THE NO.1 MAGAZINE
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Issue 57 | April/May 2017 | www.europeanspamagazine.com
ITALIAN INSPIRATION
‘Psycho-emotional’ awakening at Vair Spa, Borgo Egnazia
ATTRACTING TALENT
Recruitment and retention tips in our Spa Careers Masterclass
AN ISLAND OF CALM
The new spa for all seasons at Serenitas, Park Hyatt Mallorca
FINISHING TOUCHES
Our Expert Guide to the best in tanning, brows and makeup
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Welcome I SS U E 57 | A P R I L / M AY 2017
Winning hearts and minds
F
or the past 14 years, I have attended numerous spa and wellness conferences around the world that sought to address the latest trends, best practice and industry developments. Invariably, the question of how to build a ‘dream team’ comes up, closely followed by heated discussions from all the stakeholders on where the responsibility should lie for training, qualifications, viable pay rates and professional recognition. Another year passes and very little changes to progress and develop the spa workforce. However, reality is beginning to bite, with the demand for commercially trained spa managers and experienced therapists rising as a dwindling supply of new faces join the industry. The daily challenge to train, inspire and retain team members should prompt our sector to collectively champion its career paths. With this in mind, we have gathered a select panel of experts to share their collective wisdom in the first part of our Spa Careers Masterclass (p48). Those who serve our industry rightly deserve recognition and this issue celebrates two established leaders who, I am happy to say, also happen to be feisty, British, female entrepreneurs. Sue Harmsworth, MBE, talks about her personal career journey and ESPA’s recent extensive rebranding (p42), while Dorothy Purdew, OBE, having recently celebrated her 85th birthday, reveals her strong passion for pursuing quality, standards and the best talent for Champneys’ Health Resorts (p110). Elsewhere in this issue we check into Vair Spa at Borgo Egnazia in Puglia, Italy (p34), to find out more about its transformational wellness programmes, and we head for the elegant new Serenitas spa at Park Hyatt Mallorca (p56) where guest can enjoy year-round sublime treatments and island escapism. We hope this issue will inspire discussion on how we can make our industry more attractive to the brightest talent, so please get in touch if you would like to add to the spa careers debate.
Sarah Camilleri Publisher & founding editor
The Team Publisher & founding editor Sarah Camilleri +44 (0) 115 950 4748 sarah.camilleri@spapublishing.com
Contributing editor Sarah Todd +44 (0) 115 950 4748 sarah.todd@spapublishing.com
Subscriptions manager Angela Sharpe +44 (0) 1353 772173 subscribe@spapublishing.com
Art director Richard Page +44 (0) 7917 646495 richard@spapublishing.com
Contributing editor Hellena Barnes +44 (0) 115 950 4748 hellena.barnes@spapublishing.com
Accounts manager Julie Jones +44 (0) 115 950 4748 accounts@spapublishing.com
Production editor David Fagan +44 (0) 115 950 4748 david.fagan@spapublishing.com
Contributing editor Mark Smith +44 (0) 7956 658261 mark.smith@spapublishing.com
Online & social media www.europeanspamagazine.com @eurospamag
Office address: European Spa magazine, Spa Publishing Ltd, Halifax House, Halifax Place, Nottingham, NG1 1QN, UK.
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The No.1 business magazine for spa and wellness professionals. Published six times a year by Spa Publishing Ltd, European Spa is an independent, intelligent business title specifically for spa decision makers shaping the wellness market throughout the UK, Europe and beyond. European Spa is printed by Buxton Press on paper sourced from FSC-certified forests. Spa Publishing Ltd is registered in England. Company No. 6293825
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Contents I SS U E 57 | A P R I L / M AY 2017
Business 21 INDUSTRY NEWS
The latest deals, developments and appointments, including expansion plans for Swiss brand Clinique La Prairie and the introduction of a new forest bathing concept at Center Parcs Aqua Sana
30 FORUM HOTSPA PREVIEW
We look ahead to this year’s event that will explore ‘Bridges to Wellness’
42 MY LIFE IN SPA:
SUE HARMSWORTH, MBE ESPA’s founder discusses the origins of her pioneering global company and charts the twists and turns on her path to success and happiness
48 SPA CAREERS MASTERCLASS
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In the first of our two-part guide, we ask four experts how spas can address the increasing problem of attracting and retaining talented team members
34
62 HEALING SUMMIT 2017
We report from a forward-looking event that explored a healing approach to spa and the broader hospitality industry
110 LAST WORD: DOROTHY PURDEW, OBE Training, renumeration and paths for progression are crucial for team recruitment and retention, writes the Champneys owner
Spas 34 VAIR SPA, BORGO EGNAZIA, ITALY
Elements of touch, aromachology, psychology, shamanism, coaching and bodywork combine to nourish guests in traditional Apulian surroundings
56 SERENITAS, PARK HYATT, MALLORCA
The brand’s first European resort, heavily influenced by the Spanish island’s natural delights, offers a holistic experience with high-end hospitality
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62 110
Expert Guide 81 FINISHING TOUCHES
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Contents I SS U E 57 | A P R I L / M AY 2017
Menu
91
67 MENU
The best new treatments and product launches, including Voya’s Mindful Dreams sleep ritual, an Easter treat from Babor and the UK debut by Icelandic skincare brand Bioeffect
Wellness 91 WELLNESS
The latest trends, concepts and news including the roll-out of Rosewood Hotels and Resorts’ Asaya philosophy, and a round up of the best products to help keep people hydrated
98 THE LIGHT TECHNIQUE
Master Reiki and NLP practitioner Katie Light discusses how her Listen.Treat.Transform workshops can benefit therapists and clients alike
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101
Design 76 SPASHELL AT FISHMORE HALL, UK
Spa Creators’ first modular spa was built off-site in 14 weeks and placed in situ within hours. We see how it has enhanced this 15-room boutique hotel
101 STYLE
Renew your subscription today...
Our pick of the best equipment, furnishings and finishes highlights Alberto Apostoli’s crypt conversion that is now Atrium Spa & Beauté in the French town of Mâcon, with a product round-up including a new ‘dry hydro’ massage bed from Unbescheiden
Published six times a year and packed with quality coverage to inform and inspire, European Spa will keep you up to speed with the latest industry developments and news. To subscribe visit: www.europeanspamagazine.com/subscribe
email: subscribe@spapublishing.com
Annual subscription rates (six issues): UK: £65 EU: £85 Rest of the world: £110 On the cover: Built in a traditional style from tactile, warming Apulian tuff stone, Vair Spa at Borgo Egnazia offers a lively and eclectic approach to wellness in the heart of the Italian countryside
European Spa magazine is published by Spa Publishing Ltd. The Publisher has taken all reasonable measures to ensure the information detailed in European Spa magazine is correct at the time of going to print, and while every care is taken to avoid inaccuracies the Publisher does not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions from any information within this edition. Views expressed in European Spa are not necessarily those of Spa Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved, reproduction in whole or part without the Publisher’s permission is strictly prohibited. © Spa Publishing Ltd
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Welcome to THE MINDFUL TOUCH: Your Mindfulness Spa Experience. Enjoy a pioneering protocol that embodies the essence of Natura Bissé: artistry merged with the most advanced technology. A new path in the world of spa. Natura Bissé’s results-oriented products, combined with our aestheticians’ power of touch and enhanced with mindfulness and virtual reality, will make your skin glow more than ever. A new era in the universe of beauty. Relax your body and awaken your senses with a unique wellness ritual that goes far beyond skincare. A new way to connect with your skin.
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For over 10 years, VOYA has set the bar for results-driven, certified organic skincare, worldwide. VOYA is the original seaweed skincare brand that specialises uniquely in using hand-picked wild Irish seaweed to improve your health, skin and beauty. The wild Atlantic way is from one of the cleanest coastlines in the world. Available exclusively at luxury spas & stockists worldwide.
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News
DEVELOPMENTS
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EDITED BY SARAH TODD
Clinique La Prairie’s expansion is a journey of ‘Discovery’
New CEO Simone Gibertoni outlines strategy to develop brand with introduction of new programmes and future satellite day clinics SWITZERLAND: The new CEO of Clinique La
Prairie, Simone Gibertoni, has outlined his future strategy for global brand growth. As part of the new vision, the clinic’s existing medical offering will be further developed and refined, and a series of new ‘Discovery’ programmes will introduce guests to ways of optimising individual health and wellbeing. With 50% of Clinique La Prairie clients returning year-on-year, the property will be extending its occupancy capacity with new villas for guests wishing to reside for longer periods. Speaking exclusively to European Spa, Gibertoni explained how his strategy is inspired by the considerable heritage of the pioneering medical retreat: “With an 85-year history and our worldwide reputation for advanced medical treatments and wellbeing, our new plans will reinforce the exceptional service Clinique La
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Prairie offers our guests. We will further build on our mastery in the fields of rejuvenation, longevity and wellbeing as we enter this new phase in our long history of medical expertise.” Further afield, Gibertoni is also working on a global strategy to establish smaller, satellite day clinics in major cities outside of Europe. “We are determined to be seen as long-term health consultants, helping our clients way beyond
“Our new plans will reinforce the exceptional service Clinique La Prairie offers our guests.” Simone Gibertoni CEO, Clinique La Prairie
their stay with us. The eventual establishment of day clinics will enable us to provide year-round health consultancy and customised follow-up medical advice,” he explained. Located on the shores of Lake Geneva in Montreux, Clinique La Prairie was founded in 1931 by cell therapy pioneer Professor Paul Niehans. Combining a holistic approach to preventative healthcare and wellbeing with a comprehensive medical capability, the retreat offers a range of programmes and a multi-disciplinary specialist surgical and medical team. Gibertoni further stressed that Clinique La Prairie would hold its service levels central to this new expansion: “Our aim is to offer a bespoke wellbeing experience of the highest level to every client by combining science – under the helm of our exceptional medical team – and art.” www.laprairie.ch
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Business News
Il Sereno opens its Urquiola-designed spa ITALY: A luxury spa is to open in April as part of the
waterfront Il Sereno hotel in Lake Como. Designed by Milan-based architect Patricia Urquiola and building on the success of Le Sereno St. Barths, the 30-suite hotel and spa benefits from dramatic views of the Italian Alps, its own private beach and an 18m freshwater infinity pool that is suspended over the lake. The 265sqm Il Sereno Spa features three treatment rooms, two of which have floor-to-ceiling windows; a gym; and heat experiences including a sauna and Turkish bath supplied by Milan’s A+KUA. Valmont will be the spa’s signature brand. Described as a ‘relaxed, peaceful sanctuary for guests that draws inspiration from Lake Como’s culture and history’, the property is contructed from largely natural materials, including wood and stone, and has been sensitively designed to complement its surroundings. Botanist Patrick Blanc joined Urquiola on the project to create landscaped gardens and two vertical gardens that ensure the hotel blends seamlessly into its location. www.ilsereno.com
News in brief Organic beauty and wellbeing market report UK: The Soil Association’s first market report on the organic beauty and wellbeing market has revealed that Soil Association-certified beauty brands in the UK increased by 22% in 2016. The report, created by the Soil Association Certification Beauty Team in conjunction with leading industry contributors, also anticipates a further increase in the crossover between consumers who buy organic food, health and beauty products. www.soilassociation.org
UK Spa Association prepares to hold spring event UK: The UK Spa Association’s Spring Networking Event will be held on April 26 at Y Spa, Wyboston Lakes, Bedford. The event will focus on ‘Finding and Keeping Your Perfect Team’ and include lively discussions and best practice information. www.spa-uk.org
ISPA announces 2017 keynote speaker US: Social psychologist Amy Cuddy will be the opening keynote speaker at the 2017 International Spa Association conference and expo in Las Vegas on October 16-18. Her presentation will focus on the power of non-verbal behaviours within personal and professional lives. The event aims to highlight ideas for business strategy, the latest industry developments and product innovation. www.attendispa.com
Center Parcs unveils new forest bathing concept
UK: A brand new ‘forest spa’ concept is to be unveiled at Center Parcs Aqua Sana within the Sherwood Forest Village in Nottinghamshire. The existing standalone resort spa has been transformed into a forest escape, taking design inspiration from it’s surrounding environment, as well as other woodlands around the world. The newly renovated spa will be comprised of seven zones with design specialists Barr+Wray creating a range of thermal suites that infuse essential oils, salts and minerals into the air, enabling guests to enjoy the benefits of forest bathing both inside and outside. One of the highlights of the new spa is a panoramic Treetop Sauna offering views of the forest canopy. Aqua Sana group spa manager Kay Pennington said: “We’ve really embraced the power of nature with our new forest bathing concept. Being in a forest atmosphere is proven to reduce stress levels, helping our guests to feel truly rejuvenated and refreshed.” www.aquasana.co.uk
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Business News
Spa Life announces trio of events UK: Spa Life International has revealed details of three upcoming events for Germany, Ireland and the UK. With a two-day agenda that combines educational, networking and new business opportunities, each Spa Life event enables delegates to meet face-to-face to network with potential new business partners and gain valuable insight into the latest product developments showcased at its exhibition. The first event of 2017 will be Spa Life International Germany on May 9-10 at Hotel An Der Therme in Bad Orb (bottom right). Author and international fitness expert Fred Hoffman will be the event’s keynote speaker, discussing the new and unusual challenges that are developing for management as the result of an ageing global population. Also on the programme is Luise Köfer, founder and CEO of Vinoble Cosmetics, and Michelle Hammond, founder and managing director of the Spa Business School, which partners Spa Life International. The second event will take place in Ireland on June 19-20 at The Osprey Hotel and Spa in Naas, Co. Kildare. Here, inspirational speaker Frank Dick, OBE, will deliver an exclusive keynote entitled ‘Turning adversity into your advantage’. Other speakers will include Menno Kuijper, head of design and production at mobile app developer Gappt, who will share his extensive digital and marketing experience. The final event of the year will take place at Birmingham’s Hilton Metropole Hotel, next to the NEC, on November 14-15. Speaking of the event’s power to communicate with the spa industry, cofounder Andrew Hammond (right in pic far left) said: “The growth of the Spa Life brand has been amazing. The unique mix of networking and relationship building activities makes it an extremely efficient use of delegates’ time and our partnership with European Spa magazine makes us both stronger, so we can continue to connect spa professionals across Europe and beyond.” www.spa-life.international
Richmond Villages grows Wellness Spa portfolio
[comfort zone] adds to senior UK team UK: Sarah Shaw has been appointed as UK
UK: Retirement accommodation specialist Richmond
Villages is to launch two new Wellness Spas in 2017. Part of the global healthcare company Bupa, Richmond Villages was a pioneer in bringing retirement villages to the UK and operates seven centres in Derbyshire, Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire. Both costing £1.5m (E1.72m), the new spas have been designed by Whichelo Design and will open at Richmond Witney in Oxfordshire and Richmond Aston-on-Trent in Derbyshire. Once fully operational, Richmond Villages anticipates around 220 residents will benefit from each spa. Featuring heat experiences and swimming pools supplied by Cheshire Wellness, and treatment beds from the Carlton Beauty and Spa Group, the
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two new facilities will have an exclusive over-50s membership policy and will offer free membership for Richmond Village residents. Richmond Wellness Spas has also partnered with Temple Spa to create an exclusive range of restorative and feel-good treatments. Temple Spa’s head of training, Julie Morris, said: “We believe healthy ageing is feeling good about yourself – inside and out. Our guests will leave fully revitalised and radiant, feeling less weary and with a spring in their step – the perfect anti-ageing remedy.” Susie Oakley, director of Richmond Villages added: “Health, fitness and general wellbeing are essential for those aged 55 and over and a spa is seen as an appealing lifestyle feature within each Richmond Village.” www.richmond-villages.com
country sales manager for [comfort zone]. With a 25-year career in spa, retail and brand management, Shaw has been described as having ‘the perfect experience and passion’ to take the Italian skincare brand to its next phase of growth. Responsible for overseeing the London branch office, Shaw will guide [comfort zone]’s national business development managers in implementing the company’s sustainable approach to business. Speaking exclusively to European Spa, Shaw said: “I’m very proud to have joined [comfort zone] and to be an ambassador for the brand’s values and the high quality of its spa solutions, which have been so rigorously developed in Italy under the guidance of Dr. Davide Bollati, founder and president of the Davines Group.” She continued: “I have always admired Dr. Bollati’s vision and his commitment to ethics and sustainability; the whole world needs it and the spa industry is the perfect arena to embrace these ideals and transform them into concrete mind/body solutions.” www.comfortzone.it
Sarah Shaw
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Business News
Ultima Spa by La Prairie debuts at iconic Swiss resort Switzerland: A new Ultima Spa by La Prairie has opened at The Ultima Gstaad boutique hotel. Covering 800sqm, the spa at the exclusive mountain resort in the heart of the village of Gstaad comprises six treatment rooms as well as a double room, with a hammam and a sauna supplied by Leader Spa. Further facilities include an indoor and outdoor whirlpool, a healthy juice bar and a 15m swimming pool. Treatments will exclusively use Swiss brand La Prairie, known for its anti-ageing cellular therapy, and offer a range of tailored options to moisturise, cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. There will also be an Aesthetics Clinic within the spa, offering customised aesthetic medicine and detox programmes and operated by Geneva plastic and aesthetic specialist Dr. Xavier Tenorio. The Ultima Gstaad is compriseed of three large wooden chalets with 11 suites and six residences. Intended to offer guests ‘tranquility, privacy and the feeling of being at home’, all of the resort’s rooms have either a terrace or balcony with views of Gstaad and the surrounding Bernese Alps. www.aesthetics-ge.ch | www.ultimagstaad.com
Thalgo enters into exclusive partnership with Cary Arms
Newcombe chairs global spa taskforce Global: Four Seasons
UK: Luxury French marine spa brand Thalgo has announced a new
partnership with the Devon-based Cary Arms & Spa. Described as a boutique inn on the beach set in Babbacombe Bay, the Cary Arms unveiled its glass-fronted spa in August 2016 as part of a wider £1.5m (E1.72m) expansion and will now use Thalgo as its exclusive brand for products and treatments. Marian Harvey, managing director of Thalgo UK, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Cary Arms & Spa. The spa is beautiful and in a stunning location and there is an obvious, strong synergy between our two brands with a love of the sea and all the wellbeing benefits it has to offer.” Tom Hughes, general manager of Cary Arms & Spa, added: “We are thrilled to have Thalgo as the exclusive brand within the spa. Given our location, with the sea as our very own outdoor pool, it made perfect sense to go with a marine brand and Thalgo was the perfect choice, offering treatments that are both relaxing and results-focused. Clients can live and breathe the benefits of the sea while they enjoy Thalgo treatments for an all-round experience.” www.thalgo.co.uk | www.caryarms.co.uk
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has appointed Michael Newcombe as chair of the company’s Global Spa and Wellness Taskforce. He will support the success and development of the hotel and resort group’s Michael Newcombe growing portfolio of 97 spas in locations around the world. Speaking about his strategic vision for the taskforce, Newcombe said: “Authenticity and service have always been fundamental to Four Seasons spas and key to our global success. Our goal is to create highly personalised, holistic spa experiences for each of our guests, helping them regain balance and stay grounded, which is a vital part of any wellness experience.” Represented by Four Seasons spa
professionals from around the world, the task force guides the global spa strategy of the luxury hospitality company. From the design of treatment rooms to the locally-sourced, chemical-free ingredients on many spa menus, each Four Seasons spa is intended to deliver an authentic experience that is deeply connected to the destination. www.fourseasons.com
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Business News
Mallory Court reveals flagship £7m spa
Appointments Barry White launches White consultancy
Barry White
Global: Barry White has left his role as worldwide director of spa for the Langham Hospitality Group to form a new spa, wellness and fitness consultancy, White Living. The company will offer strategic advice from initial concept and operational best-practice to comprehensive planning and management solutions. www.whiteliving.org
Family footsteps at Parkschlösschen
UK: A £7m new Elan Spa is to open in April 2017
at Mallory Court Hotel in Warwickshire. Located amid sheltered woodland just outside Royal Leamington Spa, the quintessential English country house hotel is part of the privately-owned Eden Hotel Collection. Created by Alistair Johnson of Spa Creators in close collaboration with architects David Brain Partnership, the spa’s design is intended to encapsulate ‘countryside chic, glamour and decadence’. Facilities include seven treatment rooms with beds supplied by Living Earth Crafts, an outdoor vitality pool, a glazed outdoor sauna, and a 10m indoor hydro pool. Face and body treatments by ESPA and ila will be offered as well as Orly for nails, with nature-inspired garden walking trails and wellbeing retreats available.
The hotel has also added 12 new spa bedrooms in addition to the existing 31 in the main hotel. “We worked closely with the architects to create an environment with a luxury private members’ club feel,” said Alistair Johnson. “The design concept incorporates flourishes including Osborne & Little wallpaper, laser-cut stonework and an impressive spa terrace with a vitality pool that overlooks the grounds.” Mary Smith, group spa manager, Eden Hotel Collection, added: “Elan Spa at Mallory Court will continue our successful partnership with ESPA, while also offering an exclusive partnership with ila for the Warwickshire area. This will enable us to provide an exceptional choice of spa treatments for our guests.” www.mallory.co.uk www.spacreators.co.uk
Carina Preuss
Germany: Carina Preuss has taken over management of the Ayurveda Parkschlösschen health resort in Bad Wildstein from her mother, Brigitte, who remains on the board. Along with hotel director, Kay-Uwe Brehm and assistant manager, Jochen Blind, Preuss will lead the business into its 25th anniversary year in 2018. www.ayurveda-parkschloesschen.com
Roche to head Aman Wellness initiative
Nichola Roche
Global: Nichola Roche has become the new group director of spa at Aman. Joining the luxury resort group with more than 15 years of spa management and therapy experience, Roche will further develop the Aman Wellness initiative, which launched in 2016 and draws on ancient healing modalities. www.aman.com
Ambassade de la Beauté from Biologique Recherche opens in Milan Italy: Professional skincare expert Biologique
Images: Helenio Barbetta
Recherche has unveiled a new Ambassade de la Beauté in the heart of Milan. Located within the Ceresio 7 Gym & Spa at the headquarters of Dsquared2, the Ambassade de la Beauté follows a similar design template to its sister Parisian flagship, home to the global beauty brand. Described as an innovative and welcoming space, Ceresio 7 has been designed in the spirit of an exclusive private club and combines four synergistic areas that focus on health and fitness; nutrition; medical and beauty and wellness. The Biologique Recherche space within the beauty and wellness area includes four treatment rooms and a master room where a wide range of face, body and hair treatments can be performed. Biologique Recherche specialises in highly concentrated, effective products developed to recondition the epidermis. www.ambassadedelabeaute.fr www.ceresio7gym-spa.com
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Business News Focus
GWI releases Global Wellness Economy Monitor New report positions spa industry at the heart of exponential growth in worldwide wellness economy Global: The newly released 2017 Global
Wellness Economy Monitor from the Global Wellness Institute provides some fascinating insight into the growth and opportunities that spas can tap into in the wider wellness economy. Designed to map out an emerging wellness economy, the report aggregates several data sources to create a statistical picture of the exponential growth in wellness spend across several key segments and regions. At the heart of this is growth in the burgeoning spa industry, which is shown to be most strongly connected to all other diverse industries that fall under this definition [see graphic below]. The ten industries identified as part of the global wellness economy, including spa, beauty, fitness and wellness tourism, were found to have experienced an impressive growth trajectory of 10.6% from 2013-2015, despite the global economy shrinking by 3.6%, making it one of the world’s fastest-growing, most resilient markets. Around the world, spa facilities are reported to have generated $77.6bn (£63.04bn, €72.3bn) annually while the top three spa markets in 2015, based on annual revenues, were the US, followed by China, then Germany which had 6,488 locations and a $5.95bn revenue. The GWI report contains a wealth of 3
data on regional markets – from the top 20 nations for wellness travel, spa and workplace wellness to predicting how fast key markets will grow by 2020. It is important to note that the modest global spa industry 2.3% annual revenue growth rate from 2013-2015 is largely due to the US dollar currency conversion from large spa markets across Europe and Asia. If global spa revenues were converted to the euro, then the market actually grew a robust 25%: from €56bn to €70.1bn and the European market in particular grew from €22.7bn in 2013 to €24.9bn in 2015 [see map right]. The top three European spa industry markets in terms of revenue for 2015 were Germany at $5.9bn, France at $2.9bn and the UK at $2.7bn [see table]. Other report highlights include that China was found to drive the biggest recent gains in wellness tourism revenues (more than 300%) around the world while Sub-Saharan Africa was the fastest-growing spa market, experiencing a 40% spike in revenues. The US drove nearly four in every ten wellness travel dollars spent, generating 36%, or $202.2bn of the annual $563.2bn global market. We have presented just a snapshot of the findings and research that make up this report, for greater detail, please visit: www.globalwellnessinstitute.org
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Spa facilities by region, 2015
Top ten spa industry markets in Europe
Global wellness economy: $3.72 trillion in 2015 “Wellness is the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health” GWI Global Wellness Economy Monitor
1. T he top three regional spa markets by revenue are Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America 2. G ermany tops the European table of European spa industry markets for 2013-2015 3. T he spa industry is at the centre of global wellness sector growth. The industry is defined as including facilities, capital investment, education, consultancy and media associations and events
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Business News
GWS 2017 to focus on ‘Living a Well Life’
Diary dates Spa Life International, Germany
May 9-10, 2017 Toskana Therme, Bad Orb, Germany Debuting last year, Spa Life International will be returning to the Hotel an der Therme (incorporating Toskana Therme) in Bad Orb for an event that will combine the Spa Life Forum, Conference, a SPA-RTY and a supplier showcase and expo. www.spa-life.international
Forum HOTel & Spa
June 1, 2017 The Four Seasons Georges V Hotel, Paris, France The tenth edition of this celebrated meeting point for Europe’s leading influencers in spa, hospitality and wellbeing. Featuring knowledge sharing sessions on the best present and future practices as well as the Black Diamond Award.
GLOBAL: Organisers of the Global Wellness Summit
(GWS) have revealed that its theme this year will be ‘Living a Well Life’. Subjects such as mental wellness, wellness technology, workplace wellness and integrative approaches will figure prominently on the agenda, which has been shaped by the Summit’s three co-chairs – integrative medical advisor Dr Gerry Bodeker; Maggie Hsu, an advisor at Zappos.com; and digital health and wellness expert Clare Martorana. Taking place from October 9-11 at The Breakers, Palm Beach in Florida, US, the invitation-only event’s host property will also be its lead sponsor. Bringing together key figures from the $3.72 trillion (E3.49 trillion, £3.04 trillion) global wellness industry, the 2017 GWS promises a vibrant lineup of speakers and topics, according to GWS chairman and CEO Susie Ellis. “Bringing the Summit back to the US, whose last
www.forumhotspa.com
SPATEC Europe Dr Gerry Bodeker
Maggie Hsu
Clare Martorana
gathering took place in collaboration with the Aspen Institute in Colorado, opens up great opportunities for a dynamic agenda that includes visionaries and entrepreneurs who make up one of the largest and most innovative wellness markets in the world,” she said. www.globalwellnesssummit.com
Preflight pampering at Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse spa UK: Virgin Atlantic has revitalised the spa
offering within its new Clubhouse at the Gatwick North Terminal. The airport spa area has double the amount of treatment rooms that the previous Clubhouse offered to enable more guests to enjoy some pre-flight pampering. The Clubhouse’s product partnerships will include Dr Hauschka and CND Shellac. Commenting on the new spa debut, Rebecca Creer, manager of Virgin’s Clubhouse spas and salons, said: “We are constantly evolving our spa offering in order to cater for our customers’ needs and the ever-growing demand for spa services within an airport environment. “Our new Gatwick spa gives guests the option of longer, relaxing treatments in private rooms or having beauty treatments such as manicures in the more sociable nail bar, so there’s a little something for everyone.” www.virginatlantic.com
Share your appointments, announcements, launches and diary dates with our News editor Sarah Todd. Call +44 (0) 115 950 4748 or email sarah.todd@spapublishing.com
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June 14-17, 2017 The Ritz-Carlton, Abama, Tenerife, Spain European buyers with global business interests, leading hotel, resort, destination, medical and day spa operators and an exclusive selection of suppliers enjoy two days of face-to-face meetings and international speaker sessions. www.spateceu.com
Spa Life International, Ireland June 19-20, 2017 The Osprey Hotel & Spa, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland 2017 sees the debut of Spa Life International in Ireland. Supported by Fáilte Ireland and Meet in Ireland, the event will combine a conference and meetings forum with networking opportunities. www.spa-life.international
Global Wellness Summit
October 9-11, 2017 The Breakers, Florida, US The 11th GWS returns to the US to unite leaders, influencers and visionaries to positively impact and shape the future of the global wellness industry with interactive sessions and panel-led discussions. www.globalwellnesssummit.com
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SPATEC 17 Europe
SPATEC Europe 2017 14-17 June 2017 The Ritz-Carlton, Abama Tenerife, Spain SPATEC is the original appointmentsbased event for the spa, wellness and beauty industry SPATEC Europe brings together senior decision makers from the industry in the UK and across Europe, with leading executives from supplier companies for networking and face-to-face meetings.
Why attend SPATEC Europe 2017? – You know ahead of time who is attending – You know the buyers are senior decision makers – You get to choose who you want to meet – You are guaranteed limited competition – You spend quality, uninterrupted time with the buyer – You profile your company to a high level audience – You network, build relationships and get to know the key people in the industry For more information please contact:
– You receive VIP treatment in a 5 star atmosphere away from the pressures of the office
Stephen Pace-Bonello: Email: spacebonello@questex.com Tel: +356 9945 8305 David Zarb-Jenkins: Email: dzarbjenkins@questex.com Tel: +356 9944 8862
www.spatecevents.com/europe
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SPATEC Europe
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Business Forum HOTel&SPA 2017
Bridges for wellness Forum HOTel&SPA organiser Vladi Kovanic reveals what delegates can expect from the 2017 event, once again to be held at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
Set to take place at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris on June 1, this year will mark a decade of Forum HOTel&SPA events. The theme of this year’s exclusive one-day gathering will be ‘Bridges for Wellness’ Vladi Kovanic and the event will bring together high-level spa and wellness professionals from across Europe to share insights and network in a collaborative and friendly atmosphere. There will be a series of panels and keynote sessions before the event concludes with a special evening cocktail party. We ask organiser Vladi Kovanic what this year’s delegates can expect from the event. What inspired this year’s theme? For every Forum, we aspire to create an event full of new ideas, synergies and opportunities. This year’s theme of ‘Bridges for Wellness’ was inspired by the growing role that wellness has within the hospitality sector on a global scale. We’ll also be examining how spas can best enhance both the physical and emotional wellbeing of their guests. What other topics are on the Summit’s agenda for 2017? As its our Jubilee 10th Forum this year, we’ll be bringing together around 120 people comprising the top-tier of spa and wellness professionals from across Europe to share the latest insights and network in a collaborative atmosphere. The event will also have a particular focus on the latest spa and wellness ideas surrounding stress management; healthy living; anti-ageing and the pursuit of happiness. Who are you keen to hear speak this year? We’ve drawn our speakers from across the world for this year’s agenda as we’re covering such diverse themes. I’m particularly interested to hear the sessions from financial expert Roger Allen of Resources for Leisure Assets, director
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of Pure Massage, Beata Aleksandrowicz, as well as AccorHotels’ vice-president of wellbeing for luxury brands, Andrew Gibson, and founder of Tip Touch International Jean-Guy de Gabriac. What are you most excited about this year? As in previous years, I’m looking forward to seeing delegates experiencing and enjoying the entire day, and I hope that the agenda enables them to discover new ideas, make fresh connections and enjoy a 360° perspective on our chosen theme of wellness. I’m also excited about the conclusion of our 10th anniversary event where all attendees will
gather to enjoy a special champagne cocktail party in the evening. If delegates take one thing away from this year’s Forum, what would you like it to be? I would really hope that people leave the event inspired, reinvigorated and ready to put some new-found energy and passion into their businesses.
Forum HOTel&SPA will take place on 1 June at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, France. For more information, visit www.forumhotspa.com
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Spas Vair Spa, Borgo Egnazia, Italy
The pursuit of
happiness Pioneering a ‘psycho-emotional’ approach to spa, Vair Spa at Borgo Egnazia is an eclectic and award-winning wellness offering that draws heavily on the culture and traditions of Puglia R E P OR T BY M A R K S M ITH
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eeply rooted in Italian tradition, Borgo Egnazia resort and hotel is designed in the style of a traditional masseria, or Apulian country estate; constructed from tuff stone and surrounded by millennia-old olive groves, a sense of authentic, old-world charm complements that of its rural location. Belying this traditional ambience, however, the hotel’s star attraction, Vair Spa, is a truly modern proposition that aims to restore and rebalance guests through a focus on their ‘psycho-emotional’ wellbeing. Vair means ‘true’ or ‘authentic’ in Italian and these qualities have guided the spa’s philosophy with a holistic healing approach that encompasses physical, spiritual and emotional improvement. “Vair is a concept spa where everything is connected to the inspiration that is leading this caring wellness community,” explains the resort’s managing director, Aldo Melpignano. “It’s welcoming, enjoyable, light but consistent in the way we are enhancing our guests’ lives.” Borgo Egnazia is one of five family-owned properties under the San Domenico Hotel Group banner, along with three others in the Puglia region and the 17-room San Domenico House in London’s Chelsea. The Group was formed in 1996 when the Melpignano family, under the guidance of matriarch Marisa Melpignano, turned an old, family-owned farmhouse into a luxury hotel. Opened in 2010, Borgo Egnazia truly reflects the company’s bid to offer luxury, refined hospitality and cultural authenticity. The property shot to fame in 2012 when popstars Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel married there, and it has since received international accolades including Vair Spa being named best wellness spa in Europe and the world at the 2016 Boutique Hotel Awards, and commended for the ‘Most life-changing experience’ at the Conde Nast Traveller Spa Awards 2017.
Cocooned in comfort
Gently lit and constructed from honey-coloured tuff stone, Vair Spa offers an authentic Apulian space for relaxation and reconnection
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Under the direction of award-winning spa director, Patrizia Bortolin, who was named best spa manager at the Black Diamond Awards at Forum HOTel&SPA 2016, Vair Spa unites elements of touch, aromachology, psychology, shamanism, life coaching and bodywork in the pursuit of health and happiness. Italy’s indigenous culture inspires programmes that combine artistic practices as diverse as yoga, dance and acting to create an esoteric, yet potent blend of therapies. The subterranean spa is accessed via a lift from the main hotel and guests are immediately cocooned in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The serene interior, created from soothing cream and honey-coloured stone, wood and wicker, is enhanced by flickering candlelight and the sound and reflections of water. Creating an ethereal feel, therapists wear flowing pleated robes in the spirit of the 3,500-year-old Greek, later Roman, city whose ruins lie next to Borgo Egnazia.
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Spas Vair Spa, Borgo Egnazia, Italy
“Vair Spa’s treatments go beyond the classic wellness offering: they are magical paths that lead to inner happiness through caring for the body and the gratification of the senses.” Aldo Melpignano Managing director, Borgo Egnazia
After checking in at reception, guests are seated for a personalised consultation with the head therapist. This is far from a ‘tick-box’ question and answer session and involves a conversation about their feelings, emotions, likes and dislikes, from which a holistic picture can be drawn and passed on to the rest of the team. This lower level of the spa provides access to a yoga studio, a cinema where inspiring films and multi-media videos are screened to enhance the mood and stimulate the mind, and spacious male and female changing rooms, each of which is equipped with its own thermal suite. Elsewhere on this level is the spa’s Roman bath and a further modern, yet understated, collection of hydro-thermal experiences that includes a tepidarium, a caldarium, a frigidarium, a biosauna, plunge pools and marble scrub room. An array of relaxation
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beds completes this larger thermal offering, allowing guests to power down in the soothing, low-lit environment. Most of the treatment suites are one level up, accessed via an elegant stairway that is lit by candles and punctuated with motivational quotes. The spa’s subdued, honey-coloured palette is continued throughout with white curtains and candlelight providing a warm glow that offers the spacious areas a real sense of cosiness – even in the large therapy room, which is equipped with a shower, a steam room and outdoor tubs for bathing rituals, making it effectively a mini spa space in its own right. Post-treatment, guests are invited to enjoy the relaxation rooms which benefit from a stream of natural light and are cleverly designed to provide a sense of privacy for each guest. The relaxation beds and chairs are draped in white cloth with white towels and blankets adding to the spa’s chic designer look. It’s here that guests can enjoy traditional Puglian pastries, fruit, nuts and hand-made almond milk or lemon and cucumber water.
Breaking new ground Vair Spa has created a distinct treatment proposition for its guests, guided by the vision of Patrizia Bortolin, who believes that feeling better within oneself is directly linked to the way we approach life and relate to others. She and Aldo
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Spas Vair Spa, Borgo Egnazia, Italy
Clockwise from far left: Regionally sourced ingredients add a little zest to the treatment menu; sunset over the luxurious outdoor pool area; Borgo Egnazia is constructed in the style of a traditional Apulian village; a neutral colour palette showcases the rustic, stripped back architecture; the spa’s hydro-thermal suite with its authentic Roman bath
Melpignano, along with Vair’s ‘shaman’ Steffano Battaglia, have worked very closely together over the last three years to develop and establish an offering that she describes as “psycho-emotional”. “We are a wellness psychosomatic laboratory,” explains Bortolin. “We tried to create a different offering here and did something very special and brave by bringing psychology and spirituality together in a spa that is working on happiness.” This focus on the connections between the brain and the body was driven by the feedback Bortolin received from guests after the spa first opened. “Whenever I asked people how they would like to feel, most of the time they said they wanted to feel ‘happier’,” she states. “We are now helping clients to understand that how they feel also stays in the body. Many people were still not ready to accept that what’s in our mind totally affects our body and vice-versa. It’s a big change for a spa to use this knowledge as a core philosophy,”
On the menu The extensive and rather eclectic treatment menu at Vair Spa features over 50 beauty and wellness treatments, many carried out using ingredients drawn from the local environment with an emphasis on olive oil, salt, citrus and herbs. “All of Vair’s treatments and programmes go beyond the classic wellness offering: they lead to inner happiness
Vair Spa signature treatment: Tarant
Tarant is Vair’s signature treatment dedicated to women and designed to increase awareness of the mind, body and spirit. Named after a word from the Apulian Bari dialect for’spider’ and harking back to an ancient local healing phenomenon, Tarant sees the spa team combine to help women gain self-awareness and enjoy their femininity. Rebalancing and cocooning, the treatment’s centrepoint is an Avemmarì session with Vair’s shaman. Guests are also guided through music therapy, psychology, yoga, circus arts, dance and other traditional Apulian rituals. These are blended with holistic treatments, facials, a reading list, massages, relaxation therapies and personalised ‘psycho-experiences’.
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Spas Vair Spa, Borgo Egnazia, Italy
“We are a wellness psychosomatic laboratory. A psycho-emotional spa. We did something very special and brave by bringing psychology and spirituality together in a spa that is working on happiness.” Patrizia Bortolin, spa director
Clockwise from above: Traditional Apulian ingredients and essential oils are used in Vair Spa’s unique approach to aromachology; spa programmes at Vair incorporate a sense of playfulness and theatre, as well as intense body work and gentle facial treatments (right)
through caring for the body and the gratification of the senses,” says Melpignano. Indeed, nothing is standard at Vair, as Bortolin elaborates: “What we create is very special and we also use psycho-aromachology as a key element of our offering. At the beginning people can be sceptical – we are, in effect, reading the body – but the treatments are beautiful and poetic. Everything here is a signature treatment.” From the Broken Heart programme, which caters to divorcees and those recovering from traumatic break-ups, to the specialised three-day Tarant programme, which takes in circus arts and dance to reduce inhibitions and connect guests with their ‘inner child’, Vair Spa keenly addresses human emotions, leading guests on a path of awareness and awakening. Vair’s unique approach to wellness also extends to detox, stress-management, sport and fitness, with its incorporation of music dance, yoga and exercise. Indeed, the broad range of disciplines offered is reflected in the wide demographic it attracts, with 70% of its guests coming from an international market that includes the UK, France, Switzerland and the US. The rest are mainly from Italy, typically from the north of the country. However, the core Vair concepts resonate more strongly in some countries than others. “People, in general, are starting to pay themselves more attention,” says Bortolin. “As we know, burn-out is a major issue around the world, but the nationalities that really appreciate the psycho-emotional
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aspects of our approach are the British, Swiss, Italians and Americans. I’m trying to find a way to focus on the German market, as they do not seem as ‘in tune’ with our methods.” Melpignano further acknowledges that Vair’s approach has taken time to catch the imagination of prospective guests. “The most difficult part has been communication,” he states. “Everybody falls in love with this spa when they experience it, but being able to explain it in words has been a big challenge, both for the spa and the sales and marketing team. Despite this hard work, it is always worth seeing amazing results for guests experiencing our life-changing programmes.”
The Vair shaman Vair Spa has broken new ground in the wellness arena, going beyond standard protocols to deliver life-changing results for guests. It’s an organic concept that develops with each
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Spas Vair Spa, Borgo Egnazia, Italy
“You never know who will arrive and what will be troubling them. I would say 90% of problems are stress-induced. We live so much in the virtual, digital world and my focus is on helping the person to re-anchor the body.” Stefano Battaglia, Vair shaman
Clockwise from above: One-to-one yoga sessions provide exercise for guests, awakening their physicality; Vair’s cinema screens inspiring films to enhance the mood and stimulate the mind; mixing freshly harvested local ingredients for one of Vair’s life-affirming facial therapies
additional member of the team and Bortolin believes this will continue to bring benefits to the spa and its guests. There is a clear mutual respect among the Vair Spa staff, each of whom brings a unique set of skills relating to physical and emotional healing. Rather than delivering standardised, rituals and protocols day-in, day-out they seek to connect on a deeper level, making long-lasting changes to people’s lives. “I think that if you want to be a good therapist, you need to develop a great deal of sensitivity,” says Bortolin. “Most spas work according to a very professional, formal set of protocols. We are quite different from this.” One member of staff who typifies this ‘out of the box’ approach is Stefano Battaglia, known as ‘Vair’s shaman’. Joining the team in 2013, Battaglia brought a whole world of new and innovative ideas to the project thanks to his background as an expert ortho-bionomist and he personally developed the Avemmarì treatment, which is central to many of the spa’s wellness programmes. “I am an ortho-bionomist – a body therapist with a background in trauma, stress and physiology. I worked with people with physical problems and post-trauma stress,” Battaglia says of his formative past. Developed by Dr. Arthur Lincoln Pauls, ortho-bionomy is
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a gentle, non-invasive, osteopathically-based body therapy that addresses chronic stress, injuries and pain or problems associated with postural and structural imbalances. A system of healing said to remind the body of its natural ability to restore balance, its principles are based on the simple yet profound aim of allowing the body to correct itself. Informed by this intuitive practice based on physiology with a touch of psychology, Battaglia has created a treatment that combines talk and touch in a powerful way. “It’s very unorthodox what I do,” he admits. “You never know who will arrive and what will be troubling them. I would say 90% of problems are stress-induced. We live so much in the virtual, digital world and my focus is on helping the person to re-anchor the body.” “We deal with people who have complicated lives and help them to feel more like themselves again,” adds Bortolin. “We work on allowing people to get to know their true nature, quickly. Making people sparkle from the inside.” Vair Spa, Borgo Egnazia +39 080 225 5000 | www.borgoegnazia.com Managing director: Aldo Melpignano Spa director: Patrizia Bortolin Designer: Pino Brescia Executing architect: Teo Moccia Project designer: Pino Brescia Size: 1,800sqm Treatment rooms: 14 Suppliers: Akua, Stenal, Nilo, Gis Facilities: Roman bath with a tepidarium, Kneipp bath, caldarium, frigidarium, biosauna, plunge pools and marble scrub room, manicure and pedicure suite, cinema
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2017
Get Connected!
The sky‘s the limit when you connect to the right person at the right time
spa Life germany 9th & 10th may hotel an der therme, Bad orb
spa Life ireland 19th & 20th June the osprey hotel & spa, naas, co. Kildare
spa Life uK 14th & 15th november hilton metropole hotel, Birmingham
Email: allenbach@spa-life.eu Tel: +49 7221 39 83 14
Email: peigin@spa-life.ie Tel: +353 086 125 2183
Email: info@spa-life.co.uk Tel: +44 1268 745892
shared industry insights
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Spa Life International specialises in bringing together senior spa professionals for extensive networking, business development and relationship building opportunities alongside a comprehensive management conference and much more.
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Business Sue Harmsworth, MBE, ESPA
Sue Harmsworth, MBE
My life in spa Sue Harmsworth, MBE, has established ESPA as a world leader in spa design, management, operations and product development. We find out what drives her brand vision I NT E RV I E W BY M A R K S M I T H
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hairman and founder of ESPA International, Sue Harmsworth, MBE, has undoubtedly helped to shape the global spa industry as we know it today. A pioneering developer of holistic and natural beauty products in the 1990s, she has always worked to lead the market in spa design, management and innovation. In her current role as a board member of the Global Wellness Summit, she is committed to educating the industry on the impact of health and wellbeing on beauty. This approach has underpinned the success of luxury spas and wellness destinations around the world and her business acumen and hands-on approach has enhanced the reputation and value of spa within the hotel and hospitality industry as a whole. After an early career in health and beauty journalism, Harmsworth ran her own salon before working for a number of notable spa and health retreats across Europe. This journey led to the creation of ESPA in 1993, which is now one of the world’s leading spa brands. Found in more than 500 spas in 60 countries, ESPA’s global reach sees over five million treatments performed and more than 5,000 therapists trained each year. With a substantial manufacturing base in the UK, its products are produced in a factory that is ECOCERT, Fair Trade and Soil Association certified. The brand is involved in every aspect of spa development and design, from overseeing build to management and operations, and it can be found in prestigious hotels and resorts, including: Lucknam Park, UK; Mondrian, Doha, Qatar; Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore; the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Italy as well as hotel groups such as One & Only, Peninsula Hotels, Opposite page: The chic pool at Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, Japan (top right); ESPA Life at Corinthia London (middle right); the stunning outdoor pool at Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Mandapa, Bali (bottom left); a hammam ritual at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore (middle left)
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“What I truly believe is that the integration and synergy of all of our specialisms makes us different and keeps us way ahead of the market.” Sue Harmsworth, MBE, ESPA
Ritz-Carlton and Corinthia Hotels. In 2010, Harmsworth was honoured with an MBE in recognition of her services to the spa and beauty industry and this year, the International Spa Association will present her with the 2017 ISPA Visionary Award. European Spa asks the dynamic industry leader more about her path to success. How did ESPA begin – was there a light bulb moment or the realisation of a dream? There was a light bulb moment, but ESPA was the result of all my experiences since I started my career, way before the spa industry existed.
In the 1970s I had a successful day spa in Toronto, where I learnt about anatomy and physiology, from a medical holistic perspective, from my eastern European therapists. Later, I came back to France to manage thalassotherapy centres, where I learnt about marine actives and partnered with clinical aromatherapists. I then ran Grayshott health spa, in the UK, in the early 1980s with a team of doctors and nurses. It was a totally holistic approach. After that I worked with cruise ships, transitioning them from hair and beauty concessions to spas. With 11,000 therapists on 120 ships, it taught me valuable lessons about the importance of high standards. My ‘light bulb moment’ was really when I saw the opportunity to bring all this expertise together. I wanted a compact range with marine ingredients, clinical aromatherapy, naturals and essences that was unisex and really luxurious. The range debuted under the Turnberry label in Scotland. It was a huge success and I knew I had got it right. I kept the ownership and intellectual property and subsequently went on to launch ESPA. What were the brand’s founding principles? The founding principles follow a very holistic approach. Our original strap line was ‘mind body and spirit’. Everything we do has to have integrity, a relationship, a reason. Back in the ’90s how did people respond to the idea of holistic and natural therapies? We were considered visionary – people are just starting to use the language now that we were using back then. Even complementary health wasn’t that well accepted, but we were using the Bowen technique, Rolfing and developing treatments with osteopaths and physios. What makes ESPA such a strong pioneer? Globally, we have very few competitors who do what we do. There are loads of product
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Business Sue Harmsworth, MBE, ESPA
Clockwise from top: ESPA’s new packaging reflects the exclusivity of the brand’s offering; experiencing inner calm at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore; the modern, luxurious sauna at ESPA Life at Corinthia; ESPA’s philosophy is that beauty starts from within
houses, management companies and many more spa consultants – every person who leaves a spa suddenly becomes a consultant. It’s a real problem for the industry. What I truly believe is that the integration and synergy of all of our specialisms makes us different and keeps us way ahead of the market. We manufacture, so when we launch a new product or treatment, it generally comes from the spa operations or training team. Our teams are connected and I look at what’s needed, asking what therapists need and want. Most of our treatments and products are needs-led. What has been the greatest challenge in your 25 years with the brand? The ongoing challenge is enticing great talent. Our industry needs more bright business people in both therapy and spa management. With therapists there is most definitely a training deficit – standards are lowering and there needs to be more investment in advanced education.
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It is frustrating how long it takes to bring people up to be really serious commercial spa directors. You say that “modern life demands instant everything – and instant everything is rarely good for you in the long term.” How can we remedy that in the spa? We never used to do instant facials, but the US market wanted a quick fix, which holistically is quite a challenge. We need to ensure people get maximum benefit from their treatment. Heat experiences have a calming effect but people weren’t using them correctly. We launched mindfulness treatments way before anyone was talking about the idea – visualisation and breathing helps to calm the client so they get the most from the treatment that follows. How has the spa market changed over the last 10 years? I think it is becoming more compartmentalised. We had the advent of wellness and wellbeing trends where lifestyle issues were prevalent, but they confused the consumer. In the four and five-star hotel market, escapism, relaxation and combating stress became the major reasons why people took weekend and short breaks.
What key trends are driving the industry? Mindfulness, sleep, resilience and lowering anxiety. We are not teaching our kids resilience. People are losing the ability to make decisions, to be self-reliant and independent. Technology makes you anxious and more and more people are feeling this as they are not being taught the skills to be independent. The language of spa is changing – should we talk about wellness or wellbeing? Wellness, for me, has a more medical connotation. At ESPA we are talking about wellbeing as it is about prevention. For us it’s not new, we are more about lifestyle, how you feel, having good energy, being the best you can be at every stage of your life. How are beauty and wellness connected? We have always believed that you have to be right on the inside to look right on the outside. If your energy is good, your weight is good and you have a sense of calmness it reflects in how a person looks. The mind is hugely influential in beauty. We are learning how to control negative stress and anxiety with breath work and yogic breathing – trying
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Business Sue Harmsworth, MBE, ESPA Natural Beauty, Inner Calm: A brand evolution When ESPA launched, in 1993, it pioneered a new holistic approach, recognising that beauty was inextricably linked with wellness. Now celebrating it’s 25th anniversary, ESPA has embarked on a further evolution, refreshing its branding, simplifying its communication, updating its packaging and making its products easier to explore and retail. Light, bright and simple to understand, the new clean, fresh look reflects the company’s wealth of experience and clearly distinguishes ESPA from the competition while still celebrating its traditional heritage, rooted in holistic therapies and created using innovative and unique combinations of plant actives, marine actives and essential oils. Refocusing on ESPA’s founding philosophy, the new strap line: ‘Natural Beauty, Inner Calm’ perfectly encapsulates how the products help customers to look and feel their best, enjoying naturally beautiful skin with a renewed sense of inner calm.
to give people the tools to live life with as little stress as possible. You’ve said that mastery of finance is essential, but lacking, in the spa industry. How can spas appeal more to investors? The hotel spa industry has been misleading on the commercial equation of spa. It’s not intentional, but a lot of investors think they can make a lot more money than they really do. If you do the financials in the true sense of the word, taking the cost of the building or build and fit out and allocating the correct operating costs, it doesn’t generally add up. In hotels a lot of the costs are shared and this is not operating to a true financial model. So don’t tout that you are returning 25-30% on investment. That is a big mistake operators make, they don’t get into the head of the owner. If they expect 30% on the bottom line and they don’t produce it then this causes problems. What are the most common mistakes spa operators make? I still see major problems at the initial design stage. If you don’t get that right, you won’t get it right commercially. We create a very detailed
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brief. Every single space is outlined with an operational flow chart of how it works. We talk through the process with the owner to ensure they understand it and don’t get a shock later. It’s been said that some spas are based on a return on ego rather than investment – why is this bad for our industry? It’s about managing expectations and having a true financial forecast. I have some amazing flagships which are trophies, there’s no question. I would say the vast majority are making profit now, but not always in the first 12-18 months. I tell hotel owners ‘if you want the best of everything, then this is the cost, but you won’t see a profit on this.’ Which projects are you excited about now? The one I’m most excited about in the UK is Lucknam Park. It’s about to become an ESPA spa. We are not changing the design a lot as it’s beautiful already, but we are upping the standards and training. We also have a beautiful spa opening soon in Doha at the Mondrian, and then there’s Four Seasons Hotel at Ten Trinity Square, London and the Ritz Carlton in Langkawi, Malaysia.
Where do you go to escape? I go home! I’m not joking, I love it. I’ve just moved after 35 years and built my own pool, hot pool and massage room on four acres in the Surrey/Hampshire countryside. When are you happiest? I love my personal space and the peace and seclusion of my home. I love my family and am happiest in that environment. How do you live a life of wellbeing? I exercise every day and train with a trainer twice a week. My attitude now, at 72, is much more about my health and energy. I’m very conscious of what I eat, I have cut out sugar and carbs. I’ve always done a lot of breath work too. I believe in always learning and moving on because you can’t live in the past. What is your proudest moment? It has to be my children and grandchildren, but career wise, the MBE was important. It came out of the blue and it’s a lovely recognition from outside of the industry. www.espaskincare.com
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Experts PR & Marketing
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Experts Spa Careers Masterclass
MASTERCLASS MASTERCLASS PR & MARKETING
See the talent in your team In the first part of our Spa Careers Masterclass, we examine the challenges surrounding the education and retention of a superlative spa team
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lthough the global spa industry is growing at an exponential rate, there remains a fundamental shortage of therapists and managers to successfully meet current and future demand, with both recruitment and retention posing multi-faceted challenges for the majority of spa and wellness operators. The worldwide spa industry will employ an estimated 2.8 million people by 2018, according to recent research from the Global Wellness Institute. It is also estimated that, by 2020, an additional 400,000 trained spa therapists will be needed, as well as 70,000 more experienced spa managers and directors. For many spa educators and training specialists, the initial challenge is to persuade young people to even consider a career in spa. A reputation for long, unsociable hours, limited professional development and an overall lack of clear career pathways has
previously discouraged new entrants into the sector. Furthermore, some believe that our burgeoning industry has not been proactive enough in establishing succession planning, thereby enabling other hospitality and leisure industries to easily poach some of the most talented, ambitious and motivated young people away. In the UK, recent statistics from the UK Spa Association’s ‘Spa UK Focus Survey’ suggested that the biggest challenge to spa businesses is recruiting qualified therapists and aestheticians, with as many as 60% of respondents claiming that they found it difficult to hire qualified staff. For the first part of our masterclass, we’ve spoken to four global industry experts to shine a light on a spectrum of spa career issues – from education, career pathways and training to the ongoing promotion of talented staff and the crucial issues of employee wellbeing and retention.
Educational exploration Looking for guidance on fostering skills and loyalty among your staff? Here is a selection of the online and organisation-based training qualification courses available to therapists and managers CIBTAC www.cibtac.com
Institut de Management Hotelier International www.essec.edu
Steiner Training www.steinerleisure.com
CIDESCO www.cidesco.com
Mary Reid Academy www.maryreidspaacademy.com
The Carlton Group www.thecarltongroup.co.uk
City & Guilds www.cityandguilds.co.uk
Oxford International College of Beauty www.oicb.com
Tip Touch International www.tiptouch.com
Habia www.habia.org
Raison d’Etre www.raisondetrespas.com
UK Spa Association www.spa-uk.org
L’Ecole Hoteliere Lausanne www.ehl.edu
RMIT University www.rmit.edu.au
University of Derby www.derby.ac.uk/spa
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MASTERCLASS
Experts Spa Careers Masterclass
EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION
Dr Sarah Rawlinson of the University of Derby looks at how spas can attract and develop new team members
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ducation, training and workforce development should be a key priority for any business, but it’s particularly important to the spa industry, where high turnover and a critical shortage of qualified staff, especially at management level, is often a challenge. The reasons behind the skills shortage are complex, but the solution is a more proactive approach to training, succession planning and developing a career pathway that attracts the best recruits. A well-developed training and development strategy offers direct business benefits, including improved profitability, staff loyalty and customer satisfaction. The commitment of an organisation to invest in an individual has a positive effect on how staff perceive their value and contribution. People who are actively engaged by their employers are motivated to learn more about their roles and understand that their behaviours and performance matter. Studies show that a motivated workforce can lead to better productivity, lower levels of absenteeism, better levels of retention and improved quality and customer service.
“The commitment of an organisation to invest in an individual has a positive effect on how staff perceive their value and contribution.” Dr Sarah Rawlinson, University of Derby
The spa industry has been slow in helping graduates establish careers. One criticism that we, at the University of Derby, often get from industry is that our students have an unrealistic expectation of their first jobs – but these are young people who already have the technical skills that the industry requires. My argument is that the industry needs people who aspire to long-term careers – our graduates are highly motivated and have a breadth of technical skills, broad industry knowledge, and a commitment to the spa industry that can be a great asset to the success of businesses. Employers must play their part by recognising that after making such a large personal investment, graduates need good training programmes that support their transition into the industry, help them to establish their career and allow them to see a return on their investment. That return could benefit any organisation that is willing to invest in the training and development of graduates and succession planning for talented existing employees, so they learn together to spark fresh new business ideas and opportunities.” www.derby.ac.uk/spa
An offer they can’t refuse Persuading young people to choose a career in the spa industry is difficult because of its reputation for long, unsociable hours, physically demanding work and poor rewards. The industry needs to be seen as more of an investor in training and development if it is to
What the expert says... n Training strategies These are vital and results include improved profitability and improved staff loyalty n Graduate support Ensure you have adequate programmes to support new recruits’ transition into your business
be an attractive career for ambitious people. The spa industry is competing for talent with many other service sector industries that collaborate with universities, attend graduate recruitment fairs and contribute to employer forums. They recognise that students have made a large investment in their education and are willing to learn. They see these motivated young people as an important asset and offer work placements, internships and graduate training schemes to bridge the gap between university and a career.
n Long term development To attract the most ambitious and motivated staff, think about how you can continue to support their career pathways in the future Dr Sarah Rawlinson is the University of Derby’s head of Hotel, Resort and Spa Management. She is passionate about experiential learning and was instrumental in establishing the award-winning Devonshire Spa on the university’s Buxton campus, which is staffed by Spa Management course undergraduates.
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Experts Spa Careers Masterclass
YOU MUST BE PREPARED FOR CHANGE
Jean-Guy de Gabriac, CEO of Tip Touch International, describes how the global spa industry can improve its career succession planning
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ccording to the 2016 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, spas have added a total of 237,424 jobs to the global economy since 2013. Meanwhile, projections for spa industry growth over the next five years indicate that there will be an estimated 2.8 million people employed worldwide by 2018 (one million in Asia-Pacific; 950,000 in Europe and 540,000 in North America)*. These figures indicate an urgent need to meet demand for personnel in a creative way. On one hand, we have spa owners who are putting a great deal of pressure on existing spa managers and directors, whose position has changed dramatically over the past decade. Ten years ago, the last person standing would often be selected as spa manager since they had the most experience. Some did a good job as they had developed the necessary business acumen, but some met their limit – very often they would have been excellent therapists who did not have the specific skills to manage or lead a team.
Gone is the glamour The new reality of spa therapists and managers is not a glamorous one, even in four or five-star spas in Europe, the Middle
and our minds, whatever we do, and this idea can easily be applied to spa management and leadership. Instead of a manager, who has endless ‘to do’ lists, we need more leaders with ‘to be’ lists – empowering and inspiring rather than delegating and demotivating. I believe that, if we’re creative enough with this approach to spa leadership, it will enable us to bank on talent and put our money on success, rather than simply reducing costs in the hope that this will sustain our industry beyond the short-term. After all, a great leader encourages greatness in others. www.tiptouch.com www.globalwellnessinstitute.org/career-development
“Instead of ‘to do’ lists, we need more leaders with ‘to be’ lists – empowering and inspiring rather than delegating and demotivating.” Jean-Guy de Gabriac, Tip Touch International
East, Asia and some parts of the US. The way spas are run now is focused on maximising revenue – massage has turned into a commodity and the way spa staff are managed can sometimes be close to a sweatshop environment. In the aftermath of Groupon and other discounting websites, guests want to pay less and every bit of money has to be squeezed from each treatment. The majority of posts offered to therapists are entry-level jobs with low pay and these skilled practitioners simply aren’t sufficiently compensated for their hard work. This is especially difficult for the new generation of Millennials who don’t want to be hired into what they consider to be modern-day slavery. They’re hungry for recognition as well as remuneration, so we need to find ways to reach their hearts as well as their pockets. Fundamentally, rather than more managers the spa industry needs better leaders. The Sufi poet Rumi said: “Wherever you are, be the soul of that place”. Essentially, I believe he’s asking us to be present in both our bodies
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* From the 2016 Global Wellness Economy Monitor by the Global Wellness Institute
What the expert says... n Create a year-round training plan Instead of training once a year, an exciting, annual education schedule with progressive modules will better engage your staff n Light fires Successful training is all about lighting the touchpaper to spark enthusiasm, commitment and aspiration n Add a touch of class Introducing new, highly sensorial advanced massage techniques, such as ‘high-touch’, can result in higher margins and more frequent client visits Jean-Guy de Gabriac is a leading international spa and wellness advisor. The founder and CEO of Tip Touch International, he also chairs the Global Career Development Initiative for the Global Wellness Institute.
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MASTERCLASS
Experts Spa Careers Masterclass
WINNING OVER HEARTS AND MINDS
Liz Holmes, vice-chair of the UK Spa Association and founder of Commercial Spa Strategies, considers staff recruitment and retention
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he UK Spa Association’s latest Spa UK Focus Survey revealed that 60% of companies found it difficult to hire qualified therapists and aestheticians. Among the many challenges of recruitment and retention is the fact that when spa staff are paid as little as the minimum wage, they are likely to eventually want to work for themselves, setting up their own businesses rather than staying employed within a spa. Consequently, we must find ways to engage therapists so that they stay in the spa industry into their 30s and 40s, rather than venturing out just as they have the maturity, experience and skill to deliver a truly great treatment. I believe that, as an industry, we have been working on short-term fixes rather than long-term strategies because panic has set in. Losing revenue due to a lack of therapists can hit businesses – especially small ones – hard. Companies that are most successful in recruitment and long-term retention are those that have a really good, fair and flexible employment culture. For example, people who leave to have a family and then want to return should be welcomed with open arms, no matter how much or how little they are able to work. Spa businesses in general could definitely learn a lesson from this.
Kind words for caring people It is easy to forget that we’re employing very young people, so strong management and effective communication are vital, including sharing positive feedback from clients. It’s absolute gold to have a genuine message
What the expert says... n Offer a sense of purpose Share your team vision and the role your new staff will play in achieving it n Get set for success No one starts a job in order to fail, so coach your team to generate a winning attitude n Effective management From job specs and clear descriptions to SMARTA (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Trackable, Agreed) objectives, ensure your team is managed properly and effectively Liz Holmes is director of commercial spa strategies and vice-chair of the UK Spa Association. She was previously spa director at Rockliffe Hall and has been national head of spa at Virgin Active.
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questions. The solutions lie in trying to understand therapists and the career paths they want to achieve. We now need to survey the therapists rather than the managers to find out what makes them tick. We have some great people in our businesses and with the right manager or mentor, and the right opportunities in place, they could absolutely fly. Now is the time for a serious re-think regarding recruitment in the spa industry. www.commercialspastrategies.com www.spa-uk.org
“We have some great people in our industry and with the right opportunities in place, they could absolutely fly.” Liz Holmes, UK Spa Association
from a client and this resonates so much with staff. Essentially, people want to be listened to and feel that their ideas are being taken seriously. Creating channels such as monthly ideas meetings, where staff are encouraged to bring their ideas to the table, takes great communication and leadership to make it work, but it is an effective first step. In terms of spa managers, something we should accept is that the reason many people want to be a therapist is that they want to help people feel good – they don’t necessarily want to do the staff rota or deal with administrative problems when someone calls in sick. I think that’s why some of our strongest spa managers have actually come from the fitness or hospitality industries to complete the spa team, rather than rising up from within the existing spa staff. Now is the chance for us to work out, as an industry, what we really need. When the UK Spa Association completed its survey, I thought it was the end and we’d have lots of answers, but it’s actually created more
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Experts Spa Careers Masterclass
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE
Steiner Leisure’s Robert Schaverien details why training is vital to keeping staff committed and building your reputation
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he training of spa staff can make the difference between success and failure so new recruits should be engaged from their very first day and be fully versed with a clear service message. Influencing staff retention starts at the recruitment process and continues throughout the career of each member of your team. Spas should always be clear and open about the role they are recruiting for and should continue that same message throughout staff training programmes to ensure the correct standard of delivery is met. Once that standard is attained, spas should reward their team’s achievement with an exciting incentive package and a wonderful work environment, all supported by continual professional development. If this happens, why would your staff go elsewhere? Fundamentally, most employees who enjoy long careers with a single employer enjoy what they do, as much as they are rewarded for doing their job. If we keep our therapists up to date with fresh, exciting new training courses that continue to develop their knowledge, we maintain control of both standards and expectations. I think some wonderful opportunities exist for new therapists to develop their careers.
What the expert says... n Clarity of purpose Always be clear about the role that spa staff are applying for n Establish continuity Once you’ve recruited your staff, be consistent with your recruitment messages throughout your training programme n Minimise misunderstandings Encourage an open dialogue between managers and staff to ensure the expected standard of treatment delivery Robert Schaverien has been managing director of Steiner Training Ltd since 1999, with responsibilities including recruitment, marketing, education and staff training for all the company’s shipboard employees. Since its launch, Steiner has offered cruise ship jobs to more than 50,000 beauty, spa and fitness professionals.
“Investing in staff development at an early stage will pay dividends to your consistent standards in the longer term.” Robert Schaverien, Steiner Leisure
Talented and aspirational young professionals should look for opportunities provided by spas that are prepared to invest in their development and offer an exciting, quality environment to work within.
Sailing through a sea change At Steiner, we invest heavily in our staff wellbeing and training. All new team members, regardless of profession or previous experience, start their employment at one of our Steiner Training Academies. Our goals are made clear and service delivery levels standards are set. Dramatic changes in the cruise industry over the last 20 years have seen the expansion of the cruise spa experience with huge spas, occupying multiple decks in prime space, showcasing a growing commitment to the
spa guest experience. Reflecting this, our recruitment and training strategies have also developed, increasingly incorporating multi-lingual staff who can communicate with our guests and fulfill their expectations, wherever we are around the world. We are also challenged by our business partners to be modern, current, innovative and deliver excellent service satisfaction levels in all circumstances. Spa operators must commit to investing both the time and money that it takes to fully train their staff. While it’s tempting to get the newly-hired therapist to become productive immediately, investing in their development at this early stage will pay dividends to your consistent standards in the longer term.” www.steinerleisure.com
In part two of our Masterclass, we’ll be focusing further on the challenges surrounding recruitment, retention and recognition across the spa industry
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Spas Serenitas, Park Hyatt Mallorca
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Spas Serenitas, Park Hyatt Mallorca
Clockwise from far left: Traditional Mallorcan style in the entrance to the spa’s relaxation area; Serenitas is hoping to capture the ‘couples retreat’ market with its authentic offering and luxurious treatment rooms; the airy relaxation area leads on to a balcony with stunning mountain views; one of the resort’s impressive outdoor pools
An island of calm Park Hyatt’s first European resort includes the unveiling of a spa for all seasons on the Spanish island of Mallorca. We find out how the global brand incorporates locally inspired wellbeing
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n the early 1900s, modernist painter and writer Santiago Rusiñol christened Mallorca the ‘island of calm’ and that title remains apt for this jewel in the western Mediterranean, which has been selected by Hyatt Hotels Corporation for its very first European resort venture. Set on the island’s largely undeveloped eastern coast, the new resort, carved into the rocks in traditional Mallorcan village style, overlooks the beautiful Canyamel Valley with the beach and Balearic Sea below. “We are very proud of our first European resort hotel,” says Eric Brun, vice-president, brands and commercial strategy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and south-west Asia. “This property is truly a fantastic addition to our portfolio and is definitely a brand-building hotel among our Park Hyatt resorts worldwide.” Following construction by the property’s Mallorcan owner, Cap Vermell, the Park Hyatt Mallorca resort opened in time for the 2016 summer season complete with 142 hotel guest rooms (including 14 Park Suites and two Presidential Suites) four restaurants, three outdoor pools and a ballroom, together with surrounding residential villas for private purchase. It was, however, the unveiling of its stunning 2,000sqm Serenitas spa in October last year that truly differentiated the brand’s offering by placing an exclusive all-season day spa at the heart of the resort. “Park Hyatt guests typically possess a refined appetite for local culture and embrace unique and enriching experiences,” explains Brun. “Based on that, we created a relaxing and exquisite spa experience rooted in local traditions, designed specifically to provide a total sense of purity, tranquillity and peace of mind and spirit. “Serenitas is dedicated to offering our guests uncompromised attention to detail within a calm and serene atmosphere. Every element has been created to evoke traditional Mallorcan authenticity and hospitality. We seamlessly integrate local traditions and philosophies with international brands, time-honoured rituals and contemporary techniques.”
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Spas Serenitas, Park Hyatt Mallorca
A sense of space Serenitas is styled as a Mallorcan villa; set on the hillside and surrounded by landscaped gardens with views of the Serra de Llevant Mountains, the spa draws design inspiration from the island’s natural assets, which are echoed in its signature treatments. Specialist interior design company Michelle Evans & Associates (MEA) was tasked with creating a destination spa that would harmonise with the natural environment. “In order to fully appreciate and understand the Mallorcan culture, we spent time on the island to experience its unique location,” reveals Michelle Evans, creative director of MEA, which is based in Dubai. “Such visits are important in order to develop the design vernacular and the guest experience style. “Our first impressions were influenced heavily by the orange and lemon plantations that can be found across the island – the different foliage of its green textures from pampas grass to the knotted olive trees – as well as the azure sea, fragrant aromas, textured stone and the Mediterranean breeze. Nature was a clear path of inspiration towards creating a design that would excite the senses.” MEA integrated these essential elements into the spa build, which includes soft, yellow, stone mosaic flooring, high-ceiling corridors with traditional wooden beams and ornate, oversized doors created to amplify the sense of space. Below: A Himalayan salt sauna in the female changing area provides privacy for relaxation, with another installed in the male changing area
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“This property is truly a fantastic addition to our portfolio and is definitely a brand-building hotel among our Park Hyatt resorts worldwide.” Eric Brun, vice-president, brands and commercial strategy, EMEA/SWA, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
Central to the spa is an almost celestial column of light in the form of a glittering, bespoke ceramic artwork, which acts as a pivotal point to all other areas. Sheer, floating fabrics fitted into the ceilings diffuse the light and move gently in the aromatic breeze that is scented with rosemary, lavender, mint, orange and almond growing in the spa gardens. This soothing sensory experience is accompanied by the sound of water cascading from fountains in the open courtyards outside. “Our spa concept has a lot to say to our guests, both architecturally and spiritually,” declares spa manager Patricia Fuertes, who is a native of Mallorca. “The magnificent materials translate an essence of calm that is carried throughout our treatment rituals and the tranquil space created for a complete sensorial journey.” Serenitas’ seven impressive, expansive and individually designed spa suites express this ethos, with five single, 32sqm suites and two 38sqm couples’ treatment rooms, both with double Turkish baths. Each suite has its own private terrace, free-standing ‘Barcelona’ bath, chaise longue, shower,
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Spas Serenitas, Park Hyatt Mallorca
“We want our guests to feel that they have a relationship with the spa... We have a multi-lingual team of naturally talented therapists performing seamless experiences with perfect products.” Patricia Fuertes, spa manager
bathroom and dressing area with every luxury on hand, including a choice of sonic accompaniment that has been hand-picked by a music stylist. The spa’s male and female changing areas are equipped with Himalayan salt saunas, sensory showers and steam rooms, and there is a vitality pool set into the outside courtyard. Another exquisite element is its 63sqm relaxation room, where guests can rest and take tea or herb-infused water on cosy indoor daybeds or outside, on the scenic, 14sqm sea-and-mountain-view terrace.
Suite success “We want Serenitas guests to feel that they have a relationship with the spa, not just a visit,” says Fuertes. “Our self-contained treatment suites enable us to adjust to guests’ needs – moving the therapists in and out, rather than guests. This creates a natural flow that is entirely centred.” Having previously directed a spa opening at Park Hyatt Costa Rica, coming home to create Park Hyatt in Mallorca Clockwise from top: A Gharieni Alpha Quartz Sand Bed enhances the treatments on offer at Serenitas; the spa’s multi-lingual team provide a wide range of professional skills; guests take tea outside a couples’ spa suite
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enabled Fuertes to create her idea of spa perfection. “I built an international spa team from different backgrounds to provide specific skills across diverse treatments to meet guest requirements,” she recalls. “We have a multi-lingual team of naturally talented therapists performing seamless experiences with perfect products.” The spa’s Mallorcan-influenced treatments centre on the island’s minerals, herbs, fruits, water and plants. Indigenous ingredients such as pine, lavender, almond and olive oils, citrus fruits and aloe vera are carefully blended into tailored therapies alongside products from global brands that strengthen services to meet core markets. “While we have an abundance of naturally-grown ingredients, we also want to present exclusive international products that work with our ethos and the renowned Park Hyatt luxury, from results-oriented treatments to retail themes.” states Fuertes. “We chose ESPA, which is widely available elsewhere, but not here. We are the only spa to have this product treatment range in Mallorca – and of course ESPA’s education, training and therapist guidance is excellent. “For our manicure and pedicure services we have CND Creative and Austrian brand La Ric – another exclusive. We use Flor de Sal Mallorcan salt extracted from the
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Spas Serenitas, Park Hyatt Mallorca
From far left: The spa’s sun-kissed outdoor whirlpool; a bespoke light installation acts as a glittering focal point in the spa; Park Hyatt Mallorca offers 142 guest rooms and 16 suites in a traditional Mallorcan village setting; organic Mallorcan brand Gaia provides the oils for Ayurvedic-style massages; the resort’s Technogym-equipped fitness room
“We have created a place of escapism and wellness for spa retreats – a destination that promises mindful experiences for our guests.” Michael Schmid, general manager Park Hyatt Mallorca
Mediterranean Sea, as well as organic Mallorcan brand Gaia’s handmade essential oils for our Ayurvedic-style massages.” The centrepoint to this special combination of treatment products is the spa’s Gharieni Alpha Quartz Sand Bed. “It is a new concept and the only one of its kind on the island,” Fuertes claims proudly. “We create our Serenitas journeys with the Alpha Quartz Sand Bed, incorporating massage treatments, body wraps and signature experiences. “Based on the ancient Greek philosophy of ‘psammotherapy’ the bed uses warm sand to help alleviate pain, improve circulation, release muscular tension and promote deep relaxation. The blend of heat and sand with local organic products – and of course our therapists’ skilful techniques – enables us to develop authentic wellness treatments based on our island culture.”
Holistic hospitality “Ultimately, Park Hyatt Mallorca is a holistic experience with high-end Mallorcan hospitality,” states Michael Schmid, general manager of the resort, which also provides bespoke wellness programmes incorporating yoga, Pilates, trekking and nutritive food care, along with access to a 24-hour Technogym fitness centre. “We have created a place of escapism and wellness for spa retreats – a destination that promises mindful experiences for our guests.” While Serenitas is successfully targeting the ‘couples escape’ market it is also catering for long-term residents in the resort’s luxurious villas. “We are on a cultural island and our spa is deeply inspired by its heritage to enrich our guests’ wellbeing with locally inspired spa treatments, world-renowned spa brands and exemplary personal service,” Schmid continues. “People know Mallorca as a place of peace, and now they can completely disconnect from their routine at any time of the year, in a naturally energising environment.” Park Hyatt Mallorca, Canyamel, Spain +34 (0) 871 81 1234 | www.mallorca.park.hyatt.com Management company: Park Hyatt Property developer: Cap Vermell General manager: Michael Schmid Marketing manager: Cristina Beteta Spa manager: Patricia Fuertes Spa size: 2,000 sqm Design: Michelle Evans & Associates Treatment suites: Seven including two couples’ suites Spa team: from 7 to 15 Treatment room equipment: Gharieni Spa product partners: ESPA, Gaia, La Ric, CND Creative, Flor de Sal
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Business Healing Summit 2017, Berlin
Healing: the new zeitgeist? European Spa heads to the Healing Summit 2017 in Berlin to hear how a more humane approach could positively impact on hospitality and wellness businesses RE P O R T BY S A R A H C A M I L L E R I
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his year’s Healing Summit, which took place in March, saw 115 international delegates participate in a unique two-day programme exploring how healing practices could transform our approach to business and life. Held at the elegant Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome in the heart of Berlin, the Summit attracted a diverse mix of hospitality and wellbeing professionals, holistic practitioners, social enterprise and sustainability specialists, as well as spa product developers. Under the theme of ‘Building a global healing business community’ delegates enjoyed speaker presentations and actively participated in meditation and yoga stretch sessions, networking and breakout discussion groups as part of a proactive and open agenda. The event’s host, US journalist and brand strategist Valerie Smaldone, welcomed delegates with some personal insights on the power of authenticity before introducing a diverse range of speakers, including wellness consultants; leadership, meditation, product development and hospitality professionals; and healing arts, social enterprise and not-for-profit specialists.
The happiness paradox Co-owner and medical director Dr Mariela de Silveira, from the Kurotel Longevity Medical Center & Spa in Brazil, highlighted the stress caused by a lack of “self-worth” in today’s society. Drawing from her experience in devising wellness programmes to help guests live longer, healthier and more meaningful lives, she revealed that the pursuit of happiness could be the root of much internalised stress. “Happiness is a social paradox we need to understand better to improve our self-worth and connection with healing,” she stated. “Our constant search for happiness, or pleasure, means finding chemical pathways to trigger endorphin release. Triggers such as sugar, alcohol and even constantly checking our social media, are all addictive,” she added. “I am not saying
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sustainability rating really does impact on sales as more consumers reward good,” said Siegel. “This trend will completely change the way that the business world works,” he predicted. He asked delegates to consider the power of communicating “doing good” to generate new connections. “Look at all your business activities to see how you can bring and communicate sustainable, beneficial aspects to all your practices. You will then be contributing to a beneficial and beautiful cycle. Small efforts can make a significant impact,” he concluded.
Work with intention
“We wanted to create an event that was pure in its intention. It’s a chance to really serve people who are seeking to explore and develop their outlook.” Anne Biging and Dr Elisabeth Ixmeier co-founders, Healing Summit
that seeking pleasure is bad, but we need to be more aware of why we are doing it.” De Silveira asked delegates to consider their own self-worth before serving others, be that in spas or other people-focused businesses. “Our self-worth is very much connected to healing the world. We all have a special remedy to offer others,” she assured.
Communicating sustainability The founder of STAMBA Superfoods, Asa Siegel, discussed how digital advances are switching consumers onto sustainability. “Socially Responsible Investment is the fastest growing sector in investment,” he claimed, citing how a new generation of apps are helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions. One such app, HowGood, rates sustainable food suppliers in the US and helped generate 136 million sustainable food purchases in 2016. “Through their transactional behaviour people can now contribute. Today, a business’s
Storytelling highlights at the Summit included Margot Esser-Greineder, founder of natural cosmetics company Pharmos Natur Green Luxury, who recounted a life-changing accident she suffered in the 1980s, which left her with serious burns to the face and torso. Esser-Greineder’s recovery involved an extensive programme of daily aloe vera treatments that allowed her skin to regenerate itself without scarring. This experience prompted her to study natural and herbal medicine and create her own plant-based formulations to deliver healing. She also drew delgates’ attention to the growing appreciation of the biophilia effect. “If you spend just two hours in a wood, you will increase your T cells by 50%. This healing, biophilia effect helps to connect us back to nature,” she said. “People are becoming more and more sensitive to higher energy. Holistic thinking is the way to heal ourselves and connect to nature. Plants are sacred and can help to connect heart and mind.” 1. Stretching sessions to open the body and mind 2. Rupert Schmid of Biologique Recherche 3. Leadership coach Velleda Dobrowolny and Carina Preuss, general manager of Ayurveda Parkschlösschen 4. The Summit’s organising team with European Spa editor Sarah Camilleri (far right) 5. Shankara’s Gina Preziosa 6. Dr Mariela Silveira of Kurotel Longevity Medical Center and Spa 7. NextLevel Leadership’s Catherine Parrish talks to delegates
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Conscious beauty Gina Preziosa, vice-president of sales and marketing for Shankara, an Ayurvedic face and body line, shared its vision to donate 100% of net profits to humanitarian causes, through the International Association for Human Values (IAHV.org). Describing their products as “made with love” in an ashram in India, she revealed the reverence placed on every aspect of production and ingredient sourcing. “All our products contain divine ingredients and are blessed before they leave the plant. We also donate 100% of our profit to good causes. Two years ago we helped provide 10,000 school lunches in Jamaica,” she said. “Some people do not know about the power of intention in our products, but they can certainly feel it.”
A meditation on science Dr Marjorie Woollacott, Emerita Professor of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, US, and author of Infinite Awareness – the Awakening of a Scientific Mind, gave an eloquent talk on how, as a scientist, she has dedicated her time to
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quantifying the positive impact meditation can have on life, health and leadership. Woollacott’s research, funded by the US National Institute of Health and National Science Foundation, has included extensive neuroscientific research into the efficacy of modalities such as Tai Chi and meditation. “Our own lab has found that meditation improves our attention and ability to focus – it also reduces stress and improves our emotional wellbeing,” she told delegates. “This is a critical time in our history. More and more leaders are calling for a fundamental shift to foster compassion to ourselves, others and the planet. Our isolation of separation needs to be healed through meditation and more inter-connectivity.”
Tap into soul luxury “Emotion is the new currency in a transformational economy,” claimed Claudia Roth, founder of Soul Luxury, who brought together a well-received panel of experts to discuss trends in health, spa and wellbeing. Focusing on how to reach a new generation
of wellness travellers, Stella Photi, founder of Wellbeing Escapes, said: “In 2007, our clients wanted to book packages that would help them ‘look more beautiful’ or ‘be thinner’. This language has completely changed. They are looking for transformational packages – ways to become ‘a better me’. They say ‘teach me’, ‘help me.’” Photi highlighted a growing demand for therapeutic rest, digital detox packages and tailor-made fitness and healing. “Emotional healing is a huge demand,” she explained. “Heartbreak Healers is one of the most clicked-on areas of our website. People now want to go to nurturing environments where they can take care of themselves. They also appreciate they are going to live longer and have raised their awareness to seek education for an active, improved second part of life.”
Health-driven hospitality Panelist Samantha Foster, development director of Destination Spa Management, highlighted the trend for personalisation at wellbeing
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1. C atherine Parrish of NextLevel Leadership 2. D estination Spa Management’s Joy Menzies and founder of JS Foundation Karen Christiaens Ph.D 3. I yengar yoga teacher Nikki Costello leads an ‘Opening the Body’ session 4. M editation practice provided a mindful dimension to the Summit 5. W ellbeing Escapes’ Stella Photi and Summit host Valerie Smaldone 6. R oyAlp de Villars’ Philippe Attia and Margot Esser-Greineder of Pharmos Natur Green Luxury 7. D r Tanya Pergola shares her work to repesent indigenous Tanzanian tribes in a delegate focus group 7
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destinations and urged spas to lead their staff through the use of better protocols. “Take time to look at your facilities and consider the emerging well building standards [LEED Certification and Delos WELL Building Standard],” she added, “to make our wellbeing places and spaces better to be in and work in.” Foster also highlighted many new emerging partnerships that are providing exciting new guest experiences. “We can always offer unique experiences for our guests. Look at the culture of your location, what is special, that you can package up? Consider developing specialist packages for seniors, for health or to meet disease-specific demand.”
Heartfelt leadership There were many memorable takeaways from the Summit, particularly the life-affirming wisdom shared by humanitarian Catherine Parrish, who has dedicated her life to improving infant mortality rates and the quality of life for people living in conditions of extreme poverty. Now president of NextLevel Leadership, Parrish
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teaches companies, universities, not-for-profit organisations and foundations to “play their best game for a world that works for everyone”. Summit host Valerie Smaldone echoed this message with her compelling words on the power of authenticity in business and life. Elsewhere, Julie Bach, chair of Global Wellness Initiative’s Wellness For Cancer (wellnessforcancer.com), shared her dedication to change the perception of spa businesses towards cancer. “Cancer is a global issue for the spa and wellness industry,” she stated. “Think about how your brand can show up, to help people with cancer. Spas can help people make positive lifestyle choices and we need more spas to participate.”
Building a healing community Overall, the Healing Summit did not deliver a business-focussed programme, but what it did effectively was to challenge the status quo and deliver a heartfelt and life-affirming agenda. ‘Healing’, as we know, has a myriad of different meanings, but most delegates appreciated time
away from their businesses to share experiences with other like-minded individuals. “We wanted to create an event that was pure in its intention, not driven by any agenda, nor a money-making machine,” said Anne Biging, co-founder of the Summit. “The Healing Summit is a chance to really serve people who are seeking to explore and develop their outlook. Our event is for everyone who wants to learn to run their business according to the highest values that also bring healing into the world.” According to Biging, it is business – not politics – that can change the world. “Our Summit is very alive and energetic. We are exploring ways we can contribute and how we can define our message, to reach out to businesses,” she concluded. “The Healing Summit has created a global healing business community where everyone can inspire and learn from each other and also find new, successful partnerships in all parts of the world.” www.healingsummit.org
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EDITED BY MARK SMITH
Editor’s choice
Dreaming of perfection Voya’s new Mindful Dreams treatment offers a holistic approach to wellness and skincare
A good night’s sleep is essential to wellbeing and achieving inner balance, so to aid the relaxation of both body and mind, organic skincare expert Voya has introduced Mindful Dreams. Aimed at calming the mind and reducing stress, the new treatment combines a series of wellness and massage techniques to ease strains and tensions in the body. “We wanted to develop a treatment that helped to calm the mind, release stress and promote a good night’s sleep,” says Kira Walton, co-founder of Voya. “Sleep is essential for physical and emotional health and wellbeing, and our Mindful Dreams treatment offers complete tranquility and the easing away of stress and tension.” The treatment features the brand’s therapeutic Tranquil range of products and includes an luxurious full body massage that utilises Balinese and Hawaiian techniques to exert rhythmic, powerful and flowing movements over the entire body. Calming and soothing, the ritual is said to help nurture inner mindfulness and serenity, contributing to restful and rejuvenating sleep patterns. To enhance the treatment Voya has launched Effervescence, an exfoliating seaweed and sugar gel scrub that gently removes dead cells leaving skin silky smooth and nourished. The dual-action, milky sugar scrub exfoliates using sugar particles and nourishes with a blend of seaweed and sunflower seed oil to leave skin feeling revived, refined, softer and smoother. www.voya.ie
“Sleep is essential for physical and emotional health and wellbeing and our Mindful Dreams treatment offers complete tranquility and the easing away of stress and tension.” Kira Walton, co-founder, Voya
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Menu New products & therapies
Happy Easter
Night delight
Heralding the changing of the seasons, Babor has launched an Easter egg set of mini essentials to help the skin make the transition from winter to spring. Offering an intensive two-week treatment course, the limited edition set contains highly concentrated Babor fluids that promise instant visible results. Rich in hydrating lipids, the ampoules give tired, dull winter skin a much-needed energy boost while stimulating cellular regeneration. Used in sequence, the targeted course of skin treatments works to reboot defence mechanisms, targeting fine lines and wrinkles and boosting collagen production. Drawing heavily on ingredients from the sea, there is also a night fluid to increase cell turnover during sleep. www.babor.com
Designed to replenish and revitalise tired skin overnight, ESPA’s Tri-Active Advanced Night Booster is an intensive beauty treatment enriched with powerful plant cells from the ‘Four o’clock Flower’ as well as caffeine to boost skin renewal. Canola oil calms, soothes and protects, while winged kelp strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier. Extract of bidens pilosa, a natural source of bio-retinol, further improves texture and reduces the appearance of fine lines without irritation. Tri-Active Advanced Night Booster can be mixed into a moisturiser or serum and used each evening or applied neat, once a week, as a nourishing skin treat. www.espaskincare.com
Brushing up to cleanse and condition Mii Cosmetics’ Cleanse & Condition Brush Balm is a treat for makeup brushes, designed to remove product build-up and ensure smooth application of cosmetics. The fragrance-free solid balm is infused with coconut oil and shea butter to instantly dissolve makeup, keeping your brushes beautifully soft and smooth. Cleanse & Condition Brush Balm comes with a travel-friendly case and used regularly can help ensure flawless makeup application and extend the life of your brushes. www.gerrardinternational.com
Treatment focus
From the vine Caudalie’s limited edition, travel-sized version of the worldwide best-selling Grape Water aims to soothe, refresh and moisturise all skin types at any time of day. The harvested grapes are pressed and distilled using a unique low-pressure process, with the water being isolated from the grape juice by evaporation and purified to enhance its potency. This 100% organic liquid is then combined with a very small dose of pure red grape juice to achieve a formula that is ultra-moisturising and instantly absorbed by the skin, so there is no need to blot after use. www.caudalie.com
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Thalgo Zanzibar Stopover Rituals Inspired by the eponymous tropical island and celebrating the natural riches and ancestral rites of Africa, Thalgo’s professional Zanzibar Stopover Rituals feature scents and textures to stimulate the five senses. Three new treatments first combine elements of massage and foot rituals before moving on to a targeted procedure: Marine Salt Crystal Scrub Ritual features a gentle body exfoliation utilising the newly launched product of the same name; Destination Paradise Facial Ritual combines signature treatments, massage and a mask to relax the mind and revitalise the skin, concluding with an application of the new Silky Hydrating Cream; Destination Paradise Body Ritual is based on traditional African massage techniques to soothe and rebalance the mind and body. Silky Hydrating Body Milk is the retail partner for this treatment. www.thalgo.co.uk
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Treatment focus
Pollution protection Darphin’s new pollution detox regime for sensitive skin includes its Intral Air Mousse Cleanser and Intral Environmental Lightweight Shield SPF 50. Formulated with gentle botanicals including coconut, chamomile and hawthorn, Intral Air Mousse Cleanser transforms from a liquid to an air mousse, delicately lifting away impurities and pollution. Its creamy, rich texture is free of propellants and leaves the skin feeling smooth and noticeably softer. Intral Environmental Lightweight Shield SPF 50 further helps to protect skin from pollution, including the delicate eye area. With a gentle blend of 100% mineral UVA/UVB filters, this sheer, nude-toned fluid disappears on contact with the skin. www.darphin.co.uk
Iceland’s Bioeffect makes UK debut with professional collection Multi-award-winning Icelandic skincare brand Bioeffect has launched in to the UK spa market with a partnership at Hartwell House & Spa in Aylesbury. Previously only available in the UK via retailers in London and online, Bioeffect plans to grow its professional presence at high-end spas through its signature treatments and newly launched PRO product line: a seven-piece, professional-use product collection that is used to deliver the signature EGF Facial. This treatment delivers epidermal growth factor signals to targeted cells in the skin, improving the skin’s thickness, density, texture and firmness through increased collagen production. The results are improved appearance of skin, fresh radiance and a youthful glow. www.bioeffect.co.uk
Body reawakening: Decleor launches Aroma Blend Daily greatness Promising great skin every day, [comfort zone] has launched a reformulated Essential skincare range. Conceived for every skin type, the collection includes Betaine, a natural osmolyte extracted from sugar beets, which maintains the skin’s natural hydrophilic film and protects against the environment. Three different cleansers, designed to suit a variety of daily habits, include: Milk Cleanser, Face Wash, and Micellar Water, plus an alcohol-free Toner. For weekly regeneration, a silica-based Essential Scrub features pure silica particles and jojoba spheres, while the Essential Peeling Mask is formulated with bromelain for a gentle enzymatic action. www.comfortzone.it
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All that glitters Sweet Squared adds some sparkle to spa manicures this spring with 12 brand new, dazzling glitters from Lecenté. The high quality additions, designed to produce a dramatic, shimmering finish, can be used to create elegant full coverage designs or incorporated into nail art to add a touch of bling to any look. The new collection comprises six shimmering Glimenté, four super-shiny Chromes and two radiant Holographics. From Juniper Holographic through to Rose Gold Chrome, these dramatic glitters and powders can be paired with CND Shellac to create the ultimate ‘rock star’ nails. www.sweetsquared.com
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Menu New products & therapies
Aloha! Hawaii
Elemis Life Elixirs
The global skincare brand brings balance into the fast-paced lives of its clients with a new range of aromatherapy-based products Incorporating a potent blend of modern aromatics, Life Elixirs from Elemis is a selection of premium bath and shower elixirs, perfumed rollerballs and therapeutic candles that aim to soothe and calm, or boost and motivate the mind, body and soul. Five different scents, created by the brand’s co-founder Noella Gabriel, feature a concentrated blend of base oils carefully combined with up to 19 powerful essential oils to maximise skin health and boost clients’ mood in an instant. The bespoke blends include ‘Clarity’, which is formulated with uplifting bitter orange, refreshing cardamom and warming ginger that work together to sharpen the mind and focus concentration. ‘Embrace’ empowers the spirit with a life-enhancing combination of warming vetiver, sweet frankincense and potent rose pepper, while ‘Fortitude’ gives a boost of inner strength with ylang ylang, cedarwood and geranium to restore confidence. ‘Calm’ is a soothing blend of aromatics including rosewood and clary sage to calm, with lavandin to help clients unwind and relax. Finally, ‘Sleep’ blends patchouli, palmarosa and elemi to encourage relaxation. Each of the combinations are brought to life in the new product lines which feature Bath and Shower Elixirs to cleanse, nourish and hydrate the skin leaving a lasting aromatic ambience to awaken the senses. In addition, luxurious and therapeutic Perfume Oil Roller Balls are formulated to absorb quickly and last throughout the day. The five blends also star in the Life Elixirs range of Therapeutic Candles. Blended with natural extracts and essential oils, the elegant candles fill the room with a gorgeous scent, engaging the senses and affecting the mood. The range will be boosted later this year with the launch of three High-Oil Shower Creams. www.elemis.com
“Life Elixirs is designed to take our clients on an aromatic journey that reflects our core Elemis values. We want to weave something into their routine to make them stop and just breathe.” Noella Gabriel
co-founder and managing director, Elemis
The debut Kokolokahi spa product range from Shared Beauty Secrets features five enchanting massage oils designed to personalise Lava treatments or Swedish massage. The name Kokolokahi originates from Hawaii – ‘Koko’ referring to coconut, which forms the base of every oil, and ‘Lokahi’, meaning to unite nature and provide balance. The five oils include: ‘Strength’, with warm oils of frangipani, patchouli and sandalwood to relieve stress and promote calm; ‘Revive’, with grapefruit, geranium and lavender to enhance clarity and mood; rejuvenating ‘Serenity’, with rosewood, bergamot and Alpine lavender; ‘Balance’ to nourish, moisturise and condition the skin; and ‘Harmony’ to boost body and mind with juniper, neroli, jasmine and ylang ylang. www.sharedbeautysecrets.com
Retinol revival Fast-acting Retinol Youth Renewal Serum incorporates Dr. Murad’s exclusive Retinol Tri-Active Technology to deliver quick results without irritation or downtime. Visibly minimising lines and wrinkles while firming and evening out skin tone, Time-Released Retinol is encapsulated in a lipid shell that slowly melts onto the skin to deliver sustained levels throughout the day. The formula is enhanced by retinol boosting swertia flower extract, and hyaluronic acid spheres to leave the skin plump, hydrated and smooth. www.murad.co.uk
Rainforest rituals To relieve stiff and sore muscles, Ytsara’s Fit Body Soak is a warming bath treat formulated with Rainforest Clove, an ingredient unique to the Indonesian islands that is renowned for its analgesic properties that soothe bruises, muscle tightness, aches and pains. Also featuring oils of tangerine, pink grapefruit and rosemary to infuse healing elements that help to detoxify the muscles and relieve soreness, the soak’s base oil of rice brand, sweet almond, soy and wheat germ supports healthy skin, reduces inflammation and provides hydration. www.satyalife.co.uk
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Menu New products & therapies
Shocked by the power
Clean sweep Sundari’s Make-up Remover Balm features a triple-action, nurturing formula that removes mineral, water and oil-based foundation, mascara and lipstick. Formulated with nourishing walnut seed oil and shea and mango butter to care and protect while thoroughly cleansing the skin, the balm is suitable for use on the face, eyes and lips. Natural oils nurture the skin while the softly scented, paraben, silicone, mineral oil and phthalate-free balm melts to remove makeup with ease. www.satyalife.co.uk
Designed to treat specific skin problems quickly, Germaine de Capuccini’s Shock Fluids are intensive treatments that easily penetrate the skin to provide immediate effects and long-term benefits. Tackling issues related to pollution, stress and sun damage, the mini amouples offer a 10-day course of fluids to treat, protect and perfect. ‘Stop Pollution’ detoxifies and defends skin that has been damaged by environmental agressors, through the use of L-Carnosine, peach skin and hyaluronic acid. ‘Photo-aged Recovery’ repairs sun-damaged skin with niacinamide, folic acid and soya extract, while ‘SOS Stressage’ soothes irritated skin and reduces chronic reactions with niacinamide and life-cytoxygen. www.germaine-de-capuccini.co.uk
Treatment focus Pigmentation protection Biologique Recherche’s Lotion P50 PIGM 400 aims to target pigmentation and dull skin, purifying, exfoliating and brightening with a combination of active ingredients. Poly-alpha-beta-hydroxy acids boosted in AHA eliminate dead cells and impurities, improving skin luminosity and radiance. Wasabi extract is included to protect the epidermis against oxidative damage, smoothing and preventing the appearance of pigmented spots. Palmaria palmata extract lightens the skin and reduces melanin synthesis. www.biologique-recherche.com
Elemental Herbology signature treatment at The Royal Crescent Hotel A trio of results is achieved by Elemental Herbology’s new signature therapy at The Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath, UK, as it targets the back, face and scalp. Incorporating deep cleansing, exfoliation, detoxification, lymphatic massage and nourishment, the treatment replenishes the skin providing immediate and long-lasting results. The ritual begins with a superfood exfoliation before a luxurious aromatherapy massage with a customised essential oil infusion. This is combined with heated stones and skilful therapeutic techniques to result in a memorable back massage experience. A bespoke Five Elements facial follows, tailored to address the key underlying needs of the skin at the time. Combining healing botanicals, vitamins and marine extracts, it feeds, nourishes and restores equilibrium, leaving the skin radiant and healthy. www.elementalherbology.com www.royalcrescent.co.uk
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Sweet dreams Nurturing Night Balm from Katherine Daniels Cosmetics is a cocooning, calming and luxury night treatment balm to hydrate and nourish freshly cleansed skin. Comforting and repairing, the balm is formulated with rose oil, rich in essential fatty acids, to offer a heady scent that calms the mind for a more restful sleep. Combining the nutritive power of an oil with the deep penetration of a serum, the new addition is packed with omegas 3,6,7 and 9 as well as vitamins A, C, E and B to help defend the skin against oxidative stress and environmental damage. www.katherinedanielscosmetics.com
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Organic Seaweed Natural Skincare An award winning skincare range blending hand-harvested Scottish seaweed along with pure Hebridean water, renowned for being one of the the cleanest water sources in the world.
ishga.co.uk
Menu New products & therapies
Instant glow Natura Bissé has developed Diamond Instant Glow, an express mini-lift that transforms skin, leaving it smooth, luminous and firm in just ten minutes. Diamond Instant Glow includes three different ampoules that exfoliate, brighten and lift, providing professional results at home. Natura Bissé’s iconic ‘Peel’, provides gentle, effective exfoliation with glycolic acid and an alpha hydroxy acid complex. Eliminating dead cells from the surface of skin, it results in a smooth, even-toned and lifted appearance. The brand’s ‘Radiance’ hydrates the skin, restoring elasticity and comfort after exfoliation with carob extract, niacinamide, sensorphine and aloe vera, while ‘Lift’ creates a tightening layer that gives skin an instant, lasting micro-lift that noticeably improves skin texture and softens expression lines while preserving hydration. It also includes soy proteins and edelweiss to provide an overall revitalising, antioxidant action. www.naturabisse.es
Bridal beauties Jessica has launched a new bridal collection in time for the spring wedding season. Glowing with Love blends a touch of glitter with pearlescent shades to create a range that will ensure every bride shines on her special day. The shades include: The Romance, a peachy pearl blush; The Proposal, a sheer white glitter; The Engagement, a sparkling silver glitter; The Prenup, a pale gold pearlescent; The Wedding, a soft white tulle pearlescent; and The Vows, a pastel pink pearlescent. The Engagement, The Prenup and The Vows are also available in GELeration Soak-off Gel Polish. “A woman feels her most beautiful when she’s in love and having nails that twinkle and shine only add to that happiness,” says Jessica Vartoughian, founder and CEO of Jessica. “Our bridal collection this year is a celebration of every woman’s heart, when it begins to beat a little faster after falling in love.” www.gerrardinternational.com
Treatment focus
SHA Rejuvenation Programme for Men Responding to the increasing demands of male spa clients, SHA Wellness has launched a targeted programme that adopts a hi-tech approach to anti-ageing. The SHA Rejuvenation Programme for Men includes hair strengthening, hair-loss prevention and skin rejuvenation after shaving, pollution and sun damage. The one-day programme includes: two mesopeel sessions to revive the skin utilising glycolic peeling, mesotherapy enhanced with a vitamin cocktail, and two mesotherapy sessions to encourage hair strengthening or an anti-hair loss treatment. The latter stimulates collagen and elastin production with multiple injections of advanced formulations, plant extracts and vitamins into the skin. Guests enjoy access to SHA’s award-winning spa, hydrotherapy circuits and rooftop infinity pool as well as a free timetable of classes and talks. www.shawellnessclinic.com
In every issue, European Spa showcases the best new product and treatment launches. Contact Menu editor Mark Smith on +44 (0) 115 950 4748 or email mark.smith@spapublishing.com
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Design focus SPAshell, Fishmore Hall, UK From below: Guests relax in the sociable central pod of Fishmore Hall’s SPAshell installation; the welcoming spa reception; the outdoor vitality pool made from natural cedar wood; the spa’s treatment rooms are equipped with high-quality beds from Living Earth Crafts
A spacial revolution The first ever SPAshell modular installation has been delivered to Fishmore Hall in Shropshire. We go behind the scenes to find out more about this turnkey development in spa construction
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complete modular spa created to appeal to boutique hotels and leisure operators looking for a turnkey solution, SPAshell was five years in development before being made available for purchase. The building innovation was conceived by UK design consultancy Spa Creators as a way of opening up new spa market and revenue potential for hotels, country house estates and properties with building restrictions. “This is a spa revolution in terms of design and delivery,” states Alistair Johnson, founder of SPAshell and managing director at Spa Creators. Key to the innovative design principle is that it offers a fully functioning spa of modular construction that is built entirely off-site and delivered ready to operate in a timeframe of approximately 12 weeks. “We can now extend spa into places that would otherwise be unable to do so,” explains
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Johnson, who leads the brand’s team of designers and procurement specialists. “There are no foundations to dig, so it doesn’t affect business or unearth grounds that could affect planning – all that is required is a 20m x 15m footprint, electricity and water supplies, and drainage.” This highly convenient approach was one of the main attractions for the owner of Fishmore Hall, Laura Penman, when she began to investigate ways in which she could expand the offering at her 15-bedroom boutique hotel in Ludlow, Shropshire. “Fishmore Hall sits on just over an acre of land, so there is little room for manoeuvre,” she explains. “I had been looking at options to create a small spa for a few years, trying to find a solution on this scale that would fit with our gourmet food and luxury leisure business. “The SPAshell concept really inspired me, but this was
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Design focus SPAshell, Fishmore Hall, UK
a big investment so I needed it to be absolutely perfect. We’ve been working hard for ten years to create our hotel’s identity so I wanted an addition to our offering, not a shift in direction – I didn’t want to become a spa hotel. Alistair Johnson understood all of this and gave us great advice. When he presented me with the idea for a SPAshell I thought it looked incredible, we discussed numbers and it all made financial sense.”
“We now have a great new spa team operating to capacity. The spa is already achieving high-level bookings and the team is reaching 15% retail sales, which was originally set at a 5% target” Laura Penman owner, Fishmore Hall
Built for business Spa Creators has more than 50 traditional spa builds in its portfolio, including at Carbis Bay Hotel, Cornwall; Genting Hotel, Birmingham; Milford Hall, Salisbury and Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel on the French Riviera, but a drive to explore further opportunities led to the creation of SPAshell. “We had been extensively researching the desires of boutique hoteliers for some years, looking at capsule ideas from shipping containers to glamping pods,” Johnson explains. “I knew we needed to dive deep, so we took the decision to create our own total design concept, distilling all of our core knowledge and experience.” The SPAshell concept is impressive in its provision and comprehensive when it comes to costings, which appeals to operators like Penman who are looking to diversify and increase their revenue per room or broaden market appeal. “The SPAshell will deliver a four-treatment-room pod for
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less than £500k and the eight-treatment-room specification is less than £1 million,” states Johnson. “There are absolutely no other professional fees involved as we cover everything from planning to plumbers, air handling, heat recovery systems, CCTV, fire alarms, interior design, fixtures, fittings and finishes, treatment equipment, thermal suites, furniture, product partners, lighting, linen – everything!” As part of the management support contract, which includes a full IT system for diary management as well as business functions, such as stock control and management reports, Spa Creators also recruits and fully trains spa teams. This was a service that Penman found invaluable and by collaborating in the recruitment process she has selected a team that suits the offering at Fishmore Hall perfectly. “I sat in on the interviews to ensure that the personalities of our new spa staff would fit and the therapists had four
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Design focus SPAshell, Fishmore Hall, UK Clockwise from top left: Thermal cabins offer a Starpool sauna and steam room, as well as a restful seating area; the revitalising drench shower; Fishmore Hall has seen an increase in non-residential guests; a hammock on the decking area allows guests to relax within nature; Spa Creators’ SPAshell offering includes staff selection
weeks off-site training,” she recalls. “Now they operate to capacity, with 18 people for a group booking or 12 on an individual basis. The spa is already achieving high-level bookings and the team is reaching 15% retail sales, which was originally set at a 5% target.”
Expert timing Clearly one of SPAshell’s most unique selling points is the lack of interruption to everyday operations that its off-site, modular build entails. “In terms of timing, there’s little doubt that long-term property development affects business,” claims Johnson. “When compared to a new build, which can take anything from 12-18 months, or a refurbishment project of 6-12 months, our solution provides all the content of a traditionally built spa without any of the onsite building work that can impact on business.” This is a point on which Penman absolutely concurs. “You can live or die by a good month and if you have to close or give refunds in August because of construction work, you’re not going to get that revenue back in January,” she explains. “Building something in the traditional way would have taken a long time and impacted on guests – so having absolutely no disruption to my business was incredibly valuable. “Another important issue was spa expertise. Although I’ve been in the hospitality industry for 20 years, my only experience of spas was as an end user. Having Spa Creators manage everything operationally has been a huge support as I ventured into the world of spa. Even now, Alistair is still there as a back-up, monitoring usage and supplying professional knowledge, and that gives me a great sense of security.”
Pod technology The SPAshell is clad with low-maintenance Siberian larch, known as the ‘tree of eternity’ due to its natural resistance to decay. The two modular size options both provide thermal cabins with an Italian-designed Starpool sauna and steam room as well as a seating area. The central pod, which incorporates a spa reception, a relaxation area, a juice bar, unisex changing rooms and two private change areas with showers, toilet and locker space, also provides plant storage for lighting, the hot water supply and underfloor heating. Outside is a commercially-graded, six-seater cedar wood vitality pool with a drench shower and a hammock on the decking. The two treatment pods, with showers, create four treatment rooms in total, which can become double rooms thanks to sliding acoustic partition doors. The rooms are fully equipped to include Living Earth Crafts treatment couches and a range of therapist equipment. The four treatment room pod building footprint is 19m x 10m and further wellness spaces can be added with GYMshell and YOGAshell as bolt-on or stand alone installations. “Of course, not every single site is suitable – but we visit locations with an open mind and find the best solution for that particular operation,” says Johnson. “Once established, we would typically submit for full planning on behalf of our client and manage the entire process.”
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Design focus SPAshell, Fishmore Hall, UK Signed, sealed, delivered Within 14 weeks of Fishmore Hall’s order being placed, Spa Creators had designed and produced a 160sqm SPAshell ready to be craned into position on site in just eight hours. “Throughout the planning we kept Laura updated with elevation drawings and she visited the modular factory to see her building going through production,” recalls Johnson. “Then the entire building, weighing 26 tonnes, was delivered in sections on seven lorries in just one day.” Once installed, the Fishmore Hall SPAshell was operational in less than ten days. “Because all of the components were in place before being delivered to site, it took just a week to connect services and complete landscaping,” Johnson reveals. “Following this, the spa was ready for staff to walk in and start treatments and the building was live.” Of course, different investors will operate their SPAshell installations according to their own models and business plans, but while Penman had a clear vision for Fishmore Hall’s new spa, the resulting business has exceeded her expectations. “We are operating the spa as a standalone business to cover wages and products – the hotel is absorbing the cost for the spa’s low energy and water usage, and also paying the loan for the build itself from a room rate increase,” she reveals. “Based on our 75% occupancy, by putting £25 on each room we can generate an additional £100,000 per year, and that’s without forecasting occupancy increase. “The spa now provides additional guest experiences and generates extra food and beverage income as planned, however, local trade has increased to the point that almost three-quarters of my business is non-residential, which I had not even factored in as the overheads were already there. Surprise hits have been afternoon tea and lunch spa packages, while the pampering spa offering works well with our gourmet restaurant.”
Only the beginning The debut SPAshell installation seems to have been a great success for both parties and Johnson is confident that the concept’s popularity will continue to grow from here. “When we first took the SPAshell idea to market interest was positive, but Laura immediately saw the vison for her boutique hotel,” he states. “Now we are in discussion with five UK sites, about to go to planning on two, and looking at a seaside pier installation.” The Fishmore Hall manager is certainly one satisfied customer and she already has an eye on the potential for expansion that this approach provides. “This has been a truly positive experience and the level of finish is far superior to anything I could have achieved,” says Penman. “It looks exactly as I expected and blends beautifully in our garden, which up until now was barely used, so we’ve got another great space to utilise. The SPAshell is already a fantastic asset to my business and it’s all scalable, so we can extend easily if we want to.” www.SPAshell.com Fishmore Hall Fishmore Road, Ludlow, Shropshire | www.fishmorehall.co.uk Owner: Laura Penman Spa design: SPAshell Interiors: Spa Living Size: 138sqm Treatment rooms: four single or two double Spa staff: four full-time therapists and one part-time Product partners: Lava Shells, Elemis, Jessica, Mii Treatment furniture: Living Earth Crafts Interiors: Spa Living Facilities: Starpool sauna and steam rooms, outdoor vitality pool
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saunas steam rooms and more...
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T: +44 0 1423 568794 E: saunas@mr-sauna.co.uk www.mrsauna.co.uk @mrsauna011 Copthall Bridge House Station Bridge Harrogate HG11SP
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EXPERT GUIDE TO FINISHING TOUCHES The best in tanning, makeup, lashes and brow treatments
MOROCCANTAN MII COSMETICS THE EYELASH DESIGN COMPANY VITA LIBERATA KISSED BY MII BROW BY MII SIENNA X Plus four of the best from: Delilah, High Definition, Vincent Longo Cosmetics & Sothys
Expert Guide Finishing Touches
MOROCCANTAN One of Australia’s leading professional tanning brands, MoroccanTan is infused with argan oil and comprises luxury manual tanning products, an express spray tanning range, as well as 14 prep and self-tanning products ideal for retail
What do MoroccanTan’s products offer? MoroccanTan is the original argan oil-infused tanning brand. The entire range contains the unique MoroccanTan blend of argan oil, aloe vera and vitamin E, which delivers deep moisture and nourishment to the skin to ensure a long-lasting, natural looking tan with an even and gradual fade. Our non-sticky formula can be rinsed off in as little as two hours, eliminating the need for clients to sleep in the tan, and then continues to develop over the next 12-24 hours. How is your range suitable for spas? Our products are packed with premium and organic ingredients that help to provide a perfectly flawless tan as well as being beneficial to the client’s skin. MoroccanTan is only available in professional salons and spas and is backed by first-class training courses and a wide range of retail products. What do finishing touches treatments such as professional tanning add to a spa menu? Clients want to enhance their looks so they can feel happy and confident in their appearance; tanning treatments can provide that boost without the need to expose their skin to the dangerous effects of the sun’s rays. Offering this kind of experience, whether it is a luxurious manual tanning treatment or express spray tan, can help to bring about a sense of wellbeing that is perfectly suited to a relaxing spa environment. How can spas improve the delivery of their tanning treatments? Pre- and post-treatment communication is vital to ensure clients get the results they expect. For tanning, that means making
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sure your clients are fully aware of the preparation they need to do before their treatment, such as waxing or shaving 8-24 hours in advance, and bringing loose clothing and footwear to put on afterwards. Aftercare is just as important, so clear, verbal and written advice on the best way to preserve and enhance their tan will clients feel confident and well looked after. How is MoroccanTan’s offering influenced by the latest fashion and beauty trends? MoroccanTan gives clients a healthy way to achieve a radiant glow that is classically reminiscent of long summers on the French Riviera – something that will never go out of fashion. As tanning increasingly becomes part of people’s daily beauty and makeup routine, offering a full retail range gives our spa customers the opportunity to maximise the potential up-sell of products to guests who can incorporate them in to their daily or weekly beauty regime. The luxurious argan oil-infused Skin Perfectors – Bronzer, Illuminator and Finishing Brush – for example, can be used to enhance and perfect their tan at home. What are your latest innovations and launches? The MoroccanTan development team works immensely hard to push boundaries and be innovative with product technology. We strive to create a beautiful coloured tan, but one that also deeply nourishes the skin to provide a tan that looks flawless but also fades gradually and naturally. Customer needs are always at the forefront of our development and we have a number of products in the pipeline that will extend and enhance our full range.
What the experts say... Provide hydration: Choose a brand that incorporates premium, skin nourishing ingredients that will help moisturise the skin and ensure a beautiful, even tan with a gradual fade Optimise retail opportunities: Brands with a broad retail range are perfect in spa environments as they open additional revenue streams with high profit potential Get the full package: Look for a brand that offers both luxury manual and express tanning, but also one that is backed up with great training and offers tailored customer service ensuring you are fully supported
SPA CLIENTS INCLUDE: Lion Quays Hotel & Spa, Oswestry, UK Acresfield Spa, Garstang, UK The Malvern, Worcestershire, UK
MoroccanTan
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Delivers deep absorbing nourishment and a natural, long lasting tan
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Expert Guide Finishing Touches
MII COSMETICS Since its debut in 2011, Mii Cosmetics has been a go-to professional makeup brand and it is now present in over 700 spas and salons across the UK and in 11 countries worldwide What is special about Mii Cosmetics? Mii teaches you how to get to the heart of each customer’s beauty wishes so you can offer products that are right for her. Mii has a formula to suit every skin type and is easy to choose, easy to use and easy to understand, creating the perfect look for anybody.
What do finishing touches treatments such as makeup services add to a spa menu? There’s an increasing demand for spas to offer beauty pamper packages including ‘special touches’ treatments, especially when it comes to celebration events such as weddings or parties.
How is your range suitable for spas? We offer amazing formulas and easy-to-understand products. Our range looks beautiful in spas and we are dedicated to offering the highest level of support and on-going education via workshops that take place at the spa. They’re a great way to introduce new colours and trends, and to stay technically up to scratch.
What makes a great makeup offering? The personal touch – Mii is all about catering for the individual and listening to the client’s needs.
THE EYELASH DESIGN COMPANY The Eyelash Design Company is an award-winning supplier of lash extension and brow services. A UK leader in lash and brow training, its products and treatments are available in over 30 countries What is special about The Eyelash Design Company? The Eyelash Design Company has been developing products, treatment and training for lashes and brows since 2006. We devote time and research to creating a wide range of retail products, from aftercare essentials to those for personal use at home. We have created bespoke packaging and attractive point-of-sale materials to enable you to upsell and have your clients coming back for more.
How is your range suitable for spas? We can create bespoke packages of finishing treatments for the modern spa menu that will improve the customer experience while maximising the use of retail and treatment space. With low set-up costs and impressive profit margins, our Lash Perfect and Hi Brow products and treatment are world-renowned, provide instant results and create the perfect package for spas.
What do finishing touches treatments such as makeup services add to a spa menu? Finishing touches add additional revenue to the
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spa by increasing the range of treatments on the menu. Lash and brow services are usually offered in a retail space, often utilising an area that was not generating revenue. Lash Perfect treatments for use in spas are designed to be quick with instant results that create a real ‘wow!’ effect. Hi Brow treatments ensure that your spa is in tune with the biggest beauty trend of the decade.
What makes a great brow or lash treatment experience? Lash and brow treatments should be as luxurious and pampering as any other spa treatment. Adding small but effective touches like a cooling or anti-ageing eye mask, or hand or head massages, elevates the treatment to a genuine spa experience. Remember, this is not available in a high street department store. Adding value in this way will ensure repeat custom every time.
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Expert Guide Finishing Touches
What the experts say... Build a relationship: Find out your client’s beauty wants and wishes. Perhaps they’re still searching for their perfect foundation, or want to know more about mineral makeup – that’s a great starting point!
VITA LIBERATA Vita Liberata is an expert in luxury tanning and skincare. From its base in Ireland, it created the world’s first odourless tan in 2007 and became the world’s first non-toxic tan brand in 2011
Demonstrate: Encourage clients to try a new service subtly. If you offer them a complimentary eye makeover, show them how to make the most of their cheekbones by introducing them to a new makeup system. Make it visible: Keep a retail stand and consumer brochures close to treatment locations and relaxation areas, to promote the benefits of other finishing touches treatments
SPA CLIENTS INCLUDE: Whittlebury Hall & Spa, Northamptonshire, UK Skin By Me, Oslo, Norway Clinic Allure, Slagelse, Denmark The Special Touch Boutique Beauty Salon, County Londonderry, N. Ireland Instytut Piękna Thalgo, Sulejówek, Poland Belle’Moiselle, Oudenaarde, Belgium The Well, Norway
Mii Cosmetics
Distributed by Gerrard International +44 (0) 345 217 1360 www.gerrardinternational.com
What is special about Vita Liberata?
What the experts say... Get into training: Partner with a business that offers accredited certified training for your team. High-quality education is essential for lash and brow application Really retail: Maximise your profits with an excellent retail offering. Post-treatment is the perfect time to up-sell to clients, especially for lash and brow maintenance Customer service: Choose a business that offers a full range of marketing and technical support. This will boost your spa services and ensure smoother operations
SPA CLIENTS INCLUDE: Champneys, UK Moddershall Oaks, UK Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa, UK Sopwell House Spa, UK Brooklands Hotel and Spa, UK RE:SPA, UK
The Eyelash Design Company
+44 (0) 20 8500 9028 www.lashperfect.co.uk
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Innovation is central to everything we do. We have developed advoganic technology that combines highly potent organic botanicals with cutting-edge skin chemistry to allow us to offer ever-improving results in a variety of natural formulas. Encompassed in advoganic technology is odour-remove technology, flash dry, moisture-locking, natural fade and pHen02 technology for long-lasting results.
Why should spas choose your brand? With skincare at the forefront of everything that Vita Liberata stands for and the advanced technologies that are unique to us, the client enjoys the experience of superior skin treatment as well as the added benefit of natural, sunless tanning. With a Vita Liberata Spray tan you can be confident that your client will walk out of the spa without feeling sticky, being bothered by product odours or looking in any way unnatural. They will simply feel radiant.
What do tanning treatments add to a spa menu? Finishing touches such as this add more than just value to a spa menu. They give your client the sense that they are getting the most luxurious experience and something more than just a treatment.
What makes a great finishing touches treatment experience? Finishing touches start at the beginning of a treatment. Think of your client at the centre of a treatment from the very start of the appointment. For us, because tanning is such an intimate treatment that relies on personal rapport and trust because the client is undressing, it’s about making them feel body confident throughout.
What the experts say... Strength in retail: Choose a brand with a retail collection that complements the in-spa treatments you offer so you give clients more than just a one-time treatment Ambassadorship: Look for a brand that offers a ‘brand ambassador’ incentive for spa staff in order to maintain a high level of ongoing treatment education for up-selling retail products Be hi-tech: Make sure to select a brand that offers the best equipment and protocol that can be used to deliver the treatment to the most superior standards
SPA CLIENTS INCLUDE: Four Seasons George V, Paris, France W Hotel Barcelona, Spain SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain Ragdale Hall, UK The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland The One Spa, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
Vita Liberata
+44 (0) 28 9334 4411 www.vitaliberata.com
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Expert Guide Finishing Touches
KISSED BY MII Enriched with nourishing marine mineral extracts, Kissed by Mii is a professional bespoke tanning service, complemented by a comprehensive retail collection, from the creator of Mii, Gerrard International
What is special about Kissed by Mii? Created by Gerrard International in 2013, two years after the company’s successful launch of Mii Cosmetics, Kissed by Mii offers not only a luxurious addition to treatment menus, but outstanding business support, education and training from a team of over 30 dedicated area managers. Kissed by Mii is widely available in spas and salons around the UK and 11 other countries.
What do finishing touches treatments such as professional tanning add to a spa menu? Similar to manicures and pedicures, tanning is an express treatment that gives that instant feel-good factor and (if you add makeup and brows) allows you to offer a full service for proms and bridal parties. This convenience for clients can bring added revenue for your business, through both treatments and retail. It’s important to highlight your services with promotions that offer one with the other at a discount to encourage link-selling.
How is your range suitable for spas? We provide beautiful colour using unique ingredients and equipment that has been designed to deliver the perfect treatment, which makes a huge difference to both the experience (noise levels, for example) and the results. Of course, product is only part of the treatment. Therapists need confidence to deliver the best results, so thorough and ongoing training is vital. Whether introducing your team to a new brand, or to tanning for the first time, we offer flexible training options, as well as outstanding business support.
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How can spas improve the delivery of their tanning treatments? Think about the therapist being as efficient and hygienic as possible between clients. Ensure the spa is fully stocked with disposable G-strings, Sticky Feet pads and non-latex gloves to make the turn-around between appointments as quick and seamless as possible. If space is tight, manual tanning simply requires a treatment couch, and the Kissed by Mii Integrated Spray Tanning Booth combines high-performance extraction and an LVLP gun in one compact unit, giving you the benefits of the brand without taking up much space.
How is Kissed by Mii’s offering influenced by the latest fashion and beauty trends? Our product development is based largely on feedback from our customers, rather than fashion or trends. For example, some clients are moving away from a very dark colour towards a naturally sun-kissed look, so our spray tan offering includes seven shades, including our ever-popular Express formula, to suit everyone.
What are your latest innovations and launches? We’ve recently focused on our fabulous retail-ready homecare and travel sets – Get Your Glow On and Keep On Glowing. Our new Seriously Smoothing Exfoliating Wipes have also been a huge success as they’re convenient and client-friendly for pre and post-tan care. For the professional market we are now offering a convenient, compact and efficient mobile extractor fan to improve the delivery of treatments.
What the experts say... Top training: It’s vital to have complete, in-depth, product and application knowledge, including tips and techniques to give your treatments the edge. All spa staff, including receptionists, should attend training and have the tanning treatment and retail product know-how to offer clients Continued support: Look for a brand that offers on-going education to help build your business, promotes retail offerings and helps with promotional events. Most of all it should offer the best customer care to continually build on the success within your salon or spa Real revenue: Ensure you’re maximising efficiency every step of the way with your product line, equipment and retail opportunities
SPA CLIENTS INCLUDE: Hand Picked Hotels, UK Pennyhill Park, Bagshot, UK Clinic Allure, Slagelse, Denmark Agua-Spa, Eindhoven, The Netherlands Oceo Spa at Seafield Hotel, Ireland
Kissed by Mii
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Expert Guide Finishing Touches
BROW BY MII Brow by Mii’s personalised eyebrow styling service was launched at the end of 2015 and currently over 700 UK spas and salons offer the Brow by Mii range What is special about Brow by Mii? Each personalised Brow by Mii treatment begins with an in-depth consultation with a Brow by Mii stylist who will use her knowledge and training to assess the client’s face shape and natural brow potential. Depending on what look the client hopes to achieve, she can create a brow that is tailored perfectly to them. A preview is created using makeup products to ensure the client is completely happy, before tinting, waxing and finishing techniques are used to sculpt the look. For beautiful brows between treatments, our collection of home styling retail products allows each client to create just the right arch for every occasion, from naturally groomed to a serious statement.
How is your range suitable for spas? Clients are now demanding a more personalised and bespoke service. Other brow services can take more of a ‘one-brow-suits all’ approach, while Brow by Mii offers clients a tailored look especially to them. Spas can also expect award-winning support from Gerrard International.
What do brow treatments add to a spa menu? Brow treatments allow you to offer a full service for groups celebrating proms or bridal parties. This can attract new guests to your spa and give them a reason to keep coming back.
SIENNA X A popular choice for both spa and salon therapists, Sienna X is a market leader in professional sunless tanning What is special about Sienna X? We’re a beauty brand exclusive to the professionals, renowned in the industry for our expert business and customer support. From our founder to customer representatives, we’ve been built and developed by fellow beauty professionals, working to meet the needs of our customers. We’re proud to be featured heavily in the glossy magazines as well as being named ‘Best Tanning Supplier’ for an unprecedented eight years.
How is your range suitable for spas?
Our mission and ethos is to be our customers’ helping hand to business success. Whether you’re an established company switching brands or you’re looking to start out as a mobile therapist, we are there to support you through every step of the journey. From marketing material, award-winning products and our training academy to bespoke business support, we can share our expertise in shaping and growing beauty businesses.
What do tanning treatments add to a spa menu?
Finishing touches treatments such as spray tanning allow your clients to get that extra touch of glamour. Spray tanning allows the customer to enhance their own natural beauty and walk away feeling not only refreshed but glowing in confidence – they’ll feel like they’ve been on a rejuvenating holiday when they leave the spa.
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What the experts say... Get trendy: Brows are a big fashion treatment, so offering mini makeovers and advertising eyebrow services will generate interest in your spa Lucrative retail: Finishing touches treatments bring additional revenue opportunities with associated retailing too. It also means added convenience for your clients and repeat bookings Keep ahead: By being trained in new services, your spa can stay ahead of the competition and offer something unique to existing clients.
SPA CLIENTS INCLUDE: Ribby Hall, Lancashire, UK Studio Bliss, Lyngdal, Norway Kosmetikinstitut Yurten, Bad Schönborn, Germany Spa Forma Beauty Lounge, Bremen, Germany Solas Spa at Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Rosses Point, Co. Sligo, Ireland
Brow by Mii
Distributed by Gerrard International +44 (0) 345 217 1360 www.gerrardinternational.com
What the experts say... One size doesn’t fit all: Look to offer a variety of solution strengths in order to offer every client a truly bespoke treatment What does the media say?: Look at whether the brand has extensive press coverage and consumer trust. This is a good indicator of quality A partner with benefits: Consider what extras the brand offers. It’s not just about providing great products but business support, marketing advice and award-winning customer service
SPA CLIENTS INCLUDE: Urban Retreat at Harrods, London, UK Whittlebury Hall Spa, Towcester, UK Buff Urban Day Spa, Taunton, UK Wildmoor Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK The Vale Resort, Hensol, Wales, UK
SIENNA X
+44 (0) 1905 727070 www.siennax.co.uk
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Expert Guide Finishing Touches
FOUR OF THE BEST TO FINISH WITH FLAIR Our pick of professional cosmetic ranges that can add a finishing touch of class to your spa treatment menu 1 Delilah
3 Vincent Longo Cosmetics
2 High Definition
4 Sothys
A capsule collection of carefully formulated cosmetics, Delilah is a boutique brand inspired by an abundance of quintessentially English influences. Launched in 2016, its hero product Pure Light had a waiting list of 1,300 people in the first month and is a compact illuminating and brightening powder that delivers a soft, multi-dimensional radiance to any skin tone. www.delilahcosmetics.com
The latest launch in High Definition’s award-winning makeup range, Brow Crème was developed to meet increasing consumer demand in the brow treatment market. The High Definition beauty group created the industry-leading HD Brows treatment and its latest multi-use product is waterproof, smudge-proof and can be used to create a collection of different brow looks. www.beautyinhighdefinition.com
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Since its inception more than 20 years ago, cult makeup artistry brand Vincent Longo has sought to celebrate the individual woman. One of the standout products in its ultra-luxe portfolio is the La Bella Luca highlighter. Lightweight and flattering, the multi-tonal, silky powders provide a signature glow for any skin tone and can add a highlight in an instant. www.vincentlongo.com
From exclusive Parisian beauty brand Sothys comes a new edition of its luxurious bronzing powder with a delicate monoï fragrance. Giving a subtle, radiant finish, the bronzing powder delicately tans the complexion. Other new summer collection products include an ombre eyeshadow, which combines grey and khaki, and a retractable eyeshadow pencil with an iridescent finish for illuminated eyes. www.sothys.com
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Wellness
THERAPIES
HEALING
NUTRITION
MINDFULNESS
MOVEMENT
RETREATS
EDITED BY HELLENA BARNES
Editor’s choice
Rosewood’s Asaya concept set for rollout New philosophy offers a comprehensive selection of programmes tailored to help guests rebalance GLOBAL: Defined as an integrative wellness philosophy ‘rooted in self-acceptance and self-discovery,’ Hong Kong-based Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has unveiled a new wellness concept, Asaya, to be rolled out from April. The holistic programme combines complementary therapies, healing treatments, fitness activities and nutrition coaching, starting with wellness workshops upon the guest’s arrival. To provide an exclusive, yet social experience Niamh O’Connell Asaya also introduces signature suites and villas for private use by small groups of friends with dedicated treatment areas and hydrotherapy zones. Niamh O’Connell, Rosewood’s group vice-president of guest experience and wellness, says Asaya’s individualised programmes aim to help guests find a way to disconnect from technology and reclaim a sense of their personal space. “We recognise that guests are seeking the opportunity to rebalance, however, while people have the desire the ‘how to’ is not so clear cut,” she explains. “Asaya is designed to support these individuals in recognising opportunities that will enhance their wellbeing.” The Asaya experience offers activities ranging from yoga and Tai Chi to boxing and bootcamps, while a partnership with Technogym fitness centres provides hi-tech indoor exercise opportunities. The brand’s educational programmes will also see visiting experts, local practitioners and Asaya professionals share knowledge to enable guests to continue their wellness journey beyond the environment. www.rosewoodhotels.com
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Wellness Trends & developments
Kata rocks new hi-tech rituals THAILAND: Infinite Luxury Spa (IL Spa) at Phuket’s Kata Rocks resort is the first in Thailand to provide hi-tech nap pods and sensory water massage beds. The new installations complement the spa’s eight treatment suites, which blend ‘beyond organic’ British brand ila and IL Spa’s own Me Time philosophy to create bespoke rituals “We believe technology can be combined with traditional therapies to advance the holistic spa experience,” says general manager Scot Toon. “Investing in the latest Italian-made ISO-Benessere water massage beds and MetroNaps EnergyPods was crucial to the creation of our personalised treatments as it gives IL Spa a highly flexible product offering. “The sensory water beds provide excellent body support, temperature control and chromotherapy during treatments, especially with our Kundalini Ritual; a nurturing massage that uses chakra and sound healing to activate and channel the Kundalini dormant energy at the base of the spine.” www.katarocks.com | www.metronaps.com | www.isobenessere.com/en
South Kensington Club’s 360° plan
UK: To boost the health, nutrition and mindfulness of its members, London’s South Kensington Club has launched a new 360° wellness approach that provides a spectrum of services including treatment rituals from [comfort zone]. “Following a 45-minute consultation, members are presented with a tailored programme, which is then put into action and fully supported by our experienced personal trainers, performance coaches and physical therapists,” says wellness manager, Kalista Badenhorst. Facilities at the private members’ club include a sky-lit gym, fitness studios, a saltwater Watsu pool and a traditional bathhouse with a hammam and banya. These holistic spaces work in harmony with a wellness menu that features [comfort zone] treatment rituals for men and women, including its Sacred Nature organic range. www.southkensingtonclub.com
A Strong following
Between the covers
EUROPE: Instagram influencer Zanna Van Dijk, who has an active 150,000-fan following, has launched a book, entitled Strong, to inspire women and girls to lead healthier lives without resorting to fad diets. “I love talking with my followers online every day about fitness,” says Van Dijk. “But I want to remind them that being in great shape doesn’t mean depriving themselves or running their body into the ground. This book is all about balance – it’s designed to provide practical tools and motivate new thinking.” The London-based personal trainer, also co-creator of the GirlGains community, details effective exercise routines, including a guide to lifting weights – currently a leading trend for women – and shares her passion for food with an achievable approach to eating well. Naturally, all of this is also available to download. www.zannavandijk.co.uk www.girlgains.co.uk
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Wellness Trends & developments
Amanoi unveils flagship spa houses VIETNAM: Furthering the brand’s commitment to wellness connection, Aman has unveiled its first Spa Houses at Amanoi, the company’s meditative outpost in Núi Chúa National Park, in which guests are guided through a bespoke programme of treatments, nutrition, exercise and healing therapies. “This is a milestone for Amanoi,” says Nichola Roche, group director of spa for Aman, which has a 31-strong portfolio of hotels and resorts located across the globe. “The Spa House concept presents a new experiential space with private facilities and two specialist therapists who consult with guests on a daily basis, overseeing every detail of their immersion to ensure a very personalised offering.” Each spa house has a double treatment room, a steam room, an ice fountain, a cold plunge pool and an outdoor infinity pool with either a hammam or banya thermal facilities. To coincide with the Spa House launch, Amanoi has also introduced three individual wellness packages, entitled: Eastern Approaches to Weight Management; Movement, Mindfulness & Stress Control; and Longevity, Rejuvenation & Detoxification. “The carefully calibrated, three-to-ten-day programmes aim to gently steer participants on a new path, enabling them to reach personal goals so they leave feeling happier and healthier with a renewed outlook on their wellbeing,” says Roche. www.amanoi.com
Listening to the sound of silence
Images: Thomas Smetena
AUSTRIA: Thermal wellness resort operator Vamed Vitality World has invested €14m (£12m) in a stand-alone Silent Spa development, which opened earlier this year. The 3,600sqm spa addition to Therme Laa, located in the Weinviertel region of Austria, will offer guests quiet spaces and time for silent contemplation. “We recognise that guests’ interests are changing and that special architecture creating unique surroundings are becoming more important,” explains general manager Florian Perteneder. “We have focused on a totally new offering with five-star service quality.” Conceptualised with architect Wolfgang Vaneck, who was inspired by elements of sacred architecture, the Silent Spa’s centrepiece tower with four ellipses provides an atmospheric walkin water landscape with a three-storey cascade
fountain. Each ellipse has different relaxation and recuperation facilities including a saltwater pool, a salt chamber, spa suites and a steam bath. The building also has a 400sqm sauna area with special infusion ceremonies and 100sqm of treatment space. While speaking is not forbidden thoughout the spa, those who wish to remain silent during their stay can use the services of spa butlers who will communicate on their behalf. In addition, a more high-tech form of distraction is offered with the
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intention of allowing guests to shut off from their surroundings and enjoy their own company. “Guests are issued with a Samsung Galaxy tablet containing SuitePad software from Germany, which gives access to more than 200 magazines and newspapers, music and films,” reveals Perteneder. “It also enables them to arrange treatments, order refreshments and offer feedback.” www.silentspa.at | www.therme-laa.at
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Wellness Trends & developments
Wellness masters
Puente Romano is a fit with 38 Degrees North SPAIN: Marbella’s Puente Romano resort, in conjunction with its Six Senses spa, has initiated its first wellness season in collaboration with leading fitness provider 38 Degrees North. Together with five-and seven-day programmes for mind-body connection through Sleep-centric, Detoxing and Integrated Wellness packages, the new collaboration will provide five-star holistic retreats for weight loss and wellbeing journeys at the resort. “We are proud to offer our guests world-class fitness and collaborations like this to ensure every element of wellness is being offered,” says hotel general manager Jorge Manzur.
Global wellbeing specialist Akcelina Cvijetic has helped thousands of people overcome significant health and life challenges by harnessing the power of therapies such as Thought Field Therapy (TFT). Having just announced a collaboration with One & Only’s Reethi Rah Resort, Maldives, European Spa asks Cvijetic how the practice of TFT can help spa guests.
www.puenteromano.com www.thirtyeightdegreesnorth.com
Ring for the ‘beditation’ butler
UK: Dukes London is addressing the so-called ‘beditation’ trend – a watchword for free-thinking relaxation practices before or after sleep to improve clarity of mind – with its new bedtime service. The add-on package, available for guests staying in its Duchess rooms, provides in-room podcasts and playlists with tips on calm breathing exercises and meditation guidance. These combine with the signature scent of Dukes’
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Emotional renewal with Thought Field Therapy
Floris London Hyacinth & Bluebell candle, herbal teas and Floris bath essences. “We aim to equip guests with all the tools they need to go from feeling frantic and frazzled to calm and composed,” says Debrah Dhugga, managing director of the Dukes Collection. “Our new mindful room service with a dedicated ‘beditation’ butler is a London first, designed to help guests feel happier, calmer and ready to face business meetings or enjoy the city from a fresher perspective.” www.dukescollection.com
What is Thought Field Therapy? It is a highly effective treatment that can be used to overcome anxiety, compulsions, addictive urges, grief, PTSD, obsessions, depression, physical pain, guilt, shame, anger, phobias and many life-limiting problems that stifle personal performance or block healing. As a drug-free method it provides emotional renewal quickly and safely, with no side effects and without having to go through years of therapy. Does it work with other therapies? Used alongside Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Ayurveda or hypnotherapy, TFT can help clients release the emotional charge associated with past hurts or traumas to overcome emotions that hold them back. Its far-reaching effects are now more sought-after than ever before because they can be truly life-changing. How is TFT performed? TFT techniques for resolving emotional issues utilise acupressure points, which the client learns to activate by simply tapping with their fingertips while thinking about the specific problem, this process has the capacity to disable and often completely eliminate difficult emotional and physical responses. Can therapists use this wellbeing tool? TFT taps into the body’s own healing system to empower control of emotions and improve quality of life. It is about reprogramming the mindset and is particularly useful for people going through periods of anxiety or emotional trauma. Therapists can connect with clients to create bespoke wellness solutions. www.akcelina.com
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KINESIS PERSONAL, the ultimate designer fitness equipment. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Create a luxury gym in any space Personal Line gives a touch of suave elegance to your interior design. Distinguish your hotel with an exclusive and luxurious Wellness experience for your guests.
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Wellness Trends & developments
Es Saadi moves Marrakech to another level MOROCCO: The award-winning Es Saadi
Resort has unveiled a new range of wellness experiences to enhance its 3,000sqm Palace Spa. Built around a 100-year-old eucalyptus tree (pictured) and set over three floors, the spa has introduced a new spa suite as well as hydrotherapy four-hand treatments, a new gut massage and a selection of cleansing and relaxing spa therapies. Caroline Palace Spa also offers organic Bauchet-Bouhlal slow-food gastronomy and yoga retreats in partnership with the exclusive Le Tigre Yoga Club of Paris. “In order to really take wellness to the next level, we have focused on cross-offering packages, from specific spa treatments to slow cuisine and international visiting yoga practitioners,” says Caroline Bauchet-Bouhlal, group development director. “Our world-class Dior Institute, the only one outside of France, provides glamorous and efficient anti-ageing Dior treatments alongside our diverse range of new activities, fitness, health and spa retreats, to ensure Es Saadi remains a magnet for luxury spa aficionados,” she adds. www.essaadi.com/en
Igniting retail
The hydration generation Moving beyond the physical boundaries of spas to take wellness home, we look at innovative retail products that harness the power of H2O. ULLA (right) is a smart hydration reminder designed to
dramatically improve the hydration habits of its users. The on-trend USB-sized gadget, which simply fits to the outside of drinking-water bottles, follows Ulla’s optimal hydration cycle and blinks to indicate when the user requires more water. It also works for wellness corporate branding, as seen with the successful #Elemiseveryday campaign. www.ulla.io
THALGO’S first
supplement to correct circulation concerns and reduce the feeling of ‘heavy’ legs is enhanced with vitamins B2 and C as well as marine magnesium. The Coach Light Legs take-home programme, which complement the brand’s Silhouette Shape & Correct range, can be taken one phial per day diluted in a glass of water or fruit juice to help reduce the sensation of swelling. www.thalgo.co.uk
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VOYA extends
CONSCIOUS WATER’S 100%
its organic reach with a range of newly designed herbal seaweed tea blends. Packed with antioxidants and minerals, as well as being organic, the natural lifestyle collection is also gluten and caffeine-free. The range, which includes Peppermint Pleasure, Camomile Calm and Fennel Fusion, is produced using sustainable seaweed harvesting practices.
natural flower essence water enhancers have been launched at The Langham’s Chuan Spa. Created in six flavours to help inspire moods and aspirations, the in-spa essences are dissolved in pure vegetable glycerine and dispensed from a neat blister pack. Spa guests can select from Serenity, Rejuvenation, Sweet Dreams, Clarity, Happiness and Love to heighten their hydration.
www.voya.ie
www.consciouswater.com
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We deliver, just tell us where.
With offices in the UK and mainland China, we are uniquely placed to source, manage and deliver the widest selection of furniture, fixtures, equipment and on going consumables wherever you need across the world. To explore how we can add value to your next spa project please email spapartner@ellisons.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)24 7636 9114.
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ADV113694-v2-14Mar-ea.indd 1
2017-03-14 10:55 AM
Wellness The Light Technique
Katie Light
Listen, treat, transform
T
INTERVIEW BY HELLENA BARNES
How does this work? Finding the hook is halfway to dealing with the problem and key to this is listening. Clients want to be heard and for you to make sense of their stress and symptoms. More than ever, I feel that we really need to ensure therapists have the right tools and enough experience and time to treat and advise their clients sensitively.
he World Health Organisation predicts that by the year 2020 depression will be the second biggest cause of premature death and disability globally. To address her clients’ anxiety issues, Katie Light, a master Reiki and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner, has developed the Light Technique, integrating healing massage, energy balancing and mind therapy. European Spa talks to the former beauty therapist turned international speaker, about the creation of her own technique and how her Listen.Treat.Transform philosophy can benefit spa therapists, guests and business. How did you develop your own therapy? Having travelled the world practising therapies and learning from many experts, my training in NLP presented the final piece of the puzzle. I was able to provide massage for physical treatments and Reiki to understand emotional issues, while NLP enabled the mental perspective, so I combined all three in the Light Technique. Tell us about the technique Focusing on the connection between physical and emotional wellbeing, the Light Technique is a highly effective therapy for treating anxiety, panic attacks, mental stress, exhaustion, emotional eating, insomnia and hormonal imbalances. Furthermore, it also helps to balance energy and change thought processes to help people reach their full potential.
How can therapists achieve this? We need a larger, more practical toolbox to help people understand why they are experiencing such stress and how they can help themselves. As an active therapist myself, the learning never stops and this constantly changes my outlook on how I practice – that’s why I now teach Reiki and the Listen.Treat.Transform programme. Continuous development helps therapists to stay positive, energised and focused.
“As an active therapist myself, the learning never stops and this constantly changes my outlook on how I practice.” Katie Light, The Light Technique
A client consultation enables us to discover the cause of issues or associated behaviour patterns and we then decide how to achieve optimal mind-body balance by working to shift blockages through intuitive massage, neurolinguistics programming, Reiki and visualisation techniques.
What is Listen.Treat.Transform? This is the programme I take to spas; an interactive workshop that helps therapists build a rapport with their clients – exploring different personality types, understanding verbal and non-verbal language, together with techniques to achieve customer satisfaction and repeat business. While improving overall sales and making time with clients more rewarding, it enables therapists to better understand the client and look after their own wellbeing. We’ve had great success working with hotels and spas from Necker Island Virgin Limited Edition Hotels to Calcot Manor in Gloucestershire, UK. How can this enhance the spa offering? We can get to the root of the physical symptoms by simply asking the right questions, listening to responses and watching the client’s body language. Spas integrating this are able to offer a truly unique treatment for every individual, with dynamic body and face massage, energy balancing, visualisation techniques and a homecare package. www.thelighttechnique.com
Katie Light at her clinic in Brighton, UK
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Katie Light runs the Light Technique at her newly opened clinic in Brighton and at the Sanderson Hotel in London. She also offers wellness workshops and retreats at spa locations in the UK.
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Image courtesy of SpaSHELL at Fishmore Hall
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FURNISHINGS
Style EQUIPMENT
FINISHES
TECHNOLOGY
FITNESS
E D I T ED BY S A R A H TOD D
Design focus
Going underground to a striking new sanctuary Leading architect Alberto Apostoli transforms ancient ‘crypt’ into a contemporary spa space Situated in the southern French town of Mâcon, the beautiful new Atrium Spa & Beauté from leading Italian designer Alberto Apostoli effortlessly blends pre-existing and contemporary materials and styles to stunning effect. With interior design by Martina Miatto, the 270sqm wellness centre, located in what is believed to be a former crypt, has been built on two levels with the ground floor housing a reception area and a New Baroque Salon devoted to nails and beauty therapies. The design concept combines technical and aesthetic elements to create a luxurious yet functional environment, with a colour palette dominated by black and white with gold detailing. “When I first saw the site, I instantly realised the great design potential of the space,” says Apostoli. “We focused on a simple layout and gave considerable thought to the lighting, material research and technical detail. The resulting spa is embued with a rich sense of creativity and wellbeing.” The basement relaxation area and hydro-thermal zone, with a Finnish sauna and a steambath almost entirely made of glass, are located under a vaulted stone roof whose curvature has been effectively highlighted by strip LEDs. Also here are the double and two single treatment rooms, as well as a long, curved corridor in which the spa’s air ducts have been hidden behind a backlit curtain with décor evoking the vineyards of Mâcon.
www.studioapostoli.com Style suppliers
Treatment beds Lemi Relaxation beds Gamma & Bross Tiles Atlas Concorde Mosaics: Sicis Sauna and steambath: Tylo Product houses Cinq Mondes, Vinoble Cosmetics
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Style Design, form & function
Matrix t 3xe Cardio Line
The 3xe line of cardio gym equipment from Matrix comprises treadmills, elliptical and ascent trainers, recumbent, hybrid and upright cycles as well as a Climbmill and a Stepper – all said to ‘redefine the exercise experience’. Each of the machines has a console offering users a large, touchscreen display with FitTouch Technology for effortless interaction, as well as an intuitive app interface that realises a variety of entertainment through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. Users can also instantly access their own fitness data with an xID single sign-on, and their personal preferences will automatically load every time they log in to a machine.
www.matrixfitness.co.uk VitaJuwel q ERA
Combining centuries-old crystal healing tradition with contemporary design, VitaJuwel has added the new ERA decanter to its portfolio of wellness products. The Austrian brand’s gemstone vials sit within the hand-crafted decanter, which is easy to use and dishwasher-safe. A maximum of 1.3 litres can be held in the new vessel, the lid of which doesn’t need to be removed during pouring. Popular at spas including Six Senses, Mandarin Oriental and Ritz-Carlton, VitaJuwel’s gemwater concept offers vials with a range of health-enhancing compositions including blends to aid ‘Vitality’, ‘Wellness’ and ‘Balance’.
www.vitajuwel.com
Oakworks p Talise
The Talise treatment table from leading manufacturer Oakworks is said to be ‘elegant, yet masculine’ with its curved panels and contemporary lines. The bed is a generous 190.5cm in length and 78.7cm wide, and can be supplied with either square or round corners. A hand-controlled electric lift system powers its four-section bed and a storage option is also available in the shape of an in-table cabinet featuring overlapping sliding doors with a 49.5cm opening for easy access. The Talise joins the Icon and Maia tables as part of Oakworks’ new Masters’ Collection. All the tables are compatible with STUDIO, the company’s interactive online tool that enables its clients to fully customise and design their products, with thousands of finish, material and colourway options available to choose from.
www.spavision.com | www.oakworks.com
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Style Design, form & function
Florence Roby t New colour and collections
Leading uniform designer Florence Roby has unveiled a chic new colourway and a number of fresh styles to its collections. As well as its uniform portfolio now being available in Taupe, two new tunic styles – Pathos and Amalfi – have been launched along with a new trouser design called the Ankle Grazer. With more than 40 years of experience in the spa, hair and beauty industries, Florence Roby is a family-run business that offers an extensive range of uniforms made from ethically sourced fabric from UK mills. The brand’s design trademarks include a selection of flattering cuts that aim to provide optimal comfort and freedom of movement.
www.uniformcollection.com
Editor’s choice
Unbescheiden offers a Medyjet Evolution Founded in 1869, Unbescheiden is a fifth-generation family-run global business specialising in the production of high quality medical, wellness and hydrotherapy equipment. We ask the company’s vice-president, Heinrich Unbescheiden, about its latest product launch, Medyjet Evolution, which combines sophisticated technology with a stylish aesthetic.
Tell us about Medyjet Evolution
Medyjet Evolution is a ‘dry hydro’ massage bed that enables treatments to be offered as a complement to other therapies, such as manual massages or body wraps, or as a standalone solution, where the presence of a therapist is not necessary. The treatment sees the guest experience a relaxing body massage while comfortably positioned on a rubber cover over a tub filled with heated water. As there is no direct contact with the water, guest don’t need to undress before or shower afterwards.
What does this new product offer spas?
Providing a quick and refreshing wellbeing boost, Medyjet Evolution’s huge appeal is its ease of operation, while the resulting low staff costs make it very cost-effective for spa operators and owners.
Can the Medyjet experience be customised?
Yes. The bed can be adjusted according to the guest’s height; also the massage zones, massage pressure, duration of treatment and water temperature can all be set for greater comfort. Individual massage programmes can also be saved and quickly recalled. Operated via a touchscreen control panel, the standard pressure level of the water nozzles used in the massage is set sufficiently high for the user to experience positive results. Furthermore, a continuous massage process has been designed so that, once the feet have been reached, there is no waiting period before the massage directly restarts at shoulder level.
www.unbescheiden.com
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Style Design, form & function
Style Focus
Dornbracht launches a new way of LifeSpa Premium bathroom specialist Dornbracht has unveiled its innovative LifeSpa series of products that are perfect for private spa suites. Focused on promoting a health-conscious lifestyle through the use of water-based activities such as showering, affusions and bathing, the LifeSpa concept is a modular offering with the flexibility to adapt to individual guest needs. Products available can be combined to create a Kneipp effusion zone or a beauty wash-place zone with an affusion pipe and a luxury experience shower. According to Dornbracht’s CEO Andreas Dornbracht, LifeSpa is a concept that could be easily integrated into spas to provide a new dimension to the guest experience. “LifeSpa draws on centuries of knowledge in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Kneipp health philosophy,” he explains. “When a spa’s focus is on administering treatments, it can be easy to overlook the transformative effect of water on our health and wellbeing. Treatments such as affusions, contrast showers, relaxing baths or water massages can contribute to improving wellbeing and boosting energy. “The pursuit of health increasingly permeates all areas of life and has gone beyond the concepts of a healthy diet and exercise. Spas can ensure they remain relevant to guests by embracing water applications to create a space for health.”
www.dornbracht.com
MSW Group u Mineral Steam Bath
Image courtesy of Dachsteinkönig
Recently installed at the luxury spa within the Dachsteinkönig hotel and resort in Gosau, Austria, the Mineral Steam Bath from thermal specialist MSW Group captures the latest technology to provide a truly memorable wellbeing space. The steam bath utilises three different minerals known for their health-enhancing properties; magnesium chloride to support the skin’s recovery, iodine selenium to strengthen the immune system, and Lithium to aid vitality. Each mineral is individually infused into the steam bath to encourage a deep sense of relaxation. The cabin walls are made from a durable, double-layered foam panel with a glass-reinforced plastic outer layer that is resistant to bacteria and easy to clean. Highly comfortable, bacteria-resistant seats complete the offering along with a sensor-driven ventilation and steam-generation system that ensures up to nine guests can enjoy a bespoke steam bathing experience.
www.msw-group.com
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®Registered design
The epitome of luxury, style and practicality INDUSTRY INNOVATORS Pioneers in setting the standards for luxury. Over 40 years acclaimed history in the beauty and spa sector sees Majestic continue to exceed the diverse, demanding needs of the industry.
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Majestic are manufacturers, not importers, so we can offer: + Uncompromising quality at very competitive prices, passing the savings on to you, the client. + Ultimate development flexibility allowing for ground breaking, innovative designs with a quality consistency that is unparalleled.
The quality of the robes purchased for spa use and also the efficient level of customer care is superb, illustrating that Majestic understands the specific needs of a successful, luxury business.
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Cathy Ball, Spa Director, Calcot Spa.
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Style Design, form & function
KE Protezioni Solari q KEDRY
Created to enable year-round enjoyment of the outdoors, regardless of the weather, KEDRY’s elegant, waterproof blade structure is resistant to rain, wind and snow. The structure’s aluminium roof is comprised of adjustable swinging blades that allow it to be open, partially open, or completely closed on the sunniest of days. The sides of the shelter can be secured with zip screens or windows and KEDRY’s modular configuration means it is suitable for covering a range of outdoor spaces including patios or terraces. It is also available in two further versions; the KEDRY A, with a leaning roof; and the KEDRY T, featuring just the bladed roof.
www.keitaly.it
Grohe p Rainshower F-Series 40” AquaSymphony
Bringing added luxury to the shower space, Grohe’s new Rainshower F-Series AquaSymphony features an oversized statement head complete with ambient lighting and sound features. More than one metre long and in excess of 75cm wide, the new shower head offers up to 12 different spray patterns as well as lighting to affect moods ranging from ‘relaxing’ to ‘energising’. Digital controls and interfaces enable easy personalisation of the shower experience and sonic features, while AquaSymphony also features the anti-lime system SpeedClean and Grohe’s DreamSpray to deliver a perfect spray pattern.
www.grohe.co.uk Gharieni u MLW Transform
Billed as offering a ‘unique new perspective on treatment beds’, the multi-purpose and elegant MLW Transform from Gharieni combines a sofa with a massage table and would be suitable for a range of spa and wellbeing locations including spa suites. Transformed in three easy steps, the sofa’s integrated castors can be extracted electronically via the control panel before the seat is pulled out and the headrest is inserted. The table is electronically adjustable in height as well as having an integrated heating system and, thanks to an in-built battery, it can be fully operational without any power connection. The inclination and height of the table’s U-shaped headrest can also be adjusted. The MLW Transform can be supplied in a variety of vinyl upholstery options and it is also possible to incorporate customer-supplied materials including leather.
www.gharieni.com
Every issue of European Spa showcases the best in spa equipment design, textiles and furnishings. Contact Style editor Sarah Todd on +44 (0) 115 950 4748 or email sarah.todd@spapublishing.com
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Photos: Center Parcs Aqua Sana, Woburn
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE CONCEPTS SEAMLESS DEVELOPMENTS FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION
HLC offers expert advice to all those embarking on any exciting and cuttingedge project in the field of hospitality & leisure, including: spa and wellness facilities; hotel and resort accommodation; food and beverage outlets; retail experiences; indoor and outdoor leisure; infrastructure and landscaping designs.
“We take your aspirations and turn them into reality, across the whole spectrum of hospitality, spa, wellness and leisure developments.” Don Camilleri HL Concepts
dc@hlconcepts.co.uk | www.hlconcepts.co.uk
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Between the covers
We connect you with the best brands serving the spa and wellness sector. This issue of European Spa features the latest expertise, news and developments from: 38 Degrees North 94 A+KUA 22 Akua 40 Aromatherapy Associates 17 Atlas Concorde 101 Babor 68, 66 Barr + Wray 8, 22 BC Softwear 99 Bioeffect 69 Biologique Recherche 26, 31, 72 Bossini 39 Brow by Mii 88 Carlton Beauty and Spa Group 23 Caudalie 6, 68 Cheshire Wellness 23 Cinq Mondes 101 Clinique La Prairie 21 CND Creative 32, 60 CND Shellac 28 [comfort zone] 23, 25, 69, 92 Conscious Water 96 Darphin 69 Decléor 4 Delilah 89 Dornbracht 104 Dr Hauschka 28 Elemental Herbology 46, 72 Elemis 2, 70, 79, 96 Ellisons 97 ESPA 26, 42, 60, 68, OBC Flor de Sal 60 Florence Roby 103
Gaia 60 Gamma & Bross 101 Germaine de Capuccini 72 Gharieni 60, 61, 106 Gis 40 Grohe 106 GWS 2017 90 High Definition 89 HL Concepts 107 ila 26, 92 Ishga 73 ISO-Benessere 92 Jessica 71, 74, 79 Katherine Daniels 72 KE Protezioni Solari 106 Kerstin Florian 15 Kissed by Mii 86, 87 Kokolokahi 70 La Prairie 24 La Ric 60 Lava Shells 79 Leader Spa 24 Lecenté 69 Lemi 100, 101 Living Earth Crafts 26, 79 Majestic 105 Matrix 102 MetroNaps 92 Mii Cosmetics 54, 68, 79, 84 MoroccanTan 82, 83 Mr Sauna 80 MSW Group 104
Murad 70 Natura Bissé 18, 74 Nilo 40 Oakworks 102, 111 OPI 75 Orly 26 Pharmos Natur Green Luxury 62 Shankara 64 Sicis 101 Sienna X 88 Sothys 89 Spa Creators 26, 76 Spa Life 41 Sparcstudio 97 SPATEC Europe 29 Starpool 78 Stenal 40 Sundari 72 Technogym 60, 95 Thalgo 10, 24, 68, 96 The Eyelash Design Company 84 Treatwell 13 Tylo 101 Ulla 96 Unbescheiden 103 Valmont 22 Vincent Longo Cosmetics 89 Vinoble Cosmetics 101 Vita Liberata 85 VitaJuwel 102 Voya 20, 67, 96 Ytsara 70
To discuss any bespoke advertising requirements, please contact the sales team at European Spa, T: +44 (0) 115 950 4748.
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Last Word Dorothy Purdew, OBE
Pathways to success Dorothy Purdew, OBE, the entrepreneurial force behind the iconic Champneys brand, believes spas need to do much more to support and encourage the professional aspirations of their staff responsibility for their therapists’ progression and wellbeing. One way to do this would be to offer more in-house training, using senior therapists to train and mentor junior members of the team. This would put us in a better position to monitor wider issues that are really important to spas, but that product houses aren’t particularly bothered about, such as time-keeping, aftercare of guests and staff appearance. We could adopt a similarly proactive approach to retailing. For me, successful retailing is about therapists giving effective advice. For the majority of our guests, £70 is a big investment to make in a facial, but this doesn’t mean they won’t spend more post-treatment if their experience has been excellent and some gentle advice has been given. It’s the opposite of a ‘hard sell’ and our therapists are kind and intuitive professionals who have a great depth of knowledge to impart, they just need guiding as to how to do it the right way.
A new culture
“As spa owners, it’s fundamentally our job to teach our staff – and their job to learn. Training is the most vital element of any successful spa operation.”
T
he UK spa industry has never really invested in the continual professional development of its spa staff and this leaves us now in a difficult situation. Generally, spa operators are good at offering basic training, but they don’t tend to pursue this at a deeper level, so how can we expect our therapists to improve, learn new techniques or contribute towards the success of our businesses? Many of the leading professional product houses deliver excellent training programmes, so young therapists will be taught how to perform massages and facials at college, but then are left without further ‘up-training’. Often, they won’t even be observed after their initial training, so there is no one to tell them if they are not standing in the optimal position to deliver a massage effectively, or that they’re more at risk of RSI or postural issues as a consequence. I personally feel that spa operators should take more active
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As spa owners, it’s our job to teach our staff – and their job to learn. Training is the most vital element of any successful spa operation. That’s why I’m about to introduce a unique new training structure at Champneys, called Pathways, to enable our staff to benefit from clear, defined career choices. My view is that being a spa therapist is a career and my staff should be offered the best pay possible while working for me, as well as the best career pathways in the business. I’ve increased pay across the entire staff at Champneys, but I strongly believe that senior therapists should be paid more than, say, a day manager because of the level of skill involved. Many spa management courses are completed without the graduates ever actually touching a client. While they may be academically capable, I don’t believe most 21-year-olds have the emotional intelligence to be a good spa manager – they need guidance from the hands-on experts around them. Above all, spa operators should ensure they appreciate how clever, talented and ambitious their staff are. I’m a big believer that you can train anybody who wants to learn, anything.
Interview by Sarah Todd. For more information on spa career development, turn to p48 for our Spa Careers Masterclass.
Meet the expert At 85 years old, Dorothy Purdew, OBE, currently oversees operations at Champneys UK health resorts along with her son, Stephen. The group employs more than 2,000 people at four health resorts and six city day spas, as well as the latest addition to its portfolio, Eastwell Manor in Kent. The Champneys International College of Health and Beauty was established in 1976 and a new Beauty College in central London debuted in early 2017, in partnership with the London College of Contemporary Arts. www.champneys.com
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