Spa Inc. Awards issue 2024

Being the Best

canadian spa & wellness awards

Here’s to the Winners: The Recipients of the 2023 Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards 10

Global Wellness Summit’s Top 10: From Manning Up to Multisensory Immersive Art, 2024’s wellness trends are anything but usual 20 science of the spa Bed Time: Help your clients de-stress with the Welnamis loungers 27 sponsored content SOPAR International 31 spa news Spa Openings Products to Try 8

Trends and Technology

We love rewarding ourselves with a luxurious spa treatment. Better yet, a whole spa day—or days! It’s easy enough to find a spa in Canada—according to one estimate, there are roughly 3,000. However, which one is the right one?

Each spa has its strengths, of course, but there’s nothing like visiting an award-winning spa. Awarded for any number of reasons—educated and attentive staff, top-notch treatments, luxurious spaces—these spa stars truly shine.

In this issue, we recap the winners of the Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards (page 8). Six judges deliberated to decide the Top 25 Spas in Canada, as well as the Top Innovative Spa Treatment, the Top Innovative Spa Product, and the Consumer’s Choice Award, among others.

After all, taking care of ourselves is key to our wellness—particularly these days when we all seem to work 24/7, thanks, in part, to technology.

However, technology isn’t always detrimental to our mental wellness.

We spoke with Litsa Karamitsos of Cosmo-derma Technologies about the new Welnamis bed (page 25). This technology-enhanced bed offers clients “binaural vibroacoustic therapy,” which uses frequencies and sound therapies for a relaxing, meditative experience. “According to studies conducted by the Gharieni Group, the technology reduces stress and anxiety, and even regulates the autonomic nervous system,” she says.

While vibroacoustic therapy is making headway in the industry, so, too, are a number of wellness trends. Chris Ryall looks at the Global Wellness Summit’s Top 10 Trends for 2024 (page 18). From postpartum wellness for women to junto-style retreats for men, the latest and greatest trends are anything but typical.

Finally, on the horizon, two new spas in Alberta are set to open in summer 2025.

MTN House by Basecamp in Canmore will open its new Nordic spa, offering facials, body treatments, hydrotherapy, and much more.

In Lake Louise, the Fairmont Chateau has been busy renovating its property for a new eco-friendly Thermal Wellness Facility, which is located on the site of the hotel’s previous outdoor pool.

While we can look forward to the new offerings in the “Energy Province,” let’s remain focused on the surplus of spas and services at this moment. Enjoy them and all they have to offer!

Have a safe and happy summer!

Check us out online @SpaIncMag

Brooke Smith SPECIAL ISSUE MANAGING EDITOR

ISSN 1710 -1727

Volume 19, Number 1

Publisher Susan A. Browne sbrowne@dvtail.com

Special issue Brooke Smith

Managing Editor bsmith@dvtail.com

Managing Editor Sean Tarry

Contributor Chris Ryall Brooke Smith

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C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S T O

T HE WINNERS

Thank you for exemplifying the best of Canada’s spa and wellness industry.

TOP 25 SPAS IN CANADA

Ancient Cedars Spa

BALNEA spa + réserve thermale

Boathouse Spa

Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau

Burning Springs Spa & Thermal Pools

Dol-ás Spa

Fairmont Spa Banff Springs

Grail Springs Retreat for Wellbeing

Guerlain Spa at Four Seasons Montreal

Hammam Spa by Céla

iwa Spa

Kananaskis Nordic Spa

Pacific Mist Spa at the Kingfisher

Oceanside Resort & Spa

Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain

Spa in the Woods Timmins

Spa myBlend at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto

Ste. Anne’s Spa

Strøm Spa Nordique du Vieux-Québec

The Elora Mill Spa

The Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara

The Spa at Langdon Hall

The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge

Thermëa, by Nordik Spa-Nature

Willow Stream Spa at the Empress

Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont

Pacific Rim

TOP DESTINATION SPA

Ste. Anne’s Spa

TOP NEW SPA

Thermëa spa village

TOP DAY SPA

Nordik Spa-Nature in Chelsea

TOP MEDI-SPA

Victoria Park Medispa

TOP HYDRO SPAS

Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain

TOP HOTEL SPA

The Spa at The St. Regis Toronto

EDUCATION AWARD

DermaSpark Products Inc.

TOP SPA PARTNER

Esthetics Plus

CONSUMER’S CHOICE AWARD

Skinprovement Medi Spa & Laser Clinic

PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY AWARD

Spa 901

TOP INNOVATIVE SPA PRODUCT

AquaIMUNITA Cell Reboost Lotion

Aquafolia

TOP INNOVATIVE SPA TREATMENT

Whispers of Ouessant

Guerlain Spa at Four Seasons Montreal

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Monastery Spa & Medispa

Nature Folk

THANK YOU TO OUR ESTEEMED JUDGING PANEL

Chris Ryall

Irina Yushvaeva

Marion Le Gall

Sean Tarry

Vivienne O’Keeffe

Wanda Love

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Spa Openings

SIX SENSES BELIZE

AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE

MTN SPA CANMORE, ALTA.

MTN House by Basecamp in Canmore, Alta., will be set to open its new Nordic spa in the summer of 2025. This luxurious spa will offer a range of services, including massage, facials, body treatments, hydrotherapy, saunas, and more—all designed to promote wellness and tranquility. Spa staff will use only the finest and most natural products and techniques to ensure clients leave feeling refreshed and renewed.

The luxury resort and spa group Six Senses will open a new tropical retreat in Belize by mid-2025. According to Spa Business, the retreat will house 45 resort villas and 24 overwater residences. The Six Senses Spa and Wellness Village will feature an alchemy bar, a holistic anti-aging centre, a fitness center, indoor and outdoor treatment areas, a temazcal (sweat) lodge, and an outdoor yoga pavilion.

THERMAL WELLNESS FACILITY

LAKE LOUISE, ALTA.

Since spring 2023, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has been undergoing renovations on the property for its new state-of-the-art, eco-friendly Thermal Wellness Facility. When completed, the facility will be located on the site of the hotel’s previous outdoor pool, which was built in 1926 and closed in 1980. The facility is scheduled to open in the summer of 2025.

Products to Try

La Prairie

SKIN CAVIAR THE MIST

This is La Prairie’s first caviar-infused mist. It’s designed to refresh, energize, and smooth the skin throughout the day. The fragrance-free formula can be applied over makeup and sunscreen for a dewy-fresh effect.

Glo Skin Beauty

BHA CLARIFYING GEL MOISTURIZER

The BHA Clarifying Gel Moisturizer is an oil-free, weightless water gel formula that mattifies, conditions, and strengthens the skin. The hydroxy acid blend smooths and softens skin, minimizing the appearance of pores, and clarifies and eliminates shine. The fast-absorbing gel also hydrates the skin, plumping and cushioning it to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

OPI

MY ME ERA COLLECTION

Ready for some nail shimmer? Try OPI’s new summer palette: My Me Era Collection. Bold dazzling colours have even bolder names like On Cloud Fine, Sheen Stealer, and Lookin’ Cute-icle. Get ready to make a statement this summer!

Éminence Organic Skin Care

ARCTIC BERRY ENZYME EXFOLIANT

Want to remove dead skin cells? The Arctic Berry Enzyme Exfoliant can help. The blend of four antioxidant-rich plants helps to prevent visible signs of aging, and essential vitamins, minerals, and Omega 3 fatty acids replenish the skin’s moisture and restore the appearance of elasticity. Éminence’s products are vegan and soy-, nut-, and gluten-free.

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SANDALS AND SUN COLLECTION

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Here’s to the WINNERS

THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2023 CANADIAN SPA & WELLNESS AWARDS

This year’s winners of the Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards were among the best and brightest in the industry. From luxurious spa treatments to education and training on treatments, our winners are all well-deserving of their awards.

Our six judges (listed below) had a tough job, sifting through many applications, but they rose to the occasion and uncovered the truly standout winners. We thank them for their time and dedication to this important event:

• Marion Le Gall

Director of Revenue and Membership, Leading Spas of Canada

• Wanda Love

Spa & Wellness Marketing Consultant, Button Media Group

• Vivienne O’Keeffe

Principal/Founder, Spa Profits Consulting

Read on to discover our award winners!

• Chris Ryall

President, Travel Marketing Experts

• Sean Tarry

Managing Editor, Spa Inc.

• Irina Yushvaeva

Professor and ETAC, Seneca College

TOP DESTINATION SPA

STE. ANNE’S SPA

GRAFTON, ONTARIO www.steannes.com

At Ste. Anne’s Spa, guests come to unwind and rejuvenate while leaving their stress and worries at the door. Set in the scenic countryside of Northumberland Hills, Ste. Anne’s offers countryinspired cuisine; an extensive schedule includes numerous meditation, yoga, and fitness classes. With Ste. Anne’s more than 500 acres of property, guests are free to walk and explore the natural environment. The spa service menu also offers an extensive list of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments from its aesthetics to heat and hydro treatments like the Eucalyptus Detox Body Wrap. Other spa services include JetPeels, foot and hand therapies, Shiatsu massage, reflexology, Reiki, and lymphatic drainage.

TOP NEW SPA THERMËA SPA VILLAGE

WHITBY, ONTARIO https://thermea.com/whitby/thermal-experience

Surrounded by nature, the Thermëa spa village provides guests with an escape from the day-to-day grind. Guests can embark on thermotherapy (including rituals), massage, and body treatments (both face and feet). After treatments, they can enjoy one of three dining experiences at the village: farm-to-table fare at Le Resto; crafted cocktails in the Lounge; or local beer at the Biergarden.

TOP DAY SPA NORDIK SPA-NATURE

CHELSEA, QUÉBEC

At Nordik Spa-Nature, a varied menu of massages, body treatments, treatments, and rituals awaits guests. With 10 outdoor baths, nine saunas with a distinct purpose, a panoramic swimming pool, a floating saltwater pool, multiple relaxation areas, a yoga and meditation room, an exfoliation room, and seven natural massage pavilions, Nordik SpaNature will provide guests with the rest and relaxation they need.

Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards

TOP HYDRO SPAS

ECLIPSE NORDIC HOT SPRINGS

WHITEHORSE, YUKON TERRITORY https://eclipsenordichotsprings.ca/

The Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs Ritual combines the Nordic cycle (repeating the hot/cold/relax cycle, aka “thermotherapy”) with the benefits of a Japanese Onsen-style “soak” in mineral hot spring waters. The sense of vitality and well-being generated by this therapy cycle is enhanced by the volcanically heated, mineral-rich water of the hot spring pools, which are known to diminish muscle pain and positively affect a score of common health complaints. The result is designed to promote unique state of restful, peaceful relaxation and invigoration.

TOP MEDI-SPA VICTORIA PARK MEDISPA

WESTMOUNT, QUÉBEC www.victoriaparklab.ca

Victoria Park Medispa has a number of solutions to offer clients for any number of issues, including pigmentation and skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, and body contouring. It also offers laser hair removal, tattoo removal, sclerotherapy, private dermatology, hair loss therapy, treatments for excessive sweating, wrinkle relaxers, and dermal fillers. There are also offer volumizing injections for the buttocks, and they have a range of five different treatments to increase clients’ sexual health.

The cruelty-free, clean ingredients are vetted by experts. Recently, the medispa launched an online boutique, allowing patients to replenish their products without having to visit the spa.

SCANDINAVE SPA BLUE MOUNTAIN

BLUE MOUNTAINS, ONTARIO www.scandinave.com/blue-mountain

Situated on 25 acres of mature forest and on a protected wetland reserve, the Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain allows guests to experience a deeper connection to our climate, sustainability, and nature. The hydrotherapy experience—branded the “Thermal Journey”—is the spa’s most popular offering. The Thermal Journey includes six different outdoor water sources, including three hot baths, three cold pools, and two waterfalls. The new Chiller system ensures the spa can offer consistent cold plunge therapy—in the summer and winter months. A new relaxation/firepit area gives guests more space under the forest canopy overlooking the property’s natural pond feature. A new Guided Thermal Journey experience is offered monthly; guests partake in a 45-minute guided session moving through hot, cold, and relaxation installations while learning how to maximize the wellness benefits of each step in the circuit (especially the cold!). The session finishes with a guided meditation under the forest canopy.

Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards

SkinNourishment_SpaIncAd_PrintReady.pdf 1 2023-11-14 12:41 PM

TOP HOTEL SPA THE SPA AT THE ST. REGIS TORONTO

TORONTO, ONTARIO

https://stregistorontospa.com/

The Spa has a plethora of facilities for both hotel and local guests, including the Infinity Lap Swimming Pool, a dry sauna, and aroma-infused steam rooms. The hotel also offers a Wellness Stay Package for couples and families with welcome spa amenities in the room and credit for spa treatments. The Spa has a full variety of services—from massages and facials to body treatments and nail services.

Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards

EDUCATION AWARD DERMASPARK PRODUCTS INC.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA https://dermaspark.com/

DermaSpark is a Canadian distribution company that represents several leading brands in the Canadian medical-aesthetic market. Its clientele consists of certified aestheticians, spas and medispas, aesthetic nurses, naturopathic doctors, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons, as well as higher education institutions that educate and train future generations of medical-aesthetic practitioners. DermaSpark believes that proper training and education are the keys to clients’ success, and it invests considerable resources in providing its aesthetic partners with continual, up-to-date, and very comprehensive education programs—including repeat training for new staff members and for its all technologies and products; ongoing online training and webinars; and evidence-based education taken directly from published articles and medical studies.

CONSUMER’S CHOICE AWARD SKINPROVEMENT MEDI SPA & LASER CLINIC

VAUGHAN, ONTARIO www.skinprovement.ca/

This is the second year Skinprovement Medi Spa & Laser Clinic won the Consumer’s Choice Award. Founder Ashley Perri has been in the aesthetics business for over 16 years. She managed the first men’s spa in Canada, in downtown Toronto, at age 20, and has taught aesthetics courses at Sheridan College. She has been engaged in many charitable initiatives, including Brows for the Brave—through Skinprovement—which offers free microblading services to those who have suffered from cancer or various illnesses. Skinprovement Medi Spa & Laser Clinic won the Small Business Award in 2019 from the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce. And, it has also been awarded the MINDBODY Visionary Award in 2018, the Eminence Organics Highest Growth Award in 2018 for all of Ontario and Upstate New York, and a Gold Reader’s Choice Award for Laser Hair Removal by Vaughan Citizen in 2017.

TOP SPA PARTNER ESTHETICS PLUS

EDMONTON, ALBERTA www.epbeauty.ca/

Esthetics Plus, a leading resource for skin solutions, represents some of the bestperforming and most innovative brands from around the world. It builds businesses through partnerships, education, and support, and connects professionals with the industry’s best products and training. Esthetics Plus’ team of industry professionals provides the highest quality education, business consulting, and support to ensure a long-lasting relationship with its clients.

PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY AWARD SPA 901

FERNIE, BRITISH COLUMBIA https://spa901.ca/

Spa 901 is locally owned and operated by two young entrepreneurs who went from being employees to owners in March 2015. Over the years, they have volunteered time and money to support organizations within the community that promote the health of their business community, and recognition of the wellness industry. In 2016, Spa 901 was awarded the Community Leadership Award at the Chamber Business Excellence Awards, in recognition for their volunteerism and philanthropic support within the community. The Spa 901 team is passionate about sharing knowledge of their practice and love of the outdoors with their guests, and their treatments are inspired by delivering the best course of maintenance and care to their clients. In 2020, the owners accepted the Employer of the Year Award at the Chamber of Business Excellence Awards.

Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards

TOP INNOVATIVE SPA PRODUCT AQUALMUNITA CELL REBOOST LOTION AQUAFOLIA

LAVAL, QUÉBEC

www.aquafolia.com/en/

Formulated with plant stem cell extracts, plant stem cells, rose water, and organic hibiscus, AqualMUNITA

Cell Reboost Lotion is an anti-aging lotion that restores skin’s healthy luminous appearance. It promotes skin repair, revitalization, and regeneration and offers a lifted appearance to the skin.

TOP INNOVATIVE SPA TREATMENT WHISPERS OF OUESSANT

AT GUERLAIN SPA AT FOUR SEASONS MONTRÉAL Montréal, Québec

This multisensory and holistic 60-minute treatment transports the body and mind beyond the seas. This invigorating massage transports clients to the wild landscape of Ouessant Island in France. In perfect harmony with the movements of the Guerlain expert, the music is designed to delight all the senses and offer a rousing and refreshing escape. Beach pebbles promise a soothing heat while storms offer a unique performance. Between myth and reality, clients are soon enchanted by this invigorating, energizing experience. The Whispers of Ouessant rejuvenates the body and mind, promising wellness and freedom.

Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

MONASTERY SPA & MEDISPA

ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND https://monasteryspa.com/

Monastery Spa & Medispa is the largest Aveda Concept Spa in Atlantic Canada, serving tens of thousands of guests for more than 20 years. It offers packages, including prenatal packages, and a number of services, including facials, microneedling, body contouring, reflexology, and cupping and facial cupping. Guests can stay at the Monastery Hotel and indulge in gastronomic delicacies at the Monastery Bistro, open till 9 p.m. daily.

NATURE FOLK

DARTMOUTH, NOVA SCOTIA www.naturefolk.ca/

Nature Folk is a modern bathhouse, sauna, and body work facility. Located on the Dartmouth Waterfront, the space is designed with a nod to ancient baths and traditional Nordic spas. Nature Folk offers a number of services, including yoga classes, massage therapy, and facials, as well as osteopathic treatments and thermal circuits. Nature Folk helps guests escape the stresses of everyday life, slow down, and reconnect with themselves.

Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards

TOP 25 SPAS IN CANADA

Ancient Cedars Spa TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA www.wickinn.com/ancient-cedars-spa/

BALNEA spa + reserve thermale BROMONT, QUÉBEC www.balnea.ca/en/

Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC https://botabota.ca/

Burning Springs Spa & Thermal Pools

NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO www.burningspringsspa.com/

Dol-ás Spa

FOX HARBOUR, NOVA SCOTIA www.foxharbr.com/spa-fitness/

Fairmont Spa Banff Springs BANFF, ALBERTA www.fairmont.com/banff-springs/spa/the-fairmont-banffsprings-spa/

Grail Springs Retreat for Wellbeing BANCROFT, ONTARIO www.grailsprings.com/

Guerlain Spa at Four Seasons Montréal MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC www.fourseasons.com/montreal/spa/

Hammam Spa by Céla TORONTO, ONTARIO https://hammamspa.ca/

iwa Spa

BLUE MOUNTAINS, ONTARIO https://iwaspa.com/

Kananaskis Nordic Spa

TURNER VALLEY, ALBERTA https://knordicspa.com/

Pacific Mist Spa at the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa COURTENAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA www.kingfisherspa.com/ Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain BLUE MOUNTAINS, ONTARIO www.scandinave.com/bluemountain

Spa in the Woods TIMMINS, ONTARIO www.spainthewoods.ca/

Spa myBlend at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto TORONTO, ONTARIO https://spamyblendtoronto.com/

Ste. Anne’s Spa GRAFTON, ONTARIO www.steannes.com/

Strøm Spa Nordique du Vieux-Québec VILLE DE QUÉBEC, QUÉBEC www.stromspa.com/

The Boathouse Spa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA www.oakbaybeachhotel.com/

The Elora Mill Spa ELORA, ONTARIO https://eloramill.ca/spa/

The Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara PARKSVILLE, BRITISH COLUMBIA https://grottospa.com/

The Spa at Langdon Hall CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO www.langdonhall.ca/

The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA www.nitalakelodge.com/spa

Thermëa, by Nordik Spa-Nature WINNIPEG, MANITOBA www.thermea.ca/

Willow Stream Spa at the Empress VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA www.fairmont-empress.com/wellness/

Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Pacific Rim VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA www.fairmontpacificrim.com/willow-stream-spa/

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GLOBAL WELLNESS SUMMIT’S TOP 10

From Manning Up to Multisensory Immersive Art, 2024’s wellness trends are anything but usual

BY CHRIS RYALL

Okay all you men out there, man up and let your emotional armour down. There’s a men’s wellness retreat ready to guide you to better connect with your inner self and

others. The rise in men’s wellness offerings is just one of 10 trends from the Global Wellness Summit’s (GWS) annual Future of Wellness report released in January this year.

According to the report, the wellness market has expanded its industry presence and economic impact as it infiltrates the sports and arts sectors. The economic impact measured by

Global Wellness Institute (GWI) on the world wellness economy in 2022 was worth US$5.6 trillion and is forecast to reach US$8.5 trillion by 2027.

Here at home, Canada makes valuable contributions to the world wellness economy. In GWI’s latest rankings, Canada was eighth in its US$128-billion wellness economy in 2022 out of 218 countries worldwide.1 The nation’s wellness economy per capita, according to the report, was US$3,287 in 2022. Politicians and civic leaders take notice— the wellness economy as a percentage of Canada’s GDP is 5.98%.

All those involved in the spa and wellness industry will find the GWI Canada report (published in November

2023) informative and useful for their own marketing plans and where the industry is headed.

Defining Wellness and the Wellness Economy

When reviewing new trends, however, consider how GWI defines wellness: “[T] he active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.” The wellness economy includes industries that enable consumers to incorporate wellness activities and lifestyles into their daily lives. Eleven sectors fall under the wellness economy: personal care and beauty; healthy eating, nutrition, and weight loss; public health, prevention,

and personalized medicine; traditional and complementary medicine; spas; thermal/mineral springs; wellness tourism; workplace wellness; wellness real estate; physical activity; and mental wellness.

While the pandemic created many challenges (shutdowns, new safety/ hygiene protocols, staffing shortages), we began to see the industry getting back on track in 2023 and continuing into 2024. People are much more aware of how important physical and mental wellness is for overall health and well-being. Weight loss drugs were in short supply as people looked for a quick fix for all those pandemic pounds they put on. Mental and sexual wellness programs have also taken on new importance in the industry.

GWS’S 2024 WELLNESS TRENDS

Climate-adaptive Wellness

Expect innovative technology and treatments to cool our bodies, homes, and cities. As the planet becomes warmer and the effects of air-conditioning contribute in negative ways, there will be new thinking in home and building designs and architecture. Consider wild swimming, smart-tech cool clothing, and other wearables to monitor body temperatures. “Cool-cations” to mountain areas, more focus on hot/cold therapy facilities, and nighttime wellness programming will become more popular.

2

Power of the Pilgrimage

During the pandemic, people walked more when many gyms had to close. Walking is making a comeback with pilgrimages (think Camino de Santiago in Spain) on ancient trails and multi-day hikes with spiritual and cultural components and holistic tourism to places like Sri Lanka, Bhutan, India, and Italy. Resorts will offer programs to sacred sites, almsgiving (to monks like in Thailand), and other ceremonies.

Manning Up

You will see a rise of EVRYMAN and junto-style men’s retreats— not the old “let’s beat our chests” warrior-style retreats—where men can be their authentic selves, share their feelings, and become more introspective. Programs will be designed to cater to all stages of life.

Postpartum Wellness

A long overdue trend is a focus on postpartum care with quality and deep rest, baby-care education, massage, therapeutic bathing, postpartum retreats, apps to address postpartum depression, and counselling. More pelvic floor care products and services will be offered, along with supplements and skincare.

5 6 7

Longevity Has Longevity

Consumers will be flooded with longevity-related information. Longevity clinics will be popping up everywhere offering diagnostic testing, biomarkers, genetic tests, and full-body MRIs. Ozone therapy, cryotherapy, and IV drips will be some of the treatments used for apparent longevity purposes. However, buyer beware when it comes to longevity claims; more research is required, and only the well-off can afford the latest tech tools, treatments, and longevity retreats.

Weight-loss Drugs

Consumers were fed daily success stories of GLP-1-inhibiting weight-loss drugs. These have had major impacts on traditional diet, fitness, and weight-loss programs. Just take a “magic prick” and all will be lost. No sweat. More drugs will come on the market in 2024. Look for more whole-health weight-loss approaches combining nutrition and fitness coaching, health services, and metabolic health analysis. There will be a more evidence-based approach in the future that is not so reliant on drugs solely.

Sports in Hospitality

Let’s get social with sports. (Look at Taylor Swift!) This trend explores getting beyond the gym (usually a solo pursuit) and engaging in more socialempowering sports such as pickleball. Hospitality destinations are raising the bar to provide more pro-level facilities and even pro-trainers—a welcome development, especially for seasoned and pro athletes, that has been lacking in the past.

A Canadian Spa Expert’s View

Julie Simcox, director of Spa & Reservations at Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa in Cambridge, Ont., and chair of the Leading Spas of Canada, is the perfect person to weigh in on the recent trends report.

Simcox says that the Manning Up trend “resonates” in her own household. “My husband has joined and participated in

two retreats from EVRYMAN in the last two years. It will only help relationships between women and men and between men and other men.”

She is also fully on board with the Postpartum Wellness trend. “There are so many health-related issues that women go through that do not get the recognition, studies, and data to combat

Home Tech Health Hub

Watch out for new home design and product environments that feature intuitive, sensory-enhanced, and personalized wellness support. This will go beyond the standard saunas, cold plunges, and yoga rooms.

Multisensory Immersive Art

Museums, hotels, and spas are offering multisensory art experiences—no longer simply gazing at a painting but involving all our senses through projection mapping, spatial sound technologies, and generative AI. Wearable technologies will allow generative artworks to become hyper-personalized, participatory, and therapeutically effective.

Under the Radar

Susie Ellis, the chair of GWI, reveals ideas from the GWS that have potential to become trends. This year, one key theme stood out: destigmatizing mental health issues and creating new solutions as rates of mental unwellness continue to rise, especially amongst teenagers. One suggestion is for wellness centres and spas to lower the age limits so younger people can participate in evidence-based healing treatments.

and deal with them effectively,” she says. “I would also like to see it expanded to include menopause and women’s health in general.”

Weight-loss drugs touched a nerve with Simcox. “I am hoping the weight-loss medicine trends go quickly away. They are worrisome and show us how influential celebrity culture actually is. I

think we have all wished for a magic pill to give us a body that we wish we had, but there are too many other side effects to make this a helpful trend for the wellness industry at this time.”

No matter if you agree or disagree with the trends outlined by GWS, one thing is for sure: wellness will increasingly play a more important role in society, in the

economy, and in our daily lives. It’s up to the industry to develop the tools and technology so that everyone in society can benefit—not just those who can afford the latest and greatest.

1 See https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/press-room/ statistics-and-facts/

science of the spa

Bed Time

Help your clients de-stress with the Welnamis loungers

BY BROOKE SMITH

The spa industry is moving into the realm of mental wellness—with the help of technology…and a bed.

“Binaural vibroacoustic therapy” uses frequencies and sound therapies to provide clients with a relaxing, meditative experience. “With the Welnamis, a next-level wellness touchless treatment experience bed, clients can enjoy downtime after a facial, allowing the technology to do the work,” says Litsa Karamitsos, founder and CEO of Cosmo-derma Technologies, the exclusive Canadian distributor for Gharieni Group.

The spa industry has recognized the importance of addressing mental wellness, and a technology-enhanced treatment concept bed offers a unique and effective solution.

The Welnamis bed delivers dynamic vibrational therapy through the body while clients listen to multilayered binaural acoustic audio programs through headphones.

The Gharieni Group has been studying this for years, says Karamitsos. “According to studies conducted by the Gharieni Group, the technology reduces stress and anxiety, and even regulates the autonomic nervous system.

And, for Karamitsos, achieving mental wellness these days is essential as people increasingly require it. In the European spa industry, there is a noticeable trend of integrating beauty and wellness to effectively enhance the body’s well-being, essentially bio-hacking the body for optimal health and balance.

“As touchless technology and AI assistance gain prominence, wellness services are also poised to dominate the market.”

science of the spa

But she doesn’t mean replacing or eradicating the human touch, which is the foundation of the spa experience, but to improve it. “That’s what Welnamis does. It allows us to really elevate and enhance any facial experience. It’s really a game changer.”

Consider the spa facial. “One of the benefits of the bed is that after a facial, clients can lie in the Welnamis bed and enjoy some downtime,” she says. “It’s really empowering the mind and offering a solution that doesn’t necessarily require someone to touch you. You relax and allow the treatment—the vibrations, the brain waves, and the sounds—to do the work.”

Spa Benefits

But Welnamis benefits not only clients, but also spas. “This bed is an investment that’s going to elevate your business to the next level,” says Karamitsos.

There are also loungers such as the RLX Satori and the RLX Aurasens. “They can offer spas an opportunity to elevate the spa experience, too,” she says. For example, the 1,000 square feet or so of the lounging area (where clients drink tea and wait for their services) is “dead space,” according to Karamitsos. “That space makes absolutely no money.”

Putting a lounger in that area will create a luxurious treatment area. While clients are waiting for their spa treatment, they can relax.

“As touchless technology and AI assistance gain prominence, wellness services are also poised to dominate the market,” she continues. “Many spas are now leveraging these technologies to

create exclusive and enduring experiences. Even post-pandemic, some customers may still deny the prospect of visiting a spa. Thus, touchless technology can be strategically employed to attract and retain a broader clientele base. This will ensure customers continue to receive the best services while guaranteeing their safety and well-being.”

Safe and Effective

The only contraindications for Welnamis are for those who are pregnant and those with epilepsy, says Karamitsos. “The reason we say pregnant women is because of the vibrations, but those can be brought down completely. They’re adjustable.”

Volume can also be adjusted to meet a client’s preferred sound level, but the frequencies are still there. In other words, there’s not much negative about it—“except for mental wellness benefits such as a better mood and less stress, and feeling very relaxed.

“I’ve been working in the industry for two decades, and throughout my experience, I have constantly noticed repetitive ideas and solutions. Thus, I was driven to search for something truly distinctive and innovative in nature. My goal was to introduce a brand that would break away from the traditional norms and offer a fresh approach to meet the evolving needs of the industry and its customers. The Gharieni Group has done that and more.”

With its unique combination of touchless technology and therapy, Welnamis offers a safe and effective solution for mental wellness that is sure to redefine the spa industry.

SOPAR International

The Leading Spas of Canada (LSOC) has acquired many resource partners throughout its tenure. One of its newest is SOPAR International, which joined LSOC in 2023 and was a gold level sponsor of the Aspire Soirée.

Headquartered in Québec and serving all of Canada, SOPAR International offers its meticulously curated selection of prestigious brands—Phytomer, Guinot, Vie Collection, and LASPA—to its spa partners. Each of the lines offers sophistication, cutting-edge technology, and uncompromising quality.

In addition, this Canadian organization partners with companies that commit not only to excellence but also to social and environmental responsibility. By partnering exclusively with brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices, SOPAR International is not just a distributor, it is a catalyst for positive change in our industry. From responsibly sourced ingredients to eco-friendly packaging, every aspect of SOPAR’s operations reflects its commitment to making a difference in the world.

Spa partners of SOPAR can attest to their second-to-none customer service and support. Once partners have chosen their product line(s), they can expect innovative marketing strategies, state-of-the-art training programs, and unparalleled customer support. SOPAR is more than just a distributor with its commitment to quality, dedication to sustainability, and focus on customer success; it is leading the charge and setting the standard for what it means to be at the forefront of professional beauty. Each of the lines it carries offers different ingredients, menu offerings, and results to ensure there is one (or more) for whatever a spa's needs may be.

Phytomer—based in Brittany, France—has been a pioneer in harnessing the power of sea to deliver transformative spa experiences. This family-run business has been synonymous with marine-inspired formulations for nearly half a century, transcending traditional skincare with the finest botanicals. At its heart, Phytomer believes that beauty begins with wellness; it also

has an unwavering commitment to nature, innovation, and excellence. With its patented oligomer ingredient, Phytomer products restore balance and harmony, leaving guests feeling refreshed and revitalized.

The Vie Collection focuses on cosmeceutical anti-aging solutions with cutting-edge dermatological ingredients to create products that combat the signs of aging like never before. From peptides to antioxidants, each ingredient is chosen for its ability to visibly correct signs of aging and restore youthful vitality to the skin.

Guinot has emerged as the ultimate partner for enhancing guest experiences and achieving unparalleled results. At its core is the philosophy of dedication to ethical beauty care and environmental responsibility. With over five decades of expertise, Guinot has remained steadfast in its commitment to cruelty-free practices and formulations free from parabens, aligning with today’s demand for clean and sustainable skincare.

LASPA embodies a philosophy rooted in simplicity, safety, and sustainability, with dedication to environmental responsibility at its core. Whether shielding the skin from the sun’s harmful rays or providing hydration and nourishment, LASPA products deliver results spa guests can trust. Products are clinically tested, naturally derived, and FDA-approved.

Follow us on Instagram @leadingspasofcanada to catch highlights from SOPAR’s prestigious brands or visit www.soparc.ca.

“Headquartered in Québec and serving all of Canada, SOPAR International offers its meticulously curated selection of prestigious brands—Phytomer, Guinot, Vie Collection, and LASPA— to its spa partners. Each of the lines offers sophistication, cutting-edge technology, and uncompromising quality.”