European Spa mag issue 60

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Welcome I SS U E 60 | OC TOBER - NOV E M BER 2017

60 th

A diamond decade

ISSUE

2007-2017

W

riting the introduction to this, our 60th edition of European Spa, makes me reflect on what a journey it has been; those late nights spent writing the first issue, 10 years ago, feel like they were only yesterday. Back in 2007, I could only hope that the magazine would be well received, but I was sure that spa and wellness services would evolve dramatically and redefine the worlds of beauty, fitness and health.

My jump into uncharted waters has been well rewarded. During my travels across the UK, Europe and beyond, to find the spa stories that matter, I have met some of the most innovative, talented and hard-working healing professionals on the planet. In this issue, we ask some of these leading lights how they think the industry has changed and where it is heading (p45).

Now, more than ever, the qualities of touch, empathy and taking time to connect with nature and people are vital in providing a path to wellbeing. Whether it’s enjoying a beautifully executed facial, unwinding with a sensual massage, learning yogic breathing techniques or simply walking in a forest, spa time has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. In our 60th edition we go behind the scenes at four exceptional spas, all of which are pushing boundaries through investment, concept creation and exciting new facilities.

Champneys’ chief executive Stephen Purdew gives us a personal tour of the group’s latest UK acquisition, Eastwell Manor, sharing his vision to transform the property into the brand’s first spa hotel (p36). Heading south to the balmy shores of Sardinia’s Forte Village, we find out how a r40 million investment programme is repositioning the resort’s Acquaforte spa as a year-round wellness destination (p66). In Switzerland, we get an exclusive taste of a new weight-loss retreat at The Chedi Andermatt, created in collaboration with Thermes de Brides-les-Bains (p90). Last, but not least, we take a cultural escape at Germany’s Schloss Elmau (p54), with its focus on music, freedom of expression and an intriguing new Turtle Spa Concept.

With heartfelt gratitude, I would like to thank the European Spa team who work so hard to make every issue special – and also all our readers and industry friends who, over the years, have so generously shared their thoughts, hopes and aspirations. Here’s to another 10 years of success for all of us!

Sarah Camilleri Publisher & founding editor

The Team Publisher & founding editor Sarah Camilleri +44 (0) 115 950 4748 sarah.camilleri@spapublishing.com

Assistant editor Ian Parkes +44 (0) 115 950 4748 ian.parkes@spapublishing.com

Contributing editor Mark Smith +44 (0) 7956 658261 mark.smith@spapublishing.com

Art director Richard Page +44 (0) 7917 646495 richard@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

Production editor David Fagan +44 (0) 115 950 4748 david.fagan@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

Office address: European Spa magazine, Spa Publishing Ltd, Halifax House, Halifax Place, Nottingham, NG1 1QN, UK.

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Online & social media www.europeanspamagazine.com @eurospamag 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 60 | OC TOBER / NOV E M BER 2017

Business 21 INDUSTRY NEWS

54

The latest developments and appointments, including plans for a £13m spa at the South Lodge country house hotel, UK, and exclusive comment on the purchase of ESPA by The Hut Group

32 SPA LIFE PREVIEW

Find out about the networking and industry insights awaiting delegates at the event in Birmingham on November 14-15

45 EUROPEAN SPA: A DIAMOND DECADE

Industry leaders join us to celebrate 10 years of spa advancement and look ahead to what the future holds

130 LAST WORD: ANDREW GIBSON,

ACCORHOTELS LUXURY BRANDS The 30-year industry veteran on how spa operators can justify new ‘wellness’ propositions within the hospitality sector

45

Spas 36 EASTWELL MANOR, CHAMPNEYS, UK

The British brand’s first spa hotel venture has a sumptuous £3 million wellness space refurbishment at its heart

54 SCHLOSS ELMAU LUXURY SPA

RETREAT & CULTURAL HIDEAWAY, GERMANY Freedom of choice is the ultimate luxury in this world-class haven where the world’s top artists can ‘play to stay’

66 ACQUAFORTE, FORTE VILLAGE,

SARDINIA How a d40 million investment in the resort has positioned its spa as a globally competitive year-round destination

90 THE CHEDI ANDERMATT, SWITZERLAND

We try out the new Slimming Lifestyle Retreats created in collaboration with Thermes de Brides-Les-Bains

14

36 66

Expert Guide 101 HEAT

Enjoy our annual update of best practice for wet spa and thermal experience installation, including expert advice for operators from KLAFS, Dröm UK, Dalesauna, Barr + Wray, Sommerhuber, mr sauna and Design for Leisure

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Contents I SS U E 60 | OC TOBER / NOV E M BER 2017

Menu 62 ISHGA

We talk to director Leon Trayling about the Hebridean seaweed brand’s growth and its global aspirations

77 MENU

The best treatments and product launches, including new journeys from Subtle Energies that combine clinical research and Ayurvedic inspiration, and Gaia Spa’s expanded retail offering

86 CHRISTMAS RETAIL FOCUS

A selection of brand experts provide advice for making the most of the festive retailing opportunity and share the best of their limited-edition offerings

121

Wellness 115 WELLNESS

The latest trends and concepts including the acquisition of Grayshott Spa, UK, by health resort operator the Lanserhof Group, and an innovative ‘underwater’ relaxation room adorned with LEDs

62

Design 121 STYLE

Our pick of the best equipment, furnishings and finishes highlights a Roman-inspired, contemporary spa at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, as well as a new towelling wrap designed especially for women by spa newcomer The Modesty Company

86

115 Renew your subscription today...

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 world: £110

On the cover: A glittering scene from the recent £3 million spa refurbishment Eastwell Manor, Champneys welcomes readers to the 60th ‘Diamond edition’ of European Spa (see p36)

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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News

DEVELOPMENTS

APPOINTMENTS

INVESTMENT

DIARY DATES

EDITED BY SARAH TODD

South Lodge spa design is inspired by South Downs landscape Exclusive Hotels and Venues reveals details of comprehensive West Sussex hotel spa with interiors by Sparcstudio UK: An expansive new £13 million (E14.8 million)

spa will open in late summer 2018 as part of the South Lodge country house hotel in West Sussex.

Owned and managed by the luxury group Exclusive Hotels and Venues, which also owns Pennyhill Park in Surrey, UK, The Spa at South Lodge has been designed by Felce & Guy architects with interiors by Sparcstudio.

With a design inspired by the surrounding South Downs countryside, the spa will cover 3,250sqm and offer 14 treatment rooms, including one double suite with a private rasul, a manicure and pedicure studio, a barbershop, and a thermal suite with a sauna, two types of steamroom and an outside vitality pool.

Alongside the spa facilities, a 200sqm gym will feature a terrace as well as a Spin studio, a ‘holistic

www.europeanspamagazine.com

studio’ and a 22m x 10m infinity-edge indoor pool as well as a bar and a large restaurant.

Speaking to European Spa about the design concept, Sparcstudio co-director Beverley Bayes said: “The new spa at South Lodge is set into the natural contours of the landscape. The spa design brings the outside in and the infinity-end

“The design is intended to extend the spa experience out beyond the walls into the countryside.”

Danny Pecorelli Managing director, Exclusive Hotels and Venues

swimming pool visually and seamlessly connects the internal spa experience with the extensive landscape, terraced sun decks, large outside natural swimming pond and hydrotherapy pool.”

Speaking exclusively to European Spa, Danny Pecorelli, managing director of Exclusive Hotels and Venues, affirmed that “the design is intended to extend the spa experience out beyond the walls into the countryside itself.”

The spa’s product partnerships and suppliers are yet to be finalised but The Spa at South Lodge will have its own range of products created in conjunction with the Natural Spa Factory.

Situated in 93 acres of Sussex downland, the South Lodge hotel features 84 individually designed guest rooms and a separate six-bedroom Bothy Cottage. www.exclusive.co.uk

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Business News

Acquisition of ESPA marks start of a new era

News in brief Adler Thermae extends spa facilities with new saunas ITALY: The Adler Thermae Spa & Wellness Resort in Bagno Vignoni has renovated its spa facilities, creating two new saunas. The Finnish sauna has panoramic views over the Tuscan hills, while a bio-sauna is located in the middle of the spa’s lake, which is set within a disused Travertine limestone quarry. www.adler-thermae.com

Adare Manor to debut Crème de La Mer spa

UK: Luxury spa and skincare brand ESPA has been

acquired by The Hut Group for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 1993 by Sue Harmsworth, MBE, ESPA products and treatments are sold in more than 700 spas across 60 countries; in 2016, ESPA-trained therapists performed over five million treatments globally.

Speaking exclusively to European Spa, Harmsworth (above), who will remain as the figurehead of ESPA, said: “We’ve never been to market before and there was overwhelming interest, so we went through a long due diligence process and are absolutely thrilled that we’ve been acquired by The Hut Group.

“There is a lot of synergy between the two companies and a huge potential for growth. I’m truly confident that The Hut Group has the passion and expertise to extend ESPA’s holistic philosophy,

which has been at the heart of our products, spas and treatments for 25 years. I’m delighted with this acquisition, which paves the way to an exciting next chapter in our journey.”

The acquisition represents a strategic investment for The Hut Group, which is one of the world’s largest online health and beauty retailers and brand owners.

“Spa and wellness is a very attractive and important sector for us and, due to its global growth, fits in with our ambition of being the number one health and beauty retailer in 2018,” said Paul Gedman, CEO of the Prestige Division at The Hut Group.

“ESPA was a hugely attractive brand for us and enhancing its current positioning – especially within luxury spas – is our most important priority.”

IRELAND: Adare Manor in Co. Limerick is to complete its restoration and expansion and reopen in November 2017 with the addition of a Crème de La Mer spa, the only one of its kind in the UK and Ireland.

Paul Heery has become general manager of the luxury hotel and golf resort. He brings more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, most recently at the celebrated Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. www.adaremanor.com

CityLux unveils new partnership with Thalgo UK: On demand, mobile spa service CityLux has announced a new partnership with luxury marine spa brand Thalgo. CityLux will now be able to offer clients an extended range of treatments, including Thalgo Men therapies created specifically for the service, as well as the Thalgo Marine Well-being Massage. www.cityluxmassage.co.uk

www.thehutgroup.com | www.espaskincare.com

‘Quintessentially British’ Cliveden Spa reflects property’s 350-year history UK: Marking the completion of a multi-million pound restoration of Cliveden House in Berkshire, the revamp and re-opening of The Cliveden Spa is said to honour the 350-year history of the iconic house.

Owned by the National Trust, Cliveden House operates as a luxury hotel under a long-lease arrangement with Iconic Luxury Hotels, which also owns Chewton Glen.

Screened by brick walls covered with scented roses and lavender, the garden spa offers ‘quintessentially British’ treatments through partnerships with award-winning facialist Sarah Chapman and OSKIA, alongside its own Cliveden body collection and nail polish ranges.

Facilities include seven treatment rooms, an indoor heated swimming pool, a spa restaurant and outdoor hot tubs. The centrepiece of the spa is the listed outdoor swimming pool, where the infamous 1960s relationship between Christine Keeler and John Profumo first began.

A brand new building has also been built within the walled garden to link the house to the spa. www.clivedenhouse.co.uk

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Business News

Exhale breathes life into Hyatt’s wellness plan

SPATEC Europe 2018 to be held in Marrakech

EUROPE: Organisers have announced that for the

US: As part of its ongoing plans to engage with guests ‘beyond the boundaries of traditional hotel stays’, Hyatt has revealed further details of its wellbeing strategy following the recent acquisitions of boutique fitness and spa brand Exhale, and Miraval Wellness Spas.

With wellness of increasing importance to guests, Hyatt plans to offer Exhale locations and programming as part of its ‘World of Hyatt’ platform, bringing new experiences for its loyalty programme members. The Exhale brand will also be positioned for ‘thoughtful global expansion’, including new free-standing locations and among

existing Hyatt hotels, where suitable.

“Our desire to improve the value proposition for our World of Hyatt community has led us to expand in the wellness space,” said Hyatt’s global head of capital strategy, franchising and select service, Steve Haggerty. “For us, wellness is an integrated strategy and we believe we can differentiate our company this way.

“Exhale builds on our existing wellness offerings and Miraval’s innovative mindfulness programming by extending support for guests’ wellness journeys every day – in free-standing locations and in hotels.” www.hyatt.com

first time, SPATEC Europe will next year be held outside of Europe, at the Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi in Marrakech.

“We anticipate that the 2018 event will host nearly 1,000 one-to-one pre-scheduled meetings between buyers and suppliers across three evenings and two full days,” said event director Stephen Pace-Bonello.

“It’s an extremely successful event formula and we’re delighted that European Spa magazine will be our partner for our 12th edition, which promises to be the best yet.”

The 12th annual Questex-McLean event will take place from June 20-23, 2018.

Prior to that, the fourth SPATEC Middle East will be held from October 28-31, 2017 at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, UAE. With delegates from 19 countries expected at this year’s show, a few supplier places are still available. For more information, visit: www.spatecme.com www.spateceu.com

Lefay Resort and Spa announces ‘carbon neutral’ status in annual report ITALY: The luxurious Lefay Resort and Spa, located in a 27-acre

nature reserve overlooking Lake Garda, has released its 2016 Sustainability Report, detailing the property’s economic and environmental sustainability advancements.

The third such annual report, Lefay Total Green is offered as a tool for managing, reporting and developing environmental, social and economic sustainability.

This year’s publication reveals that the resort became fully carbon-neutral in 2016, with 100% of the CO2 it emits being compensated by the purchase of CER (Certified Emmission Reduction) credits in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol.

Lefay Resorts was the first Italian hospitality company to sign a voluntary agreement with the Italian Ministry of the Environment aimed at neutralising its CO2 emissions.

“Lefay Resorts has always believed that personal wellness is intrinsically linked to the wellbeing of the environment,” said Alcide Leali Jr, managing director of Lefay Resort & Spa. “We’re proud to be acknowledged among the pioneers who choose ecological commitment as a motivation to determine our objectives and prerogatives.”

Every year, the family-owned resort calculates its carbon footprint, monitoring its direct emissions and those of travelling guests, in order to complete the Lefay Total Green report.

These are then offset through the purchase of CER credits, which are intended to reduce emissions in Italy and in developing countries. www.lefayresorts.com

www.europeanspamagazine.com

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Business News

Bannatyne Group announces upgrades to its growing spa portfolio UK: Bannatyne Spas has committed to a

comprehensive investment in wellbeing and spas across its facilities within Bannatyne Group health clubs.

The group has undertaken recent acquisitions in Weybridge and Humberston and both sites will undergo extensive refurbishment within their spa and wellness areas. There has also been a focus on improving facilities at existing spas in its portfolio, including at Brindleyplace in Karen Wilkinson Birmingham as well as locations in Barnsley and Mansfield, which are either being upgraded or increased in size.

Another notable investment has been at Kingsford Park, formerly Clarice House, in Colchester (pictured right), with the spa benefitting from £1 million of new and updated facilities.

“Our strategy for the remainder of 2017 and into 2018 will be on increasing our member engagement in all of the spas and improving the accessibility to wellness for every customer,” said Karen Wilkinson, group head of spa for The Bannatyne Group.

“This is underpinned by having a varied and refreshed treatment offering, further staff training and new technology, making it easier to book at our spas.”

Bannatyne currently operates 40 spas and employs 580 staff members, with three more spas set to open by the end of 2017. www.bannatyne.co.uk

Aman Le Mélézin breaks new ground France: A comprehensive new spa offering is to open in December 2017 at Aman

Le Mélézin, in Courchevel 1850, to mark the resort’s 25th anniversary.

Construction of the 767sqm Aman Spa, which will be set over two floors, required the entire building to be temporarily placed on stilts, an engineering endeavour that had never before been attempted in Courchevel.

In addition to five treatment rooms, including two double suites and one signature Thai massage suite, guests will be offered a menu of Turkish wellness experiences including hot stone massages in a hamamm supplied by Hydralis, which also provided the treatment beds and experience showers.

A yoga studio will be created adjacent to the spa, while a wellness area will offer experiential showers, a cold plunge pool, a relaxation lounge, a Capri-stone hammam and a wooden sauna as well as a 14m lap pool. www.aman.com

Hastings Hotels’ £60m investment UK: Hasting Hotels, oen of Northern Ireland’s leading collection of luxury hotels, has announced the continued investment of more than £60 million (E68.3 million) into its growing portfolio.

In addition to spending £53 million on a seventh hotel, the Grand Central Hotel, Belfast, which is due to open in 2018, it has also carried out a £10 million renovation programme of its six other luxury hotels, including a £4.8 million refurbishment of the Culloden Estate and Spa, Belfast.

Howard Hastings, managing director, said: “We continue to invest heavily in our properties and an important part of this investment goes into the two spas at the Culloden and Slieve Donard hotels.

“Spas are an important offering in our properties as they provide a wonderful additional offering for guests all year round and offer added bedroom revenue to our membership base already in place.” www.hastingshotels.com

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SPATEC 18 Europe

20-23 June 2018 Movenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakech, Morocco What do you get at SPATEC? • Guaranteed pre-qualified audience of key decision makers • Pre-set appointments with buyers of your choice • Limited competition • 2 full days of exceptional networking • Unparalleled value for money • High quality seminar programme

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Business News

Lava Cove subterranean spa is a ‘milestone’

Appointments Hepburn joins Boringdon Hall’s Gaia Spa

Shelley Hepburn

UK: Shelley Hepburn has become the new spa director at Gaia Spa, Boringdon Hall, in Devon. Having dedicated her career to the spa and wellness industry, Hepburn has previously worked at a number of prestigious destinations including The Grove, Pennyhill Park and, most recently, The Ned, Soho House. www.boringdonhall.co.uk

Four Seasons Trinity appoints Nicolas

Anjana Nicolas

ICELAND: A new underground spa, luxury hotel and restaurant are to open at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa in Iceland later this year.

The development at the iconic site, which attracted 1.1 million visitors in 2016, intends to create a unique environment for experiences based on the mineral-rich geothermal seawater, for which the Blue Lagoon is famed.

Created by Blue Lagoon’s spa specialists in collaboration with Reykjavik-based Basalt Architects, led by Sigridur Sigthorsdóttir, the Lava Cove spa interiors will be by Design Group Italia.

Encompassing 15 experience areas and surrounded by geothermal seawater, its

contemporary, organic design was influenced by the volcanic landscape surrounding the property, and its colours, strata and textures are reflected throughout the spa.

Dagný Pétursdóttir, managing director of Blue Lagoon, said: “The opening of Lava Cove is an important milestone for us. We are evolving and expanding our horizons. Our foundation is the unique geothermal seawater, our stunning environment, and the commitment of our employees to create unforgettable memories erasing the boundaries between nature, wellness and hospitality.”

UK: Anjana Nicolas has joined Four Seasons London at Ten Trinity Square as the new spa director. Prior to joining Four Seasons, Nicolas worked as a spa consultant for Svastha Spa Consultancy before becoming director of spa and wellbeing at Marrakech’s Palais Namaskar, part of the Oetker Collection. www.fourseasons.com

Spa and wellness strengthened by Stone

Alison Stone

Thailand: Dr Alison Stone has become the new director of spa and wellness at Amanpuri in Phuket. With a total of more than 20 years’ experience as a global wellness consultant, Stone’s role is a first for the resort and is intended to emphasise Aman’s ongoing commitment to wellness. www.aman.com

www.bluelagoon.is

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts paves a career pathway for therapists UK: Independent hotel group Macdonald Hotels

& Resorts has revealed details of a new careers initiative for its spa staff.

With 23 spa venues in the UK, Ireland and Portugal, the group’s ‘Your Spa Career Development Plan’ aims to inspire and encourage therapists working across its portfolio to pursue and fulfil their career aspirations.

Staff will benefit from a tailor-made careers programme created in cooperation with the Elemis Keith Pickard Academy of Excellence, and each participant’s progress will be shaped, according to their talents, across six positions ranging from apprentice spa therapist to regional spa manager.

The initiative is said to form an integral part of the group’s overall growth strategy, part of which is to fuel a pipeline of senior spa staff and aid further development across its business.

Speaking exclusively to European Spa, Keith Pickard, group director of golf, leisure and spa at Macdonald Hotels, said: “We want to create a uniform standard of the highest level of service which is unique to our spas. We hope to nurture a complete spa team equipped with the skills to work their way up through the business. We’re committed to investing in our people to keep them engaged, boost the customer experience and attract new talent.” www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

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Business News

Six Senses’ Swiss property set for 2020 opening

Diary dates Global Wellness Summit

October 9-11, 2017 The Breakers, Florida, US The GWS returns to the US to unite leaders, influencers and visionaries to positively impact and shape the future of the global wellness industry with an empowering agenda that includes interactive sessions and panel-led discussions. www.globalwellnesssummit.com

ISPA Conference & Expo

Switzerland: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is to open

its first resort in Switzerland, in 2020.

Operated under a long-term management agreement with one of the country’s premier finance companies, 1875 Finance, the resort will be located in the prominent ski area of the Canton of Valais.

Comprising 47 guest bedrooms and suites, with 17 Six Senses residential units available for purchase, the resort’s 2,000sqm spa will specialise in Alpine treatments and offer a gym, a fitness studio, a swimming pool and a suspended relaxation area.

Consistent with the group’s focus on sustainability,

GWS makes Advisory Board appointments

recycled local materials will be used in the manufacture of finishes including the flooring, millwork and fabrics.

Efficient lighting, ozone protection and renewable energy sources will also be incorporated at the resort, and rainwater will be collected for use around the property.

“The spa design will capture the surrounding environment, reviving and enhancing our connection with nature and blending crafted and natural materials with a contemporary touch,” said Anna Bjurstam, vice-president of Six Senses Spas. “With 2,000sqm of indoor and 1,000sqm of outdoor facilities, this will be a spectacular spa.” www.sixsenses.com

Luxurious Cotswolds spa has a contemporary look

GLOBAL: The Global Wellness Summit (GWS)

has added three new strategic members to its 13-person Advisory Board.

Expanding its representation in Asia, Australia, Europe and the Middle East, the GWS Advisory Board has welcomed Omer K. Isvan, president of the Turkey-based Servotel Corporation, alongside the owner and founder of Australia’s Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Tony de Leede and Yoriko Soma, president and CEO of Japan-based Conceptasia.

According to Susie Ellis, chairman and CEO of the Global Wellness Summit, each appointment provides “powerful expertise and a crucial regional perspective on the sectors that make up the global wellness industry.” www.globalwellnesssummit.com

Omer K. Isvan

Tony de Leede

Yoriko Soma

www.attendispa.com

Independent Hotel Show

October 17-18, 2017 Olympia, London, UK Billed as the UK’s only show for the luxury, independent and boutique hotel sector, more than 300 innovative product and service providers will be attending. There’s also a dedicated wellness and lifestyle stage offering a range of expert insights and multiple networking opportunities. www.independenthotelshow.co.uk

World Travel Market London

UK: A luxury new spa has opened within The Lygon

Arms boutique hotel in the Cotswolds.

Spearheaded by Spa Creators designer Alistair Johnson, the refurbished contemporary Lygon Spa has seven treatment rooms, including a couples treatment room, alongside a pedicure and manicure salon.

Ellisons provided all the treatment room furniture while spa product partners that have been welcomed include OSKIA, Jessica and Decléor.

As well as the refreshed Lygon Spa, the final part of a multi-million pound refurbishment of the former 16th century coaching inn also included 86 newly designed rooms and suites and two new restaurants. www.lygonarmshotel.co.uk

Share your appointments, announcements, launches and diary dates with Sarah Todd by calling +44 (0) 115 950 4748 or email sarah.todd@spapublishing.com

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October 16-18, 2017 Las Vegas, US The International Spa Association hosts global industry professionals for its annual event, with keynote presentations for business strategy and industry development as well as networking events and a product expo.

November 6-8, 2017 ExCeL, London, UK A leading global event for the travel industry attended by 50,000 top-level international delegates, as a partner of the Global Wellness Institute it will offer an exclusive seminar session on the growing representation of the wellness tourism sector. www.wtmlondon.com

Spa Life International (UK)

November 14-15, 2017 Hilton Metropole Hotel, Birmingham, UK Introducing spa professionals to new product innovations, shared insights, extensive networking, one-to-one meeting forums, interactive seminars, gala dinner and the Good Spa Guide Awards. www.spa-life.international

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Business Event preview

Making enduring connections With this year’s Spa Life International (UK) set for November 14-15, we speak to organiser Andrew Hammond to find out what delegates can expect

Focused on delivering a combination of spa industry insight, product innovations and extensive networking opportunities, the eighth Spa Life International (UK) is set to take place on November 14-15 at Birmingham’s Hilton Andrew Hammond Metropole Hotel.

Media partnered by European Spa, the event provides quality management education in a unique networking environment, with exposure to product innovations via the ‘speed-dating’ Forum and Expo. A gala dinner and the Good Spa Guide Awards complete the offering, as event co-founder Andrew Hammond affirms:

What can we expect from this year’s event?

Our venue, the Hilton Metropole, has excellent conference facilities and quality accommodation all under one roof, making it perfect for a networking event. The inter-connectivity of the internal spaces will ensure that this year’s convention will be much more compact, with a great flow between the Expo arena, the ‘speed-dating’ Forum and the conference rooms, which is very important for our delegates.

What topics are on the agenda for 2017?

As always, the conference programme is very diverse to ensure that there’s something relevant to staff at all levels, from senior directors to up-and-coming managers and marketing teams.

Our keynotes are designed to motivate the audience and inspire them both personally and professionally. The breakout sessions will cover the key management dimensions of operations, marketing and business development. Specific topics will include career development, social media and digital marketing, retail sales and performance indicators.

Who are you most keen to hear speak?

As a marketer, I’m most interested in new strategies to improve customer engagement and we have two sessions supporting this theme.

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Above: A ‘speed-dating’ session at last year’s Spa Life (UK)

One explains how great imagery can help to engage your audience and tell your brand story; the other deals with how to effectively use social media to drive audience engagement, using the crucial medium of Facebook Live. I think these are both great sessions for spa marketers.

What are you most excited about this year?

This is a wonderful, people-focused industry and the most exciting thing for us is bringing a roomful of strangers together and seeing them turn into friends. That’s always exciting.

If delegates take one thing away from the event, what would you like it to be?

There are so many intangible benefits from attending that it’s difficult to quantify what each delegate will take away, but in terms of the tangible things, it would have to be a new business idea, a new client, or a new friend... as well as a booking confirmation for one of our Spa Life International conventions in 2018!

European Spa readers can save £45 on their purchase of conference tickets by using the promotional code ‘ESM045’ when booking. www.spa-life.international

Sharron Lowe: Living in the moment Success and motivational coach Sharron Lowe, a keynote speaker at this year’s Spa Life International (UK) event, reveals what delegates can expect to find in her presentation: “My keynote will focus on three areas: your business, Sharron Lowe your team and your personal performance. For me, successful spa management is about leadership by example; having the values you want your team to have and then building a great team.

“I’m also going to examine the impact of our minds and thoughts on our perception of ourselves, our performance, and what we think is possible to achieve both individually and as part of a team.

“Fundamentally, good business practice isn’t about jumping into the future as much as it is about where your business is now; you have to be able to recognise your team in the present and reward them accordingly. By being ‘the best you’ yet and bringing your team on board with this mindset, you can vastly improve the perception of what’s possible for your business.” www.sharronlowe.com

www.europeanspamagazine.com

Spa Life International UK Convention Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel 14th - 15th November 2017

t n e v e d e t a ic d e d a p s t s e Europe’s larg s l a n io s s e f o r p a p s r io n e s exclusively for The conference programme on Wednesday 15th November delivers a first-class line up of international presenters who will share their knowledge to help you grow your business and develop the industry leaders of tomorrow.

Learn from the best • Maximise your profits • Drive your sales Who should attend?

• Spa owners & directors • Senior spa managers • Investors

• Marketing & Sales managers • Aspiring managers & supervisory staff • Spa consultants

Celebrate success with the Good Spa Guide Awards • Gala Dinner: Tues 14th Nov Tickets: £99 + VAT pp

• Spa Conference: Weds 15th Nov Tickets: £195 + VAT pp

Register on-line today: www.spa-life.co.uk/uk/how-to-book/ For more information call 01268 745892

Exclusive Special Offer for European Spa readers;

SAVE £45PP on Conference Tickets with promo code ESM045

Design focus Eastwell Manor, Champneys

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Design focus Eastwell Manor, Champneys

Raising the banner at Eastwell Manor Iconic British brand Champneys has purchased its first ever spa hotel, challenging modern design capabilities to breathe new life into a historic UK property R E P OR T BY H EL L ENA B A R NE S

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he magnificent Eastwell Manor in Ashford, Kent, personifies a classic country house idyll, set on 3,000 acres of the Eastwell Park Estate with courtyard properties, verdant landscaping, ornate fountains and the ‘Garden of England’ as its backdrop.

The name ‘East Well’ comes from a nearby spring where Saxon shepherds once watered their flocks, and the Jacobean-styled mansion has been rebuilt and remodelled throughout its many guises, from Victorian royal residence to its first opening as a hotel in 1980.

The acquisition of Eastwell Manor by Champneys not only heralds a £10 million regeneration for the Grade-II listed property, but also signals a landmark strategy for the pioneering British spa brand, owned by mother and son partnership, Dorothy and Stephen Purdew. Having dedicated the past five decades to wellbeing, the Champneys group can now add its very first hotel venture to a portfolio that comprises four spa health resorts, six city spas, two training colleges, and an international product range.

The Champneys owners had long been interested in taking over Eastwell Manor before it was purchased for an undisclosed sum from entrepreneur Turrloo Parrett. “We first looked at Eastwell Manor by chance when it wasn’t for sale, but we pressed on for two years to acquire the property,” reveals Stephen Purdew, chief executive of Champneys. “Then at the end of November 2016 we had the opportunity of a 99-year lease, which meant we could invest £10 million in the entire project.”

Even as the purchase was proceeding, designers, planners and builders were being primed to start work in January of this year. “Obviously spa is our heritage, so we had to move swiftly – we couldn’t have a spa that didn’t match the Champneys standard, so the first £3 million went straight to the spa refurbishment,” states

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Purdew, revealing that once under the brand’s ownership an ambitious 12-week timeframe was set for the transformation of the spa building.

“Stephen and I worked on the entire development plan and I scheduled the organisational brief for Goddard Littlefair, our interior design company, and Stoneforce, the main contractor,” affirms Champneys’ project director Chris Maryon. “We were always determined to relaunch the spa for an Easter opening, and completing a renovation to high standards in this timescale required preparation, planning, absolute attention to detail and pure dynamic teamwork.”

Dedicated and determined At the start of alterations to the 2,400sqm, two-storey spa layout, the building was stripped back to its shell, unfortunately revealing issues with existing air conditioning and plumbing installations. “Because the spa building was constructed in 2000 we did not have to apply for listed building consent, so were able to power ahead with the project. However, we didn’t know that over those 17 years no maintenance and engineering (M&E) had been undertaken, so we needed to replace considerable plant works, adding several hundred-thousand to the cost,” reveals Maryon.

Regardless of this setback, the team’s determination carried the project forward. “We continued through the renovation systematically, reaching every programme

“Spa is our heritage, so we had to move swiftly. We couldn’t have a spa that didn’t match the Champneys standard, so the first £3 million went straight to the spa refurbishment.”

Stephen Purdew Chief executive, Champneys

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Design focus Eastwell Manor, Champneys

milestone set and ensuring all deadlines were met to achieve a highly-finished product ready for use,” he says resolutely.

Stephen Purdew concurs: “We had a guaranteed nine percent on the contract so we didn’t have to go to tender, which made economic sense throughout the spa renovation.

The only thing that caught us by surprise was the M&E, we suspected this might be an issue, but to what extent was difficult to tell until we got inside the shell.”

Maryon is emphatic that the delivery of this well-equipped building was a true process of collaboration. “Listening to all stakeholders from an early stage was crucial,” he says. “We were generating 21 treatment rooms, from an original 10, so talking about what they needed operationally was invaluable – there’s no point in spending all that money to not get everything absolutely right.” Among those involved were the therapists who would eventually operate within the spa. “I’m probably proudest of the treatment rooms,” states Maryon.

“Consulting the team to remove stress points for staff and guests was vital for the success of this project.”

The design brief to build a ‘contemporary spa with marble and glass materials creating clean lines and immaculate finishes’ was indeed completed in just 12 weeks. “We transformed what was a dark warren of rooms and corridors into a striking open-plan spa space,” states Maryon. “This is the fastest project turnaround I’ve ever worked on, in terms of volume and intensity.”

Below from left: Eastwell Manor, Champneys offers guests a choice of 100 treatment options; luxurious loungers line the 20m ozone swimming pool

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Eastwell Manor officially opened its newly-branded Champneys spa doors on April 14 this year. “It was finished to exceptional standards – fully-booked and seamlessly on time – I’m really very pleased with it,” smiles Purdew.

The inside story Surrounded by walled gardens close to the Manor house, the spa’s entrance walkway leads guests to marble reception desks where they are greeted by members of the wellbeing and fitness team. Beyond is a lounge and the beautifully designed 200sqm restaurant, which opens onto gardens and serves an inspired, nutritional menu by head chef Neil Wiggins.

To the left of the ground-floor lobby the changing rooms lead to a 20m indoor ozone swimming pool and upgraded thermal areas. “We worked with Pools by Design to replace mosaic tiles, re-floor all the wet areas and re-model the hydropool, steam room and sauna,” says Maryon.

The interior concept, contrasting bright spa energy with soft-around-the-edges relaxation, is at its best in the first-floor treatment area, which offers 21 single therapy rooms. As well as relaxation and retail zones there is also a ‘finishing touches’ Beauty Space with four Jessica nail stations, two pedicure thrones, two hairdressing stations and a luxurious Mii makeup area. Finally, the spa’s £250,000 Technogym fitness room combines high-intensity equipment with a studio for classes and a cardio facility set over 280sqm on both floors.

“I think we’ve got it really right,” declares Purdew. “Of course, adjustments will be made, but there are not many hotels in the UK that can claim this many treatment rooms

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Design focus Eastwell Manor, Champneys

Clockwise from left: Eastwell Manor is a classic country house set in Kent’s ‘Garden of England’ countryside; the Champneys spa team has grown to 17 therapists since opening, with more set to follow; the spa’s homely and high-spec changing rooms

with all these facilities and 100 treatment offerings.”

Eastwell Manor, Champneys certainly has hit the ground running. “Business is good and in just over a month we had gone from between four and eight guests to 35-45 a day,” Purdew exclaims. “Our day guest target was 50, so we’re almost hitting that already – weekends are easy to sell, but being this busy during the week is exciting.”

However, he is keen to emphasise the importance placed on maintaining a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. “It’s calmly busy because this is a big facility with its own exclusive environment. We keep a keen eye on the flow of residents, day guests and members; however, since opening we’ve seen a 40% rise in membership with numbers going from 470 to 700, and we’ve increased fees. The spa is now alive and vibrant – our audience is aspirational, affluent, and they will spend money for good service.”

“Chris Maryon had meetings with the team and I to ensure the operational aesthetics and ergonomics were perfect for our working environment.

He did an outstanding job from a therapist’s perspective.”

Keri Bond Spa manager

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During hotel renovations spa business attention was on day guests and pre-selling for the spa meant it was fully-booked even before opening. With group reservations built into the Champneys dynamic, next on the marketing strategy are spa breaks. “We want to elevate Eastwell Manor to a premium country house resort in local, regional and European markets,” states Will Simmonds, group operations director, who joined from De Vere Hotels in 2014. “Retaining Eastwell’s charm and character, with the benefit of a five-star spa brand for wellbeing service delivery, will be a key message.”

As with all things Champneys, positioning of the business demographically and geographically is paramount and the group is aiming to attract European guests to the hotel.

“The Champneys marketing model is a soft-sell approach through profile awareness rather than pure advertising,” says Simmonds. “However, we’ve taken a stronger stance, given Eastwell’s proximity to Ashford International rail station, by investing in an advertising campaign at St Pancras in London.”

Great expectations The Champneys team were keen to provide a smooth transition for the manor’s existing employees following the acquisition of Eastwell. “The team here had stable ownership for almost 20 years, so it was a potentially unsettling time for them, but the fact that we came in and started major refurbishment work, which the property was crying out for,

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Design focus Eastwell Manor, Champneys

Above from left: The gym has been equipped with some £250,000 worth of Technogym training machines; the spa restaurant serves a menu created by head chef Neil Wiggins; Champneys aims to attract guests from Europe via nearby international rail links

reassured staff that we were not some corporate machine or venture capitalist squeezing an asset – we are a privately owned company with solid values building a great business and they’re a huge part of that,” clarifies Simmonds.

Overseeing the spa team integration was Keri Bond, dual site spa manager for Champneys who joined the group as a therapist in 2004. “We were very lucky to acquire a team of ten high-quality therapists,” she states. “I visited beforehand as a mystery shopper to gain a guest perspective, and the service being offered was superb, so it was a great starting point.

“My brief was to bring the Champneys expertise and achieve a smooth integration for the team, ensuring that protocols, policies and standards were all in place, introduced and overseen with ongoing training and advice.

“We were also lucky enough to have input on the spa design, so even in my hard hat I was able to give direction to the project. Chris Maryon had meetings with me and the team to ensure the operational aesthetics and ergonomics were perfect for our working environment, a key area that’s often missed, and he did an outstanding job from a therapist’s perspective.”

Subsequent recruitment and training has run smoothly as the Eastwell team has expanded. “Since opening we have recruited seven new therapists, taking the team to 17, and another five new starters are joining us over a staggered five-week

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induction period,” says Bond. “Working with product partners Elemis, Aromatherapy Associates, Jessica and Mii also enables us to develop ongoing treatment training and spa packages.

“We’re currently trialling a new offering whereby guests can tailor-make their own day,” she reveals. “Our current £99 spa day package, for example, has a £40 allocation for retail or treatments, giving guests the choice to select spa treatments or go shopping, and it’s working really well. Our retail space is great, with room to grow, and we will increase our service usage as we progress.”

The Champneys family The manor house itself has a uniquely classical vibe, with traditional features such as carved oak panelling, large baronial fireplaces and tall leaded windows. Together with the mews cottages and courtyard lodges, the hotel’s 23 bedrooms takes accommodation options to 62 rooms and suites.

To build on Eastwell’s immediate success Champneys is assessing previously untapped markets, such as weddings, conferences, banqueting, and the escalating family breaks sector. “With a strong standalone spa, the vision was always to integrate our developed spa

“We transformed what was a dark warren of rooms and corridors into a striking open-plan spa space. This is the fastest project turnaround I’ve ever worked on, in terms of volume and intensity.”

Chris Maryon Project director, Champneys

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We deliver, just tell us where.

market with a superb hotel tie-in,” Purdew proclaims.

As phase two of the manor house renovation continues, Purdew is confident that “all bedrooms are on target for completion by the end of this year.” Furthermore, to complement Eastwell’s 1920s lido-style outdoor pool, tennis court, croquet lawn, pétanque court and nine-hole golf course, there is a planned outdoor Leisure Hub, which will offer a reduced-size bowling alley, a club house, beach huts, and catering.

“We’ve already built a falconry and I’m also putting an ice rink in for Christmas to welcome families as part of our new audience,” he states. “Country pursuits is a new approach for us – less bootcamp and more country-boots living. We are not a purist health resort, but we are still part of Champneys, so health and wellness activities are important and I want to encourage people to stay and enjoy these things in England.”

Concurrent to the Eastwell development, Champneys is continuing to invest in its signature properties around the UK. “We’re currently refurbishing Henlow Grange, and we’ve finished Tring and Forest Mere, which are both doing really well – but of course you never really ‘finish’. We’re also looking at a hotel in the Cotswolds, but that’s another story,” Purdew concludes with a knowing smile.

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.

Eastwell Manor, Champneys +44 (0) 843 224 1700 | www.champneys.com Owner: The Champneys Group Total investment: £10 million Spa investment: £3 million Main contractor: Stoneforce Interior design: Goddard Littlefair Total spa size: 2,400sqm Spa restaurant: 200sqm Treatment rooms: 21 singles Therapy team: 17 Spa and wellness team: 30 Hotel team: 140 Product partners: Elemis, Aromatherapy Associates, Jessica, Mii Wet spa equipment: Pools by Design Treatment room equipment: Beauty Express Fitness equipment: Technogym

ellisons.co.uk

www.europeanspamagazine.com ADV113694-v2-14Mar-ea.indd 1

2017-03-14 10:55 AM

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A diamond decade

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of European Spa, editor Sarah Camilleri asks some of the industry’s leading lights what they believe the future will hold for spa and wellness

I

t really has been a ‘diamond decade’ for spa and wellness; 10 years of unprecedented growth, transformation and recognition for our industry worldwide. Spas have always served as centres of wellbeing and today they continue to raise the bar when it comes to delivering innovation and truly memorable experiences.

Back in 2007, as we burned the midnight oil to complete the first edition of European Spa, I was advised that launching a spa business magazine might be ‘too niche’, ‘too elitist’, or simply ‘too soon’ in what was then an emerging sector. I was advised to widen the editorial lens to include business reports and news for the salon industry and follow the formula of other trade titles.

Of course, this well-meaning advice did not reflect my view of the exciting opportunity spa presented and the enthusiasm and talent of the professionals I was meeting out in the field. Furthermore, the potential to meet growing consumer demand for deeper, more holistic experiences was already being successfully showcased at established destination spas across the world: operators already reaching way beyond the recognised silos of beauty, fitness and complementary health.

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Over the years a groundswell of talent and innovation has resulted in a whole new genre of spa offerings, locations and experiences to serve those seeking out paths to wellness. Now, we are seeing the rise of ‘wellness everywhere’ as wellness tourism, workplace programmes and design influence the wider world of hospitality.

Today, inner wellbeing is on the menu along with outer beauty, as our industry encourages new journeys of self discovery, self expression and self care. Mindfulness, movement, nutrition and a whole kaleidoscope of healing modalities are promoting healthier, happier lifestyles.

These advancements are also significantly widening the spa supply chain and employment opportunities daily: redefining training, language, skills and expertise, products, packages and retail – in fact, the entire way we connect with guests.

European Spa has always strived to celebrate the exemplars of industry: to share ideas, best practice and innovation so that it may encourage others to succeed. So it seems right that we celebrate our 10th birthday with some words of wisdom from leading industry lights who share their opinions of what the next 10 years will bring. We’re sure you’ll find what they have to say enlightening and inspiring.

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Keep things simple Sue Harmsworth, MBE, founder, ESPA

Sue Harmsworth, MBE With nearly three decades of success behind her, ESPA founder Sue Harmsworth has been involved in the spa world for the majority of her professional life, contributing significantly to the definition of the modern spa concept. www.espaskincare.com

“We now have a developed spa market around the world and the problem with that is there are so many different spa cultures and types that we have a mismatch between talent and consumer expectation.

“At the moment, the spa industry is perhaps most effective on prevention, nurturing, age-defying and ‘being the best you can at every stage of your life’.

“We’re moving away from short-term ‘fixes’ and seeing a huge uptake in treatments that focus on mindfulness and resilience. Alongside this, the word ‘spa’ has almost disappeared so everyone is instead talking about ‘wellbeing’ and ‘wellness’ but neither of these are properly defined yet.

“Going forward, I believe it will be better to do less, well; we must decide who we are within the market and what we’re doing, and be true to that.

This will enable spas to keep things simple, plan their treatment menus accordingly and exceed guest expectations in terms of promise.

“The spa market is at different stages in different parts of the world, so you should make sure your consumer and your spa are well matched.”

The 360° experience Simone Gibertoni, CEO, Clinique La Prairie

Simone Gibertoni Before joining Clinique La Prairie, Montreux, Simone was the managing director of CRB, a global leader in high-performance skincare as well as spending a decade as a consultant for many leading international companies including Breil, Banca lntesa and Monte Paschi. www.laprairie.ch

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“The most important future trend will be the transformation of spa services into multi-disciplinary medical spa competence centres with a genuine fusion of western medicine, fitness and spa protocols.

“As such, we need to find a model that might truly help guests by using every tool available to us in order to improve their wellbeing. Essentially, the idea is a holistic approach to mental wellbeing through meditation and mindfulness; physical wellbeing through medical experiences and spa services; and beauty through aesthetic medicine and wellness.

“Medical spas of the future will address health as a 360° experience, combining expert knowledge of contemporary sciences and high-tech devices with ancient holistic therapies able to provide clients with visible and long-lasting results.

“I believe that this shift to a unification of wellness and predictive medicine offers a great opportunity for the global spa industry going forward.”

www.europeanspamagazine.com

Business A Diamond Decade – Exploring future frontiers

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What investors want

Roger Allen, CEO, Resources for Leisure Assets “Investors want absolute transparency about how spa activities will bring value to the real estate and that’s what drips down to the bottom line performance. All of the data that is available at the moment in terms of spa is top-line related and driven.

“Investors are looking at what value is brought to the asset, which is, essentially, profit and cash – whether that’s the land, the bricks and mortar or the hotel itself – and they should invest as much in spa as it takes to achieve the desired return rate.

“It’s also really important for owners and investors to have a clear understanding of what they consider to be wellbeing and hospitality activities and avoid making emotion-led decisions.

“By looking at a spa clearly as an investment, it enables you to drive a much more meaningful and purposeful business plan. We see a great ambiguity when it comes to spa performance – there’s a lot of KPI information but not how it looks on a balance sheet or in a profit-and-loss column.

“For me, the future is providing greater clarity for investors so that any data on spa and wellbeing provides meaningful input for how these activities will ultimately impact a developer’s return.”

Roger Allen Having worked in the hospitality and leisure industry for more than two decades, Roger has a singular expertise in wellbeing asset management and the complexity of project planning, delivery and operations. www.resourcesforleisureassets.com

From luxury to necessity Becky Woodhouse, CEO, Pure Spa & Beauty

“In the next decade, many jobs are set to disappear as increasing use of technology takes over many aspects of our normal lives. The global population will continue to grow, and the proportion of older people will increase.

“As the population ages, healthy living, relaxation and wellness will become a necessity rather than a luxury. I think spas will become even more vital places of sanctuary from modern life.

“Advances in technology will create lots of exciting opportunities in our industry to provide spa guests with the ‘wow’ factor. The spa experience will become an integral part of a healthy lifestyle and there will be greater link-ups between wellness, medical, health, and the workplace to create complete lifestyle experiences that are accessible to a much wider range of people than ever before.”

Becky Woodhouse With locations in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, Pure Spa & Beauty was established

by Becky with the defining ambition of becoming Scotland’s premier urban spa and beauty provider. www.purespauk.com

Clockwise from top left: Communing with nature in the outdoor infinity pool at Lucknam Park, UK; the sumptuous indoor pool at Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, Spain; a yoga class at SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain; a luxurious relaxation room at Clinique la Prairie, Switzerland

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Everyday wellness Susie Ellis, chairman and CEO, Global Wellness Summit

Susie Ellis Chairman and CEO of the Global Wellness Summit, Susie Ellis is a globally recognised authority on the evolution of spa consumers and spa-related health, wellness, beauty, fitness and lifestyle trends. www.globalwellnesssummit.com

Louise Moore Louise has more than 20 years’ experience as a senior executive in the spa, leisure and hospitality industries. In her role as Hilton’s director of spa development & operations, Europe, which she has held since 2010, Louise oversees the operation of more than 60 spas across the continent. www.hilton.com

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“The unprecedented stress levels and constant connection of modern life has led to a surge in mental health issues and loneliness. This leads me to believe that, in future, the peace, ability to disconnect, sense of community and human touch that spas offer will only become more important.

“There will be a powerful new focus on mental wellness and happiness, and successful spas will help people meaningfully, and ever more creatively, disconnect from their digital bombardment, while reconnecting them with people and nature.

“All wellness markets will grow over the next decade due to: an emerging global middle class with rising income to spend on improving their quality of life; an epidemic of chronic disease and the failure of the ‘sick-care’ medical model to solve that; and a shift in consumer behaviour to buying experiences rather than things, driven by Millennials as they move into their peak spending years.

“The most profound shift will be the fusion of wellness into every aspect of daily life: how people eat, how they work, where they live, how they travel.

So wellness will command a greater percentage of several multi-trillion dollar industries.

“Wellness may feel ‘everywhere’ now, but its penetrating deeper and further.”

Memorable connections Louise Moore, director of spa operations and development, Hilton Group

“The way in which we design future spa and wellbeing spaces is critical, and we must ensure they are relatable and relevant to our local, regional and global guests of the future.

“At Hilton, we’ve recently developed a unique ‘Wellness Design Narrative’, to ensure our future wellness spaces provide guests with an environment in which they can fully engage in what they want to do, instead of what we want to provide.

“I believe we should ‘shake up’ the stereotypical spa experience in the future, making it memorable, educational, engaging and fun. This will require an embrace of technology as the digital era impacts further on the way guests engage with spas.”

www.europeanspamagazine.com

Business A Diamond Decade – Exploring future frontiers

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Continued innovation Noella Gabriel, managing director, Elemis

“This is one of the most exciting times for spa there has ever been; it’s now looked on as much more than a pampering experience and there’s a very different understanding of what a spa is, and what it can do.

“In future, operators will adjust everything to meet the demands of their audience, providing the right treatments, at the right time, for the right needs. To do this, spas need to know their target markets and have confidence in their products and results.

“Product development is in the midst of a very exciting and creatively rewarding period as you can be so innovative with your formulations. For brands to continue to stay at the forefront of change, they need a robust new product development department that will keep them relevant in the long term.

“I believe sales will go from strength to strength in the future but I’d like to take the word ‘retail’ away and replace it with ‘education’. If our therapists really understand the skin and meet their client’s requirements they will inspire great loyalty through total satisfaction.

“We have to deliver and not just pay lip service as an industry – if we provide true wellness and skin health, then spa has a great future.”

Noella Gabriel As a founder, managing director and director of product and treatment development at Elemis, Noella Gabriel is a globally-renowned innovator and developer of spa therapies and skincare products. www.elemis.com

Planting seeds of hope Aldina Duarte Ramos, director of wellbeing, Sofitel Legend, SO Sofitel, Sofitel, Swissôtel and Pullman, AccorHotels

“Wellness should be accessible to anyone, not just the elite. To democratise the spa experience we need to communicate better with our guests and provide them with simple things to do when they leave the spa and are trying to fit wellness into their daily lives.

“In France, we are addressing wellness at school level with a variety of holistic programmes so that it is part of every child’s environment.

“I believe the best way to do it is to teach our children how to feel well through meditation and mindfulness, so it becomes natural for them to lie on the floor, breathe, let things go and think about something positive. It’s very powerful.

“To begin this when children are young is amazing because you’re teaching them that wellness is anchored in how you feel inside.”

Aldina Duarte Ramos Recognised as a leader within global wellness, Aldina is the director of wellbeing for Sofitel, Swissôtel and Pullman, and AccorHotels, and has more than two decades of cross-cultural experience in creating and implementing new concepts within the luxury hospitality sector. www.accorhotels.com

Clockwise from top left: A guest experiences a Gharieni Quartz bed at The House of Elemis, UK; high-end spa design at the Waldorf Astoria Berlin, Germany; AccorHotels has an active wellness strategy to serve its guests; personalised fitness training at Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal

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Business A Diamond Decade – Exploring future frontiers

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The future of healing

Jeremy McCarthy, group director of spa and wellness, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Jeremy McCarthy In addition to his role as group director of spa and wellness at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, wellbeing psychology expert Jeremy McCarthy also teaches at the University of California, Irvine, US. www.mandarinoriental.com www.psychologyofwellbeing.com

“Despite limited and conflicting scientific support for the possible health benefits, the ubiquitousness and popularity of spas across time and cultures indicates that people must benefit from spa services. “‘It feels good’ is often cited as the reason to go to a spa, and while hedonism is not usually on the menu, a new breed of positive psychologists argue that feeling good and being well are closely related.

Research has shown that the benefits of happiness go far beyond just feeling good in the moment and can have beneficial outcomes in areas such as relationships, physical health and career success.

“The benefits of spa also extend beyond making us feel good. Like many offerings from complementary and alternative medicine, spas help us to heal ourselves. Modern medicine tends to discount the body’s abilities to self-heal, seeking instead external interventions such as drugs or surgery.

“Spas offer the healing experiences that we yearn for. When envisioning the healthcare system of the future, should we not look at the one healing institution that people truly love and choose to visit because they can feel the benefits?”

Awakening in the east Alla Sokolova Deeply passionate about popularising wellness culture, Alla is the co-author of Healing Sources: Spas and Wellbeing from the Baltic to the Black Sea and co-founder and general manager of IWC Balans in Latvia and has extensive knowledge of the Russian and Easter European spa markets. www.inbalansgroup.com

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Alla Sokolova, CEO, Inbalans Group

“No longer relying on traditional medical systems, today’s eastern European spa consumer consciously takes an educated responsibility for their health.

We are now also seeing a renaissance across eastern Europe, including a surge of international travellers, of those who value nature as the best healer.

“Our superb spa resources have existed for more than two centuries with very few changes. With access to a wealth of information and a great depth of wellness experiences, there has been a significant rise in healing and wellness tourism in the region, which was previously overlooked as it had been closed to international visitors during the Soviet era.

“Health resorts and healing sources such as thermal springs, muds and herbs also benefit from a great range of evidence-based research, which began in the late 1950s and continues today.”

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Business A Diamond Decade – Exploring future frontiers

THE NO.1 MAGAZINE

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FOR SPA AND WELLNESS

Issue 60 | October/November 2017 | www.europeanspamagazine.com

ISSUE

60 th

ISSUE

2007-2017

TO THE MANOR BORN

The start of a brand new era at Eastwell Manor, Champneys, UK

EXPERT GUIDE: HEAT The best industry advice on hydro-thermal experiences

FREEDOM OF CHOICE

A culture of individuality reigns at Schloss Elmau, Germany

2007-2017

Experimental design Beverley Bayes, co-director, Sparcstudio

“In an increasingly technological age, we anticipate that the future design of spas will provide an even closer connection and reference to local environments and precious natural resources, whether in rural, coastal or urban settings.

“Spas have moved out of dark, hermetically sealed basements to offer light-filled, uplifting experiences with greater transparency. This divergence ties in with the move away from formality to embrace a more, ‘barefoot luxury’ experience. We have already seen an increase in rooftop city spas with al fresco pools that offer magical night-time views.

“Natural elements and materials will form the palette for the spa of the future thanks to their therapeutic health benefits, with natural planting in green walls, air plants and tepidariums increasing.

“As the spa consumer becomes more sophisticated, we anticipate that even communal spa environments will offer guests personalised thermal and relaxation experiences with individual, intuitive app-based controls for temperature, light, sound, duration and intensity. These technologies will enable guests to enjoy an enhanced and bespoke experience that responds to live biometric data.”

Beverley Bayes A creative director and co-owner of spa design consultancy Sparcstudio, Beverley is passionate about spa and hotel design and has a wealth of experience with leading spa and wellness operations. www.sparcstudio.co.uk

Getting better with age

Photo: Christian Banfield/Helen Abraham

Mike Wallace, group spa director, Danubius Health Spa Resorts “By 2030, in Europe, there will be three million more people over the age of 60 coming into the spa and wellness market each year. This ageing, but more educated and health-conscious market could see a renaissance for traditional European balneotherapy spas and facilities that are able to treat mobility diseases and offer effective treatments for stress.

“There will also be a growing segment who have managed to retire early, so long-term stays in spa resorts and even retirement homes or apartments connected to traditional European spa facilities will have their niche.

“Furthermore, a backlash against so-called ‘wellness fascism’ means that traditional, effective, natural treatments, delivered professionally by highly qualified therapists, stripped of hype and fluff, could lead the way forward.”

Mike Wallace As group spa director and brand manager for Danubius Hotels Group, Mike has considerable high-level experience in spa operations, product development and planning. Currently, he is responsible for the operation, business performance and development of 20 medical health spas across Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and the Czech Republic. www.danubiushotels.com Clockwise from top left: Poolside purity at Dormy House Hotel & Spa, UK; a traditional eastern European wellness treatment at Irma Health Spa, Slovakia; Mandarin Oriental remains an exemplar of current hotel spa standards

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Spas Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway, Germany

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Spas Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway, Germany

Luxury for the soul European Spa heads for the Bavarian Alps to visit Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway – a beacon for creativity, wellbeing and ‘next-level’ luxury R EP OR T BY S A R A H C A M I L L E R I

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isruptive innovation is not typically found at the luxury end of hospitality, yet one unique resort, tucked away in the Bavarian Alps, is ripping up the rulebook, thanks to its forward-thinking owner’s devotion to creativity and self-expression. The award-winning Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway, located around 100km south of Munich, Germany, is an example of what happens when an entrepreneur with a passion for music, politics and debate starts to imagine how to wrap spa concepts around a truly cultural experience where luxury is all about choice.

Dietmar Müller-Elmau, the IT visionary who created Fidelio hotel management software, now owned by Oracle, made a significant investment that has not only helped to position Schloss Elmau as one of Germany’s top resorts, but also secured recognition for its unique approach to high-end hospitality.

Importantly, his vision was to create a concert hall and cultural experience surrounded by a luxury spa resort, rather than a spa resort with a concert hall added. As well as two hotels on-site there are five separate spas offering an impressive breadth of wellness facilities and relaxation spaces. Their unique spa programmes are complemented by a year-round cultural celebration of classical music, literature and poetry.

Levels of luxury Chosen to host world leaders for the G7 conference of nations in 2015, the retreat’s star-studded guest list has included Angela Merkel, Barack Obama and many other global influencers from politics, business and the arts.

“We have 162 rooms, more than 300 employees and over 8,300sqm of spa space, including a hamman, two gyms, two fitness rooms and eight swimming pools, six of which are outside,” says Nikolai Bloyd, Schloss Elmau’s general manager, whose passion for the property stems from memorable family holidays spent there as a child.

“What sets Schloss Elmau apart, first and foremost is Left: An aerial view captures the natural, bright and colourful essence of Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway in the Bavarian Alps

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the location; we’re in the middle of a pristine Alpine valley in a national forest, so completely surrounded by nature. Our guests and their kids arrive from the city – be it Berlin, Paris or London – they glow with the amount of nature around them,” says Bloyd. “I think our setting relaxes people and makes them realise that although we’re luxury, it’s not a self-conscious luxury.

It is about being natural.”

Schloss Elmau welcomes some of the world’s most promising classical musicians to share their talents through ‘play-to-stay’ performances in its purpose-built concert hall – an aspect of the retreat that Bloyd says is at the core of its intentions. “Luxury at the first level was almost spiritual – the nature and music,” he continues. “Luxury at the second level has been our attention to detail – the beautiful rooms, the comfort, the lighting, the food, the restaurants, the Michelin star and the entire spa offering. Over the last 10 years we have completed an entire reconstruction of the property after a major fire destroyed two thirds of the castle. This included building The Retreat, the spas and various restaurants to take our luxury to the next level.”

Family friendly Opened in 2015, the resort’s elegant The Retreat is luxuriously styled with Asian accents and a warm palette of reds, russet and gold, and offers 47 spacious suites and rooms as well as spectacular views of the Wetterstein mountains and forests beyond. Its 2,000sqm Shantigiri Spa is divided into two areas – an Adult and Lady Spa, and a family space – and also offers a 120sqm Yoga Pavilion. Elsewhere, the 3,000sqm Badehaus Spa offers three floors of thermal experiences, pools and yoga space, a treatment floor and dedicated consultation space for the retreat’s new Turtle

“I think our setting relaxes people and makes them realise that although we’re luxury, it’s not a self-conscious luxury. It is about being natural.”

Nikolai Bloyd General manager

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Spas Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway, Germany

Clockwise from top left: Schloss Elmau’s incredible Bavarian Alpine setting; dedicated therapists are able to highly personalise the treatments on offer; one of the resort’s five outdoor swimming pools; a foaming treatment in the expansive hammam; the resort’s multi-coloured robes allow guests a sense of freedom and individuality; relaxing in the dedicated Lady Spa sauna

courts and beautiful outdoor yoga spaces. At the Ferchenbach sauna, located in the middle of the forest, you can book a private Champagne Sauna Ceremony with a saunameister.

Slow and steady Spa Concept. An authentic, 500sqm Turkish hammam, built with local stone and run by hammam master Sadik Simsek, lies beneath the Badehaus, and is claimed to be the most extensive of its kind outside Turkey. Here, five different treatment experiences are offered, including the Salt and Oil Exfoliation, which uses products from British brand Neom Organics London.

For those with children, a dedicated 1,500sqm Family Spa provides space to enjoy time together without disturbing other guests seeking a more peaceful stay. “A place without children is a place without hope,” says Dietmar Müller-Elmau, who, refreshingly believes that time together is actually what families and friends want. “Children and spa can work well but you need space to get away from them and they need to get away from you,” he adds. Indeed, with 65% of the resort given over to public space, there is plenty of room for togetherness as well as privacy.

Last, but not least, the property’s Nature Spa relies on the delights of the great outdoors, with 15,000sqm of sport facilities and outdoor activities to enjoy, including tennis

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Since joining Schloss Elmau in 2003, medical spa director Dr Imke König, who also runs her own private TCM practice, has worked with spa and sports director Johannes Mikenda, to evolve the resort’s spa and leisure offer. The latest level of this is the new Turtle Spa Concept, a personalised approach to health that allows guests to experience ancient modalities of TCM with contemporary insight from sports science, nutrition, herbal medicine and aromatherapy. The treatments can be taken as a medical package through Dr König’s private practice, or as a personalised spa programme at the resort.

“TCM has always been at the heart of our spa concept, but never more concentrated than now, with the recent launch of our new Turtle Spa Concept,” enthuses König. “I love turtles because they do it right – slow and steady,” she smiles.

“Slowing down is the key to a long, healthy and happy life. In China, turtles are a symbol of wisdom and longevity, and, of course, the element of water. They symbolise the beginning and the end of life. Everything in one shell.”

Affectionately known as ‘the turtle doc’, König’s new approach reflects a shift in demand at the spa. “Nine years

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Spas Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway, Germany

ago, most guests arrived here wanting to relax and be pampered. But, in the last five years, people have come to us with more complex questions relating to sleep issues, anxiety problems, phobias, gynaecological and digestive disorders that cannot be solved with massages or beauty treatments alone,” she explains. “The question was ‘what measures and approach could we take to help them?’”

Following a consultation with Dr König, guests select from five Turtle Spa packages – Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal – which last for five days. These offer an array of modalities including acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion, Gua sha, cupping, Tui Na massage, nutrition counselling and soft movement in the form of Qi Gong and Tai Chi Chuan. “It’s quite easy to implement the basic principles of TCM into your life – the Chinese have been doing this for 2,000 years,” states König.

“TCM has always been at the heart of our spa concept here, but never more concentrated than now, with the launch of new Turtle Spa Concept.”

Dr Imke König Medical spa director

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Yoga without dogma Working closely with Dr König, Austria-born Johannes Mikenda oversees a 50-strong spa and sports team and his sports science, fitness and advanced Jivamukti Yoga experience has been crucial in the spa’s development.

“I joined Elmau six years ago, to build a yoga programme and to open our Yoga School, before becoming the spa manager and more recently, in November 2016, spa and sports director,” recalls Mikenda. “My team welcome and care for guests in a uniquely personal way. Everybody in the spa is very passionate and we work at a high level. If you love what you do, it helps you to push your limits.”

As well as overseeing spa operations, Mikenda has developed Schloss Elmau’s renowned Jivamukti Yoga programmes, aptly presented as ‘Yoga without dogma’.

An impressive 750 classes (at least two per day) are run throughout the year, including as part of some 15-20 five–day yoga retreats. Online yoga follow-up courses allow guests to continue their experience beyond their stay, while Schloss Elmau’s annual Yoga Summit, held in June, is attended by visitors of all levels who wish to deepen their practice.

Movement and physicality is seen as a path to help guests ‘go within’ and the property offers expert guidance in personal training, performance diagnostics and BASI Pilates, as well as Nordic walking, back fitness programmes,

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Spas Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway, Germany

swimming and a whole host of outdoor sports and Alpine pursuits. “The idea behind our varied offering is to give freedom of choice. We have eight pools and over 20 saunas so you can always find a niche,” explains Mikenda.

“There is no ‘best place’, they are all wonderful, unique and different, like our guests,” he adds. “Some prefer to spend time in the secluded Ferchenbach sauna in the middle of the woods, close to a little creek; others prefer the Turkish hammam or enjoying the panoramic views of the Wetterstein mountains in the Badehaus saunas. For yet others, its yoga or Tai Chi; a relaxing Lomi Lomi or intense Thai massage; a facial using the latest anti-ageing or vegan organic products.”

Great expectations Schloss Elmau welcomes guests from all over Europe as well as America, South America and Asia, and its spa team comprises experienced international therapists from nine countries. “Our guests have travelled extensively all over the world so they know a lot and they expect a lot. Our therapists need to be able to communicate well to engage people and find out what they really need,” says Dr König.

“The idea behind our varied offering is to give freedom of choice. There is no ‘best place’, they are all wonderful, unique and different, like our guests.”

Johannes Mikenda Spa and sports director

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Clockwise from above left: Schloss Elmau’s light-filled yoga pavilion; the resort’s location provides guests with a sense of ‘spiritual luxury’; the Family Spa pool, where guests of all ages can enjoy time together; outdoor relaxation at the Badehaus Spa

She continues: “This industry talks a lot about standards but here these only account for 10% of our offering – how you greet, drape and position the guest, offering music, oils and a comfortable table. The all-important 90% at Schloss Elmau is in how our professionals are able to truly personalise your treatment experience.”

The hard-working spa team is able to deliver 100 treatment hours every day with a carefully selected range for guests to select from. “We try to keep the process of choosing treatments simple. Having choice gives freedom, but too much choice generates stress,” says Mikenda. “So we have focused on three brands: we have Switzerland’s Ananné, which is organic and vegan. Then we have Niance, which places a focus on anti-ageing. Our Signature Line is a highly developed medical product containing patented Dermal Membrane Structures.”

Added to this is a selection of skin rejuvenation treatments from Reviderm, including ultrasound and microdermabrasion, as well as a full menu of specialist massage and body treatments, hand and foot rituals, kids and teens services and salon, makeup and hair facilities.

“We have very special water here – full of organic elements – which is known in the region as being good for skin,” adds Dr König. “I have also developed many unique massages, including Physio Floating Massage, a three-dimensional spiral dynamic experience in our saltwater

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Spas Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway, Germany

Music for the heart and soul

Schloss Elmau’s dedication to the healing power of music is evident in the beautiful concert hall located at the very heart of the resort. Dietmar Müller-Elmau’s desire to create a cultural hideaway for artists and like-minded guests led to the ‘Play-to-Stay’ concept, whereby world-class classical and jazz musicians come to enjoy Schloss Elmau in exchange for sharing their music with other guests. The result is an impressive Silke Zimmerman all-year round cultural programme of over 200 concerts, run by artistic director Dr Silke Zimmermann, with countless renowned stars of music, literature and poetry.

“Artists can bring their partners, relax, and perform in one of the most acoustically perfect chamber music halls in Germany,” reveals Zimmermann. “It presents a challenge to the work ethic, though, as our spas are so outstanding that sometimes rehearsal time is sacrificed!”

pool; Physio Relax Massage, a neurotransmitter release procedure for relaxation; and our Special Blend Massage and Ultimate Turtle Back Massage, where east meets west and Tui Na meets Lomi, to help with back problems.”

Mindful of the future The need for a holistic approach to health and wellbeing is exemplified by Schloss Elmau’s mindful and TCM-orientated concept. “We have recognised this need for a long time; people are increasingly stressed, however the mental aspect of what we can do in spas is still understated in Europe.

In the US it is more common to include psychotherapy or mental aspects in spas,” comments Mikenda.

“Currently, we offer several ‘mental health’ activities that are not labelled as such, like classical concerts, talks about yoga, medical counselling and so on. But this will become

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more common in future years.

“Right now we are implementing new event weeks focussed on different health-related topics with experts discussing strategies for a healthier life: something unique and different which will be rolled out more fully in 2018.”

According to Mikenda, the quest to stay ahead relies not just on meeting new trends but on ensuring that Schloss Elmau’s services are presented in an accessible format. “To be honest, I do not like the word ‘prevention’,” he says. “It means that you act just to prevent something negative happening.

The same is true for ‘health’ – most people simply think of this as the opposite of disease. We should all focus on the beauty in life, have fun and enjoy good experiences. Health is the most important goal but it should be natural to be healthy, not extraordinary,” he states.

“As an industry, we should not be telling people that they have problems – we should be giving them solutions. Lunch for example, should not be described as ‘vegan and organic’.

It should be said to be tasty, fresh, colourful, full of emotion and, by the way, also vegan and organic,” he states. “We need to change the language. We want our guests to have fun, relax and leave feeling inspired.”

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Spas Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway, Germany

Freedom of expression Dietmar Müller-Elmau’s goal to deliver freedom of choice as ‘the ultimate luxury’ has realised a world of beauty, art, literature, philosophy and poetry that guests will return to appreciate. “The expression of individual freedom is our underlying principal. We are not dogmatic, we have music, yoga and debates that contradict each other. I don’t want homogeneity,” he states. “The symbol of this freedom is our multi-coloured robes – we are the only hotel in the world where you can choose the colour of your bathrobe and our guests love this. Our robe colours do not match the design of the hotel – there is no corporate identity here – just maximum individuality,” he confirms.

Naturally, the possibility to do everything has to include the opportunity to do nothing and this is something that Müller-Elmau and his team also encourage. “It’s about taking a vacation from yourself, being inspired by nature, by music – to stop thinking.”

Medical spa director Dr Imke König applies her expertise to a guest; views of the Wetterstein mountains and forests from The Retreat sauna; natural ingredients being prepared for a TCM-inspired treatment

Indeed, the melting pot of preferences that co-exist at Schloss Elmau complement each other, even when they are occasionally in juxtaposition. “If you have a relaxation room where people are quiet, it’s only fun if you see life bustling in front of you,” says Dr König. “That’s why Dietmar positioned our relaxation rooms next to the swimming pool, separated by glass doors. You can watch life passing by while you enjoy peace and quiet.”

“We help people to decelerate slowly, to clear their minds and release emotions,” concludes Dietmar Müller-Elmau. “We all need music, literature, poetry to experience time truly suspended, to clear your head and inspire your mind with new ideas.”

Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway +49 (0) 8823 18 982 | www.schloss-elmau.de

“The expression of individual freedom is our underlying principal. We are not dogmatic, we have music, yoga and debates that contradict each other.

I don’t want homogeneity” Dietmar Müller-Elmau Owner

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CEO: Dietmar Müller-Elmau General manager: Nikolai Bloyd Medical spa director: Imke König Spa & sports director: Johannes Mikenda Artistic Director: Silke Zimmermann Culinary Director: Mario Corti Onsite spa facilities: Badehaus Spa (3,000sqm), Turkish hammam (500sqm); Family Spa (1,500sqm) Retreat (1,500sqm), Outdoor Nature Spa (15,000sqm) Interior design: Dietmar Müller-Elmau Total number of treatment rooms: 24 Spa team: 40 Product houses: Niance, Ananné, Neom and Reviderm Other facilities: Jivamukti Yoga School and Yoga Pavilion and personal training Wellness suppliers: Nazar Wellness and Technogym

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“Although Core is a complete business management system, its report function is essential to the success of House Spa. Whether it is end-of day reports, staff utilisation, monitoring retail sales or pinpointing which treatments are most popular, all can be accessed easily to enable us to concentrate on what makes House Spa so different - the guest experience.”

Zoe Douglas House Spa Manager, Dormy House

Menu focus ishga

Pure dedication European Spa talks to Leon Trayling, director of Hebridean seaweed brand ishga, about its success in the UK spa market and plans for international expansion I NT E RV I E W BY M A R K S M I T H

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t was back in 2010 that ishga first introduced seaweed baths at Blythswood Square Spa in Glasgow. The retail and professional products that followed soon afterwards were an instant success and in 2017 the brand is now available in around 40 UK spas, as well as having signed a European distributor for the Benelux countries. Further afield its products are retailed in China and a launch is planned in Australia next year.

Developed and produced on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, ishga harnesses the anti-ageing benefits of sustainably harvested seaweed to create unique face and body products for the professional spa market. In addition to this natural bounty, Hebridean seawater and mineral water sourced from a healing spring on the island are in every product.

Blending the mineral-rich seaweed extract with organic ingredients and essential oils, the range offers clean, natural and sustainable skincare with authentic, traceable roots.

Central to the success of the brand is a potent extract of Hebridean seaweed that is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants. Its benefits have been studied and confirmed by the European Commission FP7 project under the supervision of the University of Reading. Further anchoring its credentials, ishga’s range has also recently been certified organic by the Soil Association.

Diving into the market “It’s just four years since we delivered the first order of ishga products to Blythswood Square, which was five retail products and seven professional ones,” recalls the brand’s director, Leon Trayling. “Now we have 20 retail products, including two candles, a body wash, shampoo and conditioner. And we have 22 professional products specifically for spas.”

In a crowded market, ishga has

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with the Women’s British Open golf tournament as its headline skincare sponsor. As part of its involvement, the brand collaborated with host Fairmont St Andrews to offer a pop-up spa in the hospitality area offering professional spa treatments, which raised the international profile of the brand among a luxury-minded audience.

“We are still a new brand for many customers and we can offer them something natural and different.”

Leon Trayling, ishga

always stood out due to its unique Hebridean heritage, but it has also established a reputation for innovation in product development, science and service provision.

“As we have grown, we have realised the true extent of the effort you need to put into growing and supporting an account,” says Trayling. “You need to support your clients or they won’t grow. If your spa accounts don’t thrive, your own business won’t succeed, so we do absolutely everything we can to enhance the offering of our spa clients.”

Attending special promotional events, creating bespoke signature treatments and supporting retail promotions are central to this strategy, and the team attends many events across the UK to support spas.

Most recently, ishga partnered

A bespoke approach The company retains its research, development and manufacturing base in the Hebrides and has recently opened a new laboratory there. Its production team has grown from one at launch to a team of 10 people now exploring new ways that seaweed can benefit spas. The brand’s experts are currently researching the natural SPF factor of seaweed and ishga is about to launch a retail seaweed supplement.

“We are very flexible in terms of making bespoke treatments and products,” explains Trayling. “Because of the way we operate we can do this very quickly with our own lab and development team.” ishga plans to build on its network of leading spa partners, which includes Bluestone Resort in Wales, Seaham Hall, England and Scotland’s Skibo Castle, and Trayling is keen to spread word of the benefits of Hebridean seaweed as far and wide as possible. “We have an exciting opportunity to launch in Australia,” he reveals.

“Closer to home we are developing a signature menu at Bowfield House in Scotland, as well as being in the process of creating dual-branded products with a major hotel group. We are still a new brand for many customers and we can offer them something natural and different that they may not have seen before,” he enthuses. www.ishga.co.uk Opposite page, clockwise from top left: ishga’s skincare range for men; the brand’s products are made with sustainably harvested seaweed; Hebridean seaweed is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants; nourishing Hebridean bodycare products; local spring water is blended into the ishga range

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Menu focus ishga Seaweed success: The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village An extensive menu of spa treatments that includes ishga as well as Elemis, Neom and Natural Spa Factory, is boosting revenue at The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village, near Preston, UK. Retail in the spa has Jane Tregonning grown 30% year-on-year and spa manager Jane Tregonning is clear that isgha is contributing to that success.

“In 2017 so far, ishga retail made up 23% of our retail sales – that is a 604% increase

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compared to 2016,” reveals Tregonning.

This seaweed success story has been nurtured by the ishga sales team who have attended events as well as offering incentives and promotions for retail. Over the past 12 months two ishga treatments have appeared in the top 10 treatments sold at Ribby Hall.

“The products are really straight-forward and post-treatment the therapists are finding it easy to retail,” says Tregonning. “It’s a good affordable price point. People are really interested in the brand’s story, so we talk to them about the seaweed harvesting process and the natural ingredients.”

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The art of running

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Visit technogym.com or call Technogym UK: 01344 300236

Spas Acquaforte, Forte Village, Sardinia

A spa for all seasons

As part of a recent d40 million investment, the tropical Acquaforte spa at Forte Village has evolved to become the beating heart of a year-round wellness destination RE P O RT BY DAVI D FAG A N

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he sun-kissed island of Sardinia offers visitors seductive Mediterranean beaches, a rugged landscape dotted with ancient ruins, and some of the finest seafood in the world. From the capital of Cagliari on the south of the island it is just a short drive to the renowned seclusion of Forte Village, set over 116 acres along the stunning coastline. Providing its unique brand of relaxation since 1970, the resort offers accommodation across five five-star and three four-star hotels as well as eight luxury villas. Catering for up to 1,500 guests at any time, its leisure facilities – which include 21 restaurants, 11 bars, a selection of pristine outdoor pools and dedicated children’s areas – are positioned so that guests enjoy a constant sense of privacy and calm.

As well as enough sporting activities to tire out the most energetic of visitors, Forte Village is also home to the superb Acquaforte Spa, which has been central to the resort’s emergence as a year-round destination following a @40 million (£35 million) investment over the last three years. “We have always been a seasonal resort,” says Paolo Mancuso, director of projects and business development at Forte Village. “We historically used to operate only five months a year, but we’ve steadily enlarged the season and now we will be welcoming guests for 10 months each year.”

A world of knowledge Situated in 10 acres of tropical gardens, Acquaforte draws on expertise in six areas to ensure personalised care for every guest: the Forte Lab offers diagnostic capabilities as well as powerful Thalasso-laser treatments; a department of aesthetic medicine provides traditional beauty treatments; the spa’s massage and physiotherapy knowledge base incorporates Ayurvedic practices and principles; while the nutritional needs of guests are catered for by the hospitality team.

In addition to this knowledge base, a recently opened high-tech Performance Center offers personalised resistance body training and, last but certainly not least, Acquaforte’s world-leading thalassotherapy facilities, the product of a collaboration with the Italian School of Thalassotherapy some 25 years ago, provide a unique six-pool circuit that reflects the island’s ancient hydrotherapy heritage.

In an effort to develop more specific wellness activities and medical facilities, Acquaforte has brought in the expertise of top doctors and therapists as well as the best equipment and products available in order to offer guests an internationally competitive range of wellness experiences. “We have created programmes that are not only for guests who come here on holiday during the summer, but also to assist those who take the time once or twice a year to travel for wellness,” states Mancuso.

“We have benchmarked against some of the world’s best dedicated wellness and medical spas – now our guests can rest assured that we have everything they need to achieve their goals all year round.”

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Spas Acquaforte, Forte Village, Sardinia

Clockwise from far left: Acquaforte’s thalasso pools are nestled in the tropical landscape; the spa’s Ayurvedic treatments celebrate the island’s natural bounty; glass domes ensure guests’ comfort during the colder months; indigenous planting creates a sense of seclusion in the spa grounds; a guest enjoys the highly effective thalasso circuit

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Spas Acquaforte, Forte Village, Sardinia

Relaxation and exploration Central to the resort’s aspiration to compete at the highest global level has been a @2.5 million spend on the Acquaforte spa and its adjacent hotel, Villa del Parco. The boutique-style hotel, with its own rooftop restaurant and private spa access, has seen a full refurbishment of its 25 luxuriously appointed double rooms and its 18 deluxe bungalows are also set for upgrades. “For the kind of use we want people to make of the spa in the extra seasons, we needed a place that was nearby and discreet from the rest of the resort,” explains Mancuso.

From the spa’s spacious, open-plan reception area guests can access the male and female changing rooms, each of which has its own sauna and access to a 47sqm communal Turkish bath lined with mosaic tiles and bench seating.

Robe-clad and ready to explore, they can then head off along a pathway that meanders into the gardens, leading to the thalsso circuit and Kneipp path, or follow a second, stone-clad tunnel towards the 310sqm Technogym-equipped gym, the Performance Center, a 54m outdoor saltwater swimming pool, and an Ayurvedic treatment area and garden, where outdoor yoga classes are held.

In preparation for year-round spa use, geodesic domes have been created to shield each of the thalasso pools from the elements in the cooler seasons. Erected at the end of the summer, the domes take 15 people just 24 hours to dismantle or put up. In addition to the pools, an ingenious glazing system has also been devised that will allow the spa’s open plan central patio and walkways to be partitioned off, allowing all the light, colour and natural surroundings to still be enjoyed while shielding guests from the breeze or cold air.

“The idea is to allow guests to enter the spa from Villa del Parco at any time of the year wearing just robes and slippers” says spa director Dino Mitidieri.

A higher level of performance Leading the drive to improve the Acquaforte offering has been the development of the new 105sqm Performance Center, the use of which has been integrated into the spa’s four main thalasso and spa programmes aimed at achieving weight loss, detox, anti-ageing and healthy living goals.

“When we started planning our development, we decided we didn’t want to have a guru in the spa,” recalls Mitidieri.

“We don’t need a guru. We have a philosophy. Our aim was to integrate our systems and ideas to provide the best for our guests. What guests are looking for in wellness is nutritious food, good medical support they can trust and sympathetic spa therapists. The idea of the Performance Center was to develop a new method of working.”

Operating closely with the Forte Lab and

Clockwise from above: Guests enjoy a class in the outdoor yoga garden; Acquaforte’s therapists hone their skills at the resort’s dedicated training school; Forte Village resort is set over 116 acres of Sardinian coastline; the open-plan patio where guests relax before and after treatments

nutritionist Elisabetta Orsi, the Performance Center, led

by Dr Armando Vinci, contributes to personally tailored programmes created for each guest depending on their goals.

“There are two kinds of people in our spa,” continues Mitidieri. “One is looking for holistic treatments, so we have a menu they can choose from. The alternative is that the guest arrives, we welcome them and ask what they want from their stay. In the case of detox and weight loss, and sport as well, we start with a medical assessment to screen for any issues, then we offer nutritional advice and refer them to experts in the Performance Center, where we can work on strength, balance, losing weight or toning.”

Water and weight-loss

“We used to operate only five months a year, but we’ve steadily enlarged the season and now we will be welcoming guests for 10 months each year.”

Paolo Mancuso Director of projects and business development, Forte Village

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Undoubtedly the spa’s key offering is it’s beautiful and highly effective circuit of six thalassotherapy pools, surrounded by tropical plants and enjoyed under blue skies that connect the guest to the island’s natural healing properties. Maintained at different temperatures, they offer varying concentrations of magnesium and sodium as well as aloe, which work to

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Spas Acquaforte, Forte Village, Sardinia

purify and relax the body. “The first three pools are especially effective,” says Mitidieri. “These contain a very high density of magnesium and sodium. Magnesium is the ‘king’ of salts and sodium is the ‘prince’ of salts, so the first three really have a therapeutic benefit on guests. The last three pools are more holistic and complete the thalasso protocol, leaving guests feeling extremely relaxed.”

As well as being a beautiful and unique proposition in their own right, the pools are integrated into many of the spa’s health-improving programmes. “If people use our thalasso circuit regularly for a programme of a week, twice a day, according to their needs of course, they experience a strong natural detox,” says Paolo Mancuso. “If you have high blood pressure, your blood pressure will go down. If you have a joint problem, the right movements in the reduced gravity of the pools will ease your distress.”

This pain-relieving function is targeted by the signature Thalasso Water Massage, in which the saline water supports the guest as a therapist guides their body through a series of gentle movements intended to relax the body and offer a

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Spas Acquaforte, Forte Village, Sardinia The Lizard Platform Dr Armando Vinci reveals how the spa’s new Performance Center can help guests identify structural or nutritional imbalance

“The Performance Center offers the Lizard Platform – a graphic device for postural assessment and stabilometry related to the nervous system and muscle tone. We choose a test appropriate for each person, which allows us to offer a report with personalised information about nutrition.

“It seems strange but some particular postures are related to nutritional imbalance. Generally, if there is a shift to the right side, we have a nutritional imbalance. A shift on the left or forward is often related to a structural or muscle balance. Obviously if you have pain in your left knee and you tend to the right, then knee pain is the problem, not nutrition, but we screen for this so we can be sure of being accurate.

“After this, we can send the guest to other professionals – to the medical staff, to nutritionalists. If the main problem is structural, we can offer a programme to address balance or flexibility, or just general training. If people are in perfect balance, or have just a little problem, we can do high-performance training or normal training or set an objective.

I have only seen four or five people who have no postural problems.”

therapeutic, stress-releasing experience. The pools also play a crucial part in the recently launched ‘Detox’, ‘Weight-loss’, ‘Anti-Aging’ and ‘Stay Healthy’ packages, which can be taken over four or seven days. “We have had an average of seven days, seven kilos for those who want to lose weight,” says Mancuso. “The combination of elements in our pools offer a strong natural detox and the results are amazing.

“These effects are supported by the diet we offer here, which is personalised to the individual’s specific needs after their medical visit. The quality of the food and the taste of the food, even though you’re on a diet, are amazing. Nobody feels hungry during our weight-loss programme.”

As well as combining the power of thalasso with nutrition and performance enhancement, Acquaforte also uses it as part of a laser therapy pioneered by Dr Pier Francesco Parra, known as ‘Doctor Laser’. The high temperatures in the spa’s pools relax the body’s muscle and skin enabling a surgical laser to

“We don’t need a guru. We have a philosophy. What guests are looking for is nutritious food, good medical support they can trust and sympathetic spa therapists.”

Dino Mitidieri Spa director, Acquaforte

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penetrate up to 8cm inside the body, delivering potent anti-inflammatory results on ailments such as hernias.

“Dr Parra only has two studios, one in Rome and one in Montecatini,” explains Mitidieri. “He had never worked with hotels or resorts before, but this is the third year we have offered his highly effective protocol.”

Business on the menu Being located on an island means that Forte Village has had to take a pragmatic and proactive approach to recruiting, training and nurturing loyalty among its staff, who are roughly 98% Sardinian, with the remainder from mainland Italy and only a few from further afield.

“We try and find people with previous experience but we have a school within Forte Village, which is run in conjunction with the local school authority,” says Mancuso.

“Here, we teach officially recognised courses specifically aimed at spa skills in order to train our therapists. We try to grow our own staff and then we keep the ones that we think are the best; some go and work at other resorts.”

While the spa makes its own profits and covers its own direct costs, it is able to use the resort’s central sales, marketing, administration, accounting and purchasing functions.

This balance of individuality and partnership is carried through to the

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Spas Acquaforte, Forte Village, Sardinia

Clockwise from top left: The spa’s new Performance Center offers a high level of personal attention; enjoying the Sardinian sunshine in one of the outdoor pools; a guest takes a refreshing post-treatment outdoor shower; Acquaforte’s Technogym-equipped fitness area

spa’s product and training relationships. Herbs grown onsite are used for treatments in the spa’s Ayurveda garden, with locally sourced produce also featuring in protocols such as the spa’s signature Honey and Salt Massage.

Until this summer, the spa’s 15 therapists performed treatments exclusively using international skincare brand Sisley Paris, which is also available for retail, but the spa has recently extended its investment here with the development of its own product line. With retail an important part of the spa’s revenue, this is a move designed to enhance not only the guest experience but also its profit margin. “We made our range in collaboration with the University of Ferrara,” reveals Mitidieri. “From now on, all the spa protocols will include our Acquaforte line and this will be also be retailed.”

Future thinking Despite a 20% increase in spa usage since the completion of the recent upgrades, maintaining a sense of exclusivity and tranquility in the spa is vital, so access to resort guests is strictly limited. “We can have 1,500 guests at the resort so we have an entrance fee to use the spa. Around 100-200 guests per day come to Acquaforte, but we have to make sure we retain this Garden of Eden-like feel,” says Mancuso.

Despite having spent m40 million in the last few years, improvement at Forte Village never stops and there are plans to refurbish the spa’s main pool as well as create a dedicated

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Acquaforte website so that potential spa guests can access the exact information they need without having to navigate the huge resort’s many other offerings.

Elsewhere, wellness trends will continue to influence the offer of this sublime and holistically targeted spa. “We’ve noticed that there is a strong trend towards mindfulness,” admits Mancuso, “so this is an area in which we hope to develop further, perhaps with protocols linked to yoga.”

Whatever the future holds, Acquaforte will undoubtedly continue to offer the highest level of luxury and personal attention in stunning natural surroundings. As Mitidieri concludes: “God gave us the opportunity to be in Sardinia and we have everything that the wellness traveller is looking for all year round – fresh food, beautiful surroundings, pure, clean air, a fantastic micro-climate, the best in sport and spa therapies.” What more could you ask for?

Acquaforte, Forte Village

+39 070 9218030 | www.fortevillageresort.com Director of projects and business development: Paolo Mancuso Spa director: Dino Mitidieri Spa manager: Yuliya Polyakova Health director: Dr Angelo Cerina Nutritionist: Elisabetta Orsi Spa size: 7,000sqm Staff: 50 including 15 therapists Suppliers: Technogym Product brands: Sisley Paris, Acquaforte brand Facilities: Six-pool thalassotherapy circuit, two saunas, Turkish bath, Performance Center, gym (310sqm), Forte Lab, Villa del Parco hotel with Belvedere rooftop restaurant; Ayurvedic park, yoga garden

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European Spa Promotion

A new era for Carita Sarah Power, general manager of Carita (UK & Ireland), presents My C.L.E. – the latest innovation from the luxury skincare brand that builds on the efficacy of its iconic, professional Cinetic Lift Expert (C.L.E.) machine

C

arita is a brand renowned for its use of cutting-edge technology along with results-driven formulations.

Pioneering the use of electronic devices in professional skincare treatments for over 70 years, most recently the brand introduced the Cinetic Lift Expert machine, featuring an exclusive combination of ultrasound and LEDs to lift, sculpt and firm the face and body.

Building on its reputation for excellence, Carita has now developed a hand-held device featuring LED and micro-currents.

Clinically proven to visibly lift and redefine the appearance of skin in minutes, My C.L.E. presents the spa industry with a range of exciting opportunities.

As well as boosting retail and introducing express treatments in the reception area, My C.L.E aims to help build customer loyalty, increase sales and deliver results. We speak to the general manager of Carita (UK & Ireland), Sarah Power, about the new technology.

What is My C.L.E.?

My C.L.E stands for My Cinetic Lift Expert and takes inspiration from the professional Cinetic Lift Expert. It works as a home-use device that’s great for travel and the time-poor customer who wants instant results. Clients will also be able to use it to maintain and improve the results of their spa treatment. It opens up possibilities for in-spa demonstration and express treatments too.

At its heart, it’s all about lifting. My C.L.E. features micro-currents and LEDs that work alongside Carita serums to lift, redefine and transform the skin in minutes.

The entry point for clients might be for anti-ageing, but it’s a multi-benefit hand-held device that targets different skin concerns with LED therapy. Blue light has a cleansing and purifying effect, green boosts radiance, white

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What are the differences between professional C.L.E. and My C.L.E.?

The professional machine has ultrasound, which is combined with light therapy, allowing us to go deeper and stimulate the skin cells.

With C.L.E, Carita is one of the only companies that combines three powerful energies – ultrasound, LED and micro-currents – and also incorporates lifting manually by therapists rather than solely with tools. The power lies in our therapists hands as they mould and sculpt using gloves made from silk and silver to conduct the micro-currents.

The handheld My C.L.E. is an extension of the professional machine featuring LEDs and micro-currents to help clients maintain their beauty routines at home.

How does this new device enhance the relationship between clients and therapists?

“My C.L.E. features micro-currents and LEDs that work alongside Carita serums to lift, redefine and transform the skin in minutes.”

Sarah Power Carita

hydrates and energises and red stimulates fibroblasts, plumping wrinkles.

How does My C.L.E work?

My C.L.E. offers four beauty programmes designed to lift and firm the skin while treating specific skin concerns. After choosing one of four different LEDs to promote healthy cellular renewal, the client can select one of five levels of micro-currents that will contract the muscle fibres, working to lift and redefine the facial contours.

The programmes can be enjoyed in the spa as 15-minute rituals, or at home as a fourminute daily routine to maintain the results of a professional Cinetic Lift Expert treatment.

Therapists are the real skin experts in our industry and this allows them to leverage that expertise by advising and recommending a homecare programme. It’s taking the loyalty between the therapist and client to the next level by being responsive as a personal skin coach. The therapist can then give extra tips to enhance their set routines. It’s an individualised care plan that we know clients are now seeking.

Can My C.L.E. be used for express services?

Spas could create something enticing and engaging like a pop-up. A chair in the retail or reception area is ideal as the 15-minute express treatments deliver instant lifting results with no downtime required. We have created ‘Beauty in a Flash’ event packages featuring point-of-sale materials for spas to set these concepts up easily and in an impactful way. It’s a really interactive and theatrical experience – therapists could even run workshops in the spa to enable clients to engage, connect and learn. www.carita.co.uk To watch step-by-step videos, follow @ukcarita

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European Spa Promotion 85% of My C.L.E. users reported their skin appeared instantly revitalised and re-energised after just one use*

New My C.L.E treatment menu Choose from one of four beauty programmes that offer an instant lift, anti-ageing results and a variety of skin benefits in the spa in just 15 minutes

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READY, SET, LIFT – Red LED and new Neomorphose Replumping Serum target the neck and face with uplifting massage movements to smooth wrinkles

MISSION: FLAWLESS TONE – Green LED and new Neomorphose Clarity Serum use circular motions to target dark spots and reveal a clear, luminous complexion

CHECKMATE FOR IMPERFECTIONS – Blue LED and Ideal Control Powder Serum work on the T-Zone to reduce excess sebum, tighten pores and reduce imperfections

SUPERGLOW ON THE GO – White LED and Ideal Hydration Lagoon Serum replenish moisture and radiance with targeted massage movements

* Usage test on 47 caucasian healthy women aged 35 to 65 with all skin types, existing users of anti-ageing products and displaying signs of ageing skin (dull complexion, lack of firmness and slackened cheekbones)

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Editor’s choice

Subtle Energies introduces new results-based journeys Clinical research and ancient Ayurvedic practices combine to resolve modern lifestyle issues Subtle Energies has expanded its treatment menu to offer a new range of results-driven spa journeys that combine aromatherapy, natural skincare and wellness solutions founded on the authentic principles of the Ayurveda tradition.

Guided by the brand’s aim to ‘create with intent’, each treatment addresses specific concerns ranging from Khursheed Irani hormonal imbalance, empowerment and adrenal fatigue to maximising inner and outer beauty and helping to restore sleeping patterns.

The Sleep Support Therapy combines clinical research with ancient wisdom to support natural circadian rhythms.

Guided meditation and yogic pranayma are followed by

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facial and body massage, designed to activate the pineal gland that secretes the sleep hormone, melatonin.

The new offering also includes Subtle Energies’ first journey created specifically for men, which boosts immunity, muscle strength and healthy skin with body scrubs and targeted massage.

The customised programmes have launched in select destinations including Six Senses Spas, Lanserhof Tegernsee and Mandarin Oriental Tokyo.

“What makes this offering unique is that they have been designed to be suitable for various wellness environments, offered as single treatment experiences or combined together to continue a personalised programme,” says Khursheed Irani, director of operations and brand development at Subtle Energies. www.subtleenergies.com.au

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Menu New products & therapies

Treatment focus

Limited-edition luxuries To celebrate 25 years in the spa industry, ESPA has launched four limited-edition skincare collections, offering targeted solutions to help balance, hydrate, replenish or restore.

Designed to promote naturally beautiful skin and a renewed sense of inner calm, the Optimal Skin Collection (above) works to nourish, balance and instil radiance for long-lasting beauty.

The Replenishing Collection addresses dehydrated skin for a plumper, youthful, radiant skin, while the Balancing Collection helps restore and maintain harmony in oily or combination skin for a clear and balanced complexion.

Last but not least, the Regenerating Collection boosts skin hydration and elasticity, smoothing lines and reviving radiance. www.espaskincare.com

The art of listening Clarins has re-launched its best-selling Double Serum with an enhanced formula to boost skin radiance, hydration and elasticity.

Clarins Laboratories discovered that as cells age they lose the ability to receive messages, so the new serum includes the 20 potent plant ingredients from the original formula plus turmeric extract, rich in turmerone, which improves cellular receptivity.

This two-phase hydric and lipidic blend promises to boost the five vital functions of the skin: regeneration, oxygenation, nutrition, hydration and protection.

The product’s new packaging also boasts interlocking vials and the oil-based phase is now housed in the hydric phase.

The new unique double pump system preserves the integrity of the liposoluble and hydrosoluble ingredients and the two phases are mixed together upon application. www.clarins.co.uk

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Precious Pearl Ultra Lift Facial by Anne Semonin Anne Semonin has launched an advanced lifting facial to promote brightness and improve firmness and elasticity.

The Precious Pearl Facial begins with mechanical exfoliation to gently resurface the skin without irritation. A soothing application of serum is followed by the innovative, highly effective lifting massage, combined with Anne Semonin’s signature facial drainage technique to eliminate toxins.

The skin is then treated to a firming and lifting peel mask followed by cryotherapy using Express Radiance Ice Cubes to both tone and stimulate.

The facial concludes with an application of Precious Pearl Youth Radiance Elixir, packed with encapsulated high and low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid; and Super Active Cream, for the ultimate firming and glowing effect. www.annesemonin.com

Mindful moments Adding to its Tranquil bodycare range, Voya’s Moonlight Moments Bath and Shower Oil is designed to help calm the mind and soothe the soul.

This relaxing bath and shower oil is formulated with essential oils of lavender and rose geranium to help calm and unwind. Restorative seaweed works to replenish the skin with marine nutrients for a radiant, hydrated and healthy looking skin.

Promoting a more comfortable and restful night’s sleep, the blend combines floral notes with the centuries-old tradition of seaweed bathing that Voya is known for. www.voya.ie

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Menu New products & therapies

Total renewal

Sublime skin [comfort zone] has added to its popular Sublime Skin range with the launch of a new Essence and Lifting Mask.

Sublime Skin Essence stimulates skin regeneration and promotes an even, compact and youthful appearance, boosting natural hydration factors with NMF Complex, a unique blend of ingredients normally found in the skin.

The mixture is delivered via the easily absorbed texture of the essence, plumping and hydrating in an instant.

The Lift-Mask is absorbed quickly and does not leave any trace of product, nor does it require removal or rinsing. It provides immediate lifting and firming.

The mask contains tapioca starch for a rapid lifting effect, macro-hyaluronic acid, which is supremely hydrating, and Illipe Butter to provide a silky texture. www.comfortzone.ie

Pevonia’s EyeRenew Conceal & De-Age Treatment doubles as a concealer and skincare repair product and features a self-adjusting, oil-free mineral tint that promises to conceal dark circles and diminish redness while smoothing lines and wrinkles.

Formulated with plankton extract sourced off the island of Tenerife, it works to repair the three main eye contour concerns: dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles.

The treatment also includes marine collagen and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and smooth the delicate skin around the eyes. Refreshing, reviving and renewing, the product offers an instant pick-me-up for tired eyes. www.pevonia.co.uk

For your eyes only To celebrate the rebranding of its range for men, Phytomer has launched Age Optimal Face and Eyes Wrinkle Smoothing Cream.

The double-action regenerating cream tackles lines and wrinkles, smoothing the eye contour area. Formulated with high-performance marine ingredients, the formula contains: Marine Sugar AMM (Absolute Marine Matifier) to quickly reduce shine in the T-zone; Marine Oxhylium for better oxygenation; Criste Marine Oil to smooth the surface of the skin; and Delesseria Sanguinea, a red algae, to decongest the skin, effectively erasing signs of fatigue.

The cream’s ultra-refreshing sorbet texture gives the skin an immediate boost while intensely hydrating the eye contour. www.phytomer.com

Body reawakening: Decleor launches Aroma Blend Street cred Jessica’s new autumn/winter collection of nail colours is designed to celebrate the diversity and spirit of urban style.

Available in custom colour and GELeration, the Jessica StreetStyle collection includes: Luscious Leather, a dusty rose; On the Fringe, an olive grey; Deliciously Distressed, a concrete blue-grey; Haute Hoodie, deep mauve; Fab Faux-Fur, taupe grey and Very Vinyl, inky grey with a burst of purple.

“Nail colour is the ultimate accessory this season” says Jessica Vartoughian, CEO and founder of Jessica Nails. “As you celebrate your individuality through fashion, your nails should flawlessly enhance your wardrobe. The neutrality of these shades create a fresh and modern approach to your nail style.” www.gerrardinternational.com

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Menu New products & therapies

Just an illusion

Gaia’s expanded range is a gift from Mother Earth Handmade in Britain using natural ingredients, the Gaia product range debuted at the brand’s flagship spa at Boringdon Hall, Devon.

An instant hit with guests, the collection has been expanded to include face and body products and is available to buy in the hotel and online. Furthermore, Gaia Spa director Diane Nettleton tells European Spa that the brand has further expansion plans and aims to introduce the line in other like-minded spa locations.

“Gaia, meaning ‘Mother Earth’ has been developed deliberately to encompass all the qualities a mother has,” says Nettleton. “Our brand is about nurturing, caring and bringing nature into the range using Diane Nettleton handmade artisan methods.

“All Gaia products have 2-3 drops of the Gaia elixir, which is a bespoke blend of macerated and infused oils combined with the vibrational benefits of a citrine crystal.

Citrine is known for its emotional healing properties and is often used in crystal therapy.”

Complementary essential oils are used to create three blends – Awakening, Balancing and Calming – with the hero product of the line being its Awakening Body Scrub.

“Gaia rituals have been designed around the products, but the range has also been developed for use in any treatment that embraces nurturing and in spas that have a strong connection to nature,” adds Nettleton.

The brand plans to launch new bath salts and a face serum in the autumn, and Nettleton reveals plans to introduce the Gaia products into other spas that share its philosophy. “There has already been interest from spas who are considering Gaia as a brand and this is an area we hope to expand,” she states. www.gaia-spa.co.uk

CND’s new Glacial Illusion collection features six delicate shades that reflect the alien-like crystal bodysuits from recent Gucci catwalk shows and space age metallics of designers Christopher Kane and Mugler.

Available in Shellac, the 14-day nail colour, and Vinylux weekly polish, the range features shimmering shades from pale glacial pastels to iridescent icicle colours, complemented by a wintry midnight blue.

The fashion-forward autumn/winter colours include: Ice Bar, Cashmere Wrap, Radiant Chill, Alpine Plum, Mystic Slate and Winter Nights. www.sweetsquared.com

Melting moments Elemental Herbology has added to its Body Essentials collection with the launch of Muscle Melt Balm, created to instantly soothe tired and aching muscles by helping to increase circulation and aid recovery.

A must-have for office workers and gym-goers or anyone suffering from aches and pains, Muscle Melt Balm can be used before and after exercise; simply warm the balm in the palm of the hands, inhale and massage onto tight muscles.

Muscle Melt Balm has been formulated with ginger to warm the muscles; Ho wood to encourage circulation and relax muscles, and turmeric, which stimulates blood flow while helping to soothe tired muscles. www.elementalherbology.com

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Unique expertise in high-end personalized skin care For 40 years, the Biologique Recherche Methodology has had a reputation for astounding effectiveness based on clinical approach to beauty care using pure, concentrated ingredients as well as innovative and haute couture protocols.

BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE 32, avenue des Champs ÉlysÊes - 75008 Paris www.biologique-recherche.com - info@biologique-recherche.com

Menu New products & therapies

Technology focus

Plasma Elite launches in the UK

Total lift

Decléor has updated its five classic Prolagène Lift products and introduced one brand-new addition to the line, the Lifting Flash Mask.

Including Lavandula Angustifolia in the existing Prolagène Lift range helps to limit the breakdown of collagen while boosting the skin’s luminosity and firmness. The soothing effect of lavender scent also helps calm the mind.

The new Lift Flash Mask promises instant results in just one minute, with the lifting and tightening effect of rye extract and the anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of lavender essential oil.

Hyaluronic acid is present to fill in wrinkles and Iris Absolute has an anti-glycation effect, limiting cell damage. www.decleor.co.uk

Sleeping beauty

Designed to brighten the complexion and boost radiance overnight, Omorovicza’s new Midnight Radiance Mask is formulated with actives including sand lily and salicylic acid.

The gel texture melts into the skin, gently exfoliating while promoting cell renewal and fighting hyperpigmentation. Red algae and sodium hyaluronate lock in moisture during sleep and provide long-lasting hydration, while copper gluconate regulates the body’s production of sebum.

For best results, application after cleansing and toning is said to reduce skin imperfections while boosting hydration, revealing a brighter, smoother, more even-toned complexion. www.omorovicza.com

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Designed to firm, tighten and improve the appearance of ageing and excess skin, Plasma Elite has launched to the spa market.

Tackling the appearance of loose skin on the eyes, crêpey neck, lip lines, smokers lip lines, and crow’s feet, the treatment also promises to flatten moles, remove skin tags and soften acne scars.

Plasma Elite is performed without cutting, burning or removing excess skin or fat. Electrical energy from the pen ionises the oxygen and nitrogen in the air to create a small electrical arc. When this hits the skin, it vaporises any liquid at the point of contact, so the surrounding skin contracts and tightens around it, providing a shrinking and lifting effect.

Skin layers are vaporised by the plasma, via heating and fragmentation, but they do not burn – they simply flake off post-treatment as part of the healing process. The skin fibroblasts are stimulated to produce new collagen and elastin in the area to heal the skin over the following weeks, providing a further tightening effect.

Fran Hayter, CEO of Plasma Elite, explains the benefits to the spa industry: “Spas are looking at more and more advanced skin technology so their customers can really feel a difference while also relaxing in their favourite de-stress environment. The care that spas can take of their guests while they have more of an advanced service works really well.

“We also find customers in hotels like the fact they can immediately return to their rooms after an advanced treatment and don’t have to go out of the spa into a typically bustling environment.” www.plasmaelite.com 1

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Above: Plasma Technology contracts and tightens the skin, resulting in a renewed and more youthful look for the client. 1. Treatment procedure 2. Post-treatment 3. Final result

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Menu New products & therapies

Treatment focus

Anti-ageing in high definition

Natura Bissé has launched a new anti-ageing ritual that provides an alternative to cosmetic micro-injections.

Inhibit High Definition Treatment incorporates the popular Inhibit High Definition Serum, an intensive correcting serum for expression lines. This formula has been enhanced with a new neuropeptide relaxer, conotoxin, which works directly on the formation of expression lines and wrinkles, doubling the effectiveness of the product.

The protocol also features Inhibit High Definition Patches, trans-epidermal correcting patches that feature an exclusive combination of active anti-wrinkle ingredients including double hyaluronic acid and conotoxin.

With no invasive procedures, this unique combination applied at home promises to smooth, fill, lift and firm, revealing high definition skin in just four weeks. www.naturabisse.com

A star is born

Mii Cosmetics has launched a bold new collection of statement colours for the coming seasons. Supernova combines the best for eyes and lips with ready-to-wear shades for everyday and eye-popping eyeliners for the party season.

Power Matte Lip Crème is a feather-light, long-wearing matte infused with sweet almond and jojoba oils, which introduces four shades: Eternity, Imperial, Sensuous and Supreme.

Showstopping Eyeliner is a black statement jumbo liner with fast-drying pigments and long-lasting results. Finally, for a bold, party look Glitter Glam Liner is infused with iridescent sparkle and can illuminate a dark liner in an instant. www.gerrardinternational.com

It’s all in the eyes

Designed to reduce the signs of ageing and fatigue in the delicate eye contour area, Biologique Recherche has launched Patchs Défatigants.

The patches are made from natural biocellulose fibres, pre-soaked in an active formula that includes dipeptides and caffeine to reduce puffiness; hyaluronic acid to boost hydration; matrikines and flavonoid to fight under-eye bags; and silk tree extract, cassava extract and fucose-rich polysaccharides to smooth wrinkles.

Applied to the upper and lower areas of the eye the ‘tweezer-like’ shape enables optimum application for long-lasting, visible results. www.biologique-recherche.com

In every issue, European Spa showcases the best new product and treatment launches.

Contact Mark Smith on +44 (0) 115 950 4748 or email mark.smith@spapublishing.com

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Menu Retail focus: Christmas gifting

All I want for Christmas...

We ask a selection of top brand retail experts what guests will be putting under their trees this year, and how spas can maximise their retail strategy during the festive season

Make the most of time together Nicola Elliott, founder, Neom Organics “Christmas is arguably the best time of the year for spas to focus on wellbeing. It’s that time when most clients will be feeling stressed, tired, full and partied out. With January looming, a lot of people start to make their ‘new year, new me’ plan in advance.

“Spas are lucky that they often get more time with their guests in which to educate rather than sell to them, so they can really explain the benefits of looking after their wellbeing, not just at Christmas, but all year round.” www.neomorganics.com

Offer guests the gift of giving Marian Harvey, managing director, Thalgo UK “A good idea at Christmas is to create a ‘treat-for-me, treat-for-a-loved one’ package whereby the client buys a discovery facial, for example, and is invited to redeem part of the cost against a gift set to give as a Christmas present.

“They get the chance to experience a facial, which they may then book again in the future, and they also have one present to cross off their Christmas shopping list.” www.thalgo.co.uk

Encourage impulse buying Christopher Hülbach, sales director, Babor “Christmas is the key season for the beauty industry.

Gift sets, calendars, special editions and vouchers for products and treatments encourage people to enjoy indulgent beauty experiences. It is an essential part of the retail calendar and can provide a substantial return when spas get it right.

“Clever gift ideas that capture the essence of Christmas are hugely popular, such as skincare Advent calendars, miniature essential oils in Christmas crackers and mini travel products inside Christmas tree decorations. These themed items can be stocked near the till to encourage impulse purchases, subsequently increasing revenue.” www.babor.de

Hold seasonal spa showcases Noella Gabriel, co-founder and creator, Elemis Therapies “Spas should organise and host exciting seasonal events to provide the ultimate festive shopping experience. These are a chance to showcase seasonal gift collections while giving customers the opportunity to receive expert skincare advice and discover the perfect gifts for their loved ones.

“Educational talks, complimentary 15-minute facial treatments and personally prescribed products make these events a yearly success, helping to boost retail sales by educating the customer with a truly personal touch.” www.elemis.com

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Menu Retail focus: Christmas gifting

Don’t leave it until the last minute Jean-Christophe Samyn, director, Caudalie UK & Ireland “Plan your retail displays ahead and have a theme or colour in mind. Decide on the areas of opportunity – including windows, display cases, TV screens, display boards and tables – devising what visual merchandising tools you need to display the gifts. Window displays are crucial and need to be eye-catching to bring clients in to purchase.

“Clients usually buy presents with a person and budget in mind. Each section needs clear pricing for the gifts so clients can buy to suit their budget. Have your impulse gifts at the till set at a lower price point.” www.caudalie.com

Send a clear festive message Carole Jones, director, Totally UK and Germaine de Capuccini UK “Skincare gift sets are often skin-specific and many wishing to purchase for their nearest and dearest know nothing of their skin type, so a treatment voucher is the perfect gift. It also provides the chance to offer an experience, which is growing in popularity.

“For some purchasers, who may not be spa savvy, it is important to make the choices you have available very clear and concise.

So, perhaps, advertise three spa experiences with different price points that would suit most pockets, and then show the vouchers available and the starting price point. The clearer the message, the easier the buying decision for your customer.” www.germaine-de-capuccini.co.uk

Offer exclusive gifts for that special someone Jeremy Smith, co-founder, Natural Spa Factory “When customers are purchasing Christmas gift boxes they are often buying for a specific person, so put items into categories. Help your customers understand what they’re buying and allow them to physically experience the products.

“Look to offer something a little more exclusive by sourcing gift items that aren’t readily available on the high street and that can’t be found discounted on line.

“We often hear from understandably frustrated spas that after they have put in the ground work for the sale, customers often forego an on-the-day purchase in favour of online shopping.

Consult your product house to ensure they’re not discounting gift boxes through other sales platforms.” www.naturalspafactory.com

Body reawakening: Decleor launches Aroma Blend

Wrap up sales with a little inspiration Susan McGowan, head of spa sales, Aromatherapy Associates “The perfect spa gift set should feature purposeful products, therapist-inspired education tips and attractive ‘ready-to-gift’ packaging at key price points. Hero, iconic products in limited-edition designs or sizes can also encourage people to buy something for themselves.

“Spas can inject a bit of theatre with demonstrations, events, strong merchandising, dual-siting of gifts, and uploading videos on social media or sharing content from brands. We must educate our teams to offer expert advice. Alongside traditional shopping events, introduce wellbeing workshops with lifestyle tips on how to maximise ‘me time’ at home.” www.aromatherapyassociates.com

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I CO N I C CO L L E C T I O N 13 TREASURES OF BEAUTY

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2017 Beauty Cracker & Advent Beauty Collection

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Boost Your Christmas Beauty Sales

Spas The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland Exclusive

From below: A welcoming tea awaits guests after their treatment; The Chedi Andermatt was designed

by Jean-Michel Gathy in a modern Alpine style; the atmospheric indoor pool; the spa’s interiors offer a chic combination of eastern and western influences

The perfect place to make a change

A European Spa exclusive reveals how French slimming expert Les Thermes de Brides-les-Bains will bring its innovative Slimming Lifestyle Retreats to the Swiss splendour of The Chedi Andermatt

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R EP OR T BY M A R K S M I T H

ocated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, just under two hours from Zurich, The Chedi Andermatt boasts an idyllic setting for a luxurious and memorable wellbeing escape. The five-star property is a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World consortium and its truly distinct look was designed by architect Jean-Michel Gathy who has also worked with Aman and One&Only.

From the outside, the hotel resembles a traditional wooden chalet, but the interior combines Alpine chic with modern

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Asian design touches that extend throughout the hotel’s 123 rooms and suites, as well as its spa.

Opened in December 2013 to international acclaim, The Chedi has proved very popular with international wellness travellers. “The Chedi Andermatt is a grand hotel of the 21st century,” claims general manager Jean-Yves Blatt. “It’s a destination in itself in terms of standards, service and infrastructure. Chedi means ‘temple’ and our hotel and spa are places to rejuvenate and to recharge your batteries.”

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Spas The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland Exclusive

The Chedi Andermatt has been a catalyst for change in the wider area too, bringing new life to the quiet Urseren Valley. The hotel’s Egyptian owner, Samih Sawiris, chairman of Orascom Development, is investing a reported £1.2 billion (11.31 billion) into the redevelopment of the town, with further hotels and luxury residences currently under construction.

Award-winning spa The Chedi’s award-winning spa and health club is one of its main attractions; set over three floors, the spa is ultra-chic with dark wood throughout, punctuated by local slate and granite, providing a sense of warmth that makes guests feel cocooned from the outside world.

The reception area provides access to an indoor-outdoor pool, which is enclosed by floor-to-ceiling glass allowing impressive mountain views and natural daylight to flood in. Guests can relax inside by the pool on comfortable daybeds and sofas, or outside on the sun loungers where there is organic sunscreen on tap.

The upper floor of the spa is reached by a grand staircase crafted from white granite and spectacularly lit by modern tubular lighting. Ten self-contained spa suites

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“The Chedi Andermatt is a grand hotel of the 21st Century. Chedi means ‘temple’ and our hotel and spa are places to rejuvenate and to recharge your batteries.”

Jean-Yves Blatt General manager, The Chedi Andermatt

each feature a changing room, a shower and a cleverly designed therapist preparation space. At the end of the corridor is a large relaxation area with cosy loungers, each of which sports a multi-media video projection of Tibetan-inspired scenes.

More than après-ski The spa’s lower level fitness suite contains cutting-edge Technogym equipment, and while in winter the focus is squarely on the ski season, during the summer months guests can extend their wellness activities outside with golf, hill walking, hiking and cycling.

The thermal and wet area on this floor is where the spa’s Asian theme is most apparent with motifs and statues throughout. There are several baths and saunas including an organic sauna and a Finnish sauna, a steam bath, a warm and cold-water plunge pool, a hammam, an ice fountain and flower baths. The spa is deeply rooted in Far-Eastern philosophy and celebrates the art of traditional Asian healing in its extensive treatment menu, with ila, REN and the organic products of Alpienne bringing the spa themes to life.

While popular with British, French and German

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Spas The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland Exclusive Anti-clockwise from below: A geometrically designed staircase leads guests to the upper treatment floors; luxurious loungers line the edges of the indoor pool; a freestanding bath in one of the beautifully appointed spa suites; a tranquil and cocooning double treatment room; multi-media projectors light up the relaxation lounge

travellers, over 50% of the spa’s guests are from Switzerland, with many day spa and overnight visitors coming from Zurich to experience the renowned spa and escape the city.

Guests who visit The Chedi are a very discerning breed, says wellness and recreation manager Renée Blanchardt, who previously worked at Chiva-Som in Thailand and ESPA Life at Corinthia London. “People who come here are quite savvy and they are looking for something different,” she says. “They want something they can retain, which gives them a greater internal awareness. You can have a beautiful treatment anywhere in a luxury setting, but something that has a positive impact on your life will help to define your wellness.”

The perfect partnership A desire to build on the success of the spa’s yoga and wellness retreats led Blanchardt to explore a partnership with Brides-les-Bains, which will include a series of personalised slimming

“We want guests to learn how to find a sustainable weight. You will lose weight on the retreat, but you will lose more when you go home observing the things you learn on the retreat.”

Didier Le Lostec CEO, Sources D’Equilibre

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lifestyle programmes beginning in May 2018 and continuing throughout the year.

“We already offer boot camps, and yoga retreats with a Buddhist monk, so we wanted to complete the circle by introducing these new retreats. Brides-les-Bains was a natural choice as it already has a close relationship with Orascom Development through a yet-to-open hotel in El Gouna, Egypt, which will have a focus on slimming retreats.”

Brides-les-Bains has been providing its innovative slimming programme for over 30 years and treats over 18,000 guests annually at its base in the French Alps. Its award-winning methodology is based on five principles: mountain water, Alpine air, physical activity, nutrition and therapeutic rituals.

The Chedi’s new seven and 14-night bespoke Slimming Lifestyle Retreats combine specialised therapeutic body treatments and daily physical activity with educational talks, and even a cooking lesson to inspire guests to make lasting changes to their lifestyle, health and longevity. This is a substantial project with 20 members of the team coming from France to the Swiss Alps, including a head chef and sous chef, physiotherapists, hydrotherapists, massage therapists, personal trainers and two dieticians.

However, Blanchardt says that integrating the spa team from Bride-les-Bains into the culture of The Chedi was a simple task due to the professionalism of the team. “I first visited France to see how they work,” she recalls. “It might not be a five-star resort but Brides-les-Bains has a real sincerity and warmth, and the staff are excellent.”

Didier Le Lostec, CEO of Sources D’Equilibre, the parent company of Brides-les-Bains, describes how the

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Spas The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland Exclusive Brides-les-Bains Signature Massage

The product of decades of spa experience, this 30-minute ritual utilises fast-action, deeply stimulating, therapeutic massage techniques to reduce tension and tone muscles.

The application of sliding pressure and kneading movements tones and relaxes, stimulating blood circulation and the release of toxins.

The massage begins on the stomach and then focuses on the legs where the therapist uses a palpating and rolling motion that also helps to improve the blood flow.

www.europeanspamagazine.com

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Spas The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland Exclusive

Above: The theatre kitchen at The Chedi Andermatt, where Sébastien Roux, executive chef at Golf Hôtel at Brides-les-Bains, has developed the Slimming Lifestyle Retreat menus along with dietician Nathalie Négro

collaboration aims to help those with weight issues: “We want guests to learn how to find a sustainable weight.

Sustainability is very important to us as ours is a holistic approach. You will lose weight on the retreat, but you will lose more weight when you go home observing the things you learn on the retreats.”

Guests complete a pre-visit questionnaire to give the team some background data before the retreat begins with an individual dietetic consultation at which their specific needs, requests, and constraints are established in order to personalise the programme.

Catalyst for change There is a real focus at The Chedi on educating guests and changing their mindset, empowering them to make real, long-lasting change to their health and wellness. Activities and workshops have been curated to educate and re-ignite an enjoyment of physical activity, suitable for those post-illness or who have a sedentary lifestyle.

“Most health retreats in Europe are only focused on weight-loss during the guest’s stay and do not really help people improve their life habits in the long term,” says dietician Nathalie Négro, head of the Nutritional Centre at Brides-les-Bains. “We take into account the causes for gaining weight, whether it is due to excessive eating, lack of physical activity, stress or cravings, and provide our clients with practical advice to continue helping them post-retreat.”

The dietican consultations are in-depth and offer guests insight into how they eat, as well as what they eat, and uncovering their emotional connections to food. Workshops

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as part of the courses cover topics including ‘how to be at peace with your food’, ‘low-fat cooking’ and ‘how to manage eating out’. Each day is focused on empowering the guest to make real and achievable changes.

Food and physicality Physical activity is a key component on the retreat and essential to any sustained weight-loss programme. Under the direction of fitness instructor Kevin Eugène, guests are offered a variety of dynamic daily fitness activities suitable for all abilities. The main aim is to get people moving again and options include cardio training, muscle building, Swiss ball, step, stretching, Pilates and boxing. The sessions combine elements of high-intensity interval training to enhance weight-loss and improve fitness levels. The ideal balance is: 40 minutes of cardio training, 30 minutes of muscle strengthening and then stretching.

Physical activity and nutrition are seen as inseparable if a person wants to lose or maintain weight and The Chedi’s engaging programmes provide motivation and support so that guests can rediscover the joy of exercise and movement.

Food also plays a central role in the programme with nutritional talks, dietician consultations and food workshops. Naturally, calorie control plays a role,

“Most health retreats in Europe are only focused on weight loss during the guest’s stay. We take into account the causes for gaining weight and provide our clients with practical advice to continue helping them post-retreat.”

Nathalie Négro Head of Nutritional Center, Brides-les-Bains

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Spas The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland Exclusive From right: Secluded luxury in the authentic Finnish sauna; The Chedi Andermatt’s stunning hydrotherapy pool; the latest Technogym equipment is available in the spa’s fitness suite

but the team focus more on what people eat and in what combination, together with physical output.

The food is light, nutritious and satisfying while offering the quality of taste and presentation that guests would expect from a five-star resort. Sébastien Roux, executive chef at the Golf Hôtel at Brides-les-Bains, has developed the menu in close collaboration with Nathalie Négro to ensure that each meal is nutritionally balanced, contains each of the food groups and is satisfying but only provides around 500 calories.

They adapted the menus to suit the set-up of The Chedi’s kitchen and added some local ingredients. “Our main goal is to show that light and balanced food is enjoyable,” says Roux. “Each meal that is served at The Chedi contains all food groups such as meat or equivalent, vegetables, oil, fruit, dairy products, starch. We pay particular attention to variety, because it’s essential to find pleasure in each meal and to fill our nutrient needs. This pleasure is essential to control eating behaviour and avoid cravings or nibbling.”

Daily spa sessions As body treatments are the basis of the Brides-les-Bains concept, these are included on a daily basis and not only help to improve the slimming benefits but provide, for some, much needed comfort and respite during the calorie controlled regime. The treatments improve blood circulation, de-stress the body and mind, and work to reshape the silhouette due to improvements in lymph drainage.

The week-long programme includes a combination of complimentary treatments from both spa menus including six algae wraps, four Slimming Therapeutic massages, two Chedi Signature Massages, two Thai Foot reflexology sessions, two head, neck and shoulder massages, and two AquaFlores slimming treatments. This mixture was chosen to enhance the slimming benefits of the regime.

“This is the first step of a new development for us and we now understand the demand for high-end cures,” states Didier Le Lostec. “We are looking to develop abroad and we started here at The Chedi because of our close partnership with Orascom. Moreover, we don’t need to invest in facilities because the perfect setup was already in place.”

Indeed, the collaboration between The Chedi Andermatt and Brides-les-Bains is a truly shining example of how pan-European co-operation can promote health and wellness for guests across the continent, with benefits for both spa operators and their supplier partners. www.thermes-brideslesbains.fr The Chedi Andermatt

+41 (41) 888 74 88 | www.thechediandermatt.com General manager: Jean-Yves Blatt Wellness and recreation manager: Renée Blanchardt Spa consultant: Brenda Ramen, vice-president of spas, General Hotel Management Designer: Jean-Michel Gathy, chief designer at Denniston International Architects and Planners Spa size: 2,400 sqm Spa Suites: Ten Staff: Ten Suppliers: Technogym Product brands: ila, REN, Alpienne Facilities: Bio and Finnish saunas, salt steam bath, outdoor pool, hot and cold plunge pools, hammam, ice fountain, flower bath, 35m indoor pool, 12m temperature-controlled outdoor lap pool

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EXPERT GUIDE TO HEAT EXPERIENCES The very best advice on what to consider when planning, installing and operating a revenue-boosting wet spa and thermal journey

KLAFS

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Expert Guide Heat experiences

KLAFS

Image: ESPA Spa at Corinthia Hotel, London, UK

Image: Faena Hotel, Miami Beach (US) / Nik Koenig, Design: Design for Leisure

Brilliant design, inventive talent and extraordinary concepts have led KLAFS, founded in 1928 and based near Stuttgart in Germany, to become a driver of innovation and quality for the global sauna and spa industry

What is unique about KLAFS? KLAFS is able to realise any project you can imagine, from a small, personalised sauna to the most luxurious of hotel spa facilities. We operate globally to deliver our complete service package and are always ahead of the curve. Our designers and architects are carefully trained experts who are up on the latest trends and frequently collaborate with internationally-known architects.

What should spas consider when planning a hydro-thermal zone?

To be successful, the architecture and design of your spa area must touch the hearts of your guests by offering a stunning, relaxing atmosphere and an accurate ratio between facilities and relaxation areas. Spa concepts must be absolutely individual and suited to each space.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Therefore, the optimal space planning depends on your spa profile.

How can spas most successfully combine hydro-thermal experiences with other treatments?

In our opinion, spa facilities should not only look nice, they should improve health, wellbeing, rejuvenation and beauty. KLAFS products are designed and engineered to make users feel good and they combine with other spa offerings to have a positive effect on people. Creating such a lasting impression means your guests will not only come back, but also tell their friends – so you get word-of-mouth advertising for free.

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What is the average outlay and return on investment?

As spa concepts must be absolutely individual, there really is no golden rule in terms of outlay or return on investment. However, when it comes to costs, it is very important to consider the total outlay and return over the lifecycle of your installation and not only the acquisition price. The right partner will help you to make the right decisions, and our many award-winning projects show our expertise in this area.

What are the latest innovations and trends?

Multi-functional cabins are becoming increasingly popular. For example, the Sanarium from KLAFS offers guests not only a classical Finnish sauna, but also four more interesting sauna experiences with different temperatures and humidity. Today, it is also possible to combine a sauna and an infrared cabin – thanks to the innovative InfraPLUS seat from KLAFS, which can be easily integrated in every KLAFS sauna.

What design and aftercare services do you provide?

Our team of interior designers, technicians and project managers will take care of the entire process from draft conceptual design, through the detailed planning phase and installation process, right up to putting the facility into operation. This provides our customers with the complete peace of mind they require to simply sit back and enjoy the high quality standards we are able to deliver.

What the experts say...

Multiple alternatives: A multi-tasking product, such as the KLAFS Sanarium, enables operators to tailor different climate experiences to suit the desires of individual guests As beneficial as a day at the seaside: The application of various salts during thermal experiences can boost wellness with a deeper cleansing and revitalisation of the skin Relaxation to the tips of your toes: The wood in a sauna exerts perhaps the strongest influence over its climate. Look for a supplier whose panels don’t contain formaldehyde

SPA CLIENTS INCLUDE: ESPA Spa at Mondrian Doha Tierra Santa Healing House, Faena Hotel, Miami Beach, US Frösö Park, Frösön, Sweden Jaz Amsterdam Hotel, The Netherlands ESPA Spa at Corinthia Hotel London, UK Siebenquell GesundZeitResort, Weißenstadt, Germany

KLAFS

+49 (0) 791 501-0 www.klafs.com

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Expert Guide Heat experiences

DRÖM UK Now in its 15th year, Dröm UK has grown to become a highly respected thermal wellbeing specialist, known for its design and installation of luxury, bespoke spa areas across Europe and the Middle East

What is unique about Dröm UK? We will go above and beyond to exceed clients’ expectations, providing quality in design and build, and specifying the installation of systems and components from leading product brands. Our fixtures, fittings and accessories are of the highest quality and are sourced from trusted manufacturers. We are also FSC-certified and can source timber from sustainable forests.

What is the average outlay and return on investment?

When looking at the average outlay and ROI, the most important consideration will always be to stay within the agreed budget and, if possible, exceed the expectations of the hydro-thermal brief. Our clients always benefit from the very highest quality in design and build – from the installation of components through to our fixtures and accessories.

What should spas consider when planning a hydro-thermal zone?

Think about what your target clientele want to achieve from their visit and arrange the flow of hot and cold areas for optimum benefits. Avoid putting noisy footfall areas close to quiet zones and consider the importance of staff only being noticed when necessary, so back of house access for towel drops/laundry, for example, is essential.

What are the latest innovations and trends?

Salt therapy or halotherapy can be incorporated into any sauna or steamroom or used on its own as a relaxation room. Salt bricks make a great feature wall, especially when backlit. Infrared saunas are also very popular with the radiant heat and long-wave infrared targeting muscles, helping to alleviate pain and tension. It also lowers blood pressure and improves circulation, and can take up very little space.

How can spas most successfully combine hydro-thermal experiences with other treatments?

This is most effectively achieved by incorporating experiences that already have other treatments built in, such as a Kneipp Walk. Other examples are horizontal showers, which combine a manual massage with automated water jets, fragrance and lighting sequences, or a rasul room in which mineral-rich mud offers a variety of cosmetic benefits.

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What design advice and aftercare do you provide?

We work closely with architects and designers to advise them on all the technical aspects involved in getting the most from their rooms – everything from what equipment is needed and where best to position it, to space planning and layouts, lighting options, glazing details and ergonomics. We also have engineers available to provide aftercare once the project is completed.

What the experts say...

Know your client’s expectations: It’s vital to understand the wants and needs of your clientele before the planning stage begins Bigger isn’t always better: Space planning is a ‘must’ – consider the thermal journey and plan accordingly Consider your options: Lower-cost experiences such as feature showers or drench buckets can be effective additional treatments in thermal zones

SPA CLIENTS INCLUDE: Galgorm, Ireland Pennyhill Park Spa, Surrey, UK Stoke Park Country Club, Buckinghamshire, UK Chelsea Manor, London, UK Communal spa, private club, Dubai, UAE Dröm UK Ltd +44 (0) 1932 355 655 www.dromuk.com

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Specialists in Thermal Wellbeing Bespoke Spa Consultancy ∙ Design ∙ Build ∙ Maintenance UK ∙ Europe ∙ Middle East Dröm UK Ltd, Dröm House, Abbot Close, Byfleet, Surrey, KT14 7JN, UK Tel: +44 (0)1932 355655 | info@dromuk.com | www.dromuk.com

Expert Guide Heat experiences

DALESAUNA

Image: Wimbledon Leisure Centre & Spa, UK

Image: Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, UK

Image: Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, UK

Established more than 40 years ago, Dalesauna is one of the UK’s leading suppliers for heat experience equipment and excel at offering the ‘complete package’ from concept to completion

What makes Dalesauna unique?

We genuinely care about our clients and their vision.

Dalesauna will advise but we always remember that it is the customer’s money we are spending and they know their own market better than anyone else. Through the use of well designed products, high quality materials and after-site support, Dalesauna installations offer some of the lowest life span costs of any suppliers in the UK.

What is the average outlay and return on investment?

Our customers represent businesses of many different types and size with varied requirements. These range from the UK’s Thermae Bath Spa, where we carried out a completely new spa development, to local authority installations that can include just replacement sauna benches. Therefore, in our experience, there’s no such thing as a typical customer or an average outlay.

What should spas consider when planning a hydro-thermal zone?

You need to consider the flow of the spa equipment.

The body should be heated gently as guests move between heat experience rooms. This is the method that the Romans adopted and is still used throughout the spa industry today. Particular consideration should also be given to relaxation space, as some spas forget that people would like to relax somewhere after visiting the various heat rooms. There is nothing better than relaxing on a tiled heated lounger and watching the world go by.

What are the latest innovations and trends?

Spa guests are increasingly using outside areas, which is great for when there is limited space within the spa – these can include having an outdoor sauna and a spa pool. Two examples of this in the UK are Ribby Hall Hotel & Spa and the Alton Towers Resort. Both sites were searching for additional areas and experiences for guests to use. They had space outside that we helped them make excellent use of and now they are planning additional experiences in the near future.

What design advice and aftercare do you provide?

We have a full service team – some of our engineers have more than 20 years of experience within the industry and are always on hand to visit our customers to help with any maintenance issues. Thanks to the amount of experience and vast spa knowledge in our personnel, we can also maintain equipment that was not originally set up through Dalesauna.

How can spas most successfully combine hydro-thermal experiences with other treatments?

Offering a spa day package is always a wonderful experience and this can include having a rasul (mud treatment), a massage or just enjoying being able to relax somewhere different without any interruption from the outside world.

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What the experts say...

There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ customer: Every hydro-thermal client is different – it’s vital that suppliers really listen to what a spa needs and create experiences that exceed expectations The heart of a spa: With a comprehensive range of products to choose from, hydro-thermal areas are an ideal way to create a striking centrepiece to a spa Think aftercare: Check your supplier offers comprehensive aftercare services with fully qualified service engineers, either for planned maintenance of more urgent repair call-outs

SPA CLIENTS INCLUDE: Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, UK Titanic Spa, UK Devonshire Spa, Buxton, UK Center Parcs, UK Ribby Hall, Preston, UK Dalesauna +44 (0) 1423 798630 www.dalesauna.co.uk

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& R E L AX Your Space. Our Speciality.

With over 40 years experience, we have carved out a reputation as one of the country’s experts in the design, installation and maintenance of luxury relaxation spaces; from domestic saunas to commercial steam rooms and spa pools.

From conception to completion, our aim is to make every part of your project as stress free as possible. Please get in touch to see what we can do for you.

Grimbald Crag Close St James Business Park Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8PJ

T: +44 [0] 1423 798630 F: +44 [0] 1423 798670 dalesauna.co.uk

Expert Guide Heat experiences

BARR + WRAY

Image: Ye Olde Bell Spa, Retford, UK

Image: Lillie Square Clubhouse, London, UK Image: Palazzo Versace, Dubai, UAE

For more than 50 years, Barr + Wray has provided cutting-edge design and build projects at some of the world’s most prestigious spas, hotels and leisure operations from its base in Scotland, with offices in Dubai and Hong Kong

What is unique about Barr + Wray?

Our turnkey customer service, including spa concept interior and engineering design, and installation of pool and spa items – not to mention our comprehensive aftersales support – are what truly makes Barr + Wray unique. With offices in the UK, Hong Kong and Dubai, we are able to offer our clients a global perspective and worldwide knowledge of spa industry trends.

What is the average outlay and return on investment?

We look to provide a solution that meets the client’s budget, however, in terms of outlay and return on investment, you need to consider how the quality of workmanship and design can ensure longevity. All of our projects are individually tailored to suit the client’s requirements and vision. A global knowledge like ours is always an added bonus.

What should spas consider when planning a hydro-thermal zone?

Understand your target market. Who will be using the hydro-thermal and why? Consider the end user experience as well as what your competitors are offering and try to create a unique selling point. Quality products should be considered, along with a design and install team that you can trust to complete the project on time and within budget.

What are the latest innovations and trends?

Larger cabins offering more private space for the user are becoming more popular. Before, we would be looking at four thermal cabins, whereas now, it’s more about opening up the rooms and perhaps having two or three cabins at the most. We also have clients asking more about Celtic sauna rituals, where users pay to experience a traditional ritual that takes place inside a hot sauna.

How can spas most successfully combine hydro-thermal experiences with other treatments?

Spa suites are becoming increasingly popular, offering time for a couple or friends to stay in their own space and use the facilities before or after their individual spa treatments. A treatment suite can offer hydro-thermal experiences such as a steam shower/mud room, a small spa pool and sometimes a sauna experience, so that guests do not need to leave their room.

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What design and aftercare services do you provide?

We offer a complete interior design package for your spa, from reception and treatment rooms to the spa café.

We can provide a full design spec for your contractors to work from. Our engineering consultancy packages are vitally important in every spa project and provide the client or architect with a full design and technical specification of all pool and thermal items within the project. Finally, our aftersales and maintenance support provides customers with enduring peace of mind.

What the experts say...

Location, location, location: Consider the location of the proposed thermal experiences – for example, a partially glazed cabin can really make the most of a beautiful external garden area Keep it cool: Locate cool-down stations as close to the hot cabins as possible – it’s important to create a journey that almost tells the user what to do next without them having to work it out Ace aromatherapy: Scent plays a vital role in the user experience and doesn’t always have to be eucalyptus (although this is right in some areas).

Essence suppliers offer a wide range of aromas today, including a Christmas scent, so you can think outside of the box

GLOBAL SPA CLIENTS INCLUDE: Four Seasons Hotels Mandarin Oriental Ritz Carlton, Jumeirah Soho House & Co. Barr + Wray +44 (0) 141 882 9991 www.barrandwray.com

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CREATORS

OF

WELLBEING

AND

RELAXATION

Interior Design I Engineering Design I Pool + Thermal Installation I Maintenance

Middle East + Asia Barr + Wray Dubai T: + 971 4320 6440 E: sales@barrandwray.com

UK + Europe Barr + Wray T: + 44 141 882 9991 E: sales@barrandwray.com

www.barrandwray.com

Asia PaciďŹ c Barr + Wray Hong Kong T: + 852 2214 9990 E: sales@barrandwray.com

Expert Guide Heat experiences

SOMMERHUBER Based in Steyr, Austria, Sommerhuber has been manufacturing and creating ceramics since 1491. Its unique heat storing ceramics for spas are widely used in thermal experience products and leading spas across the globe

What is unique about Sommerhuber?

With our heat storing ceramic spa products, we provide an incomparable feeling of deep relaxation and pure vitality. Our unique offerings are designed with a high level of creativity using the latest technology. The large-area, jointless ceramic surfaces combine exceptional standards of hygiene with ultra-modern design for an inimitable relaxation experience.

What should spas consider when planning a hydro-thermal zone?

Whatever space is available within your spa, you should consider the overall design structure and source customised shapes and colours to create a unique experience. This is especially important for wet spa areas – don’t underestimate the space that is required for technical as well as maintenance equipment.

How can spas most successfully combine hydro-thermal experiences with other treatments?

Spas are places of relaxation and vitality. Our customised spa products make use of the benefits of mild, long-wave infrared rays, that have a tranquilising effect on the autonomic nervous system. This healthy infrared warmth boosts the benefits of other spa treatments as well as improving circulation, relieving tension, and having a positive influence on the user’s immune system.

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What is the average outlay and return on investment?

That depends on many factors – above all, it is important to create an experience that excels in design, hygiene and vitality. Customers need to feel safe, hence the highest levels of hygiene must be maintained. They should be able to enjoy relaxing in an attractively designed space that offers a range of important health advantages. Our heat storing ceramics meet all of these quality factors.

What are the latest innovations and trends?

Our new ‘floating’ Heat Storing Ceramic benches favour an elegant, light design and appear to float in space, making them an eye-catcher in every experience room.

They are available in either a soft or edged style and feature large-area elements with few joints to optimise hygiene. These new benches can be chosen in two different depths that allow users to either sit or lie down comfortably – a design solution often requested for private spa rooms and suites.

How are hydrothermal experiences set to evolve?

There is a clear, visible trend in favour of a softer design language and lighter colours. Our product development teams are focusing on this ‘soft’ style, especially when designing our larger ceramics, to achieve comforting shapes that offer a clear aesthetic with the highest hygiene standards.

What the experts say...

Emphasise customer benefits: Underline the multiple health benefits guests will gain from using your heat experiences, such as increased vitality and deep relaxation Be unique and creative: Go for a highly individual design to help differentiate you from your competitor’s products Sustain high hygiene standards: Stick to the highest hygiene level with jointless surfaces at the body-contact points to ensure the trust and comfort of your guests

SPA CLIENTS INCLUDE: GOCO Spa, Venice, Italy The Westin Dubai, UAE Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate, UK Lion Rise Club House, Hong Kong W Hotel Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE Thermen Soesterberg, Netherlands Holmes Place, Berlin, Germany Delta Park Resort, Interlaken, Switzerland Star Cruises, Genting Dream, Malaysia Sommerhuber Tel: +43 (0) 7252 893-0 www.sommerhuber.com

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DESIGN. HYGIENE. VITALITY.

FLOATING BENCHES Stress relief through gentle ceramic infrared warmth.

www.sommerhuber.com

Expert Guide Heat experiences

MR SAUNA mr sauna was founded by Gerard McCarthy with the intention of supplying the very latest in sauna and steam room product innovation to clients across the spa and leisure industry What are the latest hydro-thermal trends and innovations?

Thermal experiences have existed for more than 2,000 years, but in more recent times it is the sauna and steamroom we think of first when considering most new installations.

Firstly, the operator should ask themselves what they want from their new facilities and how they intend to offer it to their clients – will it be free for all within a spa day package, or will it be charged for separately?

The spa market today is more sophisticated and demanding, and today’s ‘cash-rich, time-poor’ visitors expect more from the time they invest in saunas and steamrooms. People want to relax, but they also expect a spa experience to provide tangible health benefits, such as halo (salt) therapy, or infrared treatment for muscle and joint pain or post-exercise recovery.

How can spas keep their hydro-thermal experiences relevant?

Adding functions such as chromotherapy, which can play a significant role in providing either an energy boost or deep relaxation, is the kind of innovation that spa operators should be aware of. Spa guests also want to be entertained and enjoy their experiences and the sauna ceremony, or aufguss, is also becoming more popular with annual saunameister championships taking place in Europe. mr sauna +44 (0) 1423 568704 www.mrsauna.co.uk

DESIGN FOR LEISURE Established in the UK in 1991, and operating a US office since 2006, Design for Leisure’s wet spa services are renowned worldwide What should spas consider when planning a hydro-thermal zone?

The predominant focus of spa and wellness design is frequently the visual impact and there is often not enough attention paid, particularly in the early design stages, to the function of the space from a guest perspective, as well as the ongoing operational efficiency.

Cleanliness and hygiene are key factors and efficiency in these areas should be key in all design details and selected finishes, not to mention considering safety issues for barefoot traffic in wet environments.

Poorly designed wet spa areas can be uncomfortable and intimidating for guests, who are not necessarily used to using these areas, with the added impact of modesty issues.

How can spas ensure the success of their hydro-thermal areas?

The commercial success of hydro-thermal areas is directly related to the facility operating efficiently for long hours, often for 365 days of the year. Therefore, correct selection of the unseen equipment is crucial – ease of servicing and the availability of spare parts, not just locally, but from the manufacturing base, should be vital considerations.

Capital costs for these areas are always high, but the investment should be viewed in the long-term, with well designed spas full of good equipment able to provide 10-15 years and more of reliable service.

Design for Leisure +44 (0) 20 8363 4036 www.designforleisure.com

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Ye Olde Bell Hotel

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Wellness

HEALING THERAPIES

NUTRITION

MINDFULNESS

MOVEMENT

RETREATS

EDITED BY HELLENA BARNES

Editor’s choice

Lanserhof Group acquires Grayshott Spa in joint venture European Spa speaks exclusively to Lanserhof’s chief managing officer about its medical resort aspirations and the brand’s UK vision UK: Grayshott Spa in Surrey has been acquired by pioneering medical resort operator the Lanserhof Group, in conjunction with privately-owned property company London and Regional Properties (L+R).

Purchased for an undisclosed sum, the two family-run businesses will acquire a 50% stake of the business as part of the joint venture.

Speaking exclusively to European Spa, Lanserhof’s chief managing officer Nils Behrens outlines the group’s plans for the 50-year-old spa operation.

“Lanserhof’s ambition is to open the first medical resort for Mayr medicine in the UK,” he reveals.

“With this goal in mind, we have analysed the market and found the ideal property together with our partner L+R Properties. Grayshott has a long tradition and a fantastic reputation as a health spa that also offers medical services.”

The Grayshott property, set on 47 acres with 700 adjoining acres of National Trust land, has 59 guestrooms and 36 treatment rooms as part of an

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award-winning spa renowned for its gut restoration programmes, which were a key factor for Behrens.

“The medical aspect, in particular the regime for gut health at Grayshott Spa, fits very well with our philosophy,” he states. “Additionally, it is in an extraordinary location that provokes a very special, calming atmosphere and is so close to London.”

Behrens says Grayshott Spa will continue to operate under its current name. “At the moment we are undertaking an audit of the market

“The medical aspect, in particular the regime for gut health at Grayshott Spa, fits very well with our philosophy.”

Nils Behrens Chief managing officer, Lanserhof Group

to learn more about existing UK services, identify their positives and analyse the current status of the building and hardware,” he explains.

“First we will complete some refurbishments and improvements, increasing the scope of the medical services on offer,” he adds. “We will also reduce the offer for day spa and short spa breaks in order to avoid disturbances for guests taking longer programmes. At the same time, we will work on a comprehensive renovation, however, these plans are not yet complete.”

The joint acquisition of Grayshott Spa adds to the Lanserhof Group’s existing European portfolio of operations in Lans, Austria, and Tegernsee, Medicum and Sylt in Germany. “We are taking our first steps in the UK market and will offer some Lanserhof treatments and therapies in the future,” said Behrens.

“As yet, we haven’t decided if Grayshott Spa will ever be a Lanserhof – this will be decided in due course.” www.lanserhof.com | www.grayshottspa.com

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Wellness Trends & developments

The future of relaxation rooms?

ITALY: The Preidlhof in Naturno, South Tyrol, has unveiled what it describes as ‘the ultimate relaxation experience in the world’s first ‘Deep Sea Relaxation Room’. Immersing guests in light, sound and vibration, the hermetically sealed room, which boasts 12,500 LED lights, has already received a European Health & Spa Award for Innovation.

Designed by inventor and audiologist Daniel Lathan (right) to boost the effectiveness of body treatments by promoting deep relaxation, the room aims to stimulate the areas of creativity and relaxation as proven by electroencephalogram (EEG) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measurements.

“I wanted to offer guests a unique experience and my concepts are based on the inversion of preconceived ideas and previous perceptions of room planning,” says Lathan, who began working on the project in 2014. “These are room concepts that don’t provoke memories and lead us back into the past – they create space for a new reality in which light and sound activate a previously unknown and therefore non-biased trigger.”

Lathan’s ideas came to life on meeting Klaus Ladurner (left), owner of The Preidlhof luxury hotel and spa. “Mr Ladurner was building a dedicated Spa Tower and asked me to design a room specifically for him,” says Lathan. “It is the only one of its kind in the world and I am delighted to have such a forward-thinking partner. We hope to collaborate further to offer Preidlhof guests even greater opportunities for rest and relaxation.” www.preidlhof.it/en/preidlhof

Lifestyle begins with Serenity PORTUGAL: Pine Cliffs Resort in the Algarve is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a new holistic concept created with its spa, Serenity; The Art of Wellbeing.

“Having researched current lifestyle trends, we found that today’s consumers are increasingly seeking a fully holistic wellness experience,” says director of spa Maria d’Orey (left). “Our mission is to offer guests a harmonious blend of idyllic settings, top quality products and personalised, authentic experiences for mind, body and soul.”

The five core Pine Cliffs Lifestyle programmes – Yoga and The Harmonisation of the Chakras; Fitness Journey; Awakening of Senses; Digital Detox; and Self-Healing – each incorporate a varied itinerary of fitness activities, spa treatments and healthy eating.

“Guests benefit from results-driven personalised attention, guidance and support to truly reap the rewards of programmes long after they return home,” d’Orey states. “We wanted to take an immersive approach that fuses the very essence of health and wellbeing. The Pine Cliffs Lifestyle concept will banish burn-out and allow participants to regain vitality.”

Serenity also operates at Pine Cliffs’ Portuguese sister property Sheraton Cascais Resort. www.serenity-spa.com

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Wellness Trends & developments

What is your OHI? INTERNATIONAL: Challenging stereotypes on the concept of fundamental happiness, Discovering Your Optimum ‘Happiness Index’ aims to present a new narrative to engage readers in the fields of psychology, sociology and social-science disciplines.

With a focus on what actually makes people happy and why it differs from what people ‘think’ makes them happy, the book’s authors, Errol and Marjorie Gibbs, propose that while a materially-driven life may bolster ones’ lifestyle, this is not fundamentally intrinsic to happiness.

The book reveals how identifying their ‘optimum happiness index’ can help people cope with modern stressors, including countrywide political and cultural divisions, career worries, anxiety and the quest for personal fulfilment. In doing so it asks thought-provoking questions such as: ‘how does a greater understanding of happiness help us achieve lasting happiness?’ and ‘is happiness really the most important thing?’ www.gibbshappinessindex.com

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Between the covers

New Mind and Body unit strengthens SHA offering SPAIN: Continuing to underpin its pioneering credentials, SHA Wellness Clinic has opened an innovative Mind and Body unit.

“Many guests arrive with burnout, depression, digestive issues, heart problems, obesity or emotional concerns, so there was a need to approach these problems in a more direct and complete way,” says SHA’s stress management expert, Conceição Espada.

Drawing on more than 25 years’ experience to create the new offering at the integral health medical spa in Alicante, Espada has incorporated new holistic therapies including Qi Gong, a ‘meditation in movement’ that uses breathing and body exercises to release tension and harmonise energy.

The unit also provides a deep diagnosis of symptoms and factors relating to stress by way of personal assessments, offering ‘conscious breathing’ and other tools for managing emotions. Its Energy Balance Treatment is further designed to free energy blockages on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels through treatment involving touch and sound.

“There is a holistic focus in all of SHA’s health programmes,” says Espada. “They all include at least one mind and body activity. Now, with the creation of the Mind and Body unit, we are able to work more profoundly and with more time for the integration of these holistic techniques in guests’ everyday life.” www.shawellnessclinic.com

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Wellness Trends & developments

Supplementary benefits The booming market for vitamins and supplements reflects increased consumer demand for targeted health solutions.

We highlight four products that fit perfectly for spa retailing...

Igniting retail

Just for Tummies: For Women Developed for the millions of women suffering with urinary tract infections, these capsules contain three billion female-specific strains of bacteria with a species of lactobacilli called reuteri that has been shown to reduce the risk of development of cystitis or thrush.

“It is imperative that these systems are replenished with ‘friendly’ species of bacteria,” states brand founder Linda Booth. www.justfortummies.co.uk

Thalgo: L’Océane In L’Océane, Thalgo has harnessed the work of French biologist René Quinton, who first demonstrated the similarity between blood plasma and seawater.

Described as a natural regenerating cure, its ampoules contain a 100% marine plasma packed with essential micro-nutrients and rich in ionised minerals to combat tiredness, stress and dehydration. www.thalgo.co.uk

Global Wellness Summit puts Re-aligning thethe artmicroscope of Rolfing DNA under Global: As part of the Global Wellness Summit’s

(GWS) exploration of the impact of next-generation DNA testing on wellness industries, international delegates at the event will undertake DNA-based assessments in order to generate real-life participation in this crucial subject.

“Over the next five years a flood of individual genetic tests and more sophisticated personal biomarker and epigenetic tests are going to rewrite the healthcare and wellness agenda,” says GWS CEO Ali Mostashari and chairman Susie Ellis. “This year’s summit will see experts in this arena help delegates explore the latest scientific research to predict what’s coming next and how it will affect the wellness industry.

“In addition, many delegates will take personal DNA wellness assessments prior to the Summit to encourage interactive discussion and debate about these breakthrough tests.”

Presenting a keynote entitled ‘DNA Testing: Understanding Results and Explaining Opportunities’, Ali Mostashari, PhD, CEO of LifeNome Inc, tells European Spa: “Our era is one of personalisation and our mission is to empower science-driven wellness. Spa operators can no longer afford to provide generic services, no matter how upscale their offerings may be.

“From healthy nutrition to individualised skin and haircare products, the scientific advances in personalised genomics have opened up a world of possibilities for spa operators to personalise the services they can offer.” GWS 2017 is set to explore this topic further in a number of presentations as well as an expert panel discussion entitled ‘Are DNA & Biomarkers Tests Ready for Primetime?’

The Global Wellness Summit 2017 take place from October 9-11 at The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida, US. www.globalwellnesssummit.com | www.lifenome.com

Tom Oliver Nutrition: The Omega-3 Herring Caviar Herring caviar oil extracted from MSC-certified fisheries is combined with a Friends of the Sea-certified fish oil in this Omega-3 food supplement from Tom Oliver Nutrition.

Sustainably harvested in Norwegian waters, it provides MOPL (marine omega-3 phospholipids), DHA & EPA omega 3 phospholipids, and Choline to support heart function, brain health, eye health and fat metabolism. www.tomolivernutrition.com Murad: Hydro-Glow Dietary Supplements Based on Dr Murad’s Cellular Water Principle, which connects accelerated ageing caused by modern life to cellular water loss, the brand’s Hydro-Glow food supplements are designed to hydrate skin from within.

By boosting hydration levels with ingredients including Glucosamine and Taurine, the company claims that clinical results show 85% of users reported a more healthy-looking skin. www.murad.co.uk

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Return to Wellness at Gainsborough Bath Spa aims to introduce guests to a wide range of spa activities and experiences

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Wellness Trends & developments

Gainsborough Bath Spa looks to inspire a ‘Return to Wellness’ for UK Spa Week

Wellbeing expert

UK: As part of its celebrations for National Spa Week in conjunction with Thermae Bath Spa

and product partner Aromatherapy Associates, The Gainsborough Bath Spa has created a day of activities, entitled ‘Return to Wellness’, aimed at engaging potential and existing spa guests.

“It is a great opportunity for people to reconnect with their sense of wellbeing so we have designed this to be accessible to all,” says spa manager Kabir Aliri (pictured below).

The event includes a yoga session, a mindfulness masterclass, a nutritional talk, life coaching with Aromatherapy Associates Wellbeing Experts Jonathan Ward and Yvonne Wake, a healthy fine-dining lunch and time in The Gainsborough’s thermal Spa Village.

“Return to Wellness presents something that no other hotel spa in the UK is offering this National Spa Week,” states Aliri. “A day-long celebration of wellness that represents incredible value at £35 for all classes, lunch, a gift bag and spa access.”

Headed by the UK Spa Association, National Spa week takes place from October 30 to November 5. www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk www.spaweek.co.uk

Think Tank trends will inform your guest’s brain and body Having announced its Think Tank’s wellness forecasts, Anna Bjurstam, active chairperson for global spa consultancy Raison d’Etre, expands on three significant trends that she believes spa operators should be aware of over the next 12 months.

Microbiome – The stomach as a second brain The microbiome is our body’s own eco-system of bacteria and for every cell in Anna Bjurstam our bodies there are 10 microbial cells vital for health. Often referred to as ‘gut bacteria’, it is now understood that if we cultivate a healthy microbiome then our brain and body will be healthy – just as if we culture healthy skin bacteria, we have less body odour and better-looking skin.

Society has been focused on removing bacteria for quite some time, but the expansion of brands such as Mother Dirt, which advocates applying good bacteria after showering, is just one example of how companies are starting to understand the importance of healthy bacteria.

Nutritarianism – Personalised nutrition The term nutritarian was coined by Dr. Joel Fuhrman to describe an eating style that focuses on maximising the individual’s micronutrient intake (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals). This personalised approach to diet is one spas must heed in order to grow with the conscientious consumer.

From ailments such as psoriasis and hyperhidrosis, to sleep deprivation and mental health issues, there is scope for spas to create retreats and packages that apply medical specificity to help support those wanting to improve their quality of life.

Nootropics – Engaging cognitive power Interest in brain supplements has increased steadily over the past few years, especially among the adult market aged 55+ looking to ensure that they stay mentally sharp. Indeed, quality of life has been at the centre of so many spa creations and this is growing in popularity year-on-year. Spas that can implement ‘brain workouts’ and spaces to stimulate the mind, in addition to health club facilities, will be nurturing a wellness trend that is expected to spread across all demographics. www.raisondetrespas.com

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QUA

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USTOMIZING High-end spa, wellness and medical equipment Made in Germany.

Gharieni Group Germany • info@gharieni.com • www.gharieni.com

FURNISHINGS

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Design focus

‘Iconic’ new spa at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square Roman heritage and contemporary minimalism are perfectly balanced to create a stunning sanctuary in the heart of the city The recently opened 1,700sqm spa at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square offers a sanctuary of luxurious wellness and nurturing in the heart of the city.

Created by designer Joseph Caspari along with Japanese architect Mio Shibuya, facilities at the contemporary and elegant spa comprise eight treatment rooms, including one spa suite, and a luxury hammam as well as a 14m swimming pool.

The spa’s fluid environment, inspired by the curved walls of the Rotunda at Ten Trinity Square, has been constructed to encourage a natural flow of energy and warmth, from the elliptical reception with its gold mosaic tiled walls to the domed ceilings of the treatment rooms.

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Reflecting the history of the surrounding area, Caspari chose a colour palette reminiscent of the minerals and natural materials that were used during Roman times. In addition to the wood textures that make up the treatment rooms, this is most evident in the deep grey and silver tones of the swimming pool, which is framed by large-scale columns with a silver vine pattern that emerge from a decorative mosaic base.

The spa’s results-driven treatments and holistic experiences are supplied by luxury UK brand ESPA, which also provided spa consultancy services, as well as Amala, Dr Burgener and marocMaroc.

“The spa design was influenced by the heritage of the building and with the desire to create

something new in a minimalist style,” confirms Sue Harmsworth, MBE, founder of ESPA. “The spa concept was conceived to be an iconic, contemporary architectural space with materials chosen to reflect London’s ancient Roman history.”

www.fourseasons.com Style suppliers Spa Consultant: ESPA Furniture: Silvera Treatment beds: Gharieni Lighting: dpa Lighting Consultants, London Heat Experiences: Barr + Wray (poolside sauna and steam experiences, and steamroom in female changing room) and Starpool Wellness (hammam and ‘SweetSpa’ steam shower in the VIP Suite)

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Style Design, form & function

Lemi q Capri Pedi Spa

Combining elegance and comfort, the new Capri Pedi Spa treatment chair from Italian equipment specialist Lemi includes a range of unique functional features and has a modern aesthetic with clean lines.

Therapists can perform pedicures, manicures or facials on clients seated in the Capri, thanks to its easily operated reclining and rotation functions.

Facilitating quick and easy maintenance, the chair’s Sanijet pipeless hydromassage system is both hygienic and simple to clean.

The Capri’s oak base is available in four wooden colourways and a further two lacquered options, all of which can be matched with 35 different chair colours.

www.lemigroup.it

Michel Charlot for Kettal q MIA

Created as a ‘family of nomadic lamps’, the new MIA outdoor lighting range was designed by Michel Charlot for leading Spanish furniture company Kettal.

Each lamp is built around an acid-treated glass diffuser that is protected by a large, polypropylene lampshade.

These are fixed upon on a bespoke wire structure.

Completely waterproof, allowing for a wide range of applications outdoors, the MIA series comprises multiple variations including a small, battery-powered lamp.

www.kettal.com

Ross Lovegrove and Lasvit u LiquidKristal

Ideal as a design centrepiece within a spa, LiquidKristal consists of highly customisable solid glass panels that can be supplied with large-scale patterns for interior or exterior use and are suitable for pavilions, partition walls or large, full-length windows.

Capable of positively transforming a building’s appearance, the glass panels are said to have been inspired by nature’s fluidity and are the result of a year-long collaboration with designer Ross Lovegrove.

The transparent, undulating crystal panels appear dynamic and shape-changing in a futuristic kaleidoscope.

“LiquidKristal combines technology and design to create an architectural product that replaces the monotony typical of large glass structures with natural surfaces and their abundant variety, richness and coherence,” says Lasvit’s founder, Leon Jakimič.

www.lasvit.com | www.rosslovegrove.com

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Style Design, form & function

The Modesty Company q Classic Wrap

The debut product from The Modesty Company, available for both spa use and retail, is the 100% cotton Classic Wrap. Intended specifically for women, the wrap can be customised with spa branding and has been designed to hold securely around the body with the aid of a discreet velcro strap closure.

The wrap comes in XS, S-M and L-XL sizes, and with four trim colour options: classic white, lilac, white satin and navy. Each product also comes with a signature bag complete with a waterproof lining.

The brainchild of former Lomax fitness founder Danielle Armstrong, the company plans to extend its portfolio with the launch of a multi-way ‘resort wrap’ made from bamboo/terry towel cloth, as well as a supersoft maternity wrap suitable for both pre- and post-pregnancy.

www.themodestycompany.com

Modern Garden Company p Nest Egg

Creating a unique, eye-catching space, the Nest Egg swing seat would be ideal for either an interior or exterior relaxation area.

Hand-made to order in steel, the Nest Egg meets the demands of the spa environment where heat, water and humidity are all considerations, while each piece has its own individual pattern detailing thanks to the natural variance of bespoke craftsmanship.

The seat is finished with a Ferro VX exterior polyester powder coating, which provides superior UV resistance in black, white, grey or RAL colours.

www.themoderngarden.co.uk

Serge Atallah for Planika t Bubble Commerce

The portable Bubble Commerce bio-fireplace is able to blend into both traditional and modern design settings thanks in part to its glossy white finish and stylish cylindrical shape.

Designed for Planika by Serge Atallah, the fireplace is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use as it burns with no ash, smoke or smell and doesn’t require any special ventilation, chimney or hard connections.

Thanks to Planika’s innovative BEV (Burning Ethanol Vapours) technology, the only combustion products are water vapour and CO2, emitted in the amounts comparable to human breath, which makes the bio fireplace extremely environmentally and user-friendly.

www.planikafires.com

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Style Design, form & function

Majestic q Jumbo Terry Towelling Bath Sheet

New from luxury textiles manufacturer Majestic is its Jumbo Terry Towelling Bath Sheet.

Boasting generous proportions of 100cm x 200cm, the bath sheet is available with or without a facehole and in a range of colours including white, chocolate, grey and damson.

As with all the other products in the Majestic portfolio, the sheet is double stitched to reduce the risk of fraying and ensure that it maintains a luxurious appearance even after heavy use. Furthermore, it is made using Azo-free dyes, which carry no health risks.

www.majestictowels.co.uk

Lapicida p Silver Mirror tiles

The decorative Silver Mirror porcelain tiles from luxury stone specialist Lapicida is intended to convincingly reproduce the subtle reflections, shades and patina of antique mirror glass.

On-trend for both vintage-inspired and contemporary walls and floors, the silver tiles are glazed and polished, measure 600x600x10mm thick and can even be used on exterior walls.

Lapicida’s extensive porcelain collection also includes Bronze Mirror porcelain tiles as well as a wide variety of other authentic finishes including timber, concrete, marble and stone.

www.lapicida.com

Style Focus

Oakworks adds Cosmo bed to its Masters Collection Leading equipment specialist Oakworks produces ergonomic spa and massage treatment tables and accessories that combine comfort, durability and aesthetic appeal. We speak to Dafne Berlanga, vice-president of international business development, about the addition of a new treatment bed, called Cosmo, to its Masters Collection.

Tell us about Oakworks’ ethos

We build beautiful products that support therapist ergonomics and client comfort while ensuring good value through high quality construction. Manufacturing from our base in New Freedom, Pennsylvania, US, we locally source materials and are deeply committed to our clients, the community and the environment, having planted more than 900,000 trees over the years.

Dafne Berlanga

Tell us more about your latest launch

As part of our Masters Collection, we’ve created a fourth treatment table with angled, V-shaped legs inspired by the legendary Cosmopolitan cocktail. Offering multiple design variations, the Cosmo is a true statement table that would add a touch of sophistication to any spa and includes two new features: a near-silent, seamless warming drawer and our Fuzion Top heated surface.

What USPs do your treatment beds offer spas?

All our new releases are designed to secure the best possible experience for the client. When a spa guest enters a treatment room, we expect them to be 'wowed' straight away. Once they are having a treatment, we want them to be able to relax in the shortest amount of time.

When our customers experience an Oakworks table, there is no way back, you have to have it.

www.spatables.com

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Style Design, form & function

Fil Doux Textiles x Clodagh

The new Nomad Collection of upholstery textiles and throws is the result of a collaboration between Fil Doux Textiles and eco-philanthropic designer Clodagh.

Intended to provide a glimpse into Clodagh’s journeys across the world, the collection includes woven and printed cotton-blend fabrics in 15 earth-inspired colourways, alongside a coordinating series of throw blankets.

Clodagh Each item is woven from Fil Doux Textiles’ proprietary FabuTouch yarn that mixes the fibres within the yarn to create superior durability while maintaining a soft touch.

The tactile throw blankets are pre-shrunk and machine washable, making them ideal for commercial environments.

“I am very proud of this collection and it’s also so rewarding to work with a company that mirrors our environmental standards,” says Clodagh. “Fil Doux’s commitment to wind power, recycling dye water and reusing fabric for packaging reflects real respect for our world.”

Style Focus

www.fildoux.com | www.clodagh.com

Glass Design q Gala basin

Specialising in the creation of customisable bathroom and interior decoration products that fuse traditional techniques with artistic skill, Glass Design has unveiled the latest addition to its extensive basin collection.

The Gala is fashioned from decorative Florence Glass Atelier crystal and is mouth-blown by in-house glassmakers before being hand-finished.

Available in two diameters – 400mm and 440mm – with a height of 150mm, the basin’s unique ‘crunched leaf’ design beautifully captures the light and it can be finished in either gold, silver or copper leaf.

www.glassdesign.it

Matrix p Rower

Described as delivering a full-body cardio workout that is both intense and low-impact, the new rower from Matrix is ideal for a range of ability levels and combines a sleek, robust design with lasting durability.

Featuring 'whisper-quiet' operation, a smoother stroke, easy programme adjustment and 10 magnetic resistance levels, the rower tilts up to minimise its footprint while built-in wheels make it easy to roll it into storage or to a new location.

A high-quality cord is paired with a long aluminium rail that is reinforced with stainless-steel strips, while the ergonomic seat provides a high level of comfort.

www.matrixfitness.co.uk

Every issue of European Spa showcases the best in spa equipment design, textiles and furnishings.

Contact Sarah Todd on +44 (0) 115 950 4748 or email sarah.todd@spapublishing.com

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Main image, bottom left and right: Center Parcs Woburn Bottom centre, Brimstone Spa, Langdale

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

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: Alpienne

91, 96

Dr Burgener

Amala 121

Dröm UK

Ananné

Elemental Herbology

58, 60

Anne Semonin

78

Elemis

121

Lapcida 124

Porcelanosa 113

104, 105

Lasvit 122

Premier Software

61

Lemi

Pure Spa & Beauty

47

34, 80

4, 40, 41, 49, 63, 86, OBC

122, 127

Majestic Towels

95, 124

Aromatherapy Associates

Ellisons 41

marocMaroc 121

Espa

Matrix 126

40, 41, 42, 87

Babor Barr + Wray

13, 86 108, 109, 121

Basalt Architects

28

BC Softwear

114

Beauty Express Biologique Recherche

41 81, 84

10, 22, 46, 78, 121

Felce & Guy

21

Fil Doux Textiles Florence Roby Germaine de Capuccini Gharieni

87 120, 121

38, 40, 41, 52, 84

Modern Garden Company Moroccan Tan

123 76

mr sauna

112

Murad 118 Natura Bissé

Spa Creators

30 21, 51, 97, 98

20, 30, 48, 118

HL Concepts

37 128

Niance

60

SPATEC Europe

56, 60, 63, 86 58, 60

Hydralis 26

Oakworks

CND

18, 80

ila Spa

31, 96

Omorovicza 82

[comfort zone]

72, 79

Inbalans Group

50

OPI 85

124, 131

ishga 62

OSKIA

Pevonia 79

Dalesauna

106, 107

Jessica

Decléor

2, 30, 82

Just for Tummies

121

71 110, 111

Sparcstudio

126

Clodagh 126

dpa Lighting

Sisley Paris

Neom Organics London

Goddard Littlefair

28

22

Nazar Wellness

6, 78

Design Group Italia

Sarah Chapman

Clarins

112

58, 60

Global Wellness Summit

8, 87

Design for Leisure

Reviderm

47

30, 32, 33

Caudalie

22

100

Resources for Leisure Assets

Spa Life UK

Carita 74

Crème de La Mer

Resort Suite

Sommerhuber

84, 98

91, 96

Natural Spa Factory 21, 29, 63, 87

Glass Design

46

17

Gaia 80

Book4Time 125

Clinique La Prairie

126

Mii Cosmetics

REN

15, 30, 38, 40, 41, 79

22, 30

23, 27

Starpool Wellness

121

Stoneforce 37 Subtle Energies

77

Technogym 38, 40, 41, 60, 64, 68, 71, 91, 96 Thalgo

22, 86, 88, 118

Phytomer 79

The Modesty Company

123

Planika 123

Tom Oliver Nutrition

118

Kettal 122

Plasma Elite

Treatwell 44

KLAFS

Pools by Design

Kerstin Florian

118 24 102, 103

82 38, 41

Voya

78, 83

To discuss any bespoke advertising requirements, please contact the sales team at European Spa, T: +44 (0) 115 950 4748.

www.europeanspamagazine.com

129

Last Word Andrew Gibson

Defining wellbeing Vice-president of wellbeing for AccorHotels Luxury Brands, Andrew Gibson believes hotel and resort spas need to know the difference between wellbeing and wellness to operate effectively I think of wellness as in the domain of spas and sickness as the responsibility of the medical industry, but what about acupuncture, cryotherapy, Botox or thread lift – are they spa or medical, or neither? The confusion causes a dilemma for hotels with spa and beauty services. It is therefore important to have corporate definitions of wellness and wellbeing that protect the brand and provide guidance for hoteliers.

Selling wellness

I

“Wellness services are here to stay, but failing to provide the right resources to sell them will quickly deflate the motivation of your team and the financial benefits on offer.”

have often had to defend the economic performance of spa businesses within the hospitality industry because the traditional method of evaluation, through a departmental profit and loss account, only tells a fraction of the story.

The use of spa and fitness facilities in marketing creates a halo effect, and internal research with all my brands has shown that spa users also add revenue in all other areas of hotels.

Now there is the question of how we perform profitably while offering guests ‘wellness’. Just as the word ‘spa’ once signaled everything from a massage to pet pampering, so the terms ‘wellbeing’ and ‘wellness’ have become indiscriminately and overly used to suit a range of needs. For me, wellbeing is a state of mind (that which we aim to help guests achieve) and wellness comprises the different paths that lead to this state (the services we provide).

We receive many requests from our hotels to ‘add wellness’, without a real understanding of what it means. There can be confusion between wellness and medical services, while ‘beauty’ treatments, complicated by the availability of low-cost cosmetic surgery, can fall somewhere between the two.

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The gravitation towards wellness in hospitality can be seen in the acquisition and development of international companies, each of which delivers ‘wellness’ according to its own brand strategy. This demonstrates an increasing demand for more than just a good room and decent food, but to profit from this trend requires looking at services as a whole and providing sufficient resources to effectively reach the target market.

At present, savvy marketing will carry companies through the confusing terminology and mixed expectations of guests, but just as the spa guest began to understand the spa industry, so too will the hotel guest develop a sense of what ‘wellness’ means to them. Simply adding classes and a weekend retreat will not satisfy the discerning guest – hotels must create a wellness identity that runs through every aspect and employee.

There is a big financial difference between treating every guest interaction as a chance to experience all things, and making rooms the only priority with everything else as just a service.

Each luxury brand for Accor has guest wellbeing as a fundamental pillar, with the concept and delivery of this remaining in character with the hotel brand and reflecting the priorities of the services offered to guests.

Wellness services are here to stay, but failing to provide the right resources to sell them will quickly deflate the motivation of your team and the financial benefits on offer. If every employee (we call them ‘heartists’ at Accor) is trained to have the mindset to treat every guest with respect and do their best to deliver a positive experience, then we are already on the road to achieving wellbeing. If that is combined with thoughtful design built around wellness principles and a holistic attitude towards the room, food and leisure experiences, then the hotel will become a place of wellbeing.

Meet the expert Vice-president of wellbeing, Andrew Gibson is responsible for the development of the wellbeing strategy for AccorHotels Luxury Brands portfolio, stretching across 550 hotels with 250+ managed spas, 100 outsourced spas and over 350 fitness centres across 10 brands. A 30-year hospitality industry veteran, he is also a founder and current board member of the Global Wellness Institute and an advisory member of the Global Wellness Communities think-tank. www.accorhotels.com

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