European Spa magazine Spring 2025: the no.1 magazine for spa and wellness leaders

THE HOME OF GLOBAL SPA INTELLIGENCE

EUROPEAN SPA PLATINUM

RESOURCE 2025

The ultimate resource for spa business success, the new handbook showcases the super brands of spa and wellness and latest industry trends and thought leadership

YOUR SKIN IS OUR EXPERTISE

ELEMIS EXPERT TM TOUCH AND TECH FACIALS

Discover our menu of skin wellness facials, featuring our globally renowned hand-on expertise, active ingredients and ground-breaking technology to uplift the senses and deliver rejuvenating results.

Welcome

Connection, technology and leadership

Spring brings a welcoming sense of renewal everywhere. In this bumper issue, we track the changes set to shape the spa world in 2025, taking you on a deep dive into what’s new and exciting for the year ahead.

First up, we have recently launched our European Spa Platinum Resource 2025 – the ultimate spa investors’ handbook. I would like to thank more than 200 spa leaders who joined our launch celebrations at Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London (p26).

In this issue, we bring you a wealth of insight and expertise with our new European Spa Buyers Guide: Longevity Technology (p42), showcasing the latest innovations in health optimisation. We also bring together six of the world’s top designers to explore The Future of Spa Design (p82) and how spas are set to look, feel and evolve.

We hope you enjoy our pick of the most exciting spas for this spring (p56). Our cover star – The Longevity Spa at Portrait Milano in Italy (p14) – is definitely one to watch. We also take you inside the new Park Hyatt London River Thames, speaking to the team and Patrick Huey, Hyatt Hotels’ director of operations, about the brand’s global leadership vision (p96).

The European Spa team always strives to share the best in thought-leadership, so we welcome psychologist Jess Baker, who explores the power of empathetic leadership (p38), and international spa consultant Patrick Saussay who explains how to choose the right technology for your spa (p80).

Real leadership is about making real connections, being more humane in business and leading yourself well. So always make time to rest and reset every day. We hope you enjoy this issue, made with love to celebrate the brightest and the best in the spa world... Be well!

Sarah Camilleri Editorial director & publisher sarah.camilleri@spapublishing.com

Meet the team

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

Sarah Camilleri

Editorial director & publisher

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 Global Wellness Institute’s Living Well From Within coalition.

Mark Smith Deputy editor

The founder of UK meditation brand Kalm Horizons, Mark has contributed spa and wellness content to European Spa and europeanspamagazine.com for over a decade. He spotlights five of the best spas around Europe, visits Park Hyatt River Thames London and brings us the latest new products and treatment launches.

Wendy Golledge News editor

Constantly up to date with the latest spa trends, property openings, redevelopments and appointments, in this issue Wendy speaks to six leading experts about the future of spa design. She also rounds up the best in longevity technology for spa investors, and reports from the launch of the European Spa Platinum Resource 2025.

Thanks to our expert contributors...

Jess Baker

Author and chartered psychologist

An associate fellow of the British Psychological Society, Jess is an award-winning coach and more than a thousand people have taken her online programme, ‘Tame Your Inner Critic’. Here she writes for us on the pros and cons of empathy in the spa workplace. www.jessbaker.co.uk

Patrick Saussay Founder and CEO, GPSA Wellness Solutions

Responsible for international development at evianSPA, Patrick supports business strategy in the wellness market, managing and creating spas, wellness concepts and spa brands. In this issue he advises on how to choose the right technology for your business. www.globalspaadvisory.com

Editorial director & publisher Sarah Camilleri sarah.camilleri@spapublishing.com

Deputy editor Mark Smith mark.smith@spapublishing.com

News 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

6293825

On the cover: The Longevity SPA at Portrait Milano, Italy

EXPANDING THE SKINCARE UNIVERSE

Looking after your skin, and paying attention to any changes in its texture, tone and sensitivity, isn’t vanity, it’s about vitality. An impaired skin barrier can trigger chronic inflammation, and potentially lead to health issues, including cancer, autoimmune disorders and cardiovascular disease.

Pro-Recovery Serum repairs the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, fights glycation and boosts collagen, returning your skin to its optimal health. As an added bonus: if you are planning on having an aesthetic treatment, an intact skin barrier will speed recovery time and prolong the results.

SPA SPOTLIGHT

FIVE OF THE BEST SPAS FOR SPRING

• Royal Mansour Collection at Tamuda Bay, Morocco

• Luce del Lago spa at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Italy

• Spa by L’Occitane at Casa da Companhia, Portugal

• The Spa at Corinthia Brussels, Belgium

• ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea, Spain

96 THE SPA AT PARK HYATT LONDON RIVER THAMES, UK

European Spa talks to the team behind the international chain’s UK debut about how its membership and guests benefit from a whole floor of wellness provision

14 ON THE COVER

THE LONGEVITY SPA, PORTRAIT MILANO, ITALY

We visit the 16th-century former seminary to meet CEO Luigi Caterino and his expert team at The Longevity Spa, who are on a mission to deliver next-level wellness

BUSINESS

INSIGHT

38 THE POWER OF EMPATHY AND ITS ROLE IN BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

Exploring the concept of ‘super-helper syndrome’, author and chartered psychologist Jess Baker explains how empathy can become a potent force in the spa industry

54 UK AUFGUSS CHAMPIONSHIPS

We report on the upcoming third annual event showcasing excellence in aufguss rituals, which will also feature the British Sauna Summit

80 CHOOSING THE RIGHT TECHNOLOGY FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Patrick Saussay, founder and CEO of GPSA Wellness Solutions, explores how spas can integrate advanced technologies in an authentic and meaningful way

PLATINUM RESOURCE 2025 26

EXCLUSIVE: ESM PLATINUM RESOURCE 2025 LAUNCH EVENT

More than 200 spa industry VIPs joined us for ‘the networking event of the year’ at the Carlton Tower Jumeirah London, to celebrate the launch of our second Platinum Resource handbook

Contents

BUYERS’ GUIDE: LONGEVITY TECHNOLOGY 42

Demand for longevity services is booming in spas, so we ask some of the leading suppliers for their tech tips and treatment innovations, and find out how they are creating ever more innovative products

BRANDS TO WATCH

24 ARIADNE ATHENS: BEAUTY OF THE AEGEAN

Ariadni Diamanti, CEO and founder of the Greek beauty brand, explains why its unique wellness concept and signature treatments have been embraced by luxury spas

36 WILDSMITH IS RIGHT ON TRACK

The British skincare brand is set to launch the first spa on rails with the debut of a Wellness Suite on board the Britannic Explorer, a Belmond Train

78 GROUND: SUPPORTING THE SKIN’S MICROBIOME

Working in harmony with the skin to support barrier function, GROUND has introduced six new products that bridge the gap between skin comfort and long-term resilience

ISSUE 95 | SPRING 2025

69 ON THE MENU

SPA SPECIFIER THE FUTURE OF SPA DESIGN 82

Our round-up of the best product launches and treatment innovations includes a new massage technique developed for Swissline by world champion Anna Tsankova. We also share treatment developments from Natura Bissé, Thalgo and L’Occitane en Provence

105 WELLNESS TRENDS

Exploring the ever-widening world of wellness, we tune in to the Sleep Cycles programme at Chenot Palace Weggis, Switzerland, and investigate the rise of nocturism – spa time at night!

111 SPA STYLE

A selection of the latest stylish equipment and leading-edge technology, including an elegant horizontal shower from Dornbracht and the new Relax Suite from Lemi Group

We ask six international spa designers why wellness design is more important than ever and which trends are set to shape spas in 2025 and beyond

The elegance of life

We visit Portrait Milano’s The Longevity SPA to meet the expert team who are on a mission to deliver next-level wellness

REPORT BY SARAH CAMILLERI

Opening to wide acclaim in 2022, Portrait Milano is a jewel of the Lungarno Collection, created by Italy’s celebrated Ferragamo family. Located in the heart of Milan, it took a host of experts 12 years to transform a former 16th-century seminary into a stylish destination, offering 73 rooms and suites, and a unique new spa dedicated to longevity. Loved by the movers and shakers of Milan as well as international travellers, this iconic hotel has been brought to life by many notable experts including celebrated architect Michele De Lucchi and Florentine designer Michele Bönan, who worked closely with the Ferragamo family to safeguard the property’s historical and spiritual significance.

Experimental and forward-thinking

Portrait Milano’s The Longevity SPA offers a bold, experimental menu dedicated to biohacking and longevity. Operated by a dedicated and expert team, the concept is the brainchild of CEO Luigi Caterino, together with founding partners Elisa Mondelli, head of business excellence, and Dr Massimo Gualerzi, cardiologist and scientific director.

“In

a place steeped in history, we have brought a brand, The Longevity Suite, infused with technology and research, aimed at enhancing everyone’s life.”

Valeriano Antonioli CEO, Lungarno Collection

According to Valeriano Antonioli, CEO of the Lungarno Collection, the success of the spa rested on the selection of a special partner – The Longevity Suite – who could seamlessly blend both ancient and modern wellness practices. “Portrait Milano was conceived to revolutionise the traditional dynamics of hôtellerie,” he says. “During our selection of a wellness brand, we considered what could be antithetical to the typical hotel spa. The Longevity SPA perfectly embodies our forward-thinking vision for individual wellness. It offers a comprehensive approach that starts from check-ups and incorporates physical exercise, wellness treatments, cryotherapy, nutrition and supplementation.

“It also embraces a precious and new element for the brand – water – in its incredibly beautiful and dramatic monumental pool.”

Modernity meets tradition

Understanding the value of integrated wellness to a modern hospitality setting was key. “The Ferragamo family did a great job to balance the ancient and the modern throughout Portrait Milano,” says The Longevity SPA’s co-founder Luigi Caterino. “Our goal was to achieve this same balance with our wellness concept. It’s a journey from past to present, where you can experience our comprehensive, sciencebased programming for long-term health and vitality.

“Our spa offers personalised treatments, diagnostics and a lifestyle approach to ageing.

With a clientele primarily aged 40-55, the spa has seen significant success since opening, attracting 60 per cent of clients from outside Milan.

“In a place steeped in history, we have brought a brand infused with technology and research, aimed at enhancing everyone’s life with the best quality and expectations ever.”

Enjoying The Longevity

SPA’s beautiful pool under a vaulted ceiling

Inside The Longevity SPA

Away from the buzz of Portrait Milano’s thriving social scene, on the quietest side of a picturesque quadrant, an unassuming entrance takes you down to the calm subterranean spa below. Inside, The Longevity SPA’s softly lit contemporary interiors feature many design touchpoints that reflect the historic Milanese building.

At the heart of the spa are a pool and thermal area set under a vaulted ceiling that expresses the fabric of the building and connects you to the past. By contrast, the changing area, consultation rooms and fitness space have a clean-lined and clinical contemporary vibe. Throughout, an extraordinary range of wellness technology promises to power up what can be achieved in spa time.

“Our approach goes beyond the conventional, merging traditional wellness practices with the latest innovations in beauty and rejuvenation,” explains spa director Ivana Lanzara, who leads a 13-strong team. “Our longevity protocols are all based on biohacking, regenerative medicine and high-tech treatments. We also focus on health span, meaning we prioritise the long-term health and wellbeing of our guests,”

“Our approach aims to reduce the gap between life expectancy and health span, ensuring people not only live longer but also maintain a high quality of life as they age.”

Luigi

CEO,

she explains. “Supported by advanced assessments and diagnostics as well as cutting-edge technology, our guests and members can benefit from highly personalised wellness programmes aimed at improving overall vitality.”

Biohacking and tech stacking

A former chemical engineer in the pharmaceutical sector, The Longevity Suite’s CEO, Luigi Caterino, has a strong foundation in health sciences and brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and entrepreneurial vision to his work. The co-founder of a telemedicine company that combined wellbeing

Above: the contemporary styled reception area at The Longevity SPA

Caterino

The Longevity Suite

www.lemispa.com info@lemigroup.it

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO: SHOEMAKER TO THE STARS

Portrait Milano features a remarkable collection of photography and art celebrating a golden era of Hollywood legends. Walking the walk, iconic actresses such as Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Judy Garland, Greta Garbo and Audrey Hepburn graced legendary film sets wearing exquisite shoes handcrafted by Salvatore Ferragamo, known as “the shoemaker to the stars”. Undoubtedly, they would approve of the vibrant service and warm elegance of Portrait Milano, in the heart of Italy’s fashion capital.

the

of modern treatments and traditional

technology with healthcare, he went on to build a respected portfolio of longevity-focused lifestyle services based in Milan, including The Longevity Kitchen and The Longevity Suite. These offer the latest medical, nutrition, fitness and biohacking protocols, which guided the first Longevity SPA. From initial longevity check-ups through to enhanced touch-treatment technology, every experience in the spa is highly personalised. An ingenious process of ‘wellness tech-stacking’ means treatments deliver extra potency and results. Programming can include the Zerobody therapy from Starpool, recovery boosting cryotherapy sessions in a dedicated Cryosuite Total Body, and the latest LED light and sound therapy. The spa’s expertise in nutrition and supplementation means the latest in IV therapy can be prescribed to

“Supported by advanced assessments and diagnostics as well as cutting-edge technology, our guests and members can benefit from highly personalised wellness programmes aimed at improving overall vitality.”

Ivana Lanzara Spa director, The

Longevity SPA

replenish and rebalance the body, combatting stress, inflammation, poor sleep hygiene and jet lag.

A fitness and performance area powered by Technogym is backed by personal training and personalised workout programmes with AI-driven Biostrength technology. Dr Barbara Sturm serves as the anchor brand for The Longevity SPA’s signature facials, selected for its expertise in aesthetics and anti-inflammatory skincare for anti-ageing. “Our choice of partners reflects our commitment to scientific innovation, holistic healing and luxury wellness, ensuring every guest at The Longevity SPA has a truly transformative experience,” says Lanzara.

“Our concept of beauty is not about perfection, but harmony,” adds The Longevity Suite co-founder Elisa Mondelli, who also drives business excellence.

“It is the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, between the ancient and the modern. Just like true wellbeing, it thrives in the equilibrium between a calm mind and a strong body.”

From top:

spa delivers a mix

hospitality; the Lungarno Collection was created by the fashion design family, Ferragamo, who made shoes for the stars

Longevity check-ups

Since opening, The Longevity SPA has seen a significant demand for treatments and programmes that emphasise selfcare, diagnostics and preventative health. “Our guests are increasingly focused on understanding their health on a deeper level and seeking ways to optimise their wellness for the long term,” says Lanzara. “One of the most popular services is our Longevity Check-Up, which includes genetic testing and biometric screenings.

“These tools provide valuable insights into each guest’s unique health profile, helping us identify genetic predispositions, nutritional needs and other key wellness factors. With this information, we create customised wellness plans that address

“Our concept of beauty is not about perfection, but harmony. It is the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, between the ancient and the modern.”

Elisa Mondelli Co-founder, The Longevity Suite

specific health goals and improve overall longevity.

“Cryosuite Total Body, our advanced cryotherapy experience, remains a favourite treatment, particularly for muscle recovery, pain management and detoxification. It reduces inflammation, improves circulation and speeds up physical recovery.”

The spa has also seen strong demand for facial rejuvenation therapies and LED light therapy.

“These treatments are ideal for guests seeking to maintain youthful, glowing skin, reduce fine lines and stimulate collagen production to keep the skin healthy and vibrant,” Lanzara explains. “In addition, our Longevity Fitness concept, with customised fitness plans, has become increasingly popular. These programmes are designed to help guests align their physical activity and nutrition with individual wellness goals, supporting a healthier lifestyle.”

Blue Zones and health span optimisation

The spa menu also draws inspiration from the world’s Blue Zones as identified by journalist Dan Buettner, with five signature rituals crafted to transport guests to the five places in the world where people live long and healthy lives. Touch,

Above from left: biohacking technology is incorporated in The Longevity SPA’s health span improving programmes; a couples’ spa ritual

music and aromatic oils drawn from each location are used in the rituals. The Ikaria, Greece – Aion Ritual incorporates vine extracts, which is a potent antioxidant identified for slowing ageing. Designed to be draining and oxygenating, this ritual harnesses the power of cold, produced by Cryosphere, combined with the warmth of aromatic butter wraps, red vine extract bandaging and rhythmic massage.

At the heart of The Longevity SPA concept is a key distinction to improve the quality of life rather than simply extending lifespan. As Caterino points out, while life expectancy is increasing, healthspan often lags behind. “We need to stop talking about lifespan,” he explains. “Our focus is on optimising the number of years that we stay healthy. For example, in Italy, the life expectancy is 84 years, but the health span is only 70 years. This means that people often spend the last 14 years of their

life in poor health. Our goal is to increase the health span, adding healthy years to life rather than just extending life itself. This approach aims to reduce the gap between life expectancy and health span, ensuring people not only live longer but also maintain a high quality of life as they age.”

Team excellence

Leadership and training are key when it comes to developing the brand, which looks for ‘high-potential people’. “As spa director, I take a proactive and hands-on approach to staff training, consistently encouraging my team to aim for excellence and to embrace a culture of growth and innovation,” says Lanzara. “Together with Dr Elisa Mondelli, head of business excellence and co-founder of The Longevity Suite, we prioritise continuous training and professional development to ensure that our team

The power of DNA testing and post-spa consultation

Sarah Camilleri meets The Longevity SPA’s nutrition expert Alice Bernardini for some personalised post-consultation biohacking advice

After visiting the spa, my online consultation to go through the findings of my nutrigenetic report was very enlightening. Nutrition expert Alice Bernardini gave me a very worthwhile one-on-one zoom call to unpack the 79-pages of personalised data drawn from my DNA tests taken at the spa. Visual and easy to understand, the report included my genetic predispositions and a helpful genetic food map for me to follow in future. In the section on food intolerances there were no red flags apart from a heightened sensitivity to sulphites. Key advice was to avoid ‘sulphite stacking’ – high consumption in any given day. Organic and biodynamic wines can help with this.

Bernadini provided me with great food advice as well as some food satiety tips. “Respect time,” she encouraged me. “For some, the brain takes its time to signal you have eaten the right amount. Opting for energetically rich foods also helps

“We can use DNA testing to build highly personalised longevity programmes... using all the expert knowledge in our team.”

achieve satisfaction. Breathe well and walk after meals. This helps your body to get the signal it is sated.”

On the physical front, my aerobic potential is not premier league but reassuringly it can be improved with the right fitness programme. Bernadini advised longer stretching time and recovery times. For the skin, I had a champion score for collagen structure, but supplementation of marine collagen together with vitamin C could boost both skin and joint health.

This level of post-spa consultation was invaluable and Bernadini believes it can really help guests to shift their health outcomes.

“We can use DNA testing to build highly personalised longevity programmes, starting with a full nutritional assessment, long-term food plan and PT training, using all the expert knowledge in our team,” she explained. “We can also provide the supplements and treatments in spa to complete the picture.”

from top: the Cryosuite Total Body room at The Longevity SPA; the traditional architecture of

remains at the forefront of the wellness industry.

“In addition to technical skills, we emphasise the importance of empathy, personalised service and guest relationships. Our goal is to create an environment where guests feel truly supported, not only through the science behind our wellness concept but also through personal connection.”

The Longevity SPA team has ambitious growth plans, with a pipeline of new spas in development. This summer, three new locations will open at San Clemente Palace Venice and the Lake Como Edition in Italy, along with the Luxury Collection Bodrum in Turkey. More spas are set to launch later this year, further driving the brand’s expansion.

“The longevity industry is proving to be larger more complex and with greater margins for further implementation: even luxury hospitality is experiencing its positive trend,” says Lanzara. “This makes it even more crucial to respond to guests’ needs with a tailor-made offer, focusing on wellness as a tool to achieve happiness through a tangible improvement in physical and mental health.”

SPA STATISTICS

The Longevity SPA, Milan www.lungarnocollection.com

CEO Luigi Caterino

Head of business Elisa Mondelli

Scientific director Dr Massimo Gualerzi

Spa director Ivana Lanzara

Spa interior design Studio B+ Architects with the executive coordination by Roberto Creati at Rebrand Group

Spa size 900sqm

Spa team 13

Treatment spaces Three treatment rooms, biohacking suite, Cryosuite Total Body room, relaxation area, changing rooms, 100sqm gym

Wet spa Swimming pool, sauna, steam bath

Spa suppliers Starpool, Technogym, Lemi Group, Dr Barbara Sturm, The Longevity Suite skincare and supplements

Right

Portrait Milano’s entrance is complemented (below) by high-tech design in the Biohacking Suite

Beauty of the Aegean

Ariadni Diamanti, CEO and founder of Ariadne Athens, explains why the award-winning brand’s unique Greek wellness concept has been embraced by luxury spas

Founded in 2014, Ariadne Athens is a luxury skin wellness brand inspired by the natural beauty of the Greek islands and the country’s ancient healing traditions.

Created by CEO Ariadni Diamanti, a visionary chemist with a passion for natural solutions to beauty and wellbeing, the brand carved a niche at a time when the concept of wellness was still evolving in Greece.

Inspired by the timeless allure of the Aegean, the luxurious skincare products blend the finest natural Greek botanicals with cutting-edge biochemistry.

“Born from the island of Kythnos and forged under the unrelenting Aegean sun, Ariadne Athens is a celebration of Greece’s legendary vitality, combining the wisdom of ancient remedies with the precision of modern clinical research,” says Diamanti.

Sought-after signature treatments

The award-winning brand’s signature treatments have become sought-after rituals in five-star hotels and exclusive wellness retreats across the globe – from Grecotel Corfu Imperial, F Zeen Retreat Kefalonia and Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort in Greece to Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Cyprus and Kintsugi Space in Abu Dhabi.

The brand’s treatments and products incorporate hand-harvested ingredients like Cretan saffron, Kea acorns, and Chios mastic gum, known for their rejuvenating properties.

These are complemented by scientific breakthroughs such as Nema Sculpt Complex, a patent-pending innovation targeting cellular longevity, and HydroMastix Solution, a water-soluble mastic resin formulation that redefines

“Ariadne Athens is a valuable and trusted partner... much more than just another luxury spa brand.”

Ariadni Diamanti CEO and founder, Ariadne Athens

skin healing and regeneration. These unique formulations are designed not only for indulgence but for real, visible results, ensuring that spa guests receive an experience that is both luxurious and effective.

Hero products from the collection include Skin Rebirth Miracle Gel, said to be the first-ever cosmetic serum to feature alkanna tinctoria, an oil praised by Hippocrates for its healing and rejuvenating properties. Jasmine & Gardenia Body Scrub features a balmy texture that melts into the skin. Wild Rose Face Oil is created using a 90-day infusion process with hand-picked Greek roses.

Ariadne Athens’s spa menu features the unique Wine Harvest Ritual, inspired by the vineyards of Greece. This treatment blends relaxation and rejuvenation with a body scrub infused with olive kernels, red grape and rose petals, followed by a nourishing antioxidant-rich mask and warm candle massage. The Anaplasis regenerating facial harnesses advanced technology with exosomes and alkanna tinctoria root to deeply rejuvenate the skin.

A trusted spa partner

Along with advanced account management expertise, the Ariadne Athens team can offer spa partners a comprehensive business-treatment model designed for those seeking a holistic collaboration.

“Ariadne Athens is a valuable and trusted partner... much more than just another luxury spa brand,” says Diamanti. www.ariadne-athens.com

ADVANCED SKINCARE

Nema is the latest addition to the Ariadne Athens skincare collection. At the heart of the line is Nema Sculpt Complex, a patent-pending formula derived from the Aegean’s myrtle plant. This unique complex targets the root causes of ageing, activating longevity proteins to boost elasticity, reduce sagging, and lift the face, reshaping the cheeks, under eyes, neck and chest for immediate, visible results. Wrinkles are smoothed, hydration is restored and the skin is plumped for a youthful, radiant glow. The line also boasts the lifting, firming and plumping Nema facial.

THE LAUNCH: European Spa Platinum Resource 2025

More than 200 spa industry VIPs joined us at the Carlton Tower Jumeirah London to celebrate the launch of our second Platinum Resource – the home of spa intelligence

2

Pages of expert editorial content

In January, European Spa magazine gathered more than 200 VIP spa leaders from across the UK and Europe at the Carlton Tower Jumeirah London to celebrate the launch of the new European Spa Platinum Resource 2025 Industry icons, spa operators, designers and brands gathered for the unveiling of the latest edition of ‘the home of global spa intelligence’. Featuring wellness expertise, trends and brands to watch, the European Spa Platinum Resource 2025 is the ultimate companion for spa business success.

Crucial content for spa leaders

Curated to inspire spa leaders worldwide, the new handbook is packed with business insight from leading hospitality operators, including a focus on the rise of sweat culture and expert views on the implications of AI for spas. Ten spa industry pioneers offer their thought leadership on key topics, and European presents ‘10 Platinum Spas’ to watch in 2025. The edition also features a comprehensive super-brands directory,

REPORT BY : Wendy Golledge PHOTOGRAPHY : Nigel Chapman

THE WHO’S WHO OF SPA

6.

8

9 Mark Smith welcomes attendees

10 Anni Hood, Well Intelligence and Daniel Bayley

1. Wendy Golledge, European Spa; Rebecca Doyle, Arora Group

2. Hayley Warman, Amanda Beardsall and Stephanie McKenzie from ESPA

3. Fresh wellness drinks were served to guests on arrival

4. Lisa Buttle, Journey Hospitality and Sarah Ronchetti, Temple Spa

5. Sarah Camilleri, European Spa; Sue Harmsworth MBE, SATCC; Sarah Dalton, Jumeirah; Oliver Patrick, Pillar Wellbeing

Wendy Golledge, news editor; Sarah Camilleri, editorial director and Mark Smith, deputy editor, European Spa

7. Sarah Openshaw, the Dorchester; Teresa O’Farrell, Coworth Park

Serina Sandhu, Holly Mandall and Lindsey Chalkley from Aromatherapy Associates

as well as a round-up of associations and organisations that support spa success.

Leadership with passion and purpose

Speaking at the launch, which was described as ‘the networking event of the year’, European Spa’s editorial director and publisher Sarah Camilleri said: “What is real leadership today? It’s about showing up daily with passion, purpose and importantly, the right perspective. These three Ps together make all the difference.

“The spa industry is truly a remarkable place to be right now. This will be the year when hospitality really embraces the power of a well-executed spa sevices to drive revenue, reputation and reach.

“We’re part of a global movement to help people lead better lives. We’ve got some challenges to service the phenomenal growth we’re experiencing, but I’d like to celebrate those of you in this room; you are the leaders shaping our future success.”

European

THE WHO’S WHO OF SPA

1. Emily Veness-Budin, Haruka Thwaits and Julia Stewart of EviDenS de Beauté

2. Ivana Lanzara, The Longevity Suite

3. Alice Lightfoot, Jumeriah Carlton Tower; Sarah Dalton, Jumeriah

4. Mark Smith, Sarah Camilleri, Wendy Golledge, Angela Sharpe and David Fagan from European Spa

5. Alexandra Bullpitt, Bulgari Rome; Alberto Apostoli, Studio Apostoli; Anna Rita Di Giacomo, Armonia Spa & Wellness Consulting

6. Patrizia Bortolin, Preidlhof and Glowing Flow with Sue Harmsworth MBE

7. Peigin Crowley, Ground; Wendy Golledge; Jelena Adahovska, Old Course Hotel & Spa; Beverley Bayes and Neil Fairplay, Sparcstudio; Fiona MacKessy, Ground

8. Sarah Dalton, Jumeirah; Oliver Patrick, Pillar Wellbeing

9. Claire Way, Spa Strategy; Lynsey Woolliscroft, Subtle Energies; Kirsty MacCormick, bbspa Group

10. Clair Davidson and Lottie Pask from Elemis

Power panel: Future-proofing spas

Before launching the publication, Sarah Camilleri led a panel discussion joined by spa industry pioneer Sue Harmsworth MBE, founder of ESPA and the SATCC; Sarah Dalton, director of wellbeing for Jumeirah; and Oliver Patrick, clinical director of Pillar Wellbeing at Raffles London at The OWO.

“After 55 years in this industry, I can see we’re going full circle,” said Harmsworth, when asked what she believed will shape demand in 2025. “The need for our services has never been greater, but we are in danger of muddling spa, wellness, wellbeing, integrative health and medical. We each need to clarify our role, focus on what we do best and stop trying to do things that don’t come naturally.”

Sarah Dalton who is working on the evolution of Jumeirah’s Talise Spa added: “We are all juggling more than humans were ever meant to juggle and we’re more connected than ever to the stress of the world. People are feeling stress and discombobulating change at every

1. Wendy Golledge, Julie Jones, Sarah Camilleri and Angela Sharpe from European Spa

2. Katherine Pye, Wildsmith Skin with Kirsty MacCormick, bbspa Group

3. Deborah Carr, Anada; Gabrielle Reason, British Sauna Society; Mark Smith; Erin Lee, Touchless Wellness Association

4. Oliver Patrick, Pillar Wellbeing

5. Ratti Dujda, the Peninsula London; Kyode Walker, Hilton

6. Teresa O’Farrell, Dorchester Collection; Diane Hey, Armonia Health and Wellbeing; Leon Trayling, ishga

7. Andreas Blum, Art of Cryo; Erin Lee, Touchless Wellness Association; Clair Davidson, Elemis; Elias Gharieni and Johnny Gorter from Gharieni Group

8. Patrick Saussay, GPSA Consulting; Jenny Jones, Four Seasons; Sam Cooke, BC Softwear

9. Sukh Randhawa, BrainX360; Iain De Havilland, NADclinic; Maila Reeves, Lanserhof; Sat Randhawa, One Hype/BrainX360; Romina Papalambrou, NADclinic

turn. We, here, are one of the only industries designed to counterbalance this inhumane stress.

“We must weave intentional rest into all our spa journeys and remember our teams deserve to rest too. Our role as spa leaders is to assist people who are at their most vulnerable.”

A digital diagnosis for spas “Stress has changed in this generation –it needs a rebrand. It’s not fight or flight anymore, not big moments – it’s death by a thousand cuts,” said Oliver Patrick. “Thanks to social media our brains are so tuned into stimulus they’re constantly looking for more.

“Social media should have the same health warning as smoking. The antidote needs to be active not passive; spas can help by offering ways to induce physiological calm. It’s no surprise ancient calming techniques like cold exposure, breathwork and meditation are soaring in popularity. Far from a luxury, they’re becoming a necessity.”

THE WHO’S WHO OF SPA

5.

1. Isaac Money, Milena Naydenov and Tom Macpherson Le Maire from 111SKIN

2. Sarah and Don Camilleri, European Spa

3. Jason Hussain and Dominic Taggart, Hyperice

4. Marion Kapellas, the Connaught; Hattie David-Wilkinson, Maybourne Group

Delegates had the chance to hear leading speakers and connect with industry colleagues

Your future with ESPA

The importance of training

The panel urged spa leaders to focus on training and efficacy. “We’ve got to start fighting for adequate training budgets to advance our spa teams to the highest levels,” said Harmsworth. “Every therapist should be trained to deal with those touched by cancer, not just because it’s a basic need we should meet but because it empowers our teams – they’re so much stronger if they’re properly trained.”

Dalton urged her counterparts to be passionate about their offer: “Lean into your strengths, implement commercial strategies, and if you sit within a hotel group, remember the importance of your department and the science behind the wellness.”

SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE COPY

European Spa Platinum Resource 2025 is free to help all spa leaders. To download your free copy – sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/ spapublishing.com/platinumresource2025

1. Peigin Crowley and Fiona MacKessy, Ground Wellbeing

2. Mark Smith, Beata Aleksandrowicz, massage and wellness expert and Patrizia Bortolin

3. Emma Williams and Cherilyn Mackrory, Made for Life Organics

4. Anna Tsankova, face massage world champion

MIND-BODY WELLNESS TECHNOLOGIES

EXPERIENCE THE FUTURE OF WELLBEING WITH GHARIENI’S METAWELL MIND BODY WELLNESS TECHNOLOGIES

DISCOVER THE WHOLE RANGE OF QUALITY WELLNESS AND SPA EQUIPMENT

Wildsmith is right on track

The British skincare brand will launch a Wellness Suite on board the Britannic Explorer, a Belmond Train

As part of an industry-first collaboration, leading British wellness brand Wildsmith is partnering with Belmond to launch an exclusive Wellness Suite on board the luxury sleeper train, Britannic Explorer, in July 2025.

As the first spa on the rails in England and Wales, the Wellness Suite will be in one of the train’s beautifully designed cabins, offering exclusively curated treatments inspired by the journey.

The ultimate in slow luxury travel, Wildsmith’s treatment menu for this first-of-its-kind spa will centre on five bespoke experiences with mindfulness, grounding techniques and personalised reflection at their core – all inspired by the world outside the train windows.

“We are beyond proud to be chosen as the wellbeing partner for the Britannic Explorer,” says Katherine Pye, general manager at Wildsmith. “As we continue to expand our presence in the wellbeing and hospitality sector, we seek partners who share our commitment to offering elevated wellbeing experiences.

“From our first meeting with Belmond, it was clear our shared values of innovation, excellence, sustainability and authenticity would allow us to create transformative journeys that reflect the distinctive character of the train.”

Treatments rooted in Radical Botany

Wildsmith offers science-backed plant power for skin health and wellbeing, and is renowned for its nature-inspired approach. Each of the Wellness Suite’s body treatments will channel this philosophy, prioritising growth, sleep and renewal. The brand’s botanical and mineral-rich formulations will bring radical botany – combining biodynamic principles with advanced bioactives – to passengers as they travel.

“We will deliver the highest quality wellbeing experiences that are as restorative as they are responsible.”

Katherine Pye General manager, Wildsmith

Ingredients include calendula, chamomile, rose and lavender, many of which are cultivated in the biodynamic market garden on the Heckfield Estate.

“This partnership will offer passengers the opportunity to relax into a slower pace and emerge restored and rebalanced,” says Pye. “We will deliver the highest quality wellbeing experiences that are as restorative as they are responsible.

“Designed exclusively for the Britannic Explorer, our Signature Circadian Rhythm Reset will provide a choice of three distinct treatments throughout the day – a revitalising

morning session, a midday purifying treatment or a calming evening ritual designed to promote restful sleep. Each treatment draws inspiration from the lifecycle of trees and the body’s natural rhythms.”

In addition, the Radical Botany Facial will combine breathwork, myofascial release and acupressure for radiance and balance, while the Rebalancing Massage will help reduce stress and improve circulation. There will also be deep-tissue treatment targeting muscle tension and fatigue, and a restorative massage designed for pregnancy.

Slow, luxury travel

The Britannic Explorer is Belmond’s first luxury sleeper train to operate in England and Wales. With 18 cabins, it will travel through Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales.

“Wellbeing is at the heart of the Britannic Explorer experience. Our collaboration with Wildsmith is a commitment to offering guests more than just a journey,” says Hendrik Huebner, general manager of the Britannic Explorer.

“Wildsmith’s nature-inspired approach will allow our guests to take time to reconnect with themselves and the world around them, so they leave the Britannic Explorer feeling re-energised and deeply cared for.

“This partnership reinforces our belief that travel should be transformative, immersive and ultimately restorative.”

BE INSPIRED...

To find out more about Wildsmith’s innovative approach to radical botany, visit: www.wildsmithskin.com

The power of empathy

Exploring the concept of super-helper syndrome, author and chartered psychologist

Jess Baker explains how empathy can be a potent force in the spa industry

TEXPERT CONTRIBUTOR

Jess Baker is a chartered psychologist and associate fellow of the British Psychological Society. She started her career in healthcare before specialising in business psychology. She is an award-winning coach and more than a thousand people have taken her online programme, ‘Tame Your Inner Critic’. Baker speaks at conferences and festivals, and writes on the subject of wellbeing. She comments on leadership, psychology at work and mental health in various media. She also volunteers her expertise on the wellbeing of helpers to charities. www.jessbaker.co.uk

he spa industry – synonymous with relaxation and rejuvenation – is inherently demanding for its workforce, both physically and emotionally. While businesses strive to provide exceptional experiences for their guests, they can overlook the wellbeing of the therapists delivering these experiences.

Spas can enhance support for their employees by adopting empathy-powered leadership, a proven cost-effective approach that increases employee retention, builds customer loyalty and is critical to a sustainable business strategy.

There are three personal qualities that fuel empathy-powered leadership: self-awareness – knowing our impact on others; empathy – understanding that someone is suffering; and compassion – wanting to alleviate someone’s suffering. Expressing empathy could be saying, “I know you are suffering”, while being compassionate would be to add, “I want to make things better for you”.

People who are high in empathy feel compelled to help others and are naturally drawn to working in the health and wellness industry. Your best therapists probably have high levels of empathy – it’s what makes them loved by guests, and great to work with.

The hidden cost of empathy-in-overdrive

Unfortunately, having too much empathy can be problematic: such

people don’t just have a radar to detect others’ suffering, it is as if that radar is boosted, and the signal is unbearably intense.

The over-empathic therapist takes on other people’s problems, feels responsible for clients’ wellbeing beyond their professional remit, and feels guilty when they can’t help as much as they think they should. This can lead to overwhelm and they begin to disengage from their work.

“Research shows that empathy-powered leaders experience much lower risk of burnout and take fewer days off. Their teams are significantly more engaged and committed to the organisation.”

Jess Baker Co-author,

The

Super-Helper Syndrome

To exacerbate this, empathic people rarely ask for support for themselves and often deny that they need help at all. This makes them susceptible to super-helper syndrome (helping others to the detriment of their own wellbeing).

In such cases, managers must actively look out for signs of empathy in overdrive and offer suitable support. If left unchecked, guest experience and team morale can suffer, and you’ll see

Jess Baker

a rise in sick leave that will eventually impact the bottom line.

A proven cost-effective solution

Although over-empathy can lead to someone’s downfall, when it is harnessed effectively empathy is like the gift that keeps on giving. Research shows that empathy-powered leaders experience much lower risk of burnout and take fewer days off. Their teams are significantly more engaged and committed to the organisation because they feel cared for and valued. Generation Z expect this from their employers as standard. Such leaders are the conduit for

If you want to develop your capacity for becoming more empathic, then try these simple yet powerful techniques that will help you to turn up that dial.

n Practice being kinder to yourself – this benefits you and makes it easier to show kindness to others. Try approaching feelings of stress with tenderness to cultivate self-compassion.

n Prioritise one-to-one check-ins – make these more meaningful by giving the other person the opportunity to set the agenda.

n Ask more open-ended questions – ‘How are you feeling about it?’ or ‘What’s one thing I can do to support you better?’ are good examples. Then listen to the answers and encourage specificity.

n Motivate individual employees by tailoring rewards – do they prefer a public announcement or discreet recognition?

n Remind therapists they have a care of duty to themselves – support this by integrating self-care practices into the workplace culture (for example, taking a full lunchbreak to rest and reset).

A therapist at the Devonshire Spa and Health Club, Buxton, UK

How to become an empathy-powered leader

The Super-Helper Syndrome

by Jess Baker and Rod Vincent

In an industry built on holistic care, spa professionals often face an invisible burden: super-helper syndrome (helping others to the detriment of one’s own wellbeing). This phrase was coined by Jess Baker and Rod Vincent, who wrote The Super-Helper Syndrome: A Surviuval Guide for Compassionate People to offer a new perspective on the psychology of helping. The authors argue that by recognising the irrational beliefs that drive unhealthy helping patterns, by taming the inner critic, building assertiveness and setting healthy boundaries, compassionate people can be more effective at helping others.

The Super-Helper Syndrome support for people who want to adopt a healthy helper mindset, including how to meet their own needs, become

“This book is a must-read for every spa leader and everyone contributing to the wellbeing world. I enjoyed every single page. It’s an immersive read for anyone who wishes to practice heartfelt leadership.”

Sarah Camilleri Editorial director, European Spa

stronger for others and set limitations on how much they do. It guides the reader towards countering the ‘inner critic’ with self-compassion.

The Super-Helper Syndrome: A Survival Guide for Compassionate People is available from all good online and high street retailers.

enhanced customer satisfaction and repeat business. In addition, empathy-powered leaders enhance their organisational brand. When it develops a reputation for being caring towards its employees, the best people will want to work there. And they won’t want to leave.

If you’re curious about how to cultivate empathy in your organisation, try this three-tiered approach:

Organisation – embrace empathy as a corporate value. Begin recruiting for the right personal qualities; ensure your assessment process identifies empathic candidates.

Leadership – prepare your empathic therapists and managers for future leadership roles. Offer them support and development to retain them.

Personal – dial up your own empathy. We’ll focus on this below...

Can anyone become an empathy-powered leader?

In order to answer this question, let’s first look at how empathy develops.

Aside from a tiny genetic component, our personality, societal norms and early experience shape who we become as adults: a child who is praised for helping others grows up to be an adult who enjoys helping others.

Even if you don’t describe yourself as empathic, you could still learn to ask more open questions, to listen more actively, to tweak your body language to make you seem more trustworthy. But you wouldn’t

automatically pass an authenticity test. Why not? Because being empathic is a choice and the hard truth is that most people do not make this choice because it seems contradictory to being profit-focused. Leaders worry that if they become too ‘nice’ at work, they’ll lose the ability to make tough decisions. But you’ve seen the strength of the business case outlined above – what do you think?

The empathy-powered leadership approach is a catalyst for a positive, sustainable and profitable business. But unlike most strategies, it is based on becoming more caring towards people, from management to employees and guests. As a spa industry leader, you have a new evidence-based option to help you retain your best talent, enhance your organisational reputation, and ultimately futureproof your business. The question is, will you choose it?

Left: empathic team leaders can support therapists in developing self-care habits. Image courtesy of Royal Mansour

LONGEVITY TECHNOLOGY

With demand for longevity and health optimisation booming in spas, suppliers are stepping up with ever more innovative products to service increased demand

Tand healthspan, longevity programming is becoming a more mainstream offering. Identified in this year’s European Spa Platinum Resource as one of the top ten spa trends for 2025, longevity has become a billion-pound industry. Analysts at Bank of America predict the global longevity market will be worth $610 billion this year. In response, wellness operators are shifting focus, responding to demand with more science-based preventative health programming that combines technology with traditional wellness practices to

support recovery, healthy ageing and improved

This growing demand for health optimisation is fuelling a raft of innovative new products. Technology in this area is truly at the cutting edge, with advancements in everything from red light and cryotherapy to hyperbaric oxygen chambers. But longevity tech comes at a premium. In order to offer meaningful, effective programming that generates a return on investment, spas must consider all options before leaping into the fray.

European Spa Buyers’ Guide spotlights the standout new technology in this space and explains what it can add to elevate your spa offering.

Oxy-Stack by Kloodos

KEY FEATURES

Kloodos supplies a number of best-in-class, clinically proven longevity technologies for spas and wellness centres

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is the only proven way to deliver increased oxygen levels to the body via haemoglobin and blood plasma. Kloodos’s fully certified HBOT chamber, Oxy-Stack (above), has options for diagnostics, exercise capabilities, IV infusion and red-light selection. It is fully customisable with unique designs, colours and premium finishes.

“Oxy-Stack is a serious, robust medical-standard HBOT chamber adapted to luxury wellness,” says Kloodos founder Julie Cichocki. “We work with spas to design a chamber that doesn’t just sit seamlessly within their interiors but adds interest and a modern sculptural dimension too.”

In addition, Kloodos’s Cell-Stack Photobiomodulation

Bed (right) combines near-infrared with infrared light to deliver advanced therapy for cellular and mitochondrial health. Adjustable irradiances, mean the force of red light can be customised, and spas can adjust the energy infusing the body, for optimal impact. A special

comfort mattress adds luxury, while negative ions are discharged to further magnify the healing potential.

“Cell-Stack is one of the most pivotal devices within Kloodos’s portfolio,” says Cichocki. “It increases adenosine triphosphate, the primary energy molecule for our cells. It helps tackle inflammation, triggering a cascade of positive effects throughout the body.”

REASONS TO INVEST

Kloodos works globally with leading health-longevity and wellness clients, including developing a sport spa concept for Manchester United Football Club that offers science-based, integrated longevity, recovery and wellness solutions. Its robust technologies are unique to the brand and manufactured to medical build standards for the best results, using materials built to last and ensuring spas generate ROI within a year.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Oxy-Stack starts at £85,000/€101,400 and Cell-Stack from £55,000/€65,600 www.kloodos.com

A new era dawns

time rolls back with Oxy-Stack

Our commitment to raise standards and amplify results, sees the launch of the first to market, medical-built, customisable, luxury and fully compliant Oxy-Stack HBOT chambers

Choose from a range of luxury therapeutic upgrades

When therapy is more than one-dimensional

Our pioneering stacking experience, honed in elite pro-sport, heralds the launch of our multi-functional Cell-Stack Red Light Therapy Bed, complete with negative ions.

Deeper, further, smarter.

www.kloodos.com | info@kloodos.com

Choice of fabrics and luxury finishes

Suppliers to Manchester United F.C .

Biohacking ORB: The Intelligent Wellness Pod

KEY FEATURES

The Biohacking ORB is an advanced wellness pod that merges sensory deprivation with multisensory modalities. The platform is designed for fast mental and physical recovery. It enhances mood, boosts cognitive performance, accelerates physical recovery and extends health span.

Ergonomically crafted as a cocoon-like sanctuary, the ORB’s relaxation bed promotes optimal posture for maximum comfort and relaxation. It offers ten diverse treatment journeys of between 10-40 minutes, each designed for specific outcomes. These can be accessed by an integrated tablet, enabling spas to provide touchless, self-administered wellness treatments.

Each pre-programmed session is designed with tailored contexts, performance settings and intensity levels to achieve therapeutic goals.

Core modalities include customised sound therapy, low and high frequency

vibroacoustics, chromotherapy

and aromatherapy. Infrared therapy provides deep-tissue penetration for detox and relaxation. “The ORB underwent three and a half years of meticulous development from a team of medical and wellness experts,” says founder Abdul Nassani. “We successfully piloted it at Atlantis The Palm Resort for three months, then it was fine-tuned in the lab to prepare it for commercial production. The geometric design uses ancient energy grounding principles to harmonise both sides of the body, delivering a transformative experience.”

REASONS TO INVEST

A compact, multi-sensory chamber, the Biohacking ORB is built for 20,000 hours of operation – it is durable and has a high ROI potential. Integrated with sixth-generation industrial technology, remote updates for new feature treatment rollouts will be available. The ORB will be commercially available in summer 2025.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The retail price is £37,910/€45,219/$49,000 with 45 days for production. Special pricing and partner discounts are available www.biohackingorb.com

BRAND TO WATCH

NADSQ by NADclinic

KEY FEATURES

Flow System by Art of Cryo

KEY FEATURES

The Art of Cryo Flow System stimulates lymphatic flow directly from the tips of the toes up to the lower rib cage using Alternating Deep Flow Technology – switching from over-pressure to under-pressure. The system activates lymphatic flow in the whole body, not just the areas being directly treated.

Benefits include reduced inflammation, better circulation, muscle recovery and a flushing of toxins. It boosts collagen, improves skin elasticity and prevents muscle atrophy.

REASONS TO INVEST

The Art of Cryo Flow System offers 30 treatment levels and power ranges from detox to relaxation to regeneration, recovery and performance. Treatment times range from five to 24 minutes. The Flow System can be included as part of Art of Cryo’s Tec-Spa module, which also includes the Cryo-Hacking System and its Vaultz high-performance cold chambers, for a three-stage longevity offering.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

£61,025/€72,800 www.artofcryo.us

An innovative new product in the Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide+ (NAD+) space, NADSQ lets users safely self-administer NAD+ injections, allowing them to combine the efficacy of intravenous infusions with the convenience of a daily supplement.

NAD+ is a natural molecule found in every cell, which drives essential processes like energy production, DNA repair and gene regulation. As we age, NAD+ levels decline, meaning NADSQ offers a new advancement in age management, and a scientifically backed approach to improving longevity.

REASONS TO INVEST

NADclinic is a leading provider of NAD+ injectables, diagnostics, therapeutics and nutraceuticals, known for its hyper-personalised IV protocols. It has partnered with leading wellness brands including Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire, UK. NADSQ offers a way for wellness operators to offer at-home continuation of in-person NAD+ treatments carried out within the spa, making long-term NAD+ therapy more accessible.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

NADSQ (1000mg) starts from £174.50/€208 per month www.nadclinic.com

EMS Training by miha bodytec

KEY FEATURES

Whole-body electromyostimulation (EMS) training uses gentle electrical impulses to activate muscles, delivering a full-body workout in 20 minutes without the need to lift heavy weights. The passive muscle stimulation of deep fibres combines with an active element of bodyweight exercise to enhance muscle tone, improve strength, support metabolic balance and relieve back pain without joint strain. Especially good for older guests, people compromised by injuries, or those looking to gain strength to improve their healthspan, miha bodytec’s EMS Training is offered at both of Mandarin Oriental’s London spas and Surrenne at the Emory by Maybourne Group.

REASONS TO INVEST

miha bodytec’s EMS devices are certified medical products designed for long-term, low-maintenance, continuous operation in the wellness sector. With a small footprint and minimal setup, they provide a high-value service with proven demand to boost revenue and guest retention.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

From £18,000/€21,470 www.miha-bodytec.com

Human Regenerator Power Jet

KEY FEATURES

Human Regenerator Power Jet is an advanced wellness device that uses Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) technology to optimise cellular function and address systemic imbalances. Focusing on energy science to unlock the body’s self-healing potential, it works by emitting a CAP field, enriched with free electrons, negative ions and therapeutic ozone. These elements support the body’s natural healing processes and enhance cellular regeneration to support cellular repair, improve circulation and balance the body’s oxygen utilisation.

REASONS TO INVEST

A first-of-its-kind technology, CAP stimulates controlled electron flow, creating an environment for detoxification, repair and regeneration. A relaxing, non-invasive treatment, it can be combined with NAD+ infusions to create fully bespoke longevity optimisation treatments for guests.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Price on request

www.humanregenerator.co.uk

Echo Refresh by Echowater

KEY FEATURES

Echo Refresh allows spas to offer the health benefits of hydrogen inhalation therapy, including reduced inflammation and improved metabolic function and cognitive performance. Hydrogen inhalation provides the body with powerful antioxidants that neutralise harmful free radicals. The molecular hydrogen produced by Echo Refresh is absorbed into the bloodstream in a matter of seconds, so guests will feel the positive effects by the end of the treatment.

REASONS TO INVEST

Echo Refresh claims to produce more hydrogen gas than other inhalation machines, offering up to four times the output for optimised health benefits. It also delivers 99.9 per cent pure hydrogen gas and oxygen. The system features two hydrogen outputs and one oxygen output, allowing spas the flexibility to deliver pure oxygen, pure hydrogen or a mixture of both.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

£5,800/€6,920/$7,500

www.echowater.com

KEY FEATURES

Zestós DryFloat by Metawell

Zestós DryFloat integrates vibroacoustic technology with hydromassage, offering a multisensory escape for guests. It provides a sensation of weightlessness as warm water envelopes the body, separated by a foil membrane that keeps guests perfectly dry. Once cocooned, only one-seventh of body weight is felt. Dry flotation can help ease muscle and joint pain, improving circulation and lymphatic drainage. It can be offered to aid everything from sports recovery to stress and has proven positive effects on anxiety, depression and sleep quality.

REASONS TO INVEST

Zestós is hygienic, energy-efficient, low maintenance and suitable for people with water phobias or physical limitations. It is touchless and easy to operate, and the floating sensation is complemented by water-powered jet massage to help ease tension and vibroacoustic technology, so that music isn’t just heard, but felt.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Price starts from £17,257/€20,585

www.metawell.io

Recharge from JK Group

KEY FEATURES

Recharge offers red light and infrared light LED technology for the entire body. The health benefits of non-invasive red and near-infrared light are well established – scientific studies confirm the stimulating effects that red light and near infrared light have on productivity, regeneration, skin health and musculoskeletal conditions.

By converging the two, Recharge can offer a solution for increasing adenosine triphosphate energy production, activating skin rejuvenation and reducing stress and pain. It can also help enable better sleep, improve mental health and cognition, enhance eye function, strengthen the immune system and help minimise inflammation to aid longevity.

Skin benefits include increased cellular turnover boosting collagen production and elastin synthesis.

REASONS TO INVEST

JK Group claims to be the first to combine red light and near infrared light LED technology for the entire body

Longevity Spa by Starpool

in the Recharge. Originally, red light and near-infrared were applied locally as there were no devices available for them to be used on a broader scale. Recharge uses newly developed technology to offer an accessible and easy-to-use longevity product. It is designed and manufactured in Germany with a focus on user comfort, safety and sensory experience.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Price available on request www.dayon.com

KEY FEATURES

Longevity Spa is an off-the-shelf solution for spa operators wanting to offer advanced longevity technologies and preventative health solutions with minimal activation. The concept leverages heat, cryotherapy and dry flotation technologies in a four-tiered approach: Zerobody Dry Float for flotation therapy; Zerobody Cryo for cold therapy; the nasal inhalation Molecular Hydrogen Booster to combat free radicals; and Starpool’s Wellness Coach for mindfulness.

REASONS TO INVEST

Longevity Spa combines scientific research with wellness space design to allow spas to build a successful health optimisation treatment offering. The four tiers allow operators to add ever more sophisticated regeneration technologies to their programming, tailored to their space availability and budget. Longevity Spa Basic, for example, can be created inside a single room, while Longevity Spa Elite Plus forms a comprehensive solution for longevity and overall health.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The starting price for Longevity Spa Basic is £20,000/€23,855 www.starpool.com

MonoZen by Henshaw

KEY FEATURES

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) increases collagen production, reduces oxidative stress and promotes cellular regeneration for younger looking skin. It also accelerates muscle recovery, reduces inflammation and helps rid the body of toxins. Mentally, HBOT supports brain health, reduces fatigue and enhances mental clarity.

The Henshaw MonoZen chamber is a high-pressure single chamber, with wide viewing windows that offers an automatic air pressure control system and a luxury recliner chair.

REASONS TO INVEST

Henshaw Hyperbarics is the largest supplier of Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers in the UK and has 15 years’ experience in helping spas to deliver exceptional HBOT results for guests. Operating as part of the Wellness Tree Group, the team supplies comprehensive support, training and guidance for staff to ensure spa teams can maximise the benefits of hyperbaric therapy.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

From £91,000/€108,550 www.henshawhyperbarics.co.uk

3D body scanner by Visbody

KEY FEATURES

Visbody’s 3D body scanner leverages cutting-edge 3D optical scanning and AI algorithms to deliver in-depth insights into body composition, posture alignment and fitness metrics, helping promote longevity through advanced body analytics. Visbody’s scanning technology captures more than 40 body metrics including muscle-to-fat ratio, joint alignment and visceral fat levels, empowering spas to help guests make data-driven health decisions. Each measurement is uploaded and stored in the cloud, ensuring a comprehensive health overview and enabling ongoing health monitoring.

REASONS TO INVEST

Visbody is a leader in AI-driven health assessment solutions. Its scanners allow for the identification of chronic disease risks via body composition trends, enabling operators to help guests address issues before they escalate, and actively support long-term health and longevity. By merging precision diagnostics with actionable insights, Visbody transforms how individuals and institutions approach health, making proactive, longevity-focused living accessible to all.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Starting from £5,339/€6,369/$6,900

www.visbody.com

Exclusively in beauty institutes, hotel spas, thermal and thalassotherapy centers & cruise ships.

Exclusively in beauty institutes, hotel spas, thermal and thalassotherapy centers & cruise ships. French excellence in professional treatments for beauty institutes and spas.

Responsible beauty that respects the skin and the environment.

Les Jardins Sothys® (the Sothys Gardens). Sothys flagship Institute, 128 Fbg St Honoré, Paris

Aufguss UK Championships 2025

Set to take place on May 18-19, the third annual event showcasing excellence in aufguss rituals will also feature the British Sauna Summit

The UK Aufguss Championships return this year at Arc Canary Wharf in London from May 18-19. The country’s top sauna masters will compete in a showcase of skill, performance and heat, celebrating excellence in sauna rituals. Winners from the single and team categories will go on to represent the UK at the Aufguss WM Finals at Aquardens in Verona, Italy on September 15-21.

Building on momentum from the past two events, this year’s competition will be the biggest to date. An international jury of experts will evaluate participants based on technique, storytelling and sensory immersion.

Winners will be judged on seven scores: professionalism and overall impression; increase and distribution of heat; fragrances, usage and dosage; theme implementation and show elements; waving techniques; atmosphere; and team spirit.

The host venue, Arc Canary Wharf is said to be the largest sauna in the UK

“The passion and dedication of our competitors continues to push the boundaries of sauna culture in the UK. It’s inspiring to see aufguss gain such momentum.”

Deborah Carr Founder, Aufguss UK

and can accommodate 65 people. With advanced sound and lighting systems adding to the spectacle, it is an ideal

location for the event. The property also has eight Brass Monkey ice baths. The UK Aufguss Championships will precede the highly anticipated British Sauna Summit, which takes place on May 20. The summit will feature panel discussions and presentations on the latest developments and growth of the sauna market.

Sauna enthusiasts, spa professionals and curious newcomers are invited to experience the transformative power of the unique aufguss ritual.

HOW TO BOOK

Priced at £75, tickets allow access to three performances from both UK and World competitors and champions. They also include entry to the Arc lounge and wellness spaces. Early bird tickets purchased before March 31 are available for £60. For more information, visit: www.britishsaunasociety.org.uk/ aufguss

UK AUFGUSS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Where spa meets sport and theatre

18-19 May 2025

5 spas for spring

European Spa showcases the latest spa openings and medical wellness destinations across Europe and beyond

REPORT BY MARK SMITH

The spa industry remains buoyant with many new projects planned across Europe in 2025. According to the latest figures from the Global Wellness Institute, in 2023 Europe had the largest regional spa market in terms of revenue ($49.7 billion) and the number of spas (65,385 properties).

As developers and hotel owners continue to invest in spa and wellness, an ever-increasing amount is being spent on medical wellness and preventative healthcare. On the flipside, destination and hotel spas are also reporting significant investment with refurbishments and new builds slated to open across the continent.

In this round-up we visit the latest offering from the Royal Mansour Collection at Tamuda Bay, where a luxury medi-spa concept stands on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco. We also head to Lake Como in Italy to report from spa Luce del Lago at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, and Portugal to explore the Spa by L’Occitane at Casa da Companhia. Further north, we check out the latest opening from Corinthia in the Belgian capital, Brussels, while preventative healthcare programming is also on the menu at ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea on Spain’s Costa Blanca.

Be inspired by the best in modern wellness provision and enjoy a tour of the best new spas in Europe as selected by European Spa magazine.

Medi-Spa at Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay, Morocco

The Royal Mansour Collection’s third luxury property, on the Mediterranean coast close to Tangier, was opened in 2024 by the country’s monarch, Mohammed VI, who in 2010 opened the Royal Mansour in Marrakech, regularly voted one of the best hotels in the world.

The 55 suites and villas at Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay offer panoramic views of the sea, the property’s lush gardens and the Rif mountains. Every villa comes with its own dedicated butler ensuring the very highest level of Moroccan hospitality.

As in all Royal Mansour Collection properties, the resort’s architecture combines contemporary style and Moroccan tradition and the team has raised the bar for excellence welcoming three Michelin-starred chefs across four restaurants.

Spa Spotlight Five spas to watch

BEHIND THE PROJECT

Medi-Spa at Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay www.royalmansour.com

Spa size 4,300sqm

Product partners Dr. Burgener, marocMaroc, Leonor Greyl

Spa suppliers Gharieni Group, Matrix Fitness, Garnier-Thiebaut, SpaBooker, Massor maroc, Coco Wolf, Studio 27, Minotti, Palacek, Elite Home Décor

Well-ageing in focus

The beautifully appointed Medi-Spa, designed by Muza Lab with consultation by Arch Amenities Group, features stunning emerald marble pools overlooking the sea. Situated over two floors it provides a cocooning wellness experience in which guests can regain inner balance through personalised treatments that combine traditional rituals and the latest technology.

Combining scientific expertise and holistic and preventive medicine, the spa features five elegantly designed medical treatment rooms and nine wellness spaces. The Medi-Spa is home to leading anti-ageing doctors and holistic treatment specialists who create personalised well-ageing programmes designed to promote longevity and wellbeing.

“Our programmes focus on achieving metabolic and nutritional balance, enhancing physical fitness and energy, improving sleep quality, and managing stress and emotions,” says spa director David Lestelle. “At the Medi-Spa, we provide a comprehensive approach to wellbeing, offering you the tools and knowledge to live longer and healthier lives.”

Beauty, medical aesthetic and body treatments are available, including traditional hammam seaweed body wraps and anti-cellulite treatments. The team includes a range of specialists from Ayurvedic therapists, masseurs, naturopaths, acupuncturists and general practitioners to aesthetic medicine specialists. A children’s spa menu is offered as well as hairdressing services and a very well-equipped gym with Pilates studio. Sports coaching is also available.

Luce del Lago at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Italy

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni has reopened its newly refurbished spa, Luce del Lago, on Lake Como in Bellagio. Translated as ‘light of the lake’, Luce del Lago is part of the 94-room hotel that is said to be the joint oldest luxury hotel on Lake Como and the only five-star property in the historic village.

Dating back to 1850, the property has welcomed luminaries including Sir Winston Churchill and US presidents Theodore Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy as well as Mary Shelley, Sofia Loren and the photographer Mario Testino. The hotel has been owned by the Bucher family since 1918, who still manage the property today.

A 1,500sqm wellness retreat, overseen by spa manager Serena Gilardoni, draws inspiration from the natural beauty of its surroundings. Interiors incorporate hues of sunset pinks, deep lake blues and sandy beiges into its palette. The design, by Silvia Giannini Architetto, focuses on elegant lines

with geometries highlighted by large stoneware slabs in colours of the lake light.

An immersive experience

Water immersion is at the heart of the spa’s wellness journey with two heated indoor pools. The adults’ pool features a unique whirlpool system with water jets from three directions, creating a gentle tumbling water effect that massages and relaxes. The children’s pool provides a safe and fun environment for younger guests.

A thermal suite includes a Finnish sauna, steam bath and emotional shower equipped with chromotherapy by Ki Life. Relaxation rooms offer guests the opportunity for peace and reflection post-treatment. The spa also

boasts a hair and nail parlour for styling and manicures, and five treatments rooms offering massages and therapies with French expertise from Sothys.

Sustainability and natural wellness are key and Italian brand MEI’s products are renowned for its use of gas to derive essential oils from herbs over traditional distillation – a technique that preserves their natural healing effects.

The spa’s comprehensive fitness centre offers experiences tailored to all levels, with a professional squash court for those looking to engage in a fast-paced, calorie-burning activity. Adjacent to the fitness area is a wellness space with a sauna and a cold bath basin. A tennis court is also available.

BEHIND THE PROJECT

Luce del Lago at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

www.villaserbelloni.com

Spa size 1,500sqm

Product partners Sothys, MEI

Spa suppliers Piscine Castiglione, Ki Life, Technogym, Maurel, Rivolta Carmignani, G&G Interior Design

Spa by L’Occitane at Casa da Companhia, Portugal

Set in the heart of Porto, Spa by L’Occitane has opened its latest partnership with the boutique five-star luxury hotel, Casa da Companhia. Part of the Vignette Collection by IHG Hotels & Resorts, the 40-room hotel is housed in an historic 16th-century building in the heart of the city. The Vignette Collection is a series of individual hotels with their own distinct outlook and story, and currently includes 13 properties with 34 in the pipeline.

The compact Spa by L’Occitane features a treatment room with space for two people. Guests can also enjoy an indoor heated swimming pool that is flooded with natural daylight. The wood

paneling in this space creates a cocooning effect and the relaxation beds lining the pool make this the ideal spot to rest on the wellness journey.

There is also a dedicated sauna and hammam area, an outdoor plunge pool with views over the city, and a Technogym-equipped fitness room.

The spa has been designed over two floors. The top floor, where guests enter the spa via reception boasts the treatment room, gym and changing rooms. On the lower-level guests can enjoy the wet and thermal experiences.

The gym boasts Technogym’s Kinesis Personal line with FullGravity technology that offers progressive functional training designed to improve

strength, coordination, flexibility, posture and breathing control.

“We value the partnership with L’Occitane as it is a brand aligned with our positioning,” says hotel general manager Manuel de Meireles Leite. “It will be a huge contributor for a standout presence within Porto’s luxury market, and this partnership reflects our commitment to align with brands that resonate with our core values and aspirations.”

Treatments made to measure

The treatment menu has been designed to provide a sensory experience in line with L’Occitane en Provence and Casa da Companhia’s sustainability Spa Spotlight Five spas to watch

BEHIND THE PROJECT

Spa by L’Occitane at Casa da Companhia, Portugal www.casadacompanhia.com

Spa size 231sqm

Product partner L’Occitane en Provence

Spa suppliers Marcy Paris, Lameirinho, Lemi Group, Technogym, Opera PMS, TriunfoVivo

commitment, while offering guests a chance to relax and regenerate.

The spa offers exclusive made-to-measure treatments with a selection of personalised facials and body treatments designed to meet individual needs. The experience is highly personalised, allowing a choice between a facial, body treatment or a combination of both, selecting their preferred massage technique, duration and even their choice of L’Occitane en Provence product range or body oil scent for a fully immersive experience.

Short complementary treatments (15 minutes) can be added, targeting specific areas such as the scalp, eye contour, neck, and décolleté.

The Spa, Corinthia Brussels, Belgium

The highly anticipated Corinthia Brussels, situated on Rue Royale, opened in December 2024. Formerly the Grand Hotel Astoria, which stood since 1910, this iconic belle époque landmark has undergone a four-year transformation, now featuring 126 rooms and suites and a subterranean spa.

Commissioned by royal decree and designed by Henri Van Dievoet, the building was originally conceived as a palace to host distinguished guests of the king. The project to restore this Brussels landmark has been reimagined by the Corinthia Group – an owner, developer and operator of luxury hotels worldwide – whose operating company, Corinthia Hotels, took on the management of the iconic palais that stands at the heart of Belgium’s capital.

The spa, designed by GA Group in collaboration with ESPA, features architecture by ma2. Opened in February 2025, it raises the bar for wellness in the the city. “Our mission with Corinthia Spa is to provide guests with a truly transformative spa experience that goes beyond the conventional,” says Kerry Turpin, head of spa and wellness at Corinthia Hotels. “In partnership with Sisley,

we’re setting a new standard of luxury and wellness in Brussels. The spa’s stunning design, exceptional treatments, and tranquil ambiance will undoubtedly position Corinthia Brussels as the premier destination for relaxation and wellbeing in the city.”

Digging deep into wellness

Corinthia’s elegant underground wellness sanctuary has been created through the addition of a newly excavated floor beneath the hotel. Over 1,200sqm, the spa features seven private wood panelled treatment rooms, a pool, steam room, sauna, experience showers, tea room and fitness centre.

The tea room offers a stylish setting for nourishing, plant-based dishes, perfect for those looking to fuel up after a workout. With its emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients, it’s the ideal spot to indulge in vibrant flavours while embracing a wellness-focused lifestyle.

Emilie Bazzocchi, general manager for Sisley BeLux, is the visionary behind this new Corinthia Spa, and the treatments on offer include a series of bespoke experiences created by the Sisley team.

Personal training at the on-site Technogym equipped gym is led by Paul Tucker. A former Royal Army Physical Training Corps Instructor, Tucker trained over 700 soldiers before channelling his energy into mountaineering and ultra-marathons. He now brings his wealth of experience to Corinthia Spa, offering bespoke fitness programmes at the highly rated Paul Tucker Gym.

BEHIND THE PROJECT

Corinthia Brussels www.corinthia.com

Spa size 1,200sqm

Product partners Sisley

Spa suppliers BC Softwear, Book4Time, Herpain, Kemaqua, KLAFS, Jalin Design, Gharieni Group, Technogym, Black Box, Digilock, McCue Fit, Ashfield Stone, Artemide, Brabbu, Galiotti&Radice, dpa Lighting

ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea, Spain

Combining the latest advances in medicine, science and nutrition alongside holistic practices, ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea is a new longevity hub on the Costa Blanca near Alicante. Set over ten acres, it boasts the modern 4,000sqm Zem Spa, a medical wellness clinic and 95 hotel suites, with views across the bay of Altea and island of La Olla.

The property’s decor reflects the surrounding landscape, making the most of the natural light and modern design touches to give a sense of place by the sea. Natural materials and handcrafted furniture feature throughout the hotel and spa.

Based on the Mediterranean concept of

longevity – giving guests the tools to live healthier, longer lives – the clinic offers advanced technology across 25 medical disciplines. These include cardiology, dermo-aesthetics, nutrition, dentistry, regenerative medicine and pain management.

The onsite team of experts ranges from doctors and therapists to psychologists and nutritionists. Targeted programmes include Pro-Ageing, Immune Revitalisation, Aesthetics, Detox and Weight Management.

From

longevity to vitality

The spa offers tailored health programmes and preventative medical treatments combining modern science with ancient therapies and

ancestral wisdom. This holistic approach is designed to contribute to the personal transformation of each guest.

Six integrated health programmes cover two fundamental areas of prevention: Longevity, which aims to create the conditions for a longer and fuller life; and Balance and Vitality which aids weight control, body cleansing, stress management and the restoration of balance.

In addition, each programme can be combined with complementary treatments called ‘Boosts’ that focus on six specific areas such as dermo-aesthetics, pain relief and sleep.

The spa has 44 treatment rooms, divided into three main areas: recovery, detox and relaxation. There are multiple hydrothermal experiences including a biosauna, hammam, infrared cabin and mud cabin, as well as snow and ice cabins. The hydrotherapy area is home to a hydrojet pool, cold and hot plunge wells, a Watsu pool and three outdoor swimming pools. The fitness area is equipped with Technogym. Each of ZEM’s programmes feature a personalised food plan based on the Mediterranean Diet principles. All menus are prepared using local organic food grown on ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea’s own certified sustainable farm, Finca Althaya.

BEHIND THE PROJECT

ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea www.zemaltea.com

Spa size 4,000sqm

Product partners Cuvget, Rassa Botanicals, System-Skin, Le Domaine, Dr Levy, Dr Vranjes, Cellcosmet, La Sultane de Saba, Artesania

Agricola, SeaSkin Life, Balmain Hair Couture, Nailberry, Sachajuan, Oway

Spa suppliers GodoPools, Metawell, Gharieni Group, Nilo, Lemi Group, Technogym, Vayoil, The Labo

A committed brand, B Corp™ certified, present in 90 countries with over 20 years of Spa expertise.

A multisensory treatment offering, rooted in Provence and supported by science.

The world’s first Spa to be awarded ECOCERT certification as a «Sustainable Well-Being Center». Spa L’Occitane spa.info@loccitane.com @spa.loccitane @ www.spa.loccitane.com

Labellisé par

On the Menu

OUR PICK OF THE LATEST PRODUCT LAUNCHES AND TREATMENT INNOVATIONS

Edited by Mark Smith

EDITOR’S PICK

Swissline introduces new face massage technique

Swissline is to debut an innovative lymphatic drainage technique at its affiliated medi-spas in April, in partnership with medical cosmetologist and face massage world champion Anna Tsankova. The protocol works as a stand-alone wellness therapy or as an intervention to ensure skin is in peak health before advanced cosmetic procedures. It supports the elimination of toxins and promotes the delivery of nutrients and oxygen.

With over 25 years’ experience, Tsankova has a deep understanding of facial anatomy and physiology, and its intricate links to the body’s other systems. “My vision was to merge the profound efficacy of Swissline’s anti-inflammatory, barrier-building formulas with my results-driven manual lymphatic drainage techniques – including the innovative Lymphatic Spheres technique – to create a holistic treatment that nurtures the skin’s homeostasis and client wellbeing,” she explains.

The technique gently activates the lymph nodes and pathways, facilitating effective lymphatic drainage of the head, neck and décolleté. Gently manipulating the lymph nodes encourages the movement of excess fluid from the tissues towards working lymph vessels and nodes where toxins will be removed. It also opens the pathways for efficient nourishment and oxygenation, resulting in long-term benefits and visible results. www.swissline-cosmetics.com

“This protocol draws on the links between the lymphatic system of the face, neck and décolleté with the body’s immune and circulatory systems.”

Anna Tsankova Medical cosmetologist

Anna Tsankova

TempleSpa tackles blemishes with targeted skin clarifying serum

Focusing on the ‘glass skin’ trend, TempleSpa’s new skin clarifying serum combines a number of ingredients to improve balance and overall complexion. Clear To Me is formulated with salicylic acid, microencapsulated retinal and niacinamide to rapidly target and prevent blemishes while reducing redness and refining skin texture.

Prebiotic willow herb extract provides a mattifying effect. Adenosilane is an advanced pore-refining complex that also combats excess oil. Skin-calming Mediterranean date oil keeps the skin hydrated and prevents it from drying out. Olive fruit oil helps to lift up and break down dirt and skin impurities. Antioxidant vitamin E and a mineral complex of zinc, magnesium, manganese and sodium combine with vitamin C from kakadu plum to brighten skin.

The serum is also beneficial during hormonal breakouts, skin-disrupting seasonal changes and external stressors or during menopause. www.templespa.com

Wildsmith Botanic treatment mists protect from trans-epidermal water loss

Developed to re-energise lacklustre skin and counter trans-epidermal water loss, Wildsmith Skin has introduced two treatment mists to its collection. The products are infused with a blend of lab-grown and botanical actives, antioxidant-rich hydrolats and humectant hyaluronic acid to instantly hydrate, soothe and refresh. They are especially suited to people living in urban environments and areas where temperature and humidity fluctuate.

Super Energising Treatment Mist, ideal for morning and day use, features English chamomile, daisy and lemon balm to promote even skin tone. Super Moisturising Treatment Mist, which calms and supports dry and reactive skin types, benefits from calendula and rose to soothe, comfort and hydrate the skin. English chamomile, calendula and rose ingredients are grown and harvested biodynamically on the Heckfield Estate

Both blends are enriched with betaine, an upcycled amino-acid derivative sourced from the sugar production process which helps manage the water balance within the skin. www.wildsmithskin.com

Elemis adds to its award-winning Pro-Collagen collection with new Black Cherry Cleansing Balm

Elemis has launched Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm for spring. The cleanser offers a luxurious blend of fragrance notes combining ripe black cherry, warm almond and vanilla with the brand’s unique three-in-one texture to uplift and nourish the skin and stimulate the senses.

The clinically proven balm effectively removes long-wear and waterproof makeup without drying the skin, strengthening its barrier and delivering instant hydration. Rose and mimosa waxes are blended with starflower, elderberry and Optimega to leave the skin soft, hydrated and glowing.

Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm joins a family of award-winning aromatics. The bestselling product within the Elemis skincare collection, one cleansing balm is sold every ten seconds globally. www.elemis.com

Seabody launches debut product in the new SeaGel line

Irish marine plant-based beauty and skincare brand Seabody has announced the launch of its Seagel Line. Leading the collection is SeaGel Biomasque, a biotech-based spa mask developed for home use.

The product has been inspired by the brand’s SeaGel ingredients used in professional spa treatments. Offering deep hydration, barrier repair and a brightening effect, the gel mask features SeaGel (MGF-1), a proprietary marine bioactive complex enriched with ceramides, peptides, PHA and polyglutamic acid. These work to deliver deep hydration and gentle exfoliation for soft, radiant, glowing skin while reinforcing the skin’s barrier.

The collection will launch a cleanser and moisturiser later in 2025. The brand partners with leading spas including Dromoland Castle, Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, Sheen Falls Lodge and Anantara The Marker, Dublin. www.seabody.com

TREATMENT FOCUS

Natura Bissé presents Diamond Acu-Energy

A new limited-edition spa treatment from Natura Bissé, Diamond Acu-Energy combines the full efficacy of the Spanish brand’s iconic Diamond Collection with its cutting-edge Acu-Energy Method. This advanced technique blends the brand’s exclusive pro-youth protocols, developed from its latest neuroscience research, with a novel technique inspired by acupuncture and performed with radiant gemstones.

The treatment begins with mindful breathing and aromatic inhalations for deep relaxation, followed by a cleansing ritual using shirodhara massage techniques. A renewing exfoliation and shiatsu massage follow, enhanced by the application of Diamond Crystals on strategic points on the face.

Diamond Experience Glowing Oil-Gel works in synergy with muscle kneading, friction and rubbing techniques to visibly minimise the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and sagging, revealing skin that is noticeably firmer, rejuvenated, supple and radiantly healthy. The treatment also features myofacial release and shiatsu, designed to reveal a noticeably firmer, revitalised and rejuvenated face.

www.naturabisse.com

TREATMENT FOCUS

Thalgo spa ritual inspired by the French Riviera

Inspired by the revitalising warmth and marine energy of the Mediterranean coast, Thalgo’s French Riviera Marine Spa Ritual includes a Signature Warm Pebble Body Treatment, Signature Facial and Marine Spa Face & Body Treatment.

Designed to restore vitality, soothe the senses and rejuvenate the skin, the treatments are based on the brand’s patented Micronised Marine Algae Filtrate, a highly biocompatible marine complex that fortifies, energises and remineralises the skin. Thalgo’s self-heating massage pebble, featuring white jade and an ergonomic wooden handle, diffuses customisable warmth from 40°C to 60°C, easing tension, improving circulation and promoting deep relaxation.

Four homecare body products – a shower gel, body scrub, marine soap with micronised marine algae and powerful L’Oceane marine nutritional supplement – also boost the effects of the treatments. www.thalgo.co.uk

MOISTURE TO GLOW Radiance Moisturiser

89% said their skin instantly feels smoother.

86% agree said their skin has a healthy-looking radiant glow.

86% said their skin looks brighter.

84% said their skin felt instantly refreshed.

* based on a panel size of 117 subjects age 18–65

Oskia Dynamic Body Sculpting Treatment TREATMENT FOCUS

Inspired by Brazilian sculpting massage techniques, Oskia results-driven new professional treatment firmly enhances its spa menu offering

Bringing a luxurious Brazilian-inspired sculpting massage to the brand’s spa menu, Oskia’s Dynamic Body Sculpting Treatment offers a results-driven therapy for clients seeking visible improvement in body tone, definition and skin texture.

Designed to enhance body confidence, the 60 or 90-minute treatment uses advanced massage techniques to redefine contours and improve the appearance of legs, waist, arms and glutes.

Working to stimulate lymphatic drainage and circulation, the treatment visibly firms and smoothes the skin. Oskia’s professional massage oil blend is infused with a potent mix of berry antioxidants, revitalising avocado, rosehip seed oils, calendula and evening primrose to boost skin regeneration and elasticity.

Essential oils of lemongrass, peppermint, black pepper and cypress work to stimulate and tone. A course of treatments is recommended, after which frequency can be reduced to maintain sculpted definition and skin tone. www.oskiaskincare.com

“Following frequent customer requests, we’re excited to launch the Dynamic Body Sculpting Treatment. Our goal is to boost body confidence and give clients the tools they need for sculpted, smoother skin, with techniques and ingredients that are both natural and potent.”

Laura

Brown Head of spa (maternity cover)

Above: Oskia’s new Dynamic Sculpting Body Treatment harnesses advanced massage techniques to redefine contours and improve the appearance of legs, waist, arms, and glutes

L’Occitane en Provence incorporates pure shea butter to soothe and stimulate

The Spa L’Occitane en Provence at Le Couvent des Minimes – the world’s first spa to be awarded the ECOCERT Sustainable Wellbeing Center certification – has unveiled an exclusive Shea Soothing Treatment.

Using certified organic shea butter, the deeply nourishing hand and foot treatment restores the skin, relieves tension and promotes relaxation.

The treatment begins with deep guided breathing and a comforting hand gesture on the ears to help refocus energy and encourage letting go. Hands and feet are then enveloped in heated pure shea butter to activate hydration. A soothing pressure-point scalp massage helps to relieve stress.

Once the mittens and socks are removed, a precise expert massage of the hands and feet works to release tension, stimulate circulation and provide deep relaxation. Breathing and light pressure techniques conclude the soothing treatment. www.loccitane.com

www.oskiaskincare.com

TREATMENT FOCUS

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Ilma welcomes ESPA to its luxury private spa

ESPA has unveiled its latest partnership at sea with the addition of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Ilma to its prestigious portfolio of luxury wellness destinations. The impressive mega yacht is said to redefine the concept of holistic wellbeing with expertise from the ESPA team. The Ritz-Carlton Spa on board Ilma has 11 private treatment rooms, five of which are designed for outdoor treatments. Signature experiences include targeted massages, facials and regionally inspired therapies. Guests can enjoy access to the spa’s sauna, steam room, relaxation areas and juice bar.

As well as a full-service beauty lounge and a gentleman’s grooming salon, Ilma offers three dedicated movement, cycle and fitness studios. Guests can also personalise their wellness journey with tailored fitness programmes, lectures and nutrition counselling. www.espaskincare.com

ishga expands spa fragrance collection with new reed diffuser

Well known and loved throughout its spa network, ishga’s signature scent is now available for guests to buy in the form of its new Hebridean Dreams Reed Diffuser.

Creating a unique sense of the Outer Hebrides, the diffuser is inspired by its popular Hebridean Dreams Candle and was developed to create a spa-like experience in the home.

The unique scent is a blend of lemongrass, lavender, rose geranium and juniper berry essential oils, offering a long-lasting fragrance that is vibrant and uplifting.

Once open, allow 48 hours for the fragrance to fill the room with scent. For more impact, use all of the reeds and turn them daily. For a subtle scent, use fewer reeds and turn less often.

www.ishga.com

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

Supporting the skin’s microbiome

Working in harmony with the skin to support barrier function, GROUND has introduced six new products that bridge the gap between skin comfort and long-term resilience

Aleading provider of advanced massage training, GROUND specialises in lymphatics and the vagus nerve to deliver sincere and inclusive wellbeing to spa guests. In response to requests from its spa partners, the brand has now incorporated facials and skincare products into its offering, to allow spas to exclusively feature GROUND.

After three years of development, GROUND has announced the launch of Biome, a new collection designed to restore and support the skin’s

natural microbiome, promoting health, resilience and longevity through the lens of wellbeing.

The art of skin wellness

“We believe that skin wellness is an art – the art of simplicity and a dedication to restore integrity and comfort,” says the brand’s founder Peigin Crowley.

“Through both our GROUND hands-on treatments and our new purposeful Biome products, we share with spa guests a holistic approach to skin health, prioritising minimal routines

that deliver multiple benefits.”

The six Biome products aim to bridge the gap between science and nature, offering a balanced approach to skincare that nurtures and restores even the most sensitive or compromised skin. Designed with simplicity and sustainability in mind, they support long-term skin health, delivering lasting comfort through minimal routines. The Biome collection comprises a cleansing oil, cleansing gel mask, plant water toner, serum, cream and overnight repair oil.

Bio-identical botanical actives

Each product is crafted to work in harmony with the skin to support its microbiome, reduce stress and provide deep hydration while strengthening its barrier. Biome contains bio-identical botanical actives chosen for their skin-affinity properties.

These include probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, lactic acid and nutrient-rich seed oils. Instantly recognised and absorbed by the skin, they ensure optimal effectiveness and a nurturing experience.

Dermatologically tested and microbiome friendly-certified, the Biome collection is suitable for all skin types. It’s especially apt for use during pregnancy and cancer treatment, embodying GROUND’s commitment to inclusivity and purposeful selfcare.

“We believe that skin wellness is an art – the art of simplicity and a dedication to restore integrity and comfort.”

Peigin Crowley Founder, GROUND

The Biome Facial Collection

Recently launched at The Shelbourne Dublin and Jumeirah Carlton Tower London, the Biome Facials were designed by Rachel O’Malley, head of spa treatment, training and design, to reinforce barrier strength and longevity by honouring the skin’s natural ecosystem and supercharging the microbiome. Hands-on techniques include lymphatic drainage with probiotic-rich plant nutrition to calm

range features six restorative products; GROUND rituals take a holistic approach to skincare; the brand’s founder,

inflammation and promote long-term skin health. Cooling therapy helps to leave the skin balanced and soothed.

The 90-minute rituals address areas where stress, often a root cause of gut and skin imbalances, can linger. A mindful massage of the abdomen, diaphragm and décolleté aids balance between digestion, breath and skin function.

BE INFORMED...

To find out more about the benefits GROUND can bring to your spa’s guests and therapists, email: peigin@groundwellbeing.com

Above from left: the new Biome

Peigin Crowley

How to choose the right technology for your business

Patrick Saussay, founder and CEO of GPSA Wellness Solutions, explores how spas can integrate advanced technologies in an authentic and meaningful way

PPatrick Saussay

EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR

Patrick Saussay supports business strategy in the wellness market, management of spa projects and creation of spas, wellness concepts and spa brands. From strategy and concept definition to go-live support, he delivers project services with a strong focus on quality of delivery, efficiency, project management and balance between guest experience and profitability. Saussay is also responsible for the international development of evianSPA where he manages projects in France, Asia and the Middle East. www.globalspaadvisory.com

resentations at the 2024 Global Wellness Summit confirmed the growing importance of technology and AI in creating wellness experiences. However, it can be challenging for spas to find a balance between preserving traditional concepts without appearing outdated, and integrating advanced technologies without losing the authenticity of the wellness experience.

There is no immediate correct answer to choosing between a technological or a traditional approach, and these two directions are not necessarily opposed. Technologies can enhance client comfort and amplify the impact of the experiences offered, for example, with more immersive sound in treatment rooms or visual effects in relaxation areas that help with disconnection.

For example, evianSPA at Hôtel Royal in Evian-les-Bains, France has introduced an innovative affusion shower massage. At its core this remains a massage, but the precision of the programmed water movements on the body greatly enhances relaxation. Here the evianSPA concept linked to the water lifecycle in nature is not altered by the technical innovation, and differentiation is strengthened.

Technology, not trends

The decision to integrate new technologies into a spa relies on five key elements: how the tech aligns with the spa’s concept; how it matches the identity of the location and destination; if it provides real added value to the client experience; if the team has the

necessary skills to manage it; and what it the related ROI expected?

Technology is a tool that should not be adopted just to follow a trend but to enhance the quality and coherence of the client experience, as well as the spa’s objectives in terms of visitor engagement, differentiation and positioning. A spa with a strong focus on facial treatments might boost its attendance with modern ‘better ageing’ diagnostic and treatment tools that reinforce its positioning. More

“The technology you invest in should enhance your business model, so it requires a rational analysis and a good understanding of the target clientele.”

Patrick Saussay GPSA Wellness Solutions

generally, upgrading equipment can help rejuvenate the image of a site and attract a new clientele. In any case, adding a technology must serve a precise objective.

Enhancing tradition

At N Le Spa at Le Negresco Hotel in France, we merged traditional yoga practice with new technologies to deliver immersive yoga – a guided yoga session in a white room, which comes to life visually and sonically. Along with Creative Motion Studios, we developed seven unique experiences tailored to the client’s intention,

each linked in colour and sound to a specific chakra. Digital art animations evolve during the session, based on the chosen experience (pictured). An AI system creates the atmosphere for each guest, controlled by a dedicated app. The technology, which includes sound therapy, enhances the yoga experience, but still, human connection, body expression, and mental wellbeing remain at the heart of the experience.

Choosing the right path

The technology you invest in should enhance your business model, so it requires a rational analysis and a good understanding of the target clientele.

Treatment and relaxation-based equipment – such as LED, infrared and light therapies, cryotherapy, oxygen therapy, radiofrequency, ultrasound and neurostimulation – can produce great results. However, you need to balance this against the cost, which

is often high, and this investment requires an evaluation of the potential selling price for a session and the target client volume.

Diagnostic tools are useful in the right setting but do consider if it is right for your business. This approach is not suitable for all spas – it’s vital you stay aligned with your business concept, guest needs and profitability objectives.

The sensory experience is an important element of the guest journey. In an urban spa, in particular, technology can enhance the quality of the sensory experience when direct immersion in a natural environment is not an option.

Technology offers endless possibilities for new spa experiences – if we keep in mind the diverse aspirations of clients. Some seek precise and measurable results, while others simply desire personalised attention, natural elements, and authenticity.

Top tips for selecting tech

1. Evaluate tech that enhances the spa’s sensory environment – sound (including underwater acoustics) intelligent fragrance diffusers, digital art, immersive technologies, etc – in alignment with the venue’s theme.

2. Select treatment and relaxation equipment based on effectiveness, serious clinical studies, maturity, ROI and maintenance.

3. Carefully assess advanced diagnostic tools – biohacking, blood analysis, DNA analysis, etc – while ensuring regulatory compliance, data security, spa positioning and the availability of skilled teams to manage these innovations.

4 Always stay aligned with the spa’s concept, identity, target clientele and profitability objectives. Technology should enhance, not disrupt, the coherence of a spa concept.

5. Technology offers endless possibilities for new spa experiences if we keep in mind the diverse aspirations of clients.

SPA DESIGN The future of

We

ask six international spa designers why wellness design is more important than ever and which trends are set to shape spas in 2025 and beyond

REPORT BY WENDY GOLLEDGE

Creating a comfortable, attractive and enticing wellness space that draws in guests and encourages them to return is as much about design as it is facilities, treatments and programming. Wellness design is becoming ever more vital – it’s key to creating unique facilities that carve out a niche for your property, and integral to curating both a stand-out guest journey and seamless, cohesive operations.

The power of wellness design to transform the built spa environment was highlighted earlier this year when the Global Wellness Institute’s Wellness Architecture and Design Initiative launched a new white paper. A guide to adopting holistic design practices that enhance individual, community and planetary wellbeing, it highlights how wellness design can enhance quality of life for individuals and communities as well as create substantial economic returns.

With wellness design moving to the fore, we sought advice from six leading international designers on what trends are set to lead the way in 2025 and beyond. They explore how new properties can embrace sustainability principles, outline the technology and materials changing the way spas are being built, and advise on what existing properties can do to cost-effectively enhance their offering through innovative and achievable design concepts. Here’s their inside track on how to best strengthen your spa business through insightful design.

Right: the stunning Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti in Italy includes wellness design by Studio Apostoli

Right from top: new interiors for Champneys Forest Mere, Hampshire, UK were created by Butterscotch Design; Sparcstudio was responsible for delivering and designing the new forest spa concept at Aqua Sana at Center Parcs Elveden Forest in Suffolk, UK

Embracing humans as well as the planet

Alberto Apostoli argues that sustainability in spa design should be focused not just on how buildings are constructed, but on its effects on the people who use it

DESIGNER PROFILE ALBERTO APOSTOLI

Practice Studio Apostoli, Italy

Notable spa projects Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, Italy; Almar Giardino di Costanza, Italy; Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda, Italy; Tavan Jargal Wellness Resort, Mongolia; Preistoriche Green Lodge, Italy; Casa Cipriani Milano Spa, Italy

When it comes to spa design, it is important to fully understand what is meant by sustainability. It’s not merely a technical issue concerning energy efficiency, the environment and society, but a broader concept based on the 17 principles outlined by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which touch on all aspects of our actions.

When considering sustainability in spa design, we must always remember that the ultimate goal is not sustainability for its own sake, but rather the wellbeing or impact it generates. Sustainability goals are often limited to focusing on how buildings are designed and constructed when in fact we should be primarily concerned with people.

First and foremost designers should consider guests, who must identify with the wellbeing offering, but also clients, developers and operators who may need support in identifying models that are also financially sustainable. The satisfaction of spa teams also ultimately determines the sustainable success of the business venture.

Building with respect

Let us not forget that sustainability requires the evaluation of many aspects, most of which are subjective and often immeasurable. True luxury must now be authentic and consistent with an Environmental, Social and Governance vision, where hospitality genuinely respects the environment, people and the local area.

At the heart of sustainability sits the individual and their wellbeing, which cannot exist without a specific environment. Sustainability is, therefore, ultimately the only means we have to create spaces that are as ideal as possible for clients, nature and teams – this is how it must be approached.

Studio Apostoli has always strived to establish a connection between architectural principles and the

Below: a wintry scene on the terrace of a Business Villa at Tavan Jargal Wellness Resort in Mongolia

Alberto Apostoli Studio Apostoli core values underpinning each project we design, with a deep respect for its ecosystem, landscape and traditions. This is achieved by providing clients with integrated architectural services that consider individual wellbeing and the utmost care of the landscape, fostering the development of an environment that is an improvement on the one that preceded it. www.albertoapostoli.com

Following the overwhelming rise of new technologies and AI, mankind will need to place greater emphasis on the spiritual dimension that remains within us. Spas will increasingly need to embody this new necessity, incorporating ritual spaces and pathways that focus on these elements.

Clockwise from left: the pool at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, Italy; a plunge pool and ice waterfall at Almablu Spa, Almar Giardino di Costanza, Italy; a Preistoriche Green Lodge at Montegrotto Terme, Italy

Making space for guests to connect with themselves

Silvia Giannini believes the concept of private wellness will hold as much sway in coming years as the recent trend for social experiences such as thermal bathing

DESIGNER PROFILE

SILVIA GIANNINI

Practice Silvia Giannini Architetto

Notable spa projects Spa Luce del Lago, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio, Italy; Hexaya Health & Wellness at Intercontinental Hotel Sofia, Bulgaria; Borgobrufa Spa Resort, Brufa, Italy; Adoro, Hotel Savini, Bellaria-Igea Marina, Italy; Spa Hotel Ariston, Montecatini Terme, Italy; Spa Laghi Nabi, Castel Volturno, Italy

While the demand for communal, community-centric thermal experiences may be growing, I feel there will also be a concurrent rise in demand for private wellness experiences.

The concept of private wellness is strengthening and will develop more in the coming years. We’ll see spas looking to include more individual treatment rooms, exclusive rooms for couples or small groups, and hotel rooms that double up as wellness areas.

Saunas and steam baths are evolving, allowing designers to create thermal areas that spark an emotional involvement in the spa experience, or create an environment for mindfulness. For example, in a recent project we included a novel sauna equipped

with three 10-15-minute programmes inspired by the rhythms of heartbeat, the sound of waves and starry skies. Lights, aromas, sounds, vibrations and frequencies combine in this experience to help guests create a deep connection with themselves. www.silviagianniniarchitetto.it

What won’t change is something that, in my opinion, spans time – wellness designs that generate emotions. Trends come and go but ability of a project to make those who visit feel unique, will always remain crucial.

Silvia Giannini Silvia Giannini Architetto

From above: a couples’ treatment room at Adoro, Hotel Savini, Bellaria-Igea Marina, Italy; sunrise at Borgobrufa Spa Resort in Italy

Creating a balance of innovation and intimacy

Russell King believes successful spa designs increasingly deliver immersive environments in which guests can reconnect to nature

DESIGNER PROFILE

RUSSELL KING

Practice Butterscotch Design

Notable spa projects Homefield

Grange Retreat, Northamptonshire, UK; Silverlake Alfresco Spa, Dorset, UK; Castle Spa at Dromoland, Co Clare, Ireland; Champneys resorts across the UK; TUI cruise ships

Over the past two decades, many spas have drifted away from their original purpose. Luxury wellness has increasingly been defined by opulent surroundings, overlooking the true purpose of spa: healing through water and nature. The future of spa design is not about indulgence, it’s about disconnection from screens, notifications and the pressures of modern life to fully engage with the present moment. In a world increasingly consumed by digital noise, true wellness lies in stepping away and in reconnecting with nature.

Spa design will increasingly prioritise disconnection from tech in order to allow genuine reconnection with oneself, with others and with the natural world. Just as the third-wave coffee movement redefined café culture, a backlash against tech overuse will define the emerging new spa culture.

Coming together in wellness

Covid restrictions accelerated a shift in mindset so that wellness is no longer seen as an occasional treat but an essential part of daily life. European countries have long embraced the basic spa traditions of communal heat and cold, and the UK is now catching up.

A growing interest in outdoor thermal bathing,

cold exposure and spa gardens is being driven by guests – especially younger generations who have grown up digitally linked yet physically disconnected – looking for social experiences rooted in nature. This revival is shaping spa design as we seek innovative ways to bring the outside in.

Beyond the basement

Spas were traditionally relegated to basements – dark, enclosed spaces that contradict the very essence of wellbeing. Today, biophilic design is reshaping spa environments, integrating natural light, fresh air and organic materials to create spaces that truly support relaxation and renewal.

There’s a profound link between nature and human wellbeing, and outdoor spa gardens are surging in popularity, turning underutilised areas into immersive, nature-rich sanctuaries.

With Alfrespa, Butterscotch Design is embracing this future by creating luxurious garden sanctuaries where nature, relaxation and wellbeing come

Right: Butterscotch Design has created Alfrespa, a new concept for luxurious garden sanctuaries where nature and wellbeing come together

together. These spaces incorporate natural hydropools, fire rituals and immersive alfresco experiences that blend with the landscapes that surround them.

Silverlake Alfresco Spa in Dorset, UK, will offer an immersive outdoor wellness experience nestled around a lake with thoughtfully designed treatment rooms that appear to float at the water’s edge.

Homefield Grange Retreat in Northamptonshire, UK,

While technology is an inevitable part of modern life, the future isn’t about overwhelming guests with digital features, it’s about using AI to subtly enhance experiences. The greatest innovations will happen behind the scenes: AI-powered scheduling, intelligent environmental controls, predictive maintenance.

Russell King Butterscotch Design

brings these concepts to life with a natural spring Kneipp walk and invigorating cold plunge.

The future of spa design isn’t about removing all technology, but rather integrating it subtly to create seamless, natural experiences that nurture healing, inspire and help people reconnect with themselves. www.butterscotchdesign.com

Clockwise from left: Champneys Forest Mere, Hampshire, UK; Silverlake Alfresco Spa, Dorset, UK; the spa garden at Homefield Grange Retreat in Northamptonshire, UK

Upgrading the spa experience for a new generation

Robert D Henry outlines why modern spa design must incorporate interactive and flexible communal spaces to encourage different levels of face-to-face interaction

ADESIGNER PROFILE

ROBERT D HENRY

Practice RDH Architects

Notable North America spa projects

Mohonk Mountain House, New York; Yuan Spa, Seattle; QC NY Spa, New York; Waldorf Astoria, New York; Wynn Las Vegas, Nevada; Mandarin Oriental New York and Miami; Blue Mountain Resort, Ontario

ncient thermal rituals are being reinvented by modern designers and immersive hydrotherapy experiences with advanced technical features are transforming routine spa sessions into engaging escapes. With eco-friendly materials, biophilic elements and dynamic hydrotherapy features such as air tubs and water cascades, these designs promote social engagement within a calm and personalised retreat environment.

This isn’t a shift only for new builds. Existing spas can implement next-level thermal and hydrotherapy features with upgrades that can be integrated without major renovations, such as smart controls, energy-efficient heating systems and modular water installations. Enhancements in lighting, acoustics, decor, finishes and furniture can transform a spa into a modern, socially vibrant wellness destination.

We’re doing just this at the historic Skytop Lodge

in Pennsylvania, US, retrofitting an existing interior pool area with tactile finishes, and adding a jetted hydro-pool and a social sauna. A new, circular exterior vitality pool has been designed along with and a new all-season upper and lower cascading pool to provide a myriad of different water experiences and communal contrast bathing, setting a benchmark for new modern wellness experiences.” www.rdh-architects.com

The fusion of smart, sustainable technology with innovative thermal and hydrotherapy design is redefining spa development. Energy-efficient systems, interactive water features and eco-conscious environments are allowing us to create community-driven retreats focused on authenticity, sustainability and meaningful connection.

Robert D Henry RDH Architects

From top: an artist’s rendering of the main hydropool in collaboration with QC NY Spa, New York; retro-fitted hot and cold immersion facilities at Skytop Lodge, Pennsylvania, US

Materials are key to making spa spaces work

Beverley Bayes describes how the selection of specific materials has the power to transform spa design, delivering a purposeful sense of place and peace

DESIGNER PROFILE

BEVERLEY BAYES

Practice Sparcstudio

Notable UK and Ireland spa projects Dormy House Spa, Cotswolds; Calcot & Spa, Cotswolds; the Spa at South Lodge, Sussex; Exclusive Collection; Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, Herts; Aqua Sana Forest Spas at Center Parcs Sherwood, Longleat and Longford

Well selected materials can significantly contribute to guests’ feelings of wellbeing and enhance the quality and tone of any spa. A unique palette of materials and finishes helps to create a sense of place, especially when they’re locally sourced.

At Sparcstudio, our approach to designing spa spaces is often focused on creating an immersive, barefoot luxury experience to ensure guests feel completely relaxed. Experience tells us that creating this feeling demands a carefully selected natural, biophilic, textured and harmonious materials palette. Reclaimed timber, natural stone and clay-based finishes and renders are a timeless way to garner feelings of wellbeing as they create a connection to nature.

Luxury meets longevity

In addition to aesthetic choices, the right materials are absolutely key to maintaining a quality, luxury environment while also ensuring guest safety. Incorrectly specified materials can result in an environment that requires expensive cleaning and maintenance, or worse has a shortened lifespan due to materials degrading. We make a conscious effort to design for longevity when creating a wellbeing

From top: durable materials form the cabanas at Pennyhill Park in Surrey; luxury combines with industrial chic at Calcot & Spa in the Cotswolds

Upcycling an existing facility can be as effective and rewarding as a building a new spa. With creative re-planning a spa can be transformed with the addition of immersive experiences while woking around a key feature such as a pool. Look to form a llink to a new spa garden area or repurpose underutilised spaces to create new lounge relaxation areas as we recently did at Calcot & Spa. Beverely Bayes Sparcstudio

From top: the salt

room at

facility, with robust details and quality materials and finishes that will stand the test of time.

The selection of sustainable materials is now an essential rather than optional choice – there is a new generation of thoughtful spa users actively seeking facilities with excellent eco credentials. The requirement for spas to be completely sustainable will have the largest effect on their design, shape, form and location in the coming years.

With so many innovative sustainable materials available now, there really is no excuse not to specify them. Many of these materials also have health and comfort benefits, such as reducing noise or providing thermal insulation. Some of our favourite products include corrugated panels formed from hemp that is grown in Cornwall; graphine-based paints incorporating crushed lime to purify the air; and highly durable natural linen-look textiles made from recycled plastic bottles.

Retrofitting next-level materials

Existing spas can look to incorporate next-level materials to refresh and elevate their offer. For example, waterproof natural renders, cast textured panels, large format natural stone or marble effect tiles can all help create a dramatic new look and feel with the added benefit of providing a more homogenous surface. www.sparcstudio.com

steam

Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, Hertfordshire; sustainable materials create a sense of connection for guests at Calcot & Spa; a ‘spa bathroom’ at the Reeds lakeside lodges at South Lodge in Sussex

Spa design must represent a holistic experience

Matteo Thun believes the guest experience must always take centre stage when a new spa project begins, but sustainability is a key contributor to success

DESIGNER PROFILE

MATTEO THUN

Practice Matteo Thun & Partners

Notable spa projects Fairmont

Chateau Wellness Facility, Lake Louise, Canada; Vigilius Mountain Resort Italy; Thermal Spa, Jod-Schwefelbad, Germany;

Acquapura Spa, Falkensteiner Park

Resort Lake Garda Italy

Healthspan has become a key word in spa and wellness, with many trends reflecting guests’ desire to improve this. But before meeting demand for trends, wellness designers must tell a story that will serve as an overarching guide for the look, layout and functionality of every spa we design. This story becomes a part of the guests’ memories of your spa – it creates a shared culture and a sense of community, and is the start of their journey to physical and mental balance and wellbeing.

The path through the spa should be an intuitive experience. Materials should invite guests to ‘touch with their eyes’ so that physical and mental wellbeing go hand in hand. At my practice, we consider natural, tactile materials and softness as a must. In any project our focus is on sensorial materials, conscious and climate-positive design, and respect for the landscape.

Sustainable water management is a main priority. Spas need to minimise water waste by capturing and

filtering rainwater for topping up pools, reducing the demand on potable water sources. Teams and guests should be educated about water conservation to ensure everyone contributes to sustainability. We use water-saving equipment such as low-flow pumps and heaters, and are always seeking design solutions for taps and showers that reduce water flow without creating the impression of water shortage. This goes beyond comfort and convenience – it’s demanded by the modern wellness traveller. www.matteothun.com

We must allow nature to blossom, regenerate, spread and grow – our role is not only granting a conscious design approach that brings the outdoors inside.

Matteo Thun Matteo Thun & Partners

From top: letting the outside flood in to the poolscape at Vigilius Mountain Resort in Italy; design in symapthy with the environment at Thermal Spa, Jod-Schwefelbad, Germany

Dedicated to wellbeing

We talk to the team behind Park Hyatt London River Thames about how its membership benefits from a whole floor of wellness services at the brand’s debut UK hotel

REPORT BY MARK SMITH

Park Hyatt London River Thames, the UK debut for the Park Hyatt brand, has made its mark on the growing luxury hotel market in the capital with its stunning design and dedicated wellness provision. Designed by renowned architect firm KPF, the 203-key hotel rises to the 18th floor of a modern glass skyscraper that is also home to branded luxury residences by Park Hyatt.

The new landmark is in the up-and-coming Nine Elms area, south of the river, which has recently welcomed the new American Embassy and the

Battersea Power Station development. A blended leisure and business hotel, it draws guests from the USA, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

London’s luxury hotel market is booming and so is its wellness offer, so the team at Park Hyatt London River Thames sought to differentiate its concept, not only with an entire floor dedicated to wellness but a set of customer-focused guiding principles.

“The Spa at Park Hyatt London River Thames embodies our commitment to wellness, founded on the pillars of ‘prime’, ‘foster’, and ‘time’,”

says general manager Rike Erdbrink. “Our serene sanctuary invites guests to rejuvenate, unwind and reconnect in unparalleled luxury and a space that is quite exclusive in London.”

Wellbeing at its core

The hotel has made a real statement of intent when it comes to guest wellbeing, positioning the 1,533sqm wellness facilities on the third floor where they are bathed in natural light. “We have created a modern lifestyle hub,” says Louise Molloy, director of spa. “We want to offer very bespoke, personalised wellness experiences that are tapping in to what’s in demand due to people’s lifestyles today.”

A beautifully designed reception area leads onto a modern lounge where guests can enjoy tea on arrival or simply relax at any point of the day. The centrepiece of the spa is a 20-metre pool where dual-aspect windows are elegantly shaded by wooden panels – guests can see the world outside, sun can filter through, but the design still maintains

“The Spa at Park Hyatt London River Thames embodies our commitment to wellness, founded on the pillars of ‘prime’, ‘foster’ and ‘time’.”

Rike Erdbrink

General manager, Park Hyatt London River Thames

Above from left: one of the spa’s six private treatment rooms; dual-aspect windows bring light into the centrepiece pool; the spa is located on the third floor of the riverside hotel

a sense of privacy and luxury. Chairs and loungers surround the pool for relaxation by day or night. The Technogym-equipped fitness centre features double-height ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows and is a light, vibrant space to work out in. A personal trainer can tailor programmes to each person’s aims and is available for hotel guests and members alike.

Guests can unwind in a riverside relaxation room with innovative Somadome meditation pods that blend technology and colour therapy for serene tranquility. This space has mesmerising views of the river and street scene below with a large tea station. Additional amenities in the spa include changing rooms with their own private sauna facilities.

Day guests – including those from Park Hyatt Residences – have the option of purchasing a pass for the pool, spa or fitness. Numbers will be capped at 20 at any given time to ensure maximum privacy and exclusivity. The spa has also just launched a membership programme with options for three, six and 12 months. These include spa and fitness access plus discounts on treatments and food and

Below from left: the spa is an artistic space characterised by sculpture and modern, clean lines; views over London from one of the six treatment rooms

ABOUT HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with the aim of ‘caring for people so they can be their best’.

The company’s portfolio includes more than 1,350 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 79 countries across six continents. The business includes 220 Hyatt-managed spas, with 114 in the Americas, 42 in EMEA and 64 in the Asia-Pacific region.

The group’s Luxury Portfolio includes Park Hyatt, Alila, Miraval, Impression by Secrets, and the Unbound Collection by Hyatt. Also part of the company are Hyatt Regency, Andaz, Thompson Hotels, The Standard, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts and Mr & Mrs Smith. www.hyatt.com

“We want to offer very bespoke, personalised wellness experiences that are tapping into what’s in demand due to people’s lifestyles today.”

Louise Molloy Director of spa, Park Hyatt London River Thames

beverages within the hotel. The launch model limits membership to just 40 with an option to review later in the year.

Treatment menu 2.0

The spa has 16 staff and offers six private treatment rooms where expert therapists craft bespoke experiences using brands including Ling Skincare, The Tides Wellness and Tea and Tonic. Entering a booming market in the luxury wellness hotel space, the team has sought to differentiate its offering with a highly personalised approach that draws on the expertise of somewhat under-the-radar brands that

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Discovery, community and rejuvenation at Hyatt

Patrick Huey, director of operations, global wellbeing at Hyatt Hotels, explains how the company places wellbeing at the core of its offering with three guiding principles

Responsible for helping scale and commercialise wellbeing globally, Patrick Huey is specifically engaged in how the company can instill wellbeing across all brands and regions. He works with properties directly on building what Hyatt calls ‘Distinctive Experiences’.

We have three guiding principles for wellbeing at Hyatt, which are Creating Community, Inspiring Discovery and Promoting Rejuvenation

At the core of wellbeing is the hope that we can transform people and help them live lives that are more happy, healthy and fulfilled, in whatever way that means for them.

I work closely with brand leaders to create experiences and offerings that resonate within each brand story. We also examine how we can work with full-service properties and select-services properties, so that at every level of the guest stay we are thinking intentionally about how we can activate wellbeing programming.

The Wellbeing Collective is a curated group of 56 hotels that exemplify the principles of wellbeing that we are building This offers guests a differentiated approach to wellbeing. We focus on delivering experiences that are more accessible to our guests and stakeholders. Those experiences are personalised to drive greater impact and transformation on their lives and holistic in approach

“At Hyatt we focus on delivering experiences that are more accessible to our guests and stakeholders.”

Patrick Huey, director of operations, global wellbeing, Hyatt Hotels

to reinforce Hyatt’s industry leading approach to wellbeing.

Overall, Hyatt Global Wellbeing and the Wellbeing Collective prioritise the wellbeing of our leisure guests, business travellers and meeting participants through memorable locations, distinctive experiences and community spirit.

Through my lens I see that guests have expanded their idea of wellness to include spa

Our guests also consider how they can make an impact on the places they visit, and leave with a greater respect and understanding of those cultures and people. Our culturally immersive programming is incredibly popular.

I also see these travellers coming to properties with a greater knowledge of what wellness and wellbeing means for them.

Personalisation is a premium offer for guests. The particulars of how this is expressed will vary by country, trends and accessibility, but people are looking for more connection and meaning in their stay. I see it in groups, I see it in leisure travel.

Looking at 2025 and beyond, we want to consider how many more lives can we positively impact This includes how we can expand on the work that has been done by our teams over the past three years. We want to let it intentionally grow and develop as guests’ understanding of who we are in the wellbeing space continues to emerge and gain traction. The answers as they come will shape our steps forward.

are doing great things globally in the wellness arena.

The menu doesn’t simply offer a traditional route through massage, but merges influences to deliver a targeted offering. “I chose The Tides Wellness because of our location by the river. It is a modern holistic and wellness brand, but it has a science twist to it alongside a scientific approach,” says Molloy.

Ling Skincare, the chosen brand for facials, has been well known in the US and Asia for over 30 years, and was developed by an entrepreneur from Hong Kong who moved to New York to create the brand. “I wanted to bring in an east-meets-west kind of connection and Ling Skincare is very on point and targeted,” says Molloy. “Tea and Tonic sits well alongside the other brands from a treatment point of view and offers an exceptional range of teas for guests pre and post treatment,” she adds.

Molloy has taken an approach that focuses on targeted, multi-layered therapies. “I really want to tap into what people are feeling and what’s important to guests – things like mindfulness, quality sleep and longevity.”

She also places the guest at the heart of the operation. “There are three key things that I really wanted to ensure that we bring across to the guest, and they are connection, communication and consultation.” Therapist training has focused on creating a unique connection and building a relationship with guests, from arrival at reception through to the treatment consultation.

BEHIND THE PROJECT

Park Hyatt London River Thames www.hyatt.com

General manager Rike Erdbrink

Director of spa Louise Molloy

Architect KPF

Spa size 1,533sqm

Product partners Ling Skincare, The Tides Wellness, Tea & Tonic

Spa suppliers BC Softwear, Lemi Group, Technogym, Book4Time, DressBest, Spa Strategy, Milk Leisure, Barr+Wray, Digilock, Mivan, Multiplex Contruction Europe, Super Potato, Decca Furniture

Right from top: guests benefit from airy relaxation spaces; floor-to-ceiling windows in the Technogym-equipped fitness suite; the wellness facilities at Park Hyatt London River Thames are located on the third floor of the hotel

Results-driven Organic Skincare

elementalherbology.com

Voted Best Organic Spa Product Brand

Wood Season

The wood element rules spring, it represents new beginnings and growth - a time for awakening and development. Wood energy is most active in the morning.

If you are predominantly a wood person, you are one of life’s helpers, always on the go and at the service of others.

SPA TREATMENTS TO BALANCE THE WOOD ELEMENT:

Wood Balance Facial

Ho-Leaf & Rosemary Muscle Melt Body Massage

Deep Rejuvenation Body Wrap

The countdown has begun for Global Wellness Day, celebrated on the second Saturday of June by millions across the globe every year.

Global Wellness Day’s theme for the year 2025 invites everyone to #ReconnectMagenta.

Scan to download the #ReconnectMagenta Booklet and get inspired to celebrate!

WellnessTrends

EUROPEAN SPA SPOTLIGHTS THE LATEST GLOBAL TRENDS AND NEWS

Edited by Mark Smith

Advanced programme to improve Sleep Cycles

Dr George Gaitanos

Chenot Palace Weggis in Switzerland has launched a Sleep Cycles programme, training guests to understand the regenerative power of sleep.

Guests will stay in one of four new sleep rooms with access to DeepSleep technology that uses a soundscape of nature to guide brain waves into the delta range, speeding up the onset of and promoting deeper sleep. The room utilises optimal light sequences and has special beds with nanobionic bed linen containing minerals activated by body heat, emitting infrared light back into the body, elevating recovery.

The Sleep Cycles module is a component of the Recover & Energise programme and features clinically proven and patented technologies including cryotherapy,

hypoxia-hyperoxia and whole-body photobiomodulation.

“At Chenot, the Sleep Cycles module integrates targeted daytime treatments and activities with optimal sleep hygiene practices,” says chief scientific and operating officer, Dr George Gaitanos. “This approach enhances the body’s sleep architecture, ensuring it has enough time to perform the necessary restorative process.”

For guests following the Sleep Cycles programme, the wake-up call and treatment schedule is timed to their chronotype – whether they are morning or evening people. Upon waking, guests receive neuro-acoustic deep relaxation therapy that guides the brainwaves from beta to alpha and theta states, preparing them for the day.

In the evening, a similar therapy encourages brain delta waves to facilitate a smoother transition to sleep. Guests are also encouraged to partake in gentle outdoor exercise and enjoy the early morning light. www.chenot.com

Datu Retreats brings Ayurvedic programming to the Tuscan Hills

Bringing an authentic approach to Ayurveda to the heart of Tuscany in Italy, Datu Retreats has announced its 2025 programme at a stunning medieval borgo that has been transformed into a private country retreat.

The team, comprising 20 experienced experts, offers transformative, authentic wellbeing practices from across the Indian sub-continent with a focus on movement, health and nutrition. Pre and post-retreat consultations are provided as well as three in-person reviews during the stay and five body treatments tailored to enhance guest wellbeing. A daily retreat programme includes yoga, meditation, breathwork, chanting, art therapy, cooking lessons, nature activities, sound baths and inspiring talks.

Guests will enjoy delicious fusion meals influenced by Ayurvedic and Mediterranean cuisine and using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Certain programmes feature a Michelin-star guest chef, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, whose award-winning restaurant is located a few miles from the retreat. www.datuwellness.com

The team behind RAKxa launch a new Wellness Village in Thailand

RAKxa Integrative Medical Wellness Retreat in Thailand has unveiled RXV Wellness Village, a newly transformed, state-of-the-art 4,000sqm wellness facility and accommodation set in a 50-acre estate of heritage gardens on a river bank near Bangkok.

It aims to offer transformative holistic experiences to guests of all ages and life stages, embracing the concept of wellness in harmony, where mind, body, and lifestyle align for total rejuvenation. The concept has been designed to foster a sense of connection, community, and collective rejuvenation.

Through diagnostics and analysis, including medical consultations, physiotherapy screenings, strength assessments and traditional Thai evaluations, RXV creates bespoke highly personalised programmes.

The team offers ancient medicine and alternative therapies as well as science-driven wellness. This can include cryo sauna therapy, colon hydrotherapy, IV infusions and Emsculpt technology. Guests benefit from physiotherapy, sports therapy, yoga and Pilates. The property has a ‘rainbow food’ concept with locally sourced, organic and seasonal ingredients. www.rxvwellness.com

Preidlhof promises a transformative experience at Women’s Retreat

Designed for women at key life stages such as perimenopause and menopause, Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort in Italy has a new Women’s Retreat that includes consultations with a naturopathic doctor and mindful eating sessions.

Guests will also take a heart rate variability check and a Sleep Lab session or acupuncture, depending on requirement. Two integrated healing massages and a pair of integrative treatments bring balance and recovery, while daily holistic classes include yin yoga, qi gong, laughter yoga and nada yoga.

The treatment menu includes the Deep Sea Massage which combines 3D visuals, therapeutic soundscapes and ambient vibrations to simulate the calming sensation of deep-sea immersion.

“This retreat stimulates new perspectives, intrigues, opens the heart, and refreshes the  mind of women who are able to go with the flow and ready to live more simply,” says Patrizia Bortolin, wellness concept manager and Glowing Flow wellness specialist at Preidlhof in Italy. www.preidlhof.com

Chiva-Som aims to enhance guest wellness with specialist sleep services

Pioneering transformative wellness destination

Chiva-Som Hua Hin in Thailand has announced the launch of sleep enhancement services, which can be added to any of the resort’s 16 retreats.

Specially designed to help guests improve their sleep quality and overall wellbeing, the Sleep Enhancement Specialisation programme combines advanced sleep hormone and sleep apnea testing, nutrition consultations, a range of supportive wellness treatments and a tailored room set-up.

“Consistent, high-quality sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, mitigating the risk of health conditions such as diabetes, reducing stress levels, improving cognitive function and supporting cardiovascular health,” says Chiva-Som’s wellness director, Chanyapak Suwankantha.

The Sleep Enhancement Specialisation course provides comprehensive evaluation of abnormal breathing patterns and potential disorders, as well as areas for improvement. A resident doctor will discuss results and offer recommendations, and a naturopath consultation is also included. www.chivasom.com

The rise of noctourism

Night-time spa visits are on the rise as guests seek out unique after-hours experiences. We explore how it can add revenue, boost customer satisfaction and elevate spa journeys

In their pursuit of new and unique experiences that offer a connection to nature and a deep dive into the soul, wellness travellers are now moving into after-hours territory, Booking.com recently named ‘noctourism’ – including night-time wellness seeking – as a top trend for 2025.

Twilight spa packages are a great way of utilising white space in the spa, but this concept is now being extended to include complete after-hours experiences – think full-moon bathing and breathwork and yoga immersions under the stars in spa gardens. Such opportunities are drawing in guests who might not come for traditional spa treatments.

When night falls from Italy to Qatar

At Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort in Italy, the sauna hosts a Sandmann aufguss ritual at 10pm, and the team also offer full-moon walks during the warmer months.

At Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar, full-moon yoga, singing bowl sound healing sessions and evening meditations accompany desert stargazing. “Night-time wellbeing sessions provide guests with

additional opportunities to focus on and improve their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing, while taking advantage of the evening’s cooler temperatures,” says Vanicha Phaphoom, director of wellness standards at Chiva-Som. “Our night-time wellness experiences were designed to help reduce cortisol levels, promote better sleep quality and enhance overall wellbeing.”

Stargazing is offered as part of a night spa experience at Aman’s Amangiri in Utah, US, where a resident astronomer leads guests on a 90-minute tour of the night sky.

From top: twilight in the pools at Peninsula Hot Springs in Victoria, Australia; at one with nature at night in Amanpulo Resort Philippines

Aman-i-khas in India also offers experiences with an astronomy expert. “We know our guests are seeking deeper connections with nature and more immersive wellness experiences, and noctourism is emerging as a powerful trend,” says Lillian Cheam, global head of spa operations at the brand.

Immersed in the night-time

At Peninsula Hot Springs in Victoria, Australia, the thermal waters are open until 11pm during the week and until 2am on Friday and Saturday evenings. “As the evening experience is so sublime, we find the demand extends well into the darker hours,” says Charles Davidson, group chair and creative director, Peninsula Hot Springs. “Guests lay back in the pools, caught up in conversation and day turns to night.”

Guests can enjoy open air hot mineral pools with starlight views, saunas and cold plunge pools, reflexology walks, hammams and cave pools. “With strong demand and an average stay of three and a half hours, it means we can have a steady flow of guests throughout the day and night, providing greater capacity and hence greater visitor numbers,” says Davidson.

In Italy, Six Senses Rome invites guests to enjoy its Roman baths, healthy food and sound healing sessions into the late hours.

When exploring the options for evening sessions some locations think further outside the box, offering classical concerts and, at Toskana thermal baths at Bad Sulza and Bad Schandau in Germany, a DJ for a night-time spa rave with music piped underwater in the thermal pools.

Clockwise from above: meditation complements nocturnal retreats; family stargazing at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som; an intense night-time sauna experience at Preidlhof

Experiential night-time wellness immersions can also incorporate digital detox, sound baths, breathwork and mindfulness programmes.

“[These sessions] help us further elevate the holistic wellbeing experiences for our guests and expand wellness immersions into the evening,” says Vanicha Phaphoom. “They enhance guest satisfaction, while creating additional revenue through the optional, paid-for add-on services.” www.preidlhof.com | www.chivasom.com www.aman.com | www.peninsulahotsprings.com www.sixsenses.com | www.toskanaworld.net

SpaStyle

SHOWCASING STYLISH EQUIPMENT AND LEADING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY FOR YOUR SPA HYDROTHERAPY

Edited by Wendy Golledge

Horizontal Shower

Dornbracht

Delivering an innovative water massage in a reclined position, Dornbracht’s Horizontal Shower is designed to relieve your guests’ tension and stress. The shower has six soft massage jets recessed above the reclining area, so water falls onto the body in gentle raindrops as guests lay in the shower. Dornbracht has recreated the properties and sensations of natural raindrops in creating the light, weightless

feel of the Horizontal Shower. Available in two versions, the shower can be focused either on massaging individual body parts or creating targeted hot-to-cold stimuli. Spas can also use it in treatment rooms in combination with body peel and scrub-based treatments. “Humanity longs for balance and energy, for relaxation and security – we need places where we can have time to ourselves and be completely on our

own,” says designer Michael Neumayr. “We know that conscious moments of peace are extremely helpful in balancing out overstimulation and also that they’re closely connected to our subjective feelings of happiness.”

The shower was recently installed at the Priesteregg Premium Eco Resort in Salzburger Land, Austria (pictured) – the first model designed for couples. www.dornbracht.com

Hair and Nature Japanese head spa

Ellisons

Launched in the UK in March 2025, the Japanese head spa experience is available in partnership with Dutch specialist Hair and Nature. Based in the Netherlands, the brand introduced the concept to its offer in 2021, blending traditional Japanese techniques with modern wellness practices to allow spas to deliver a relaxing, tailored treatment.

The treatment protocol can be tailored to suit any spa menu but typically includes a personalised scalp assessment using an in-built scanner, followed by a deep cleanse with a purifying wash and exfoliation. A soothing head, neck and shoulder massage, and a relaxation period under the rainbow shower head is followed by a hydrating mask and steam session. Add-ons such as a facial or hand and foot treatments can increase spa treatment revenue potential.

Ellisons provides full Japanese head spa training online or at its training facility in Coventry, accredited by the Guild of Beauty Therapists and endorsed by HABIA. www.ellisons.co.uk

SpaFusion Flow

Gharieni Group

A premium multi-functional spa bed with integrated pedi-tub, the new SpaFusion Flow from Gharieni Group can help to maximise treatment room efficiency without compromising on guest comfort.

The first model in the brand’s new SpaFusion series, SpaFusion Flow has a removable upholstery insert so the integrated pedicure functionality can be revealed or hidden as needed for massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and body treatments. The bed has a dual lifting column system for ultra-low access, making it ideal for easy accessibility.

The bed can be heated, including the footrest area, which is a useful extra feature. It has an adjustable backrest so the seating angle can be changed, and there is also a pipeless massage system within the foot tub as well as a hot/cold water mixer with hand-held shower sprayer. Upholstery and base options are fully customisable. www.gharienigroup.com

Nestled in Val di Sole in the Italian Alps, this innovative pool project set out to emulate the sensation of floating between the mountains and the sky Myrtha Pools creates unique transparent infinity-edge pool

Chalet al Foss Alp Resort in Val di Sole, Italy has installed a unique new pool on its outdoor terrace, created by Myrtha Pools. The suspended infinity-edge swimming pool has transparent walls and two large windows at the bottom that provide swimmers with the feeling of floating in the surrounding landscape.

The pool is finished with a black stone surround that helps to keep the pool temperature warmer on sunny days. There is a staircase for easy access and a bespoke lighting system.

“We overcame significant challenges, including structural limitations and weight constraints, by leveraging Myrtha’s lightweight stainless-steel panel technology,” says Stefano Cattaneo, global

director of Myrtha Wellness. “This suspended infinity-edge pool enhances the panoramic views with transparent methacrylate walls and underwater windows, giving guests the sensation of floating between the mountains and the sky. It exceeds expectations and showcases Myrtha’s expertise in luxury hospitality design.” www.myrthapools.com

Stefano Cattaneo

Relax Suite

Lemi

The Relax Suite from Lemi is an ergonomically crafted wooden chaise longue, created to ensure optimal body positioning and proper blood circulation.

The memory foam mattress can be customised to include vibroacoustic technology, blending resonance, which interacts with the water present in the body, with acoustic transmission. Each vibration becomes a healing touch that helps to induce a state of ease and turns relaxation into a complete sensory journey.

Guests can select one of five colour-coded ‘vibrational universes’ – escape, lighten, ease, breathe and balance. When used during treatments, the Relax Suite’s vibrations can help amplify the therapist’s energy, or it can be used as a touchless treatment option in relaxation areas. Sounds are provided using customised headphones connected to Lemi’s Vibro Music app.

The texture of the mattress creates an elegant aesthetic and the base features FSC-certified wood and metallic finishes in bronze or gold tones. An advanced handset allows adjustment of the back and leg rest. www.lemispa.com

Wellness Therapy by Alberto Apostoli

Varaschin

Created for spas and hospitality operators by Italian designer Alberto Apostoli, the Wellness Therapy Outdoor Collection includes a lounger and chaise longue combo, single and double beds, and a side table.

Focused on outdoor wellbeing, the classic sun lounger (pictured) is reimagined with a fluid, bold, minimalist design and a soft, unconventional shape. It is gently contoured to ergonomically follow the body and can be transformed into a suspended chaise longue. The intention is for the lounger to appear as if floating in space.

Flowing lines and subtle details balance functionality and aesthetics, while the oval lightweight base is made of metal and customisable in various finishes and colours, as are the Wellness Therapy range’s other composable, modular pieces.

www.varaschin.it

Myrtha Wellness creates, engineers and manufactures sustainable products that delight the clientele.

Myrtha modular panels technology are the epitome of ‘Made in Italy’ thermal bathing wellness products.

Fragrances for steam baths, saunas, whirlpools, hot tubs and experience showers

Cleaner for sauna, spa and wellness areas. Disinfectant and cleaner for whirlpool and spa tubs.

www.myrthawellness.com www.myrthawellness.com

Sauna and spa technology for experience showers, saunas, hamam, steam baths and rhassoul, dosing systems, inhalation systems, lighting technology

Kemitron is a manufacturer of high quality products for spa, sauna and wellness (technology, fragrances, cleaning, cosmetics) with a focus on best quality and workmanship. All products are “made in Germany” and are sold on the international spa and wellness market. www.kemitron.com

Wellscape Immersive Wellness set to transform spa spaces

A new brand to watch delivering customised AI and high-resolution LED technology

Transforming treatment rooms, saunas and relaxation spaces, Wellscape Immersive Wellness uses high-resolution LED panels alongside AI to bring spas to life. Eye-catching, life-like visuals dynamically respond as natural environments, transitioning through seasons or day-to-night cycles, and can be combined with light, scent and soundscapes.

The panels can be installed on walls, ceilings, windows and floors, to create interactive experiences in treatment rooms, sauna, steam and halotherapy rooms, relaxation spaces and pool areas. Fully immersive rooms can also be created – for example a storm room with synchronised lighting and showers.

“Unlike traditional projection methods, Wellscape offers seamless, high-definition visuals with access to a library or custom content that brings life and

movement to any space,” explains founder Brian Paris. “We can transform a room to captivate the senses, promote relaxation or enhance mood, whatever an operator’s needs.”

Wellscape recently transformed the Forbes Travel Guide Summit 2025, collaborating with Myndstream to create a fully immersive biophilic escape. Attendees donned VR headsets and were transported to a 360-degree landscape, complemented by signature sounds.

“This is a whole new approach to wellness for spas, allowing guests to experience mindfulness and global exploration in a completely different way,” says Paris. “Fully immersive audio-visual solutions can transform any space into a one-of-a-kind wellness sanctuary, inspire relaxation and elevate wellbeing, creating personalised environments that resonate with every individual.” www.wellscape.biz

Brian Paris

Above from left: saunas can be augmented with impressive panorama effects; treatment rooms can be transformed

Radiance PT

Living Earth Crafts

A multi-purpose LED light therapy treatment table from Living Earth Crafts (LEC), the Radiance PT makes it easy to offer LED light therapy as part of face and body treatments. It has neck and lower-back LED light panels, a large flexible treatment pad, a curved facial and scalp hood and a flexible half-blanket for customisable treatments.

Created in partnership with Celluma LED Light Therapy, the table offers five light therapy treatment options, including pain management, inflammation, body contouring, wrinkle and skin repair, and hair restoration. Each incorporates wavelengths of blue, red and near-infrared light simultaneously emitted to maximise results.

“We are excited to offer the proven healing effectiveness of proprietary light therapy, which can be integrated with facial and bodywork treatments,” says Jim Chenevey, CEO of LEC’s parent company, Earthlite. www.livingearthcrafts.com

Milos Collection

Vondom

Created by Jean-Marie Massaud, the Milos collection includes sun loungers and daybeds as selected by the Lovia Mykonos Hotel in Greece (pictured). The Milos collection transforms pool areas with natural shapes and soft tones. With cream finishes and iroko wood leg details, the furniture blends with the island landscape. Inspired by simplicity and organic shapes, Massaud has characterised the Milos collection with soft, flowing lines. “I’m trying to find an honest, generous path with the idea that, somewhere between the hard economic data, there are users – people,” he says. “I wanted to evoke the identity of the sea and the mountains in Valencia.”

Each piece in the collection reflects the harmony between the natural and the modern, offering a Mediterranean aesthetic. Designed to offer maximum functionality, the materials are durable and resistant to weather, without sacrificing comfort, fusing robustness with elegance and aesthetics with practicality. Handcrafted finishes add texture and authenticity. www.vondom.com