Sonu and Eva Shivdasani, who are known for establishing ultraluxury sustainable hospitality brands Soneva and Six Senses, are launching a new luxury hotel brand called Sosei, which means “rebirth” in Japanese.
Earlier this year KSL Capital Partners increased its stake in Soneva to become the majority owner of the brand, following an initial investment in the brand in 2019 that amounted to a stake that was reportedly worth 35-40 per cent.
The Shivdasanis remain minority shareholders but have stepped away from Soneva’s day-to-day business.
The new Sosei brand will offer comfort and luxury at intimate properties in remote locations, as well as major cities.
Prospective destinations for the new brand are reported to include
■ The Shivdasanis sold the majority of Soneva to KSL earlier this year
the Arctic Circle, the mountains of Europe, South Africa, Japan and other locations in Asia.
The couple opened the Soneva Fushi spa resort in 1995 in the Maldives, pioneering a sustainable barefoot luxury concept. Soneva's resorts are all carbon neutral with
a two per cent environmental levy added to every stay.
In 2023, Sonu Shivdasani was honoured as an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to tourism, sustainability and charity by the King of England.
SONEVA JANI BY AKSHAM
spa business people
Jay Shetty to share lifestyle insights during keynote speech at ISPA Conference 2026
The International Spa Association (ISPA) has announced that entrepreneur, author and host of podcast On Purpose, will host a keynote speech at the three-day 2026 conference.
Shetty will speak on the second day of event, which will take place between 31 March and 2 April at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nevada, US.
Shetty has spent time at a Hindu ashram in India, learning about the lifestyle of monks. He is now a public speaker and coach known for his mission to inspire mindfulness, connection and intentional living.
He is well known for his books Think Like a Monk and 8 Rules of Love. On his podcast, he has conducted interviews with Oprah
Tap into your body's potential and make healthy living an adventure rather than a chore
Dieter Buchner
The only way to build a meaningful life is to filter out that noise and look within Jay Shetty
Winfrey, Bill Gates, Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Tom Holland, Emma Watson and the late Kobe Bryant.
ISPA President Lynne McNees said Shetty will seek to inspire the spa and wellness community next year: “Shetty’s message of purpose and connection aligns beautifully with the values of the spa industry. We are delighted to welcome him to the ISPA stage and know his insights will resonate deeply with our members.”
The ISPA Conference programming will also include a number of other keynote presentations, educational sessions, an expo, industry insights and networking opportunities. Other keynote speakers are yet to be announced by the organisers.
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/x5k5P_B
Dieter Buchner to lead herbal fasting detox retreat at Namia River Retreat
Wellbeing hospitality consultancy Lumina Wellbeing has curated a retreat in collaboration with Vietnam Detox – a company led by coaches trained in the Buchinger therapeutic fasting method.
Between 12-16 November, the Vietnamese Herbal Detox will take place at the Namia River Retreat in Hoi An, Vietnam, offering a five-day programme of workshops, river walks and tailored spa therapies.
The Buchinger fasting protocols will be led by Vietnam Detox’s
co-founder, Dieter Buchner, who trained as a coach in the method when his friend appeared to have healed herself following a seven-day fast.
Retreat attendees will drink pure juices, handcrafted herbal broths and revitalising teas designed to cleanse the body. Namia River Retreat, which opened last year, has a Lumina Spa, operated by Lumina Wellbeing. It has an apothecary and fresh herbs for teas and bathing infusions.
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/3G7T2_B
JAY SHETTY
Knesko has always believed that beauty is more than skin deep
Lejla Cas
Lejla Cas offers Knesko rituals at Fairmont Mayakoba
Fairmont Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, Mexico, will host a three-day programme designed by Yogando Retreats and Knesko skincare between 24-26 October.
The retreat, Beauty and Energy Alignment: A Journey Within, blends skincare rituals with guided meditation, sound healing, movement sessions and workshops on energy healing and self-love.
The programme is aimed at women seeking connection and transformative wellness experiences.
Lejla Cas, founder and president of Knesko, will lead a session on intuitive behaviours and Reiki. She said, “This retreat is our way of offering women a truly elevated, immersive experience to reconnect with their higher selves in the most luxurious and loving way."
Guests will experience Knesko’s gemstone-infused treatments, including the exclusive 60-minute Fairmont Knesko Crescent Moon body treatment.
>>> http://lei.sr/4u5C9_B
Dieter Buchner
The co-founder of Vietnam Detox, will lead a five-day herbal detox retreat in Vietnam
WellSurvey
Consumers in Europe are being surveyed on their attitudes to wellness, building on the US data researchers published last year
Aman Mozambique
Aman plans its second property on the African continent and its first safari retreat, in Mozambique
SPA BUSINESS INSIGHTS
Aussie
Wellness Tourism
Judy Chapman shares highlights from the recent Australian Wellness Tourism Summit
Wild Mountain Time
A new Everwild-branded Nordic spa hotel prepares to open in Canmore, Canada, with more projects planned across the country
Supplier news
The latest in products and innovation from Voya, Groupe GM and Algotherm, Trybe, Sona and Eminence Organics Skin Care
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spa business news
Mandarin Oriental to enter South Korea with four-floor spa and hotel
Mandarin Oriental will operate a boutique-style luxury hotel and spa in the South Korean market for the first time, in Seoul’s Central Business District, north of the Han River, with the property opening in 2030.
The 128-key property, Mandarin Oriental, Seoul, is being developed by Hanwha Group, a South Korean business group with multinational affiliates in industries including aerospace, mechatronics engineering, clean energy, finance and retail.
Interior design will be by André Fu, who will blend understated elegance with design elements
CONSUMER INSIGHT
that capture the essence of the destination. The atmosphere will be intimate and residential, akin to that of a private members' club.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental will be a destination spa that ranges across four floors with a concept that offers a serene sanctuary and a deep connection to nature via immersive art experiences, natural materials, ambient light and organic textures.
Therapies will incorporate Korean healing traditions and beauty, advanced beauty protocols, plus recovery and performance treatments.
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/S5J3j_B
Kevin Kelly announces launch of WellSurvey in Europe
Our research will yield insights into consumer habits and global target markets
Kevin Kelly, CEO, Civano Advisory Services
WellSurvey is expanding its research to include European consumer data about attitudes towards wellness and wellbeing products, services and practices.
WellSurvey is a probability study that was first published last year, using results from 1,002 US consumers between the ages of 25-74 who reside in the top half of all homes defined by annual household income.
The original study was co-authored by Civano Advisory Services’ CEO Kevin Kelly – a well known
Mandarin Oriental, Seoul will reflect our commitment to thoughtful growth
Laurent Kleitman, group CE
spa figure – and Peter Yesawich, co-founder and former vice chair of international travel and tourism marketing agency MMGY.
The new European consumer data and its analysis will yield additional insights into global consumer habits.
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/6N4q2_B
■ Hanwha Group is the hotel's developer
European consumer preferences will be revealed
REAL ESTATE
GWI profiles top wellness real estate
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) says wellness is becoming a mainstream priority for real estate developers and prospective residents are factoring wellbeing features into their decision-making.
The GWI’s new report, Build Well to Live Well: Case Studies, Volume 1, outlines thirteen case studies across the US and the UK that demonstrate the wide range of real estate projects with wellness at their core.
The authors hope the different models will inspire more diverse, creative and inclusive projects.
DEVELOPMENT
First African Aman safari resort set for Mozambique
Aman Resorts is developing its first African safari resort and branded residences at Aman Karingani, a retreat within the 150,000-hectare Karingani Game Reserve in southern Mozambique.
The property will perch above the reserve’s sweeping plains and it will have 30 standalone guest pavilions as well as a central lodge for facilities, including the brand’s signature Aman Spa and an outdoor pool.
Details of the spa and of the property's estimated opening date have not yet been revealed.
All of the pavilions, which range from one to two-bedrooms,
Wellness is about more than buildings — it’s about creating connected communities
Katherine Johnston & Ophelia Yeung, GWI
The authors found design features that focus on physical wellness are the norm now, with more attention being paid to mental and social programming and design.
Doronin, chair and CEO,
open onto covered decks with views across the savannahs and woodlands from their private pools.
The branded residences will have three- to six-bedrooms.
Group
23 OCTOBER
2025
Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London
GLOBAL EVENT
Fitness, health, wellness
Excitement is building for the new all-keynote HCM Summit 2025 from Spa Business magazine and HCM magazine.
The event will bring together a powerful lineup of speakers to share insights and experience, with a focus on business success and innovation.
You’ll go away inspired and informed, with ideas to implement in your professional life, as well as valuable contacts and access to best practice to drive your success as we head into 2026.
In addition to the summit talks, a carefully curated exhibition will showcase the latest innovations, while summit networking events, including the After Party, hosted by Les Mills, will give the opportunity to make new contacts and do business.
All this, along with product sampling, book signings and activations make the summit a powerful and useful event for the sector.
Liz Terry HCM editor and CEO of Leisure Media
spa business community
I'm left with a renewed sense of opportunity and possibility
Judy
Chapman, industry author and consultant
A driving force
Judy
Chapman shares highlights from the Australian Wellness Tourism Summit
Recently, I had the joy of attending and moderating a panel at the two-day Australian Wellness Tourism Summit hosted at Elements of Byron Bay.
Founded by Katherine Droga of Well Traveller and Well Traveller TV, the two-day Summit brought together more than 120 participants and 20+ speakers from across Australia and beyond, creating a rich exchange of ideas.
The central theme was clear: wellness tourism is a driving force in both domestic and international travel, with enormous potential to transform both individual and community wellbeing.
Sleep tourism
Sleep tourism is now a multi-billion-dollar industry and sleep expert Olivia Arezzolo set the stage with some striking statistics. A staggering 71 per cent of Australians struggle with sleep, over 90 per cent of menopausal women report poor sleep and 20 per cent of Australians take a pill each night just to get rest. These numbers highlight both the scale of the issue and the growing demand for solutions.
Arezzolo outlined how spas, hotels and wellness brands are uniquely positioned to respond, with 60 per cent of guests willing to pay at least 10 per cent more for sleep-enhancing features. Sleep is fast emerging as one of the most powerful frontiers in wellness tourism.
Farm tourism
Australians are increasingly seeking authentic, nature-based escapes and farm tourism is boosting the regional economy, with forecasts
■ Delegates took part in EFT tapping led by clinical EFT practitioner Ilse Van Oostenbrugge
suggesting these activities are to become a multi-billion dollar niche by 2030.
Farm tourism embraces “paddock-to-plate” and “farm-to-wellness” immersive rural experiences. It’s about connecting travellers to the land, farmers and local produce, while helping regional communities diversify income and preserve rural traditions.
According to Agritourism Australia and Tourism Research Australia, agritourism contributes significantly to regional economic diversification.
Cherie Hutchinson, tourism and farm manager for Jurlique Skincare, explained how the brand has extended its “seed to skin” philosophy into hands-on agritourism experiences at their Adelaide Hills farm, with visitation up by 22 per cent in 2025.
Brand adaptations
I moderated a panel about what consumers are seeking in wellness and skin treatments. A key insight was how leading brands are weaving wellness into protocols – integrating
Increasingly, spas no longer want
standard treatment
menus
– owners are now co-creating bespoke rituals
biohacking, fitness and emotional wellbeing.
Synthesis Organics has introduced heartactivation rituals, while Kailo medi-spa combines psychologist and counselling services with advanced rejuvenation therapies.
One comment that stayed with me from both skincare brands is that, increasingly, spas no longer want standard treatment menus.
Instead, owners and directors are co-creating bespoke rituals with skincare brands so it’s more of a collaborative relationship.
As I reflect on the summit, I’m left with a renewed sense of opportunity and possibility. Wellness tourism is no longer just about spas, retreats, or experiences – it’s about shaping the way we travel, live and connect with one another. ●
■ L-R, Neil O'Sullivan, Brendan Lawless, Alexis Dean and Emma McGrady
spa business insights
We're exploring future destinations in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and the Pacific Northwest.
Sky McLean, founder and CEO, Basecamp Resorts
Wild Mountain Time
First Everwild-branded hotel and spa prepares to open its extensive thermal facilities and social spa experiences in Alberta, Canada
Everwild Canmore is accepting bookings for stays starting in late November, when the extensive Nordic spa facility and accommodation will open in Canmore in Alberta, Canada.
The property will be operated by Canadian hospitality brand Basecamp Resorts.
The 99-key hotel, formerly known as MTN House Hotel, is completing a programme of renovations. The combined hotel and Nordic spa facility will be the flagship location for Basecamp’s adoption of expanded wellness facilities across its portfolio in Canada – of which it already has three planned.
Sky McLean, founder and CEO of Basecamp Resorts told Spa Business, “2025 is a milestone
■ The Nordic spa will have pools ranging between 15 and 40 degrees Celsius
No matter the location, our goal remains the same: to create places to inspire a more conscious way of living
year for Everwild – the culmination of years of dreaming, designing and building experiences where nature guides every detail."
Everwild Canmore’s Nordic spa
The new spa’s installation has cost CA$27 million (US$19.6 million, €16.8 million, £13.8 million).
Within the entire property’s 3.78-acre landscape, the spa has an external footprint measuring 29,105 sq ft and an internal footprint of 9,572sq ft. It has been designed by Edward Tsang, founder of Edward Tsang Studio Inc – based in Canada.
The spa's design integrates technology to minimise water waste, reduce chemical use and lower energy consumption. It will have six treatment rooms and the property has a partnership with a local skincare
supplier, Mother Earth, which will provide bespoke spa treatments.
The social spa facilities will include a large range of pools of varying temperatures and natural minerals. There will also be a variety of steamrooms and saunas – including a 42-person Aufguss sauna.
Expansion
McLean told Spa Business three other properties are already under development across Western Canada.
Constructionhas already started on a 70-key mountainside retreat with an expansive 21,000sq ft outdoor spa.
Everwild Harmony, in Calgary, will break ground in 2026 on a hotel and 59,900sq ft Nordic spa destination and in Ban , construction will begin in Q2 of 2026 on a rooftop Nordic spa hotel. ●
■ The design optimises the mountain views from inside and out
EVERWILD CANMORE
DESIGNED FOR EVERY BODY EVERY EXPERIENCE
SPA FUSION FLOW
Multi-functional for manicures, pedicures, massages and facials
Born from a family legacy driven by a passion for science and the power of nature, Yon-Ka Paris has been pioneering holistic skincare for 70 years. Combining cutting-edge techniques with proven results, our ultra-sensorial treatments transform every beauty ritual into a moment of well-being.
Yon-Ka Paris
SUPPLIER NEWS
Suppliers tell Spa Business insider about their latest product, design and technology launches
■ Ashwaganda root is used in two of the three new formulas due to its antioxidant properties, helping to reduce redness
Eminence Organic Skin Care launches extra Pure Forest Collection products
Eminence Organic Skin Care has introduced a range of products to support the skin during seasonal changes, in its Pure Forest Collection.
The products have been crafted with adaptogenic ingredients to restore skin hydration and reduce inflammation and redness.
The Tulsi and Snow Mushroom Cleansing Milk is used to soothe and purify the skin. The formula is infused with tulsi, reishi, snow mushrooms and birch water. These ingredients are said to minimise the appearance of blemishes.
The Shiitake and Ashwagandha Bi-Phase Mist is a dual-layer hydration spray. This product includes a blue light complex that the brand says shields skin from the tiring effects of screens. It can be used as a mid-day refreshment ritual or as the finishing step in a skincare routine. It can also be spritzed before applying SPF to lock in moisture.
The Ashwaganda UltraRich Restorative cream is one that can be used on the face and body for rehydration.
Natalie Pergar, lead skincare trainer for Eminence Organic Skin Care, told
■ Ped mintium quiatia simodis se commo doluptam
Spa Business: “We know that the skin is constantly dealing with stress –from our environment, devices and daily life. That’s why we felt this was the right time to expand our awardwinning Pure Forest Collection.
MORE ON spa-kit.net
http://lei.sr/h6R3H
PHOTO:
SUPPLIER NEWS
Voya unveils brightening Bio Glow toner
Irish seaweed science skincare
brand Voya has launched its Bio Glow toner, which contains ingredients designed to exfoliate, refine and hydrate the skin for a brightened complexion. The formula includes naturallyderived AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) in a five per cent fruit acid complex to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture without irritation.
■ Kira Guckian Walton, co-founder, Voya
Aloe vera and sodium hyaluronate have been incorporated into the solution to provide hydration and soothe signs of sensitivity.
Voya’s signature fucus serratus seaweed extract is also part of the blend, offering antioxidant properties that are said to protect against environmental stressors.
The vegan-friendly toner is suitable for most skin types and has been developed for everyday use as a second step after cleansing and before the application of serums and moisturisers.
Bio-Glow retails at €40 (US$50, £37) for a 120ml bottle and is available in all territories. It’s available on Voya’s Irish and US websites.
Kira Guckian Walton, Voya co-founder, said: “This launch is
Groupe GM introduces Algotherm hotel amenities
International amenities company
Groupe GM has developed a new line of hotel products in partnership with skincare company Algotherm. The range includes Algotherm’s signature active marine ingredients, providing guests across properties supplied by Groupe GM with access to ocean-inspired skincare.
Groupe GM’s patented, refillable Ecofill dispenser and sealed pouches are part of the collection’s design. These features are also said to simplify hotel operations, allowing housekeeping staff to replace pouches in under 30 seconds.
Delphine Fraignaud, CEO of Algotherm, told Spa Business, “Our hotel partners offer
■ Voya's siganture fucus serratus seaweed extract is in the formula
especially exciting for us as Bio Glow bridges nature and innovation in a truly meaningful way. More than a brightening toner, it restores skin vitality and radiance through gentle AHAs that exfoliate without irritation, allowing Voya’s organic ingredients to work at their best.
MORE ON spa-kit.net
http://lei.sr/f6g2h
■ The products come in various sizes and formats
their guests an immersive and personalised experience. These services help to strengthen Algotherm's reputation and credibility, positioning us as the undisputed leader in the industry.”
MORE ON spa-kit.net
http://lei.sr/5D9A5
PHOTO:ALGOTHERM
PHOTO: GROUPE GM
PHOTO: VOYA
PHOTO:
VOYA
■ Delphine Fraignaud
Sona launches AI-enhanced consumer vagus nerve stimulator
Former UK National Health Service (NHS) leader, Jane Ollis, has launched an AI-powered vagus nerve stimulator, Sona, to address the stress and burnout problem she witnessed during her medical career.
Chair of the Health Innovation Network for Kent Surrey Sussex and former vice chair of one of the biggest NHS Trusts in the UK, Ollis kept observing that people living with long-term chronic conditions often feel unsupported and struggled with the stress and isolation that their health challenges present.
Her response was to work with neuroscientists and engineers to develop Sona, an earworn device that uses adaptive AI to deliver personalised nervous system support, to help users stay calm, focused and resilient.
The device uses breath-synced pulses to target the vagus nerve, which calms the nervous system. This is enhanced with sounds, breathwork, or VR and users can create their own personalised
routines. Sona measures heart rate variability (HRV) in real-time and tailors stimulation to the current state of the user’s nervous system.
Pre-clinical trials for Sona yielded measurable improvements in HRV and sleep after a single session.
MORE ON spa-kit.net
http://lei.sr/R8Q6x_B
Trybe hires Sal Capizzi to drive international expansion in the US
Sal Capizzi has been appointed senior vice president of growth and marketing at Trybe, where he will be in charge of expanding the brand internationally and building its position as a leader in hospitality and technology for the spa and wellness sector.
Capizzi was previously vice president of marketing at hospitality software company Agilysys and Book4Time, before Agilysys acquired it. He also has experience in operations and development for luxury wellness projects.
In his new role, Capizzi will identify high-value markets globally and build
strategic partnerships with hospitality groups, industry associations and complementary tech providers to fuel the adoption of Trybe’s solutions.
Capizzi told Spa Business that he will begin to focus on the US.
“On the East coast, cities like New York, Miami and Boston are a priority because of their international traveller base and high demand for wellnessdriven experiences. On the West coast, markets such as Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco stand out for their innovation in spa and wellness programming.”
MORE ON spa-kit.net
http://lei.sr/h9F9E
■ Sona is the latest vagus nerve stimulator on the market
■ Sal Capizzi will identify high-value markets globally for Trybe's expansion
PHOTO:
SONA
Scale with yoga
Elevate your offering with a high-impact wellness solution.
Right now, yoga is one of the most in-demand offerings in the wellness space. Yet for many gyms, delivering it at scale remains a challenge. Complex education pathways, inconsistent delivery, and limited Instructor availability can make it hard to meet member demand.
LES MILLS YOGA™ changes that. Created by world-leading experts and grounded in traditional practice, it’s designed to make yoga classes faster to launch, more accessible for members, and easier to teach. It’s welcoming and inclusive - this is yoga for everybody.
It’s a four-part series designed to elevate the mind and body. Each 45-minute class explores a distinct state of being, Yin (Restoration), Hatha (Alignment), Vinyasa (Strength), and Breath (Clarity) - all through guided movement and mindful breathing. The program offers an accessible experience for both beginners and seasoned participants, helping them reconnect, find clarity, and leave feeling calm, centered, and renewed.
Clubs benefit from a consistent, highquality yoga offering that’s easy to integrate into existing timetables — without lengthy upskilling processes. For Instructors, the simplified teaching model ensures success from day one – reflected in member feedback: 94% of participants said they were satisfied with the quality of Instructor.
With the wellness economy booming, this is a powerful opportunity to expand your mind body offerings and welcome more members looking for balance and recovery.
Ready to bring yoga to your members, simply and seamlessly?
Get in touch today to explore how easily you can bring this new mind-body program to your members, and make it a seamless part of your offering.
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
Bali Spa and Wellness Association
■ www.balispaandwellnessassociation.id
Bulgarian Union for Balneology and Spa Tourism (BUBSPA)
■ www.bubspa.org
Association of Spas of the Czech Republic
■ www.jedemedolazni.cz
Day Spa Association
■ https://dayspaassociation.com
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)
