant Paula Perkins supported the initial development stages, handing over the project to Corinthia’s global head of spa

and wellness Kerry Turpin, in early 2025.

“At Corinthia Hotels, our vision has always been for each spa to tell its own unique story, rooted in place, culture and genuine care,” says Turpin.

“Corinthia Spa, Rome is a shining example, with a truly Italian narrative at its heart.

“Supported by our esteemed Italian partners, Starpool and Lemi, and marked by our first partnership with Seed to Skin Tuscany, the spa is enriched with authentic Tuscan touches. Roman-inspired bathing rituals and striking laurel leaf mosaic artistry pay homage to the city’s heritage.”

Subterranean wellness

Offering three treatment rooms with Lemi treatment beds, the 285sqm spa has two bathing pools by Starpool. Additional facilities include

a steam room, sauna, ice fountain and two experience showers, also by Starpool.

Corinthia Spa, Rome is an intimate subterranean space that offers a quiet respite from the bustling city above. Its treatment menu has been curated to offer international guests a distinctly Italian approach to wellness, combining Tuscan botanicals with advanced performance.

Treatments are offered in collaboration with 111Skin and Seed to Skin Tuscany. BC Softwear supplied all treatment linens, while other suppliers include Dress Best for uniforms, Beltrami for robes and pool towels. Spa management software was provided by Book4Time.

“This spa is not only a celebration of wellbeing, but a reflection of our commitment to setting new standards in spa excellence across our global portfolio,” says Turpin.

INSIDE THE PROJECT

Corinthia Rome www.corinthia.com

Spa size 285sqm

Product partners 111Skin, Seed to Skin Tuscany

Spa suppliers Starpool, Lemi Group, Dress Best, Beltrami, BC Softwear, Book4Time

Kerry Turpin Global head, spa and wellness

Terme De Montel Milano

Italy’s largest urban thermal and wellness complex, Terme De Montel Milano has raised the bar for thermalism in the country with its vast network of experiences, fed by an historic thermal spring 396 metres below ground. The project is based in a former stables, the restored Scuderie De Montel, which was designed in 1920 by architect Paolo Vietti Violi. The building was abandoned in the 1970s and has now been reimagined by Studio Marzorati and J+S Architecture, with input from the Archaeological Superintendence of Fine Arts and Landscape. The restoration was made possible by a €50m (£43m) investment from the Infrastructure for Growth Fund by Azimut Group, in partnership with Terme & Spa Italia, which now manages the facility. The new spa can accommodate up to 700

guests. It features ten geothermal pools that hold 800 cubic metres of water, which is drawn from the underground thermal spring. The 16,000sqm thermal attraction has 10,000sqm of outdoor space including a courtyard and landscaped green areas dedicated to relaxation and wellbeing. The property also features a bistro restaurant, cafeteria, lounge bar and summer bar.

Thermal bathing

With interior design by THDP, the entrance block features a cascading water installation that leads into a large central cloister with a sensory garden and colour-themed pathways. The thermal areas include four saunas, a large Russian banya, a steam room, a tepidarium and a hammam. An outdoor courtyard boasts five large thermal pools,

including one directly in front of the façade, adorned with fountains and water features, alongside three pools for balneotherapy.

There are also 15 treatment rooms and nine relaxation areas. Treatments use the Terme di Saturnia Method and products, an approach recognised for more than a century, which combines certified thermal water with effective manual techniques.

The centre has solar panels and three rainwater collection tanks for irrigation. There is also an advanced pool-covering system that allows for efficient temperature management.

“Terme De Montel Milano is a unique expression of authentic thermal wellness, where the healing power of natural thermal water becomes a catalyst for personal regeneration and urban renewal alike,” says spa director Federica Atza. “The project transforms a historic landmark into a contemporary source of wellbeing.”

INSIDE THE PROJECT

Terme De Montel Milano www.demontel.it

Spa size 16,000sqm

Product partners Terme di Saturnia, Active Beauty

Spa suppliers Starpool, Zucchetti, Orio Team, Soddu, Lemi Group, Myrtha Wellness, Talenti,

Federica Atza Spa director

BEST FOR LONGEVITY PROGRAMMING

Longevity Institute at Villa Eden, Merano

Set in the historic spa town of Merano, Villa Eden stands at the gateway to the Dolomites, framed by Mediterranean palms and alpine peaks. The luxury property has 25 elegant suites, Michelin-starred cuisine by Chef Marcello Corrado and an impressive selection of award-winning medical and wellness programmes.

When it opened in 1982, the original owner, Karl Schmid, pioneered the concept of a dedicated ‘beauty farm’ in Italy offering detox and medispa services. The property includes a doctor’s surgery and medical consultation room, 35 treatment rooms and hydrotherapy baths for hydro-algae therapy treatments.

Throughout the spa, led by spa manager, Denise Receku, expect to find a heated indoor swimming pool, panoramic outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, infrared sauna cabin, steam bath, a picturesque outdoor Finnish sauna overlooking the lily pond, cryotherapy tub, experience showers and refreshment area.

Evolution of longevity

This year, the team, led by the founder’s daughter, Angelika Schmid, merged its medical, beauty and fitness departments under a single identity – the Longevity Institute. This strategic transformation and multi-million-euro investment reflects an innovative vision of longevity, positioning the property at the forefront of holistic, science-led wellbeing. By bringing all disciplines together

Angelika Schmid Managing owner

INSIDE THE PROJECT

Longevity Institute at Villa Eden www.villa-eden.com

Spa size 1,500sqm

Product house Villa Eden Cosmetics, Villa Eden Nutritional Line

Spa suppliers Starpool, Hofer Group, Miazzo Elite, Tappeiner, Hotex, Lemi Group, Technogym, Zucchetti

under one name, the Longevity Institute aims to offer greater clarity, a stronger international presence and a fully integrated guest experience in which medicine, aesthetics and movement work in perfect harmony.

“Villa Eden’s Longevity Institute is a place where true longevity is approached as a personalised journey, not a standard programme,” says managing owner Angelika Schmid. “At Villa Eden we combine advanced medical expertise, cutting-edge therapies and a deeply holistic lifestyle philosophy to support guests in achieving lasting vitality, balance and inner harmony.

Every experience is tailored with precision,

because we believe that sustainable wellbeing can only be achieved when body, mind and lifestyle are treated as one.”

The property takes a science-led approach to better ageing, combining advanced diagnostics, preventive medicine and cellular regeneration with mindful movement, emotional balance and personalised lifestyle coaching.

Under the direction of medical director

Dr Emanuele De Nobili, the new offering introduces innovative signature programmes alongside advanced regenerative treatments, including Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT), a breakthrough approach to cellular renewal.

Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti

Asister property to the brand’s flagship resort in Lago di Garda, Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti opened in 2019 to great acclaim.

In April 2026, the brand entered a joint venture with Marriott International and it has properties under development in Tuscany as well as a second undisclosed site in Italy and a third in Crans-Montana in the Swiss Alps. Attracting a majority of Italian guests, the Middle East, Russia and USA are also burgeoning markets for the brand. Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti operates at 75 per cent occupancy year-round.

Founded by the trailblazing Leali family, the resort is a pioneer in sustainable wellness. It was designed as an eco-property by Alberto Apostoli, founder of Studio Apostoli, emphasising architecture in harmony with the natural environment.

A 5,000sqm spa, under the stewardship of spa director Fabrizio Castellani, is spread over four levels, including a treatment and rituals floor with 21 treatment rooms. The central World of Water and Fire – a 1,700sqm thermal area – follows a concept based on the Chinese Qi energy concept, with guests moving through the fives phases between yin and yang. The spa’s other showpiece is an indoor-outdoor pool with stunning views across the mountains and valleys.

The Lefay Spa Method

What really sets Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti apart is its bespoke programming, which is tailored to each guest

in a way many properties don’t always deliver.

“Our Lefay Spa Method blends modern scientific wellness techniques with classical Chinese medicine,” explains CEO Alcide Leali “It’s designed to provide every guest with the right tools to learn to listen to themselves and find their own path. Time is the most precious thing anyone can give – our mission is to protect and nurture guests’ time.”

The resort’s recently launched Letting Go programme reflects its responsive management’s realisation that guests’ are evolving their preferences towards self-discovery and contemplation rather than a desire to jump onto the latest trends.

“Guests are stressed, confused and overwhelmed by wellness, which so often proposes a ‘do’ attitude linked to action,” says group director of marketing and communication, Mirella Prandelli. “Letting Go helps guests get back to their inner self; to understand what they truly need to be well. The aim is to abandon the concept of control and create the space to observe, contemplate and discover.”

INSIDE THE PROJECT

Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti, Italy

https://dolomiti.lefayresorts.com

Spa size 5,000sqm

Product partners Lefay SPA, Alumier, Biosthetique, Charme d’Orient, Zao Makeup, leGalenica

Spa suppliers Hofer Group, Lemi Group, Esteteam Intraceuticals (aesthetic equipment), Technogym

Alcide Leali, Chairman and brand ambassador

Taking Pilates to the next level

Technogym Reform, the debut Pilates product from the Italian wellness brand, offers a stylish and innovative new take on the traditional reformer

Aworld-leading brand for wellness, fitness and health, Technogym has revealed its first Pilates equipment. Introducing stylish design and invention into the booming world of reformer Pilates, Technogym Reform combines technological innovation with years of experience in wellness design for a unique and intuitive training experience.

“Technogym Reform represents the culmination of 40 years of wellness innovation,” says company president, founder and CEO, Nerio Alessandri (pictured right). “By collaborating with the world’s top instructors and integrating a seamless digital

experience through the Technogym App, we have revolutionised the traditional reformer Pilates method. The result is a product that offers fluidity of movement and a uniquely connected experience. Technogym Reform provides unparalleled guidance, setting a new standard for what’s possible in a Pilates workout, all within a piece of design that elevates the appeal of any space.”

The origins of Pilates

Invented by Joseph Pilates during the First World War, when he adapted hospital beds with springs to help rehabilitate patients, Pilates focuses on controlled movement and deep

body awareness to improve posture, increase flexibility and muscle tone. Over the years, the discipline has evolved and is now booming in the wellness space. Statistics show the number of businesses offering reformer Pilates in the UK alone rose ten-fold between 2024 and 2025.

Optimal body control

Thanks to quick and intuitive adjustments, Technogym Reform ensures optimal body control, allowing for fluid transitions between exercises

This page: the stylish and highly functional new product allows for easy adjustment during workouts

About the brand

Founded in 1983 in Italy, Technogym is a world-leading brand for fitness, wellness, sport and health. It offers a complete ecosystem of connected smart fitness equipment, digital services, training content and apps for a fully personalised workout experience, anywhere and anytime. Technogym is present in more than 100 countries, with its sector-leading equipment in 100,000 wellness centres worldwide.

bar and springs are designed for easy adjustment during workouts, to limit interruptions and ensure training is accessible for users of all levels, from beginners to experts.

The foot bar has a patent-pending quick-tilting system with four positions as well as a sliding mechanism with nine configurations, to provide better support for vertical positioning.

On demand and on trend

On the Technogym App, on-demand videos, curated for every fitness level and goal, offer a guided, immersive Pilates experience anytime, anywhere.

Technogym Reform is available in three colourways – sandstone, pearl grey and diamond black – to suit the aesthetic of any environment. With a comfortable, functional yet elegant ergonomic design, it’s made from eco-friendly materials including wood, aluminium and vegan leather, and uses high-performance marine ropes for stability and durability.

BE INFORMED...

To discover more about how Technogym can elevate your spa or wellness destination, visit: www.technogym.com

Opposite page: Technogym Reform has been developed alongside the world’s top Pilates instructors

Spas | Galgorm Resort, Northern Ireland

Down by the river

It is no coincidence that Galgorm Resort is one of the UK’s most awarded spas, but how does a business at the top of its game continue to stay ahead?

REPORT BY WENDY GOLLEDGE

There aren’t many accolades the Thermal Spa Village at Galgorm Resort in Ballymena hasn’t won. Nestled along the banks of the River Maine near Belfast in Northern Ireland, it spans four gardens and offers an exhaustive array of experiences, from private riverside hot tubs to invigorating aufguss rituals in the Celtic sauna – and that’s all before guests even set foot inside.

Throw in some flawless Irish hospitality and a wide array of treatments, and it’s a recipe for success. But how does such a vast spa continue to push the boundaries in an ever-evolving industry?

European Spa meets Galgorm’s associate director of spa operations, Tara Moore, to discuss the resort’s growth and evolution.

“The spa I started off managing was very small, nothing like what we have here today,” Moore says. “Even from that small footprint we could tell there was a huge appetite for spa services. Galgorm’s

owners, Nicky and Paul Hill, are unique in that they’re always willing to take risks on new things and invest in their ideas, hence the creation of the Thermal Spa Village 11 years ago.”

Spoilt for choice

Galgorm’s Thermal Spa Village boasts such an array of hot and cold spa experiences that it’s easy to miss one. From saunas to a snow cabin to the Palm House and River House relaxation spaces, to the salt cave and forest sauna, guests are spoilt for choice. There are private riverside bathing tubs, indoor and outdoor pools, a vitality pool, secluded cabanas and experience showers. Inside, the Spa at Galgorm features 18 treatment rooms and has two Gharieni Satori loungers.

Over the last decade, the Thermal Spa Village has expanded to include areas such as the Alpine and Walled gardens and private spa areas next to the

weir, plus a new Forest Spa Garden. Opened last year, this sits on the other side of the river and has four cabanas with water beds, three hot tubs and a forest sauna.

The resort operates at around 94 per cent occupancy and regularly accommodates in excess of 500 spa visitors a day. “That’s members, hotel residents and day spa guests,” says Moore. “We have 350 members and a waiting list as long as your arm. I believe our popularity has remained strong as we continually add to our spa and change up the offer to create new experiences. People come back because there’s always something different here.”

Striking a balance

With so many social spaces, four interlinked gardens and a significant throughput of guests, Moore and her team work hard to ensure there’s a balanced feel to the Thermal Spa Village. “We have created areas very obviously dedicated to tranquillity and are mindful to ensure guests know that certain spaces are for certain things. There’s a different feeling in each garden that you go to,” she says.

“We continually add to our spa and change up the offer to create new experiences. People come back because there’s always something different here.”

Tara

Moore Associate director of spa operations, Galgorm Resort

“So, for example, in the Palm House in the walled garden, there’s music playing and it’s a very social atmosphere, perfect for a chat over a cocktail with friends. Then the Forest Spa Garden is secluded, enveloped in nature, with very private cabanas to relax or take a nap in.”

Wherever possible, guests are cared for on a one-to-one basis. “Even though we can see in excess of 500 people a day, I am always conscious that we welcome each person as if they’re our only guest, and give them some guidance, so we don’t lose our personal touch,” says Moore.

There are, of course, countless challenges to operating at such a scale. “We’re in a state of

Above from left: thermal bathing in the Forest Spa Garden; taking in the view from the Salt Cave

A partnership built on friendship and innovation

Noella Gabriel, CEO and co-founder of Elemis, discusses the brand’s long-standing partnership with Galgorm

What’s unique about the relationship between Elemis and Galgorm?

Our partnership is built on genuine friendship and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences through innovation, expertise and wellness.

Thanks to Tara’s team, Galgorm’s renowned spa experiences offer a distinctive environment where guests can reconnect with nature; we then complement this with our holistic approach to skincare and wellbeing, creating a natural synergy and a seamless relationship between the two brands.

By continually refining our treatments, rituals and guest experiences, we create meaningful moments that meet the needs of today’s guests while remaining focused on the future.

From where does Elemis take inspiration for the unique rituals at Galgorm?

Through expert touch, luxurious textures and natural aromatics, the therapists at Galgorm, led by Tara, are dedicated to creating moments in time and places of escape that support guests’ overall wellbeing.

How do you add meaning to the guest experience?

Today’s spa guests come with a wide range of wellbeing goals, making it more important than ever to create experiences that feel relevant, engaging and inclusive. Together, we are constantly exploring new ways to enhance the experience, ensuring guests can access the right expertise, support and results at every stage of their wellness journey.

We looked beyond traditional treatments to create rituals inspired by the sensory elements that define the Galgorm experience. From the calming sound of flowing water and expansive open-air spaces to the power of touch and aromatics, every detail was carefully considered to create a deeper connection to the surroundings while delivering the proven efficacy Elemis is known for.

The result is a collection of signature rituals that bring both brands to life at every touchpoint, creating memorable experiences and results that guests can see and feel, inside and out. www.elemis.com

Clockwise from above: Galgorm has embraced the art of aufguss; the Spa at Galgorm runs 18 treatment rooms; Elements stages special events and launches

permanent maintenance; there’s never any down time,” Moore says. “Our team ensures every facility runs smoothly – with 48 spa experiences the list never ends! We also strive to stay at the forefront of sustainability; we have solar power and are working on hydro power too, and we update our offerings to be more environmentally sound whenever we can. It’s about keeping costs down and running efficiently, without ever cutting corners.”

Growing at pace

Moore moved into her current role as associate director of spa operations last November. “Having started off working in guest liaison at Galgorm, where I thought I’d stay for about six months, I’ll have been here 14 years in September,” she reveals. “I moved into duty management roles before becoming spa manager. Galgorm’s CEO, Colin Johnston, has always been a great support.”

Moore’s remit now includes helping to oversee the business’s spa expansion plans – both at Galgorm Resort and at Galgorm Collection’s Roe Valley Resort in Limavady, Co Londonderry where there are plans to create a new adults-only spa. Roe Valley is a family-focused resort that currently operates without

Aufguss: a thermal adventure

Galgorm has embraced the UK’s burgeoning sauna culture and was one of the first spas to begin offering aufguss rituals as part of daily programming, eight years ago. “It was in fact our owners who first got the aufguss bug,” says Moore. “I remember a conversation about ‘towel waving in the sauna’ and being thoroughly confused; I thought they were joking! Now we run 21 sauna rituals a week and our sauna masters, my son Zak Moore (pictured left) and Jack Strange, were crowned Team Performance Champions at the 2026 UK Aufguss Championships. They will now represent the UK at the Aufguss World Masters Playoffs in the Netherlands this August. “Eight years ago, our guests would shy away. I’d hear them saying: ‘oh no, I can’t sit in a sauna for 12 minutes!’ But we invested heavily in our sauna masters, sent them to leading spas where sauna culture is their day-to-day, like Farris Bad in Norway, and gradually we’ve built a following. Now we have people queuing to go in and even coming to the spa just because we offer aufguss.”

Speed of Expectation, where revenue is optimized in real-time as guest demand evolves. Intelligent and provide insights to adjust availability and pricing to deliver the precision today’s guests expect—without friction or guesswork. AI driven algorithms continuously minimize booking gaps behind the scenes, protecting sta time, maximizing resources, and capturing revenue.

Imagine no more… now you can.

a spa, but Moore confirms plans are being drawn up and work is scheduled to begin in the autumn. There will be a steam room, an outdoor swimming pool with a swim-up bar and treatment rooms.

At the Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, Co Down, Galgorm Collection’s oldest building, the small treetop spa is set for an extension. There are also plans to extend the spa at the Rabbit Hotel in Templepatrick, Co Antrim. “It has four treatment rooms, three rasuls and hot tubs for private bathing

experiences, which we’d like to add to,” says Moore.

Over the next three years, plans for Galgorm Resort include an all-glass relaxation building called Reflections. Suspended above the forest floor and mirroring the trees, river and sky, inside there will be a real fire and sculpted lounging beds. The Potting Shed, a modern take on a Victorian greenhouse, will also be built at the forest edge near open meadowland to offer dining and lounging areas.

“Hidden deep within the woods, we’re also building a large, event-sized, tiered circular sauna so we can offer a wider programme of immersive rituals,” says Moore. “And the Crystal Lake will provide open-water bathing fed by a natural spring and filtered through reeds. Around the shoreline, there will be sunken hot tubs for a warm contrast to the cool lake.

“We’re constantly reviewing everything; there’s always a progression, whether it’s new tech like the Ghareini Satori loungers we’ve installed in the treatment area, or a new thermal offering. Our owners never stand still.”

From above: the Crystal Lake will provide open-water bathing; Galgorm Resort spreads over 550 acres along the River Maine

indoor.technoalpin.com www.indoor.technoalpin.com

Take the chance to truly transform

Guest contributor Adam Mogelonsky describes what’s needed for spas to offer transformative experiences that facilitate reflection and lasting change in their guests

It will come as a shock to no one that people are willing to pay a premium for great experiences. While thoughtful, multisensorial wellness design is a baseline requirement in today’s hospitality landscape, this wasn’t so intuitively understood when B Joseph Pine and James H Gilmore published The Experience Economy in 1999. Hence, I was eagerly awaiting Pine’s 2026 sequel, The Transformation Economy, a book that can herald lucrative applications for enhancing spas and profoundly helping guests.

A toast to savouring every moment

Transformative hotel or spa experiences don’t necessarily need to be elaborate performances. After I stayed at Lanserhof Tegernsee last autumn, I could wax poetic for months about the resort’s design and amenities. Many others would focus on how this resort changes a guest’s relationship with food, in addition to delivering a measurably effective gut microbiome revitalisation inside of seven days. For me, it was the buckwheat toast.

As nutrient dense as carbs can come, the team’s nudge to fully masticate said toast revealed depths of flavour I never thought possible in a simple grain. It was both surprising and revealing of how something so outwardly quotidian could be elevated in a way to make me yearn for similar foods where I could yet again savor every millisecond. In hospitality, they say to first master the basics, so this is definitely something to chew on!

ADAM MOGELONSKY EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR

Adam Mogelonsky is a strategic advisor for spa owners and developers who takes a holistic approach to grow net profitability. His work encompasses capital planning, repositioning, new build conceptualisation, wellness, longevity, technology and marketing. He formed Hotel Mogel Consulting alongside his father, Larry, in 2015, taking a comprehensive approach to the complexities of the modern hotel tech ecosystems and helping hotels profit from the latest trends in wellness and current longevity medicine breakthroughs. www.hotelmogel.com

“Metamorphosis designates experiences that foundationally reconfigure a person’s identity. So much so, there’s a clear before-and-after demarcation, with the experience itself acting as the chrysalis.”

As with many trends in hospitality, though, what’s cool and meaningful can quickly be ‘washed’, homogenised and overused. We’ve seen this with terms like wellness (wellwashing), sustainability (greenwashing) and increasingly with longevity. Now it’s happening with transformation and the concept of transformational travel. Let’s be clear: transformation, as it relates to a hotel, spa stay or any other iteration, is the process of using experiences to inspire then change guests, so that they improve their lives back home or find deeper purpose in this ever-more insane world.

Adam Mogelonsky

From the customer’s perspective, transformational travel is the act of expressly seeking a destination or itinerary that will offer these new perspectives to augment their daily life. If there’s no perceived change, there’s no transformation. It’s an experience, a ritual, a spa break… but it’s not transformational. True, it can be restorative, relaxing or rejuvenating, but this doesn’t mean a guest will thenceforth make adjustments to their habits. It can also be transporting, in that the experience moves a guest into an altered state, but this again doesn’t directly imply transformation. This distinction in nomenclature is critical because it forces us to scrutinise how we design our experiences so that they are in fact inspirational, educational,

Left: Lanserhof Tegernsee offers impressive facilities and design, but it was its buckwheat toast and mastication guidance that led to Adam Mogelonsky’s transformative experience

Transformative hotels already abound

Transformation through wellness experiences is not a revolutionary concept; we’ve been doing it intentionally and unintentionally since the dawn of hospitality. To double click on how to get underway, it’s about meticulously upgrading your activities to add transformative cues and extensions.

One example of success is Modern Elder Academy: a case study in B Joseph Pine’s The Transformation Economy, this brand with two ‘campuses’ strives to reinvigorate a sense of purpose in those struggling through midlife and those contending with nowoutdated frameworks like retirement and materialism.

At BodyHoliday Saint Lucia, if you look beyond the picture-perfect secluded beach, the glamorous spa, the ample sports programming and sense of community, you find numerous transformational wellness experiences, hiding in plain sight. What got me was the I-TAL experience – an idyllic, immersive permaculture and agroforestry culinary class. It supercharged my belief in the healing power of phytochemicals and synergistic eating. Food really is medicine!

enlightening and all other attributes we may ascribe to this titular word.

Unpicking metamorphic journeys

Pine brings his must-read sequel to a close with a discussion of the pinnacle of transformation – metamorphosis. Aside from being a beguiling word to slip into executive committee meetings, metamorphosis designates experiences that foundationally reconfigure a person’s identity. So much so, there’s a clear before-andafter demarcation, with the experience itself acting as the chrysalis.

I believe this is where peak wellness is headed. Metamorphic journeys that give guests – or aspirants as they are called in Pine’s book – the combination of immediately tangible as well as long-lasting health and wellbeing benefits. But be warned, this is a step beyond recovery; for metamorphosis, guests need to be challenged with novel and often-exertive interactions. It’s a tad risky but, when successful,

Right: BodyHoliday St Lucia delivers an immersive permaculture class that conveys the power of synergistic eating

you will win customers for life.

Let’s use massage as an example. By itself, a massage has the potential to be a great experience that’s relaxing and rejuvenating. You are greeted by a friendly receptionist, relax in a lounge and drink some tea – take in the sense of place. Maybe you lie on a PEMF recliner while you wait, engage in a convivial conversation with the therapist or you enjoy a marble-walled shower with great cosmetics. You hopefully unleash a glowing smile on your way out.

All this is wonderful, but what makes it transformative? What within the experience enables guests to undergo a metamorphosis? How does it leave the guest with the encouragement to live better back home?

Maybe the proof is in the skincare products, wherein the massage could

“Every wellness experience has a different level of potency towards being transformational, so imagineering each towards this outcome must be treated on a case-by-case basis” Adam Mogelonsky

be bundled with a culinary tutorial that allows participants to taste the natural ingredients used in the formulation while they blend their own essential oil, serum or cream. This would be made even better in a group setting to bring in that social wellness equality. I know of a prominent skincare company that’s doing just this.

Such tactile experiences are definitely on the right track but still lack elements purposefully designed to elevate how guests heal once back at home.

Facilitating reflection

Every wellness experience has a different level of potency towards being transformational, so imagineering each towards this outcome must be treated on a case-by-case basis. If I can offer one commonality, it’s the ability for an

experience to facilitate reflection.

This is how memories solidify and new habits are reinforced. From a design perspective, reflection requires space, stillness and the opportunity for quiet moments away from the addictive distractions of social media or the grind of the working week.

Reflection also takes time and because it so often occurs long after a trip has passed. Reminders may be in order, whether they are delivered by a CRM campaign, personal outreach or even a gift.

I should emphasise that it’s wholly within your grasp to evolve your wellness offering to take on a transformative element. The key is to think long and hard about how you will cajole guests to change their lifestyle, as well as allowing room to reflect as real change is always slow.

Business Insight Adam Mogelonsky, Hotel Mogel Consulting

Right from below: the transformational power of touch at Lanserhof Tegernsee; guests get hands on with superfood preparation at BodyHoliday St Lucia

WellnessTrends

EUROPEAN SPA SPOTLIGHTS THE LATEST GLOBAL TRENDS AND NEWS

Edited by Mark Smith

Mayrlife Altaussee steps up support for weight-loss

Anew GLP-1 Lifestyle Integration Program at Mayrlife Medical Health Resort Altaussee in Austria combines advanced diagnostics, modern Mayr Medicine and bespoke lifestyle strategies to help guests undergoing GLP-1 therapy to meet their long-term goals. The programme shifts the focus away from prescription and toward integrative health, supporting the body as it adapts to weight loss and metabolic change.

Functional metabolic analysis, targeted strength and recovery training, and tailored nutrition plans work to preserve muscle mass, stabilise metabolism and build habits that endure long after medication has ceased.

Delivering holistic support

Available from seven nights, the programme includes a medical examination to determine a personalised plan. Guests undergo advanced diagnostics to measure

basal metabolic rate, while 3D-Bodyscans track physical composition and postural changes. Bespoke nutrition plans are complemented by infusion therapy to support micronutrient replenishment. Cryotherapy sessions, movement therapy and tailored training help preserve strength and functional capacity, while detoxifying rituals support the body’s natural elimination processes. www.mayrlife.com

“GLP-1 therapies can be a powerful catalyst for change, but their true potential unfolds only when they are embedded in a structured, medically guided lifestyle regimen.”

Dr Dieter Resch CEO, Mayrlife Medical Health Resort Altaussee

It’s written in the stars

As guests seek new levels of spiritual wellbeing, spa operators are turning to astrologists to guide retreats, perform readings and set programming. We explore this astral trend...

Self-discovery and spirituality are on the rise, so spas are widening their remit to take guidance from the stars and offer guests birth-chart readings and zodiac-inspired wellness retreats led by resident astrologists.

TripAdvisor’s 2025 Trendcast reported that searches for bookings containing words such as ‘astrology’, ‘tarot’ and ‘full moon’ rose more than 500 per cent over two years, showing how spiritual and celestial themes are shaping wellness travel itineraries.

At Miraval Austin Resort & Spa in Texas, US, Lynn Carroll-Rivera leads an astrology-focused programme. Also stateside, Wildflower Farms, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, offers guests 30 and 60-minute astrological readings.

The Spa at Serenbe in Georgia takes it one step further with astrological counselling, while Meera Spa at Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives matches spa therapies with Vedic astrology.

“Astrology can help people make sense of the big picture,” says prominent New York astrologist and best-selling author, Constance Stellas. “In addition to personalised readings an astrologer can outline how the earth is

changing and balancing. As you relax and unwind you may feel a new sense of what your place in this evolving, global society is.”

Signs of wellbeing

In the UK, SenSpa at Careys Manor offers a Star Treatment Spa Day including a 60-minute ritual tailored to the guest’s zodiac element. For example, earth signs have relaxation massages, air signs receive an Ayurvedic head massage. Their visit also includes a subscription to an astrology app.

Hiddenwell, the hospitality group that operates Hoar Cross Hall Spa & Hotel and Eden Hall Day Spa, has unveiled Your Spa Future 2026 – a new astrologically inspired wellness campaign created with leading astrologer and author Emma Howarth.

“Astrology provides a fresh and engaging way to connect with guests who are

From top: Miraval Austin in Texas offers astrology-led programming; in the UK, Hiddenwell has developed Your Spa Future 2026

increasingly looking for experiences that feel personal, meaningful and aligned with their wellbeing goals,” says Phil Murphy, managing director at Hoar Cross Hall by Hiddenwell. “Astrology-inspired wellness experiences offer an additional layer of self-reflection and personalisation.”

Reading demand

Belinda Matwali is an astrologer and holistic therapist who has worked with Six Senses Ibiza and offers personalised readings and retreats. She has noted an increase in awareness and demand for astrology-based services. “We’re in such uncertain times right now, which I feel is another driver for people to go deeper into astrology,” Matwali says. “People want to know what might happen next for them, or where are we going as a collective.”

Part of the Maybourne Group, Surrenne

has also embraced changing guest demand.

“Recently, we hosted the Spring Equinox Retreat at Surrenne Riviera with Belinda and the response was extraordinary,” says Hattie David-Wilkinson, global head of wellness and longevity at Maybourne.

Getting down to business

Matwali notes that astrology presents a real opportunity for spas and wellness destinations. “It’s perfect for the super-individualised kind of sessions that people often want, especially in luxury settings.” she explains.

“The key from a business perspective is understanding that this is a very specialised field of study,” adds David-Wilkinson. “Working with visiting practitioners like Belinda, who bring genuine depth and years of study and expertise, allows us to be able to offer services, events and experiences that we know will be truly transformative for our guests.”

www.miravalresorts.com

www.auberge.com www.spaatserenbe.com www.gili-lankanfushi.com

www.constancestellas.com

www.careysmanor.com www.hiddenwell.com www.belindamatwali.com www.maybourne.com

From top: a labyrinth journey at Miraval Austin; astrologer and holistic therapist Belinda Matwali; a Your Spa Future 2026 ritual from Hiddenwell

...and breathe: NADairX launches inhalable NAD+ delivery system

NADairX is a new therapeutic inhaler concept designed to provide consistent systemic exposure to NAD+, which is designed to support cellular health and combat fatigue. The inhaler delivers 60mg of NAD+ directly to the lungs, allowing rapid absorption into the bloodstream while bypassing digestive barriers that can limit oral supplementation.

Each capsule contains a precisely measured dose of NAD+, supporting consistent and repeatable delivery.

NADairX was co-founded by Erin Lee, wellness entrepreneur and founder of the Touchless Wellness Association, and Iain De Havilland, longevity researcher and founder of NADclinic.

The concept is supported by NADclinic, which assisted with its development after recognising the potential of pulmonary delivery to help broaden access to NAD+ therapies while expanding its longevity product portfolio.

The initial rollout of NADairX will focus on B2B partners, including longevity clinics, wellness operators, recovery centres and fitness facilities. www.nadairx.com

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan to hold Transformative Silent Retreats

Led by resident healers, a six-night Transformative Silent Retreat series is to be held once a month at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan.

The immersive journey is designed for solo travellers seeking clarity, balance and reconnection. Guests will be able to disconnect from modern life and rediscover inner peace in the tranquil setting alongside Bali’s revered Ayung River.

The resort’s resident wellness mentor, former Buddhist nun Ibu Fera, guides the experience alongside a skilled team of practitioners and local healers. Drawing on the island’s spiritual traditions, a gentle digital-detox programme includes meditation, kundalini yoga, chakra balancing, in-villa floating breakfasts and deeply restorative spa rituals in the recently reimagined Sacred River Spa.

Guests hand their mobile phones in at the front desk and television and wi-fi are removed from the villas to ensure total mental and emotional restoration. Connection comes from a deeper awareness of self and surroundings, as well as cultural experiences. www.fourseasons.com

SpaFest returns for 2026

The immersive educational festival returns in September to focus on ‘people, planet and purpose’

Since its inception in 2017, SpaFest has been hailed as an immersive educational festival that celebrates wellbeing, sustainability, innovation and human connection.

Designed for the spa, salon, wellness and hospitality industries, the event returns to Carden Park in Cheshire this year from September 7-8. It will bring together business leaders, therapists, spa operators, wellness pioneers and purpose-driven brands for two days of learning, collaboration and meaningful conversation.

All profits support a one-day retreat for people living with cancer, curated by the Made for Life Foundation charity. Attendees can also earn CPD points awarded by HABIA.

“SpaFest is about shaping a healthier future for the wellness industry – commercially, emotionally and environmentally – in a way that feels authentic, uplifting and highly relevant,” says Amanda Winwood, founder of SpaFest and the Made for Life Foundation.

Sustainable change for a healthier world

This year’s theme explores how the wellness sector can lead positive change through sustainable and collaborative business practices, inclusive wellbeing experiences and more conscious leadership.

The speaker line-up for 2026 features

“SpaFest is about shaping a healthier future for the wellness industry – commercially, emotionally and environmentally –in a way that feels authentic, uplifting and highly relevant.”

Amanda Winwood Founder, SpaFest

thought leaders and change-makers from across the wellness and hospitality sectors. Winwood is set to explore why people, not programmes, will shape the future of wellbeing, while Oriele Frank, co-founder of Elemis, will discuss why sustainability is non-negotiable.‘Spa Whisperer’ Nigel Franklyn will discuss building wellness businesses that really perform, and Phytome Life Sciences’ Dr Sebastian Vaughan will explore the future of plant-based medicine. Rich Driffield and Kerry King from the Joshua Tree Children’s Charity and Mark Flannery from Look Good Feel Better will discuss what inclusive wellbeing truly looks like.

Book your place now

Tickets for SpaFest 2026 can be booked at www.madeforlifefoundation.org/ spafest-2026

European Spa readers can secure a 10 per cent discount using the code: EuropeanSpa10 (offer open until July 21)

Porto Elounda set to resume fitness retreat with Common Bond

Following the success of their first collaboration, Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort in Crete has partnered with Common Bond for a second year to offer an exclusive fitness and wellness retreat.

Common Bond’s team of expert trainers will lead guests in Barrecore, KOBOX, Triyoga and Reformcore, offering participants a premium and well-rounded fitness and wellness experience.

Activities also include dynamic and restorative yoga classes, barre classes, mat Pilates, strength training, group HIIT sessions and challenging reformer Pilates classes, as well as mindfulness sessions and sunset sound-bath experiences.

Guests will also have the chance to enjoy the resort’s newly revamped gym, beach water sports and activities, including Padel and tennis, during their rejuvenating stay.

The programme allows time for rest and recovery, with each guest receiving a massage at the hotel’s Six Senses spa, as well as unlimited access to the resort’s thalassotherapy pool and thermal suite. www.portoelounda.com | www.thecommonbond.co

The Spa at South Lodge makes a splash with wild swimming programme

Located in the heart of rural West Sussex, UK, the Spa at South Lodge has launched a wild swimming programme set in the property’s own natural lake.

Guests can join in a Wild Swimming Spa Day that includes a swim session, hot chocolate, lunch and use of the hotel’s thermal experiences in addition to a 60-minute body wrap or body scrub treatment to relax, restore and recharge.

For an even more immersive experience, a twice-yearly Wild Swimming Weekend offers new or experienced open-water swimmers a full day of expert coaching from Ella Foote, the Dip Advisor and editor of Outdoor Swimmer magazine. She will help to build confidence, skills and knowledge to safely embrace cold-water swimming and its health benefits.

The weekend package includes a full day of coaching, use of dry robes, wet suits, tow floats, lunch at Botanica, an overnight stay with spa access, brunch and a Sunday morning wild swim session. One-to-one coaching can also be arranged on request. www.exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge

https://try.be

Spirit of the steam

European Spa attends the UK Aufguss Championship at Galgorm Resort in Northern Ireland to investigate the ritual that’s taking spas by storm

REPORT BY WENDY GOLLEDGE

They say everyone remembers their first time… my first aufguss experience was an impromptu session at the then newly opened Bothy at Heckfield Place. Since that day, it’s safe to say I’ve well and truly got the bug. And it would seem I am far from the only one. Aufguss is the ‘new’ spa ritual everyone’s talking about, but of course it’s not new at all. The act of pouring water over heated sauna stones to create steam dates back thousands of years. Modern

aufguss is thought to have originated in Europe in the mid-20th century and, until recently, was largely unknown outside Central European spa culture. Its explosion in popularity is due in part to the growing demand for communal, social wellness experiences, but also to rising stress levels leading people to seek more immersive ways to switch off. This has been boosted by younger generations, who are increasingly seeking ways to socialise that don’t involve technology or alcohol.

One of the ten trends to watch in the European Spa Platinum Resource 2025, the aufguss experience is unlike anything a standard sauna session can offer, and it’s now resonating with wellness seekers on a scale few other disciplines can claim.

A competitive edge

The Aufguss WM World Championships was founded in 2017 to professionalise the discipline; it has grown to see 20 countries competing in 2026. The UK first took part in 2022, with just five competitors at the qualifiers. Fast forward four years and 11 competitors travelled to Galgorm Resort in Northern Ireland for this year’s qualifiers.

For the first time, there were two elements to the competition – performance aufguss and the new modern classic category. The latter celebrates the ritual’s roots and encourages contestants to strip back the costumes and props to focus purely on the fundamentals: music, ritual, essential oils and masterful towel waving to produce refined heat

distribution for maximum effect.

“The UK aufguss community has grown in such a positive way,” says Deborah Carr, lead for the UK’s Aufguss WM programme, director at the British Sauna Society and founder of Anada Spa and Wellness. “Taking part competitively is a great way to encourage up-and-coming homegrown talent to improve and push themselves. They realise they’re part of a global community, which gives them something to strive for.”

Hitting high standards

This year’s winners were Kyle Buttner from Sweheat Sauna in London, who triumphed in the singles performance aufguss category and will now travel to the Aufguss WM Finals at Satama Sauna Resort,

Above from opposite page: performance aufguss competitor Dan Lawson of the Nomadic Sauna in Brighton; Chandler Fox from Alpamare in Scarborough; ice balls and whisking branches are the aufguss master’s tools

Germany in September. In the team performance competition, Galgorm’s Zak Moore and Jack Strange qualified for the play-offs at Thermen Bussloo in the Netherlands in August.

Meg Hopkinson from Soul Water Sauna in Edinburgh, Scotland took the win for her ethereal modern classic performance, earning a place in the World Finals to be held at Farris Bad in Norway in October.

“Four years in, the standard of competitor in the UK has increased hugely,” says Lasse Eriksen, Aufguss WM president and lead judge at the UK event. “Every year, the points are increasing thanks to the dedication of UK sauna masters. The British are the storytellers of Europe; now we’re witnessing that culture and that history moving into the sauna. While other countries bring the techniques or the scents, the UK brings the stories.”

This page, clockwise from

right: Modern classic winner Meg Hopkinson, from Soul Water Sauna in Edinburgh; Zak Moore from Galgorm, who won in the performance aufguss team category; Meg Hopkinson (centre) with Deborah Carr (left) and Lasse Eriksen (right); Chandler Fox preparing ice balls; the judges and event team

This year’s international competition jury also included Christina Boring of Denmark and Caroline Schraag from the Netherlands, as well as Heonsok Kim, who is vice-president of the Japanese Sauna Association.

A boost for spa businesses

According to Carr, for operators, hosting competition-level aufguss is a way to spread the bug to new audiences. She says that venues offering regular, high-quality aufguss ceremonies consistently report it becomes one of the most popular elements of their offering.

“All it takes is one great ritual,” Carr explains.

“Looking at the Galgorm guests, the awe on their faces when they came out of a session was just amazing to see; they were blown away. Aufguss engages every sense; it blends heat, steam, movement, music, theatre, scents, all with a healthy dose of communal bonding. Nobody’s sitting in that sauna worrying about their emails or life beyond that moment; it’s that combined effect which is nothing short of addictive.”

“In the wellness universe, there’s always something new and trending,” adds Eriksen. “At the moment,

Below from left: Jena Robinson from Rudding Park; the 2026 UK Aufguss Championship competitors and sponsors with the Galgorm team at the closing awards ceremony

Aufguss training… where to begin

Interest in aufguss sauna sessions has increased by over 30 per cent in the past year, emerging as part of a wider expansion in sauna culture.

According to the British Sauna Society, the number of sauna sites across the UK has grown from 45 in 2023 to more than 600 in 2026, with new locations continuing to open each week. Leading aufuss training partners in the UK include:

Anada is a UK spa and wellness brand that offers a full aufguss and sauna master certification programme, led by Deborah Carr. www.anada.co.uk/education-and-courses

Sauna Master UK is led by Katie Bracher, who runs regular training events at Wild Spa Wowo in Sussex. www.wildspawowo.co.uk/training

its longevity; everyone’s talking about how to live longer and stronger. I believe that actually living, having memorable moments and experiences, is what’s most important for a long, healthy life. There are countless studies showing the benefits of sauna for living longer. But people don’t fall in love with sauna rituals because of the studies. They fall in love with the feeling and come back time and again to recreate that buzz.

“In Norway we believe the steam, which we call löyly, connects you to the spirit of life. It keeps you present, makes it difficult to worry about anything else. No one’s making guests stay in the sauna, they can leave anytime, yet so often they don’t. What makes them stay? They’re in the moment, they feel connected to others, they feel an addictive high afterwards – that’s the magic of aufguss.”

This page, clockwise from below: Alison Yates from Hoar Cross Hall in Derbyshire competing in the performance aufguss category; modern classic contestant Charlotte Jalley of the Nomadic Sauna; father and son, Lasse and Iver Eriksen; visiting Aufguss WM champion Robert Zidek

Diary dates: It’s competition time

n The Aufguss WM playoffs will be held at Thermen Bussloo in the Netherlands from August 27-30.

n The Aufguss WM finals take place at Satama Sauna Resort and Spa in Germany from September 14-20.

n The finals of the Modern Classic cup will be at Farris Bad in Norway from October 1-4.

Nurturing the next generation of aufguss talent

The sauna ceremony boom brings clear commercial benefits to spas getting involved. Aufguss attracts new audiences, adds value to the spa experience, improves operational flow and encourages guests to stay longer than they otherwise might.

Equally, with staff attraction and retention both ongoing issues, aufguss is a way for operators to offer career development beyond the treatment room, creating new opportunities for CPD.

“Aufguss gives you so much more than a traditional spa role; it builds confidence, creativity and I love the connection with guests – you create an experience they genuinely remember,” says Zak Moore, sauna master at Galgorm. “It’s a skill that opens doors internationally and gives you a real sense of progression early in your career. Competing pushes you even further to raise your standards and constantly improve. I have also been able to travel and learn from the best, which I will never forget.”

This year’s modern classic winner, Meg Hopkinson,

adds: “Training in aufguss gives sauna masters a chance to bring their personalities, creativity and skills to their work. The training itself provides a deep understanding of safe sauna practice and I love that. For those of us with busy brains who can struggle to switch off, it entertains the mind while giving the body a chance to rest. Competitions bring visibility and awareness to what we do, giving more people the chance to experience it.”

But can the UK compete on the global stage? Eriksen believes so. “Growing world champions starts with management,” he says. “If your aufguss masters feel 100 per cent supported and believed in, their potential is infinite. Look at your infrastructure, your pay structure, your culture, your career path – if you put the right things in place, you can create world-level competitors.”

Above from left: Galgorm’s sauna master, Zak Moore warms up for the competition; spectators filled the Celtic Sauna to witness the championship event

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SPA

Edited by Wendy Golledge

Double sauna adds Scandinavian design to spa gardens

Designed to deliver a standalone thermal experience that is defined by natural light, space and sweeping views, the handcrafted Double Panoramic Sauna from Iglucraft reflects contemporary Scandinavian-inspired design.

A scenic picture window and a glass partition between the sauna and relaxation area create an open, airy feel while maintaining a private retreat atmosphere for up to six people. All Iglucraft saunas are hand-made

in Estonia using natural timber and traditional craftsmanship. The brand’s products are designed to integrate seamlessly within modern, landscaped wellness environments.

The Double Panoramic Sauna can be paired with a matching wood-fired hot tub (pictured) made from the same traditional shingle techniques and durable natural materials.

All of Iglucrafts’s structures incorporate an element of roundness

that is said to mimic the continually evolving path of nature in a world that’s becoming ever more structured and regulated. In the sauna, this curved shape also means the steam travels upwards to the ceiling, drifting slowly downwards and filling the entire room with an even heat. From a build and operational perspective, the structures are designed for longevity and require minimal maintenance.

www.iglucraft.com

EDITOR’S PICK

Ultra 1 Reform RX-S

NordicTrack

A new connected Pilates system, Ultra 1 Reform RX-S from NordicTrack is a precision engineered Pilates reformer. It has a built-in HD touchscreen and access to the iFIT platform content library, which has more than 75 immersive reformer Pilates workouts by world-renowned instructors.

Ultra 1 Reform RX-S has a Smart Spine System with an enclosed spring that reduces the risk of pinching, recoil or injury for users during high-tension movements. The covered mechanisms also protect the springs from sweat and dust, ensuring durability and reliable performance.

“The NordicTrack Ultra Reformer Series is more than just new equipment, it’s unlocking a new way to move,” says Kevin Duffy, CEO of iFIT. “We are making the Pilates studio experience more personalised and accessible.”

The system has a patented push-button resistance adjustment, so users can easily adjust spring tension, and an ultra-quiet carriage glide to ensure the iFIT content remains the focal point. It provides real-time on-screen feedback, calculating workout power output as well as current and recommended resistance. www.nordictrack.com

Vidarium

LivinGlobe

The Vidarium from LivinGlobe is an immersive wellness experience that comprises surround sound with floor-to-ceiling cinematic projections, spatial music and soundscapes with healing frequencies.

Vidarium’s visual offerings can be integrated into rooms of any shape or size to create touchless therapy spaces in any spa or wellness environment.

Programming includes Holistic Flow Meditations, a guided practice combining dynamic movement with open-eye meditation, set alongside immersive visuals and music. A science-based Longevity and Healthspan programme has been created in collaboration with Ageless-Societies.com to extend vitality and wellbeing.

The name Vidarium is inspired by the Latin naming tradition of spas (tepidarium, caldarium, frigidarium) and means ‘video place’. One LivinGlobe installation at Therme Bad Aibling in Germany features a 12m dome with an 8K projection system 360-degree cinema with 50 million pixels. www.livinglobe.com

The Grove Collection Fashionizer Spa

The new range from uniform specialist Fashionizer Spa draws its inspiration from the natural world and is available in a palette of nature-inspired colourways including moss green, slate blue and black. The Grove collection is made from a premium knitted no-iron fabric – 61 per cent cotton, 34 per cent polyester and 5 per cent elastane – for therapist comfort.

The new easy-care line of tunics and trousers is designed to flatter and enable ease of movement, and sits alongside the brand’s luxury sustainable collection.

“With the rise in energy and staffing costs, we recognise that not every property has the budget for our luxury sustainable garments,” says Dorota Ziolkowska, sales and marketing director at Fashionizer Spa. “The Grove Collection offers a new type of uniform that looks and feels genuinely different – a superior product at a price point that works.”

Fashionizer Spa has been designing and supplying global spa operators since 2008. www.fashionizerspa.com

DRIVE SECONDARY SPEND

Echo Flask Echo

The pioneering Echo Flask uses advanced proton generation to infuse water with hydrogen, a powerful antioxidant shown to combat oxidative stress, support recovery and performance, and promote longevity. An ideal retail addition, the Echo Flask employs hydrogen technology to actively impact guests’ health. Each hydrogenated bottle delivers up to 8ppm of molecular hydrogen – well above therapeutic levels. Lightweight, durable and Bluetooth-enabled, the Echo Flask pairs with a free app to track hydration and hydrogen intake, helping align water consumption with wellness goals. The Echo Flask delivers hydrogen directly into water without changing its taste or texture, and a customisable touchscreen lets users begin a hydrogenation cycle instantly, to create hydrogen water. Research by Echo, a US-based tech company, shows hydrogen water can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, support against allergies and improve sleep quality.

www.echowater.com

The Nyra Collection

Alberto Apostoli for Atlas Concorde

A new collection of wellness-inspired surfaces, designed by architect Alberto Apostoli for ceramic producers Atlas Concorde, the Nyra Collection is a family of stone-effect ceramics. The range takes inspiration from nature and classical culture, offering varied tones, finishes and textures to suit any design requirement.

“Nyra is a vision where material, colour and texture work in harmony to create new spatial scenographies,” says Alberto Apostoli. “The realistic surfaces, rich colours and tactile effects evoke welcoming spaces. Nyra’s strength lies in its ability to create an ‘other’ environment that dissolves the perceived barriers between interior and exterior.”

Suitable for use both indoors and outdoors, Nyra can be used for walls, floors, furniture, worktops, 3D structures, mosaics and bespoke décor. It enables designers to create a seamless aesthetic and is available in seven colourways spanning from white to cream, grey and black.

www.atlasconcorde.com | www.albertoapostoli.com

ZenFusion Flow

Gharieni

Multifunctionality is a key feature of the ZenFusion Flow, which combines all the functions of a Japanese head spa with a fully integrated foot spa. A new addition to Gharieni’s modular Fusion Series, it has been created to meet the evolving demands of modern spas, with tailored ergonomics to ensure therapists can easily deliver seamless full-body treatments.

The design draws inspiration from Zen principles: balance, presence and restoration. ZenFusion Flow allows therapists to perform Japanese-inspired head spa rituals including deep cleansing, gentle massage and warm water flow therapy, paired with a foot spa to create a holistic treatment journey.

“The growing global fascination with Japanese head spa rituals led us to create the ZenFusion Flow,” says Sammy Gharieni, founder and CEO, Gharieni Group. “It empowers operators to do more within the same footprint, while delivering the kind of immersive wellness today’s clients increasingly expect.”

www.gharienigroup.com

Created by architect Alberto Apostoli for Myrtha Wellness, WellGate blends refined materials, luminous surfaces and precision-engineered structure into a sculptural, above-ground thermal system. Available in exquisite finishes and fully customisable to the project and the architect’s vision, it transforms wellness into true contemporary architecture. WellGate. Tailored wellbeing. Redefined.

info@kemitron.com

www.myrthawellness.com

www.myrthawellness.com

www.kemitron.com

MULTIFUNCTIONAL WELLNESS SOLUTION

New multifunctional treatment chair unveiled by Lemi

Lemi X is designed for face and body treatments, massages and hair removal

Lemi has created a new workstation within its beauty line, capable of supporting multiple types of treatment. Lemi X strikes a balance between stability and wellbeing, and can be used for face and body treatments, massages and hair removal in upright, reclined or fully horizontal positions.

“Lemi X offers a new balance between comfort, stability and functional elegance,” says Matteo Brusaferri, general manager at Lemi Group. “The structure is designed to ensure maximum stability, with a load capacity of up to 250kg. Stability is not only technical, it’s a perception, giving guests the

confidence and freedom to fully relax.”

The chair has a handcrafted Bi-Zak Memory Foam mattress for deep support, even during longer treatments, and a fully adjustable head section. Synchronised back and leg rest movements can be managed using a handset. The arm rests are fully adjustable and there is a removable footrest to adapt to various postures.

“High-performance electronics and four electric motors work discreetly in the background, leaving space for the relationship between therapist and guest,” adds Brusaferri.

Lemi has also launched its new My Lemi app, on which operators can register and manage their installed equipment. Assistance requests can be made through the app, and complete service histories can be viewed.

www.lemispa.com

Matteo Brusaferri

your wellness partner, since 1975

The Ultima Reset Lounger offers five therapies in one couch

Living Earth Crafts’s new touchless recovery innovation has multiple benefits

Living Earth Crafts has unveiled a new wellness couch, the Ultima Reset Lounger, which combines five scientifically validated wellness therapies into one fully immersive piece of touchless recovery equipment.

The system has been engineered to support better circulation, help reduce pain and inflammation, and boost cellular repair and mental recovery.

“By stacking five proven wellness therapies into one touchless lounger, we are enabling wellness and sports enthusiasts to accelerate their recovery and rejuvenation,” says Jim Chenevey, chief innovation officer at parent company Earthlite.

The Ultima Reset Lounger incorporates

vibroacoustic quantum harmonics from Mind-Sync 2.0, which delivers total sensory immersion through 12 brain entrainment programmes designed to reduce stress, enhance mindset and improve mental capacity. It has been created to improve performance and aid recovery.

Pulsed laser light therapy from Celluma helps to reduce inflammation, manage pain and support cellular recovery. Normatec elite compression boots boost circulation. The Hyperice HyperVolt 3 Pro massage gun targets sore muscles with deep percussive therapy. Finally, the Ultima Reset is a zero-gravity lounger with EarthConnect, a digitally controlled warmth and grounding strip that eliminates oxidative charges for optimal earthing and cellular repair.

The Ultima Reset Lounger is part of the Reset Touchless Vitality Collection of tech-enabled, unattended wellness solutions. www.livingearthcrafts.com

Jim Chenevey

RESET ™ TOUCHLESS VITALITY COLLECTION

Overtone

MindFidelity

Creative audio consultancy MindFidelity has devised a new self-contained audio wellness installation. Overtone is a standalone product that offers an immersive sonic experience featuring gongs, singing bowls and chimes, all created using high-fidelity speakers.

Overtone reimagines the traditional sound bathing experience around one, three or five suspended circular speakers. Labelled the Aureole, meaning ‘radiant circle’, the speakers emanate a soundscape by composer, sound designer and MindFidelity founder, Liam Paton. These are set within a contemporary composition of tonal, musical layers and last 15, 30 or 40 minutes.

“MindFidelity exists to reimagine and elevate the role of sound in wellness. Overtone has been designed to be as powerful as a traditional acoustic gong bath but using contemporary audio technology,” says Paton.

Overtone can be easily integrated into spas and wellness centres to create a self-contained focal point. Playback is entirely automated: once the Overtone soundscape has been started, no staff are required. www.mindfidelity.com

Marea

Nilo

A new warm dry float experience from Nilo, Marea offers a deep relaxation and immersive sensory ritual. Guests float in zero-gravity on 500 litres of warm water, at a maximum temperature of 45°C. The weightless treatment experience is designed to help block the production of cortisol and release physical tension.

Ideal for relaxation or biohacking lounges, or as an add-on to existing treatment menus, Marea can be incorporated into broader wellness programmes as a rebalancing treatment to help guests counteract the effects of daily stress and restore physical and emotional balance. It can be used in conjunction with facial or footcare treatment, skincare rituals, guided meditations and multisensory relaxation experiences.

“The ideal experience is an individual session of about 30 minutes, during which the body reaches a state of total relaxation through an immersive, safe and completely dry ritual,” explains Massimiliano Prato, sales director, Nilo Spa Design www.nilospadesign.com

European Spa selects the best styles and equipment launches for spas. Contact: wendy.golledge@spapublishing.com

www.parkhyattlondonriverthames.com