Therme Group is on a mission to make wellness accessible to all and is expanding globally, bringing its concept to the US, Canada, the UK and South Korea.
Its existing locations are a new kind of spa – part thermal bathing, part indoor waterpark, part botanical garden – that’s described as a state-of-the-art wellbeing oasis.
Therme currently operates four facilities in Germany and Romania and intends to build at least six more globally.
In the latest issue of Spa Business, head of development at Therme Korea, Kim Insook, shares exclusive insights about the Therme South Korea, which will mark Therme’s debut in Asia. Based in Incheon, the US$200 million (€184.8 million, £156.4 million) project marks the beginning
of Therme’s extensive plans for the region, said Insook. ”We’re exploring numerous opportunities both within South Korea and in other regions. The strong history of bathing culture across Asia makes many markets appealing.”
>>> http://lei.sr/q9c8z_B
We’re exploring numerous opportunities both within South Korea and in other regions
Kim Insook
Brian d'Souza unveils the launch of SwellSpa
■ Therme is planning to build six more social spas around the world
spa business people
Brian d’Souza taps AI to deliver nature-based sound therapy for spa treatment rooms
Sound wellness company
Swell has launched AI-generated music solutions for spas and hotels, scientifically proven to improve wellbeing.
Founded by international DJ Brian d’Souza, Swell's new SwellSpa app delivers soundscapes to help guests achieve deep relaxation, experience emotional uplift, improve sleep, or foster a closer connection to nature.
The compositions blend sound therapy, biophilic sounds from nature and binaural frequencies using generative AI technology. This ensures different sound experiences on each listen, making every treatment unique.
SwellSpa’s sound experiences transport listeners to beautiful
I want to provide insights and tools into how other leaders can achieve cultural excellence
Elaine Jobson
For too long, the sound in spa treatment rooms has been overlooked
Brian d'Souza
locations worldwide, including forest or coastal settings in The Outer Hebrides, Ibiza, Nepal, Japan, Switzerland and India.
According to a study by neuroaesthetics lab Kinda Studios and Goldsmiths University, SwellSpa’s soundscapes deliver a range of health benefits, including deep relaxation, cognitive insight, emotional uplift and increased happiness.
“For too long, the sound played in spa treatment rooms has been overlooked,” says d’Souza. “SwellSpa is designed to be super simple and cost-effective – scientifically-proven to deliver results and we can't wait to share it with the spa industry.”
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/j4N3K_B
Elaine Jobson publishes high performance management book
Happy staff make more profitable businesses is the message of health club operator Jetts CEO, Elaine Jobson’s new book High Performance through Happy People.
“This is essentially a book on corporate culture through the lens of leadership,” Jobson told HCM (sister publication of Spa Business). “It's about how to drive performance while retaining happy people.”
Jobson will be travelling from Australia to London for the HCM Summit on 24 October where she'll meet
delegates and do a book signing for everyone who want to secure their own copy (www.HCMsummit.live).
Jobson says when she started her career, 30 years ago, companies often prioritised performance and growth at any cost. In the book, which she was invited to write by Major Street Publishing, she challenges this approach, saying: “I'm passionate about culture and want to provide insights and tools into how other leaders can achieve cultural excellence.”
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/z7s9p_B
This toolkit will help everyone, understand why focusing on mental wellness is so crucial
Tonia Callendar
GWI researchers unveil mental wellness report
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has released a new report emphasising the critical role of mental wellness in supporting overall mental health.
Authored by GWI research fellows Ophelia Yeung, Katherine Johnston and Tonia Callendar, the new report, titled Wellness Policy Toolkit: Mental Wellness, offers a detailed roadmap for enhancing mental wellbeing on a global scale.
The toolkit is designed to show communities, businesses and public policymakers why, and how, they should use targeted policies to promote mental wellness.
The 85-page report aims to illuminate the widespread impact and economic burden of poor mental wellbeing.
Lead author, Callendar, said: “Supporting our mental wellness doesn’t mean we need to spend a lot of money. This toolkit will help everyone, from the newly-initiated to seasoned policymakers, understand why focusing on mental wellness is so crucial.”
Sound therapy
Brian d'Souza introduces the SwellSpa app which taps AI to deliver nature-based sound therapy for spa treatment rooms
Leaping into longevity
Fountain Life is to operate Sbe's flagship six-star longevity centre opening in LA later this year
Franchise updates
Prime IV Hydration & Wellness unveils Nashville location amid plans for 97 new franchise spas this year
SPA BUSINESS INSIGHTS
Making a splash
Submersive's psychedelic bathhouse concept fusing wellness, art and tech will arrive in 2026
Mountain retreat
A new restorative wellness retreat has opened at Grand Hotel Son Net in the foothills of Mallorca’s Tramuntana mountains
Supplier innovation
The latest in products and innovation from TempleSpa, Circadia, Esse Skincare, ESPA and Dornbracht
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WAVE RESET
spa business news
LONGEVITY
Fountain Life teams up with Sbe
Lifestyle hospitality company Sbe is branching into longevity and wellness with a new brand of properties, the first of which will open in LA’s Century Plaza development by the end of 2024.
Sbe has leased almost 13,000sq ft of space at the development – owned by private investment group Reuben Brothers – to unveil its flagship 'six-star longevity and preventative medical-wellness destination'.
The space will be operated by Fountain Life, a player in the longevity industry since 2020, offering advanced diagnostics
FITNESS
Third Space unveils stylish club in London
Luxury club operator Third Space, which is backed by KSL, is celebrating the launch of its 11th location in London at the historic Battersea Power Station development.
The new club is located at street level on Prospect Way in an ultramodern, Raphael Vinoly-designed, mixed-use building adjacent to the original power station.
The Battersea Power Station development has created a new, high-end neighbourhood for London, with apartments, penthouses, a hotel and multiple retail and F&B outlets.
This club has been on the cards for some time, with the premium
Fountain Life's offering is coming to one of the nation's most important markets
and vetted therapeutics for those seeking a longer, healthier life.
“Our partnership will bring Fountain Life's offering to one of the nation's most important markets,” said Dr Bill Kapp, CEO of Fountain Life.
Bill Kapp MORE >>> http://lei.sr/U5b6D_B
operator first expressing an interest in the site nine years ago.
Colin Waggett, CEO of Third Space, says: “We first engaged with the Battersea Power Station estate team way back in 2015, and knew then we had to be part of this development.”
The Third Space is home to a spa and naturally-lit pool, as well as 28,000sq ft of training and recovery space, including a gym with a customdesigned rig and dedicated studios for the delivery of 160 classes each week.
Prime IV ramps up US expansion plans
Nutrient vitamin IV therapy
franchise, Prime IV Hydration & Wellness, is accelerating its expansion across the US, having recently launched its third location in Nashville's Green Hills area.
Founded in 2017 by wellness industry veteran and scientist Amy Neary, Prime IV has swiftly grown to over 125 locations nationwide to meet the increasing consumer demand for non-invasive wellness solutions.
Franchise services include IV therapy, micronutrient injections, NAD+ treatments, weight loss FRANCHISES
CLUBS
Heartcore ordered to pay damages in Coreformer case
London-based boutique reformer operator Heartcore is paying damages to a violinist whose career was cut short following an accident during a class in 2019.
Maya Meron suffered abdominal damage and a fractured left elbow when the locking bar on Heartcore’s bespoke machine, the Coreformer, gave way while she was in the downward-facing dog position.
The injuries were careerending for Meron, due to decreased strength and dexterity, especially in her little finger.
Meron’s lawyers, who called Sebastian Legree as an expert
solutions, cryotherapy and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
The company plans to open an additional 97 spas this year, aiming for a total of 750 franchise locations by the end of 2027.
witness, claimed the Coreformer is not a safe product as it is possible to perform the routine with the locking bar not secured.
Heartcore will not comment on the case, but in court argued it was user error and Meron had failed to follow the instructor’s directions to lock the bar.
Nonetheless, the two parties are understood to have settled out of court and the damages could run to £250,000 when legal fees are taken into consideration.
■ The case holds lessons for all operators
■ Prime IV wants 750 units by the end of 2027
spa business insights
Read more about Corvas Brinkerho in Spa Business Issue 2 2024 www.spabusiness.com/archive
■ AI tech, lighting, video and sound e ects will amplify the
In 2026, the traditional bathhouse experience will get a futuristic twist with the arrival of Submersive – an innovative concept combining classical spa therapies with art, AI technology and multimedia e ects.
Described as the world’s first immersive art bathhouse concept, Submersive is the brainchild of Corvas Brinkerho , co-founder of Meow Wolf, the company behind mind-bending interactive art and entertainment installations.
Submersive's psychedelic bathhouse concept fusing wellness, art and tech is set to land in 2026 - Spa Business speaks with the founder, Corvas Brinkerho Our goal is to amass the world’s deepest understanding of how multisensory experiences a ect us on a physiological level
In the latest issue of Spa Business, Brinkerho explains his vision behind the concept and shares his ambitions to realise a portfolio of 12 Submersive properties by 2034.
Using AI, neuroaesthetics, lighting, video and sound e ects, locations will be scientifically developed to transport guests into an elevated state of consciousness.
The bathhouses will be anchored by a main communal area and feature traditional spa elements, such as thermal pools, steamrooms, saunas, waterfalls, grottos, flotation and options for contrast bathing.
Every destination will feature 12 immersive rooms, each designed to induce a di erent heightened emotion – including awe, wonder, euphoria, inspiration, connection or transcendence.
Submersive is essentially a massive state-change machine, an immersive art creation that can heal you
“Submersive is essentially a massive state-change machine – an immersive art creation that can heal you,”Brinkerho says.
Weararables and biofeedback
One of the most significant aspects of the proposition is that Submersive’s environments will be experiments in themselves.
Spearheaded by lead scientific advisor Beau Lotto, Submersive will periodically test the impact of its rooms on volunteers using wearables.
These findings will give valuable biofeedback data that Submersive will then integrate into its audiovisual systems and the design process as development continues.
“Our goal is to amass the world’s deepest understanding of how multisensory experiences a ect us on a physiological level,” says Brinkerho .
International debut
The flagship Submersive facility will open in Austin, Texas, in 2026.
After proof of concept, Brinkerho plans to double the size of the facility in 2028, adding more immersive environments and other amenities.
Initially, Submersive will be able to accommodate 80 people at a time, with capacity going up to 180 once fully complete. There will be timed entry and a choice of three-hour, fivehour or full-day experiences. Price points will start at US$60 (€55, £47) and the average ticket cost will sit at US$88 (€81, £69). The goal is to attract up to 200,000 visitors a year.
“We plan to start working on our second location soon after opening the first and have ambitions to grow quickly,” Brinkerho says, stating that beyond the US, western Europe and Japan will be a priority ●
■ Meow Wolf co-founder Corvas Brinkerho is the mastermind behind Submersive
■ The first Submersive facility is set to open in Austin, Texas
KATE RUSSEL
spa business insights
Mountain escape
A restorative new wellness retreat has opened in Mallorca at Grand Hotel Son Net in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountain region
Grand Hotel Son Net
– a stylish, art-filled Mallorcan boutique hotel – has launched a brand-new spa and wellness area, after reopening in 2023.
Reserved for hotel guests, the twostorey wellness space features an indoor saltwater pool, five treatment rooms, a thermal circuit and a modern fitness room, o ering impressive views over the UNESCO World Heritage Tramuntana Mountain region.
Preserving history
Situated in the picturesque valley of Puigpunyent, Grand Hotel Son Net dates is perched on a hilltop with a terracotta pink façade, dating back to the 17th century. The property is independently co-owned and managed by Cortesin Hotels.
Crafted with Mallorcan stone walls, the new spa has been conceived to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment, naturally blending in with the landscape and lush
vegetation. Expansive windows o er far-reaching views over olive groves, almond trees and citrus orchards, encouraging visitors to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with both themselves and the abundant nature that surrounds them.
The vision for the spa also included creating a space that feels timeless, despite being newly built.
The spa's thermal circuit includes a sauna, Turkish bath, plunge pool, and ice fountain. Bathed in natural light from
■ The pool area is inspired by the ambiance of a traditional Moroccan hammam
skylights in the vaulted ceilings, the indoor pool area evokes the ambiance of a traditional Moroccan hammam.
Marble accents and warm paint colours have been chosen to create an inviting space with palatial touches, echoing the terracotta façade of the main hotel.
In addition to a range of facials and massages by Seed to Skin Tuscany, the spa o ers aesthetic beauty treatments such as hair, nail and makeup services, eyebrow and lash tints, as well as PT and yoga sessions amid the serene scenery.
The two-storey wellness space o ers impressive views across the UNESCO World Heritage Tramuntana Mountain region
■ The vision for the spa included creating a space that feels timeless, despite being newly built
About Grand Hotel Son Net
With 31 rooms and suites, Grand Hotel Son Net juxtaposes elegant architecture with transformed interiors by Lorenzo Castillo that are intended to be relaxed, romantic and intimate.
Spanning 57,000sq m of private landscape, the hotel is home to multiple pools flanked by private shaded cabanas, encircled by lawns and flowerbeds that give way to an ecological vegetable and herb garden, small farm and private vineyard.●
lesmills.com/hotel-fitness-programs
SUPPLIER NEWS
Suppliers tell Spa Business insider about their latest product, design and technology launches
TempleSpa showcases new collection with aromatic treatments
■ Mel Griffiths, TempleSpa executive director
British spa and skincare brand TempleSpa has introduced two treatments to showcase its new Energy & Joy body and home range.
Designed to invigorate and uplift, the collection features a lotion, mist, candle, shower gel and inhalation essence, as well as a massage oil for professionals. The line is characterised by a blend of mood-boosting essential oils including mint, sweet orange, lemon peel, eucalyptus and thyme, in addition to tea tree leaf oil and aloe barbadensis leaf juice.
■ The new Energy & Joy line is based on mood-boosting essential oils including sweet orange and mint
The first treatment – a face and body experience – lasts 90 minutes, while the second, an aromatherapy massage, is available as either a 30-, 60- or 90-minute treatment.
Mel Griffiths, executive director at TempleSpa, says “ the treatments pay homage to our customer and guests’ desire to feel energised, revived and radiant ” , and follow TempleSpa's “overwhelmingly popular ” All About The Glow Vitamin C Radiance Facial Workout.
MORE ON spa-kit.net
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SUPPLIER NEWS
Circadia unveils Pre & Post Biotic Nourishing Mask with Royal Tea
Professional US skincare
brand Circadia has created a new face mask to protect, restore and nourish the skin and its microbiome.
According to Circadia, the Pre & Post Biotic Nourishing Mask with Royal Tea is a new product that combats cellular
■ Michael Pugliese, Circadia CEO
Esse introduces sunactivated serum
Vitamin D is a cornerstone of skin health, but with sunlight being our primary natural source, it's crucial to exercise caution against overexposure to potent rays.
damage from blue light and digital pollution, while also offering hydrating and healing benefits.
Michael Pugliese, CEO of Circadia, comments: “This mask is essential for maintaining the skin's microbiome because it not only protects against blue light and digital pollution, but also supports a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria.
“By enhancing the skin’s natural barrier and immune function, it helps ensure it remains resilient, vibrant and youthful.”
Proposed benefits include reducing blemishes, hydrating skin and combating inflammation.
Circadia says the professional mask is best suited for treating those
To combat this, Esse Skincare's new Pro-Sun D serum, containing provitamin D, has been formulated to harness UV rays to enhance vitamin D levels in the skin and reduce time spent in the sun. Proposed benefits include repairing the barrier function, resulting in plumper and more hydrated skin. Esse says it also regulates cell regeneration for a healthy glow and calms inflammation, which slows the ageing process.
Company founder, Trevor Steyn, says: “By boosting the levels of the starting material
The mask is suited to those with dry, inflamed, ageing or irritated skin
with dry, inflamed, compromised, acne-prone or ageing skin, as well as individuals exposed to digital pollution and suffering from hypersensitive skin.
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■ Proposed benefits include hydrated, plumper skin
for this critical vitamin, we can help people make the most of their sun exposure.”
This serum is suitable for all skin types and is touted as more effective than pill forms of vitamin D.
MORE ON spa-kit.net
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■
CIRCADIA CIRCADIA
ESPA announces launch of Protect & Brighten SPF
ESPA has introduced a new sun protection solution designed to combat photoageing, UV-related damage, sunspots, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles.
The Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50 is a lightweight, non-greasy formula aimed at not only defending against premature ageing, but also nourishing and hydrating the skin, leaving it luminous and healthy.
The SPF is powered by UVA/UVB filters and includes key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for skin smoothing and hydration, Chinese butterfly bush for age-defying benefits and beta carotene for skin defence.
Daniel Golby, ESPA managing director, said: “ESPA is thrilled to bring the new Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50 to market.
“A highly anticipated launch, ESPA has developed this formulation with natural, effective ingredients that boast powerful results. We’re
■ The SPF is suitable for all skin tones, types and ages
proud to offer a scientifically proven SPF that suits all skin types and skin tones.”
In addition to its protective qualities, the product helps guard against oxidative stress and has a matte finish.
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Dornbracht 's Serenity Sky taps into TCM and Kneipp therapy
Weightless, powerful, refreshing,” is how Dornbracht's CEO Stefan Gesing describes the therapeutic water experiences of the company's new Serenity Sky shower panel. The German-based luxury bathroom supply company says
■ Stefan Gesing, Dornbracht CEO
Dr Christophe Stumpe – a Traditional Chinese Medicine expert – played a vital role in developing the five flow modes for its latest innovation that launches this month.
Standard modes include Full Rain, which gently covers the whole body and Purify Rain for efficient cleansing. An enhanced variant, Serenity Sky+, includes three more modes: Acupressure Flow; Laminar Flow; and Cool Mist. These can all be combined with colour-light options and seven finishes – from chrome to 22kt gold or brushed dark platinum.
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■ The Serenity Sky has five different flow modes
We’re driving toward this goal with relentless innovation, uncompromising quality and a deep dedication to sustainability
Jim Chenevey, CEO
FIRST CHOICE
Living Earth Crafts’ CEO Jim Chenevey gives the lowdown on what the next chapter holds for the company
For more than 50 years, Living Earth Crafts has been manufacturing award-winning spa equipment for the world’s finest spas and wellness facilities, serving over 120 countries. The company offers a wide range of built-to-order spa and wellness furnishings, including relaxation loungers with electronic adjustment, LED lighting, heat, massage and the company’s bio-hacking MindSync technology for stress reduction and sleep. The company also excels in pedicure and nail care designs, featuring space-saving mani-pedi combo chairs such as the distinctive Maestro Opus.
Counting the likes of Accor, Marriott, Auberge Resorts, Canyon Ranch, Kempinski, Mandarin
Oriental and Rosewood as clients, Living Earth Crafts is regularly recognised with awards and accolades from ISPA, American Spa Magazine, Green Spa Network, NailPro Magazine and more. In this profile Jim Chenevey, president and CEO, discusses future innovations and what’s in store for the company.
What can the industry expect next from Living Earth Crafts?
2024 is set to be our most innovative year yet, with groundbreaking products in red light therapy, grounding and EMF protection, stress reduction and acoustic resonance.
What innovations are on the way?
We’re thrilled to announce a significant update to our award-winning flagship treatment table, the Century City. This update features the luxurious Strata Cloudfill II Mattress with a more plush formulation, dual-zone warming, EMF protection and an innovative grounding feature to enhance comfort and healing.
Additionally, our new Insignia 2.0 Collection boasts two new base designs, the Cloudfill II Mattress and a smoother, whisper-quiet electric lift system. Both lines support our optional patent-pending Conforma Lux chest comfort system, which is exclusive to Living Earth Crafts.
What differentiates Living Earth Crafts from its competitors?
Innovation is at our core, driving our position as a leading global equipment supplier. We focus on three key pillars:
Living Earth Crafts is introducing light therapy beds
PHOTO: LEC
Products combine bespoke finishes with practical features
1. Unsurpassed comfort for guests
Our proprietary comfort features include the 14 cm Strata Cloudfill Replaceable Mattress with EMF protection and grounding, the Conforma Lux Adaptive Chest Comfort System, Thermasoft Dual-Zone Embedded Table Warmer and the Caress Self-Adjusting Facecradle.
2. Commercial-grade, built-to-order craftsmanship for owners
Customised products crafted from the finest materials, built to endure years of intense commercial use, supported by one of the industry’s best worldwide warranty and service networks, with a multi-language service app and parts distribution centres on three continents.
3. Practical, convenient features for therapists Ergonomic low-height range designs, wireless hand and foot controls, integrated warming drawers, handy trolleys and comfortable rolling stools.
Where does Living Earth Crafts distribute?
We operate a worldwide network of local distributors with factories in the US and Asia and distribution centres in Europe, the US, Japan and China.
Who are your clients?
Based in the US, we serve spas and hospitality operations worldwide and are the preferred choice for brands such as Como Hotels, Four Seasons, Hyatt Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Miraval, Montage, Peninsula Hotel Group, Ritz Carlton, Sandals and Shangri-La.
What’s the long-term vision for the company?
To solidify our status as the go-to equipment partner for the world’s most prestigious spa and wellness destinations. We’re driving toward this goal with relentless innovation, uncompromising quality and a deep dedication to sustainability. l More: www.livingearthcrafts.com l Century City, Maestro Opus, Strata Cloudfill, Caress, Insignia, Conforma Lux and Thermasoft are trademarks
WEB ADDRESS BOOK
Connect with spa organisations from around the world. We welcome your entries – write to spateam@leisuremedia.com
Asia-Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition (APSWC)
■ www.apswc.org
Association of Malaysian Spas (AMSPA)
■ www.amspa.org.my
Australian Hot and Mineral Springs Alliance
■ www.bathing.org
Australasian Wellness Association (ASWELL)
■ https://aswell.au
Bali Spa and Wellness Association
■ www.balispawellness-association.org
Brazilian Esthetics & Spas Association
■ www.abesbrasil.com.br
Bulgarian Union for Balneology and Spa Tourism (BUBSPA)
■ www.bubspa.org
Association of Spas of the Czech Republic
■ www.jedemedolazni.cz
Estonian Spa Association
■ www.estonianspas.eu
European Historic Thermal Towns Association
■ www.historicthermaltowns.eu
European Spas Association
■ www.europeanspas.eu
Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)
■ www.fht.org.uk
Federterme
■ www.federterme.it
FEMTEC (the World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy)
