SB 3 2020 PDF Download

global spa and wellness www.spabusiness.com 2020 3

Lee Woon Hoe SPA-GOER Reveals why Banyan BEHAVIOUR Tree is launching Studies track consumer a new wellbeing attitudes towards spas concept right now after coronavirus Immune Touchless boosting treatments Spas get innovative What options are with their programmes available to spas?

SPA DESIGN 2030

WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE PANDEMIC-PROOF MODEL?

PatrickISPA’S NEWLY ELECTED Huey CHAIR Safety & consistency are the new markers of luxury PHOTO: @DANIELLE NOWAK/NOMADIC REVERIE NOWAK/NOMADIC @DANIELLE PHOTO: http://www.spabusiness.com LET’S FOCUS ON THE “WE” IN WELLBEING.

Courtesy of Faena Hotel, Miami Beach. Photographer Nik Koenig, USA

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The ﬁght ahead After the relief and jubilation of reopening comes the realisation that there are major battles ahead for our industry and its hugely talented leaders and professionals

he majority of spa and wellness facilities around the world are now open and offering the healing services that touch-starved Tcustomers need now, more than ever. The COVID-19 crisis has driven a huge surge in creativity and best practice, as operators innovate to survive. Some are using advanced yield management to ensure the limited number of treatments they’re able to offer return the same, if not greater, profits (p62), while companies such as Resense and Aromatherapy Associates have had significant successes with online sales (p16). It’s also inspiring to see the solutions being deployed to stimulate revenue streams, such as outdoor treatments, COVID-19 recovery programmes and immune-boosting packages (p24). Banyan Tree is forging ahead with its new wellbeing concept (p28) On page 65 we take a look at a new facility model that was emerging before the pandemic, but which has now come into its own. Both Remedy Place and Next Health There’s a huge job of work to do in California position themselves in the medical wellness to build our reputation and win arena, have a small footprint, a focus on self-administered support in the corridors of power treatments and low operating costs. We expect businesses taking this approach to tap a consumer need and also predict a rise in demand for the touchless experiences on which comes to political lobbying, with major politicians the they’re based. We’ve investigated these further on page 70. world over betraying a complete lack of awareness of For all the positives, however, the pandemic has created the personal, economic and social value of the sector. stresses that have taken the industry backwards. It’s Trade associations have deployed every weapon in their concerning to see major hotel operators letting go of arsenal to fight our corner and it’s ultimately a testament to top-level wellness leaders as they drop the wellbeing their hard work that we are reopen. But it should not have baton to refocus on the core business of selling beds. been that hard. There’s a huge job of work to do to build We believe this is short-sighted and that operators, such our reputation and win support in the corridors of power as Banyan Tree (p28), who are still priortising wellness through effective lobbying. This work is vital to ensure will strengthen their position in the market as a result. we never face such challenges and constraints again. O The biggest lesson of the pandemic has been the hard realisation that our industry has very little heft when it Katie Barnes, editor @SpaBusinessKB

Contact Spa Business: +44 (0)1462 431385 [email protected] spabusiness.com @spabusinessmag Facebook.com/spabusiness

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 5 http://www.spabusiness.com CONTENTS spa business ISSUE 3 2020

spa business global spa and wellness spabusiness.com

Lee Woon Hoe, Banyan Tree p28 Spa design 2030 p34

p50 Innovative spa programmes and services p24 UK spa focus

5|Editor’s letter 24|On the menu 40|Research: Manner of speaking Katie Barnes shares her thoughts How are spas changing their ISPA’s latest study reveals consumer treatments and services now attitudes in the aftermath of COVID-19. 10|Spa people they’re staring to reopen again? Josh Corman picks out the key details Patrick Huey elected new ISPA chair; Rianna Riego speaks out about racial 28|Interview: Lee Woon Hoe 44|Research: New perspectives discrimination in the spa sector Banyan Tree’s executive director of Two surveys in the UK highlight both wellbeing tells Katie Barnes why spa operator and spa-goer insights 18|News now is the right time for the group as facilities across the country Headlines from the global spa industry to launch a new wellness concept begin to welcome guests back

22|News report: Spas collaborate 34|Ask an expert: Spa design 2030 50|Best of British with medical institutions Jane Kitchen asks leading architects, We take a look at the standout Operators strike up allegiances designers and consultants to concepts off ered in the world- with medical bodies to affi rm their give their predictions about class spas that have opened in the position as providers of ‘safe touch’ pandemic-proof spa models UK over the last three years

6 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com Emma Darby explains how Resense spas still performed well during lockdown p62

p78 Touchless spa treatments p70 Lucia Magnani Health Clinic in Italy

62|Interview: Emma Darby 78|Medi-wellness: On good termes Despite closing during in the Italy’s Long Life clinic, which off ers pandemic, some Resense spas still hit anti-ageing science alongside water revenue targets. Its COO tells us how cures, is gaining greater attention post- lockdown. Sophie Benge pays a visit 66|Business analysis: Model behaviour 86|Software: Soft touch Lisa Starr analyses the business model How can software help spa operators behind Remedy Place and Next Health navigate issues following lockdown?

70|Touchdown 93|Product innovation We investigate spa equipment and Product and equipment launches services with minimal human contact 102|Finishing touch Investigating medi-wellness club | 74 Pinch of salt Study reveals the preventative and business models like Remedy Place p66 Halotherapy experts outline its beneﬁ ts therapeutic beneﬁ ts of hydrotherapy

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 7 http://www.spabusiness.com THE SPA BUSINESS TEAM

For email, use contact’s [email protected]

global spa and wellness www.swww.spabusiness.compabusiness.com 2020 3

SPASPA DESIGNDESIGN 2030

WHATWHAT ISIS TTHEHE UULTIMATELTIMATE PANDEMIC-PROOF MMODEL?ODEL?

ISPA’S NEWLY ELECTED CHAIR PatrickPti kH Huey Editorial director Editor Publisher Safety & consistency are the new markers of luxury Liz Terry Katie Barnes Astrid Ros

PHOTO: @DANIELLE NOWAK/NOMADIC REVERIE NOWAK/NOMADIC @DANIELLE PHOTO: +44 (0)1462 431385 +44 (0)1462 471925 +44 (0)1462 471911

READER SERVICES

SUBSCRIPTIONS Contributing editor Contributing editor Journalist Subscription line +44 (0)1462 431385 Jane Kitchen Lisa Starr Megan Whitby CIRCULATION +44 (0)1462 431385 +44 (0)1462 471925 +44 (0)1462 471906

Michael Emmerson +44 (0)1462 471932 EDITORIAL TEAM CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Liz Terry +44 (0)1462 431385 O Sophie Benge EDITOR Sophie Benge is a wellness journalist and author of books such as Healing Sources, which highlights the unusual and Katie Barnes +44 (0)1462 471925 outstanding therapies of eastern Europe. She also runs Ageing CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Gracefully retreats for women who are facing the menopause. Jane Kitchen +44 (0)1462 431385 Email: [email protected]

Lisa Starr +44 (0)1462 471925 O Josh Corman ASSISTANT PRODUCT EDITOR Josh Corman is the director of education and research Lauren Heath-Jones +44 (0)1462 471927 for ISPA. His writing has been featured at Book Riot, Wanderlust Travel and The Huffi ngton Post. NEWSDESK Email: ispa@ispastaff .com Megan Whitby +44 (0)1462 471906

Lauren Heath-Jones +44 (0)1462 471927 O Jane Kitchen Stu Roberts +44 (0)1462 471902 Jane Kitchen is the editor of Leisure Media’s Spa Business Tom Walker +44 (0)1462 471916 Handbook. She has a 20-year career in magazine writing, with a specialisation in spa, travel, design, business and retail. ADVERTISING TEAM Email: [email protected] PUBLISHER/ADVERTISING SALES

Astrid Ros +44 (0)1462 471911 O Lisa Starr Business consultant, trainer and educator, Lisa Starr has ADVERTISING SALES been helping spas maximise their performance for 30 years. Julie Badrick +44 (0)1462 471919 She hosts spa management courses around the world. Jan Williams +44 (0)1462 471909 Email: [email protected]

Spa Business is published four a year by The Leisure Media Co Ltd, Portmill House, Portmill Lane, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1DJ, UK. The views expressed in this 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 publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recorded or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright holder, Cybertrek Ltd. 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 2020 ISSN 1479/912X. To subscribe to Spa Business log on to www.leisuresubs.com or email: [email protected] or call +44 1462 471930. Annual subscription rates are UK £48, Europe £65, rest of world £94, students (UK) £25.

8 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com [email protected] www.rkf.fr http://www.spabusiness.com SPA PEOPLE by Katie Barnes, editor

spa people

The spa industry will weather COVID-19 quite well. It’s committed to safety – and safety and consistency are the new markers of luxury Patrick Huey chair, ISPA; vice president spa and retail, Montage International

atrick Huey has just found my people. I was hooked. been elected the new Being elected chair is such P chair of the International a wonderful experience and Spa Association (ISPA), enables me to engage the new spa having been a board member since professional, at our next conference 2016. He’s a valued member of the in Phoenix next May, to ensure they global spa community who’s been know ISPA is the place for them to in the industry for over 15 years develop from a first time attendee and served as group spa director to a critical part of the ISPA family. for companies such as Viceroy, Sandals, Minor, and now Montage What are you hoping to International. He shares insights achieve in the role? We have a with Spa Business about his new role, tremendous group of volunteer the Black Lives Matter campaign board members and our focus and the impact of coronavirus. is to ensure the sustainability of our industry and the association What does it mean to be through this extraordinary time. elected as the new ISPA chair? It’s that simple. We want to ensure I’ve wanted to be a part of the our members (current and future) association ever since my first continue to look on the positive ISPA conference in 2007. I’d just side of what’s happening. We been promoted to spa director should all be asking ‘what is the for Four Seasons Las Vegas and good that we can find today?’ the energy of the floor with the A colleague recently reached resource partners, the keynotes out to me through ISPA’s virtual and the quality of the educational Town Hall series and even seminars made me realise I had though we’ve been in the industry

10 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com Our industry is open to all and ISPA issued a statement of #Healinghappenshere at the height of the protests affirming its support. But there’s always room to grow and develop and I see the industry shifting and adjusting

The global spa and beauty family have embraced the following seven standards of confidence as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nowenvironment more than ever,is vital managing to our overall stress well-being. and seeking a trusted, safe and nurturing

OUT OF RESPECT FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS AND OUR GUESTS, WE COMMIT TO BUILDING TRUST AND CONFIDENCE BY:

Keeping the well-being of our staff and guests as our top priority

Offering personal protective equipment as required by law to protect staff and guests

Mindful and visible handwashing (both staff and guests)

Practicing physical distancing in non-treatment spaces

Staying home when ill (both staff and guests)

Verbal and visual greetings without touch

Visible and transparent promotion of Huey led the team behind ISPA’s sanitation and hygiene efforts

Reopening Toolkit, which has The number one reason worldwide people visit spas is to manage stress. Given the stress of the current situation, we are committed to providing you with a space to simply relax and invest in your overall been viewed over 150,000 times health and well-being under this new set of social norms that have been placed upon us.

together for more than 20 years, only brilliant business minds, different parts of the globe, and she now feels she knows me but they’re navigating the dozens of companies, large and and we’ve established a rapport. complexities of human emotion small, committed to freely sharing This is exactly what we need of their associates and guests. their knowledge with one another as an industry right now – that It’s a phenomenal balancing act. as it relates to the health and safety sense of positive and personal In hotel operations, food and of our spa teams and guests. connection and engagement. beverage gets a lot of attention. ISPA then made the smart and I encourage general managers compassionate decision to make How successful has ISPA’s Town to look at their spa directors the toolkit complimentary and Hall series been? We launched closely. They will see examples of customisable. This bold move has them in June and every week the extraordinary leadership there. enabled spas around the world virtual, hour-long sessions see I’ve also been impressed with – as well as many other industries spa leaders who’ve reopened their how quickly resource partners – to safely reopen and its been business share observations around have pivoted at this time. viewed over 150,000 times! The different topics – from prepping From drop shipping to virtual document is updated constantly staff to revenue management. training platforms, they really as we all continue to learn more. We’ve had very high engagement are the engine of the industry. levels. The last time I checked The Black Lives Matter we had over 18,000 participants ISPA’s Reopening Toolkit has movement is gaining traction… on our various social platforms. been essential to the industry, is racial discrimination an issue how did you generate the in the spa industry? Our industry What are your takeaways from content for it? It was critical that is open to all and ISPA issued a these sessions? This pandemic the industry fly in formation to statement of #Healinghappenshere has brought forth the best in our navigate these extraordinary times at the height of the protests industry. Our spa operators and and I headed up ISPA’s COVID-19 affirming its support. therapists are the unsung heroes Collaboration Group. So many But there’s always room to grow of the hospitality. They’re not wonderful and brilliant minds, from and develop and I see the industry PHOTO: @DANIELLE NOWAK/NOMADIC REVERIE NOWAK/NOMADIC @DANIELLE PHOTO:

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 11 http://www.spabusiness.com SPA PEOPLE PHOTO: @DANIELLE NOWAK/NOMADIC REVERIE

Five out of six Montage spas are now open again and business has been ‘strong and consistent’

Huey’s priority is to ensure that people ‘look on the positive side of what’s happening right now’

industry shifting and adjusting. Our spa operators For those that are open again, It’s also important to have Just last week Dr Bryan Williams, and therapists are how is business? It’s strong and smart booking procedures to a celebrated speaker, author and the unsung heroes consistent for our spas. We have ensure you’re maximising your hospitality veteran, featured on a a loyal and dedicated following therapists’ time. We want to reduce new virtual series ISPA’s launching of the hospitality of guests who have graciously any unnecessary open blocks called Heart of the Matter. He industry remained by our side and trusted in on the books. They represent talked about diversity and inclusion our Peace of Mind Commitment to lost revenue opportunities. in the spa industry and his own their safety. I think we’ll continue Lastly, it’s about refining the experiences with discrimination. I to see strong levels. Now, more guest experience – it’s essential believe the way we make change is than ever, people need a safe and that what happens in the treatment through dialogue and education. trusted place to heal themselves room is exemplary and impactful. When talking about these highly and we provide that. We’re still That’s when the guests will return. sensitive issues, we have to meet offering massages, facials, body people where they are in their own services and salon services. How is the global spa industry journey and listen to understand, Some states have specified that is going to weather the impact not just listen only to respond. certain treatments cannot be of COVID-19? Quite well, I think. This is how we effect change. done and in those cases we follow The industry is committed to the established guidelines. safety first. Safety and consistency Are all Montage spas now are the new markers of luxury. up and running again? Our What strategies does Montage decisions to reopen are guided by have in place to maintain What’s key for businesses the laws and guidelines of each revenue? Retail is a key. We that do survive? We as an state and jurisdiction. We have have to embrace technology industry have to remember six spas, five are now open and and understand that guests that we succeed and stumble one remains closed. We’re also want to purchase products together. We have to execute excited to be opening two more online. So, it’s important to have consistently on the guidelines properties before the end of this active e-commerce bandwidth that we’ve put in place. If we don’t year, Montage Healdsburg and and programmes like drop do that, we break trust with our Pendry West Hollywood, so we’ll shipping from your resource teams and our guests. That trust have eight spas in total soon. partners to your guests. is the key business driver. O

12 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com ORGANIC SKINCARE with proven results

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The wellness industry must stretch boundaries to overcome discrimination Rianna Riego wellness consultant

ndustry consultant and self-claimed ‘wellness Riego has I passionista’, Rianna experienced racism Riego, believes the Black and ageism ﬁrsthand Lives Matter movement has in the spa industry reawakened society to the reality of a system that still discriminates on the basis of colour, gender, age and religion – and the spa industry is no exception. “Being a darker-skinned female and immigrant from a third world country, my career path in the US has been ‘coloured’ with many stories of bias and discrimination,” Riego told Spa Business. “These experiences, unfortunately, at times included my beloved spa industry, which prides itself on being a diverse tribe of professionals. My personal experience of bias has tended to be subtle and part of the power dynamics within a company, but Is the discomfort a preference to not have black, is shrinking. “Our industry has other incidents were very obvious.” from a white Hispanic, gay or older therapists, not been able to attract a proper For example, after 20 years of woman being either verbally or by changing or representation of the millennial experience opening, operating, cancelling their appointments. workforce which is now closer designing and rebranding spas touched by a “The spa experience is very to 50 per cent non-white.” and wellness facilities Riego had male, African personal and there are levels of the opportunity to be the face and American therapist comfort we should respect, but is Therein order to attract them voice of a brand that she helped a cultural issue or the discomfort from a white woman in future. “As an industry that envision and develop. “I was being touched by a male, African started out wanting to heal the surprised to hear that some of the a privacy right? American therapist a cultural issue world, we need to rediscover and ownership weren’t comfortable or privacy right? What should articulate its commitment to with the idea of me representing the ideals of our industry be and humanity – this is our strength the brand,” she explains, “I knew where do we draw the line?” and we should champion it. this wasn’t related to my levels of Riego feels that problems are “Our industry was borne out qualification but instead was due to made even worse by blatant of a passion to care for others the fact I was older and not white.” sexism in the industry. “Even in and now has an opportunity At another facility, Riego a female-dominated workforce, to help heal the world while says she was astonished when a women aren’t fully represented redefining how the world views co-owner scolded her for hiring in the corporate decision-making wellness – as a lifestyle choice that a black male director for fear of process or hierarchy in the embraces diversity as its norm. ‘scaring’ the predominantly Jewish industry in general,” she says. “Setting the example, stretching guests who may find his presence Looking ahead towards the boundaries and holding our intimidating. She also went on to solutions, Riego feels the demand space, is the only way, and if say that she has extensive firsthand for wellness services is growing anyone can do it, we – the spa experience of guests indicating but the experienced workforce and wellness industry – can.” O

14 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com )&"-5) BEAUTY SPA

8)&/ )&"-5) #&"65: .&3(&

nuvolaexperience.it http://www.spabusiness.com SPA PEOPLE by Megan Whitby, writer

The role of DIY wellness is going to stick around and this is something for spas to reflect on Anna Teal CEO, Aromatherapy Associates

ccording to CEO The company’s web traffic is up of Aromatherapy 500 per cent as consumer interest Associates (AA), in at-home wellness surged. A Virtual educational has been a great success, says Teal Anna Teal, online One particular success story has retail has been crucial for business been its complimentary, digital, following the enforced closure of education sessions – MirrorMe spas. Speaking to Spa Business, calls conducted via Zoom – which and educate them, even though she shares some of the group’s attract 120-150 attendees a spas may be closed,” says Teal. innovations which are helping it to week. The majority of attendees That’s not to say the company connect to customers in a new way. pre-purchase an AA product pack, is switching tack, by June next As a company, AA has costing around £75 (US$99, €84), year Teal is aiming to have spas historically drawn around 70 per and a therapist then explains There needs to propping up 40-50 per cent of cent of income from the 495 spas how to use the products and the be a conversation revenue. But she does believe it supplies globally, but since the theory behind aromatherapy. about reevaluating businesses need to adapt in a lockdown 80 per cent of its revenue “This exemplifies how you can post-COVID-19 world where has been generated by online retail use digital to engage with people the role of the consumers may be nervous and 20 per cent from facilities. in different ways, drive revenue therapist about returning to spas – and to use this as an opportunity. “The role of DIY wellness is going to stick around and this is Since lockdown, 80 per cent something for spas to reflect on,” of AA’s revenue has been she says. “There needs to be a generated by online retail conversation about reevaluating the role of the therapist. They’ll still deliver hands-on treatments, but there’s nothing stopping spas from engaging with customers by hosting virtual educational calls. “If you keep a conversation going with customers even when you’re not physically with them, it gives you more opportunity to sell to them.” In another move to adapt, AA has just revealed four no-touch treatment programmes for its hotel partners and spa accounts to offer wellbeing experiences outside the spa (see p24). O

16 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com NEW DATE. NEW LOCATION. SAME SHINE.

2021 ISPA CONFERENCE & EXPO MAY 10–12 | PHOENIX, AZ

attendispa.com

F ull phttp://www.spabusiness.comage Ad.indd 1 7/24/20 10:49 AM Montara Hospitality invests US$209m into Thai wellness project The project’s developer, Bangkok-based developer Montara MHG, is overseen by CEO Hospitality Group (MHG) is investing Kittisak Pattamasaevi THB6,6bn (US$210m, €178m, £158m) into Asia’s upcoming comprehensive wellness destination and residential Spread across 230 acres Guests will able to visit community, Tri Vananda, in Thailand. of hillside, the community a 30-treatment-room Scheduled to open in 2022, the project will be surrounded by spa with separate-gender is being developed with help from Sue lakes and anchored by a thermal rooms, relaxation Harmsworth and Amy McDonald. wellness resort specialising in spaces, a hammam, sauna cognitive wellbeing and integrative and lakeside fitness centre. and functional medicine, with a focus The destination will also be completed on medical and holistic wellness. with a unique wellness club for young Tri Vananda’s amenities have been visitors and a dedicated mindfulness planned to include a health centre centre with visiting monks. with consultation rooms for medical “All of our residents and guests will and preventative treatments and enjoy access to proven health and traditional Thai medicine therapies, a wellness therapies and programmes,” cognitive health centre, and facilities says MHG CEO Kittisak Pattamasaevi. Tri Vananda is a specialist wellness resort for functional health diagnostics. More: http://lei.sr/7y6b6_B

Daniella Russell rallies key Therme to expand into major UK cities industry figures to push Following approval to The development plan to reopen Dubai spas build a £250m (US$308m, includes projects – with a €274m) wellbeing resort similar concept to Therme The Dubai government in Manchester, Therme Manchester – in London, recently allowed spas Group has revealed plans Wales, and Scotland, to reopen following to expand its concept in all of which will be an open letter other major UK cities. developed at sites located Our aim is to submitted in June by “Our aim is to ensure near to city centres. ensure a Therme prominent industry a Therme wellbeing It’s believed the wellbeing resort is figures, including Daniella Russell resort is within reach of rollout will create 3,000 within easy reach of spa consultant Daniella 90 per cent of the UK jobs and represents a 90 per cent of the Russell of DR Global. population,” says Therme major investment in the UK population In the letter the group proposed a UK COO, James Mark. population’s wellbeing. James Mark comprehensive set of COVID-19-safety spa sanitisation guidelines it compiled to show Work begins on the how prepared the sector was for reopening. 28-acre Manchester Russell explained that the achievement resort next year, and is is testament to the strength of the group, due to finish in 2023. which consisted of a mix of spa owners Therme describes its and operators and hotel spa teams. It was concept as a combination also backed by independent spa supporters of nature, sustainable such as herself, Kathryn Moore of Spa technology and culture, Connectors, Salina Handa of Sensasia, and says it’s already been Christian Kiefer of Rayya Wellness and ‘phenomenally successful’ Maria Dowling of Mariadowling salons. in Europe for 20 years. “We’re ecstatic to reopen after such a More: http://lei.sr/B2B2P_B long time out of action,” Russel exclaims. Therme plans to expand across the UK PHOTO: THERME GROUP PHOTO: More: http://lei.sr/K3D6D_B

18 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com The inﬁnity pool will blend seamlessly into the ocean backdrop PHOTO: RANCHO LA PUERTA

The community will be home to 108 residences

This village is dedicated to wellness; it’s a place you can draw strength and PURSUIT PHOTOS: become your most resilient self Reykjavik city centre Sarah Livia to welcome ocean-side Brightwood Szekely geothermal lagoon Rancho La Puerta unveils Attractions and hospitality plans for wellness community brand, Pursuit, has unveiled Destination spa, Rancho La Puerta, has announced plans to develop an ocean- plans to build a private, wellness-focused community front geothermal lagoon in on its 4,000 acre site in Tecate, Mexico. Iceland – named Sky Lagoon. The Residences will be an extension to the The destination’s multi-sensory Iceland is one of those Rancho La Puerta community and will be both oasis will feature cold pool and authentic and remarkable connected to yet separate from The Ranch. sauna experiences, as well as an places that has the power The project is focused on creating a thriving unobstructed 70-metre (230 ft) to excite and inspire eco-friendly village comprised of 108 homes, ocean-side infinity-edge lagoon. David Barry designed to support health and wellbeing. Located in Kársnes Harbour, “For years we’ve nurtured the dream of creating a close to Reykjavik city centre, the Additional amenities will residential community,” says Sarah Livia Brightwood destination will offer expansive include an in-lagoon bar and Szekely, Rancho La Puerta president. “This village ocean vistas enhanced by sunsets dining and retail offerings. is dedicated to wellness; it’s a place you can draw and the Northern Lights. Scheduled to open in 2021, strength and become your most resilient self.” construction has already Brightwood designed the residences alongside begun on the destination. developers, Grupo Espiritu and Paco Angel. “Iceland is an authentic and Residents will have access to a 24-hour concierge remarkable place that has the centre, a gym, tennis courts, library and pool, alongside power to excite and inspire,” a meditation room and at-home wellness experiences. says David Barry, Pursuit Brightwood says 40 residences had been reserved so president. “We’re thrilled to far and that a completion date will be revealed soon. grow our collection of travel More: http://lei.sr/r5S7R_B experiences in Iceland.” Sky Lagoon will open in 2021 More: http://lei.sr/S2c8R_B

Todd Walter becomes WTS president

WTS International has snapped up Todd Walter WTS has been developing a succession plan for as its new president, following the demise of founder, Henkin, with a new investor announced Mynd Spa & Salon – formerly The Elizabeth Arden late last year when private equity firm, CI Capital Red Door Salon & Spa – where he was CEO. Partners, acquired a majority stake in the business. Walter will oversee the WTS portfolio of managed At the time, CI Capital’s Steven Rudnitsky facilities and design, feasibility and pre-opening was appointed to the position of vice-chair work, reporting to CEO and founder Gary Henkin. on the WTS board of directors. Walter spent 14 years as CEO of Mynd, The company announced expansion was overseeing 25 facilities and 1,300 employees. planned and that existing management Henkin says: “Todd has the right DNA to help us would continue to operate the business. scale and create incredible wellness experiences.” More: http://lei.sr/a6S5C_B Todd Walter

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 19 http://www.spabusiness.com CREDIT: SHUTTERSTOCK/KINGA

DIARY DATES

19-20 September 2020 World Wellness Weekend Global Wellness professionals and venues around the world prepare fun, free and meaningful activities both onsite and online. www.world-wellness-weekend.org Chiva-Som is offering 7 October 2020 three types of digital training courses World Fitness and Wellness Online Summit Virtual event A full day of online thought Chiva-Som Academy in English, through an interactive online leadership, CEO-level networking launches online courses platform to provide e-learning to spa owners and topical business discussions. and managers, therapists and all who are www.theﬁtsummit.com for wellness careers interested in stepping into a wellness career. The programme collection will feature 4-6 November 2020 Chiva-Som International Academy, a an Anatomy and Physiology module on Spa and Wellness professional wellness school in Bangkok, 14-25 September 2020, while individual International Congress Thailand, has announced the launch of online Spa Development and Spa Management Swissotel Krasnye Holmy, educational courses for the spa industry. courses can be arranged, subject to the Moscow, Russia Managed by the famous Thai destination time zone and number of registered An event for managers and owners spa, Chiva-Som, the academy’s courses applicants, from August 2020 onwards. of spas in Russia and Eastern Europe. will be conducted remotely from Thailand, More: http://lei.sr/F9C4c_B It comprises three conferences, an awards ceremony, seminars and a suppliers’ exhibition. www.spaandwellnesscongress. com/en/main

8-11 November 2020 Global Wellness Summit The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida, US

Spa and wellness professionals LUND SHUTTERSTOCK/JACOB CREDIT: from around the world gather to discover innovations and network. WTA CEO Anne Dimon www.globalwellnesssummit.com says nature is a key pillar 3-4 December 2020 of wellness vacations World Sauna Forum Virtual event WTA report: An online training and Nature driving future wellness tourism networking event focused on Results from a survey by The on a wellness vacation?’, respondents’ the Finnish sauna experience. Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) most common answer themes were: www.worldsaunaforum.ﬁ reveal time in nature and improving the desire to be in nature, to improve mental health are two of the biggest mental health, social connection and 4 December 2020 drivers of growth in our industry. the desire to be with like-minded Hall of Wellness Awards Drawing 3,931 responses from 48 people and to learn to be proactive Virtual event countries, the survey was set up to gain about their own health and wellbeing. An online gala announcing the a clear understanding of consumer Anne Dimon, WTA president and CEO, winners of the new Hall of Wellness motivations for booking wellness says: “This survey’s results reinforce the Awards, which aim to ‘recognise vacations as the industry recovers. importance of nature and the outdoors exceptional individuals in the global When asked the open question: ‘What as a key pillar of wellness vacations.” spa, beauty and wellness industry’. are some new motivations for going More: http://lei.sr/z8d2N_B www.hallofwellnessawards.com

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Spas collaborate with medical institutions

A growing number of industry operators are striking up allegiances with medical bodies to develop enhanced cleanliness and health standards following COVID-19

s spas look to develop The programme will see Four Seasons’ “This new programme is about themselves as places of 100-plus spas roll out modified treatments offering genuine care and the highest safe-touch, operators are to reduce interaction with and proximity levels of service, enhancing procedures joining forces with hospitals to guests, run wet areas and relaxation to protect our guests, residents and and medical research spaces with occupancy limits, implement employees, while also ensuring that A institutes to develop social distancing regulations and operate they feel safe and reassured,” says John cleanliness certifications, with regular disinfection of all facilities, Davison, Four Seasons president and to reinforce a sense of trust and especially wet areas and pools. CEO. “Lead With Care is a continuation confidence in returning consumers. More generally, Four Seasons hotels of Four Seasons’ high standards, building One of the first off the mark was Four will also feature on-property hygiene upon the strong foundation of trust and Seasons Hotels and Resorts, which officers, enhance sanitation procedures confidence that we have established announced a collaboration with global and provide staff with access to a through decades of experience.” healthcare and research leader Johns response team where senior infectious Similarly, IHG Hotels and Resorts – Hopkins Medicine in early May, to disease specialists from Johns Hopkins which owns Six Senses Hotels, Resorts develop an enhanced health and safety will offer on-demand response and and Spas as well as InterContinental programme called Lead with Care. guidance to COVID-19 situations. properties – has revealed a tie-up with

IHG joined forces with the Cleveland Clinic and Ecolab to develop its enhanced standards

22 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com Four Seasons has launched a health and safety programme with Johns Hopkins Medicine

American medical and research centre, about the importance of strict hygiene The Cleveland Clinic; Ecolab, a global Stay steadfast with procedures during the reopening phase. leader in water, hygiene and infection “It’s likely from what we’re hearing prevention solutions; and cleaning and procedures you put around the world that the first customers hygiene technology company Diversey. in place... You have coming through your door are going Together they’ve launched IHG Clean to be a minority and they’re going to Promise, to strengthen and evolve its to make sure that be a little more relaxed,” he says. hygiene measures to reduce the spread “We need to be very careful that of COVID-19, as well as support the every customer feels we’re steadfast for the long haul in the wellbeing of guests and colleagues. comfortable and safe procedures and policies we put in place Montage International, owner of five because it’s the customers that come after luxury US resorts with major Spa Montage those carefree guests that are going to facilities, has also partnered up with digital be checking your hygiene and cleaning health and primary care organisation, In addition, Marriott International – protocols and procedures. Stay steadfast One Medical, to provide 24/7 virtual care which has 550 hotel spas across brands with whatever procedures you put in services to Montage guests via a 30-day such as Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, place and continue them for the long membership to One Medical’s app. St Regis, Le Méridian, Westin and haul. You have to make sure that every The memberships will allow guests to W – has also worked with Ecolab, to customer feels comfortable and safe.” get in touch with a One Medical provider launch a Global Cleanliness Council In a post-COVID-19 landscape, public within minutes over on-demand video to develop the next level of hospitality demonstrations like the aforementioned chat or secure messaging during their cleanliness standards, norms and operators have taken, that show that stay or upon their return home. The behaviours designed to enhance safety hygiene is being taken seriously, will team will be available to remotely triage for Marriott consumers and staff alike. ultimately underpin the future and symptoms, including COVID-19 related Marriott International’s Kenneth Ryan, potential success of businesses because concerns, and provide a recommended care VP of global operations: spa, fitness steps to tackle hygiene will reassure plan for guests’ concerns or condition. and online retail, recently spoke out clients it is safe to visit again. O

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 23 http://www.spabusiness.com SPA PROGRAMMES Megan Whitby, journalist

Glen Ivy reopens with outdoor experience focus Glen Ivy Hot Springs in California has reopened with a new private outdoor wellness package. Passport to Wellness invites visitors to enjoy a day of physically-distanced pool-side relaxation including an outdoor mud therapy experience and 50-minute Swedish massage conducted in a new outdoor treatment pavilion, access to the extensive thermal and mineral pools onsite, exercises classes, swimming and fresh dining. Glen Ivy has created an outdoor treatment pavilion Due to COVID-19, Glen Ivy is only welcoming a small number of guests daily. The destination has thus made it a requirement to reserve a Passport to Wellness package to visit its facilities. On the menu It offers visitors a personalised Glen Ivy Hot Springs experience including their own private lounges, dining area, changing cabana How are spas changing their menus since the and a dedicated personal wellness concierge. coronavirus struck? We take a look at some Prices start at US$295 (€249, £225) per person. O Read more: http://lei.sr/r6H1B of the latest trends and programmes

COVID-19 NeuroArts Six Senses Zil Pasyon is Field Guide to inspire spas off ering an exclusive island US-based International experience for €330k a week Arts and Mind (IAM) Lab has collated a guide to help people use art as a coping mechanism during coronavirus. “People are naturally gravitating toward the arts during lockdown,” says Susan Magsamen, IAM Lab Susan Magsamen executive director, “we saw it when the Italians sang from their balconies and Field Guide could be a great children chalked the sidewalks source of inspiration for with messages of hope.” new programmes. Trend towards exclusive hire packages Before the pandemic, spas The guide demonstrates were starting to experiment how the arts support our With spa consumers potentially Maldives and the UAE starting with wellbeing-boosting collective health, wellbeing nervous about social from US$19,820 per night arts-based activities – anything and learning and also offers distancing due to COVID-19, (€17,455, £15,579) to US$100,000 from colouring and painting simple explanations about the Spa Business has noticed a per night (€88,069, £78,590). to creative writing. This is scientific evidence and research trend for hiring spas, or even Other operators following suit expected to continue as they relating to the potential whole resorts, exclusively. include Six Senses Zil Pasyon explore therapies which aren’t benefit of each activity. Anantara was one of the first in the Seychelles and Naladhu reliant on touch and IAM O Read more: off the mark. It’s offering private- Private Island in the Maldives. Lab’s COVID-19 NeuroArts http://lei.sr/I1B7y hire resort packages at its island O Read more: destinations in Mozambique, the http://lei.sr/5F7z4

24 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com New programmes address both staff and guest mental wellbeing Italian destination spa and hotel, Preidlhof, has reopened with new measures to support guests in dealing with any trauma resulting from months of lockdown. Bortolin uses psycho-aromatherapy in her approach The spa team has undergone intensified training with spa director Patrizia Bortolin, in conjunction with a professor of psychology, to prepare therapists for all reduce psychophysical stress through and loving-kindness; and bringing the potential psycho-dynamics, attitudes, heart rate analysis, psycho-aromatherapy, strength to personal missions. fears and reactions guests may have. laughter yoga and forest bathing. Group spa director Jeremy McCarthy says Bortolin says: “This will help them In a similar move, Mandarin it’s “designed to help our colleagues physically understand how to welcome, help and Oriental has created a four-week and emotionally… to help them come back at transform what is in the heart, body and mind course for colleagues across its 60 spas their best, ready to be of service to others.” of our guests after the global lockdown.” to boost their mental wellness. Mandarin Oriental is now working on In addition, the resort is offering The course is split into four modules: developing a similar course for guests. dedicated sessions with a trauma-healing body, mind and character; managing O Read more: http://lei.sr/i1q4U specialist and will work with guests to stress mindfully; self-compassion O http://lei.sr/3H0a4

The two-night, complimentary packages are a ‘thank you’ to medical staff

Aromatherapy Associates has developed a guestroom kit for its hotel spa partners

Spa experiences been crafted to ensure delivered in that hotel guests who hotel rooms are nervous about Aromatherapy venturing into the ‘Heal the healers’ at Sensei Hawaii Associates has spa are still able to Hawaiian community organisation, Pulama Lanai, launched four experience the luxury is gifting a limited number of wellness retreats touchless In-Room of a professional to healthcare professionals at Sensei Lāna‘i, A Wellbeing Experience wellbeing experience. Four Seasons Resort, on the island of Lāna‘i. kits for its hotel Christina Salcedas “We know our spas The Heroes Relaxation Retreat packages spa partners to offer. have done a magnificent are designed to thank Hawaiian medical staff The kits feature five products, job at ensuring their guests feel safe putting their lives at risk to help others during the presented alongside a beverage and to return through their doors,” says COVID-19 pandemic. They include a two-night digital how-to guides recorded by Christina Salcedas, global director stay, chartered flights, leisure activities and a therapists, so guests can administer of education and wellbeing, “but we US$600 (£485, €536) voucher to spend on wellbeing their own treatment in their own also understand there may be a few experiences or a deep dive into either performance space along with a wellbeing guide who are still reluctant to venture psychology, nutrition, yoga, fitness or meditation. to continue the treatment at home. as far as the spa. So, these In-Room Sensei, the wellness brand owned by tech billionaire, Treatments, focused on sleep, Experiences are a natural progression Larry Ellison, launched in November 2019 and calm/de-stress, recharge/revive and in our spa treatment portfolio.” is the first initiative under the recently launched a chance to ground/restore, have O Read more: http://lei.sr/3U9Q2 Sensei Well - Being brand (see SB19/4 p20). O Read more: http://lei.sr/R9K8s

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 25 http://www.spabusiness.com SPA PROGRAMMES Immune-boosting focus

A growing number of spas are revealing immune-boosting programmes as consumer interest in health prevention surges. So what’s on offer?

The scheme includes outdoor activities with TCM specialists and psychotherapeutic sessions

Lefay uses TCM to strengthen immunity

Lefay Resort & Spa Di Garda, an eco-spa therapy, for example, consists of 10 minutes Lefay has also devised The White Tiger resort in Italy, has reopened with a series of moxibustion focusing on the spleen and Path – an outdoor therapist-led routine focused of TCM-inspired experiences to increase pancreas, which provide the body with the ‘fuel’ on disciplines such as Zen meditation, qi gong and strengthen guests’ immune systems. for optimal functionality and a rebalancing and perception walking. With a starting price of The Nourishing Life Prevention scheme massage and starts at €90 (£81, US$102). €329 (£288, US$364), it also combines stress- involves a range of wellness experiences, Psychosomatic and psychotherapeutic relieving breathing sessions, a guided walk such as spa treatments, psychological consultations addressing the stress through the Energy Therapeutic Garden and a consultations and outdoor activities with of recent months last 50 minutes full body massage working on energy points. TCM specialists. The new Nutrire La Vita and cost €100 (£90, US$114). O Read more: http://lei.sr/Y6M0C

Lanserhof debuts COVID-19 programme Austria-based medical spa operator, connective tissue massages, cryotherapy, Lanserhof, unveiled a therapy respiratory and mitochondrial therapy, programme designed for people who’ve as well as oxygen therapy, nutritional been ill with COVID-19 in May. measures and sports science support. It uses a variety of modern medical tests According to Lanserhof: “Everything to assess guests’ immune system, internal in the programme is based on our organs, sleep activity, psyche and physical Lanserhof cure, in which the body is and mental fitness. This information is freed from unnecessary and disease- then used to create a tailored programme causing burdens”. Packages start at which includes therapy options such as IV around €7,750 (US$8,853, £7,072). infusions, lymph treatments, healing and O Read more: http://lei.sr/s4X1M Lanserhof takes a medical wellness approach

26 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com Clove and citrus peel extract in the oil protect against a range of bacterial cells and viruses

Anantara gives massages an immune-boosting edge Anantara has created a signature massage oil to support the body’s defence system which its rolling out across its 40 spas as they reopen. The new oil can be incorporated into Anantara’s signature massages and contains clove oil, bitter orange peel extract, eucalyptus oil and rosemary. Both clove oil and the orange extract are claimed to protect against a wide range of bacterial cells, fungi and viruses. Meanwhile eucalyptus and rosemary oil include natural inflammatory properties and immune system boosters which aid in creating white blood cells that combat pathogens and disease. during lockdown to reflect on what we could On creating the oil Zoe Wall, group director do to show that we’re just as serious about of MSpa, the corporate division of spa and their health as they are. While our guests will wellness for Anantara, says: “Even during still want to relax with a massage, our new Zoe Wall closure, our guests’ wellbeing was at the signature massage oil gives an extra boost.” forefront of our minds and we took some time O Read more: http://lei.sr/G9L2B

Sha reopened in late July

Daily therapeutic treatments are prescribed Sha teams up with NASA and Harvard Optimising health at Sangha Retreat Spanish medi-wellness facility, Sha Wellness Looking at how people are and use of infrared, along with PT, Clinic, collaborated with NASA and equipped to combat disease and pilates and aquatic stretching sessions Harvard to create new programmes and how they can strengthen their to relax and detoxify the body, allowing treatments for its reopening on 22 July. immune system is the key to a it to enter a rejuvenation phase. It’s combining medical treatments and new programme at the integrative Founder Fred Tsao says: “The natural therapies to “restore and stimulate wellness destination, Sangha Retreat purpose of the institute is to the body’s natural immunity, with the goal of by Octave Institute, in China. introduce a new cycle of living enabling the body to be in the best condition for Wellness and lifestyle consultations, that achieves mind, body and defeating threats to health and wellbeing.” along with scientific tests – ranging spiritual wellness. We’re now The dedicated immune-boosting regime from assessing posture to checking witnessing the onset of a new era forms just one part of Sha’s signature seven-day, metabolic function – determine the of consciousness and wellbeing.” €4,000 (US$4,480, £3,574) Rebalance programme strength of defence systems, both Sangha’s three-night programme and begins with an initial immunotherapy physically and mentally. Following this, starts from CNY19,100 (£2,195, consultation, lymph system profile, viral a range of daily prescribed therapeutic US$2,689, €2,458) per person and profile and energy health consultation. treatments, alongside a customised the six-night experience has a Participants then undergo two sessions of nutrition plan, will be selected. starting price of CNY32,700 (£3,757, infrared heat therapy, an optimal electromagnetic Services could include TCM and US$4,605, €4,209) per person. O balance session and an ozone therapy session. aromatherapy massages, acupuncture O Read more: http://lei.sr/W2k0q O Read more: http://lei.sr/F3V4x

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 27 http://www.spabusiness.com INTERVIEW

Lee Woon Hoe

While hotels the world over are postponing wellness plans to focus on their core business in the aftermath of the pandemic, Banyan Tree is forging ahead with a new Wellbeing Sanctuary. The group’s executive director of wellbeing tells Katie Barnes why

hen you go to most wellness retreats and destination spas, you typically have a consultation lasting W 30 minutes to an hour and you’re prescribed a range of activities that you’re expected to adhere to,” says Lee Woon Hoe, senior assistant vice president/executive director of wellbeing for Singapore-based Banyan Tree Holdings. “My fundamental belief is that you can’t diagnose or prescribe holistic wellbeing in 30 minutes. It has so many facets and means so many different things to different people.” It’s with this mindset that he’s been creating a new concept for the group with Ho Renyung, the daughter of Banyan Tree founder Ho Kwon Ping and brand vice president. The new concept, Banyan Tree Wellbeing Sanctuary, is based on ecotherapy, and guests staying in a Wellbeing Sanctuary villa pay a set rate that gives them access to up to 50 different types of wellness activities a week and a daily massage. The purpose is to encourage individuals to practice sustainable wellbeing and to discover the links between ‘self, others and nature’ with no hidden costs. It also enables Banyan Tree to target a much broader audience. The villas, in their first guise, quietly launched at the flagship Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand, in May 2018. Now, after continuous fine-tuning, the group is ready to officially welcome the concept with full fanfare and has at least three more The concept will broaden Banyan Tree’s market, says Lee Woon Hoe sites earmarked for its development.

28 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com Guests pay a set rate for a Wellbeing Sanctuary villa and get access to 50 different types of wellness activities

What we’ve gone through has made us reevaluate our lives and appreciate the importance of wellbeing

Spa differentiator puts each therapist through 650-hours of He’s been refining Wellbeing Sanctuary’s Spa has always been a part of the DNA training based on a stringent curriculum. offering ever since but plans to officially at Banyan Tree Group which celebrated Recently, it’s also relaunched its in-house launch it earlier this year were stalled due its 25th anniversary last year. The listed Banyan Tree Essentials range, a natural, to the global pandemic. As of late August company owns and/or manages 47 aromatherapy-based line which consists 40 out of Banyan Tree’s 60 spas had hotels and resorts worldwide across five of 100 products and a dedicated website. reopened and Lee expects most of them brands – Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Rolling out new hotels in China has been to be back up and running by Q4 2020 – Dhawa and Laguna – and the majority of a big focus for Banyan Tree over the past “although I am a perpetual optimist,” he these have spas. It also manages spas on a decade, but it’s maintained its wellness admits. Spas have had to adjust capacity third-party basis, bringing its total number focus and three years ago Ho approached due to local regulations, but as the of wellness operations to 60 to date. Lee to develop a fresh wellbeing concept. facilities are “generously large by industry Banyan Tree Spa has carved a name Lee was already familiar with Banyan Tree standards they can still, fortunately, for itself as a ‘sanctuary for the senses’ having operated its spas in the Middle East operate at almost the same level and with a holistic approach based on and north-east Asia for nearly seven years easily fulfil social distancing measures.” traditional Asian therapies and its from 2004. After a stint in teaching spa Lee adds: “COVID-19 has been a comprehensive hydrothermal facilities management at a polytechnic in Singapore life-changing experience for many and known as the Rainforest Experience. In and owning a gallery for contemporary it’s actually quite an opportune time 2001 it cemented its commitment by Buddhist art, he was recruited by Octave to for us to share what we’re trying to do. launching the Banyan Tree Spa Academy, develop the programming at Sangha, one of What we’ve gone through has made a dedicated teaching arm with locations China’s first wellness communities, before us reevaluate our lives and appreciate in Phuket, Thailand and Bintan, which Banyan Tree came knocking once more. the importance of one’s wellbeing.”

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 29 http://www.spabusiness.com INTERVIEW

Discovering wellbeing Guests pay around US$500 (€425, £383) a night to stay in one of the 23 Banyan Tree Wellbeing Sanctuary villas in Phuket. That’s a 15-30 per cent premium depending on season and location. Included in this price is a daily massage – “spa is a Over the next 12 months, critical component, we’re building on villa pools will be converted our foundation as a known wellbeing into ﬂoatation experiences leader,” says Lee – and the option to try 50 different types of wellness activities, or 80 classes, a week. These range from more typical sessions such as yoga, pilates and talks on nutrition to less conventional things like gratitude meditation and conscious grounding (forest bathing and breathing by the ocean), which reflect Wellbeing Sanctuary’s philosophy of the intertwining of self, others and nature. “We’re also going to place a greater emphasis on mental wellbeing in response to the pandemic,” adds Lee, “with classes that focus on self-introspection and being aware of your emotions. I think this is the first step towards a journey of recovery and greater elevation. “This year, we built a space called the White Room, which provides a sanctuary for a sensory detox and we’re now developing a range of floatation experiences for our

villas which we’ve found can be highly calming for the mind. We’ll launch these in Phuket towards the end of this year and roll them out over the next 12 months.” The key is to help The key intention behind Wellbeing Sanctuary, says Lee, is to “help people people discover the discover the many components of many components wellbeing”. Not just physical, mental and social wellness, but things like gratitude, of wellbeing forgiveness and compassion. “We weave in a lot of activities and experiences which you probably don’t find in your daily life,” he says. And it’s not prescriptive. While tailored programmes can be put together if guests want, the starting point is to give them the freedom to pick and choose activities – at no extra cost. “We made a very conscious decision to make the activities complimentary to build a sense of trust,” says Lee, explaining that people are more likely to try something different if they’re not worried about hidden charges. This approach enables Banyan Tree to target a much broader market. Not just The White Room provides a primary wellness travellers (those who sanctuary for sensory detox choose a resort specifically for their health) but also secondary wellness travellers,

30 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com Wellbeing Sanctuary villas are 15-30 per cent more expensive but are the strongest selling room category in Phuket

(those who experience wellness as part excited about is that guests are, indeed, of their trip) – a less catered-to group trying new things. “In their daily life, men which actually makes up 84 per cent of would generally workout at the gym, but wellness tourists, according to research here they’re willing to try yoga because from the Global Wellness Institute. it’s in an intimate, safe setting where “We have different offerings from places they’re not worried about doing well. likes Sha and Chiva-Som,” explains Lee. “We’re really interested to find that “They’re highly established and the people people aren’t just trying out fitness who go there are very clear about what they classes. Traditional favourites such as want. The market is wide and our product yoga are popular, but other popular caters to those who are in the early stages activities include posture alignment, of developing and exploring wellbeing.” balance tuning and grounding exercises.” Banyan Tree is also noticing a broader Concept rolllout spectrum of guests. Exactly what the So far, Lee is heartened with how the concept was developed for. “It’s not about concept has been received. The occupancy people staying in a pool villa with their of Wellbeing Sanctuary villas sits at an friends or those on a romantic break,” says average of 65-75 per cent, making them the Lee. “Mothers and sons are coming for strongest room category at Banyan Tree retreats, couples are coming to discover Phuket. The average length of stay is three wellbeing. We even have medical doctors. nights for Asians and at least six nights There’s no set age or demographic, but for guests coming from the US/Europe. the common thread is that people are Typically, guests try out 2.5 activities looking to live well, to live better.” a day – one in the morning, one in the It’s a strong start for Lee who’s actively Spa has always been a afternoon, plus the daily massage – “it’s pitching the concept to hotel owners. part of Banyan Tree’s DNA a nice balance between discovery and “Owners are excited with our proposal. The and what sets it apart relaxation,” says Lee. But, what he’s most market is saturated right now and what

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 31 http://www.spabusiness.com INTERVIEW I’m very fortunate to be in an organisation which supports leadership roles which look at not just taking care of guests, but also the wellbeing of associates

Lee is rolling out a Wellbeing Index to help the group’s 10,000 employees worldwide

we’re suggesting can really differentiate as a form to assess the lifestyle of our squarely on guestrooms once more. It’s them. It’s unique, but not high-niche or guests, but we believe this should be an understandable move given the huge out of reach, and it also makes financial extended to our team,” explains Lee. hit the hospitality and travel industry sense.” To this end, he says COVID-19 The index is a set of 64 questions has taken, but a short-sighted one. By has not had an impact on the rollout of which reviews lifestyle practices based sticking to its wellbeing plans, Banyan Wellbeing Sanctuary villas. Ongoing around Banyan Tree’s eight pillars of Tree looks set to be in an even stronger discussions are still happening with three wellbeing. For example, do you meditate position when the market does recover. new properties, one of which will open in regularly? Do you minimise blue light Lee shares his feelings of how COVID-19 China in early 2022 and another which is before you sleep? Do you have colourful will impact the spa industry in general. outside Asia. “Owners can see it’s a product vegetables on your plate? After associates “In the short-term, I think the business with tremendous potential and they want at a property fill in the details, Banyan impact will be quite severe, given the to push on with it for when people do come Tree will then accumulate the results to close contact between therapist and back,” says Lee, adding that the number pinpoint overall trends, strengths and guest. But in the long-run, the need of rooms will be around the same number weaknesses in employee wellbeing and for touch, for human connection and they have in Phuket and certainly no more work with the hotel’s management team to the desire to live better is timeless.” than 60 keys – “it’s not in our interest suggest appropriate guidelines, training He concludes: “My hope for the to go too large because classes will be and activities to address any issues. Wellbeing Sanctuary programme is to too big and there will be inhibitions.” Lee’s already trialled the index at three help more people live a healthier and more properties this year and is planning to fulfilling life. I’m just really fortunate that Employee focus launch it on a group-wide level by 2021. I’m with a company with very supportive Recently, Banyan Tree launched a tele- “I’m very fortunate to be in an organisation management which shares that same therapy service for associates, giving which supports leadership roles which vision. Can you imagine the impact that its staff access to private sessions with look at not just taking care of guests, but the Wellbeing Index will have for 10,000 external wellbeing practitioners to manage also the wellbeing of associates,” says Lee. associates worldwide and their families? their stress and mental wellbeing during The group’s approach mirrors that It’s surreal for me. Such an opportunity. such a difficult time. This dovetails with of other international chains which are And I feel so grateful and privileged.”O another project Lee is heading up – the firmly staking a claim in the wellness hotel rollout of an Organisational Wellbeing bracket. Yet, many of these competitors Index. Not just in spas, but across have now taken a big step back following Katie Barnes is the editor the whole company, which amounts COVID-19 and are cutting out those of Spa Business magazine to 10,000 employees worldwide. “We in wellness leadership roles – and Q katiebarnes@ spabusiness.com initially developed the Wellbeing Index sometimes whole departments – to focus

32 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com http://www.spabusiness.com FITNESSOPINION For more on this subject, please see our expanded section on Spa Design 2030 in the 2021 Spa Business Handbook, due out later this year OCULUS DESERT LODGE BY AIDIA STUDIO

Now is the time to embrace biophilic design, such as Aidia Studio’s catcus inspired hospitality pod

Ask an expert… Spa design 2030 COVID-19 is going to act as a catalyst for innovation in spa design, both immediately and in years to come. Experts give their predictions about pandemic-proof models

OVID-19 has changed our industry – and now been accelerated as we try to get a grip on our world – in myriad ways. Across the the best way to do business moving forward. globe, spas are scrambling to keep up with And as scientists warn us that even after Cnew rules and regulations on hygiene and a vaccine for COVID-19, there are sure to be protocols as they slowly begin to reopen in more diseases on the horizon, we wonder – what the midst of an ongoing pandemic. Social distancing, is the ultimate pandemic-proof business cleanliness and health and safety guidelines are model for spas? How do you design for a at the top of everyone’s mind right now, but what world in which so much remains uncertain and about the future of spa design beyond that? unknown? We reached out to some of the top How is what we’re facing now going to change names in spa design to get their thoughts. innovation in the future? From new surfaces

and materials to advances in technology, a Jane Kitchen is a consulting editor for renewed focus on clean air and circulation, and Spa Business magazine, and the editor an emphasis on biophilic design – many of these of the annual Spa Business Handbook Q [email protected] things were trends already in the making, but have

34 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com Matteo Thun founder, Matteo Thun & Partners

tringent hygiene and Immune-boosting features will become a Sgenerous space will be a top priority for focal point... Virtuality will direct our lives interior spa design. Besides private treatment rooms, the and we’ll use technology to do most

PHOTO: ©NACHO ALEGRE ©NACHO PHOTO: layout of high-traffic social spaces will be revisited in things we used to do in person terms of proportions that allow for social distancing and an and flexibility resulting from humane atmosphere will intuitive access to sanitisers it, with thermo scanners, and can be easily conveyed and wash basins throughout touch-free doors and surfaces, through natural materials, lush the design. The size, location sanitised air conditioning indoor air purifying greenery and ventilation of spaces will superfoods in F&B packages units, more indoor greenery, and of course, timelessness. become critical considerations in hotels. Virtuality will direct sealed flooring, walls and in keeping guests safe and our lives, and we will use ceilings, and so much more. Q Known for his wellbeing healthy, with state-of-the-art air technology to do most things In the current and future approach, Matteo Thun set up purifiers integrated into and we used to do in person. scenario, the focus on one’s his architecture and design hidden within the architecture. We must now bring in safety- inner self will be of high studio in 1984. The Milan-based Immune-boosting features conscious procedures that will importance in order to firm works internationally will become a focal point, and involve modifying layouts to nurture and stimulate inner in hospitality, healthcare, we’ll see the introduction of include personal distancing peace rather than social residential, office and retail innovative treatments and and the need for modularity interactions. A warm and sectors. www.matteothun.com

Claire Way managing director, Spa Strategy

e’re at the Material finishes will be sought from Wbeginning of a new juncture of disease the medical field – think antimicrobial and design, where confidence controls what kind of space copper-laced flooring and silver we want to be in. Physical spacing and sanitisation will compounds with antiviral properties drive the design of wellness spaces moving forward. innovation could take; sugar, Finally, there’s been much Where development budgets long seen as the enemy in talk about biophilic design and once allocated more to the wellness, could provide a moving towards an integrated aesthetics of the space and non-toxic antiviral solution. wellness offering throughout less to how the mechanics Adoption of technologies the hotel, spa and exterior of it could improve health, as copper-laced flooring and such as RFID-activated doors spaces. Now is the time to in a post-COVID-19 world, the use of silver compounds and lockers, sensor-activated embrace this movement. Spa these less visually appealing will continue to inspire new taps and hand dryers, and voice- design of the future needs items will demand a larger innovations that also offer activated lighting will become to be more adaptive and slice of the budget. antiviral properties. One standard. Carpets and window resilient to ensure the business HVAC systems with such potential development coverings will be eliminated model can accommodate individual controls that ensure from Manchester University in favour of hard surfaces that the unknowns before us. air is separate from other in the UK uses sugar to are easy to clean. And gender- rooms will become the norm, create a broad-spectrum specific hydrothermal spaces in Q Claire Way leads Spa limiting cross contamination. virucidal antiviral. This is the changing rooms will give Strategy’s extensive work Innovation in material finishes currently being considered way to larger, co-ed areas that in the strategic planning, will be sought from the medical as an ingestible or topical move guests into a space that programming and field, where developments in application, but who allows for easier management design of spas worldwide. antimicrobial surfaces such knows what direction this of physical spacing. www.spastrategy.net

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 35 http://www.spabusiness.com FITNESSOPINION

Diana F Mestre owner, Mestre & Mestre Spa & Wellness Consulting

ntological design Spa design will incorporate a myriad Ois a concept that describes the of elements impacted by technological circularity or feedback loops inherent in the way we design advancements, sustainability, the our lives. We shape the world and spaces we inhabit and they, science of longevity and life extension in turn, mould us, changing our behaviour and lifestyle. In multisensory experience However, in spite of all other words, what we design is spaces based more the future technological designing us back. We mirror on psychological and advancements, it’s vital to the environment we create, and advanced antimicrobial physiological responses remember that we need the our ethical responsibility is to materials, including antiviral to stimuli, such as neuro- connection to others, to create future structures that coatings and surfaces. It will dreaming and mind-renewal nature, and to ourselves in will improve our existence. incorporate water quality, hubs. There will be an order to thrive. Creating safe Based on this, the outlook biophilic design and flexible increased interest in genomics wellness spaces where we can in spa design will incorporate outdoor spaces that allow and DNA analysis and nurture these connections a myriad of elements reconnection with nature. personalised programmes remains at the foundation impacted by technological Design must be enhanced by created to improve health, of future wellness design. advancements, sustainability, sustainable, energy-efficient nutrition, and fitness. Quantum the science of longevity and strategies like solar and rooms, where noninvasive Q Diana F Mestre has more life extension. Such design geothermal technology and magnetic resonance diagnosis than 35 years of experience will respond to the need for botanical herbal spa gardens. brings the latest technology to in the development of spa better ventilation, improved We will also see spatial repair and renew the body, will and wellness projects. www. oxygen-infused airflow and reconfiguration and be seen in more and more spas. mestre-spa-mestre.com

Josephine Leung group director of design & development, GOCO Hospitality

OVID-19 has already Resilient design allows spaces of Cforced a shift in what we find important in all kinds to be adaptable in even spa design. As guests become acutely aware of health, safety the most unforeseen circumstances and cleanliness, the spa must adapt to fulfil these needs. between necessary changes movement that we like to call Resilient design, a concept that and overcompensation. resilient wellness. Whether the will one day be as common Interior fittings and furniture future needs more privacy or as universal design is today, coverings will need to be our pent-up need for intimacy allows spaces of all kinds to easy enough to clean, or even and community flourishes, the be adaptable in even the most self-cleaning. In the near future, spas of the future will need unforeseen circumstances. Through wearable tech, in-room UV light fixtures that to be designed in a resilient In the wake of the pandemic, digital integrations with sterilise entire spa suites and way that allows for both I see spas and wellness smart building management touchless processes, from eventualities, individually destinations utilising design systems will be used to opening doors to checking-in, and simultaneously. O and technology in new and enhance the wellness will become standard. innovative ways to create experience, adjusting lighting, We’re already working QJosephine Leung works guest journeys that are focused temperature, music and on several projects that on concept creation, more on health and immunity aromas to synchronise with incorporate resilient, master planning, strategy, enhancement, and performed the physical state of the guest. sustainable design to create programming and technical in guest-centric spa treatment When it comes to cleanliness unique and adaptable wellness services for GOCO’s spa suites, where therapists and through design, spas will spaces that I believe will be and wellness projects. treatments come to them. need to walk a thin line the precursor to a new design www.gocohospitality.com

36 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com http://www.spabusiness.com PROMOTION

Natural light and rich materials give the gym a dramatic and dynamic mood Trendsetting

Design specialists, The Wellness, worked with in-house engineers for Jumeirah to create a state-of-the-art gym for Talise Fitness at the Jumeirah Al Naseem in Dubai

hat’s unique about this project “The main approach behind this boutique is that we thought of all gym is to highlight the correlation between aspects in parallel, the fitness fitness and the recovery process, so guests experience, the equipment can learn the importance of recovery – the W and the interior design,” says different methods that can be used, and how Mohammed Ibrahim, CEO of it affects the continuity of training routines.” The Wellness. “It’s almost as though we felt “This is a trendsetting approach to the pulse of the space while we were designing fitness,” he says, “where the fitness floor it – as though we were training in it.” contains all the training elements for a Guests staying at the Jumeirah Al complete workout experience, but with a Naseem resort have full access to the Talise focus on recovery – people always forget Fitness facilities, which are equipped with about how important this process is. strength training, free-weights, cardio and stretching, with areas dedicated to modular Beautiful location training and group exercise classes. “The location also had a huge impact on The Wellness also introduced unique how we designed the space,” he says, “the cardio machines which take training and natural surroundings and extraordinary coordination into a total different level. light are the unique accents that give the Other facilities include changing pods with space its flawless beauty and warmth.” lockers, vanity areas, showers and a sauna, which Using materials such as wood, leather The Wellness CEO, is used as part of the recovery programme. and matt gold accents, The Wellness Mohammed Ibrahim This focus on recovery, is one of the things created an impression of luxury and style that makes the gym special, as Ibrahim explains: throughout the 430sq m facility, while the

38 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com PHOTOS: MARCO MAXIMUS

The natural surroundings and extraordinary light are the unique accents that give the space its ﬂawless beauty and warmth

The Wellness designed the whole experience, including the relaxation areas

natural light and rich materials give the gym a dramatic and dynamic mood. “We maximised the space by using the whole workout floor as one big active area,” says Ibrahim. “Adding a fitness walk helped divide the space into different training zones, while still giving the impression that it’s all one big fitness arena. “But it’s not only about designing a space, it’s also about designing the whole experience,” says Ibrahim. “Thinking through where people wil train, where they’ll relax and picturing each and every moment. I walked down this fitness walk a million times before it ever existed. Visualisting in this kind of detail leaves you confident that the design outcomes and impression you will leave behind will affect the user in the most positive ways possible. O

DUBAI - HONG KONG - SINGAPORE Find out more: www.thewellness.ae

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 39 http://www.spabusiness.com RESEARCH

Manner of speaking

ISPA’s latest study reveals consumer attitudes to pay attention to in the aftermath of COVID-19. Josh Corman picks out key details

s restrictions limiting travel the study, which surveyed more than a When it came to approximating their and gatherings slowly ease, thousand people in the US, highlights spa routines at home, however, spa-goers businesses – including spas consumer attitudes toward visiting revealed a mix of habits. While 58 per – are beginning to reopen. reopened spas (75 per cent of respondents cent claimed that they were maintaining Likewise, consumers are were spa-goers and 25 per cent were at-home skincare regimens and 50 per returning to the routines that non-spa-goers). It also looked at their cent were performing nail services A COVID-19 disrupted. However, broader expectations for and concerns themselves, only 22 per cent were to what extent and at what pace consumers about returning to “normal life” after attempting massage (74 per cent said they will return to spas is less certain. After pandemic-related restrictions are lifted. were going without). Just 31 per cent were all, many reopened facilities will only be undertaking their own hair services (63 able to serve a limited number of guests, HEIGHTENED WELLBEING per cent said they were going without). and stringent sanitation and physical When the study was conducted in April, For some consumers, purchasing habits distancing protocols will likely remain in 90 per cent of respondents said they related to personal care also shifted place for a while. Will at-home treatments were only leaving the house to perform during the pandemic. Twenty-two per replace the spa-going experience for vital tasks such as grocery shopping. cent of respondents, for example, noted some? Will guests baulk at the idea of During this period of isolation, substantial that they were spending less money receiving treatments where distancing portions of those surveyed said they were on skincare products and 31 per cent isn’t possible? How attentive will they be eating more healthily (41 per cent), getting were spending less on nail polish. to spa sanitation and hygiene policies? more exercise (40 per cent) and doing Those are just a few of the questions more to look after their mental wellbeing PENT-UP DEMAND that a recent International Spa Association (55 per cent). Given the many stresses of This combination of a heightened attention (ISPA) Consumer Snapshot study life during the COVID-19 crisis, it may be to physical and mental wellbeing and some attempted to answer. Conducted in unsurprising that respondents reported attempts to keep up with spa routines tandem with PricewaterhouseCoopers, increased attention to their own wellbeing. suggests that these services remained

Table 1

Once the coronavirus situation improves and businesses reopen, how nervous are you about doing any of the following?

Not nervous A little nervous Very nervous Lingering concerns Attending a work-related conference/convention 28% 42% 30% about COVID-19 may Getting a nail service (eg manicure/pedicure) 31% 44% 25% Getting a haircut at a salon 37% 46% 17% delay the return of Participating in a group fitness class/activity 27% 44% 28% a significant portion Visiting a spa 28% 47% 25% Eating out in a restaurant 27% 51% 23% of spa-goers beyond Going to a shopping mall 27% 47% 27% the earliest stages Visiting family or friends 48% 39% 13% Taking a flight 19% 43% 38% of reopening

Source: ISPA Consumer Snapshot Volume X, May 2020

40 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com Northern Quest Resort has maintained revenues by only offering high proﬁt services

in high demand, regardless of whether the return of a significant portion of respondents had access to professional spa-goers beyond the earliest stages of service providers. As spas in the US have Average call times reopening. However, because of occupancy begun to reopen in recent months, the went from three to restrictions and the resultant reduction suspicion that this pent-up demand would of available appointments at many result in a bookings boom has been borne nine minutes... spas spas, such a delay may not be readily out, at least anecdotally. Respondents apparent for some time, if it occurs at all. to ISPA’s June Snapshot Survey (a should consider more informal trends survey collecting hiring or assigning REOPENING ADVICE real-time feedback) noted that consumer Unfortunately for spas attempting to response to their reopening efforts has additional staff to forecast revenues and set budgets, this been positive. Ninety-three per cent of field such enquiries sort of uncertainty may well linger for those questioned labelled guest response the foreseeable future. In part, that’s to reopening as “favourable” or “highly because the behaviours consumers favourable,” while 76 per cent reported that anticipate adopting and the behaviours the volume of bookings at their spas had to visit a spa. These totals compare they ultimately exhibit are not likely fallen into one of those two categories. favourably to the nervousness respondents to align perfectly. The extraordinary Concerns remain, however, that this high expressed regarding other public activities. steps – including heightened sanitation demand for services could give way to For example, 38 per cent of respondents standards and extensive use of PPE – that more modest demand following an initial said they would be very nervous to take many spas have taken to reassure their surge of especially eager guests. When a flight, while 27 per cent would be very guests may prove key in reducing the respondents were asked how nervous they nervous to go to a shopping mall and 23 nervousness mentioned above. To that would be to visit a spa once they reopen, per cent very nervous to eat at a restaurant. end, spas should be prepared to educate 28 per cent said they would not be nervous Though it’s impossible to know exactly guests on any new policies or operating at all and nearly half (47 per cent) said how those attitudes will translate to procedures and to answer their questions. they would be a little nervous (see Graph real-world behaviours, the balanced According to ISPA’s study, this 1). A quarter of respondents, meanwhile, responses suggest that lingering information will almost certainly be in claimed that they would be very nervous concerns about COVID-19 may delay high demand: only 15 per cent of spa-goers

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 41 http://www.spabusiness.com RESEARCH

By leveraging relationships with vendors, Trilogy Spa Holdings was able to retail products even though spas were closed

said they would be unlikely to ask about or seek out a spa’s sanitation and hygiene practices, while 60 per cent said they would be likely to do so. During a series At Nemacolin Woods booking of virtual Town Hall events hosted by calls have become ‘education ISPA in June and July, panellist Katlyn sessions’ on new policies Hatcher of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Pennsylvania noted that reservation calls often “became an education session on COVID-19 and [our] new processes.” by first guiding guests towards its app the spa has managed 80 per cent of While other operators said “average call developed by Zenoti, while Shane Bird revenues for the same period a year times went from three to nine minutes”, from Turning Stone says online forms, ago. Garrett Mersberger at Blue Harbor suggesting spas should consider hiring or created in collaboration with Book4time, Resort says a number of its therapists assigning additional staff to field calls. helped ease physical check-in pressures. have been more flexible with working The Town Hall series also highlighted To help keep revenues up while hours which has helped it to treat more the benefits of technology partners (see operating at reduced capacity, Yvonne guests than expected in its restrictive p86 for more in-depth examples) and some Smith from Northern Quest Resort used Thursday to Sunday opening period. key advice on getting creative to keep ResortSuite’s yielding tool to work out In other advice, Brennan Evans of up revenues. Mario Tricoci salons took which treatments offered the highest Trilogy Spa Holdings says it’s had good pressure off its call systems, for example, profits – by only offering those services results with group deal sites such as Groupon (while paying strict attention About two-thirds of people plan to spend at least to yield) and by leveraging relationships with vendors such as Naturopathica, the same amount of money as usual on spa services, FarmHouse Fresh, NuFace and Babor which enabled it to make retail sales while 16% actually expect to spend more even when those spas were closed. Also encouraging for spas is this final Table 2 piece of data from ISPA’s Consumer Snapshot: when spa-goers return, about Once the coronavirus pandemic ends, do you expect to spend two-thirds plan to spend at least the more, less or the same amount on the following activities? same amount of money as usual on spa services, while 16 per cent actually expect I expect to I’ll spend the I expect to to spend more than they did prior to the spend more same as usual spend less pandemic’s arrival (see Graph 2). For an Online shopping 18% 64% 19% industry eager to rebound from such a Shopping in stores 25% 58% 17% financially uncertain and trying time, hopes will be high that those figures bear Beauty products 13% 71% 15% out once the doors are open again.O Spas 16% 65% 19% Q To download a full copy of ISPA’s Salon services 17% 70% 13% Consumer Snapshot Volume X study, Fitness centre/gym 22% 64% 14% visit www.experienceispa.com Travel 31% 51% 18% Leisure activities 28% 61% 12% Josh Corman is a director of Eating out 31% 51% 17% education and research at ISPA Q [email protected] Source: ISPA Consumer Snapshot Volume X, May 2020

42 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com Sustainability InnovationSatisfaction Quality

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

Sauna, spa and wellness technology: Techno- logy for experience showers, saunas, hammam, Kemitron is a manufacturer of high-quality products steam baths and rhassoul, dosage systems, for the spa, sauna, and wellness market s (technology, inhalation systems, light technology fragrances, cleaners, cosmetic). The company’s focus is on best quality and workmanship. All items are “made in Germany”. Kemitron’s products are sold on the international spa Cleaner / conditioner for sauna, spa and wellness and wellness market and can be purchased via our facilities. Disinfectant and cleaner for whirlpools webshop on our homepage. www.kemitron.com and Jacuzzis

! ! http://www.spabusiness.com RESEARCH REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES O To access the UK government COVID-safety guidelines for close contact services – including spas – click here: http://lei.sr/y5D1F O Read the UK Spa Association’s COVID-19 Reopening Guidelines: http://lei.sr/5b2x9 NEW PERSPECTIVES

Surveys from the UK Spa Association and Good Spa Guide gave the country’s operators valuable industry and consumer insights. We examine how they’re helping spas to reopen in a much-changed, post-lockdown world

fter nearly four frustrating Returning to spas months, spas across the UK The good news is that there are strong were legally allowed to reopen indications that the UK will experience on 13 July – a positive move the same trend for pent-up spa demand for the nation’s 3,500-plus that’s happening elsewhere in the world facilities that make up the where phones are ringing off the hook. In seventh largest spa market its CV-19 Spa Report, based on a survey of A Good Spa Guide in the world (according to the 2018 5,000 spa-goers in May, the Global Wellness Economy Monitor). found that people said they’ll go back to As operators prepare to embrace spas as soon as they reopen (48 per cent) customers once more, they do so in a or within a couple of months (36 per cent). much different landscape. In anticipation The core market, aged 46-60, are Expect a spa boom of this, two respected organisations reportedly the most confident to return once lockdown eases – the UK Spa Association (UKSA) and and overall 6 per cent of respondents spa-goer-focused Good Spa Guide (see plan to visit more regularly than before. Daphne Metland, Good Spa Guide p46) – co-ordinated efforts to canvass both Furthermore, 80 per cent of people expect industry and consumer expectations to to spend the same amount of money or eases; people haven’t been able to treat get a clearer idea of the lay of the land. more, than they did before the pandemic. themselves for a long time and now Spa Business has analysed the findings Daphne Metland, Good Spa Guide more than ever we’re reminded that we to pinpoint the potential challenges director and behavioural specialist, says: must look after our own wellbeing. and opportunities that lie ahead. “Expect a spa boom once lockdown “After 9/11, spa bookings increased dramatically. Many people who thought they would get around to booking a spa trip ‘some time’ suddenly realised the future was uncertain. I think we’re seeing the same effect here and will see spa bookings increase later in the year.” Taking heed of these findings, 54 per cent of spas were looking to open as soon as government guidelines allowed, according to the UKSA’s What’s Next for Wellness? survey which was based on the views of 380 operators, consultants, therapists and suppliers in May. However, only 13 per cent of all industry respondents anticipated opening in full and were expecting lower occupancy levels. Twenty-two per cent of spas felt they’d run at 26-50 per cent occupancy, 14 per cent predicted 51-75 per cent The Spa at Carden Park occupancy, 12 per cent expected 0-25 per reopened on 25 July cent occupancy, while only 2 per cent and has put extensive predicted 76-100 per cent occupancy. safety measures in place http://www.spabusiness.com Sopwell House is offering private spa experiences in its suites for those who are wary of more communal spaces

COVID-safe spaces GRAPH 1 What actions should spas be considering in light of COVID-19?* With nation-wide social distancing measures in place, the majority of UK Visible signage outlining sanitation/hygiene procedures 229 spa-goers believe spas offer a safe Contactless payment 250 environment and only 13 per cent of Good Spa Guide survey respondents Phased re-opening 220 were apprehensive about going to a spa. Limiting footfall 221 Yet, they did expect adequate protocols Restricted use of communal spaces 230 and 82 per cent of people said they want Plexiglass at suitable locations 116 to know about a spa’s hygiene policy Maximum group size 216 in advance. Many expect that policy to Restricted access to changing rooms 175 include regular testing of staff and a limit on the number of guests in the spa. Adjustments to cancellation policies 145 Metland says: “Following the pandemic, Updated T&Cs in relation to COVID-19 244 we’ll all need more privacy. Timed use Limiting footfall 193 of facilities, screens in relaxation rooms, Changing room access and usage 174 and more private areas will become the norm, so spas with private areas will *Source: UK Spa Association’s What’s Next for Wellness? survey, May 2020 win customers, as will smaller spas that can be booked by friends and families place (see Graph 1). When asked ‘What The UKSA, which was involved with who want a private experience.” actions should spas be considering in governmental conversations during the Overall, consumers want therapists to light of COVID-19?’ the most popular process, published its own more spa- wear PPE such as a mask, gloves and a suggestions were contactless payments, specific COVID-19 Reopening Guidelines disposable apron, while a smaller group updated terms and conditions in relation a day after that and can be read in detail suggested therapists should wear full-face to COVID-19, restricted use of communal using this link: http://lei.sr/5b2x9 . They protection such as a visor. Nearly every spaces, visible hygiene signage, limiting feature advice about managing risk of spa-goer surveyed (98 per cent) would be footfall and phased reopening. infection, returning to the workplace, happy to have their temperature checked After an urgent call for official reopening PPE, social-distancing, cleaning and on arrival, followed by some respondents rules, the UK government finally published equipment, as well as information on how explaining they’d expect to re-book their its recommendations – ‘Keeping workers to approach treatments and handling spa day at no cost if they were barred entry. and clients safe during COVID19 in close treatment room sanitisation. There’s also The UKSA survey shows that spas contact services’ – on 23 June. To view the guidance on reopening pools and thermal are putting a number of measures in document see here: http://lei.sr/y5D1F . areas, managing retail, laundry procedures,

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 45 http://www.spabusiness.com RESEARCH Expect to see spas, such as Rudding Park, ramp up their outdoor packages and facilities

bookings and handling marketing and communication during reopening. At the time of going to press, facials are allowed but therapists must wear a visor and face mask. Pools can also reopen, but saunas and steamrooms must remain closed until further notice. UKSA chair Adam Chatterley says: “We all know spas already have rigorous hygiene procedures and ever since lockdown, they’ve been working hard to prepare as best they can to start welcoming people back. But they’ve been ‘flying blind’ to some degree. “Finally having guidelines from the government allows spas to assess their own efforts and make any adjustments where necessary – and in most cases their preparations far exceed what’s been laid ABOUT THE SURVEYS down in the government’s document.” The UK Spa Association is a leading What’s on the menu? trade body and authority with So, as spas in the UK begin to reopen, 500-plus members and partners how will they adapt their offerings? across the country’s spa, salon and According to the Good Spa Guide, only wellness sector. Its What’s Next For half of spa-goers say they will be happy Wellness? survey was conducted in having a facial or eye treatment, while May and received 380 responses In most cases the 60 per cent would be comfortable with from a combination of operators, a massage and 69 per cent would opt consultants, therapists and suppliers. preparations made by for beauty services like manicures. The Good Spa Guide, a directory spas far exceed what’s Moreover, the UKSA survey shows that of the best spas in the UK and 38 per cent of operators plan to restrict Ireland, revealed its CV-19 Spa been laid down in the the use of thermal facilities once they Report in early June. It was based on government’s document are allowed to reopen and 22 per cent an online survey of 5,000 spa-goers. are planning a phased reopening of pool Adam Chatterley, UKSA areas, with restricted usage also. This again aligns with spa-goer feelings, as only to spend the same money as before. The “The survey shows that spas have got to 44 per cent said they’d feel happy using organisation sees huge potential for the consider making more use of the outdoors thermal facilities after the pandemic. industry to establish itself as a platform with new facilities such as gardens, In response to the findings, the UKSA from which to educate the consumer rooftop spas, woodland walks and even says the spa industry may have to get with regard to their physical and mental treatments in private cabins outside.” creative in how they encourage clients health and wellbeing and is encouraging Other popular requests included members to embrace this opportunity. two- to three-night wellness breaks GRAPH 2 What other experiences Yet, spa consumers do not agree – no especially those focusing on sleep retreats Good Spa Guide would you like to see spas respondents from the and nutrition, ‘connection classes’ to oﬀer post-lockdown?* survey said they would want mental help people reconnect after lockdown wellbeing sessions (see Graph 2). and online follow-up consultations. 80% Instead, when the Good Spa Guide asked Chatterley concludes: “Spa usage is 70% spa-goers what new offerings they’d like going to shift fundamentally when we 60% to see, the most popular suggestion was start to reopen and people understand 50% a ramping up of outdoor spa facilities, as the relaxing possibilities spas offer in a 40% nearly two-thirds of the sample set said controlled, safe, hygienic environment. 30% they’d feel happier using spa areas outside. “No longer will a visit to a spa be seen 20% Metland says: “We’re going to see only as a special treat or something 10% more use of outdoor space at spas to do with friends. People will start to 0% because meeting others outside has use them more frequently, with friends

2-3 day retreats yoga lessons become the norm during lockdown, and and also on their own as working from due to scientific evidence supporting home and flexible working hours, set wellness classes beauty classes that the outdoors is safer, in terms to increase post lockdown, allow them *Source: Good Spa Guide’s CV-19 Spa Report, May 2020 of risking COVID transmission. more time to focus on themselves.” O

46 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com http://www.spabusiness.com PROMOTION

Specialised touchless treatments allow spas to offer clients exceptional experiences while still

delivering on strict hygiene The Gharieni CELLISS regulations, maximising the uses aspiration and percussion to treat experience for the guest hips and thighs and profit for the spa THE power OF touchless Spa and wellness innovator, Sammy Gharieni, reveals how his on-trend products are perfect for delivering high-value touchless treatments

ven before the pandemic, one of the biggest “If we understand a spa visit as a holistic wellness challenges facing wellness operators was experience,” says Gharieni, “there are not many finding therapists with the necessary differences in service between a hands-on skills and knowledge to ensure treatment and a touchless treatment – guests consistent quality of treatments. can still be pampered and enjoy their spa E Now, with new touchless time, it’s just the treatment that’s different. technology from Gharieni, “The quality of the treatment is not it’s possible to offer a high standard of worse – to the contrary, all our touchless treatments at all times, with the added technologies are made of the highest benefit of these being COVID-19 compliant. quality materials and deliver consistently While therapists must be fully available high-quality treatments,” he says. for clients during normal treatments, touchless technology reduces service time, so several Sammy Gharieni Smart add-ons clients can be served by one therapist at once, “Our philosophy has always been to integrate technologies according to CEO and founder of Gharieni Group, Sammy that relieve therapists and turn simple treatments into Gharieni, who believes touchless has huge potential an experience, through smart add-ons,” he says. “Many to drive the success of spa and wellness businesses. of our innovations can be used on a touchless basis or in “Specialised touchless treatments allow spas to offer conjunction with an intervention from a therapist, or both. exceptional experiences while still delivering on strict “For example, you can combine a manicure or pedicure hygiene regulations,” he says, “Touchless maximises with lying on the Spa.Wave System, or if the MLX i3Dome the experience for the guest and the profit for the spa. is used as a pure Infrared treatment without the PLT device on the head section, it can be combined with a facial. Developing a hybrid model “The PLT device can be used as a stand-alone “Another great opportunity is combining touchless (even without the iDome) on any spa table and can be applications with traditional treatments, such as combined with treatments for the legs or upper body. facials, pedicures and manicures,” he explains. “The possibilities are endless,” says Gharieni, “This allows operators to develop their own “and give each spa the scope to develop their own protocols, add more interesting treatments to the signature treatments to make their spa menu more menu and differentiate themselves from other interesting and raise their earnings per hour.” operators. It also increases earnings per hour. Find out more at www.gharieni.com

48 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com NEXT The Gharieni product line contains a number of key GENERATION pieces of equipment which can be used individually, or in PRODUCTS combination, to add touchless treatments to your spa menu

The Gharieni Spa.Wave The Gharieni Spa.Wave is a computer-controlled acoustic and vibrational therapy that trains the brain to relax and benefit from deep relaxation techniques. Using specific vibrations and binaural audio frequencies, the Spa. Wave System makes it possible for even the busiest minds to achieve deep levels of relaxation in a 30 or 60 minute therapy session while lying on a heated water cushion. During the treatment, built-in transducers act on the body through gentle vibrations, while binaural sound compositions slow the brain waves via stereo headphones. After a treatment the client feels relaxed and the body clock is adjusted.

The MLX Quartz The MLX Quartz treatment bed can also be offered as a touchless treatment. In addition to the optional scent diffuser, which activates the olfactory senses, the dynamic flow system offered as an option on the MLX Quartz is a real alternative to full-touch treatments. Triple Detox Therapy MLX i³Dome The system simulates a massage with The award-winning, Triple Detox wave-like movements in the back area. Therapy MLX i³Dome combines Far The client is cocooned in warm quartz and Infrared Technology (FIR), with plasma cosy linen and enjoys the gentle massage and light, to offer three ultra-effective without the touch of a therapist. detox treatment methods in one. Once the client is safely seated, the dome is closed and the PLT device is positioned over the head. Gharieni CELLISS From that point, the MLX i³Dome CELLISS is a unique slimming the client’s needs – once the treatment operates completely independently. machine based on the patented Total is underway, it does not require any While Gharieni FIR-technology Slimming System (TSS), a non-invasive further intervention from therapists. stimulates and warms the body with aspiration/percussion process that The Gharieni CELLISS helps long-wave infrared rays through the simultaneously treats thighs and hips, to reduce the orange-peel effect, MLX iDome, the additional Plasma- and as well as buttocks or abdominals, while slimming and shaping thighs, Light-Therapy device (PLT) at the head depending on the prone position. redesigning the silhouette and section provides visible skin rejuvenation After the client is lying comfortably smoothing the skin’s texture. and detoxification after only one session. on the Gharieni CELLISS, individual ROI: 6 x CELLISS treatments per day ROI: 2x60m (€50) + 1x30m (€30) a day programmes can be started at the touch @ €50 = monthly revenue of €9,000 Payback time: 8.2 months of a button, with each one customised to Payback time: 4.9 months O

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 49 http://www.spabusiness.com On p44 we take See the last issue of COUNTRY FOCUS a look at consumer Spa Business magazine interest in spas in to read our interview with the UK and the latest Karen Roos, owner of hot new reopening guidelines UK hotel and spa The Newt BEST of BRITISH

In the past three years, an array of world-class spas have launched in the UK. As facilities across the nation begin to reopen, we take a look at the standout concepts they’ll be aiming to oﬀer guests once more when restrictions are fully lifted

The outdoor space at Carden Park Spa steals the show – it boasts one of the CARDEN PARK HOTEL largest wellness gardens in the country

The 198-bed Carden Park Hotel in Cheshire launched a destination spa this January following a £10m (US$12.5m, €11m) construction project. Consultant Nicki Kurran created the 4,500sq m, 14-treatment room facility alongside HB Architects and wet spa specialists Barr+Wray. Face and body treatments inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, and the belief that everything in life needs to work in harmony, provide a point of diﬀerence along with a homegrown twist as product houses include UK brands Elemental Herbology, Made for Life Organics, Oskia and Margaret Dabbs. However, it’s the outside space – boasting one of the UK’s largest spa gardens – which steals the show. Heated relaxation pods, ﬁre pits, a garden sauna, hot tubs and vitality pool are dotted throughout manicured lawns, herb borders and rockeries for a wellness reset using nature. There’s also an all-weather Bollinger champagne bar.

50 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com Carden Park Spa only launched in January before having to close for lockdown. Up to £10m has been spent on the impressive facility

http://www.spabusiness.com COUNTRY FOCUS

Falls Spa is located in a Liz Holmes, spa consultant spectacular setting in the heart of the Lake District

LODORE FALLS HOTEL & SPA

Steam rising off a turquoise infi nity pool looking out at the towering Catbells Mountain Range, the gleaming Derwentwater and green forests, the gentle sound of a waterfall – it’s the spectacular setting of the Falls Spa in the heart of the idyllic Lake District which gives it the edge. Opened in November 2018 as the fi nal phase of a £13m (US$16.3m, €14.3m) redevelopment of Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, the spa – especially the 16m infi nity pool by Rigo – has been created with Instagram in mind. The hotel also features 18 new spa suites and 87 rooms in total. Elemis treatments are off ered alongside La Sultane De Saba’s Akwaterra Massage, a full-body relaxation experience using water-fi lled ceramic pods to soothe muscle tension and stress. Dani Hope, daughter of owners Kit and Charles Grave, led the hotel transformation and sought specialist spa advice from consultant Liz Holmes.

The spa has been created with Instagram in mind and is part of a wider £13m refurb of Lodore Falls Hotel

52 http://www.spabusiness.com RUDDING PARK HOTEL

Sunlight therapy rooms, star gazing, digital detox days, oxygen pods, aufguss saunas, bath rituals prepared by a bath butler, alfresco treatments in a woodland glade. The on-trend concepts at the Rudding Park Spa in Harrogate are what makes it stand out. Fresh spring water is even fed into the On-trend spa concepts include facility thanks to a borehole onsite. star gazing and sunlight The 45,000sq ft rooftop spa opened therapy rooms (below) as part of the 90-bed hotel in May 2017 following a £9.5m (US$11.9m, €10.4m) investment. Facilities include a calming roof garden with a hydropool, sauna and spa bath among trees, shrubs and plants, plus an indoor hydrothermal area supplied by Rigo and Reef Grove. Guests having treatments can access four immersive sensory experiences, such as a Mind Zone for colour therapy and reading or a Visual Zone with waves, wildflower meadows and mountainscapes. Elemis recently replaced Ila and Elemental Herbology as the main product house, while the spa continues to work with Jennifer Young to offer specialist treatments for those affected by cancer. Fresh spa cuisine is provided by hotel chef Murray Wilson at Horto Café.

All facilities are available with new capacity limits, except heat experiences

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 53 http://www.spabusiness.com COUNTRY FOCUS The new Cottonmill Spa is housed in a three-storey glass-fronted extension

SOPWELL HOUSE

A three-storey glass-fronted extension was added to the 112-bed Sopwell House Hotel in St Albans in June 2019 to host a new spa. The £14m (US$17.6m, €15.4m) Cottonmill Spa was created by Sparcstudio and themed around barefoot luxury – spacious rooms are flooded with natural light to accentuate the warm palette of natural tones and accents of turquoise marble. At the heart of the spa is the Garden Relaxation Room which connects guests to both the indoors and outdoors through thermal hydropools that flow into a garden imagined Sparcstudio designed by an RHS Chelsea Flower Show designer. the spa around the theme There are also multiple thermal experiences, a of ‘barefoot luxury’ cocoon-like Deep Relaxation Room with softly- vibrating Four Seasons loungers and herbal oil aromas, a gym and the Pantry spa restaurant. Cottonmill Spa is billed as the UK’s first private member’s spa and it offers two tiers of membership starting at £1,800 (€2,033, US$2,217) a year. Sopwell House Hotel guests also have complimentary day access. Suppliers include Elemis, ESPA, iS Clinical, Aromatherapy Associates, Gharieni and Dornbracht.

54 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com Opened 18 months ago, South Lodge Spa is already a SOUTH LODGE HOTEL big name in the UK industry The owners of the renowned Pennyhill Park, UK – where the spa turns over more than £5m (US$6.3m, €5.5m) a year – unveiled a purpose-built, £14m (US$17.6, €15.4m) spa at its sister property in the picturesque South Downs in March 2019. Designers Sparcstudio were strongly influenced by nature when creating the 44,000sq ft, two-storey Spa at South Lodge (see SB19/2). The building itself has a curved, grass-covered roof in a nod to the sweeping South Downs (viewed by expansive floor to ceiling windows), it boasts the country’s first heated natural swim pond filtered by reeds and uses Its focus on memberships eco-energy such as bio-mass boilers. and attracting locals will A year in and business – just before stand it in good stead coronavirus – was thriving. The spa had amassed 6,789 hours of treatments and it purposefully targets local customers with a tiered membership starting at £2,000 (US$2,510, €2,194) a year, a stylish yet high-functioning gym that looks more like a living room, 70-seat Mediterranean restaurant serving delicious healthy food, as well as a beauty bar which all offer competitively priced services. The 14 treatment room facility also serves guests at the 85-bed hotel. The spa uses its own products for treatments, as well as Omorovicza, a range made from thermal waters and mud from Budapest. Helo UK and Spa4 are among the equipment suppliers.

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 55 http://www.spabusiness.com COUNTRY FOCUS

Lanserhof at the Arts Club Sheila McCann, general manager is a cutting-edge medi wellness and ﬁ tness facility

LANSERHOF UK

Austria-based health and medical resort operator Lanserhof opened the UK’s ﬁ rst medical gym at the Dover Street Arts Club, a private members facility in the heart of London, in February 2018. The six-storey luxury health and wellness club features a world-class gym, exercise and studio rooms equipped by Technogym, as well as a full-service spa with cryotherapy chambers. Meanwhile high-end diagnostic and medical facilities include MRI scanning, cardiovascular screening, body metabolism analysis and two physical therapy labs and is staﬀ ed by doctors. In August 2017 Lanserhof also acquired the historic destination Grayshott Health Spa in Surrey with plans to refresh the 36-treatment- room facility and give it a medical wellness edge. Both facilities are being overseen by Sheila McCann who gave up her role as general manager of Thailand’s famous Chiva-Som destination spa to become part of Lanserhof’s ever-expanding portfolio (see SB18/2). LANSERHOF PHOTOS © MARTIN MORRELL

Located in central London, it’s now off ering antibody tests in its infusion room

56 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com YTL MONKEY ISLAND ESTATE

A Champalimaud-renovated hotel opened on Monkey Island, a 7-acre island on the River Thames, in April 2019 complete with a Floating Spa on a crafted barge. The 41-bed YTL property boasts a ‘contemporary, English country house feel’. The three-treatment-room spa echoes this design but also draws inspiration from the river and the monks who settled on the island in the 12 century – it’s thought the island is named after them. The experience is peppered with touchpoints that celebrate the power of the water, from a bright wheelhouse reception The barge is home to to stories and poems of the historic river a Floating Spa with and a Floating Massage delivered in ﬂuid, three treatment rooms graceful, and rhythmic movements. There’s also an Elixir Bar serving herbal tonics once brewed by monks, such as benedictine and frangelico, which are also used at the beginning of sensory rituals. YTL’s spa team – comprising Chik Lai-Ping, Sylvia Sepielli and Melissa Mettler – partnered with organic British brand Moss of the Isles to create bespoke treatments that tap into nature’s most nourishing elements including ‘magic peat’, garden herbs and moss. Meanwhile other facials and treatments use ISUN products also made from wild-crafted, organic, natural ingredients.

SPA BATH REVIVAL on-site later this year, offering The Majestic Hotel in the historic a range of treatments. Leisure thermal spa town of Harrogate operator Fusion Lifestyle has unveiled a £15m (US$18.8m, €16.5m) overseen the £7.5m (US$9.4m, spa in February 2020 following an €8.2m) redevelopment of the overhaul of the entire property. venue and worked with designers The hotel, which operates as a Napper Architects, specialist DoubleTree by Hilton, was built in contractor Createability and 1900 and is one of the grand dames heat experience supplier Mr of the town, which is claimed to have Sauna on the restoration. 100 different mineral water springs. The most anticipated property, The newly refurbished Harrogate however, is the grand launch of The Spa features a hydrothermal Buxton Crescent & Thermal Spa in area, relaxation lounge and six Derbyshire – set to be one of the therapy rooms offering ESPA, most significant spa openings in Thalgo and Carita treatments. the country. The development taps The Harrogate opening into natural thermal waters and, is one of three overhauled aside from YTL Gainsborough in Ensana is behind the much historic bath properties set to Bath, will be one of the only ‘genuine’ anticipated thermal hotel debut in the UK this year. spa hotels in the UK. The multi- spa in Buxton Crescent The iconic City Baths lido in million-pound project is being led by Newcastle also opened in February, Ensana, the health spa hotel arm of while its famous Turkish baths – and Danubius, and plans for it were put a luxury spa – are due to open forward more than 15 years ago.O

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 57 http://www.spabusiness.com PROMOTION

SACRED NATURE Sustain & regenerate

Sustainable skincare brand, Comfort Zone, has he Sacred Nature line, originally launched in 2008, is already radically reinvented its entire Sacred Nature line, one of the highlights of the driven by the ambition to create some of the Comfort Zone range, with existing high-level green world’s ﬁ rst carbon-negative products T credentials. However, restless to do more to safeguard the environment, the company has raised the bar with this new reformulation, to ensure Sacred Nature products are truly sustainable in every way possible. There has also been a focus on ensuring the production process behind the entire product line is set up to proactively fight climate change. “We believe the Sacred Nature line Comfort Zone believes should be part of the solution and not part of the problem,” says founder and in conscious skin science CEO, Davide Bollati. “We eco-designed the new products – specifically the and the ultimate vision was formulations – to ensure all the key ingredients could be grown according to to create a bio-regenerative regenerative agriculture or selected from eco-certified skincare line wild sources to be super sustainable.”

58 http://www.spabusiness.com Davide Bollati, Comfort Zone president. His commitment to sustainability has led to the PHOTO: REBOULLE PHOTO: creation of the Scientiﬁc Garden

Isabelle Reboulle, head chemist, working at the Davines Village R&D Lab

Comfort Zone has developed the antioxidant Scientiﬁc Garden Extract™ with myrtle, elderberry and pomegranate

A higher purpose The Sacred Nature line is CO2 Behind this vision of negative thanks to choices made sustainability is Comfort in design and production, Zone’s deep philosophy backed up by Comfort Zone’s of environmentalism, support for the Ethio Trees which saw the organisation CO2 compensation project. envision, conceive and build one of the world’s first Formulated with integrity carbon neutral headquarters, In reformulating the Sacred Nature the Davines Village, in Parma, Italy, line, Comfort Zone undertook ingredient which runs on sustainable energy and research at the Openair lab at the Davines sits at the heart of the organisation. Village botanical garden. This led to the Comfort Zone believes in conscious skin creation of the Scientific Garden Extract™, science, and as a result, the redesigned a super-strong pool of antioxidants Sacred Nature line has been developed from bio-fermented extracts of myrtle, according to its strict guidelines, elderberry and pomegranate. which exclude the use of parabens, These are all rich in phytoactive nanotechnology, SLS and artificial colours. antioxidants, which defend the skin The ultimate vision was to create against environmental aggressors, a bio-regenerative organic skincare stimulate cell renewal, and contrast aging. line that is both COSMOS- and eco- Comfort Zone uses advanced, certified. In addition, Sacred Nature chemical-free techniques which enabled is also vegan and has been developed the extraction of twice as many active using direct traceability protocols. ingredients, thanks to a fermententation Comfort Zone also contributes to which has increased the concentration biodiversity protection, environmental of antioxidants by 22 per cent. and social sustainability projects, The Scientific Garden Extract™ has by donating 1 per cent of its sales to been shown to correct the effects of the 1% for the Planet initiative. climate change on the skin, including

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 59 http://www.spabusiness.com PROMOTION

Working on the land in a regenerative way means you’re doing the right thing and not exploiting nature

oxidation and also damage caused by the sun, ensuring optimal skin balance and resilience, as well as prolonging youth. Sacred Nature has been designed to work for both younger and more mature skins – for younger people it keeps the skin younger for longer, while for mature skin, it’s a healing line, both in terms of home care and when used for facials. This complex has been, therefore, and the Regenerative Hydra – a shorter combined in each product with specific treatment that’s focused on hydration. ingredients, to ensure the best performance The Regenerative Elixir facial is a deeply for each skin condition and need. relaxing facial, opening with a cleansing When it came to fragrance, the company ritual and massage. With its professional opted for a natural choice for the entire base that can be mixed to order, making the line, with nothing artificial being used. treatment customisable for all skin types. Comfort Zone collaborated with a The new Sacred Nature facial also includes French ‘nose’ to develop the signature a sticky mask which is worked on the skin fragrance recalling the Garden notes. with energetic movements to stimulate the Finally, the products are packaged creation of collagen, so that by the end of the in glass to ensure recyclability and also treatment, the skin is naturally replumped. to reflect the purity and transparent nature of the Sacred Nature line. Regenerative agriculture When it comes to sourcing the active The product range ingredients for the Scientific Garden The line includes a range of facial Extract™, Comfort Zone works with farmers products, such as a super-rich cleansing who use regenerative agriculture techniques balm, an exfoliant mask, a serum and two and who are close by – in Parma and also moisturisers, . There’s also a hydrocream in Sardinia – to minimise CO2 emissions. and a range of body products, including The elderberries used in the Sacred Nature head and body soap and body butter. line are harvested from the wild, to capture There are two facials in the Sacred the most powerful essences available. Nature range, the Regenerative Elixir Regeneration agriculture is not intensive, and is respectful of biodiversity, while also The Sacred Nature line is shipped contributing to soil fertility, meaning it can in glass, reﬂ ecting its ethical, capture as much, if not more, CO2 as trees, sustainable and transparent nature. while also keeping the soil nourished.

All packaging is CO2 neutral “Working on the land in a regenerative way means you’re doing the right thing and not exploiting nature,” says Bollati, “while taking care of the skin.” O

Over 6,000 plants are cultivated at The Davines Village, inspiring innovation and the development of new product lines

60 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com G WShttp://www.spabusiness.com2020_AdPhase4_SpaBusiness_07132020.indd 1 7/23/20 9:01 AM INTERVIEW

EMMA DARBY

In lockdown two of Resense’s spas hit revenue targets even though one was shut. The COO tells Megan Whitby how and about the other successful ways it’s navigating the pandemic with its 33 spas

n 2019 Emma Darby was appointed as In Europe, our spas in resorts are also How did two of your Resense spas Resense’s chief operating officer. In progressing – achieving budget and hit target in April while closed? 2020, she faced the challenge of guiding showing improvements from the previous This refers to two Chinese spas which we’d I the business through a global pandemic, year. A couple of city locations are even fortunately already set up with a major the likes of which the industry and producing 60 per cent of their 2020 budget. online presence through the social media society has never seen before. Now, she’s in Interestingly, one of our remote mountain platform, WeChat. the process of reopening Resense’s 33 spas, resort spas is 70 per cent occupied during Targets were hit purely through retail spread across four continents, along with July and August (based on maximum and selling advance day passes, as one spa launching a vast new integrated fitness and occupancy of the new levels) and has was open and one was closed – the closed wellness hub in Bangkok. She tell’s Spa recently been granted an extra 10 per cent site actually only relied on online sales for Business how she’s applying her 26 years’ occupancy by the government. revenue. The beauty of it was that things experience to keep business moving in the In the MENA region, we’ve experienced could be sold really quickly and then face of the pandemic. delays and these projects aren’t yet open. arranged using drop shipping. Overall, the company has reopened 22 Following this success, we’re How is business for spas now? destinations and I’m definitely pleased investigating how to use this in post- In Asia, China is doing well, but other with progress, but I’d recommend others opening to continue supporting revenue. regions need to drive new business channels take a measured approach to ensure they For example, we’re looking at different as they were more reliant on tourists. don’t rush and make mistakes. apps to give us more exposure.

62 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com Targets were hit purely through online retail and selling Resense manages 33 spas across four continents and 22 advance day spa passes of them have now reopened

It’s about building up our local client How are you managing to What packages might you offer base and our place in the market, and then reach out to locals? to encourage regular custom? holding onto customers with such schemes. One of our main methods is social media We’ve gone for traditional back to wellness and apps, but it varies between markets. In packages, dependent on each market, and How important are local markets? the Middle East advertising deals via text tried to combine something popular with I really want to emphasise you can’t push message are a lot more successful, whereas something that isn’t so in-demand. out locals for hotel guests – you can’t just in China we use WeChat for sales and in We looked at pre-sales and day passes dismiss a key market. But, local customers the UK, we use Groupon. to create packages which offer discounted have been crucial for us during COVID-19 The key is once we get those guests treatments and products, or sometimes and we’ve tried to attract them wherever in – even though you may have to negotiate offering solely discounted retail vouchers. possible. We like to have 30-40 per cent of commission with the provider – we It’s been a process of combining things and business driven by the local market as a incentivise them to come back. They’re a judging the demand and reception. baseline, but we have numerous spas with captive audience, and you’ve got to offer However, in Europe we can’t yet build between 60-70 per cent local interest. them something to capture their interest. a relationship with the local spa market Previously in Switzerland, we took over a This is what I think spas forget. The trick because hotels are at full occupancy spa which was originally 30 per cent local, is to do things that won’t really cost you already. So in some places we have shelved 70 per cent external and we then turned but use it to pad the offer out and keep everything for the local market until later that statistic on its head. consumers intrigued. on in August and September.

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 63 http://www.spabusiness.com INTERVIEW

Sindhorn Wellness has a 25m saltwater inﬁnity pool overlooking Bangkok

What’s worked during reopening? equipment. High-tech workouts include Communication has been key because Local customers everything from HIIT training and Les every market is different and has individual Mills sessions to the latest CrossFit and requirements, plus we’re facing daily have been crucial... virtual class systems. changes to regulations. But our on-site we attract them The 26-treatment-room spa will launch teams have been fantastic. They’ve worked later this year and has been inspired by well with the Resense [head office] team and mostly via social world-leading wellbeing destinations. It have been supportive of each other, detailing will offer advanced therapies focused on operational challenges and successes when media and apps detoxification, rejuvenation and prevention. they’ve opened before other markets. Training has also underpinned Where do you see future industry reopening, as we spent time educating our What’s surprised you? growth and opportunities? staff on how to receive returning guests In China, the revenue has been coming Medi-wellness will be popular, especially and anticipate their new needs, which has in steadily, however one spa is drawing because of the sanitation and clinical really paid off. They all received a COVID- revenue from a completely different appeal following COVID-19. But it was 19 handbook and workbook to help prepare place than I expected. We’ve seen a surge already gaining speed well before the them for upcoming challenges and we’ve in couples treatments and facials – a pandemic, as it was becoming more had really positive feedback from guests. treatment the whole industry seems to be mainstream and thus affordable and For us the pandemic has a silver lining expecting to put on hold. available. Combine this with the fact as it’s been great for the development of people are going to be more focused on spa managers. They may have been used What can you tell us about your their own health, and we’re set for a surge to having 80 per cent occupancy in their latest opening Sindhorn Wellness? in demand in this area. spa, but COVID-19 has completely pulled It will take the concept of health and Resense has some medi-wellness the rug out from under them and now wellness in Asia to new heights and we’ve projects on the table and I’m excited to they need to look into understanding and spent two years planning it. It’s spread see how they take off and how this trend attracting different markets. across 4,000sq m, over three floors at the develops in future but, personally, I never new Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel in Bangkok. want to pin myself down to something. What’s not been working so well? A wellness concierge will create Ultimately, my advice would be to remain PPE is a new challenge which brings an personalised plans, taking the extensive positive, realistic and open to change.O added cost and pressure for therapists. For services on offer into consideration. example, in Jordan it’s been challenging Fitness is a major focus and there’s a Megan Whitby is a writer because there are strict PPE regulations two-floor workout facility which has just at Spa Business magazine which ask a lot of therapists to wear a full opened with a boutique gym, six studios Q meganwhitby@ leisuremedia.com surgical mask, visor, gloves and gown. and 3d-scanning and body composition

64 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com PERFORMALIFT Now with one piece top!

Oakworks is ready to help spas reopen!

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www.spatables.com 001 717.759.3125 http://www.spabusiness.com BUSINESS ANALYSIS

Model behaviour A new type of spa is emerging which is based on self-administered treatments and is less labour intensive. Lisa Starr takes a closer look at two examples in California

hile massages and facials budget. That’s not to say there’s not a place are the cornerstones for high-touch services post-COVID-19. of spa menus, There certainly is. But there’s also room the International for a fresher approach to business and W Spa Business Spa Association’s is seeing the introduction current definition is more broad: “Spas are of new-age wellness centres without places devoted to overall wellbeing group amenities and locker rooms which through a variety of professional services offer all things wellness – from cryotherapy that encourage the renewal of mind, body and and light-stim beds to hyperbaric chambers and spirit.” This description gives us a prescient look IV drips – which are mostly self-administered. into what the brave new world of spas may look They require more intensive capital investment like as we come out of lockdown and realise that up front, but much lower operating expenses and traditional business models need a shake up. complexity and much less staff. I visited two such Even before the pandemic, many spas were struggling facilities less than a mile apart in West Hollywood, to firstly find the vast number of good quality California, just before the coronavirus outbreak. therapists they needed and then to maintain payrolls Lisa Starr is a contributing editor at Spa Business which can amount to 45-60 per cent of operational Q [email protected]

Remedy Place

THE OFFERING Stepping off of the busy Sunset Boulevard into 4,500sq ft Remedy Place, you immediately feel your blood pressure go down. The earthy tones, natural finishes, soft lighting, and cozy furnishings make you feel right at home. Remedy Place, a self-named ‘social wellness club’, is the ideal name for this collection of options based on seven pillars of holistic health – heat, cold, oxygen, nutrients, movement, mind and compression – to address whatever ails you. Elements include hyperbaric chambers, infrared sauna, cryotherapy, compression therapy, IV nutrient drips, ice baths, meditation and mindfulness classes and chiropractic services. Each is situated to afford maximum privacy and can be utilised alone or with others. Acupuncture cupping and consults with a naturopath are also available. Beyond the therapies, an important component of this self-named ‘social wellness club’ is connection – albeit respecting new social distancing rules. Founder Dr Jonathan Leary says: “It’s a place to socialise which is both temptation and toxin-free… by providing healthy substitutions for occasions like happy hour, Sunday brunch or a girls’ night out.” The beautifully designed lounge and bar offers a convenient space to work or meet friends, while enjoying locally-sourced Remedy Place founder food and drink. Adjacent is a large room suitable for group Dr Jonathan Leary (left) activities, such as sound healing, which is also equipped with and COO Rhyce Lein http://www.spabusiness.com Hyperbaric chambers (below) are the most popular treatment. An hour’s session costs US$160

It has a homely feel and provides a place to socialise which is both temptation- and toxin-free

a projector for meetings. So in all, this new type of ‘third place’ (€135, £122) and clients can bring their laptop or even take is one that enables you to visit alone or with friends, to enjoy a calls, or listen to guided meditation if they want to relax. health-boosting treatment, have some quiet time, perhaps do IV drips offer ‘antidotes’ such as Morning After and a little work and sip a kombucha and nibble a healthy snack. Post-Workout, take up to 30 minutes and are priced from US$180 (€152, £137) to US$220 (€186, £168). A la carte prices BUSINESS MODEL start at US$45 (€38, £34) for a 10-minute Remedy Place opened in December 2019 Payroll is well cryotherapy. Monthly membership and offers a la carte treatments as well includes unlimited cryotherapy and as a membership – and it only needs 200 under 20 per cent. classes, an IV drip, hyperbaric session, members to break-even. COO Rhyce That’s a very infrared sauna experience, ice bath Lein says they were initially surprised compelling number class and lymphatic drainage massage, by the amount of business (70 per cent) along with additional discounts for coming from the a la carte side, but he US$495 (€419, £378). Membership is expects that to even out with membership in the next few month-to-month with no initiation or cancellation fees. months. He adds: “With our opening right before the holiday Despite opening just a short time before COVID hit, season, we had no time to launch marketing campaigns and Remedy Place was still set to break even in its third month. partnerships, it was all just word-of-mouth and press.” Lein puts this down to the business model which allowed The most popular therapy so far has been the hyperbaric it to open 12 hours a day, seven days a week, with only a chambers, where air pressure is three times higher than normal, staff of nine people. Further, as a result of the pandemic, meaning the lungs gather more oxygen to carry through the it’s discovered it can do the same amount of revenue in 8 body. Lein believes these sessions are popular because they’re hours. The initial investment for equipment and buildout, unique, and consumers have a recognition of their benefits at about US$1.7m (€1.4m, £1.3m), was funded by celebrity which include strengthening the immune system, speeding clients of Dr Leary, but the operating expenses are modest; up the healing process and encouraging the formation of new Lein states that, apart from founders, payroll is well collagen and skin cells. A 60-minute session costs US$160 under 20 per cent. That’s a very compelling number!

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 67 http://www.spabusiness.com BUSINESS ANALYSIS

There’s an extensive menu of nutrient drips and a new immunity package costs US$299

Next Health’s bright white, open plan interiors gives it a clinical med-spa feel

Next Health chambers – are aligned along one side. Private rooms are available for consults and aesthetic medicine treatments. THE OFFERING Just a half-mile along Sunset Boulevard is Next Health, an BUSINESS MODEL alternate version of modern wellness which bills itself as a Next Health offers a package purchase system, where 10 ‘health optimisation and longevity centre’. Co-founded by units costs US$350 (€296, £267), for a la carte (Optim) surgeon and tech entrepreneur Darshan Shah and businessman elements. One unit is required for a 10-minute cyrotherapy Kevin Peake, the brand also has a second location in Century visit, for example, while five units are needed for a 60-minute City (pictured) and two more in the pipeline, including a hyperbaric chamber session. Monthly memberships start New York City unit scheduled to open in September. at US$199 (€169, £152), including a new Quarantine Relief Next Health offers its members and a la carte visitors option which provides two IV drips, a virtual health coaching many of the same wellness elements that can be found at session, 10 Optim units and other discounts. Most IV drips, Remedy Place but with the addition of more medically- such as Super Immune, Longevity and Energy Plus, cost based options such as COVID-19 testing and a one-visit US$189 (€160, £144) although NAD (nicotinamide adenine immunity package costing US$299 (€251, £227) which dinucleotide) costs $1,000 (£765, €849) – NAD is an amino acid includes a specialist IV drip, antioxidant glutathione and that’s responsible for how quickly you age and it functions vitamin shots and a peptide injection. There’s an extensive as a powerhouse for the body, keeping cells ‘charged’. menu of IV nutrient drips as well as food sensitivity and Both Next Health and Remedy Place represent a new allergen testing, and also aesthetic medicine services operating model in the wellness realm. Next Health is clearly like microneedling, laser treatments and injectables. more results-oriented and priced more accessibly, with some It also looks very different. It’s mostly open plan and the flexibility for members, while Remedy Place has more of a bright white interiors with wood accents give it a clinical club feel with areas for hanging out. It will be noteworthy med-spa feel. Six seats for IV nutrition therapy abut a to see if traditional spas begin to incorporate some of the glass-walled dispensary and nursing station while self- touchless technologies they offer in the near future, providing administered ‘Next Tech’ treatments – such as cryotherapy, alternative revenue options in times of pandemics, or perhaps infrared sauna and light therapy capsules and hyperbaric that just appeal more to a younger, tech-savvy generation. O

68 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com http://www.spabusiness.com TREATMENTS See p66 to read about the trend for spa models based on touchless, automated experiences Touchdown

The coronavirus has sparked much interest in spa services which minimise human contact. Megan Whitby takes a look at the innovations which could add a much-needed boost to treatment menus PHOTOS: STARPOOL

t’s great to see spas starting to reopen following COVID-19 lockdowns. However, the majority of facilities will be offering a I pared-down menu and some guests may be keen to return, but uncomfortable with high-touch therapies. Experts suggest that now is the time to explore new innovations and Spa Business predicts that as trade picks up once more, many owners will be looking at ‘touchless experiences’ – services which require less labour, minimise guest’s exposure to other people and which could add a real point of difference. They Zerobody typically require a big up-front investment, STARPOOL: but providers say there’s potential to O Italian wellness supplier Starpool deep cleaning and all disinfectant increase profit margins in the long-run. offers Zerobody – a multi-purpose strengths. Added hygiene measures Although the role of therapists in a spa dry floatation bed which guests can include disposable hygiene could never be replaced or over-exaggerated, customise with chromotherapy, a sheets for the bed and supplied touchless experiences are piquing people’s lumbar massage and mindfulness headphones to be changed interest and we’ve rounded up some of the experience via a touchscreen tablet. between treatments. Combined different types of equipment on offer. O The touchless treatment typically with preparation, cleaning time lasts 20-30 minutes and is claimed adds 15 minutes to treatments. to ease muscle and joint pain, O If a spa opened for nine decrease stress, improve circulation hours, Starpool believes 12 and encourage relaxation. treatments could be sold daily O Starpool recommends charging a and could be packaged with rate of €1 per minute for treatments. sauna or cryotherapy sessions. O Zerobody is designed with an O Cost: €15,000 (US$17,155, £13,694) eco-leather outfit suitable for to €22,000 (US$25,165, £20,082).

Starpool’s Zerobody ﬂoatation can be customised with a lumbar massage and chromatherapy 70 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com SENSYNC: Vessel O Created by immersive wellness company Sensync, the Vessel offers a programmable touchless VR experience delivered in a pod to displace guests from the burdens of their mind. O During the treatment, guests lie in the pod and use a VR headset to see, hear, smell and feel sensations of nature. O Proposed benefits include improved attention, stress reduction and mood enhancement. O Cleaning takes two minutes and requires replacement of disposable face inserts on the headset and all contact surfaces being wiped with disinfectant wipes. The pod is capable of withstanding hospital-grade disinfectant. O The Vessel offers one 40-minute programme priced at US$135 (€118, £108) or two 20-minute programmes costing US$75 (€65, £60) each. O Sensync estimates spas could offer eight to 16 treatments per unit per day O Price: US$98,000 (€85,801, £78,183). The Vessel offers programmable VR experiences and a 40-minute session costs US$135 PHOTO: SENSYNC AT FOUR SEASONS OAHU, HAWAII OAHU, SEASONS FOUR AT SENSYNC PHOTO:

ARTOFCRYO.COM: Vaultz O The Vaultz series by artofcryo.com includes three different types of whole-body cryotherapy chambers. Treatment times are individually set via a unique software system and usually last around three minutes. O Benefits include enhancing immunity, anti-ageing, muscle rehabilitation and stress relief. O It’s considered a COVID-safe treatment as it’s touchless and guests can wear protective masks and gloves and are provided with shoes so they Users can select from a menu of 10 pre-set underwater massages don’t come into contact with surfaces. O What’s more, viruses do not like the extreme cold temperatures (-110˚C) of cryotherapy. Hydrotherapy Tub Caracalla UNBESCHEIDEN: O The stainless steel floors in the O Unbescheiden, based in Germany, O Treatments last between 20-30 minutes chambers are capable of withstanding makes the Hydrotherapy Tub Caracalla and can range between €30 (US$34, hospital-grade disinfectant. which provides an underwater massage. £27) to €80 (US$91, £73) in price. O Sessions cost £80 (€89, US$101), but O Operated via touchscreen, guests select O Assuming a spa is open for eight guests can have up to five daily and from a menu of 10 pre-set treatments, with hours, approximately 15 treatments artofcryo.com estimates spas could offer the option to adjust pressure settings. can be carried out per day. 50 treatments a day in a single chamber O Benefits include muscle relaxation, O Unbescheiden recommends combining under corona-friendly restrictions. Or it enhanced in the warm water, treatments with face and body modalities says up to 200 sessions could take place and reduction in tension. of all types, for example, shower a day in its multi-room vario Vaultz O The tub has built-in hygiene options experiences or further massage and facials. model under normal circumstances. including automatic rinsing or disinfection O Starting price: €20,000 O The single chamber has a base-line functions which take five minutes each. (US$22,866, £18,232). price of £100,000 (€110,886, US$126,869).

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 71 http://www.spabusiness.com TREATMENTS PHOTO: GHARIENI

The dome combines FIR, plasma- and light-therapies to revitalise the skin and boost metabolism

GHARIENI: MLX i³Dome O Gharieni’s new MLX i3Dome combines increased collagen production an extra 15 minutes for seating and three therapies – far infrared (FIR) with and boosted metabolism. programming, meaning 30-minute plasma- and light-therapies (PLT) – to O Gharieni recommends offering 30- or treatments require between 45 offer a touchless experience. 60-minute treatments, costing €30 (US$34, minutes to an hour. In this case, if O Clients lie underneath the dome £27) and €50 (US$57, £45) respectively. a spa was open for nine hours, it which exposes them to long-wave O The company calculates 15 minutes for could offer 10 treatments a day. infrared rays while the PLT device rests cleaning which involves disinfecting the O The cost of a MLX i3Dome, above their head acting on the skin. dome, head device and lying surface. including the PLT device, begins O Benefits include revitalised skin, O Gharieni also suggests incorporating at €31,890 (US$36,494, £28,840).

HIMALAYAN SOURCE: Private halotherapy experience

O Himalayan Source says claims will help protect treatment rooms can be treatment rooms from viruses. transformed into private O Cleaning takes 15 minutes halotherapy experiences and requires massage by installing a glowing tables to be disinfected Himalayan salt wall and disposable sheets on and halogenerator. the bed to be replaced O It suggests spas charge between sessions. US$60 (€39, £36) for a O The company estimates 45-minute treatment where that if a spa opened for nine guests relax on a massage hours a day, it could book table while breathing nine treatments which could in the salt particles. be topped up with yoga, O Studies show halotherapy chromotherapy, far-infrared can relieve symptoms heat mats or cryofacials. of upper and lower O A full wall and a respiratory conditions halogenerator for a medium- and improve the skin. size treatment room costs Rooms can be turned into private O It also has anti-microbial US$10,000 (€8,730, £7,943) to halotherapy experiences with a and anti-bacterial properties US$14,000 (€12,222, £11,119), salt wall and halogenerator which Himalayan Source dependant on size. O PHOTO: HIMALAYAN SOURCE - DEL-RAY HIMALAYAN PHOTO:

72 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com http://www.spabusiness.com TREATMENTS Studies suggest regular salt therapy sessions can prevent the contraction of acute respiratory viral infections

Pinch of Salt

Halotherapy experts highlight science, beneﬁ ts and future trends in industry webinar

ith its respiratory and antimicrobial an overactive immune system, which seems to be properties, salt- or halo-therapy has what is killing a majority of COVID-19 patients. been tipped as a key wellness trend in Moreover, halotherapy requires little to no light of COVID-19. As part of a recent therapist contact, which may help spa customers W series of Global Wellness Institute who are nervous about social distancing. calls, experts helming a dedicated Medical spa owner Lisa Semerly highlighted initiative shared their thoughts on the field. that salt therapy will be attractive to operators Harking from Poland, halotherapy is typically because it doesn’t require labour costs and there’s offered as a dry treatment using a halogenerator an accelerated return on investment, as well as to produce pharmaceutical-grade particles of having an expansive potential target audience. salt for inhalation in an environment which She added: “Salt therapy is capable of reducing mimics a salt cave microclimate with dry, cold respiratory symptoms as well as helping with conditions and no humidity. It can also be stress reduction, improving overall immune carried out through wet methods such as salt- response, easing dermatological conditions and water baths and pools and floatation tanks. can help athletes improve lung function and Initiative chair, Steve Spiro of Global Halotherapy increase oxygen saturation to aid recovery.” Solutions, hosted the conversation and kicked Dr Raleigh Duncan, chair and founder of Clearlight off by highlighting the therapy’s benefits. Infrared Saunas, concluded with a suggestion of Research in 2009, by Russian professor Alina combining infrared sauna therapy and halotherapy Chervinskaya, suggests that regular halotherapy Dr Raleigh Duncan to make for an effective complementary treatment use can both prevent contraction and relieve (top) and Steve Spiro, against respiratory viruses. The basis of combining symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections. who hosted the online the two therapies rests on the fact that the sauna’s A more recent paper, published in the Journal session (above) dry and warm air will allow for deeper levels of of Medicine and Life in 2014, demonstrates how penetration and better absorbency of the salt halotherapy can trigger an anti-inflammatory particles in the bronchi and distal airways. response in people with respiratory conditions. Key manufacturers of salt-therapy experiences This is a relevant quality as one of COVID-19’s most include Halotherapy Solutions, Klafs and problematic symptoms is the influx of cytokine Saltability, while Spa Vision and Drom UK storm, a hyperinflammatory condition caused by distribute salt-therapy equipment.O

STUDIES OF NOTE O Lazarescu, H et al. Surveys on therapeutic effects of “halotherapy chamber with artificial salt-mine environment” on patients with certain chronic allergenic respiratory pathologies and infectious-inflammatory pathologies. Journal of Medicine and Life. 2014 O Chervinskaya, Alina. Dry sodium chloride aerosol against acute respiratory infections. European Respiratory Journal, 2009.

74 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com Turn your treatment room into a PRIVATE EXPERIENCE

Add a new therapeutic experience — with minimum human contact.

Offer as a standalone treatment (no therapist commission) or as an add-on/upgrade in conjunction with a facial or massage.

Making Himalayan salt experiential | +1 888-576-3525 | HimalayanSource.com http://www.spabusiness.com PROMOTION

Snøhetta has redeﬁ ned the snowroom with its new Cubic Design, to create three dimentional walls PHOTOS: TECHNOALPIN PHOTOS: REDEFINING the snowroom Italian snowroom expert, TechnoAlpin, has collaborated with groundbreaking architectural practice, Snøhetta, to create a snowroom like no other

alled the Cubic Design, the new small cubes on three-dimensional walls, which SnowRoom is the latest to join the visually create the topographic ‘ups and downs’. TechnoAlpin range and was inspired by “Freshly snow is produced each day, changing the landscapes after a fresh snowfall. SnowRoom into a soft place of peace and relaxation. “Nature and natural phenomenon often Sitting areas invite guests to linger and enjoy the C inspire our architecture and design,” gentle cold to the full, while the fresh new snow says Patrick Lüth, managing director of that remains on the surfaces of the cubes can be Snøhetta Studio, Innsbruck. “With this design, our used for individual snow massages,” she says. intention was to create a ‘landscape experience’. Transformative innovation is TechnoAlpin’s first Snøhetta have introduced a new vocabulary into the principle and the Cubic Design SnowRoom by Snøhetta snowroom genre, with this 3D cube-style SnowRoom proves this commitment also applies to design. interior, where the usual hard features giving way to The 3D structure represents a completely something more forgiving, as Lüth explains: new style of interior in the wellness “The transformation of rough shapes market, through both its modern and hard edges into a soft surface geometry and the choice of materials, recalls tranquil winter landscapes. while various colour options also Furthermore, people can touch this allow for individual design. soft interior landscape and feel the snow, so the SnowRoom offers an Patrick Lüth, managing Other design options experience for all the senses.” director Snøhetta In addition to the new Cubic “In nature, snow acts like Studio Innsbruck Design, TechnoAlpin offers further a soft focus, transforming alternative design options that hard, angular rocks into a soft, delight with their versatility. calm landscape,” says Sara The Forest Design can create an Brenninger, product manager at oasis of peace in a ‘wooded clearing’ TechnoAlpin. “In the Snøhetta in the middle of the wellness area. SnowRoom mountain landscapes In this room, the snow gathers are stylistically represented by on the winter tree and can be used

76 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com HOTEL WEINEGG, GIRLAN, IT / TECHNOALPIN GIRLAN, WEINEGG, HOTEL HOTEL GARTNER, DORF TIROL, IT / TECHNOALPIN GARTNER, HOTEL

Clockwise from left: The Forest Design; the Rock Cave and below, the new Snøhetta Cubic Design

Independent microbiological analysis confirms the safety of TechnoAlpin SnowRooms in relation to COVID-19. There is no increased risk to people while using them

for fine body massages. The Forest Design creates a moment of inner peace, enabling people to enjoy the charm of nature. The Rock Cave is a special retreat. The walls and ceiling are shaped to create niches and small resting places and to encourage the formation of soft snow deposits which can be taken for gentle body massages. The rock design creates an intimate, cosy place of rest to find oneself and reconnect with the personal wellbeing journey. In addition, TechnoAlpin can white label, brand and “The independent analysis confirms the safety of customise its snowrooms, as well as sourcing suitable TechnoAlpin SnowRooms,” says Brenninger. “The accessories for things such as fragrances or sounds. temperatures are well below freezing, resulting in the death of all viruses and bacteria, so there is no Hygiene proven increased risk to people while using our SnowRooms.” High standards of hygiene have always been To complete the test, scientists ran a seven- a guiding principle for TechnoAlpin, with day operating cycle as a simulation, which all snowroom designs being conceived so continuously analysing the air, surface and snow. they’re easy to keep clean and maintain. Even after seven days, the snow still exhibited To ensure additional safety in the time of microbiological parameters which indicated it COVID-19, the company recently engaged experts was fit for human consumption, being completely from the independent institute for microbiological free from pathogenic bacteria, while the indoor air testing, as well as consultants for hygiene and quality met the highest classification category. occupational safety to examine the SnowRoom and “Based on these evaluation, the SnowRoom can report on its transmission control credentials. be operated without further safety measures,” says They found that surfaces, snow and air quality Brenninger, “however, operators are still recommended in the rooms are absolutely harmless, because to advise customers to observe social distancing.” O conditions in the room destroy microorganisms. Find out more: www.technoalpin.com

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 77 http://www.spabusiness.com MEDI WELLNESS

on Good TERMES

An Italian medical group, resurrecting the country’s terme culture with a preventative health concept, has attracted greater attention post-lockdown. Sophie Benge pays a visit

here are roughly 300 thermal and mineral spas across Italy offering such therapeutic treatments that they’re prescribed by the national health service. Yet, in spite of this, T thermal cures continue to wane in a pharmaceutical-dominant culture. One medical organisation, however, has seen this as an opportunity to develop a new business model. GVM International, which owns over 50 private hospitals, first got into holistic wellness in 1998 when buying a dilapidated Fascist-era thermal water facility and hotel in Terme di Castrocaro, just a few miles from Mussolini’s birthplace in Emilia-Romagna. It was only at the end of 2018, however, that it committed to a €30m (US$33.5m, £26.2m) refurbishment project of the former The 28-room Lucia Magnani Health Clinic fully reopened again on 28 May state-owned facilities with a view to also overhauling a connecting clinic to create a top-league integrated health, wellness

78 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com Striking green mineral waters help treat musculoskeletal and digestive disorders

and aesthetics centre to rival the likes of Sha, Lanserhof and Chenot – but with the The integrated added benefit of mineral water cures. health clinic rivals “GVM realised that the future world of health and wellbeing will be played out Sha and Chenot – in prevention, high-end technology and high-performance therapies,” says Lucia but has the added Magnani, a bio-chemist who developed beneﬁt of mineral the new wellness concept and is now CEO of the three interconnected properties: water cures a traditional terme, designer hotel and the new Lucia Magnani Health Clinic. of cellular ageing and oxidative stress Long Life Formula and aims to slow the ageing process via Magnani’s 28-room medi wellness clinic state-of-the-art medical diagnostics and officially launched in 2019 and industry interventions, thermal water procedures, consultants bbspa helped to bring the postural alignment and nutrition – plus concept to fruition (see p81). But it’s taken traditional spa and aesthetic treatments. her 10 years of rigorous research with a Since fully reopening the medi team of doctors and professors to establish wellness clinic after lockdown on 28 its Long Life Formula, the term by which May, Magnani has added two new the healing philosophy here is known. programmes to the nine pre-existing It’s based on the scientific understanding ones spanning detox, relaxation, weight GM Lucia Magnani is also a bio-chemist

79 http://www.spabusiness.com MEDI WELLNESS

New programmes focus on strengthening immunity and respiratory health

loss etc. “They’re aimed at strengthening immunity and re-educating breathing Vapour activity,” she says, adding that these inhalations aid have attracted most enquiries in recent weeks. “Guests are more interested in vocal chords and prevention and acquiring the know-how around good health that they can take are at the core of home and follow as a real lifestyle.” a new treatment All programmes start with a consultation with three doctors, specialists in internal for singers medicine, thermal medicine and posture and nutrition, and are adjusted accordingly. While the minimum stay entry for the entire site where, following a is three days, programmes extend to temperature recording, each guest is given seven, 10 and 14 days and those on longer a bracelet to wear throughout their stay. programmes will usually have blood and While guests coming specifically stool tests for further health analysis. for a Long Life Formula wellness stay cure a pillar of the Long Life Formula, The already-personal service is even make up only a small percentage of thanks to insights from Marco Conti, a more keenly observed when it comes business, Magnani says it’s attracting physical medicine, rehab and thermal to new government health and safety greater visitor enquiries if not, yet, doctor. All programmes include several requirements following COVID-19 such as greater numbers post-virus. hydrotherapy sessions and often use ventilation in treatment rooms, full room the ‘velvety soft’ local mud, extracted cleaning between treatments, compulsory Thermal cure and sun-dried in the same way that mask-wearing and hand sanitiser “I admit I didn’t appreciate the strong it has been for the last 100 years. dispensers throughout. Sauna use is only healing power of mineral waters until Castrocaro’s salso-bromo-iodic, permitted with private bookings and the I came here, but I predict there’ll be a sulphurous waters, springing from a clinic’s pools can be used for prearranged revival because the benefits are excellent nearby hill, are especially effective for water treatments, but the terme itself is and match a growing attention to nature,” musculoskeletal, gynaecological and closed. There is also now only one point of says Magnani who’s made the thermal digestive disorders. They can also aid

80 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com The site is an icon of art deco style (above); all packages include several hydrotherapy sessions and often use local mud too (below)

Marco Conti specialises in rehab and thermal medicine and taught Magnani about the efficacy of mineral waters http://www.spabusiness.com MEDI WELLNESS

Guests are more interested in prevention and acquiring the

know-how around FACILITIES The designer hotel has 104 guestrooms good health Lucia Magnani Health Clinic Price The 1,000sq m Lucia Magnani medi spa Three-night packages start from the sinuses and vocal chords, hence has 28 rooms, including medical suites €2,900 (US$3,222, £2,513) vapour inhalations are at the core of a and those for aesthetic treatments. unique Voice programme for professional Bbspa worked on the restructure of Grand Hotel Castrocaro singers which will launch this year. the original clinic and also created The hotel onsite has 104 rooms with The unusually green waters follow a new 11-room wellness and spa rates starting at €180 (US$200, £156). an eight-month journey from source treatment area including four cabins It has two restaurants and a bar to facility where they’re pumped into dedicated to thermal treatments, the public terme for use in pools, and a pre and post experience area. Castrocaro Terme baths, showers and inhalations, as Thermal treatment and leisure well as the clinic’s own underground Suppliers centre with two pools. Day patient spa in a range of pools and immersive Starpool, Lemi, Aquaform and Lucia and doctor consultations typically experiences including Aqua Reborn, a Magnani’s own skincare range start at €35 (US$39, £30) or form transformative watsu-like treatment. part of a state-paid prescription Nine wellness packages for rehabilitation. It’s open to both Posture and nutrition Clean, Weight Loss, Evergreen, Relax, clinic and hotels guests too, but is Postural alignment is another strong Energy, Sport, Re-Start, Smoke, Voice currently closed following COVID-19 element included in the Long Life Formula on the understanding that it effects so many aspects of our overall wellbeing. for balanced weight-bearing and for outline specific portions for each food “Posture is the first business card of efficient positioning of internal organs. group. He’s an advocate of five small a human,” says Marco De Angelis, a “It takes three days to reverse postural meals a day, combining deliciously doctor with a degree in sports medicine. patterning. When it’s correct, we face our prepared dishes and snacks, each with “It’s a reflection of our lifestyle, physical problems in a positive way,” he says. protein, cereals, vegetables and fruit. strength, mood and eating habits.” He De Angelis also advises on nutrition, His food philosophy aims to keep teaches guests how to walk for comfort, drawing up bespoke meal plans which metabolism and the Glycemic Index at steady levels for optimum energy.

Exemplary architecture Unlike many European health centres, the 8-hectare Castrocaro site is an icon of art deco style and has been faithfully renovated to honour its original designer, Tito Chini, who was one of Italy’s leading proponents of mid-century style. Both the clinic and hotel are full of exemplary paintings, furniture and artefacts of the period. In summation, Castrocaro is a new addition to the canon of Europe’s five-star health properties, with the added benefit of mineral water cures, its own wellness philosophy and splendid architecture, in a quiet, rural region of north Italy.O

Postural alignment is a key focus says sports medicine Sophie Benge is a wellness travel writer doctor Marco De Angelis Q [email protected]

82 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com Learn why Booker is the leading spa management software www.mindbodyonline.com/spa-softwaremindbodyonline.com/spa-software http://www.spabusiness.com SUPPLIER SHOWCASE

Two high-end gyms were installed in the hotel, for guests and for members Premium Fitness

Dormy House has partnered with Matrix Fitness orrmy House, the luxury boutique hotel and spa in the to create two fully-connected ﬁ tness suites to take heart of the Cotswolds, UK, its off ering to a new and more sophisticated level has expanded its premium offer with the refurbishment Dof its two fitness suites, to incorporate fully-connected equipment from Matrix Fitness. The much-loved country-house hotel is a converted 17th century farmhouse Matrix Fitness, steeped in tradition, so it was vital the new installations were in keeping. went above and General manager, Stephen Browning, says; “It was time to bring our fitness beyond to advise suites in line with the premium us, not only on offering our hotel and spa provide.” Dormy House had two suites to equipment, but upgrade; a larger area on the ground floor, accessible to all guests and members, and also on layout, a boutique space upstairs which operates design and how as a 24/7 training area for hotel guests. to maximise Welcoming technology Browning said. “At first we were floor space wary of introducing a higher level of technology in our gyms, due to Stephen Browning, our more mature demographic, but Dormy House the feedback has been fantastic. “The Matrix equipment has given a whole new level of connectivity, which provides interactive, engaging and motivating workouts.”

84 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com Dormy House is a luxury boutique hotel in the Cotswolds area of England

The refurbishment incorporated the the Dormy House brand and put the hotel Matrix Fitness 7xi Cardio range to link at the centre of customers’ fitness journey. users to entertainment, fitness tracking Browning says: “Nigel Tapping, our and brand-building communication, while contact at Matrix Fitness, was really It was vital to the Matrix Ultra Series strength equipment, supportive throughout the project and went with Intelligent Training Consoles gives above and beyond to advise us, not only on provide Dormy a digitally connected, guided experience. equipment, but also on layout, design and House with a The Matrix CXP indoor bike includes how to maximise floor space. He managed a target-training LED ‘colour wrap’ to complete the refurbishment within a fitness experience to monitor levels of effort, while the couple of days, despite us having to keep wall-mounted Connexus Column the hotel and spa open throughout.” to complement delivers a number of functional training Tapping said: “Dormy House is a solutions in a compact space. prestigious hotel and spa, so it was its other award- vital to create a fitness suite with winning facilities Connected solutions the highest level of connectivity Nigel Tapping, Dormy House has also opted to install and equipment to complement its Matrix Fitness Matrix Fitness Connected Solutions, which other award-winning facilities.” O brings customers’ fitness data together in a single customisable interface, to extend More: www.matrixfitness.co.uk

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 85 http://www.spabusiness.com TECHNOLOGY As spas reopen, how can software help operators meet the numerous post-lockdown challenges they face? SERGEY CAUSELOVE/SHUTTERSTOCK Soft touch

Leonie Wileman

PREMIER SOFTWARE The future of hospitality was SOLUTIONS always mobile, but COVID-19 will dramatically accelerate that shift It’s important to offer a contactless journey, which is as seamless as before, while Frank Pitsikalis enabling social distancing. RESORTSUITE Core by Premier Software’s functionality helps take the stress The future of hospitality out of new COVID-19 processes, was always mobile, but from booking, cleaning schedules Whether they want to offer COVID-19 will dramatically and staff rotas to departure. priority booking to those accelerate that shift. The Core will automatically send a with cancelled appointments, major change is that guests will COVID-ready online medical purchased gift vouchers, or are prefer to use their own device, that questionnaire for clients to fill top spenders, Core sends this they can keep clean, to manage their entire experience in prior to arrival, for example. information direct to their inbox. and ResortSuite Mobile can deliver this – from mobile When coupled with a virtual Using Group Activity booking, check-in and digital room keys to mobile intake, menus, consultation, staff can limit face- clients can see how busy the booking, itinerary, mobile ID and mobile payments. to-face communication. On the spa is through a traffic light The unique opportunity ResortSuite brings to spa day, operators can use Premier system. This affords them the operators is the ability to streamline the entire guest SMS to notify clients when flexibility to choose a quieter journey with a single app, while eliminating the need for they’re ready for them – avoiding period. Should the client need to touching surfaces. Our mobile-enabled solution allows crowding in the waiting area. cancel their appointment due to guests to manage their own wellness itinerary and with Core’s hero reporting feature COVID-19, staff can also assign real-time booking capabilities, it gives them full access to is invaluable when reopening a cancellation reason code. This book everything that a property has to offer – from room the spa. It puts the information enables operators to accurately reservations, spa treatments, classes, dining, golf and more. operators need to maximise report on revenue lost later. The two other greatest reopening needs ResortSuite profits at their fingertips. Similarly, if a staff member starts can help with is limiting calls through online booking to display symptoms, operators and revenue management. Yield management through Using Group Activity can use Core’s COVID Client dynamic availability will be key to control the mix of services booking, clients can Warning system to alert clients. available, based on demand, to maximise profit. Longer see how busy the spa As all staff and client details services will reduce the number of times a room needs to be are stored securely within Core, sanitised, for example, and offering only signature treatments is through a traffic complying with government Test during peak demand times will ensure profitability. light system and Trace services is simple.

86 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com RFID wristbands can be Damien Tamisier used for cashless payment XPLAN throughout the property We’ve developed several aspects to help create a throughout the property – to contactless terminal and new, safe customer flow activate a massage chair for check themselves out. around the spa. We regulate example or pay for food. Naturally, our staff has check-in, for instance, by If a treatment is helped create specific allowing a maximum number desired, guests can check reopening manuals and of arrivals which is important real-time availability tutorials for spas with as many of our customers via Digital Signage and useful information about are destination spas with book themselves in using booking and time slots, or large visitor numbers. These Touchscreen Self Service how to adjust contracts, people can check in at one Book. The treatment is memberships and gift cards xPlan has self-service of our Check-In Terminals, directly scheduled and etc. The wealth of data Check-In Terminals and where they get an RFID billed. At the end of within the solution helps booking kiosks as well wristband which can be their visit, guests can to create the best possible used for cashless payment then pay for services at a marketing campaigns as well.

The app alerts the service providers of the Brett Smith arrival and two-way texting lets the guest know when the treatment room is ready CONCEPT SPA & GOLF

Sudheer Koneru provide seamless, contactless journeys Proper scheduling ZENOTI that empower social distancing. is key as spas There’s the ability to deliver virtual reopen and Reopening in an era of uncertainty consultations or ﬁ tness sessions. Concept’s priority requires a strategy that combines Onsite, Zenoti enables contactless to build software that data-driven decision-making, creative check-in using branded mobile apps facilitates optimised scheduling. It can marketing, and automation. Zenoti’s with geofencing technology – guests manage the scheduling for therapists – and COVID-19 Recovery Dashboards check-in just by walking through show daily therapist utilisation percentages provide businesses with insights into the door. The app alerts the service – rooms and equipment, ensuring proper week-over-week trends, giving them providers of the arrival and two-way times for therapist breaks, and now, the extra ways to target the best customers and texting lets the guest know when the time that it will take to deep clean rooms. leverage the strongest staff to treatment room is ready. They can Concept Spa’s iPad app is a great tool to create a strategic reopening. breeze through check-out, using the minimise contact – spas can check guests in or An elegant, automated app to pay, tip, rate, and rebook out quickly ensuring a continuous flow through online booking system through their mobile phones. the facility and reducing the need to congregate. ﬁ lls appointment books, Importantly, spas can use It can also be used to fill out forms, removing optimising provider time smart marketing technology, and the need for commonly touched items like and rooms better than the incentives to download the app, pens and clipboards, for contactless payment most experienced to raise awareness of their or even facilitate prepayments (including tip). receptionist. contactless journey and In addition, therapists can use the Zenoti’s encourage clients to app in the treatment room to upsell powerful adopt the touchless treatment enhancements or schedule technology, experience to create future appointments which, again, keeps enables further loyalty and customers out of communal areas. spas to drive revenue.

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 87 http://www.spabusiness.com TECHNOLOGY

The AI receptionist can even field frequently asked questions about new We’ve reduced protocols over SMS, time at the front-desk with assuaging client worry contactless check-in and check-out which guests can Michelle Neuringer perform on their phone MINDBODY Nima Chadha With Booker software and their service provider is ready, BOOK4TIME Bowtie, Mindbody’s AI eliminating waiting rooms. receptionist, spas can keep Check-out: using the We’re helping spas navigate the the personal ‘touch’ clients business app, service contactless experience even before love – without contact. providers can check clients guests check-in. Guests can book their Booking: spas can out so there’s no need for appointment online and instantly and schedule clients to arrive them to visit the front desk. securely receive any waiver or compliant and depart at staggered Post visit: businesses can forms. We’ve reduced time at the times and ensure there’s ample automate email marketing to boost front-desk with contactless check-in and time for cleaning. No matter how retention. With the AI receptionist, check-out which guests can perform clients book online, their payment spas can send a text 30 minutes after on their phone. Lastly, when it’s time to details and tip preference are the service to prompt rebooking. accept payments, guests can process stored, meaning no germ-y credit Spas need to protect their teams, too. transactions from their phones without card exchange is needed later. We’ve made it possible for staff members staff handling any cash or cards. Pre-visit: spas rely on forms to confirm to clock in and check clients out using Another way our cloud-based clients are without symptoms and these personal devices. We also created a software is supporting spas is granting can be sent prior to arrival. The AI waitlist, helping spas understand demand decision makers access to over 200 receptionist can even field frequently and ramp up quickly as they reopen. reports and comprehensive dashboards asked questions about new protocols In addition, we have an entire team – from end of day sales to revenue over SMS, assuaging client worry. dedicated to creating free educational forecasting – no matter where they Check-in: clients can check-in resources for spas to leverage as are or how many spas they have. virtually and wait safely outside until they navigate this new normal.

Jeff Dickerson DAYSMART SOFTWARE

In April, we announced a free tele-consultation service for our Orchid Spa Software customers so they can engage with clients virtually and remotely. This enables them to maintain Our software has a tele- client relationships, continue consultation feature selling products and services so spas can engage and develop new revenues if they charge for appointments. with clients virtually The system allows spas to sell memberships This service is also supporting spas as they so they can pick their mapping out employee to sell memberships, which is a reopen. Rather than having preferred time and services. schedules or extending great way to recognise customer to book in-spa appointments, Another way Orchid can appointment times to loyalty with a small discount. employees can conduct alleviate stress is through accommodate extra cleaning Members can purchase consultations remotely. For its booking and scheduling as this process is automated. products and services (in a in-store customers, Orchid capability. Spa owners Finally, with local customers touchless transaction) and be cloud users can add visitors don’t need to worry about becoming increasingly billed at the end of the month to our new waitlist feature overbooking/social distancing, important, Orchid allows spas rather than paying up-front.

88 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com SMART HOSPITALITY SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS

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Clients can book and pay Guests can book via online before their visit any hotel department which frees up the front using Maestro’s of house team to deal integrated system with other matters

Providers can access their schedules on their personal mobile devices with real-time updates and acceptance of their appointments Audrey MacRae

iSalon has prepared a document outlining how it can help manage bookings MAESTRO PMS

Maestro’s PMS system with integrated Spa Darren Pick Module allows guests to make reservations for ISALON SOFTWARE spa or other onsite activities via any department, be it front desk or central reservations, limiting We have prepared a back to work off owners in this very busy period their number of touchpoints. It can also document outlining the ways iSalon and also reduces no-shows. integrate with payment processors to offer can help to manage booking, stock Remotely, spa managers can contactless payment and has the added ability control and advance payments. manage their business through of posting the charge to guestrooms, foregoing With iBookings, for example, our Command Centre. Or, onsite, the need for any form of physical payment. clients can book and pay online iSalon Software is designed to make Using our Spa Management Module, before their visit which frees up the customer journey as simple providers can access their schedules on their the front of house team to deal as possible. Contactless payment personal mobile devices with real-time updates with other matters. Or our SMS is possible with PaymentSense, and acceptance of their appointments Guest Text Messaging service generates for instance, and clients can opt waiver and intake forms are also digitised to automated appointment reminders in to receive an email receipt enable safer, paper-free environments. in advance which takes the workload to reduce the paper trail.

Theresa Hamberger can be used to ensure guests practices and policies. SpaSoft SPRINGER-MILLER remain safely distanced. Spa tracks the date forms were SYSTEMS occupancy can be tracked completed and sets an expiry and class bookings limited at date to ensure details are SpaSoft offers online booking specific times if necessary. up-to-date. Forms will be stored and contactless payment and SpaSoft Wellness’ electronic on each guest profile for ease the system can be used to intake forms allow for an of reference by therapists. encourage social distancing. efficient ‘no-touch’ check-in. We have many other tools to Treatment rooms can be The locker room These can be customised with help spas reopen, such as pop scheduled independently, for management module questions like ‘do you have a up notifications for staff, yield example, to stagger bookings can be used to fever or other symptoms’ and management and availability and allow for extended updated with liability verbiage, tools, physical inventory sanitation, and the locker ensure guests remain a spa’s commitment to health tracking and configurable room management module safely distanced and safety and new sanitation guest facing collateral.O

90 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com http://www.spabusiness.com SPA TECHNOLOGY FOR THE NEW DECADE

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innovation by Lauren Heath-Jones, assistant product editor Industry suppliers tell Lauren Heath-Jones about their latest product, treatment and equipment launches

Susie Reid says Living Spaces screens offer safety and good design

New Living Spaces screens could be of interest to spas going the extra mile to demonstrate how safe and clean their facilities are. The 1m wide and 1.45m tall safety-glass screens, with castors for easy movability, have been designed to prevent coughs and sneezes travelling and can be used independently as manicure station-separators or in flush-fitting rows in receptions or waiting areas. The range includes screens filled with plants, or featuring botanical

graphics, and there’s space to incorporate brand colours and logos. Long-term, there’s also an option to update the look according to seasonality. Prices start at £528 (US$667, €583). Living Spaces have been created by Twilight Trees, which is known for supplying faux trees and foliage to the hospitality industry. The company quickly came up with the idea during lockdown, and founder and creative director Susie Reid says “they allow businesses all the benefits of clinical safety screens, but without compromising on design.”

spa-kit.net keywords: Screens feature faux foliage http://lei.sr/g3D5VTwilight Trees which can be changed according to seasonality spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 93 http://www.spabusiness.com SPA-KIT.NET

Halotherapy Solutions device delivers salt therapy in treatment rooms, says Steve Spiro

There’s growing consumer interest KPJCNQ UCNV VJGTCR[UKPEG%18+& 19 as people look to improve their therapy benefits at the press of a respiratory health and boost their single button, in just five minutes. immune systems. “My goal is to have HaloPocket Indeed, some spas may already used as either an opening and have dedicated salt rooms or closing ritual for a facial or halotherapy booths. But now massage that supports respiratory Halotherapy Solutions has revealed health or to give any treatment an HaloPocket, a 19cm tall personal extra boost, just like spas upsell a halogenerator, to deliver dry salt mask or special technique,” says Halotherapy Solutions’ founder HaloPocket is 19cm tall and releases dry salt at and CEO Steve Spiro. “Plus, it’s the touch of a button an excellent, innovative product to sell in a spa’s retail store and online – especially in the ‘new My goal is to have normal’ world of COVID-19.” The HaloPocket, which retails HaloPocket used as an opening CV75 a KU and closing ritual for either a already being stocked by leading facial or massage that supports operators such as the Carillon respiratory health Miami Wellness Resort in the US. Halotherapy Solutions distributes worldwide via companies such http://lei.sr/O9P1vspa-kit.net keywords: as Drom UK and Spa Vision. Halotherapy Solutions

Medical-grade covers protect equipment from disinfectant, explains Oakworks’ Jeff Riach

In response to coronavirus, Oakworks has developed Terra Touch – a medical-grade fabric, designed to conceal and protect spa equipment from being spoiled by the harsh chemicals needed to safely clean surfaces. for pillows, tables and stools, According to Oakworks, most along with a full line of tables The machine-washable fabrics used by spas crack, stiffen and positioning accessories. material can be used on and shrink when faced with strong “We’ve been developing and pillows, tables and stools disinfectants. But Terra Touch selling medical equipment for passes ISO standards meaning 15 years, and we realised the it can withstand hospital-grade knowledge we have gained We’ve been developing and selling cleaning and it’s also passed needed to be focused on helping medical equipment for 15 years, and tests for cytotoxicity, skin the spa industry open safely,” says irritation and sensitisation. Jeff Riach, CEO of Oakworks. we realised the knowledge we’ve The material is being used to gained needed to be focused on create reusable, machine-washable spa-kit.net keyword: http://lei.sr/b9Q9KOakworks helping the spa industry open safely ř% CPFYCVGTRTQQHEQXGTU

94 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com Nettuno has been designed with a curved shape so water V>yÜvvvÌi>ÃÞ

Lemi’s Matteo height, posture, leg positioning Brusaferri unveils and the tilt of the bed. Matteo Brusaferri, Lemi general specialist hydrotherapy manager, says: “We’ve been treatment bed working with several companies in the hydrotherapy world for a Italian wellness equipment long time, and based on what specialist Lemi has designed a spa these contacts were saying, the bed specially with hydrotherapy need became apparent for a spa treatments in mind. bed that can also be used for wet The Nettuno model features treatments without electricity. a seamless mattress covered in The need became “With its waterproof mattress waterproof material with a face apparent for a spa bed and its water-resistant padding, hole, and has been designed with Nettuno is a cutting-edge a curved shape to encourage that can also be used solution perfect for both the water to flow off the bed. for wet treatments client and the therapist.” The newly-launched treatment without electricity table has two movable columns http://lei.sr/z3O2Espa-kit.net keyword: which can be used to adjust Lemi

Elena Maletti says UV-Totem sanitises in a continuous cycle

Italy’s Maletti Group, the parent they’re back and Nilo is ready to company to Nilo wellness support them by guaranteeing a equipment, has worked with the safe and clean environment.” University of Perugia to develop The look of the totem can be a device that sanitises any spa customised and can stand on the room continuously and not just at floor or be hung on the wall. intervals in the day. In other news, Maletti has also Air is first sucked into the created Kubetto, which uses a new UV-Totem and passes disinfectant to quickly clean the through a filter to purify it and soles of shoes, and Ecosteam, a then UV-C technology is used portable device that produces to further clean the air and UVGCOQHWRVQř%VQUCPKVKUG “inhibit the reproduction and surfaces and materials that can’t be proliferation of harmful agents”. treated with chemical products. Nilo CEO Elena Maletti says:. The room cleaning UV-Totem (left) and Kubetto, which “Spas have faced difficult months spa-kit.net keyword: http://lei.sr/M2i5n disinfects shoes (above) because of COVID-19. But now Nilo

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 95 http://www.spabusiness.com SPA-KIT.NET We know the safety of both clients and Living Earth Crafts’ Erica Coble reveals Anti-Microbial FacePillow employees is at the forefront of the Living Earth Crafts (LEC) reopening process has unveiled a face pillow for massage beds coverings for an added that’s covered in an level of hygiene, which anti-microbial hospital- provide a waterproof grade fabric which can and germ proof barrier also cope with strong between the customer disinfectant and bleach. and the FacePillow. In addition, LEC has “We know the safety of used minimal velcro and both clients and employees is stitching in the Anti-Microbial / i«ÜÃwÌ> at the forefront of the reopening FacePillow to make the standard beds and process,” says Erica Coble, sales VP product easier to disinfect. provide an added for LEC. “We’ve diligently worked level of hygiene The pillows are designed to during the pandemic to innovate fit all standard platforms and new products that ensure wellness are manufactured with LEC’s operators and therapists have the proprietary Strata Cloudfill memory protective products they require and gel cushioning to ensure to safely operate their business.” comfort and a luxurious feel. LEC has also recently launched http://lei.sr/G9I5mspa-kit.net keywords: Stretch Guard Silicone FacePillow Living Earth Crafts

Thalgo’s detox range harnesses the super power of spirulina, explains Marian Harvey

French marine skincare brand, Marian Harvey, MD of Thalgo Thalgo, has launched a three-piece Group UK, says the range is product line to complement its “especially helpful for skin Smoothing Detoxifying facial. affected by urban pollution, The Spiruline Boost collection stress and fatigue”. uses a complex of energising A serum has been created to spirulina, a blue-green algae intensely revive the skin’s natural that’s known as a superfood, and radiance, smooth wrinkles, revive anti-stress marine magnesium to the complexion and erase signs reduce skin fatigue and prevent of fatigue, while a gel-cream is the first signs of ageing. concentrated with spirulina and marine magnesium to protect against urban pollution. A multi-purpose eye-gel targets puffiness and dark circles using ingredients such as elderflower polyphenols and horse chestnut escin. This final product has been designed with a triple roller ball tip to provide a cooling yet stimulating massage on the eye contour.

spa-kit.net keyword: http://lei.sr/r3w3vThalgo

The range is designed for skin affected by pollution, stress and fatigue

96 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com PROMOTION

Our 50 minutes global body massage is a mixture of Indonesian techniques, and is enriched with an energetic Mayongo Séverine Monjanel breathing ritual

We believe it’s not only crucial to train spa staff, but all employees who are in contact with spa clients, be that reception, guest relations, sales or Isabelle Villey restaurant staff Sothys’ new Indonésie Ancestral line

What training and support Sothys’ beauty treatment designer, Séverine Monjanel, and does Sothys offer? training director, Isabelle Villey, talk to Spa Business about Isabelle: Initial starter Spa Training, the company’s new authentic ancestral Indonesian treatment which teaches therapists about the main treatment protocols and retail offerings. Following this, we offer a one-day What inspired the new treatment? sales training course using workshops Séverine: Our one-hour Indonésie to help therapists gain a thorough Ancestral treatment was a product understanding of our products and of Sothys’ president, Christian Mas, develop sales skills to market our them meeting a master of ancient Javanese and contribute to spa profitability. beauty care traditions on a trip abroad. I All training material is available then visited Borneo to truly understand on our professional website, with the cultural dimension of Indonesian lots of tools to help support and body massage and immerse myself facilitate the organisation of the spa, in the region’s techniques, in order At Sothys, we believe it’s not to create an authentic treatment. only crucial to train spa staff, but all employees who are in contact with What’s special and different about it? spa clients, be that reception, guest Séverine: The treatment includes a relations, sales or restaurant staff. Sothys trains 3,000 therapists a year 50-minute global body massage, using We offer a specific training session a mixture of Indonesian techniques, to teach them how to speak about and is enriched with an energetic How many therapists do the spa and our brand and explain Mayonggo breathing ritual to help you train annually? what can be found in the spa. release tension and encourage deep Isabelle: We typically train 3,000 beauty relaxation and an energy rebalance. therapists a year, with courses offered What’s most important about in 120 countries carried out through a training for Sothys? How are treatments developed? combination of face-to-face and distance Isabelle: Making sure our training Séverine: Treatments are created learning. Our training team comprises supports spas to design their own within the Biometrology unit of the a lead training manager – in charge of personal customer journey and helping Sothys research and development the conception of the training tools, train therapists to be confident and department, where protocol and four international trainers, one head comfortable with the treatments and effectiveness are validated. Following trainer specifically for the Americas as products they work with, all while this, we develop the necessary tools well as one for the Asia-Pacific countries. educating them on how to contribute for education and plan a training day There are also local trainers in every to the profitability of the spa. including theory, practice and retail. country where Sothys is distributed. O www.sothys.com

spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 97 http://www.spabusiness.com SPA-KIT.NET

ESPA's Golby says Modern Alchemy Collection was inspired by ayurvedic rituals and TCM

ESPA has launched its Modern Alchemy Collection, a skincare range designed to rejuvenate skin, body and mind and create multi- sensorial experiences. Inspired by ayurvedic healing Grounding crystals can be used as bath salts rituals, traditional Chinese medicine and shamanic It’s a deeply sensorial collection practices, the collection has been designed to harness the of restorative and balancing rituals restorative power of nature using natural ingredients such vetiver, include a cleansing milk, are eager for a deeper sense of as adaptogenic roots and herbs, polish, bath and body oil, balm, connection and Modern Alchemy mushroom extract and flowers. lotion and ‘grounding crystals, is ESPA’s answer to this… It’s a The six products, fragranced which can be used as bath salts. deeply sensorial collection of with ylang-ylang, sandalwood and Each Modern Alchemy product restorative and balancing rituals.” features the new ESPA monogram The launch follows ESPA’s strong developed to symbolise the commitment to producing natural, power of natural ingredients eco-friendly skincare which has remaining at the heart of all the seen a complete overhaul of its brand’s products and practices. packaging and operations to “Our reliance on technology make everything more sustainable. has only furthered a sense of Read more: http://lei.sr/8h4G5 disconnect – from each other and from the natural world,” says http://lei.sr/J6Z6Xspa-kit.net keyword: The line “rejuvenates the skin, body and mind” Danny Golby, ESPA GM. “People ESPA

We saw a need to introduce a stylish, discrete face shield that looks and feels friendlier while protecting the wearer

The shields are reusable Noel Asmar introduces and recyclable and eco-friendly protective face shields wrap around the face

Noel Asmar Uniforms has unveiled “Shields and visors are translucent eye frames to minimise discrete protective face shields for important but the imposing the impersonal nature of PPE, close contact treatments. ones are yet another barrier while its wrap-around design The global spa uniform designer impacting the personal, peaceful has been created to provide has revealed the re-usable and spa experience,” says founder optimal coverage for therapists. recyclable shields as a continuation Noel Asmar, “we saw a need to The non-medical shields are also of its design-sensitive approach introduce a stylish, discrete face easy to combine with prescription towards PPE and as a solution to shield that looks and feels friendlier glasses and face masks. elevate therapists’ confidence and while protecting the wearer.” professionalism as they return to The headband-free product http://lei.sr/x3Z7xspa-kit.net keywords: spas following the pandemic. features a visor attached to Noel Asmar

98 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com PROMOTION

Spa and wellness operators can offer the Iyashi Dôme with conﬁdence, knowing it is COVID-19 secure

Iyashi Dôme is now COVID-19 compliant, says Shogoro Uemura

Iyashi Dôme, the company “With this set-up, there There is no which invented the Japanese is no transmission of toxins transmission of sauna, has made it COVID-19 from one client to another, so compliant, so operators can offer they can follow one after the toxins from one treatments with confidence. other in complete safety,” says client to another, Right from the start of the founder, Shogoro Uemura. so they can follow pandemic, the company “Thanks to our Japanese high one after the other implemented new protocols for the technology and our mobile app, in complete safety use of the treatment device and we now also have the protocols it now ships with a Pip Titanium to offer hands-free, non-contact Catalyst for the elimination of treatments which combine toxins in real-time during sessions. profitability and safety,” he says. “Today, we’re witnessing a new global change, a new mode of consumption, an unprecedented economic crisis and a new form of collective consciousness. “With the health measures that have emerged in the face of the global pandemic, the wellness sector is – paradoxically – more necessary than ever, but also more challenging to deliver. “We have no choice but to reinvent ourselves – to ‘recreate’ ourselves, and we will continue to develop our technology, so everyone can benefit from improved health and wellbeing through using the Iyashi Dôme.”

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The Iyashi Dôme comes with safe protocols and an app spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 99 http://www.spabusiness.com spa business directory

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RESEARCH by Megan Whitby, writer

The paper assessed 13 pieces of research focused on hot and cold bathing

Finishing touch WATER CURE

Meta-analysis highlights how hydrotherapy is proven to be both a preventative and therapeutic health treatment

pa and wellness businesses have a long history improve tissue oxygenation and strengthen muscles. of using hydrotherapy to deliver curative benefits Meanwhile, it revealed that cold water immersion S to customers and there are more than 34,000 can provide an anaesthetic effect, and reduce stress thermal/mineral spring establishments worldwide, and force placed on the body to help the ability to according to the Global Wellness Economy Monitor. Now exercise. In addition, it can support musculoskeletal a research review has shown why being immersed in water function in healthy people or act as a rehabilitation has so many unexpected health benefits. treatment for patients with The paper, by South Korean The industry is existing pain-related diseases. academics, assessed 13 pieces anticipating a surge of research, and findings were European Parliament published in the International in hydrotherapy The global pandemic has Journal of Environmental Research treatments kickstarted a renewed interest in and Public Health last year. health, leading the spa industry Called The thermal effects of water immersion on to anticipate a surge in demand for treatments like health outcomes: an integrative review, the paper explored hydrotherapy which also help with prevention. the health effects of immersion hydrotherapy in the Interestingly, the European Parliament is also in the studies. Nine studies used warm water, one used both process of assessing a tourism and transport initiative, warm and cold water and the other three used cold water. which includes a sub-section highlighting the need to Immersion is just one form of hydrotherapy which uses support European resorts in attracting spa and wellness water for pain relief and treatment of existing conditions. tourists. The initiative calls on the European Commission to fund more science-based research to enable the Findings of the study sector to develop medical tourism business with the The study found that warm water immersion can aim of reducing healthcare costs through preventative improve cardiovascular function, suggesting it has measures, such as hydrotherapy and balneotherapy. clinical significance as an alternative to exercise, and This reinforces a view held widely in the industry more importantly, as a preventative health treatment. – that treatments such as hydrotherapy have the It’s also been shown to increase blood flow to major potential to improve health globally and should be organs, including the brain, heart and lungs; to help taken seriously as preventative health modalities. O with improved short-term brain function; and to O Read more: http://lei.sr/w7J5o

102 spabusiness.com issue 3 2020 http://www.spabusiness.com MEDICAL˜ WELLNESS CONGRESS

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