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EXCLUSIVE Kenneth Ryan Reveals the new, global Ritz-Carlton Spa brand Workplace Wellness Sneak preview of new research

Attracting investment How can spas secure funding?

Oberoi’s Kate Sim On finding great therapists from Bhutan

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YEARS http://www.spabusiness.com EDITORIAL

Spa can change your genes

The rapidly emerging field of epigenetics will transform the personal care industry and the spa and wellbeing sector will be at the heart of this change, with huge opportunities to grow engagement with customers who are committed to prevention

cientists are increasingly convinced that the majority of Soon our routine fitness test disease – potentially up to 95 per cent – is preventable through will tell us how our new diet, Smaking healthy lifestyle choices and that meditation and exercise even the prognosis for unpreventable regime has changed our disease can be improved by a better lifestyle. It was previously thought that genes genes and by how much were fixed for life and that they determine our ‘biological destiny’, however, research carried out around the sequencing of the human genome And it’s likely to get complicated very quickly, because has taught us that many genes change in response to how the greater availability of personal genetic testing kits we care for ourselves during each second of our lives. means we’ll be seeing interested parties starting to This includes everything from exercising to sleeping, identify those most likely to succumb to genetic disease to the pollution we’re exposed to, and from our stress with the intention of either helping them (in the case of levels to what we eat and drink and our state of mind. health services and the wellbeing sector) or isolating Changes to our genes brought about by lifestyle – be them in terms of risk and potentially charging them they positive or negative – can either be specific to us, in more for services (in the case of insurance companies). that they alter how genes are expressed without altering And just as our current fitness test from the gym or spa the underlying DNA sequence, or they can be heritable reports on our strength or cardiovascular fitness, in future, and passed on to subsequent generations. it will reveal how our diet, meditation and exercise regime Increasing awareness of these findings make this type has changed our genes, by how much and in what way. of research a huge game changer for industries related We’ll also discover if we’ve lowered our risk of developing to self-care, such as the food and nutrition, sleep, spa, a specific disease or increased our longevity. exercise, wellbeing and lifestyle sectors. This new thinking places our sector at the heart of a All stand to benefit from the fact that solutions to substantial and growing market for personal wellness many ailments are cheap, available and straightforward services and will bring significant opportunity. to deliver and that – most importantly – prevention will We have a robust knowledge base on which to build be a huge industry in the years to come. these new services and we need to tackle them head on by Who’s interested in this new thinking? Firstly, anyone designing and introducing ‘test and prescribe’ modalities who wants to live a longer, healthier life, free from disease to ensure we’re at the heart of the drive for prevention. and secondly insurance companies, corporations and governments which want to save money on healthcare. Liz Terry, editorial director @elizterry

CONTACT US: Spa Business magazine, spabusiness.com TEL: +44 1462 431385 EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.spabusiness.com TWITTER: @spabusinessmag FACEBOOK: Facebook.com/spabusiness

©CYBERTREK 2016 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 7 http://www.spabusiness.com http://www.spabusiness.com Gran Meliá Villa Agrippina, Rome.

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http://www.spabusiness.com CONTENTS spa business ISSUE 1 2016

spa business uniting the world of wellness spabusiness.com PHOTO: WWW.IVANKATRUMP.COM

p68 Deepak Chopra headlines at GWS p22 Spa concept for

p40 Marriott’s Kenneth Ryan

7|Editor’s letter 40|Interview: Kenneth Ryan 60|Research: Work it out Liz Terry shares her thoughts Marriott’s global head of spa talks Ophelia Yeung gives a sneak preview exclusively to Katie Barnes about the of a new study on workplace wellness 20|Letters new ‘game-changing’ Ritz-Carlton Spa that debuts later this month Looking at why capture rates are key brand and market domination 64|Ask an expert: 22|Spa people 50|Top team: Attracting investment Ivanka Trump launches spa concept; News and insights from the Spa Global Katie Barnes investigates what spa new ventures for both Christine Hays Leadership Team at Marriott operators can do to secure funding and Kathryn Moore 56|News report: Bain update on 68|Summit review: A wider lens 30|News Japanese spa chain acquisition Highlights and takeaways from the Rocco Forte reveals global spa brand; The private equity fi rm shares its plans 2015 Global Wellness Summit in and GOCO buys Glen Ivy Hot Springs for hot spring operator Ooedo Onsen City. Katie Barnes reports

10 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com p88 Oberoi’s tie-up with Bhutan p92 Gainsborough Bath Spa, UK

p82 An update on US spa franchises p100 Spa fi tness gets competitive

78|Tribute: Geraldine Howard 100|Fitness: Competitive edge Remembering a much-loved spa leader Could a touch of rivalry help spas to engage more people in fi tness? 82|Chain reaction – part 1 Niamh Madigan fi nds out SUBSCRIBE The latest news on US spa franchises FOR FREE 107|Spa software: Tech talk – part 1 88|Training: Beauty from Bhutan News and views from software fi rms Judy Chapman talks to Oberoi about its tie-up with a therapist programme 113|Product innovation funded by the Bhutanese government Suppliers tell us about their launches To receive a free digital Spa Business 92|Taking the waters 124|Research: Happy talk subscription to Magali Robathan visits the new thermal Japanese scientists use MRI to fi nd the SIGN UP ONLINE: spa at Gainsborough Bath Spa, UK source of happiness in the brain www.spabusiness.com/green

©CYBERTREK 2016 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 11 http://www.spabusiness.com THE NEW FRONTIER OF SKINCARE

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Spa Business Handbook spabusiness.com

A joint venture between Spa The Spa Business website Business and sister magazine features daily news and Spa Opportunities, the Spa jobs in the global spa and Business Handbook is a wellness industry. It also reference guide for decision provides access to digital makers across the industry. editions of Spa Business Read online: www.spahandbook.com/digital and links to other Leisure Media magazines and websites. Download PDF edition: www.spahandbook.com/pdf Visit the website: www.spabusiness.com

Spa Business e-zine Spa Opportunities

The Spa Business e-zine Our sister title focuses on brings the best of the week’s news, jobs and training. It news and jobs to your inbox has an e-zine, instant alerts every Thursday. It covers service and a daily website everything from spa and spaopportunities.com. wellness sector openings, Read it online: www.spaopportunities.com/digital acquisitions and appointments to trends, research and training. Download the PDF edition: www.spaopportunities.com/pdf Sign up here: www.spabusiness.com/ezine Sign up for the e-zine: www.spaopportunities.com/ezine

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The search engine for spa Get the news as it happens buyers. Find the suppliers and fi nd out about the latest you need to equip your spa job openings and tenders quickly and easily. Over the second they’re posted 57,000 buyers each month use the service, which includes online, by signing up for sector-specifi c linked websites and a weekly e-zine. our free, customisable instant news alerts and RSS feeds. Visit the website: www.spa-kit.net Sign up here: www.leisuremedia.com/subscribe

14 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2015 http://www.spabusiness.com MORE TO ENJOY...

What’s hot in Leisure Media’s magazines

Health Club Management CLADmag Spa Business Attractions Management

Darcey Bussell: the Philippe Strack Ivanka Trump to launch Anthony Daniels at SATE dance star unveils her on his ‘inflatable’ her spa concept in on the legacy of Star Wars new exercise concept French health club Washington DC Are operators doing Beacons and biomimcry in Japanese ryokans getting Kenneth Ryan on the new enough for older visitors? Fitness Foresight™ 2016 a modern makeover Ritz-Carlton Spa brand Videogame makers Inspiration ideas for Matteo Thun designs Workplace wellness: sneak Ubisoft move into cycling studios JW Marriott Venice preview of a new study theme parks

Read all of our latest magazines & back issues online: leisuremedia.com

Sports Management Leisure Opportunities Spa Opportunities AM2

Comedian Eddie Pure Gym pondering GOCO Hospitality David Bowie exhibition Izzard leads sports £500m-plus IPO acquires Glen Ivy becomes fitting memorial volunteer campaign Hot Springs Alton Towers to unveil Armed man arrested The UK’s new government VR rollercoaster Rocco Forte’s new spa outside Disneyland Paris sports strategy examined concept makes debut Government cuts Six Flags breaks ground on Removing barriers: getting forcing regional ISPA announces first Asian site in US$4.6bn more women into sport museums to downsize new 2016 board development

©CYBERTREK 2015 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 15 http://www.spabusiness.com CONTRIBUTORS

READER SERVICES Katie Barnes Judy Chapman SUBSCRIPTIONS Katie Barnes has been an Former editor-in-chief of Denise Adams +44 (0)1462 471930 international spa, beauty Spa Asia magazine, Judy and fi tness journalist for Chapman is now a spa CIRCULATION 14 years. She’s editor of consultant and travels Michael Emmerson +44 (0)1462 471932 Spa Business magazine the world, exploring and EDITORIAL TEAM and was also the launch editor of the creating spa concepts, beauty products EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Spa Business Handbook – a year-round and treatment experiences. Most recently, Liz Terry +44 (0)1462 431385 resource for global spa professionals she launched The Chapman Guides, a EDITOR that’s now in its seventh year. curation of the best in wellness travel. Katie Barnes +44 (0)1462 471925 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] PRODUCT EDITOR Twitter: @SpaBusinessKB Twitter: @chapmanguides Kate Corney +44 (0)1462 471922 NEWS EDITOR Jane Kitchen Niamh Madigan Jane Kitchen +44 (0)1462 471929 Jane Kitchen is the spa Niamh Madigan is a NEWSDESK news editor at Leisure multimedia journalist and Tom Anstey +44 (0)1462 471916 Media. A former editor a former TV and radio Matthew Campelli +44 (0)1462 471912 for US publications Kids producer of lifestyle Kim Megson +44 (0)1462 471915 Today and BedTimes, programmes in Ireland. Jak Phillips +44 (0)1462 471938 she has a 15-year career in magazine She currently writes on a number of ADVERTISING TEAM writing, with a specialisation in business health and fi tness topics for Leisure PUBLISHER/ADVERTISING SALES stories covering spa, sleep, home Media and is happiest practicing yoga Astrid Ros +44 (0)1462 471911 furnishings, fashion, and more. and getting outdoors for a run or cycle. ADVERTISING SALES Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Julie Badrick +44 (0)1462 471919 Twitter: @JaneKitchenSB Twitter: @NiamhMMadigan John Challinor +44 (0)1202 742968 Paul Thorman +44 (0)1462 471904 Jan Williams +44 (0)1462 471909 Magali Robathan Ophelia Yeung advertising – www.spa-kit.net Magali Robathan is the Ophelia Yeung has led Astrid Ros +44 (0)1462 471911 managing editor of global research and spa recruitment & training sales CLADmag, a publication consulting projects for Helen Andrews +44 (0)1462 471902 that celebrates the more than 20 years for ADVERTISING PRODUCTION amazing work done SRI International. Since Ed Gallagher +44 (0)1905 20198 by designers and architects across 2008, she’s co-authored a number of leisure, wellness, sport and culture. She studies for the Global Wellness Institute – WEB TEAM previously edited Leisure Management, including its new The Future of Wellness WWW.SPA-KIT.NET a magazine for leisure professionals. At Work report (see p60) – and is a senior PRODUCT SEARCH ENGINE Email: [email protected] research fellow for the organisation. Kate Corney +44 (0)1462 471922 Twitter: @CLADmagali Email: [email protected] SPABUSINESS.COM Michael Paramore +44 (0)1462 471926 Tim Nash +44 (0)1462 471917 PHOTO ©CAROLYN KASTER/AP/PRESS ASSOCIATION IMAGES Spa Business is published four a year by The Leisure Media Co Ltd, Portmill Dean Fox +44 (0)1462 471900 House, Portmill Lane, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1DJ, UK. The views expressed in this Emma Harris +44 (0)1462 471921 publication are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher The Leisure Media Co Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this DESIGN publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted Andy Bundy +44 (0)1462 471924 in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recorded or Jack Emmerson +44 (0)1462 471936 otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright holder, Cybertrek Ltd. FINANCE Printed by The Manson Group Limited. Distributed by Royal Mail Group Ltd and Whistl Ltd in the UK and Total Mail Ltd globally. ©Cybertrek Ltd 2015 ISSN Denise Adams +44 (0)1462 471930 1479/912X. To subscribe to Spa Business log on to www.leisuresubs.com or CREDIT CONTROL Ivanka Trump will launch her own email: [email protected] or call +44 1462 471930. Annual subscription Rebekah Scott +44 (0)1462 733477 spa brand later this year (see p22) rates are UK £31, £42 rest of world £42, students (UK) £20

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16 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com CARMENTA WELLNESS COMMERCIAL SPA DESIGN, INTERIORS & INSTALLATION

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http://www.spabusiness.com Letters 1 2016

Letters KATIE BARNES, EDITOR, SPA BUSINESS

Do you have a strong opinion, or disagree with somebody else’s point of view on topics related to the spa industry? If so, Spa Business would love to hear from you. Email your letters, thoughts and suggestions to [email protected]

BOOST CUSTOMERS TO BOOST BOTTOM LINE

Tara Hanrahan, group director of spa operations, Centara &

In the majority of cases, I’ve found that the reason why a or hotel spa doesn’t achieve top-line is simply due to a lack of customers. Many managers are effective in internal operations, which ensures guest satisfaction once they’re at the spa – but what strategies are in place to persuade guests to come to the spa to begin with? I recommend breaking the hotel journey down into three sections and then O Hanrahan has raised capture ensuring that the spa has rates in a number of ways a presence at each stage. Pre-arrival: What contact Throughout the stay: does your spa have with the Breakfast is a key time to guest prior to hotel arrival? proactively engage and up-sell Are guests able to pre-book spa, as it’s the one time that treatments, and if so, how the majority of hotel guests are do you communicate this to in one place. Set up a booking them? Can you reach out via table near the entrance to reservations with a spa tagline restaurant and have lots of or special offer? The sooner treatment samples, signage, you can let your guests know and therapists showcasing about the spa the better. treatments. Ensure you have Hotel arrival: What’s the appointment calendar happening at check-in? An ready – expect that guests arrival offer, valid for only 24 will book. I’ve seen spas turn hours, could help. What script around just with this one tactic. per cent of that time must be O If a therapist has is the front office staff using Ultimately, increasing the spent external to the spa – out down-time, send to describe the spa? Consider number of customers is all in the resort and engaging them into the hotel to giving them a commission to about taking the spa to the with guests. This is the engage with guests book guests on the arrival spa customers. Don’t wait for them ultimate goal – be pro-active, offer. One of my spas had a 40 to come to you – make it as go out there and get them! per cent capture rate purely easy as possible to book. I Tara Hanrahan because the front office team have a rule in my spas that if [email protected] was given a great incentive. a therapist has down-time, 50 Tel: +66 95 672 1504

20 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com O Therapists need lifestyle training too says Aleksandrowvicz THE CHALLENGES OF CUSTOMISED TREATMENTS

Beata Aleksandrowvicz, founder, Pure Massage Katie Barnes sums the dilemma of offering bespoke booked. However the problem medical advice, just help with O Spas need to invest more in spa treatments very well in the is that often therapists are not fitness, nutrition, relaxation training so therapists can off er last issue of Spa Business (see properly trained to give the and stress management. quality, bespoke massage SB15/4 p46) when she asks how client what they want/expect. This means that it’s now also can brands protect quality Spas need to invest more in important for a professional you need awareness to deliver without having standard massage training that will therapist to believe in a healthy a personalised massage or operating procedures in place? allow them to offer quality and lifestyle; give advice about it; indeed any customised service. Offering thoughtful, consistency. Not only because get excited about the changes The good news is that this kind personalised rituals is exactly customers demand it, but also they can contribute to; and of massage training can be how it should be, but these because it allows you to have a for them to want to make a delivered in modules, adapted rituals need boundaries team of real spa professionals, difference in the world. to time schedules and form for safety, therapeutic and who all work within the same This means a totally new part of the educational budget. cost efficiency purposes. ethos and values of your spa. revolutionary approach This ultimately will benefit I believe it’s possible to Taking customisation a step to training that includes all customised treatments. customise the standard further, I believe today’s clients not only techniques and Beata Aleksandrowicz massage. Massage equates to want more simplicity and communication, but also life Email: [email protected] 80 per cent of all treatments more advice – not necessarily coaching elements because Tel: +44 203 2909070

CHINESE MARKET NEEDS ACCREDITED TRAINING COURSES Jannita Mossel, founder, SpaTree

The Chinese spa sector is O Students want accredited lacking professional trained diplomas says Mossel (far left) people who are qualified to work in an international diploma studies, since they spa environment. There’s an feel an accredited diploma urgent need for accredited will guarantee a strong career spa studies in the country. in the near future – while There are several factors a certificate will not. exacerbating the problem It’s clear that the Chinese including the rapid expansion spa industry is facing major of foreign spa operators and challenges in recruiting major hotel brands in China enough spa talent, and finds and the fact the Chinese itself in a situation where the consumers themselves ‘vote market has to compete with with their wallet’ and demand international best practices. the newest and most unique More training companies, spa therapies. Also, there’s a organisations and schools strong growth in the field of survey among 64 students product-house training. need to fill the gap by setting traditional Chinese therapies, about career planning and When asking students about an accredited spa academies which have been gaining wide opportunities in the spa the selection they make in across the country. acceptance around the world. industry. Currently, 90 per further studies, all 64 students Jannita Mossel Our spa education cent of spa training in China (100 per cent) said they Email: [email protected] consultancy conducted a is conducted by in-house or are looking for accredited Tel: +31 6 43 12 98 00

©CYBERTREK 2016 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 21 http://www.spabusiness.com SPA PEOPLE spa people

This is the first time Ivanka has put her name to a spa with the launch of The Spa by Ivanka Trump brand Ivanka Trump, executive vice president of development and acquisitions,

vanka Trump’s signature Ivanka is a former and DC, which is part of the historic 10,000sq ft (929sq m) flagship Trump Hotels is owned by her property’s US$200m (€144.4m, I The Spa by Ivanka Trump is father , the US real- £119m) redevelopment. set to debut this year at The estate developer who’s currently Robert Henry says the spa will Old Post Office in Washington making headlines worldwide with be a prototype introducing Ivanka’s DC – soon to be the Trump his 2016 presidential campaign. “unique positioning within spa and International Hotel, Washington Spa consultants WTS wellness”. He adds that “Ivanka DC – before being rolled out across International and Robert Henry has mandated that this will be a Trump’s nine existing hotels, Architects are both involved with game-changing wellness project as well as future properties. the spa project in Washington establishing a new benchmark for the wellness industry”. WTS will help to launch and manage first spa in Washington The Old Post Office DC. It will also be the management in Washington DC company of choice for The Spa by will be the first hotel Ivanka Trump says WTS senior with The Spa by vice president Kim Matheson Ivanka Trump when it Sheldrick. She says: “WTS has opens later this year partnered with Trump Hotel Collection Management, Ivanka Trump, as well as the to craft a fresh, authentic and purposeful spa concept. Ivanka Trump is synonymous with unpretentious elegance, exquisite design and sophistication.” Matheson Sheldrick points out that in addition to Ivanka’s role Ivanka Trump has as executive vice president of development and acquisitions at mandated that The Trump Organization, she’s this project will also a busy mother, wellness establish a new enthusiast and avid traveller. benchmark for the “Every moment of the guest journey and each touchpoint have wellness industry been scrutinised by Ivanka and

22 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com Previously at Trump Ivanka has been involved in spa design and concepts at Trump hotels in the past, but this is the first time she’s put her name to the brand

Being female, I’ve been to quite a few different spas and given all of the different locations we have hotels in, I’ve really experienced a lot

her team, as well as WTS to curate experiences gathered through Ivanka’s international travels, made contextual to each spa location,” says Matheson Sheldrick. Ivanka has worked on previous spas for the hotel group and at the launch of Trump International Tower Chicago in 2008 she said: “Being female, I’ve been to quite a few different spas and given my travels and all of the different locations we have hotels in, I’ve really experienced a lot.” Matheson Sheldrick adds: “The Spa by Ivanka Trump personifies her lifestyle, embarking on every endeavour with energy and passion, but always taking the time to pause, heal and recharge.” LLC, a private investment firm, partnered with of this country’s most historic before the US elections in the Trump Hotel Collection to buildings and we will spare no November this year. preserve the landmark post office effort to ensure that the hotel, Ivanka, her brothers The Trump Hotel Collection also building. The new hotel will once completed, lives up to the and father Donald includes locations in New York; feature 263 bedrooms, restored legacy and integrity of this iconic – who has a US Chicago; ; Waikiki Beach, historic woodwork as well as landmark,” said Ivanka at the presidential campaign Hawaii; ; Toronto; Miami crystal sconces and chandeliers. groundbreaking ceremony. – break ground in and Ireland. Trump International “This is a once-in-a-lifetime Completion and opening of Washington DC Hotel & Tower is opportunity to redevelop one the hotel and spa are anticipated also slated to open in 2016.

©CYBERTREK 2016 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 23 http://www.spabusiness.com SPA PEOPLE

I like to incorporate old, esoteric principles – as well as those understood by modern science – to create a sound healing modality Christine and Jahmaal Hays, founders, Eastern Vibration

hristine Hays’ spa career took her all over C the world – from to the Bahamas – but it was when she and her son were on holiday in Nepal that she heard the call of the singing bowls. “They were everywhere and we just thought they were really interesting,” she says. “We really wanted to see them in the spa and wellness world.” She brought some bowls back with her and incorporated them into treatments in her work as corporate director for Oberoi spas (see SB11/2 p50) and later in her work for Six Senses. Then, three years ago, Christine left her corporate spa job and started her own company, Eastern Vibration, with her son Jahmaal. The mother-son team spent time learning about the ancient healing technique – looking at scientific research, studying with shamans in Nepal, hearing about the bowls’ history with Tibetan monks. Christine likens the effect of the bowls’ vibrations to a cellular

Christine (above) learned about the bowls from Nepalese shamans, she says they can help with arthritis, inflammation and IBS

24 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com massage, with the vibrations moving through the body and brain. She says: “It’s like using hot Jahmaal (above) and cold packs, but interacting on says the vibrations a basic molecular level.” Christine harmonise the believes the therapy can help with a body; the bowls are range of issues, including arthritis, handmade in Nepal inflammation, irritable bowel (below left and right) syndrome, headaches and tension. Jahmaal says: “I like to incorporate old, esoteric principles – as well as those understood by modern science – to create a sound healing modality. This is what makes us unique – we combine a structured method with intuitive work,” he explains. Eastern Vibration’s singing bowls are handmade in Nepal with some so large than you can stand or sit in them to send vibrations through your entire body. Jahmaal If you don’t know be scheduled as an add-on as many hands as possible. Our adds: “Vibrations are the core of how to use them, service – or full-body treatments main goal is to teach people existence. We need to harmonise of 30 to 80 minutes. how to use them to heal people our bodies – our bodies have so you just have a Eastern Vibration also has a and improve their wellbeing.” many points that are working pretty bowl, but three-day course to train therapists Her son concurs: “If you don’t together, it’s like an orchestra.” used as a healing and spa managers in how to use the know how to use them, you just Christine suggests a minimum tool it can improve singing bowls effectively. Christine have a pretty bowl, but used as of 15 minutes for treatment says: “We don’t want to just sell a healing tool they can really of a specific area – which can someone’s life bowls – we want to get them into improve someone’s life.”

©CYBERTREK 2016 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 25 http://www.spabusiness.com SPA PEOPLE

We saw the same problems year after year. There’s always a shortage of therapists and there’s always an issue with training Kathryn Moore, managing director, Spa Connectors

fter six years at MSpa, overseeing A spas for across the world, Kathryn Moore has set up her own company to fill a training and recruitment void in the industry. Moore, who most recently oversaw 60 facilities as MSpa’s director of spa in Asia, says the launch of Spa Connectors was inspired by her experience in the industry. “We saw the same problems, year after year,” she expand into China and . therapist who works for them – a explains. “There’s always a The organisation will also train win/win situation. “I’m really shortage of therapists, and there’s therapists in two specific protocols Moore, a well-known excited about this division.... always an issue with training.” for the hotel they’re going to industry figure, is I think we can make a really Spa Connectors works with work in. “They’ll be ready to go tackling spa staffing big difference,” she says. colleges in China, India, , and start generating revenue as issues head on with Spa Connectors also offers spa and Morocco to source soon as they start,” Moore says. her new company pre-opening services and audits high-quality therapists – screening Hotels pay US$1,000 (€916, in addition to specialised spa them for English fluency, £698) for a trained therapist, and manager training and recruitment. experience, motivation and turn-around time is between Moore says: “We’re working with attitude – before interviewing two weeks and three months. a lot of consultants because they them and doing reference checks. Spa Connectors also offers a don’t want to do the training Once selected, therapists can corporate social responsibility and recruitment, so they build then take one of two courses: a division and has partnered our services into the package.” three-month course for those with Harmony House in Spa Connectors had a soft with no experience, or a two-week India and BaliWISE in Bali launch at the Global Wellness course for experienced therapists. to help place disadvantaged Summit in November, but officially The courses include Spa women into spa careers. got up and running in January and Connectors’ X-factor module, which “A lot of hotels have massive We’re working with expects to have its first students teaches employee engagement, CSR budgets that they could use ready at the end of March. The anticipating guests’ needs, for this,” says Moore. Instead a lot of consultants company also includes Julie-Anne up-selling, empathy and more. of spending that CSR budget because they Kelly, training and culture director; Spa Connectors is aiming its on planting trees or painting a don’t want to do Simon Eadon, commercial director; services at five-star resorts in school, she explains, they can put the training and Jaime Svensson, operations the , Asia and the their money towards training a director; and Lisa McCarthy, , with plans to disadvantaged woman to be a recruitment marketing and PR manager.

26 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com I thought I knew a lot about tea, but this process has taken me on an even deeper tea journey Ajit Madan, co-founder, Camellia’s Tea House

jit Madan, co-founder leaves are harvested during the Much like wine, London, it also supplies more of Camellia’s Tea production process, so certification teas produced by than 100 different hand-blended A House in London, has as a sommelier is quite intense. different estates teas to leading spas and hotels just been appointed Madan has a background in around the world, including England’s first certified master tea molecular biology and formed have specific Shangri-La and Corinthia hotels. sommelier by the International Tea Camellia’s Tea House in 2007, ‘vintages’ and To qualify for the master tea Education Institute – a surprising along with his sister, Lubna differing levels sommelier title, Madan completed first in a country that drinks Madan – a qualified homeopath of quality a two-year course, and had to 165 million cups of tea a day. – in an bid to create a wellness analyse various tea types, their Much like wine, teas produced range of teas and revive the origins, processing methods by different estates have specific typical English tea room. and how they can be perfectly ‘vintages’ and differing levels Today, the company not paired with foods. He also of quality, depending on which only operates its tea house in gained an extensive knowledge of various types of tea service in different hospitality settings, from Chinese tea ceremonies to Madan has been traditional English afternoon tea. certified as a master Madan also travelled to tea tea sommelier and gardens around the world to is taking his deeper gain first-hand experience of tea knowledge to spas production and manufacturing, and hotels attending the Japanese Shincha Festival – which celebrates the first new, green tea of the year – and spending many months discussing tea with tea masters from across the world. “I thought I knew a lot about tea, but this process has widened my knowledge further and taken me on an even deeper tea journey,” says Madan. “This will certainly help me with our company’s mission to improve tea culture.” Madan now uses his Master Tea Sommelier experience to train spa and hotel clients, and also runs one-day classes aimed at those who work in F&B departments in spas and hotels. Camellia’s teas include Health and Wellness infusions, Classic Teas and Exotic Infusions, which are blended with flowers, fruits, spices and essential oils.O

©CYBERTREK 2016 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 27 http://www.spabusiness.com UNIQUE SPA PARTNERSHIPS

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http://www.spabusiness.com news update

GOCO Hospitality buys Glen Ivy Hot Springs

GOCO Hospitality has acquired the 155-year-old Glen Ivy Hot Springs Resort in California, USA. As part of the deal, GOCO has also acquired an adjacent 65-acre plot next to the 20-acre hot springs and spa, where it plans to develop a world- class wellness resort community. The iconic resort attracts more than 160,000 annual visitors. It boasts 19 pools, thermal mud-bath- ing facilities and 40 treatment rooms. GOCO has plans to expand it into a 90-room GOCO Retreat with a com- prehensive wellness centre, medi-spa, organic farm, additional hot springs bathing zones, yoga academy, an There are 10 hotels across Europe and the fl agship spa is at the Verdura Resort, Sicily (above) education centre for holistic medi- cine and 125 residential units. launches brand-wide spa concept Read more: http://lei.sr?a=9z6u3_B Luxury hotel group Rocco Forte has by Technogym and many of the hotels now launched a new brand-wide concept, offer sightseeing running tours. Rocco Forte Spas, with a fl agship location Rocco Forte Nourish menus are created at the company’s Verdura Resort in Sicily. with local nutritionists and chefs, including The new spa programme has four com- Madeleine Shaw, chef and author of Get ponents, combining treatments with the Glow, who’s created healthy options beauty products, fi tness and food. Irene for Rocco Forte’s Brown’s Hotel in London. Forte, daughter of owner Sir Rocco Forte, Also on board is cyclist and TV presenter is heading up the spa programme. Mark Beaumont, who will help create the Rocco Forte Rituals – including a facial, menu at The Balmoral in Edinburgh. back, body and couple’s treatment – are Verdura Resort in Sicily is the fl ag- offered in all spas using the newly-created ship spa of Rocco Forte Spas, with a Lori was much-loved in the spa sector Forte Organics product line. The beauty 4,000sq m (43,056sq ft) spa complex range has been made in Italian-based with 11 treatment rooms, a gym, pool, four Industry recruiter company Effegi Lab. outdoor thalassotherapy pools, a double- Lori Hutchinson dies The Rocco Forte Fitness offering uses height steamroom, infrared sauna, Finnish cutting-edge gadgets and equipment and saunas and a spa bar. Lori Hutchinson, founder and works with professional trainers for sup- Inspiration for the Verdura Spa came co-owner of US-based Hutchinson port. Italian luxury brand Back Label is from famous naturopath Sebastian Consulting, died in late January. to create a line of fi tness exclu- Kneipp, who’s widely known for the Kneipp ISPA – where Hutchinson served sively for the brand. Gyms are kitted out water cure. As such many treatments have as a board member from 2007 water elements such as the steambaths, to 2010 – announced the news. hydro-massages and the thalasso circuit. Its online post said: “Lori’s ener- Health programmes integrating Kneipp’s getic spirit was a bright light as she fi ve pillars of water, plants, exercise, nutri- served on countless task forces tion and balance will also be available. throughout the years and made In addition, Verdura has created A Spa an impact on the spa community for the Mind, which includes themed read- both personally and profession- ing material available in the spa library. ally. She will be missed immensely Family-run Rocco Forte, owned by and our thoughts and prayers are British hotelier Sir Rocco Forte and his with her family and friends.” sister, Olga Polizzi, includes 10 hotels Social media lit up in the days and resorts in landmark European loca- after her death, with industry friends tions. The brand has plans to expand into posting thoughts under #lovetolori. Jeddah this year and in 2018. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=b3k3x_B Rocco Forte’s daughter heads up the concept Read more: http://lei.sr?a=f4m9j_B

30 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com news update POLAT/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Dr Oz is known for his US TV show

Six Senses teams up with Dr Oz for new programme

Six Senses Spas has collaborated with prominent doctors Dr Mehmet Oz – best known for his American television show – Dr Michael Breus and Dr Steven Gundry to develop Six Senses Integrated Wellness, Peninsula Hot Springs plans to add 16 new pools in the next two years, bringing its total to 57 a new programme which aims to address common issues people ’s Peninsula Hot Springs plans big expansion face in ultra-stressed daily lives. Through the programme, Six Things are heating up at Australia’s add the first eight new pools by the end of Senses’ in-house team will meas- Peninsula Hot Springs, which has plans this year and another eight in 2017, grow- ure and analyse key physiological to grow its offerings over the next two ing its offerings to a total of 57 pools and biomarkers to provide guests with years, add 126 overnight accommodations increasing its visitor capacity to 600,000. lifestyle and nutritional advice and create an official hot springs region. The company also plans to expand its and design a personalised pro- The owners have also recently purchased current one-day wellness programmes with gramme of spa treatments, Maruia Hot Springs in . weekend and week-long retreats. fitness and wellness activities. Sixteen new pools will be added at Owner Charles Davidson is also working The programme will focus on Peninsula, plus a mud area, an ice cave, with several groups in the area to cre- nutrition, sleep health, movement, a large group sauna as well as an amphi- ate the Mornington Peninsula hot springs alternative therapies, holistic spa theatre for entertainment and education. region, similar to New Zealand’s Rotorua treatments, yoga, meditation and The natural hot springs currently has 41 district, which Davidson was involved with. mindfulness. The goal is to offer bathing pools and experiences and will Read more: http://lei.sr?a=W5K3j_B guests real benefits and guidance by providing in-depth information about their health and wellbeing. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=p8E3p_B Comfort Zone to open new sustainable headquarters

Italian architects Matteo Thun and Luca Colombo have designed a verdant new Mandarin Oriental Bodrum village in Parma, Italy to house the new partners with Mayo Clinic headquarters for Davines Group, parent company of skincare brand Comfort Zone. The Mandarin Oriental Bodrum has Spread over 11,000sq m (118,400sq partnered with US-based medi- ft), Davines Village will feature a skin bar cal non-profit Mayo Clinic to offer a where visitors can try Comfort Zone’s combination of research-based med- products, as well as education zones ical expertise along with Mandarin and the company’s development lab- Davines Village will be complete in 2017 Oriental’s treatments and therapies. oratories, all set around a luminous The Mayo Clinic Healthy Living glasshouse and biodiversity gardens. patterns and gabled roofs,” said a Programme at Mandarin Oriental The group said the project is designed spokesperson for the group “...The Bodrum is a first for the clinic, and to meet high standards of environmental distinct sense of beauty, professional launched in January. Focusing on pre- and ethical sustainability and wellness. values and mission of Davines will be ventative wellness, the programmes It is set to be complete in 2017. symbolised by the architectural concept. will offer guests a choice of experi- “The site will be a contemporary It will be a home of sustainable beauty.” ences, from one- to five-day retreats. interpretation of traditional forms and Read more: http://lei.sr?a=w4P7G_B Read more: http://lei.sr?a=R6V8F_B

©CYBERTREK 2016 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 31 http://www.spabusiness.com news update

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa buys Manicube

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa has acquired Manicube, an in-office beauty and grooming services provider, in the first of what the company says will be many changes in the year ahead. Founded three years ago by two Harvard Business School alumnae, Manicube provides nail services and men’s barbering in corporate offices in four US markets – New York City, Chicago, San Francisco and Boston – with the tagline of “Keeping professionals polished”. Manicube partners with the HR managers of corporate offices to set up weekly services, which it says The Japanese designer brings a touch of haute couture to the Cambodian retreat increase both employee satisfaction and productivity. It books and takes Fashion icon Kenzo Takada designing wellness retreat payments for appointments directly on its website. Manicures can be done in Akaryn Hotel Group has plans to open tic fitness offering and meditation trails. as little as 15 minutes, prompting the a private island wellness retreat in The centre fuses spiritual and medical company to dub the service “The , with interiors by famed care, integrating cutting-edge technology coffee break with benefits”. Japanese fashion designer Kenzo with time-honoured holistic therapies. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=V3q9W_B Takada, best known for his Kenzo brand Ayurah Wellness is the spa brand for of clothing, perfume and skincare. Akaryn and is based on four pillars of Due to open in June, Arovada by Akaryn wellbeing: weight optimisation, anti-age- will be located on Koh Krabey and will ing, mind balance and detoxification. embrace Akaryn’s concept of ‘outdoor There are already two Ayurah Wellness living in,’ with 40 villas and the 2,000sq spas at Akaryn properties in Thailand and m (21,528sq ft) Ayurah Wellness Centre. another is due to open at The President Spa facilities include water therapy by Akaryn in later this year. suites, medical and spa centres, a holis- Read more: http://lei.sr?a=M4D6f_B

Surfing and ‘parenting well’ top Spafinder’s 2016 trends The resort has been open for 75 years MILA SUPINSKAYA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM Spafinder Wellness 365’s 2016 Spa & Two Bunch Palms resort Wellness Top Ten Trends Forecast has acquired by CCL Holdings identified health, fitness, technology and cultural influences that are likely to make The 75-year-old Two Bunch Palms their way into the spa world. resort in California, US, has been Trends include Surf’s Up: The New bought by hospitality and real Wave of Wellness, which highlights how estate private investment company the US$130bn surfing and stand-up CCL Holdings for an undisclosed paddleboard market is influencing spa, amount. The new management with a changing demographic that includes Surfing is a new wellness trend, says Spafinder company JRNL Two Bunch Palms, an more educated, high-earning women. affiliate of CCL Holdings, will retain Sexual Wellbeing is another of therapies that they use to better their the leadership team, with Kevin Spafinder’s trends, whether it’s through children’s lives. A generation facing Kelly as chief executive officer, John sensual fitness like burlesque classes or unprecedented levels of childhood obesity, Trudeau as managing director and yoga for better sex, or through orgasmic screen addictions and stress and anxiety Rianna Riego as executive director meditation or alternative fertility centres. is fuelling this trend, mindfulness already of brand and communication. Parenting Well reflects the trend that being incorporated in schools. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=E8Y2U_B parents are turning to the same wellness Read more: http://lei.sr?a=X6b9d_B

32 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com http://www.camylle.com http://www.spabusiness.com news update

The resort has a 3,000sq m spa

Massive Greek thermal spa set to open in May

Greece’s Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort is set to open in May of this year in Halkidiki, with a 3,000sq m (32,291sq ft) Myrthia Thermal Spa, and plans for a medical wellness sec- tion to be added in 2017. The resort features a large thalassotherapy pool, Luhrmann designed hotel interiors (above) while the spa has a South American theme fed directly from the sea, as well as four separate thermal pools filled with Miami Beach’s Faena features Baz Luhrmann interiors unique thermal waters of the region. Spa director Stavros Mavridis said the Miami Beach’s legendary Saxony Hotel, Tierra Santa. She particularly focused on focus will be on interactive, healthy has been transformed by Argentine Mexico and the Amazon to develop holistic and memorable experiences. real estate developer Alan Faena and treatments using fire and smoke and incor- Read more: http://lei.sr?a=X8e6q_B features interiors designed by filmmaker porated materials such as sacred healing Baz Luhrmann and his wife, costume rocks and palo santo wood into the spa. designer Catherine Martin. The Faena She said: “It’s very unique – a sub- Hotel Miami Beach includes a 22,000sq lime combination of ancient healing ft (2,044sq m) South American-themed practise, art-inspired interiors and state- spa – called Tierra Santa – developed of-the-art technology, which makes this by spa consultant Inge Theron. one of the most exciting hotel spas Theron, who was the undercover ‘spa in the world, and certainly one of the junkie’ for the Financial Times for four years, best projects to be involved with.” travelled extensively to find inspiration for Read more: http://lei.sr?a=Q4u2b_B

India’s Vana retreat to unveil Tibetan Healing Centre Blind therapists are common in Asia Indian wellness retreat Vana will unveil Centara invests a new 12,464sq ft (1,158sq m) Tibetan in blind spa therapists Healing Centre in the coming months. With experts trained at the Tibetan Centara Grand at Central Plaza Institute of Medicine and Astrology in Ladprao Bangkok has hired two blind Dharamsala, the centre is the seventh and therapists, Decha Phoosiriand and final wellness space at the property. Paranee Fongta. While blind therapists Once complete, Vana will be able to are common in Asia, their employ- offer traditional Tibetan treatments such ment in five-star resorts is not, which as dhugs, a compression therapy using The centre is the final part of the Vana complex Tara Hanrahan, group director of spa medical herbs; hor gyi metsa, a therapeu- operations for Central Hospitality tic manipulation; and gom meditation. the chronicles of the Buddha, as well as International, said is due to spatial The interiors of the centre have been pieces by in-house artist, Siraj Saxena. challenges. “The blind therapist needs designed to preserve the spiritual concept The centre is surrounded by a pond guidance to and from the work loca- of Tibetan medicine, using linen and for reflection, as well as a nearby shrine tion, as well as safety to move in and ceramics in shades of blue, inspired by the room, meditation cave and small library for around the area,” she explained. Medicine Buddha. There are also paintings spiritual study, discourse and discussion. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=E4f6s_B by Tibetan traditional artists, depicting Read more: http://lei.sr?a=e6H7T_B

34 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com Premium Japanese Skin Care

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http://www.riceforce.net http://www.spabusiness.com news update

Seacrest hosts TV show American Idol

Ryan Seacrest to launch new men’s skincare line

Radio personality, television host and producer Ryan Seacrest is teaming up with Beverly Hills derma- tologist Dr Harold Lancer to launch a The resort will include a 107,500sq ft Canyon Ranch Spa, Fitness and Wellness Center men’s skincare line in late 2016. The products will utilise the princi- Iseli named MD for Canyon Ranch’s Turkish location ples of the doctor’s Lancer Method – to polish, cleanse and nourish Wellness operator Canyon Ranch has Iseli will oversee operations for the skin – but will feature original formu- appointed Markus Iseli managing property, which will include a 107,500sq ft las designed to navigate the specific director for its inaugural international (9,987sq m) spa and wellness centre. skincare needs of men. resort, Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort “I feel privileged to join the renowned Seacrest is host to the top-rated at Kaplankaya. The resort is slated to Canyon Ranch brand in its global mission US talent show American Idol. open July 2016 as the anchor brand of an of advancing the concept of transform- Read more: http://lei.sr?a=R9v7x_B exclusive waterfront enclave on the south ative wellness,” said Iseli. “My innate Aegean coast, near the city of Bodrum. creative nature fuels my love for curating Iseli brings more than 30 years of inter- guest experiences that are not only excel- national luxury hospitality experience to the lent, but extraordinary, and there is no company, which chose the site in for place more inspiring to accomplish this its confluence of stunning landscape, rich than Kaplankaya.” cultural history and healing traditions. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=k6W4g_B

Z Capital furthers wellness portfolio with Swiss spa The Grand Hotel du Lac houses the spa US-based private equity management firm Dr Burgener opens Z Capital Partners has acquired the flagship spa in Vevey historic Waldhaus Flims Mountain Resort & Spa in Flims, Switzerland. The deal Skincare brand Dr Burgener has further enhances Z Capital’s health opened an intimate, flagship and wellness hotel portfolio, follow- spa at the Grand Hotel du Lac in ing its acquisition earlier this year of Vevey, Switzerland. The three-treat- the Carillon Miami Beach, formerly oper- ment-room spa uses Dr Burgener ated as a Canyon Ranch property. products exclusively and also The company said it plans to maintain The Waldhaus Flims is a historic Swiss spa features a room dedicated to the the property’s heritage while upgrading company’s newly-launched Haute the resort to a five-star luxury hotel. Its “Following our acquisition earlier this Couture anti-ageing facial treat- strategy includes expanding the spa and year of Carillon Miami Beach...we are ments. Services include a full wellness facility, eventually developing an positioned to leverage our expertise and analysis of the skin – measuring integrated medical wellness component. ensure that the Waldhaus Flims delivers hydration, lipids and elasticity – James Zenni, president and CEO of an unparalleled experience to visitors of followed by a customised therapy. Z Capital, said the property represents this truly exceptional destination,” he said. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=R3h8W_B an ideal first international acquisition. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=f2z7m_B

36 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com TIMELESS SKINCARE

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28-29 FEBRUARY 2016 Professional Wellness & Spa Convention Excel, London, UK International spa and wellness fi gures convene in London for two days of talks and networking, plus the World Spa Awards. www.professionalspawellness.com

7-8 MARCH 2016 Healing Summit , Germany Inspirational talks for wellness professionals by the Healing Hotels of the World consortia. Includes keynote presentations from leaders and visionaries, as well as interactive sessions. Marriott is to buy for US$12.2bn, the group currently manages 175 spas www.healinghotelsoftheworld.com Major hotel mergers impact the global spa industry 18-21 MARCH 2016 Cosmoprof Worldwide The end of 2015 saw mergers across four ing a total of 477 spas worldwide with Bologna, Italy mammoth hotel operators, as Marriott six branded spa concepts. Starwood has One of the world’s biggest beauty said it would buy its rival, Starwood Hotels 93 spas in North America; 44 in Latin trade fairs, covering 90,000sq m. & Resorts, for US$12.2bn (€11.4b, £8bn) America; 128 in Europe, the Middle East www.cosmoprof.com – creating the world’s largest hotel com- and Africa; and 212 in Asia Pacifi c. pany. Soon after, Paris-based AccorHotels operates Sofi tel, Pullman, 22 MARCH 2016 announced plans to buy FRHI – the owner MGallery, and brands, among Washington Spa Alliance of Raffl es, Fairmont and Swissôtel – for others, and has around 3,800 properties. Symposium around US$2.9bn (€2.6bn, £1.9bn). Aldina Duarte Ramos is global direc- Washington DC, US Marriott operates and franchises tor, well-being product, luxury and upscale An interactive day-long event hotels under The Ritz-Carlton, Bvlgari, brands, which represents a volume of that brings together international Edition, JW Marriott, , 150 spas and 300 hotels worldwide. leaders in the spa industry. Renaissance, Marriott, Delta brands and Accor also operates 100 spas in its mid- The theme for 2016 is The New more. The group manages around 175 scale portfolio.“Wellness is a strong pillar Language of Spa. spas and Kenneth Ryan is senior direc- of our strategy,” said Duarte Ramos. www.washingtonspaalliance.com/ tor of global spa operations (see p40). Sofi tel’s SoSPA brand operates 48 loca- symposium Starwood brands include the St Regis, tions, with openings in Rio, Morocco, The Luxury Collection, W, St Regis, Design Ivory Coast, China and Thailand planned 17-20 APRIL 2016 Hotels, Westin, Le Meridien, Sheraton, for 2016. Accor also runs 12 Fit & Spa Spatec Spring North America , Aloft, Element Lounges – with a new location in Cayo Austin, Texas, US and Tribute Portfolio. Amanda Roman Coco, Cuba, planned for 2016. In addi- American spa operators and Al-Masri is Starwood’s director of global tion, there are 15 Thalassa Sea & suppliers gather for a series of spa development & operations, oversee- Spas – the company’s multi-brand thal- face-to-face business meetings assotherapy concept that stretches and networking opportunities. from luxury to economy properties. www.spatecevents.com The spa division at FRHI is headed up by Andrew Gibson, vice president, spa & 15-17 MAY 2016 wellness, with help from Lindsay Madden- Beautyworld Middle East Nadeau, director of spa integration and Dubai, UAE operations. The group operates spas in Trade show and networking for each of its brands – 21 at Swissôtel, 64 beauty, wellbeing, haircare and at Fairmont (24 of which are outsourced) fragrance industries. and eight at Raffl es (see SB14/2 p26). www.beautyworldme.com Accor has around 150 spas globally Read more: http://lei.sr?a=M9A2V_B

38 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com SPATEC Europe 2016 SPATEC 16 Europe 8 - 11 June 2016 Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort, The Algarve,

CELEBRATING

YEARS

SPATEC is the original meeting forum for the spa, wellness and beauty industry SPATEC Europe brings together senior decision makers from the industry in the UK and across Europe, with leading executives from supplier companies for networking and face-to-face meetings.

Why attend SPATEC Europe 2016? – You know ahead of time who is attending – You know the buyers are senior decision makers – You get to choose who you want to meet – You are guaranteed limited competition – You spend quality, uninterrupted time with the buyers – You profile your company to a high level audience For more information please contact: – You network, build relationships and get to know the key people in the industry Stephen Pace-Bonello: – You receive VIP treatment in a 5 star atmosphere Email: [email protected] away from the pressures of the office Tel: +356 9945 8305 David Zarb-Jenkins: Email: [email protected] Tel: +356 9944 8862 http://www.spateceu.com www.spateceu.com SPATECSpring SPATEC SPATECFall SPATEC North America Europe North America Middle East http://www.spabusiness.com INTERVIEW WHAT WE’RE DOING WILL BE GAME-CHANGING FOR THE INDUSTRY

Kenneth Ryan

e’re putting a flag in the spa division”. Ryan was brought in by ground saying that we’ll Sharilyn Abbajay who’d been charged The global head of have the world’s best with shaping the group’s global spa W luxury spas – that’s our spas for Marriott talks strategy (see SB11/1 p24), but when goal and we’re claiming exclusively to Katie she left just months later, Ryan that space,” says Kenneth Ryan, senior Barnes about the brand stepped up to the task and inherited director of global spa operations for the responsibility for online retail and new, worldwide spa Marriott International. The US-based fitness for the group too. hotel group manages approximately concept for Ritz-Carlton Over four years Ryan put a structure 175 spas worldwide amounting to a and the group’s mission to in place for the spa division with John US$200m (€183.5m, £140.1m) portfolio. dominate the spa scene Hopp supporting him at head office And in 2016 we can expect even more to set the vision and four essential success from its spa division as it regional heads to deploy it and faces a catalyst for change. oversee daily operations. Together, In November, Marriott announced a bid who’s spent four years getting Marriott’s they make up Marriott’s Spa Global to buy rivals Starwood Hotels & Resorts spa arm to this point and who has even Leadership Team (GLT) and we take a for US$12.2bn (€11.2bn, £8.4bn) to create higher aspirations for the future. closer look at their work on p50. the world’s largest hotel company with How this team will all be affected if more than one million rooms. Just last Global Leadership Team the Starwood deal goes through later month, it also revealed a spa concept for Ryan’s career has been dedicated to this year remains to be seen. Both hotel the Ritz-Carlton brand which will roll out running hotel spas and he actually started groups have strong, high-end brands. across 60 existing properties and 25-plus out with Marriott 17 years ago before Marriott has Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, pipeline projects. This follows the launch a 10-year stint at Fairmont working JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, of its first in-house wellness brand Spa by alongside well-known industry figure and Edition in its portfolio. JW for JW Marriott hotels in 2014. Anne McCall Wilson. He returned to his Meanwhile, Starwood owns St Regis, W, “What we’re doing will be game- roots in 2011 when he says “it seemed Westin, Sheraton and Le Méridien – all changing for the industry,” says Ryan Marriott was looking to re-energise its of which already have their own in-house

40 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com To read more about Marriott’s Spa Global Leadership Team turn to p50

The new Ritz-Carlton Spa concept will roll out across 85 sites (above); 26 Spa by JWs are in the pipeline (below)

©CYBERTREK 2015 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 41 http://www.spabusiness.com PRODUCTINTERVIEW: FOCUS KENNETH RYAN

The spa at Ritz-Carlton Bahrain is one of nine to be converted so far; oils have been custom blended (below)

WE DELIVER 1.3 MILLION MASSAGES A YEAR, YET THIS IS THE ONE AREA WITH THE LEAST AMOUNT OF FOCUS IN THE INDUSTRY

spa concept or preferred third-party operator (see SB10/3 p24). It’s early days for Ryan to say too much about the merger, but what he tells Spa Business sounds promising: “Arne Sorensen, our CEO, has said that we will be the largest travel company worldwide, we believe this will and oils. Perhaps most significant, place to help drive consistency and results hold true for our spa division as well.” however, is its pledge to raise therapists’ in the spa business. Spa ambassadors, skillsets so they can deliver tailored explains Ryan, will visit each site every six The Ritz-Carlton Spa treatments and more meaningful months to conduct a full evaluation and For now, Ryan and his team are focusing experiences. Ryan explains: “We do 2 audit of the business, including everything on the job at hand – the rollout of the million treatments globally each year and from front of house training to helping spa brand new Ritz-Carlton Spa concept 65 per cent are massage, yet this is the one managers with revenue and yields. across 85 sites. “We have some of the most area that has the least amount of focus in “We have the best spa directors, but renowned and successful spas in the world the industry. So we’ve created a training when you have a fresh pair of eyes it’s at Ritz-Carlton,” he says. “But we hadn’t programme called Masters of Massage to easier to find more ways to enhance the gotten our arms around them in a really put the energy back into our therapists to business,” says Ryan. “Putting in spa long time and we wanted to take them take their craft up several levels.” ambassadors with a set of expectations from excellent to exceptional.” The programme will be delivered by and guidelines to follow – there are The aim is to build on Ritz-Carlton’s ‘spa ambassador trainers’, a newly-created over 400 documents on the concept legendary service to put the emphasis position for up to 12 specialists. In – absolutely does that. It supports our back on the customer, doing everything addition, Ritz-Carlton will introduce up directors and adds an additional layer from redesigning the menu to developing to eight ‘spa ambassadors’ globally. This that’s not currently found in the industry a global collection of exclusive treatments is another fresh role that’s been put in and that’s a big differentiator for us.”

42 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com Integrated software solutions for Spa, Golf & Leisure industries worldwide

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Spa by JW aims to demystify spa and an experiential (rather than a transactional) retail area is part of the concept

Spa by JW Unlike Spa by JW which is purely for While Marriott had previously trialled new projects, all 60 existing Ritz-Carlton WE HAVE A HUGE concepts such as Quan Spa in Asia (see spas will be revamped, phasing out RESPONSIBILITY TO SB06/4 p22) and Saray in the Middle East third-party operators when contracts (see SB11/1 p24), the Spa GLT wanted expire. There are also over 25 new-builds DELIVER A RETURN ON consistency worldwide. “For years our in the pipeline. “Spa by JW is phenomenal INVESTMENT FOR OUR [Marriott] spas have been fragmented,” but a huge project which required a says Ryan. “So working with brand and tremendous amount of effort,” says Ryan, [HOTEL] OWNERS consumer insights and our customer base, “with Ritz-Carlton it’s twice as complex.” we’ve defined our spa positioning.” Spa by A 70-page brochure, tool kit and video JW, which was unveiled in August 2014, introducing the concept has already hit our biggest, most revenue-driving brand, so was the first to global brand to launch. the desks of Ritz-Carlton GMs and Ryan we’ll keep very close to it,” he says. “Since Created for JW Marriott hotels, the aim expects nine conversions to be completed sharing the news with GMs, there’s been a was to ‘demystify and re-imagine the spa by February. He’s aiming to finish them all big pull from the market, confirming the experience’ and to make wellbeing less of in the next 18 months to two years. “This is pent-up demand for refreshing our spas.” an indulgence and more of a necessity. In an innovative twist, it promised to address a common spa hurdle: underutilisation. “We have a huge responsibility to deliver a return on investment for our [hotel] owners,” says Ryan. “Our first point is to always put [spa] customers first, but in order for us to gain credibility in the spa space we also have to make sure we deliver spas that are successful.” Spa by JW has many elements in place to achieve this. Accessibility is key – literally having no door at the entrance, a circular information hub rather than big reception desk and having a social, inviting lounge where guests can hang out regardless of whether they’ve booked a treatment. The menu is simple and focuses on four areas – calm, indulge, OA sophisticated tool kit introducing the Ritz-Carlton Spa concept has been sent to all GMs invigorate and renew – based on what

44 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com RAISE your

http://www.voya.ie http://www.spabusiness.com INTERVIEW: KENNETH RYAN

ONCE OUR THERAPISTS GET THEIR HANDS ON THEM, THEY BUILD A RELATIONSHIP AND IT’S EASY TO GET THEM BACK

a customer wants to feel. And each spa has one to three walk-in, express pods for customers to try out 15-25-minute services without having to take their clothes off. “By demystifying spa, we’ve opened it up to the masses,” says Ryan. “I’ve been watching the trend of express treatments in malls and airports for several years and they’re always full. They’re convenient and appeal to time-strapped people and it’s O Guests can keep their clothes on for treatments in Spa by JW’s express pods very much a foray into spa. “The great thing is seeing a customer impact on utilisation is but he’s “really Marriott taking the lead. “We are a small who’s willing, able and comfortable in pleased” with the concept, not least with but mighty team,” he says, “but the reason coming to get an express treatment. how it appeals to hotel owners. To date we’ve been so successful is because we’ve Once our therapists gets their hands on there are 26 under development and developed these strategic, innovative them, they automatically start to build they’re due to open in the next four years. partnerships outside of ourselves. There that relationship and then it’s an easy may be only two [spa] people [at head transition to get them to come back or to Small but mighty office] but if you look at the extension of try a more advanced treatment.” As well as working with the Spa GLT, part people, my team is in the hundreds.” With only four Spa by JWs open so far, of Ryan’s role is to develop partnerships It’s a tactic that worked well with Spa Ryan says it’s not possible to tell what the with suppliers, although always with by JW where Marriott teamed up with consultancy Spa Strategy, product house Aromatherapy Associates (see p48) and Living Earth Crafts which made a INDUSTRY PARTNER customised massage chair for its express services (see above). Other preferred Michael Harmsworth partners include spa consultancy WTS, CEO, ESPA SpaEquip and SpaSoft and Life Fitness, Matrix and Technogym for fitness. Designing the new Ritz-Carlton Spa Perhaps the most elaborate example concept was very much a collabora- of this, however, is its collaboration with tion between us and both the Ritz-Carlton ESPA on The Ritz-Carlton Spa brand (see and Marriott design teams. We remained opposite). With ESPA working behind the hands-on throughout – and continue to do scenes, the two companies have joined so – though we work in the background forces over the last 18 months to develop with Ritz-Carlton taking the lead. the new treatments, SOPs and training The concept will be implemented programmes for the spa ambassadors using our operational expertise and and spa ambassador trainers. These training and we have nine people at our personnel are ESPA employees working UK headquarters leading the project O ESPA brings operational expertise to the on behalf of Ritz-Carlton, effectively from our side. The new concept does new Ritz-Carlton concept says Harmsworth creating a company within a company not use the ESPA brand name however, and significantly boosting ESPA’s global all spas will be wholly centred around signifi cance, but more important is the portfolio. The project lead for ESPA was Ritz-Carlton, while introducing even more establishment of a long-term relationship its CEO Michael Harmsworth, son of the customers to our natural product line. with Ritz-Carlton and the fact that we’ve founder Sue Harmsworth. This partnership is incredibly important been able to demonstrate just how Ryan says: “There were a few reasons to us. Of course it has commercial fl exible our spa services can be. [for picking ESPA]. We have a seven-year past relationship with them [as suppliers

46 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com http://www.spasoft.com/spabiz

http://www.spabusiness.com INTERVIEW: KENNETH RYAN

INDUSTRY PARTNER

WHEN WE DO Claire Way SOMETHING AT Director of operations, Spa Strategy MARRIOTT IT HAS RIPPLE

EFFECTS THROUGHOUT Kenneth and John [Hopp] had worked THE SECTOR with the Spa by JW concept a while before we were brought on board and it was great to work with a team that had to many Ritz-Carlton spas] and they are such a strong, fresh and clear vision. renowned leaders in the luxury space. A Our focus was to create and implement lot of people don’t know that the E in ESPA standards for training, menu program- stands for education and the whole crux ming, operations and design that were of what I was trying to do with 60 spas in fl exible enough for a global footprint O Way thinks Spa by JW is set to existence was going to be around training – something which we’ve helped other become the new third place and education. Michael is a visionary in companies navigate. After presenting our that space and he saw the value of coming ideas for feedback, we moved forward how Spa by JW is set to become the on that journey with us.” to develop the brand standards and new third place. It’s a social, open and were involved for 10 months in total. inviting space that removes barriers Impactful changes It was great fun to work with such to the spa to create a seamless In the four years that Ryan and the an innovative concept and we also love integrated spa and hotel partnership. Spa GLT have been on board, he feels they’ve achieved a huge amount. “We’ve introduced professionalism and discipline Marriott spas. The platform is live in all of projecting that we’ll take between US$7m- [into the spa division at Marriott] and its managed spas in North America and US$10m [€6.4m-€9.2m, £4.8m-£6.9m] of organised a lot of things,” he says. But he in the pilot stages in Asia and the Middle business in North America through that still feels there’s also much to do. East. Something similar is underway in channel,” says Ryan. In conjunction with SpaSoft an Europe in collaboration with Concept He believes fitness is another area to online spa booking system has been in Software Systems. “With our first full focus on: “It’s becoming a hot topic in development over the last two years for year in operation of online booking, I’m our hotels… pools are being filled in and we’re getting up to 3,000sq ft of fitness space. So we’re looking at how to bring advanced fitness to our customers who are INDUSTRY PARTNER demanding much better facilities: not just equipment but spaces in general.” Geraldine Howard In the long-term, Ryan says the goal is Founder, Aromatherapy to work through all hotel brands to create dedicated spa concepts. Associates “I love driving results and creation in all shapes and forms, and I feel super Before she died in January, Geraldine fortunate to work for a company that’s spoke to Spa Business about her allowed us to make impactful changes,” company’s partnership with Marriott: Ryan concludes. “From an industry JW Marriott looked at companies standpoint, when we do something at that could take the experience right Marriott it has ripple effects throughout through the guest’s stay and we the sector, so that’s pretty exciting. developed amenity products as well “Within our company itself we are as treatments. We worked with Spa actually leading with spa for the first time Strategy and the JW Marriott team to O The Spa by JW menu is adaptable, which means we have huge value from develop a spa off ering that was adaptable, simple and results-driven said Geraldine a branding perspective and they [the results-driven and easy to navigate. owners] can see huge value in having a The menu has a simple framework which We’re thrilled to be the primary skincare world-class, first-class spa.”O allows guests to pick their service based line at Spa by JW although in larger spas, on its desired eff ect. Express treatments additional brands which complement Katie Barnes is the editor Spa Business of 15-25 minutes are available for the the local market can also be selected. of magazine Email: katiebarnes@ time-poor, while 60-90-minute treatments Work at Aromatherapy Associates spabusiness.com provide a more advanced experience. continues under CEO Muriel Zingraff Twitter: @SpaBusinessKB

48 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com NEW 2016

http://www.livingearthcrafts.com http://www.spabusiness.com SPA LEADERS TOP TEAM Marriott International

The Spa Global Leadership Team at Marriott International talk to Katie Barnes about the group’s two new global spa concepts, how they work together to run one of the biggest hotel spa divisions in the world and what else we can expect from them in the future

John Hopp senior director of global spa development

What’s your main role? I work on behalf of Marriott’s What we’ve created hotel brands to provide spa concepts that support their will provide systems, long-term vision of the brand training and support experience. My major focus like never seen in the is to manage the creative industry before spa concepting processes and monitor the progress of all our spa brands. allowed the JW Marriott brand How do you work with to squarely position itself in other members of the Spa the wellbeing category. Global Leadership team? Kenneth Ryan (see p40) and What’s the key to spa I support them by designing development? I still believe enhancement programmes it’s getting the hotel owners and training to elevate either on board. When we’re able to revenue, service standards share our ideas, concepts and or both. Much of my time O Spa concepts are key to getting hotel owners on board says Hopp proposals, owners are able is dedicated to overseeing to see our connection to the quality, audits and standards. always been a hallmark of What impact will it have overarching parent brand and the Ritz-Carlton portfolio, on your role? A significant are less likely to scale back the What’s exciting about the new so working to elevate the one. We’ll be undergoing spa project or look at outside Ritz-Carlton Spa concept? offering in a group that’s an 18-month conversion operators for solutions. It will provide systems, training already very successful of all existing Ritz-Carlton and support never seen in has been an interesting spas and I expect much What’s new for 2016? Part the industry before. Spa has and unique challenge. of my time in 2016 will be of my role at HQ is to enable dedicated to supporting each communication for our global property as we roll out. spa community through our internal websites and Spa by JW was Marriott’s first in 2016 we’ll be adding a global spa brand. What made compendium of guidance it so significant? It was our tools. We’ll provide examples first complete spa concept, of different scenarios and meaning there are multiple solutions that can be applied treatment, service and design to a spa strategy, as well as elements that cannot be left tools to help enhance revenue out of the concept (see p44). streams and self-guided It was significant because management tools to enhance we started from scratch associate satisfaction. without any preconceived The other part of my role will ideas about what our be to support the tremendous O Hopp will assist in the rollout of the new Ritz-Carlton Spas in 2016 customer wanted. It’s also growth of our spa discipline.

50 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com Turn to p40 to read an exclusive interview with Kenneth Ryan, senior director of global spa operations at Marriott

O Forty per cent of Marriott’s spas are in the , making it an important division for the group

Suzanne Holbrook corporate director spa operations, the Americas

How important is the Americas spa division at Continent leaders were asked for their input. Marriott? The regions include the US, South America, Mexico, We challenge but also listen to each other, and the Caribbean which creates the very best outcomes where we have over 70 facilities. This is around 40 per cent of all Marriott-managed spas and it’s growing rapidly And what about Spa by wellness focused. We’ve fully – we have 15-plus opening JW? We have one Spa by JW integrated the ‘art of living in the next two years. O It’s an exciting time for the open and will introduce up to well’ throughout the hotel Our guests’ needs can be spa team says Holbrook six more by 2018. It’s such a – from the arrival process, different from those in other dynamic, fresh concept that’s restaurants and lounges continents. It’s generally a and support each other, even held in high regard by property to the spa hotel rooms. results-driven culture and if we don’t always agree. owners and spa-goers. The After that, we’ll be they want to see a difference Spending time with the concept of fast and slow developing new spa concepts quickly. However, healthy other spa continent leaders spa is also a solution that for Renaissance and ageing and wellness is starting happens less frequently, but resonates with our guests. Marriott in the Americas. to become far more prominent. it’s always impactful – Alison Financial growth is always Ainsworth in Europe is an How involved were you key. Last year we rolled out What’s your main role? amazing talent who has in both these concepts? a treatment enhancement Developing programmes and a wealth of knowledge. Continent leaders were [up-sell] programme in platforms to create profitable asked for their input. We the Americas and this has businesses and memorable How important is the Ritz- challenge but also listen to increased the average sale wellness experiences. And Carlton Spa launch to you? each other, which creates without increasing treatment being a support and resource It’s taking the spa division the very best outcomes. time. We’ll continue to for our regional spas. to the next level of luxury develop platforms aimed at with its spectacular, bespoke What’s on your radar for increasing overall utilisation How closely do you work with treatments. We have 35 2016? My immediate focus is and average spend. the Spa Global Leadership Ritz-Carltons in the Americas the new spa that’s opening Nurturing spa talent is also team? The brand team and the concept has enough at Marriott Coronado Island, high on the list. Assisting and Kenneth, John and I flexibility to enable us to in February. It’s career growth is extremely speak and collaborate very capture the uniqueness of a beautiful location where rewarding and a part of my frequently. We’re a close unit each location in the spa. the communities are very role I’ve always truly loved.

©CYBERTREK 2016 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 51 http://www.spabusiness.com SPA LEADERS: MARRIOTT

Alison Ainsworth senior director of golf, leisure and spa operations, Europe

How important is the European spa division at The distinct spa Marriott? We have a wonderful mix of businesses from just traditions in European over 20 full-service resort spas countries make it an to health clubs which offer a incredibly exciting core range of massages and continent to run facials. Combined, this gives us around 80 spas in 19 countries. The distinct spa traditions in European countries make it an The continent leaders incredibly exciting continent are also good at sharing to run. These help to guide initiatives and solutions the concepts – from a rasul with each other – quite and hammam to an ice or salt often the most lucrative cave. Those subtle touchpoints ideas come from a piece give a unique, sense of of work by a spa manager place to the experience. on one of the continents.

What are your main What do the two new spa responsibilities? I get involved concepts mean for your with everything from initial region? The new Ritz-Carlton concept and design, to taking Spa concept is an incredibly full-blown operational and exciting development which financial responsibility. It’s an will roll out across our nine O Ainsworth is looking to build spa business via digital platforms ideal blend of being able to set Ritz-Carlton sites to reposition the direction, coupled with the our portfolio in Europe. sense of achievement when The beauty is that it’s At the moment, the Spa by their initial direction to ensure your ideas come to fruition. a full-rounded approach JW concept isn’t in Europe. it was industry-leading and which is operationally easy that it could be applied to How closely do you work to introduce. A team of spa How did you influence the spa operations globally. with the Spa GLT? Although ambassadors take hotels Ritz-Carlton Spa concept? we’re all responsible for the through the conversion Prototype designs and facility What else can we expect performance of the spas in process which is seamlessly ‘must haves’ were shared from you in the future? We’ll our region, a lot of global linked to training, collateral with the continent teams for open seven more spas by collaboration takes place to production and design. It also input and feedback. I also 2020, with one in Macedonia ensure all the Marriott brands empowers our managers and worked with Kenneth and in 2016. This is an exciting and our spas are aligned. therapists a with new skills. ESPA to check and validate project which combines the best of contemporary, western spa traditions with the locale. We also have a series of new Ritz-Carlton hotels opening in superb, gateway European cities. As part of a global initiative, I’m developing an online booking platform for our spas (see p48). In Europe, I’m also focusing on other digital elements such as social media and exploring new platforms to build business via communities and recommendations. Both are so fundamental to the way we build business these days O Spas incorporate local wellness traditions such as hammams to give a sense of place that we can’t ignore them.

52 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com UNFORGETTABLE SPA JOURNEYS

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Jennie Toh vice president, rooms operations, Asia-Pacific

The new Ritz-Carlton and JW spa concepts have given us an edge and also enable us to add local fl avour

I started looking after spas for Marriott in Asia about four years ago along with O Every new luxury hotel my focus on bedrooms and Marriott launches in Asia will general operations such as have a spa, says Toh housekeeping. We have around 180 properties with more than and and there are 50 spas managed by us. plans to open more than 10 in The new Ritz-Carlton and the region by 2020. Unique to JW spa concepts with their our region, we also have the high standards have given us Quan Spa brand (see SB09/1 an edge and they also enable p26) which draws on the us to add local flavour into restorative properties of water. the menu such as shiatsu, We’re going to double our Thai massage, ayurveda and hotel footprint in Asia and traditional Chinese medicine. as every new luxury hotel We’re waiting to convert 11 we build will have a spa, Ritz-Carlton Spas and we have this part of the business will another 14 in the pipeline. grow concurrently. Our next There are already three Spa openings will be in , by JWs in Hanoi, Bangalore Langkawi, Perth and Sanya. O Marriott manages more than 50 spas across Asia

John Rees senior director of operations, MEA

I’ve been overseeing Marriott spas in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) since 2012 and we currently manage 15 facilities with another 15 due to open by 2020. O Rees has been overseeing Most of our spas have a spas in MEA since 2012 bespoke treatment or feature you’d only find in this region such as hammams which are Africa is the hottest a major draw for guests. We also embrace unique local spa development market offerings – Dead Sea O Saray Spa is the signature concept for Marriott in the Middle East spot for us. We have products are a signature in our projects in Morocco, Saray Spa concept in many of for us. We’re currently working and Rwanda and many in sub- Cairo and Rwanda Marriott hotels for example. on four in Morocco, three with Saharan countries following Africa is definitely the Ritz-Carlton and one with JW. Marriott’s recent acquisition hottest spa development spot We also have projects in Cairo of the Protea portfolio. O

54 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com unforgettable beauty rituals for a new longevity

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to become a partner or more information http://www.horasexta.it www.horasexta.it [email protected] http://www.spabusiness.com PRODUCTNEWS REPORT FOCUS Jane Kitchen, spa news editor, Leisure Media Bain update on Japanese spa chain acquisition

Private equity fi rm Bain Capital Partners doesn’t typically venture into hospitality, so what was it about the Ooedo Onsen deal that was so appealing and what are its plans for the hot springs operator? Jane Kitchen reports NAKA-ST OCKPHOTO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

56 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com If you consider that the number of tourists travelling to grew from 6 million in 2004 to 13 million in 2014, then you can already see the scale of opportunity

n February 2015, private help with, including looking at investment firm Bain the cost base and finding ways Capital Partners bought to improve it, looking at pricing, a 100 per cent stake in and looking at how we attract and IJapanese hot springs and retain customers.” hotel operator Ooedo Gross-Loh feels Bain’s experience Onsen Holdings, in a move to working with retail chain operations capitalise on tourism ahead of the will also help it optimise and grow Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. the hot spring business. “In Japan, Ooedo Onsen runs a chain of we’ve found that many businesses hot springs and hotels – including in this industry are facing founder 23 inns and six onsen theme succession and transition issues,” parks – in Japan employing 3,000 he says. “We leverage our industry people and attracting 50 million expertise, deal track record, customers a year. The business experience and scale to partner is on a strong growth trajectory, with business.” with sales increasing about 30 per cent year-on-year and a projected Favourable market turnover of JPY35bn (US295m, Gross-Loh points out that onsen €271.4m, £207.1m) in 2015. David Gross-Loh, MD of Bain Capital are a very traditional form of leisure One of the leading private equity says its looking at 17 potential new sites in Japan, with over 400 years of firms in the world, Bain Capital was history, which in itself provides co-founded in 1984 by Mitt Romney a very stable market. And with – later a US presidential candidate. consumers aged 50+ accounting for A subsidiary of the company, Bain Capital Ventures, is also a 50 per cent of the total hot spring business, Japan’s ageing backer of spa software supplier Booker. population makes for a favourable demographic shift. Bain doesn’t often invest in travel hospitality, so this move “We developed a very close relationship with the founder for represents a departure for the firm. However, it does have a three years prior to the deal, so this is a business [and market] track record in consumer services, having grown chains such that we had come to know extremely well,” says Gross-Loh. as Burger King and Domino’s Pizza. It saw great potential in Another advantage is that the Japanese government has Ooedo and was confident that it was the firm to help develop it. positioned tourism as a core growth strategy. Gross-Loh believes this will give Ooedo Onsen the opportunity to capture Scaleable business demand from the growing inbound tourism market. Onsen – Japan’s take on hot springs – are an important part of Japanese culture, with thousands of locations throughout Expansion plans the country due to natural volcanic waters. Bain has started building out the pipeline of new sites and The Ooedo Onsen chain originated from Tokyo’s large-scale has identified and conducted due diligence on 17 new sites onsen theme park, Odaiba Ooedo Onsen Monogatari, which over the past few months. It has also built and implemented houses a variety of baths using water from natural hot springs a strategy to drive growth, profitability and market share. whose source is located 1,400m under ground. “This covers a few areas – pricing, marketing and cost As well as multiple baths and thermal experiences, the optimisation – to ensure we are effectively allocating our theme park includes an Edo-era theme festive mall and resources,” says Gross-Loh. multiple restaurant choices. Spa treatments, including The company has also added to the existing management massages, exfoliation, reflexology and fish foot therapy are at Ooedo Onsen and continues to do so; currently, it’s looking also available. Entry costs range from JPY1,000 (US$8, €7.5, for a chief acquisition officer to help with the expansion. £5.5) for four to 12-year-olds and go up to JPY2,680 (US$22, With the 2020 Olympic Games set to take place in Tokyo, €20, £14.5) for adults at the weekend. Bain is keeping its eye on the prize. “This is a very scalable business,” David Gross-Loh, MD of “If you consider that the number of tourists travelling to Bain Capital, tells Spa Business. “Ooedo Onsen has enormous Japan grew from 6 million in 2004 to 13 million in 2014, then growth potential, both in existing branches and through you can already see the scale of the opportunity,” says Gross- expansion. There’s a lot that Bain Capital is equipped to Loh. “In 2020, Japan expects to receive 20 million visitors.” O

©CYBERTREK 2016 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 57 http://www.spabusiness.com PROMOTION: STEVE KASS

STEVE KASS CONSULTING A global leader in concept & design

Steve Kass, founder and former CEO of American Leisure, has launched a new business, Steve Kass Consulting. The global leader explains his goals as an innovative concept and design creator

teve Kass has gained a Tell us about the venture the Kimpton Hotel in the reputation as an innovator The purpose of Steve Kass Cayman Islands, the new Four and expert consultant, Consulting is to offer my Seasons Hotel, New York while having his feet firmly services internationally City and the Four Seasons S planted on the ground. as a concept and design in , Texas. All these As founder and consultant for the real estate jobs are exciting and I love former CEO of American Leisure, and hospitality industries. the challenge. We get an Kass has been responsible for the opportunity to work with conceptualisation and design of iconic And your current projects? some very talented people. projects in the US and internationally, We’re working on luxury specifically in the spa, fitness, lifestyle projects with some of the largest What’s the need? and wellness communities markets. residential builders and hospitality It used to be that when you were selling a Following the sale of American Leisure companies in the world, including Lennar, residence, it was enough to give people a in 2015, Kass launched his own boutique Tishman Speyer and Four Seasons Hotels roof over their heads, but as a great quality consultancy, Steve Kass Consulting, and Resorts. of life has become essential, people want through which he will continue to work We’ve been brought on board to be a much more from the places they live in. as a global leader and innovator, offering part of the design team on a 50,000sq ft spa Developers who are building homes, a world-class service to clients. Kass and wellness facility that will service 1,500 condominiums, communities and hotels speaks exclusively to Spa Business luxury apartments in Long Island City, US. are recognising that it’s advantageous about his goals and ambitions. Other projects include the Spa at to offer not only spas, but also other

O Kass provided design consultancy for the luxurious wellness facilities at The Continental Club & Spa

58 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com O Kass has a track record of working in high-end real estate, innovating on behalf of developers and operators

facilities for leisure and recreation, such We continue to What are your goals and ambitions as fitness, wellness and community social for Steve Kass Consulting? spaces. Creating wellness communities work with clients To continue to be part of high-level teams like these is my area of expertise: I working together to create outstanding partner with developers to deliver because what we luxury wellness-related projects and these components of the scheme. bring to the team wellness communities. We’re very proud of the company we Why should they choose you? is fresh ideas and keep, such as Clodagh and David Rockwell, In many cases, the experts who effective solutions to name but a few. We continue to work conceptualise high-end spa and wellness with clients repeatedly, because what we facilities create aesthetically beautiful bring to the team are fresh ideas that work, designs and features, but it’s difficult or creative and work to see how much value innovation and effective solutions. impossible to actually build them. we can add within the budget to elevate the With experience of successfully bottom line and social value of the scheme. What’s the bottom line? operating hundreds of facilities, Steve I hope Steve Kass Consulting will continue Kass Consulting offers a highly effective How much room is there for innovation? to make a difference and to do work that alternative, by delivering the wow factor In all of the facilities we’re currently enables developers to sell their properties – new concepts, new ideas and new design designing we add social components, such more quickly. Also that we bring added features – while at the same time ensuring as bowling alleys and gathering spaces. value which results in them being able to those features are operationally sound and We’ve also devised the concept of the get higher margins on their investments. O can actually be built for a sensible budget. ‘Living Lobby’ which offers – among other things – social activities and has proven to At what stage do you get on board? be successful. In all cases we create custom We like to get involved in projects early solutions. on, at the stage where the goals and aims are being defined. Then we present What does this new direction mean for how our ideas, plans and designs will you professionally and personally? contribute to the success of the sales and It has allowed me to step away from enhance the bottom line of a project. being a CEO of a company with varied responsibilities, to really focus on what I Contact Steve Kass Is there a focus on adding value? love to do the most: conceptualise, design Steve Kass Consulting Corp. One of my proven strengths is forecasting and create world-class facilities. 36 Toronto Street, Suite 850, Toronto, trends and demand in facility design. It also allows me to apply the many Ontario, MSC W2CS Canada On new projects we typically start with lessons I’ve learned through working Tel +1 914 671 7161 the basics of what we know is expected with some of the world’s most respected Email [email protected] as a minimum requirement. Then we get architects, interior designers and engineers. stevekassconsulting.com

©CYBERTREK 2016 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 59 http://www.spabusiness.com RESEARCH Work it out

A new study predicts what the future of wellness at work will look like and how spas can help. Research co-author Opheila Yeung gives Spa Business a sneak preview

SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/KINGA eople spend at least half of Unwell workforce their waking hours at work. Ageing populations, urbanisation and It’s inextricably linked to unhealthy lifestyles are all driving a global our wellness, affecting our rise in chronic disease. Work is often part P finances, psyche, health of this problem. As our labour has shifted and relationships. And from manual to sedentary activities, more yet, there’s a rising epidemic of an unwell people are sitting and staring at digital population and an unwell workforce, displays, often with bad postures. Despite which our global economy and local regulatory changes to protect workers, communities can scarcely afford. many people still work in unhealthy and The Future of Wellness At Work, a new even dangerous environments – from study which will be released by the Global garment workers locked in factories, to Wellness Institute (GWI) later this month, office workers developing carpal tunnel examines the state of wellness of the global syndrome, to nurses who are injured workforce, predicts what the future of work lifting heavy patients. will look like and makes the case for why Work can also create mental and wellness matters. As more employers wake emotional distress – from the financial up to the reality that wellness is not only challenges of low wages, to long working OBusinesses need to support critical to their employees’ health but also hours and the inability to unplug and employees if they are to thrive to the survival of their company, there will difficult relationships with bosses and be increasing opportunities for wellness coworkers. These stressors can lead to a businesses to partner with employers to negative work life balance and physical infuse wellness into work. illness. In a recent survey carried out %

DIAGRAM 1 % 23 Percentage of 52 ASIA PACIFIC employed workers EUROPE who have access to % workplace wellness N. AMERICA programs & services* 7% 5 5% 1% MID EAST - N. AFRICA LATIN AMERICA - CARIBBEAN AFRICA

*Estimates by Global Wellness Institute

60 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com OWorkplace wellness, including fitness programmes, is now a US$40.7bn industry SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MATEJ KASTELIC SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MATEJ

by the GWI and Everyday Health, US customers away. Taken together, the cost £28.7bn) global industry (see SB14/4 respondents reported that when their job of unwell workers – including healthcare p94). That includes third-party providers or workplace environment causes them costs, compensation for sick and injured of services, products and platforms that to feel unwell, many other aspects of their workers and lost productivity from stress serve a wide range of employee wellness lives are also affected, including mental/ and disengagement – could amount to needs from exercise and healthy eating emotional health (69 per cent), physical 10-15 per cent in lost global economic programmes to smoking cessation and health (50 per cent), family life (36 per output, according to our estimates. stress reduction. cent), relationships (35 per cent) and However, current initiatives only overall happiness (66 per cent). The costs address a sliver of the global workforce. of work-related stress (including both % We estimate that less than 9 per cent medical costs and lost productivity) are 87 of the world’s 3.2 billion workers have enormous, estimated by various research access to any kind of workplace wellness studies at US$650bn (€594.6bn, £459bn) of workers programmes (see Diagram 1). What’s in Europe, US$3.9bn (€3.6bn, £2.8bn) in worldwide more, the workers who do benefit from Australia, US$2bn-US$8bn (€1.8bn-€7.3bn, are these kinds of services mainly live in £1.4bn-£5.6bn) in Canada and US$300bn high-income countries and work for large (€274.4bn, £211.9bn) in the US. not engaged or multinational employers Another manifestation of an at work Judging from the low take up in unwell workforce is the widespread workplace wellness programmes disengagement observed around the Demand for wellness – various studies show participation rates world – that is, employees who are Employers are becoming aware of this ranging from 5 to 46 per cent – those unmotivated. Gallup’s 2013 State of the problem and have consistently increased who do have access to these services Global Workplace study found that spending on workplace wellness in the last do not seem particularly keen. Many 87 per cent of workers worldwide are not five to 10 years, generating many related people are sceptical of their employers’ engaged at work. Such employees are business opportunities. According to SRI intentions – believing they only want less productive, more likely to steal from International’s Global Spa and Wellness to save healthcare costs or squeeze their company, negatively influence their Economy Monitor 2014, workplace more productivity out of them – and the coworkers, miss more workdays and drive wellness is now a US$40.7bn (€37.2bn, effectiveness of interventions. Indeed,

©CYBERTREK 2016 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 61 http://www.spabusiness.com RESEARCH

DIAGRAM 2 The Future of Work*

Past Dimensions of work Future

Short-term, free agent Long-term commitment, Employer/employee work; aligned fit between job security, loyalty relationship employee & organization MAXFX/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM Collaborative, Algorithmic, structured, Nature of work multidisciplinary, learning supervised through discovery

Titled roles Leadership Everyone can be a leader

Discipline, diligence, Creativity, curiosity, Desired employee rule-abiding, self-direction, qualities specialized skills constant learning

Autonomy, temporary Hierarchy, management Organization OThe most obvious role for spas is on the teams, accountability control on work process of work fulfilment side, as providers of wellness for work product

Carrots and sticks most programmes run on the premise (money, promotion, Incentives Fair pay, intrinsic motivation that employees need help ‘fixing’ existing threat of layoff) lifestyle problems such as poor health, Where and Remote, virtual, unhealthy habits and stress; as a result, Set location and hours many are implemented in a fragmented when to work anytime, anywhere fashion, sometimes as part of an off- the-shelf benefits package. Seldom is Clear boundaries and Work-life Integration, search employee health and wellness treated as a compartmentalization relationship for balance corporate priority and integrated into the day-to-day operation of organisations. Personal satisfaction, Money, status, prestige Meaning of work contribution to something Yet, employee wellness is increasingly larger than self important. In The Future of Wellness At Work we predict what the future of work *The Future of Wellness at Work 2016, Global Wellness Institute looks like (see Diagram 2). As more of our tasks are replaced by computers Spas unique position educate and machines, people will have to add are in a to value by harnessing their unique human organisations and employers about qualities – by being creative, innovative, perceptive, intuitive, empathetic and wellness within the context of work adaptable. We need to be in a heightened state of wellness – physical, mental and workplace wellness services are usually employee engagement. Spa business and emotional – to be able to bring these localised, there are opportunities for practitioners can bring their knowledge of qualities to work. Therefore, it’s essential all types of spas – large or small, chain healthy lifestyles and wellness modules to that businesses nourish and cultivate or independent, day or destination – to help these leaders develop more effective human energy and support the wellness of partner with employers of all sizes and and holistic programmes and approaches their employees if they are to survive and industries to deliver services and to to workplace wellness. thrive in the future economy. market to consumers who are armed with Finally, as employers in the wellness employer-sponsored wellness dollars. industry, spa businesses have an What about spas? Spas can also play a deeper role in opportunity and a responsibility to The most obvious role for spa businesses workplace wellness. Because practitioners establish themselves as models and in an expanding workplace wellness have a deep understanding of the examples of healthy workplaces. If we all market is on the fulfilment side, to be multidimensional nature of wellness, work to promote a sense of caring and the providers of wellness for employees, spa businesses are in a unique position infuse wellness in our workplaces, we will such as offering body work, assessments, to educate organisations, employers inspire others to do the same.O counselling/coaching, classes, getaways and managers about wellness within the and so on. Employers are just beginning context of work. The existing workplace to understand the differentiated needs wellness market has largely been driven Ophelia Yeung is a senior of workers and the importance of letting by human resource leaders who are fellow researcher at GWI Email: ophelia.yeung@ employees choose what they need to grappling with the best approaches to globalwellnessinstitute.org improve their own wellness. Because reduce healthcare costs and to increase

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Ask an expert Attracting Investment As a growing number of investors look to get into wellness, Spa Business asks what they’re looking for in a deal and what can operators do to secure that all-important funding?

Talking investment at GWS – Harmsworth and Gaghen (top); Isvan and Diez Barosso (bottom)

ith an increasing the session, noted: “What’s Having a wellness or spa facilities really stack up against awareness of, and interesting to me is that when element as part of a hotel is ROI? Can they be justified? W movement towards, I asked a panel [of investors] much different from a standalone In this article, Harmsworth all things wellness, last year whether they’d heard wellness or spa destination, but and the GWS panel give their more equity firms are scoping of many deals in wellness or is this nuance something that views on investment in spa and out potential projects in the if it was something they were investors understand? And if wellness and also tell us what wellbeing and spa arena. But thinking about, it actually wasn’t. so, how do they quantify the they think the most exciting what is it about wellness that’s The difference this year is that difference to work out which opportunities for wellness really piqued their interest? everyone on the panel is now model is the most viable? investments in the future are. This was the question that looking at [wellness] projects.” Harmsworth, whose company kicked off discussions between Harmsworth wanted to know supplies and runs many spas a panel of investors at this year’s what return on investment (ROI) globally, also tackled the Katie Barnes is the editor of Spa Business magazine Global Wellness Summit (see or internal rate of return (IRR) subject of overdevelopment in Email: katiebarnes@ p68). Sue Harmsworth of spa would make a deal appealing our industry. Does the cost of spabusiness.com brand ESPA, who moderated and over what time frame. building enormous, expensive Twitter: @SpaBusinessKB

64 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com SL is increasing its investment around wellness for macro Matthew Gaghen, reasons – the growth of the K Portfolio manager, KSL Capital Partners mass affluent, for social reasons and because people are living longer and want to stay active longer. That all points to demand in wellness and we’re really excited about the growth potential. very broad term. But I don’t get hung up so help us do that. If the demand is there We want a 20 per cent-plus ROI and to on defining wellness, it’s just a starting and you can prove it, we will invest. double our money. Our time horizon for point for putting it in a space. It’s not ski, I’m bullish about the future of the investing on behalf of organisations such it’s not clubs, it could be fitness, but it’s wellness sector. There are a lot of as pension funds is pretty different from an not core hotels. It’s something more, so I interesting concepts and you’ll see much individual owner. We look to make money then have to ask a couple of questions to more specialisation and different models in the first four to five years and would figure out the angle and the depth. for wellness resorts. Some of them will grow help a business to realise that return. The main point is that if you’re looking and there’s already professionalisation in We’re investing in hotels with a spa, or for investment, you need to position it the industry. So in 12 months, two years, wellness aspect, as well as true wellness for people like me to understand. Your five years, KSL will be investing in wellness destinations [such as Miraval in the US]. offering can be experiential and very more as we’ll see more demand. The wellness destination is harder to qualitative but you need to measure the execute as there’s no one solution to take customer experience – are they getting KSL has investments in Miraval, ESPA it beyond one location and scale it up. results, are they coming back? It’s hard for International and Elements Massage. When it comes to wellness, you have to investors to go through all of the content Gaghen has been with the firm since 2012. be clear what you’re dealing with as it’s a and work out what is the most meaningful, Details: kslcapital.com

It’s hard for investors to go through all of the content and work out what is the most meaningful, so help us to do that. If the demand is there and you can prove it, we will invest

ellness has been an ever-increasing compo- Omer Isvan nent in hotel, resort and W President, Servotel real-estate developments. Everybody – investors included – sees that there’s a huge trend towards well- ness, healthy lifestyles and therefore the marriage of that with travel. the right talent, aura and spirit to generate concepts, but I’m not sure that’s the long- As far as I can see, wellness destinations transformational results and to create a term answer. We’ve been stripping spas are not necessarily conducive to very short strong following: and that’s not something and restaurants out of hotels and giving turnarounds. And we wouldn’t advise you can easily measure or predict in the them to third-party operators and I think anyone to go into projects below a return absence of institutionalised benchmarks. that’s what we need to do with wellness. profile of 12-13 per cent IRR depending Wellness destinations aren’t something Hotels typically benefit from specialist on the economy of the destination. If the you can easily roll out either. Canyon wellness operators who are focused on project is in a stable country with a strong Ranch has now started to make some that part of the business. economy, we might look at a discount, but moves internationally, but that’s after I also see the wellness industry if it’s in a volatile region we’d obviously many years of just being in the US. If becoming a key player in the destination want a much higher rate of return. you’re going to do it right – a product resort business, whether people travel Standalone wellness destinations are an that people are going to continue to to a resort purely for wellness or as part interesting proposition and we’re keeping pay for – you need to get the formula, of a lifestyle choice when they go on our eyes out for the right product in that talent, processes, spirit and aura right holiday. There aren’t too many thematic market space. Our problem is that it’s first through experience and client/ alternatives for a destination resort to very difficult to do a feasibility study on patient feedback and monitoring results. create a meaningful and lifestyle-relevant them. Hotels and resorts have benchmarks Even then, the formula is still married differentiator or added value. and we can use those metrics in most to that one property and not tested locations to get a reasonable forecast. We cross-culturally. Isvan’s experience in hospitality and can talk about numbers with a wellness Some hotel companies are starting investment spans 30 years, with projects destination, but it’s contingent on getting to germinate wellness elements and in over 40 countries. Details: servotel.net

©CYBERTREK 2016 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 65 http://www.spabusiness.com OPINION ATTRACTING INVESTMENT

onsumers are now looking for alternative holidays and Gina Diez Barosso C wellness is a part of that. As President and CEO, Grupo Diarq investors, we’re actually in the process of rethinking a big project in Cabo San Lucas and turning a luxury five-star resort into a wellness destination because that’s where we think the demand is. and book a suite or more expansive room. doing in Thailand wouldn’t be right for In most cases, we’re the majority The difficulty is that you can’t quantify Mexico, or the US or Europe. shareholders in a deal and we look for a that and that’s where we struggle in terms In the past 12 months, the wellness minimum ROI of 15 per cent, but typically of deciding whether a spa should be industry has grown enormously and we want 18-20 per cent. Our views on bigger or smaller. we’re now able to get data on projections investment differ according to location, Typically, if something is a good thanks to research such as SRI’s Global how you get in or out of a fund differs investment we’ll stay with it longer. We Spa & Wellness Tourism Eocnomy in Mexico compared to certain parts of think of wellness [and a good investment] Monitor. If someone has a great business the US for example. Our views also differ as being a total wellbeing resort – proposal, you need the numbers to prove when it comes to determining the right somewhere that makes a difference to your it. And now we have the data. That’s a size of a spa. Sometimes the economics are soul and heart and really change the way big advantage for future investment in wrong: the size of a spa will be too big for you live. Not somewhere that you dip in wellness compared to last year. a club, hotel and development so it won’t and out of for the odd detox. But I don’t make ROI as a standalone element. But think this can work as a chain. Any facility Diez Barosso set up Grupo Diarq, a real you know it will help the hotel – people like this needs to be immersed in the local estate development and design firm in will choose to stay there because of the culture, that’s what will make it a success. 1990. Most of its projects are in Latin spa and these people usually stay longer Copy-pasting the same model that they’re America. Details: diarq.com

If someone has a great business proposal, you need the numbers to prove it. And now we have the data. That’s a big advantage for future investment in wellness compared to last year

think everyone wants more out of life, a purpose. Wellness dovetails Susan Harmsworth I into that. Whether people take it Founder, ESPA International seriously, or it’s a conscious lifestyle choice about taking your family on holiday to somewhere that has clean air and water. And that’s why investors are getting more interested in wellness projects. asking how they’re going to deliver it – the market, then I would argue that you’re Both consumers and owners can see practicalities of licensing or insurances for better off not doing a spa than doing this, but they’re ahead of hotel operators example – they start backing off. So I don’t it too small or not effectively. On the who haven’t been able to change their think some of them know what they want. other end of the scale though, we do still structured approach when it comes to The issue is that there are so many occasionally have trophy owners at ESPA wellness. Integrating elements of wellness variables. It’s almost as if you need to who want the biggest and the best and, into food, hospitality, rooms and the whole take a philosophy and run with it. I ran a contrary to popular belief, such spas can offering is a completely different mindset health farm in the UK 30 years ago and we sometimes perform well. and discipline. They need to define a had a wellness philosophy, a philosophy At Corinthia London, the owner wanted different operating model, a wellbeing which might not have been for everyone to put the hotel on the map as the brand model for luxury hotels, to make it work. but customers came for a certain period wasn’t known in the UK. He used ESPA to However, I’m not convinced that even of time and got results and felt better. We put in a 3,500sq m (35,000sq ft) ESPA Life investors or owners understand what had a 60-70 per cent guest return rate. wellness, lifestyle spa in 2011 (see SB11/3 wellness really is or the extent of it. In terms of investment, I think there’s p50). Everyone said it would never make ESPA designs and runs spa and wellness also a discussion to be had about over- money, but it is and we had 500 journalists facilities on a third-party basis and one spending too. In the spa industry people visiting in the first six months. of my biggest hurdles is getting to the question whether hugely expensive, big bottom of what clients want. I’ll spend spas will ever see an ROI. If you have a GWS board member Susan Harmsworth three days with them trying to define their hotel in the middle of the city that has has a portfolio of over 350 spas worldwide. take on wellness, but as soon as I begin 80 per cent occupancy from the corporate Details: www.espa-consulting.com. O

66 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com http://spafinder.com http://spafinder.co.uk http://spafinder.ca http://www.spabusiness.com SUMMIT REVIEW

A WIDER

QSpas have a huge LENS role to play in disease prevention said Chopra

The 2015 Global Wellness Summit took a step away from its traditional spa focus to provide the industry with inspiration for future development. Katie Barnes reports on the highlights from Mexico

nly 5 per cent of illnesses are longer believe that genes are fixed – they genetic. Most other disease is respond to everything we do, including lifestyle related and avoidable what we eat, how much sleep we get, and the spa and wellness the exercise we do and our emotions industry has a huge part to (especially stress). “Think of your O play in helping people to epigenome [the chemicals which govern achieve optimal health. It genes] as a light switch or a thermostat,” was this statement by alternative health said Chopra. “It can turn off harmful genes guru Deepak Chopra that had delegates at and switch on good ones” according to the the 2015 Global Wellness Summit (GWS) lifestyle decisions you make. sitting up and paying attention. Although spa operators might not Chopra, who addressed a full house at be able to act on this new science QGWS chair Susie Ellis said there’s the summit in Mexico City in November, immediately, it gives an insight into been a ‘purposeful evolution’ is an advocate of self-healing (see SB15/4 how they can potentially develop their p36). He explained that scientists no businesses in the future: ‘a spa for your

68 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com QThe Spa Business team reported live from Mexico over the three days QPassionate spa educator Mary Tabacchi tunes in

QFun and lively sessions entertained delegates

QSpa delegates grabbed any opportunity they could to network and socialise (above right and right); the gala evening included a private performance of traditional dance at the fabulous Palace of Fine Arts, Mexico City (left)

genes’ if you will. It provides inspiration than 50 per cent of the record number of for growth beyond the typical routes for 450 delegates were first-time attendees. spas and other sessions at the summit Susie Ellis, chair and CEO of the GWS covering areas such as workplace explained: “This year’s theme is Building wellness, psychodermatology, cancer and a Well World and it could not be more the medical community took this tack appropriate. The wellness world is broader too. It was a deliberate move by the event than it ever has been. We started out as organisers who dropped the word ‘spa’ a fragmented spa industry nine years from the summit’s title to reflect its more ago and collectively helped to usher in a diverse wellness content. As such there wellness movement… It’s been a purposeful was a broader range of delegates with evolution of our name and focus. But it’s professionals from clinical institutions, not because we’ve abandoned our roots nutrition and fitness sitting alongside spa in spa, beauty and hospitality, but rather leaders, government officials and travel because we’ve recognised the opportunity Q Chopra with his copy of Spa Business which and tourism experts. Noticeably, more to open up as we cast a wider net.” features an exclusive interview with him

©CYBERTREK 2016 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 69 http://www.spabusiness.com SUMMIT REVIEW: GWS

Claudia Aguirre Samer Hamadeh Katherine Johnston

Q(Left to right) Thought provoking sessions on psychodermatology; the business of massage by Zeel; and workplace wellness research

In a fascinating presentation, INDUSTRY INSPIRATION Massage is an neuroscientist Claudia Aguirre, who sits impulse buy – 55 per on Comfort Zone’s scientific committee, Each year the summit places a special outlined the skin: brain connection. She emphasis on one or two topic areas and cent of Zeel consumers spoke about the impact of emotions on in Mexico it was workplace wellness (see want a treatment skin, how it reacts to light to effectively SB15/4 p64) and the convergence of the within four hours of tell the time, and newly-discovered wellness and medical worlds. C-tactile fibres in hairy skin which tell us SRI International, working with the thinking about it how we feel when we’re touched. She said: Global Wellness Institute, revealed early “We’re only just beginning to untangle findings on a report on wellbeing at the neuroscience behind how the skin is work. Workplace wellness is a US$40bn and it’s more than just a fad. As healthcare represented in the mind and how the mind (€37bn, £27bn) industry globally but many systems move from disease management is then eventually represented in the body schemes are missing the mark – only towards preventative measures they’re (particularly the skin)… By understanding three out of 10 people participate – and embracing complementary medicine. the link you can learn to treat skin in a the solution is to integrate wellness into Growing competition in the medical world more holistic way.” Using more than just company culture. The full SRI report will also means that clinicians are looking to products to treat the skin is something be released in February and we summarise spas for examples of customer care. Spa Business also predicted in its 2015 Spa what this means for spas on p60. “They [spas] do a great job of providing Foresight™ (see SB15/3 p36). A powerhouse panel with speakers from the right experience,” said Dr Adam the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and Perlman of Duke Integrative Medicine. Duke University were asked if the clinical “I think this has created a level of interest ZEEL PROFESSIONAL and wellness sectors are starting to work and willingness to engage that we didn’t together. The consensus was “yes they are” see a few years ago.” Samer Hamadeh, founder and CEO of Zeel spoke about optimising the business of massage. He set up his at-home massage company because there are so many missed appointments in the industry. “We discovered the industry was really inefficient,” he said. In his experience, massage is an impulse buy – 55 per cent of Zeel consumers want a treatment within four hours of thinking about it. Many spas struggle to meet this demand because of staff shortages or restricted opening hours – 64 per cent of Zeel appointments occur after 5pm, and 21 per cent after 9pm. Hamadeh revealed the launch of Zeel Professional, which spas can use to find therapists for last minute bookings rather than turn customers away. You can read QAn impressive line up of medical experts spoke about wellness more on this in Spa Business SB15/3 p70.

70 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com HYDRATION

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A ‘trends jam’ made for lively listening – living buildings, connecting with nature, electronic QEllis with 2015 co-chairs Gina Diez skin and robot therapists Barosso and Alfredo were all flagged up Carvajal waving the flag for Mexico

SENSE OF HUMANITY

This year was the first time the GWS was held in Latin American and Mexico City – a sprawling, colourful metropolis with a population of 20 million – provided a fitting backdrop for such a varied agenda. A ‘trends jam’ made for lively listening with everything from living buildings and connecting with nature through to electronic skin and robot therapists flagged up. Another particular programme highlight was a gala evening at the Palace of Fine Arts where delegates were treated to a private performance reflecting traditional dance and culture from dance company Ballet Folklórico de México. Susie Ellis paid tribute to co-chairs Gina Diez Barosso of local creativity firm Grupo Diarq and Alfredo Carvajal Q In a delightful session, children gave from wellness real estate company Delos, advice on being positive and grateful for their imagination and passion. They introduced a noticeable sense of humanity (see p76). Belgin Aksoy, who owns Turkish over the three days including a plea to destination spa Richmond Nua Wellness, spas to stop turning cancer sufferers away highlighted the success of her Global Wellness Day (GWD). GWD is a social movement Aksoy set up to encourage people to healthy lifestyle changes (see SB15/2 p30) and in 2015 it was celebrated in more than 600 locations across 72 countries. This year GWD falls on 11 June and is expected to be even bigger. There was a call to arms from 93-year- old industry veteran Deborah Szekely. Szekely, owner of the famous Rancho La QWe’re all ‘spiritual warriors’ said Puerta destination spa, urged delegates Greek soul sister Stassinopoulous to come together to back her Wellness Warrior campaign to “empower people with the wealth of knowledge they need the children gave delegates advice on to actively engage in to protect their own empathy, being positive, establishing health and that of their families, friends, goals, self-management and gratitude. neighbours and communities”. Meanwhile, motivational speaker Agapi Life skills of a different kind were a Stassinopoulous, treated people to a “heart focus of pupils of the Thomas Jefferson to heart with your Greek soul sister”. Institute of Mexico who demonstrated Calling delegates ‘spiritual warriors’, QGlobal Wellness Day was celebrated what they’ve learned as part of programme she implored the audience to first value in 72 countries last year said Aksoy to wipe out bullying in schools across and love themselves to strengthen their the city. In a fun, delightful session, position in helping to heal others.

72 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com RENIGHT SLEEP WELL SKIN

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SPA SUB-SECTORS

While wider wellness topics dominated the keynote talks, ‘spa’ was the domain of the breakout forums. Many of these addressed year-round sub-sector initiatives driven by non-profit organisation the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) and task forces comprising those working in the sector. In a training and education forum, based on the spa industry’s Global Career Development Initiative, delegates heard about a brand new website which provides information on how to get into the spa sector and develop a nurturing career. Spawellnesscareers.com, which is now live, was created by Leisure Media, the publisher of Spa Business and Spa QAmy McDonald (centre) with hot spring spa representatives from around the world Opportunities magazines. News about a PR campaign to champion The programme, which helped mentor 34 a career in spas was also revealed and an spa managers last year, was voted as being update was given on the development of either ‘successful’ or ‘very successful’ by 98 a global spa internship programme. In per cent of the participants. The goal for addition, a round of applause went out 2016 is to coach up to 100 mentees. to the team of the global spa mentorship New in 2015 was a Spa Consultants programme (see SB15/2 p82). forum. The gathering, headed by Lisa Starr of Wynne Business, heard about a hub that’s been set up on the GWI website Hot spring spas have to give guidelines on spa consultant services and pointers on how to pick the the opportunity to make right person for spa projects. the most difference It includes a list of 140 consultancies QLisa Starr headed up the inaugural to the most people and there was much debate about whether forum for global spa consultants they should be vetted – should product/ and to bring the most equipment suppliers be included? Are to the bottom line those listed qualified/credible? – And what Amy McDonald of Under a Tree filters would make it easier to navigate? consulting, who led the Global Hot Springs forum, said “Hot spring spas have the opportunity to make the most difference to the most people – to make health and wellness accessible – and to bring the most to the bottom line”. Mark Hennebry of CP Holdings, which owns Danubius Hotels in Europe, confirmed this – profits at his hotels with thermal spas are north of 20 per cent and guests stay for an average of 11-12 nights, compared to only 2.5 nights at those without. Brook Ramage, general manager at Peninsula Hot Springs in Australia, shared impressive footfall figures. Up to 440,000 visitors a year come to bathe in its 22 pools and it’s hoping to start on an expansion this year (see p31) so it can eventually cater for up to 600,000 visitors. In other news, McDonald announced QA breakout session on wellness communities was particularly popular the launch Geothermal Mineral Water: A User’s Guide. The book, which has been

74 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com http://www.rkf.fr

http://www.spabusiness.com SUMMIT REVIEW: GWS

Turning away people affected by cancer, people who arguably need healing touch more than anyone, has got to stop

put together by the hot springs taskforce over the last year, was created to help consumers grasp the value of, and to learn QJulie Bach (left) and Geraldine Howard (right) spoke poignantly about cancer facts about, hot spring bathing. Putting a value on spa and wellness also Battling the big C barrier underpinned a session on GWI’s Wellness Communities Initiative. Chaired by Mia A plea for spas to be of Wellness for Cancer, video speaking about the Kyricos of Kyricos & Associates, owners more open-minded about a non-profi t cancer healing power of scent and operators of wellness communities helping people suff ering education organisation. “Your mind has to stay – from US developments such as from cancer was a poign- Bach and her team have positive during treatment Serenbe, Lake Nona and Two Bunch ant takeaway from this developed an aff ordable and aroma is a huge Palms – discussed ways to measure their year’s Global Wellness cancer awareness training factor in that,” she said. success to ultimately attract investment Summit. While cancer is programme for therapists As a memorable treat, to fuel future growth. According to the becoming more prolifi c and are working tirelessly she shared a specially panel, there’s a 5-35 per cent premium for worldwide – aff ecting to roll it out worldwide. formulated aromatherapy wellness-branded, single-family homes, a up to one in three Geraldine Howard, oil with delegates on 7-10 per cent premium on wellness rentals people – many spas are founder of Aromatherapy perfume test strips. As and a 15-30 per cent premium for wellness- still wary about off ering Associates and a much- she spoke, the comfort- branded hotel rooms. What’s more, these patients services for fear loved spa industry leader, ing scent of roses, often green-focused projects save on of doing more harm. also had an emotional neroli and citrus fi lled energy costs and bring a value proposition Turning away people message for delegates the conference room. to real estate which can lead to quicker aff ected by this disease, about her own battle with Later on in the sales and help to differentiate them in a people who arguably cancer. Geraldine who summit, Geraldine was competitive market. need healing touch more sadly died in January, also presented with To read a more in-depth article from the than anyone, has got just two months after the Leading Woman GWS about what spa operators can do to to stop said Julie Bach the event, appeared on a in Wellness award. attract investment turn to p64.

Linser, an Austrian, said: “The Tyrol was ALL EYES ON AUSTRIA one of the first regions to adapt wellness tourism: the first wellness hotel corporation “I have to say that it’s been a magical year,” was founded there 26 years ago. said Susie Ellis in her closing remarks for “We’re privileged to live in a country the 2015 summit. In agreement, Carvajal with clean air… with millions of cubic commended co-chair Diez Barosso for meters of fresh snow every year, with lakes “not only showing the best of Mexico, but and rivers of fresh drinking water. I would showing the heart of Mexico.” even dare to say that we not only have In time-honoured tradition, the event hundreds of wellness centres in Tyrol, but concluded with the announcement of that Tyrol is a wellness centre!” where the next summit will be held. On The destination sounds a fitting 17-19 October 2016 wellness professionals backdrop for the high-end gathering, which will convene in Austria with spa consultant celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2016.O Franz Linser and Susan Harmsworth, founder of spa brand ESPA, serving Katie Barnes is the editor of as co-chairs. Delegates will head to Spa Business magazine Kitzbuhel in the Tyrol, a small province Email: katiebarnes@ spabusiness.com QFranz Linser will be co-chair for which accounts for only 8 per cent of the Twitter: SpaBusinessKB this year’s summit in Austria country’s population, but 40 per cent of its tourism (10 million tourists a year).

76 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com Celebrating a decade of joining together and shaping the future.

10th Annual Global Wellness Summit Tyrol, Austria, October 17-19, 2016 GLOBALWELLNESSSUMMIT.COMhttp://www.globalwellnesssummit.com

http://www.spabusiness.com TRIBUTE

She turned every situation to a positive. Even her cancer treatment inspired the launch of a new oil, called Inner Strength, which she used as a fund-raiser for a new cancer protocol she had benefitted from Geraldine Howard a personal note

Geraldine Howard, co-founder of Aromatherapy Associates, died in January. Liz Terry pays tribute to an extraordinary woman

By Liz Terry, CEO of Leisure Media

eraldine Howard was the best of us, she was a light spirit and a joyful soul who worked tirelessly to make the world a better place through her Gendeavours, gifts and energies. She was hugely creative and compassionate and her first instinct was always for others. These gifts directed her life’s work. She led her team at Aromatherapy Associates to build a business with great integrity which creates meaningful products people need and value. She’s left a great legacy: a company which leads the field in innovation, standards and consistency; a list of loyal clients who view their relationship with Aromatherapy Associates as far more than just business; and a lifetime spent training others and passing on her knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for aromatherapy. Geraldine was a businesswoman and understood that in order to spread the word about aromatherapy and make it a force for good, she had to build a successful company. However, her business-focus was driven by her ideology and not by personal greed, so her many successes were all the more authentic as a result. She got great satisfaction from seeing the enthusiasm for her products among her loyal customers, who use them as part of their personal wellbeing regimes and from the fact that their lives are changed for the better by using the products she created. It was also important to her that others are also able to lead happy, fulfilling lives with

78 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com Andrew Gibson VP spa and wellness, FRHI: The world has lost one of its wonderful people and we in the spa industry have lost one of our most loved leaders. Geraldine Howard passed away after Jeff Matthews president, celebrating Christmas at home. Her engaging smile, energy, Steiner Spa Consulting: enthusiasm and passion for wellness will be missed by all and Geraldine was a pioneer, may her positive energy continue to brighten the heavens. but not just because of her amazing blends of oils or treatments she created. She brought many things to the spa industry and two to me in particular. The fi rst was integrity in her product, something she never wavered from. The second, a state of calm in doing business. It was like she took me by the hand and said ‘now Jeff this is the way to do it’ – then she let me get on with it. She will be missed by all. Rest in peace.

Delegates at the Global Wellness Summit enjoyed Elaine Fenard managing her specially formulated oil partner, Spa Strategy: As a leader Geraldine was the best: gentle, compassionate Jeremy McCarthy group director yet strong. As a friend of spa, Mandarin Oriental: Geraldine she was all that and more. was truly a bright light in the spa industry She recently told me she and was loved and admired by everyone believed our loved ones are who knew her. While the world is a bit in our hearts always, life is less bright without her in it, the legacy about enjoying the small she leaves behind in terms of the people treasures and the people who she has touched and the products she bring us joy and comfort. has created will go on for years to come. Geraldine certainly did that.

good employment prospects – be it within huge attention to detail and it was such a her own business or those of her clients – as generous and thoughtful thing to do. The a direct result of her work. purpose being to raise awareness of the need There’s a group of people, who can for hospitals to use essential oils in patient proudly say ‘I was trained in aromatherapy Inner Strength: an oil to help treatment regimes. by Geraldine Howard’ and to feel it as a badge people through diffi cult times In an accompanying video, she explained of excellence – they will carry on her work how she had found great comfort through and are one of her greatest achievements. in how to take what life dishes out and make the use of oils while in hospital herself and She had a genius for aromatherapy and the very best of it right to the end. wanted to pass this idea on to the wider world. an incredible ‘nose’ which – when combined She turned every situation to a positive Later on at the summit, there was a with her highly empathetic nature – enabled and even her cancer treatment inspired the standing ovation from delegates when she her to intuit the healing needs of others launch of a new oil – called Inner Strength – was honoured via Skype with the Leading and formulate products which met those which she created and used as a fund-raiser Woman in Wellness Award in the Global needs. It’s important we remember that this for a cancer protocol she had benefitted from. Wellness Awards. powerful gift was the bedrock of her work. Even after drastic chemotherapy in 2015, Geraldine’s legacy and gift to us is a set On a personal level, for the many who she still found the strength to devise a treat of powerful lessons: to make the most of counted Geraldine as a friend or mentor for friends, colleagues and delegates at the every second of precious life, to put our we’ve been very blessed to have her in our Global Wellness Summit in Mexico City. heart and soul into our work and find joy lives. She created positivity in so many ways Unable to attend due to her failing health, in it, to give selflessly of ourselves, to keep and lit up the room with her smile. she mixed a special aromatherapy oil and fighting right to the end and never give up, She led by example and her grace under sent it – along with a taper for every delegate to set the highest standards in everything pressure in the face of the illness which took – to enable everyone present to take a break we do and most importantly, to never lose her from us far too soon, is a true inspiration and inhale the scent. She planned this with our sense of humour. O

©CYBERTREK 2015 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 79 http://www.spabusiness.com PROMOTION: MASSAGE HEIGHTS

Massage Heights Could you lead a revolution in the delivery of spa services in the UK?

The UK is about to experience a revolution in the way spa services such as massage and skin care are offered. Massage Heights has been in the forefront of the revolution in North America, and is now searching for an entrepreneur to be its strategic partner in the UK. Could it be you?

n recent years, North America – and in particular the US – has experienced a revolution that has I moved the delivery of spa services, such as massage and skin care treatments, from being a rare treat at a hotel spa to being an accessible, often- repeated High Street experience. Massage Heights, a Texas, US-based franchise, has hundreds of ‘retreats’ in the US and Canada, and is planning to bring this revolutionary concept to the UK. The company is looking for an experienced entrepreneur to lead the charge.

Commoditizing massage “Our aim is to make professional spa treatments more affordable and accessible for people, so they become a more frequent experience,” says Alice O’Donnell, VP of marketing for Massage Heights. “In the US, we’ve successfully transferred the membership model used by the fitness industry to our strip-mall High Street spa services are spas. Our retreats are in urban locations, one of the fastest-growing open long business hours to increase industries in the US convenience, and our customers pay a monthly fee for regular professional massages and other spa treatments.”

80 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com Texas-based Massage Heights has hundreds of ‘retreats’ in the US, and is now bringing its concept to the UK

Our aim is to make professional spa treatments more affordable and accessible for people, so they become a more frequent experience

A rare opportunity to have now gone mainstream in America, competitors, because they offer five-star, revolutionise an industry and we’ve identified the UK as the next resort-style services on the High Street. Every so often, an opportunity arises to virgin market that is ripe for expansion,” The company also has a reputation for the change the way products or services are says O’Donnell. “We’ve developed a best experience, and features well-trained delivered – think Starbucks, Amazon, or business model that is proven to be therapists, high-quality products, and even one of the fast-food chains. successful and transferable, so becoming spa-quality linen and interiors. High Street spa services are one of the our UK Master Franchisor is a low-risk Are you the ambitious business leader fastest-growing industries in the US, and opportunity with high-potential rewards.” with the commercial skills to bring this the concept is now heading across the UK consumers made an estimated 6 revolution to the UK market? If so, you Atlantic with Massage Heights. million visits to spas across Britain in could be responsible for leading the When opening a new market – however 2014, according to Spa Creators 2014 UK commoditization of the spa industry by similar to the original – there are always Spa Market Analysis report. Hotel spas rolling out the Massage Heights franchise key local factors to consider. This is why dominate the market, accounting for 41 network in the UK. Massage Heights is looking for a Master per cent of the total number of spas, while Franchisor to work with the company to fitness clubs make up 27 per cent. grow the franchise chain in the UK. With demand for spa services predicted This is an ideal opportunity for a to see significant growth as studies motivated entrepreneur with previous continue to demonstrate their benefits, experience in the health and wellness there is a huge opportunity in the UK to industry, as well as the skills and finance fulfil this demand with local, high-quality to build a franchise network using a and affordable massage services. Contact Iain Martin to fi nd out more proven brand and business model. Massage Heights’ retreats generate Tel + 44 1562 26162 “Once considered a treat, spa treatments more dollars per square foot than its Email: [email protected]

©CYBERTREK 2016 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 81 http://www.spabusiness.com SPA FRANCHISES CHAIN REACTION

Spa franchises are taking the industry by storm. In this two-part series, Jane Kitchen takes a closer look at the market and asks which brands are selling the most, how and where they’re growing and who the newcomers are to watch out for

ow in their second decade, spa N franchises have made their presence felt in a big way. Their accessibility and affordability have brought spa and wellness to a new audience – one that used to think of massage as a special treat rather than something that could be incorporated into day to day life. By far the biggest market for franchising globally is the US, where momentum shows no sign of slowing and many brands are set for international expansion. In fact, entrepreneurs and investors are snapping them up faster than you can say ‘deep tissue’. So who are the bigger players? And which are ramping up There’s international demand for the Massage Envy brand their franchise roll outs and worth keeping an eye on? MASSAGE ENVY Jane Kitchen is the news editor of Spa Business and Spa Opportunities With the largest network of massage and Monthly memberships are US$59.99 Tel: +44 1462 471929 facial spas in the US, Massage Envy is the (€55, £40) and include one massage, or Email: janekitchen@ behemoth of franchises, having led the a Murad facial for US$10 (€9, £7) more. spabusiness.com trend when it first emerged 13 years ago. Customers can roll over unused services Owned by Atlanta-based and add family members at equity firm Roark Capital MASSAGE ENVY a discounted rate. Group, the brand has more When setting up a than 1,100 locations in 49 HAS MORE THAN franchise the range for states and US$1bn (€915m, 1,100 LOCATIONS investments is from Massage Envy partners £672m) in earned sales. IN 49 STATES US$413,700-US$960,850 with Murad for facials Lee Knowlton, SVP of its (€378,410-€878,890, global franchise sales and international £277,890-£645,410), depending on the real division, says consumers are becoming estate. This includes the initial franchise fee more proactive when it comes to wellbeing of US$45,000 (€41,160, £30,230). Additional and he doesn’t see a slowdown in the locations taken by a single franchisee are massage franchise industry. He says: US$35,000 (€32,010, £23,510). “Consumers spend US$5bn-US$7bn a In the US, Massage Envy plans to year (€4.6bn-€6.4bn, £3.4bn-£4.7bn) on continue its focus on growing strategically massage treatments and as they become in small and large markets, as well as more educated on why massage and opening in Wyoming (its 50th state). And skincare services can be an integral part of it’s not ruling out growth further afield: their wellness plan, we believe the demand “Internationally, we see a lot of interest in and growth will continue.” our brand,” says Knowlton.

82 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com MARILYN MONROE SPAS RECEIVED A There are 10 US$20M INVESTMENT franchises and a national beauty IN AUGUST, WHICH school will launch WILL BE USED TO FUND to support the DOMESTIC AND GLOBAL expansion EXPANSION PLANS

one to watch

Marilyn Monroe Spas

Marilyn Monroe Spas has 10 locations across four US states – including several in hotels – but received a US$20m (€18m, £13m) investment from JCR Holdings in August, which will be used to fund domestic and global expansion. The company named James M Lewis, a former Disney and Walmart executive, as CEO last year and as well as heading the expansion, Lewis is set to launch a national beauty school business for the company. Founded by spa industry veteran Niki T Kearn (née Bryan) and former Disney executive Allen R Weiss, Marilyn Monroe Spas was granted an exclusive licensing agreement in 2012 to operate the spa, salon, nail and health The chain was granted an exclusive licence to use Monroe’s name in 2012 concept using Monroe’s name.

ELEMENTS MASSAGE

Based in Colorado, Elements Massage began – and offers The Elements Keep reading to find Elements Massage is part franchising in 2006 and Wellness Program, out how Yelo Spa plans of WellBiz Brands. This today has more than 200 a month-to-month make its mark in the year, private equity firm studios in 36 states. In membership that has franchise market, and KSL Capital Partners – the December, it opened its 75,000 members. Prices which star is the new company that owns Miraval first international location vary by location, but face of Hand & Stone... and ESPA International in Vancouver, Canada. typically cost US$69 – bought WellBiz for The company offers just (€63, £46) for a 1-hour an undisclosed sum. one service – massage massage for members.

©CYBERTREK 2015 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 83 http://www.spabusiness.com SPA FRANCHISES

OFrom cars to spas: owner Leff made his name in automobile franchises

HAND & STONE OUS soccer Offering 1-hour massages and star Carli Lloyd 1-hour facials for US$49.99 is the new face (€46, £34), plus hair removal, of Hand & Stone Hand & Stone has more than 250 locations across Hand & Stone the US and Canada and was is now owned by projected to hit US$188m -based (€172m, £126m) in sales in equity firm Levine 2015 – 50.4 per cent up on 2014. Leichtman, along OWoodhouse’s USP is its wide range of services The company plans to open with franchising another 60 locations in 2016. veteran Todd Leff, WOODHOUSE DAY SPAS Launched in 2004 by who headed up the physical therapist John Marco, US’s two largest Established by avid spa lover Jeni Garrett in auto transmission Victoria, Texas in 2001, the Woodhouse Day Spa franchisors before moving HELGA ESTEB/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM differs from other franchises in the scope of its into the spa world. treatments – more than 70 – including facials; Hand & Stone has built its Vichy showers; Swedish, deep tissue or volcanic brand serving the middle hot stone massages; manicures and pedicures. market, opening in locations With 46 locations in 18 states, Woodhouse Day like malls where consumers Spas also distinguishes itself by using organic, normally do their shopping. wild-crafted products; making a commitment to The company recently sustainability and using American-made products. partnered with soccer star Woodhouse currently has 350 locations under OThe chain was projected to Carli Lloyd, who will be development for the next decade, with plans pass US$188m in sales in 2015 featured in its marketing. to open 20-30 new locations each year.

Yelo Spa franchises will be high-end with services nearly twice one to watch as expensive as rivals

Yelo Spa

With licensed locations in New York, San Juan and São Paulo, Yelo YELO SPA WILL Spa is not a traditional franchisor, but Nicolas Ronco, CEO and BEGIN FRANCHISING founder, says he’s spent the past 12 THIS YEAR months working on a model that’s NICOLAS RONCO fully franchisable. Founded eight years ago in New With membership starting at – but Yelo isn’t competing on price. Ronco is working with iFranchise York, Yelo has created a model of US$99 (€91, £67) for a 50-minute “We went where no other spas to begin franchising this year and high-end, city-centre spas off ering treatment (US$133 or €122/£89 wanted to go,” says Ronco. “All of hopes to have fi ve locations by 2017 innovative services such as the without membership), its costs are these guys are fi ghting in the same and up to 250 locations in the US in Yelocab nap treatment. almost double that of competitors ocean. We have our own niche.” the next fi ve to seven years.

84 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com http://www.zenoti.com/www.zenoti.com http://www.spabusiness.com SPA FRANCHISES See the next issue of Spa Business for our focus on international spa franchises

OThere are currently 100 Massage Heights in the US, with plans to add 35 more

MASSAGE HEIGHTS WE HAVE BEEN GROWING RAPIDLY AND Launched in San Antonio, Texas WE ARE JUST IN THE in 2004 by husband-and-wife team Wayne and Shane Evans, BEGINNING STAGES Massage Heights has more than BRET FRANSON 100 locations, with a goal of opening 35 new retreats – as they includes a 1-hour massage and call them – in 2016. Long-term, the aromatherapy each month. Facial company hopes to have 300 retreats memberships start at US$59.99 in 20 states by the end of 2018. (€55, £40) and the company has “We have been growing rapidly recently introduced 30-minute and we are just in the beginning targeted massages as well. stages,” says Bret Franson, director Massage Heights is currently of franchise development. searching for a master franchisor Monthly memberships start in the UK, a country which it OMassage Heights is looking to grow internationally at US$49.99 (€46, £34), which wants to target this year. and the UK will be the fi rst country it targets for growth

MASSAGE GREEN SPA

Massage Green currently Prices vary per location has 100 day spas in the but start at US$39.95 US, almost 1,000 more in (€37, £27) for a 1-hour development and plans full-body massage. to launch in Canada, The company has Europe and Australia. month-to-month “I think the spa membership and has industry will continue differentiated itself MAKING MASSAGE to climb, because by allowing up to four THERAPY AFFORDABLE making massage therapy OOver 1,000 spas are in development people in the same ALLOWS PEOPLE TO affordable allows people household to use it, and to embrace the concept of Massage Green offers by using green, sustainable EMBRACE THE CONCEPT incorporating it into their massages – in 1-hour, 1.5- materials in its build-out OF INCORPORATING IT lifestyle,” says Allie T Mallad, hour and 2-hour increments material, says Mallad. INTO THEIR LIFESTYLE chair and CEO, who was – for stress management, Franchisees pay an initial ALLIE T MALLAD the world’s largest Little pain management and US$232,000 (€212,210, Caesar’s pizza franchisee functional mobility, £155,840) investment before founding Massage with enhancements of and then pay 6 per cent Green Spa in 2008. aromatherapy or hot stones. commission on services. O

86 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com THE SECRET TO GETTING AHEAD IS GETTING STARTED.

Become part of a global network of spa professionals. We’re the leading professional organization for the spa industry. Membership provides access to invaluable educational and networking opportunities, amazing new research, worldwide media exposure, industry news and trends, and more. JOIN ISPA TODAY Grow personally and professionally . . . and discover a world of inspiration. http://www.experiencespa.comEXPERIENCESPA.COM http://www.spabusiness.com TRAINING BEAUTY FROM BHUTAN

ack of qualified Kate Sim, head of spa therapists is one of the operations for The Oberoi biggest challenges in our burgeoning industry Group, tells Judy Chapman L and spa operators the world over struggle to find the how an initiative created right employees. However, since 2010, has managed to cleverly by the Bhutanese sidestep the issue by recruiting its talent government has resulted through an initiative put forward by the Bhutanese government. in more than a third of Kate Sim, who’s been head of spa operations at Oberoi for nearly two years, its therapists originating explains that through this programme, from the country around 40 of its 110 therapists now originate from Bhutan. They work in spas across its 30 Kate Sim, Oberoi Group Oberoi- and Trident-branded properties, the majority of which are located in India.

Oberoi has been recruiting therapists from the programme for two years

88 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com While beautifully rural, there are few job opportunities in Bhutan S_JAKKARIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Helping its youth Starting out as a therapist, Sim had Bhutan is a majestically beautiful, entrepreneurial spirit which quickly drove mountainous country bordering Tibet her to open her own spa in . and the majority of people live in rural They’ll only send Prior to joining Oberoi, she spent several areas. While undeniably idyllic there are, their youth to years with ESPA and also worked for other however, few opportunities for young work in reputable leading spa operators such as Peninsula, people to find work outside farming, Ritz-Carlton and Mandarin Oriental. She which is the main livelihood. It’s with this and five-star personally interviews and skill tests the backdrop that the Bhutanese government establishments therapists at the training institute before set up a therapist training initiative, along deciding on a shortlist of 10 to 15 staff. with others in the fields of medicine, IT While the initial course covers the and engineering, to create meaningful basics of anatomy and physiology, employment opportunities for its youth. massage, reflexology, body scrubs, nails Government officials first interview and skin, therapists don’t get a chance to and recruit applicants for the programme, practice on real guests. “There’s still much after which they undergo a three-month about which establishments they select. more training to be conducted after they training course at the International “Spa is not part of Bhutanese culture... graduate,” she says, explaining that the Institute of Wellness Studies school The ministry of labour sends officers to students undergo much deeper training near New Delhi, India. Around 400 go inspect venues to ensure they’re dignified with her. Even after they’re sent to various through the course a year. After training, and will not hesitate to withdraw their Oberoi properties, education continues, they’re given job placements at major appointment and bear the cost of sending until they gain more confidence. establishments in India, as well as abroad. them home to the safety of their family, if “I’m inspired to teach therapists how to Five years on from its launch, the the spas are not professionally managed.” tune in, stand properly during massage initiative has proven so successful that She adds: “They’ll only send their to protect themselves, apply the correct Bhutan is exploring similar programmes youth to work in reputable and five-star pressure,” she says. “These elements are for other areas of hospitality, including establishments.” This is something which crucial to being a good therapist with F& B, front desk and housekeeping. works in Oberoi’s favour because, due to career longevity. I also focus on the soft What’s encouraging is that the its reputation, the group has priority in the skills, such as learning how to deal with government funds the entire programme selection of students during recruitment. difficult guests and the difference between and doesn’t take any commission from service and servitude.” placements. “They’re genuinely passionate Tapping into the potential One challenge she hadn’t anticipated, about providing education and excellent Sim inherited the Bhutanese training however, was that family always come working conditions for their people,” says programme when she took over the first for the Bhutanese and there’s an Sim. On the latter point, she explains head of spas role from Christine Hays in expectation for the girls to get married. that they’re understandably cautious January 2014 (see p24 and SB11/2 p50). Sim explains: “If their elder at home is

©CYBERTREK 2015 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 89 http://www.spabusiness.com TRAINING: OBEROI

The gentle, giving nature of Bhutanese people makes them natural therapists

unwell, they’ll drop everything to return is to redefine our spa image and infuse home to care for their family. The family Indianese into our brand identity.” bond is very strong.” Although she won’t share specifics, Sim In response to this, Sim recently Normally when hints at sari-style uniforms, a foot ritual introduced a suspension contract so that you have 20 young based on traditional vedic practices and if the therapists need to leave for family Indian fusion sufi-style music “to provide reasons they’re welcome to join back. This women in a room a more authentic experience for guests”. has proven successful and over 60 per there are bound to On top of this, Sim is exploring a pilot cent of the Bhutanese therapists at Oberoi project to conduct training in Bhutan. “I have stayed for more than their initial be challenges – but strongly believe that the girls will feel two-year contract. “Most will extend their not with the women more comfortable training in their own contracts for another two years so we can from Bhutan country,” she says, adding that it will bring continue to train and grow them.” pride and honour to her senior Bhutanese As the Bhutanese are predominantly therapists to lead some of the modules. Buddhist, giving is part of their culture, And while she doesn’t want to meaning the therapists have a head start source all her therapists from Bhutan in certain aspects of the role. “This can be exclusively – it’s important to have variety, seen in the way they communicate with and Oberoi has successfully recruited guests and deliver their treatments,” she our therapists retain their uniqueness talent from north India for a number of says. “They learn very quickly and are rather than follow a script. I find ways to years – she can’t help but be impressed gifted in attitude and in aptitude.” celebrate their individuality.” by the initiative. She concludes: “I’m It’s also in their nature to behave overwhelmed by the commitment and respectfully to each other, which helps Spa image revamp integrity of the Bhutanese government as well. “During my first ever training Aside from her focus on training and three and also how the Buddhist culture makes session, for example, I was amazed at how new openings this year (in India, UAE and the Bhutanese therapists at heart. It’s in mature the girls were,” says Sim. “Normally Morocco), the exciting news is that Sim is their nature to put others first. They’re when you have 20 young women in a room now creating a spa identity for Oberoi. outstanding people and I can’t tell you there are bound to be challenges – but not While the group has had a successful how happy I am working with them.” O with the women from Bhutan.” relationship with Banyan Tree for a Creating a nurturing and inspiring work number of years – Banyan Tree previously Judy Chapman is a global environment for the therapists is one of ran its spas on a third-party basis spa industry writer, author Sim’s main motivations. “One therapist before Oberoi took spa management and spa consultant. who started on the programme is now in-house – Sim is now keen to establish Email: judymaychapman @gmail.com a supervisor and we’re grooming her to an Oberoi identity. “The Banyan Tree Twitter: @chapmanguides become a manager. My passion is to help brand has left a strong imprint so my goal

90 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com The Largest International Trade Fair for Beauty Products, Hair, Fragrances and Wellbeing in the Middle East

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Spa Village Bath: a new borehole pipes thermal water into three spa pools

hanks to its thermal waters, The hotel occupies two Grade II the City of Bath, UK, has listed buildings above the remains been a wellness destination takingthe of ancient Roman baths, which T since Roman times. made the refurbishment extremely However, for almost complex. Delays were caused by 40 years, since the closure of its waters the discovery of more than 17,000 municipal thermal baths in 1978, Roman coins and an original Bath was a spa town in name only. Roman mosaic on site. The opening of the Thermae Bath Finally, however, Gainsborough Spa day spa in 2004 went some Following the opening of the Bath Spa hotel is open. It’s operated way to addressing the lack of Gainsborough Bath Spa – the by Bath Hotel and Spa Ltd, the YTL access to the city’s famous waters, only hotel in the UK with direct subsidiary which also manages the but unlike most other European nearby Thermae Bath Spa. spa towns, Bath still had no access to natural thermal waters five-star spa hotel. – Magali Robathan speaks to the New hotel spa Until now that is. The opening of key people behind the project The hotel taps into natural the Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel thermal waters via a newly created in 2015 means the city now has both borehole. It has 99 bedrooms, a day spa and a luxury spa hotel, including three above the spa and tourism chiefs hope it heralds which have direct access to it. the start of a resurgence for the city The 1,300sq m (13,993sq ft) Spa of Bath as a global spa destination. Village Bath within the hotel is The project has been many spread over two levels. Highlights years in the making. Plans for a include three pools with thermal hotel were announced in 2004 water cooled to 40˚C, a salt room, but stalled in the recession until ice grotto, infrared sauna and Malaysian YTL – relaxation terrace. The 11 treatment which also owns both the Thermae rooms include a VIP suite with a Bath Spa and local utilities firm Japanese ofuru thermal bathtub Wessex Water – took it on in 2011. ■ The Gainsborough is YTL’s fi rst hotel in the UK and two tatami rooms.

92 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com The spa was co-created by designer Sylvia Sepielli

The Grade II-listed hotel sits above the remains of ancient Roman baths http://www.spabusiness.com THERMAL SPA

Spa Village Bath was designed by Sylvia Sepielli, who’s known for creating YTL’s original spa village in Pangkor Laut, (see SB11/3 p46). As a result, the UK ■ Hotel guests Sepielli worked with Magali Robathan is spa has some Asian influences, have restricted DaleSauna on a number of the the managing editor of such as treatments using Malay, access to the thermal experiences and with design title CLADmag, Thai, Chinese and Indian massage. spa to help Barr + Wray on the filtration and a sister publication to Sepielli created the spa with maintain water treatment system. The Spa Business Melissa Mettler a consultant tranquility hotel’s interior design was by Email: magali@ CLADglobal.com who’s worked exclusively for YTL Champalimaud, while EPR were for six years. Mettler worked on responsible for the architecture. the concept, seeing it through As Bath emerges on the world the design and planning stages, stage as a leading wellness recruiting the team and helping destination, we speak to the key ensure the vision was delivered. people involved in the project.

Colin Skellett chair of Bath Hotels & Spa Ltd, YTL Hotels

Why did YTL take on this project? The Gainsborough Bath Spa is a key YTL was already a signifi cant development for YTL and the start of our investor in the Bath area so it was a natural development for growing hotel and spa business in the UK us. Creating a fi ve-star hotel and spa, which is the only one in the acquiring the operational Why did you decide to restrict UK with direct access to natural, contract for Thermae Bath Spa hotel guests’ access to the hot waters in a city such as Bath, made enormous sense and Wes- spa to 7-9am and 8-10pm? was an irresistible opportunity. sex Water’s expertise in treating Because we really want the The Gainsborough Bath Spa is water means we can ensure spa to be an oasis of calm. If a key development for YTL and that these precious thermal you allow unrestricted access it the start of our growing hotel waters are properly managed. becomes too busy and that and spa business in the UK. would be detrimental to what What’s your role? we’re trying to achieve. Why did YTL take on the I look after YTL’s interests in the Guests having treatments can Thermae Bath Spa in 2014? UK and this includes chairing use the facilities at any time. YTL had a long association with both Thermae Bath Spa and The treatments start after 10am Henk Verschuur, the former the Gainsborough Hotel. and usually fi nish by 6pm so director of Thermae Bath Spa, we try and keep that time very who sadly passed away in April What’s the aim of the hotel? quiet. If you’re paying a lot 2015. Indeed, we sponsored To create a fi ve-star of money for a massage you ■ Spa access is restricted to the Three Tenors concert that luxury experience for our don’t want overcrowding in avoid overcrowding says Skellett celebrated its initial opening. guests – bringing back the the spa, you want peace and With the development thermal waters in the way the serenity. Our uppermost limit of Gainsborough Bath Spa, Romans experienced them. is 30 people at any one time.

94 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com http://www.annesemonin.com

http://www.spabusiness.com THERMAL SPA

Peter Rollins marketing director, Gainsborough Bath Spa and Thermae Bath Spa

What does the opening of the Gainsborough mean for Bath? Royal permission to To have a successful day spa use the waters was and now a fi ve-star spa hotel granted in 1590 puts Bath on a level footing with many of the other great spa destinations in Europe. It has added real credibility. Bath is an incredible tourist destination. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it attracts 967,000 staying visitors and 4.8 million day visitors a year. It doesn’t just benefi t Bath either. I’ve worked closely with other spa towns in the UK, including Buxton, Droitwich, Harrogate, Malvern and Royal Leamington Spa, and they’re all really supportive of what we’re doing. If it helps to raise the spa culture in the UK, those other places will benefi t too. To have a successful day spa and now a five-star spa hotel puts Bath on a level footing with many What was the vision for this hotel? of the other great spa destinations in Europe To create the UK’s only natural thermal spa hotel. What’s the history of the people of Bath in a royal Thermae Bath Spa, but because From day one, the Spa Village the thermal waters? charter, under the guardianship it opened three years late and concept was absolutely at In 1590, Queen Elizabeth I of the local corporation. The cost a lot of money, there were the heart of the hotel. granted the thermal waters to local corporation is now Bath understandably many detractors. and North East Somerset council, It wasn’t easy to win back which looks after the waters on the hearts of people, but I think behalf of the people of Bath. we’ve done that now. It’s been hugely successful. Thermae Bath How do you treat the waters? Spa attracted around 280,000 When the waters come visitors in 2015, which is our out of the springs, they go busiest year to date. through a fi ltration system. We add minute elements of Did that experience aff ect chlorine – not because the people’s attitudes towards waters aren’t pure, but because the Gainsborough project? of the elements that humans There were a few throwaway introduce. We use the minimum lines, but the majority of local amount permissible by law. people really welcomed the The waters are 45˚C when fact that a signifi cant building they come out of the ground, was opening up again. but we cool them to 35-40˚C [a The two projects are very more comfortable temperature]. diff erent. Thermae Bath Spa is a public initiative and the You worked for Thermae Bath Spa Gainsborough has always been which faced a many challenges. planned as a private project. How did you turn it around? The Gainsborough was only a Initially everyone in Bath few months late opening – YTL ■ The Thermae Bath Spa attracted 280,000 visitors in 2015 was really excited about the was determined to get it right.

96 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com Close your eyes, you are in Provence.

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Jessica Grant Brugada, manager, Spa Village Bath at The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel

Can you talk us through the spa experience? When guests arrive, they sit down at the Aroma Bar with one of our therapists, who will create a personalised pouch using a blend of Neal’s Yard aromatherapy oils which they can take into the sauna. A spa attendant will then talk The magnesium-rich them through the self-guided waters are good for bathing ritual. This takes around aches and pains an hour and is a very important part of the spa experience. It involves taking the waters in the three thermal pools, relaxing Most spa members have joined because of the in the sauna and steamroom, and cooling down in between thermal waters: they want to invest in their health with cold showers and in the ice grotto. As part of this ritual, they can relax in the spa suite What are the benefi ts of Many of our hotel guests are We have 100 spa members with a cup of chocolate infused the healing waters? leisure guests who come because who make up approximately with cardamom and cinnamon, Our water is very rich in it’s Bath and we are part of their 12 per cent of our customers. a drink which was inspired by magnesium, copper and calcium. experience. Eighty per cent of Most of them have joined the Georgians who were strong Magnesium is particularly our guests come from the UK; because of the thermal waters believers in the health-giving good for aches and pains, sore 75 per cent of whom visit as and because they want to properties of chocolate. joints and tired muscles. a result of Spa Village Bath. invest in their health.

■ A personal oil is blended at the Aroma Bar (left); a bathing ritual includes alternating hot and cool experiences (right)

98 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com Refl ecting YTL’s background, the spa includes Asian touches such as egg rolling (left) for the face and ofuru baths (right)

Spa Village Bath treatments

Q The 120-minute with Chinese acupressure Malaysian Experience and time-honoured egg costs £240/£300, US$347/ rolling to tone the face. US$433, €319/€398 Q The Freedom water (week/weekend). treatment (below) lasts Malay massage techniques 45 minutes and costs include long kneading £120/£150, US$173/ strokes with a warming US$217, €159/€200 spiced oil blend. Next is (week/weekend) an Indian scalp massage Q A 60-minute Swedish and the experience finishes massage is £120/£150

Spa Village Bath, Freedom treatment First-person experience: Magali Robathan

pa Village Bath is centred going to take me under water. This around a four-storey, was the part I was worried about as, S glass-roofed atrium, which although I love being in water, I’m houses the main pool – it’s not good at holding my breath. Sarah a beautiful, calming light-filled was very tuned in to my body and as space. My experience started with I put my trust in her we settled into a the self-guided water ritual with the rhythm where she was anticipating my alternating hot and breathing and taking cool experiences, which The treatment me under accordingly. really helped relax me turned out to At the end of the for my treatment. be one of the treatment I was held I chose the signature most amazing upside down in the 45-minute Freedom I’ve ever had foetal position for what treatment, which was seemed like a minute designed specially for the spa by or more. But by then I’d entered a Mexican watsu practitioner Raphael meditative state, relaxed at a very Quiroz. I was slightly apprehensive fundamental level and felt as though and unsure of what to expect, but my I’d gone deeply into myself, so I was therapist Sarah put me instantly at able to cope without any problems. ease and the treatment turned out to I found the Freedom treatment an be one of the most amazing I’ve ever extremely powerful experience, with had. I relaxed on my back in the water, the real strength being the fact you with Sarah supporting my head. She have to let go completely. As a mother then carried out a series of stretches, of small children, I spend a great moving me through the pool. deal of my life looking after others, It’s a dynamic treatment: you’re so it felt amazing to let go and allow The Freedom treatment involves constantly moving through the water, someone to look after me for a change. guided movement in the water sometimes quite quickly. Afterwards my body felt light and and was created by Mexican Towards the end, Sarah squeezed free of tension and I carried a feeling of watsu practitioner Raphael Quiroz my arm to let me know that she was serenity with me the rest of the day.O

©CYBERTREK 2016 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 99 http://www.spabusiness.com PRODUCTFITNESS FOCUS

Find out more: For more details about any of the companies mentioned in this article, visit spa-kit.net and search using the company name

The Pavigym 3.0 Interactive Floor enables trainers to design and track workouts

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Could adding a touch echnology is having a massive impact It’s no secret that spas struggle to get of rivalry help spas to on the way people exercise: from customers – whether a member or one-off T wearable devices and motivational guest – to make full use of their fi tness engage more customers apps to interactive training and facilities and classes. So could competition in fitness and push them virtual classes – the range of choice to suit or gaming be the key to boosting their all levels of fi tness is huge. In hand with engagement? We take a look at what opera- to get better results? this, technology allows people to gamify tors can do to motivate people to exercise. Niamh Madigan looks at their workouts to track and help improve how operators can tap into their own performance or to compare their Niamh Madigan is a eff orts with others. You only have to look multimedia journalist that competitive streak at TV programmes such as The Biggest and fi tness enthusiast Email: niamhmadigan@ Loser, where obese couples race towards leisuremedia.com a target weight, to see how competition Twitter: @NiamhMMadigan motivates the unlikeliest people to exercise.

100 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com GETTING INTERACTIVE

Multisensory Fitness Inc Sensory motor activity reaction training (SMARTfit™) programmes by Multisensory Fitness Inc combine cognitive and physical game-based workouts. Its interactive Trainer wall, the SMARTfit Multi Station Trainer, uses alphanumeric multicoloured targets, a scoreboard and a timer to encourage competing team play. It's designed to stimulate the body and brain so the user gets an intensive full-body workout. This is something that appealed to Fairmont Singapore which installed the SMARTfit in its new cutting- edge fitness centre. “By using the concept Fairmont Singapore uses SMARTfit of games and competition, guests get a to motivate guests (above); Dubai quick cardio workout,” says Thea Huang, Fairmont uses Pavigym flooring (right) director of spa and wellness. “There are between 70-100 programmes which include different forms of physical activity, for corporate groups and have been a such as running, cross-training or circuit hit when it comes to personal training. training. You can achieve a very intense They also act as a differentiator in the cardio workout after only 10 minutes.” marketplace. Huang adds: “We want our She says the SMARTfit programmes are guests to remember that we have this ideal for group workouts, a fun activity offering which they cannot get anywhere else at the moment.”

“We’ve found Pavigym The average cost for a SMARTfit Trainer results to be really In Dubai, Fairmont has also installed is US$20,000 (€18,780, £13,280). Pavigym effective especially Pavigym’s 3.0 interactive floor and wall says prices vary greatly according to when competition panels in its health club. Integrating LED facility size and mix of products. lights controlled by touch screen software, is encouraged” the surfaces enable trainers to design and Rugged Interactive Simon Heap, Rugged Interactive track workout sessions. Similarly, CardioWall by Rugged Interactive has several light push points that illuminate in different sequences for various games. People can use their hands to set off the lights or incorporate accessories such as weighted balls, boxing gloves or balance boards into the mix. CardioWall uses engaging vocal commands, colours and sounds to interact with and motivate the user. As an added incentive, scores are displayed on both an built-in screen and via a website to push users to beat their own total or those of rivals – anywhere in the world – to get a CardioWall ranking. Simon Heap, who’s the founder of Rugged Interactive, says: “We’ve found results to be really effective especially when competition is encouraged. Our research has shown equivalent exertion with other gym equipment, but with a much higher user satisfaction rating.” With worldwide distribution, CardioWall Rugged Interactive supplies a range of products to stimulate the body and mind costs £6,000 (US$9,050, €8,530) to install.

©CYBERTREK 2016 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 101 http://www.spabusiness.com FITNESS

ON THE LEADERBOARD

CrossFit CrossFit’s high-intensity cardio and strengthening workouts have become an Users work harder to earn more points with the Myzone rating system explosive fitness phenomenon – there are now over 11,000 affiliated gyms globally – fuelled in part by the annual CrossFit Games for the “The Fittest on Earth”. To qualify for the games, people submit workout scores on an exercising and is used to calculate Myzone and earn points, turning fitness into a game internet leaderboard: a tactic that Effort Points (MEPs) which are awarded with an option to compete against others. attracted nearly 140,000 contestants in for every minute spent active. The more The Spa Naturel Fitness Club at 2013 according to magazine. intense the workout, the more points ’s Southgate Hotel, UK installed earned. This information is displayed on a Myzone® a year ago. Gym manager Steve Myzone monitor or streamed to an app in real time. Forbes says: “Usage went up, people want Other companies such as Myzone® Using the MEPs system, challenges to come to the gym to get their MEPs so are using rating and points systems can be set to keep users engaged and they can appear on the leaderboard.” to engage spa fitness customers. on track to achieve goals. With built-in Myzone is available globally and costs The Myzone chest strap tracks heart leaderboards, status rankings and social £295 (US$445, €420). Operators pay a rate, calories burnt and time spent integration, it’s easy to monitor progress monthly licence fee of £99 (US$149, €141).

GAMING & Les Mills’ Immersive IMMERSION Fitness launched in 2014 and is available globally

Les Mills International Mixing indoor fitness with He says the Webracing virtual reality is a popular Peloton programme for way to motivate people multiple bike racing would to exercise. Leading the be a good fit for spas with charge in this arena is studio space. It requires an group exercise specialist average of five static bikes Les Mills. In mid 2014, it and a projector or LED screen launched the Immersive with costs starting at £5,000 Fitness™ experience that (US$7,540, €7,110). projects cinema-quality video “If exercisers are more mentally content onto a screen, while engaged, they’re likely to put in Embedded Fitness instructors cue exercise moves 10-15 per cent more effort... and Embedded Fitness blends to synchronise with music physical fitness with and graphics. Les Mills says to complete a course or session” entertainment, new media, an immersive environment Duncan Lawson, Webracing technology and gaming. Using brings a heightened sense of interactive devices, users can anticipation and reward. By suspending themselves in a virtual world. A small play games while they exercise. Activities belief, people stop thinking about device fitted to the equipment connects include ice-skating, rowing, dancing, the duration of the workout and push everyone online for an on-screen race. With trampolining and even basketball. With themselves further. voice over internet protocol, users can talk some devices the user can set a high score to competitors or training partners, turning and use it to compete against others. Webracing static exercise into an engaging event. CEO Carla Scholten says: “Embedded Webracing is also combining gaming, “If exercisers are mentally engaged, Fitness is fun, but also therapeutic. For virtual reality and competition. they’re likely to put in 10-15 per cent more spas we prefer to make specially designed Webracing™ gives spa fitness goers effort and anecdotal evidence shows that and personalised interactive rooms.” on machines such as bikes, rowers and people are much more likely to complete The Dutch-based company already has cross trainers a chance to compete against a course or session,” says Webracing an installation in and is looking to individuals or groups, while watching founder Duncan Lawson. continue its global expansion in 2016.O

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Making the switch

growing number of spa A operators across the UK are working with Ojmar to upgrade their traditional keyed locking systems to electronic solutions.

Why? Because, as wearable devices continue to impact the health, wellness and spa industry – the American College of Sports & Medicine (ACSM) cites wearable technology as the top fitness trend for 2016 – operators are realising the benefits that electronic locking systems working in conjunction with Mifare wristbands can offer. Leading innovator Center Parcs was an early adopter of the technology working Q Center Parcs uses Ojmar’s innovative locking system in its Aqua Sana spas with locking solutions specialist Ojmar to install its OTS Transponder System at the new Center Parcs Village at Woburn Using the wristband, guests can operate lockers, Forest. Following their successful installation at Center Parcs Whinfell access accommodation and make cashless payments. Forest and in a number of the group’s This means no more trips to the locker to collect a wallet Aqua Sana spa facilities, approximately 2,000 locks were installed throughout to pay for drinks or food by the pool the Woburn Forest village, including the Aqua Sana Spa. Using the wristband, guests can operate lockers, access accommodation and make cashless payments. This means no more trips to the locker to collect a wallet to pay for drinks or food by the pool, The Mifare wristband is becoming the wearable of choice for operators. As well as being cost effective, the silicone wristbands are waterproof and can be branded with the facility’s logo for further marketing Q Simple 1 click technology avoids opportunities. In addition, operators can confusion in the changing areas increase their secondary spend through band rental and cashless purchasing.

104 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com Q Locker design is enhanced by the wire free subtle locks Lockers by Albert Ewan Design

Electronic Revolution

These are just some of the operators benefi ting from Ojmar’s electronic solutions:

Q Ojmar listenter Parcs

Q Marriott Hotel & Spa Group

Q Ribby Hall Spa

Q Omar’s NFC programmer Q Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa allows simple wireless Q management of lockers Q Shoreditch House

Q Soho Farmhouse

Q Babbington House The locks can be future-proofed with simple firmware Q Village Hotels updates, achieved by touching the unit to the lock Q Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa

Q Q Hotels

Easy integration The OTS Advanced locks have Q Thoresby Hall Hotel & Spa Implementing an electronic system been improved to work with multiple Q Foxhills Health Spa requires operators to take a leap of faith. technologies, including Ojmar’s new Near They need to be assured that the system Field Communication (NFC) programmer is reliable, cost effective and easy for staff offering wireless reporting from the to manage and maintain. The technology locks and over 100 use events logs as also has to perform well with existing well as instant lock programming and systems without complicated integration. battery testing. The locks can be future- Ojmar’s systems are constantly being proofed with simple firmware updates, upgraded to work seamlessly with other achieved by touching the unit to the technologies such as cashless payment lock. Ojmar will continue its programme Contact Ojmar systems, cardio equipment from suppliers of innovation throughout 2016. T: +44 (0)1727 840513 like Technogym, Precor and Milon, With the new 12-sided £1 coin due E: [email protected] as well as with membership systems to be introduced in 2017, there has www.ojmar.com provided by the likes of Gladstone MRM. never been a better time to go digital. Twitter: @OJMAR_Leisure

©CYBERTREK 2015 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 105 http://www.spabusiness.com http://www.booker.com/spabusiness http://www.spabusiness.com SPA SOFTWARE by Kate Parker, [email protected] TECH TALK What’s happening in the world of spa software today? Who better to tell us than the CEOs and managers of some well-known spa technology companies?

Jennifer Hull product manager Spasoft

What are you doing that booking. This is going to be the other companies aren’t? It’s easy to make primary booking channel in a We’re focusing on the usability software complicated, few years and a robust solution of our software and finding but making it simple is imperative for spas that want innovative ways to engage requires research and to capture more business. users and reduce training costs. How are you staying ahead of thoughtful restraint We’re dedicated to providing the competition? It’s exciting resources for spas to further how many spa directors their knowledge of the system understand the value and return including monthly webinars, making it simple requires management system which on investment when they choose online training resources and research and thoughtful restraint. has guest-centric features and the right system. There is a lot an active customer community. How are you reacting to business-friendly dashboards. of choice in spa software today What’s the key to making spa consumer trends? We’ve What are the trends in spa and we stay ahead by focusing software user friendly? Testing. incorporated instant messaging software? We’re really excited on customer service and support We work closely with clients to into our Atrio Spa application about responsive websites while continually enhancing evaluate how user friendly any in response to consumer and of growing our online our systems to keep them new features or functionality demand for in-app chatting or booking offering for spas. With relevant with changing trends. are for them. It’s easy to make instant messaging. Atrio Spa customisation available, spas software complicated, but is our new cloud-based activity feel comfortable using online Spa-kit.net keyword: Spasoft

Roger Sholanki founder & CEO Book4Time

What are you doing that’s complicated and frustrating unique? We recently assembled it was to stay on top of what an innovation team to help their customers are saying us identify and evaluate online, we knew there had promising new ideas. It works to be a better solution. to anticipate our spas’ needs We created Spa Monitor in and problems, selecting response, the simplest way to the issues with the greatest monitor, share and generate potential business benefits and a spa’s online reputation. It bringing solutions market. picks up on reviews as they get What’s your most recent piece posted, displaying them in one O Book4Time has a dedicated innovation team to test new ideas of spa software? Increasingly, easy-to-use dashboard. And spas word of mouth is spread via can build better relationships What’s the key to making spa clients focused on boosting online review sites, so when by responding to customer software user-friendly? We business by getting their various we heard from spas just how reviews with a single click. take a ‘people first’ approach software platforms working and think about a product from together in harmony. Using multiple perspectives – those our powerful APIs, they build of our clients, end users and custom experiences for online When we heard how their customers. Another booking that are connected to complicated and frustrating crucial element is in designing their website or mobile app. it was for spas to stay on and testing prototypes based They can also create email top of what customers are on customer feedback. marketing events based on past saying online, we knew there What are the trends to watch? purchases or services booked. had to be a better solution Open cloud-based APIs are increasingly in demand with Spa-kit.net keyword: Book4Time

©CYBERTREK 2015 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 107 http://www.spabusiness.com TECHNOLOGY For full company and contact details please visit spa-kit.net

The spa guest of today Frank Pitsikalis founder & CEO ResortSuite wants to create their own schedule and What are you doing that’s What’s your most recent they’re not keen to take different? ResortSuite is a fully piece of spa software? Activity time out of their work integrated multi-module resort Scheduler, a new addition to our day to book over the software system. As well as being web-booking engine, provides able to handle small and large guests with the ability to view phone. This is triggering spas, it manages all other areas of a calendar of pre-scheduled an enhancement in operation such as classes, fitness, activities, classes and events and online and mobile activities, rooms, golf, food and book-in themselves. It creates a booking functionality beverage, catering and retail. one-stop shop where the guest

can self-explore and book the full areas and therapists become experience offered at a property. available. Make it simple. A What challenges are you new staff member could easily facing? We have many multi- make a booking in ResortSuite property resorts implementing on their first day on the job. ResortSuite Spa, among other What consumer trends are modules, in a single database you picking up on? The travel environment. Our software consumer has changed. The spa enables each property to guest of today wants the ability manages and configure its spas to define their own experience, a little differently, but they all creating their own schedules share central guest profiles, and they’re not keen to take preferences and purchase history. time out of their work day to What’s the key to making spa book over the phone. This trend software user friendly? Make is triggering an enhancement it intuitive. The booking process in spa software online and in ResortSuite is simple and mobile booking functionality. O With Activity Scheduler, guests can self-explore and book intuitive in that it recognises the full experience offered at a property ahead of their arrival where and when treatment Spa-kit.net keyword: ResortSuite

Josh McCarter CEO Booker Many spas miscalculate the value of a good What are you doing that In addition to online booking, customer retention programme. We’re other companies aren’t? Our employee scheduling, reporting aiming to re-shape the current mindset and cloud-based software helps and inventory management, help them realise the massive potential spas run their businesses we offer automated marketing seamlessly, as well as giving tools to help spas with customer them the smart and robust retention. This complete suite is now a standard need for spas customer retention programme. tools they need to grow. is housed in one place on looking to grow and run their We’re aiming to re-shape the our system, accessible via all business. The increased use of current mindset and help them desktop and mobile devices. mobile apps, by spa owners and realise the massive potential in What’s your most recent piece consumers is making this an additional revenue that lies in of spa software? Our Business even more exciting core feature their not-yet-loyal customers. Intelligence dashboard is exciting. of cloud-based spa software. We’re working on a whole Offering a complete overview Consumers are increasingly new set of fully integrated of how a spa’s advertising and attached to their mobile devices automated marketing tools to marketing is performing, it allows and spas are now leveraging help spas increase their revenue spas to pinpoint where their the use of apps in order to stay through existing customers. business is the most visible and top-of-mind with their clients. Booker’s goal is not only to capitalise on that information. What’s on the horizon to give customers a suite of What market trends are you for your company? We’re tools to run their spa, but to seeing? The rapid switch looking at the importance of help it grow successfully too. from installed to cloud-based customer retention. Many spas software is one to watch. This miscalculate the value of a good Spa-kit.net keyword: Booker

108 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com We’ve seen a significant increase in sales and efficiency as a direct result of

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Stefan Drummond managing director Ez Runner

What are you doing that’s which holds all information different? We offer a one-stop in the same database. Tied in solution, from booking on with our automated marketing multiple platforms, voucher tools, this means we can run fulfilment, Apple Pay, to campaigns on the purchase automated marketing and redemption of vouchers; and KPI notifications. offering non-commission style O Ez Runner will be introducing Apple Pay imminently What’s your most recent piece management fees for voucher of software? We’ve introduced fulfilment, giving huge savings What are the trends in spa and engagement is prominent a voucher fulfilment solution in time and fulfilment. software? Personalisation: for us. We are developing rules what sets you apart from within the system that will the spa down the road and alert spa managers based on Engaging with your how can our software help? pre-defined parameters. For Engaging with your customer example, these could indicate customer is so much is so much easier now, whether that a spa’s usage has been low easier now, whether through social media, emails in a particular week, or that through social or text messages. This area the forecast for the next week media, emails or text is set to evolve and grow. falls under the KPIs required. messages. This area is What’s on the horizon for you? set to evolve and grow Introducing Apple Pay and Spa-kit.net keywords: focusing on automated alerts Ez Runner

Leonie Wileman operations manager Premier Software

What’s your most recent most out of their system and we piece of spa software? Core make sure staff fully understand by Premier, which caters for the software ahead of using spa businesses of any size now it in a real-life environment. has automated reporting and Equally important is the level marketing facilities, streaming of support and after-sales care. operations and communications What have been the biggest with clients. There are a changes in spa software in number of complementary tools recent times? Being able including Premier Kiosk to to access diary and client reduce congestions at receptions information on a smartphone and online membership sign-ups. or tablet has gone from being What’s makes your company a nice addition to a must-have unique? We pride ourselves feature. Premier’s new client on our dedicated training card app allows therapists team who take the time to to carry out consultations understand each of our spa’s with clients and update their O Mobile access to diary and client info is now a must-have feature requirements. Training is records in real-time, delivering fundamental for spas get the a superior guest experience. How are consumer trends Many spas now offer specially shaping spa software? Spas tailored treatments, such as for need to ensure they hold people who have, or have had, We pride ourselves on availability back for last-minute cancer. Contraindications can bookings, a growing trend, and be added to our software and our dedicated training have the facilities available to will be flagged on a client card team... we make sure allow clients to book at a time during booking. This helps sites staff fully understand convenient to them. Integrated to provide a safe and nurturing the software ahead of online booking is a way to allow environment for customers. O using it in a real-life your clients to book 24/7 environment while also freeing up staff Spa-kit.net keywords: to focus on treatments. Premier Sofware

110 http://www.spabusiness.com Dive into a new software generation

Reservation Assistant Spa & Activity Management Software

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innovation spa-kit.net for the latest product and supplier news Industry suppliers tell Spa Business about their latest spa design, product, treatment and equipment launches

Somadome meditation pods rollout globally

omadome, the company roundtable discussion on S behind a colour therapy corporate wellness. meditation pod, has Founder and Somadome announced plans for CEO Sarah Attia says: “The international growth with vision for Somadome is new worldwide distribution. for it to be a way to quiet The pods are designed to the mental clutter.” use colour, binaural beats Guests pay an average and special tiles (often used of US$50 (€46, £34) per by acupuncturists) to alter 20-minute session and Attia disruptive EMF frequencies says most spas book between to achieve peacefulness five to seven sessions a day. of mind and body. She adds: “The business Six Somadomes were value proposition is in selling installed in US spas last time – not selling the dome.” year including at the Ojai Purchase options Valley Inn, California and the include an outright cost Surrey Hotel, New York. of US$35,000 (€32,080, Adobe has installed £24,630), rent at US$2,000 the pod at its HQ in (€1,830, £1,410) a month or Silicon Valley and Richard an ongoing finance scheme. Branson also showcased Spa-kit.net keyword: it at Virgin Disruptor’s Somadome

Attia says the 5x5ft dome takes up little space (above); Richard Branson tries the pod at a Virgin event (left)

©CYBERTREK 2016 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 113 http://www.spabusiness.com SPA-KIT.NET

The two new products complete the Dry Skin range (left); laminaria digitata seaweed is a key ingredient (above)

Voya on a roll with its brand evolution

rish organic skincare organic ingredients The range for dry skin I company Voya continues which work to actively combines laminaria digitata its global growth increase hydration levels seaweed with natural active campaign with the launch of for those with dry skin.” ingredients and essential a facial range and treatment The new Hydra Veil oils to help repair the for dehydrated skin. hydrating mask and skin’s functional barrier, The Dry Skin Facial Pearlesque facial moisturiser increase moisture, decrease range and prescriptive sit alongside four other sensitivity and increase facial, follows its Oily Skin items which have updated hydration levels. Rose of Facial range launch in mid formulas and all are Jericho, a desert plant which 2015 and precedes Voya’s presented in Voya’s new- retains moisture, is also used. Sensitive Skin Facial line that look, eco-friendly packaging. Spa-kit keyword: Voya will complete the collection when it arrives in March. Kira Walton, Voya co-founder, says the range “not only epitomises Voya’s branding evolution with beautiful new packaging, Voya co-founder Kira Walton calls but it also reflects Voya’s the hydrating products ‘pioneering’ status as a leading organic force within the industry.” She says that both dry range products are “pioneering due to their deeply nourishing and The organic seaweed Voya uses is hand-harvested

Now you can sell your branded music on iTunes

pas can now make branded albums Spas can make up an album of S that will be sold in the iTunes store 12 tracks from Private Label Music’s and other digital platforms – and catalogue of more than 27,000 songs enjoy a US$2 royalty for each one sold. in styles ranging from Instrumental “It’s the next evolution in streaming Spa to New Age, Asian, Hawaiian, music and downloads with niche Nature & Water, Light Jazz. Pressman says genres,” says Brad Pressman, president Spas may choose to have their spas can make up an and chief of music programming at album live in the iTunes store, or may album of 12 tracks Private Label Music, which provides opt for a more exclusive download of the service. “It brings worldwide their music on the privately-hosted attention to spas and lets users site spamusicdownloads.com. Four Seasons and discover new music and spas they Spa-kit.net keywords: Spa Montage are fans might never have been to – all online.” Private Label Music

114 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com Gran Meliá Villa Agrippina, Rome.

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Ultimate breast comfort thanks to Oakworks

eople are amazed new Adjustable Breast the latest breast comfort for “P that even a slight Comfort (ABC) System. He clients in a prone position adjustment makes believes there’s nothing without them needing to a substantial difference in else like it in the market. leave the bed. The panel increasing their comfort,” The patent-pending system moves up and down, as says Rich Elsen, Oakworks consists of a panel built into required, creating a balance of senior VP of sales, a treatment bed which can support and space while also about the company’s be quietly adjusted to offer taking pressure off the breasts and tension out of the back. “We’re not just thinking of new things, we’re creating new things,” says Elsen. Suitable for all clients, male There’s nothing else like it on or female, regardless of shape the market says Elsen or size, the ABC System works especially well for clients with breast sensitivity due to augmentation, mastectomy or post-surgical tenderness. When clients are on their backs, the panel can be raised above the table surface to be used as a head support or for pectoral muscle stretch. spa-kit.net Spa-kit.net keyword: for the latest product The panel is built into the bed and can be quietly adjusted Oakworks and supplier news

Thalion creates post-flight recovery treatment

e wanted to offer “W more than just another spa facial treatment, that’s why we created Anti-jet Lag Illuminator,” says Thailon sales and marketing director Ulla-Pia Dyrlund- Lagadec about the marine spa brand’s latest therapy. The 45-minute The 45-minute US$48 (€45, facial features a £33) facial, is designed to help new mask and oil which Dyrlund-Lagadec says the clients rejuvenate after a long incorporate facial can be combined with a flight and incorporates two new seaweed and Thalisens body ritual products. The regenerating sea fennel Energy Boost Mask contains vitamin E, F and B5, plus brown seaweed and sea fennel for activating unique protocol,” explains Dyrlund-Lagadec. micro-circulation within the skin. The Revitalizing “Anti-jet Lag Illuminator is the perfect combination Face Oil combines sea fennel with the intention of between sensorial and visible results, providing improving the skin’s firmness, along with vegetable the skin with an immediate healthy glow. oils with anti-radical and anti-oxidant properties. “It can also be combined with one “We gathered all the key elements of our spa of our five Thalisens body rituals for a professional treatment concept – named Thalisens comprehensive package as well as infinite – as well as our laboratories know-how in marine relaxation and emotions from head to toe.” active ingredients and transposed them into this Spa-kit keyword: Thalion

116 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com http://www.angelofwater.com http://www.spabusiness.com SPA-KIT.NET

Comfort Zone turns to ancient natural healing

omfort Zone has incorporated C Himalayan salt into a new 60-minute massage and scrub to provide year-round detoxification and revitalisation. Antonella Latilla, Comfort Zone’s international spa treatment development and education master, designed the treatment in collaboration with cardiologist Dr Massimo Gualerzi and Dr Mariuccia Bucci, a nutridermatologist. Warm salt stones massage the body before an exfoliation Antonella Latilla says: “Himalayan Salt has been known since exhilarating salt scrub, with a combination ancient times as a symbol of life, happiness, of pink Himalayan salt and a nourishing Latilla says the salt comes from health and wealth and for its therapeutic aromatic oil to detoxify the body, ease one of Pakistan’s oldest and largest benefits – it protects, purifies and heals.” aches and pains, stimulate the metabolism salt mines near Kashmir The salt comes from Khewra, one of and restore vitality and balance.” Pakistan’s oldest and largest salt mines, where The treatment kit includes 16 salt toxin-free salt fossils are harvested by hand stones, as well as 950g of salt crystals. and then washed, dried and stone ground. The massage, which has a recommended Latilla adds: “This extraordinary ritual price of US$87 (€75 to 85, £60), can begins with a body massage using warm be used alongside the Comfort Zone Himalayan salt stones, which immediately Body Strategist firming, detox-slimming bestow relaxation, alleviating tension, and anti-cellulite treatments. stress and anxiety. It then proceeds with an Spa-kit keywords: Comfort Zone

Angel of Water targets medi-spa sector

n 1989, Rocco Bruno entered The device, which has FDA the innate wisdom of the I the then little known field clearance, is designed to body to do what it does best.” of colon irrigation. After hydrate, activate and evacuate The Angel of Water features 10 years of perfecting the the contents of the bowel. a comfortable, reclining chair spa-kit.net device, he formed Lifestream “People bathe and and understated lighting, for the latest product Purification Systems to brush their teeth,” says and patients will relax to and supplier news produce The Angel of Water – Gary Russ, director of sales the sound of falling water. which is now being marketed and marketing. “Similarly, Russ says the unit is sanitary, to the medi-spa world. cleansing of the bowel allows odourless, easy to clean and maintain and requires only a small room for installation. Lifestream provides a two-day training course for staff. “Colon Irrigation is quickly becoming a popular modality and is in high demand in medi-spa settings,” he says. “The Angel of Water is not only a profit center for the spa, but also provides clients with an unprecedented state-of-the-art colon- cleansing experience.” Spa-kit.net keyword: The unit is said to provide a comfortable, cleansing experience Lifestream Sales director Gary Russ

118 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com World Spa & Well-being Convention 2016

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Saltability offers healthy alternative to hot stone massages

altability’s new The bowl doubles up salt reflexology as a lamp which S releases purifying ions bowl includes warmed Himalayan releases anti- salt balls that can microbial negative be held in hands ions, which purify for grounding, used the air and skin for arthritis or other while providing a pains, or rolled on sense of wellbeing. feet for a reflexology Saltability treatment. started in 2014 “So many clients with the debut of are looking for its Himalayan Salt multiple ways Stone Massage, to get healthy in one treatment, and which uses warm, hand-carved salt stones Himalayan salt stone is a great way to do from the Himalayan mountains to stimulate that,” says Ann Brown, founder of Saltability specific meridians on the body. “The stones The rich mineral content of the stones and 20-year veteran of the spa industry. can be used with any good oil and when is absorbed by the skin says Brown The bowl can be used professionally or they glide over the skin, their rich mineral sold to clients. It doubles as a salt lamp with content is left to be absorbed,” says Brown. an emotionally uplifting, earthy glow that Spa-kit.net keyword: Saltability

New Kodobio therapy combines light and aroma

device which uses light and A scent stimuli to boost mood is to be used by European spa group Aspria in Brussels. Launching in February, Kodobio Sensory Therapy, created by cell physiologist Tim Jacob of University, UK, uses a The machine is device placed in front of the face designed to enhance for 15 to 30 minutes. It emits mood and to relax people bright white light (similar to sunshine) up and down during a 60-second cycle. At the same time, pleasant essential oil aromas such as lemon, are emitted. Jacob claims that as well as enhancing mood, the machine has a relaxing effect on blood pressure and can lower the heart rate. He says: “I’ve spent many years researching light and smell and their effect on human psychophysiology. The 15-30 minute treatment is already being off ered at Aspria in Brussels Combining the two sensory stimuli, each of which on their own induce positive environment such as a high quality health spa. We benefits, has synergistic and profound effects.” feel that Kodobio is ideal for a spa environment Founder Tim Jacobs Jacob adds: “We immediately saw that the because it has such a short treatment duration is a cell physiologist benefits were too good to ignore and so we set and does not require lengthy therapist training, about designing equipment that could deliver yet it still delivers measurable results.” the therapy commercially, in a professional Spa-kit.net keyword: Kodobio O

120 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com spa business directory

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Where does happiness EPICSTOCKMEDIA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM live? Researchers in Japan use MRI to find out and say it could be the key to increasing wellbeing. Jane Kitchen reports

couring self-help books, exercising, taking time-out, going to spas… we go out of our way to make ourselves happy. SBut do we really know what happiness is? Scientists at Kyoto University, Japan, think they’ve found the answer by using MRI to narrow in on the neural structures behind subjective happiness. They hope their findings will have larger implications for happiness training.

Grey mass matter Associate professor Wataru Sato and his team scanned the brains of 51 people using MRI. Participants then took a survey Scientists hope their findings will have larger implications for happiness training asking how happy they are generally, how intensely they feel emotions and how satisfied they are with their lives. I’m very happy that we now know more Their analysis, published in Scientific about what it means to be happy Reports* in November, revealed that those who had a higher happiness score had more grey matter mass in the precuneus. There was about a 15 per cent difference He’s also hopes his work may be useful The precuneus is a region in the medial in size between the smallest and largest in creating interventions to make people parietal lobe that becomes active during precuneus in the participants. happier, especially if combined with states of consciousness – such as when Sato’s findings complements a study meditation. Sato says: “Several studies people are self-reflecting or daydreaming. by Harvard Medical School and the show that meditation increases grey University of Chinese Medicine which matter mass in the precuneus. This new shows that less activity in the precuneus insight on where happiness happens in may be associated to depression. the brain will be useful for developing happiness programmes based on Tapping into happiness scientific research.” O “Over history, many eminent scholars * Sato et al. The structural neural substrate like Aristotle have contemplated of subjective happiness. Scientific Reports. what happiness is,” says Sato. “I’m November 2015. very happy that we now know more about what it means to be happy.” Jane Kitchen is the This is one of the first studies to use news editor of Spa Business MRI to investigate happiness and the and Spa Opportunities Sato believe that this paves the way for Tel: +44 1462 471929 Email: janekitchen@ PUWADOL JATURAWUTTHICHAI/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM PUWADOL future scientists to clinically measure spabusiness.com Brain activity was measured in 51 people what things make people happier.

124 spabusiness.com issue 1 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 http://www.spabusiness.com http://www.globalwellnessday.org http://www.spabusiness.com A NEW STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE IS EMERGING EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

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JESSICA WADLEY DAFNE BERLANGA Vice President of U.S. Business Vice President of International Development Spa & Massage Business Development Jessica joins Oakworks with extensive For the last twelve years, Dafne was the relationships and experience in the International Sales Director at Sybaritic and spa and massage industries. For over joins Oakworks with extensive relationships twelve years, she has been coaching, and experience in over 80 countries in the speaking to, and helping franchise medical and aesthetic capital equipment salon, spa, massage, and medical industry. She has a unique understanding professionals build their businesses of the Medical and Spa industries, having and advance their careers. led business areas of Product Management, Marketing, and Sales. [email protected] [email protected] 001 717.227.3115 001 717.759.3125

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