SpaFest 2021: People, Planet, Health

This year’s SpaFest event allowed delegates to focus on their own heartfelt passions and possibilities to examine how wellness can change the future direction of their businesses

REPORT BY MARK SMITH | IMAGES BY PAUL COLLIER

Reconvening for the first time in two years, SpaFest 2021 was declared a great success by organisers and participants. Held at the five-star eco-resort Gwel an Mor in Cornwall, UK, the immersive industry event offered a chance for 100 spa and wellness leaders and professionals to reconnect with colleagues, with nature and with their inner purpose.

SpaFest media partner Sarah Camilleri with event founder Amanda Winwood and treasurer Fran Hayter; Sue Harmsworth

Offering empowering educational sessions and thought-provoking talks, the conference opened with an introduction from event founder Amanda Winwood and partner Sarah Camilleri, publisher and founding editor of European Spa. Cherilyn Mackrory MP then gave an opening address, providing an insight into the work she does to bring health and wellbeing into government policy.

Iconic keynote speaker

A highlight of the first day was a keynote discussion between Sarah Camilleri and Sue Harmsworth, MBE, founder of iconic spa and wellness brand ESPA. Harmsworth gave a frank account of her business and personal journey to date, addressing current trends and revealing why she doesn’t like the word ‘wellness’.

“We are going into an era of great health and medical specialisation. For spas to compete on this level will be tricky”, she told attendees, suggesting they shouldn’t always chase the idea of delivering the concept of ‘wellness’, but rather should “focus on ‘spa’ and do it well.”

Putting people first Iain Bell, founder of Executive Fitness Foundation discussed wellness partnerships and offered some insights on how to embrace wellness on a personal and professional level.

Iain Bell of Executive Fitness Foundation

A topical panel discussion then took place entitled: Moving Forward: Investing in Your People. Chaired by Brian Hunter, director of spa and leisure at the Old Course Hotel and Spa, panelists presented ideas around best practice and offered a vision for attracting and retaining staff.

Lesley Bacon, group health club and spa manager, Hand Picked Hotels, said: “Spa team retention should be a key focus for everyone as the real profit conversion from spa is high and our owners understand and support this.”

A lively and engaging panel discussion chaired by Brian Hunter

On a practical level, she added: “This also includes looking at ways to give our teams time out, flexible or reduced hours and many other wellbeing benefits.”

Also on the panel, Sue Harmsworth, MBE stressed the importance of career progression: “We have to talk to hospitality leaders about graduated training of therapists linked to pay, as well as linking pay increases to reflect experience.”

Seaside meditation with Kalm Horizons on the south coast

Attracting team members Liz Holmes, founder of Commercial Spa Strategies, offered a reminder to spa operators about recruitment: “People make decisions based on feelings, always. They align with values that resonate with them. Ask yourself, do your business values resonate from the heart?”

Diane Hey, founder of Armonia Training, spoke passionately about her apprenticeships programme, with many delegates asking for more information afterwards, seeing a potential solution to recruitment issues they currently face.

Teresa O’Farrell, spa director, Coworth Park

Every kind of wellbeing

Other speakers during the conference addressed a range of topics from ocean activism to Cancer Touch Therapy, heartfelt leadership and mental wellbeing. Speakers included Claudia Roth, founder of Soul Luxury; Teresa O’Farrell, spa director at Coworth Park; Marian Harvey, managing director of marine skincare brand Thalgo; Lizzi Larbalestier, founder of Blue Health Coaching; Pat Smith, founder of The Final Straw, Cornwall; Kicki Carlsson, co-founder of Dröm UK; and Dr Neil Carpenter, founder of NMC2.

The event also included an inspiring day-long session by mental performance coach and founder of Trained Brain, Jamie Edwards, who delivered a leadership programme on “leading yourself and others beyond crisis”.

Jamie Edwards of Trained Brain delivers a leadership programme

Each day offered the chance to enjoy immersive wellbeing experiences. Before breakfast and during the afternoon sessions, attendees were offered a range of workshops, including forest bathing, yoga, Tai Chi, wild swimming and wave meditations on the beach.

The final night of the event included a session of sea shanty singing and a true culinary taste of Cornwall.

Sarah Camilleri with the team from event sponsor HydraFacial

Attendees also had the chance to immerse themselves in the wellbeing benefits of spa therapies offered by sponsors including: Made for Life Organics, HydraFacial, La Rue Verte, the Gharieni Group and Elemental Herbology. The event was also sponsored by BC Softwear, Dröm UK, Thalgo, Camellia’s Tea House, Clinic Must Haves and Wildlife Botanicals. www.madeforlifeorganics.com

BOOK NOW FOR SPAFEST 2022

Taking place on September 26-28 at Gwel an Mor in Cornwall, SpaFest 2022 will build on the success and energy of this year with a continuing focus on heartfelt leadership within spa and hospitality. To book your place email: info@spa-fest.com