European Spa magazine issue 66

THE NO.1 MAGAZINE

FOR SPA AND WELLNESS

Issue 66 | October/November 2018 | www.europeanspamagazine.com

BELLA ITALIA

The country’s most influential spa and wellness brands

CHRISTMAS IS COMING Advice on making the most of festive retailing opportunities

A SECRET NO MORE

Ringwood Hall is rejuvenated by its Garden Secret Spa, UK

EXPERT GUIDE: HEAT We take the temperature of hydro-thermal investments

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Welcome I SS U E 66 | OC TOBER / NOV E M BER 2018

The art of living well

A

s the world of spa and wellness evolves to meet growing demand for healthier lifestyle choices, our mission at European Spa is to provide you with vital, expert coverage to help your business succeed. In researching the latest ideas and developments, we strive to reflect the combination of tradition and innovation that drives the industry forward.

One country that strikes a beautiful balance between its heritage and future is Italy, where this year’s Global Wellness Summit is to be held at Technogym’s ultra-modern headquarters in the ancient city of Cesena. Our special feature, Bella Italia (p34), highlights a selection of spas, brands and designers that exemplify the country’s unique approach to the art of living. Also, we check into the internationally renowned Palace Merano Espace Henri Chenot to discuss its pioneering health concept with Henri and Dominique Chenot (p84).

Disruptors that drive change are always on our radar and, with this in mind, our new Thought Leader series meets Urban Massage’s entrepreneurial co-founder Jack Tang, whose love of wellness and technology is shaking up the traditional spa employment model (p58).

In the UK, we visit Derbyshire’s Ringwood Hall & Spa to explore the Garden Secret Spa that is now nestled into the estate’s rejuvenated grounds (p106). Down in the capital, we catch up with sbe spa director Jacqueline Kneebone, who outlines her stewardship of the luxurious agua brand and how it maintains the height of luxury at the stylish Sanderson and Mondrian hotels in London (p72).

Offering a little extra heat to take you into the cooler months, we provide a wealth of business know-how in our annual Expert Guide to hydro-thermal experiences (p94), which showcases invaluable lessons from the professionals in this field. We also bring you a host of tips on how to put some fire in your seasonal revenue with our glittering festive retail special (p76).

As ever, we hope this varied and insightful issue will provide inspiration on how to bring the art of living well into your spa offering this autumn.

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. Online & social media: www.europeanspamagazine.com

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@eurospamag

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The No.1 business magazine for spa and wellness professionals. Published six times a year by Spa Publishing Ltd, European Spa is an independent, intelligent business title specifically for spa decision makers shaping the wellness market throughout the UK, Europe and beyond.

European Spa is printed by Buxton Press on paper sourced from FSC-certified forests.

Spa Publishing Ltd is registered in England.

Company No. 6293825

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Contents I SS U E 66 | OC TOBER / NOV E M BER 2018

Business 21 INDUSTRY NEWS

34

The latest industry developments, including Champneys’ planned £5 million spa investment at its new property, Mottram Hall in Cheshire, UK; and the opening of a new Pierre-Yves Rochon designed spa at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris.

32 SPA LIFE 2018

We highlight the ‘education, inspiration and motivation’ awaiting delegates at the event on November 13-14 in Birmingham, UK.

34 BELLA ITALIA

As the 2018 Global Wellness Summit heads to Technogym’s headquarters in Cesena, we look deeper into the country’s spa heritage and advancements, profiling the expertise of some of Italy’s most innovative and influential wellness brands and leaders.

72

58

58 JACK TANG, URBAN MASSAGE

The dynamic co-founder of the online massage booking portal believes the app not only helps therapists to take control of their hours and earnings, but also allows spa operators to tap into a ready-made pool of best-in-class talent.

72 JACQUELINE KNEEBONE, SBE

agua Spa’s director on how she has built on the principles at the core of the brand to develop superlative offerings at the sbe-owned Sanderson and Mondrian in London.

130 IN CONVERSATION WITH...

TONY DE LEEDE A ‘lost generation’ of people over 50 are now discovering the importance of living better for longer, says the owner of the award-winning Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat.

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130

Expert Guide 94 HEAT

We offer advice on how to maximise your investment and provide a sublime hydro-thermal experience for guests.

With contributions from Barr + Wray, Dalesauna, KLAFS, Dröm, Sommerhuber, Design for Leisure, Mr Sauna and Helo.

www.europeanspamagazine.com

Stay up to date with miicosmetics miicosmetics.com

Contents I SS U E 66 | OC TOBER / NOV E M BER 2018

Spas 84 EXCLUSIVE: ESPACE HENRI CHENOT,

84

PALACE MERANO, ITALY We meet Henri Chenot to discuss plans to bring his distinctive brand of detox and preventative and regenerative treatments, to an ever wider global clientele.

106 RINGWOOD HALL & SPA, UK

A £2 million refurbishment of the four-star Derbyshire manor house has delivered an elegant spa that reflects the natural glory of its rejuvenated grounds.

Menu 61 MENU

The best new products and treatments, including Natura Bissé’s Diamond Cocoon Collection and [comfort zone]’s Sublime Skin Hormon-Aging Facial.

76

113

76 FESTIVE RETAIL SPECIAL

Leading experts offer their advice on how spas can incentivise guests and make the most of the retailing opportunities that the festive season brings.

Wellness 113 WELLNESS

Our round-up of recent developments includes an interview with Sue Davis, resident naturopath at Lifehouse Spa & Hotel in Essex, UK.

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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

Design 121 STYLE

Renew your subscription today...

email: subscribe@spapublishing.com Annual subscription rates (six issues): UK: £65 EU: £85 Rest of world: £110

A look at what is new in spa furnishings and fittings, including the MLR Select treatment bed from Gharieni and Technogym’s ‘revolutionary’ SKILLBIKE

On the cover: Our special focus on Italy highlights some of the country’s most successful and innovative designers, suppliers and spas, including Fonteverde spa in Tuscany (pictured).

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

E D I T E D BY I A N PA R K E S

Champneys plans £5 million spa redesign at Mottram Hall Resort brand is set to invest heavily following its recent acquisition of well-established hotel in the north-west of England UK: Leading destination spa brand Champneys has added to its property portfolio with the purchase of the 18th-century Grade II-listed Mottram Hall in Cheshire, European Spa can reveal.

Champneys owners Dorothy and Stephen Purdew, who completed a deal with Q Hotels at the end of August, are now planning a £10 million (311.2 million) refurbishment, including a £5 million overhaul of the current spa facilities.

Working in conjunction with London-based architects Darling Associates, the redevelopment will include a 20m swimming pool, new wet and thermal experiences, plus the addition of 14 treatment rooms that will take the total to 22.

Plans are currently being drawn up for the work to be completed by the end of 2019. There are also plans for new conference facilities, an extension to the golf club house and an increase in the number of bedrooms from 120 to 134.

“We started bidding for the property in March,

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and finally had our offer accepted in June. It’s been quite a long process,” Champneys owner and director Stephen Purdew told European Spa. “We’re now planning a considerable project on what is a big building.”

Champneys’ properties are primarily based in the south of England, with four spa resort locations at Forest Mere, Henlow, Springs and Tring; six city spas in Chichester, Enfield, Guildford, Milton Keynes, St Albans and Tunbridge Wells; along with

“Mottram Hall gives our brand a broader geographical spread with a presence in the north-west. ” Stephen Purdew Owner and director

its spa hotel at Eastwell Manor. It also has a spa on board the Marella Explorer cruise ship.

Explaining the decision to expand further north, Purdew added: “It’s a well-established hotel with a very strong demographic. Mottram Hall gives our brand a broader geographical spread with a presence in the north-west.”

Built in 1721 by Nathaniel Booth, Mottram Hall was converted into a hotel in 1940. Under the stewardship of the DeVere group from 1970 to 2014, it underwent a £6 million refurbishment in 2012-13 prior to Q Hotels taking up ownership four years ago.

Its general manager, Deirdre Billing, said: “The hotel has a strong reputation in the region as Cheshire’s finest golf resort. I’m delighted the investment from Champneys will allow us to strengthen our offering and continue to position Mottram Hall within the luxury spa market.” www.champneys.com

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Business News

New Davines HQ inspired by sustainable beauty

News in brief QMS Medicosmetics makes push into UK market GERMANY/UK: Professional skincare and facial treatment brand QMS Medicosmetics is to open its first permanent treatment room in the UK at London department store Liberty.

The move follows a successful pop-up installation at the Great Marlborough Street venue, and forms part of QMS’s overall UK vision.

CEO Selma Terzic said: “We now have a fully trained team and head office in London and are very serious about growing our business both in the UK and globally.” www.qmsmedicosmetics.com

ITALY: The Davines Group has unveiled its new eco-friendly headquarters, declared by president Davide Bollati to be “the temple of our company’s raison d’etre”.

Built at a cost of €40 million (£36 million), the 77,000sqm Davines Village site, on the outskirts of Parma, is said to represent a ‘tangible realisation of the values of beauty, Davide Bollati sustainability and wellbeing’ that drive the company, which includes renowned brands [comfort zone] and Skin Regimen.

Overseen by architects Matteo Thun and Luca Colombo, with interior design from Monica Signani, 80% of the site’s surface area has been given over to a variety of green spaces designed by UK-based del Buono Gazerwitz Landscape Architecture.

Just 20% of the site is occupied by buildings, including office space, an R&D laboratory, a training complex, a production plant, a warehouse and a central ‘greenhouse’ utilised as a restaurant and co-working area.

“Pooling the headquarters, production, packaging and storage plant, and taking into consideration the welfare of the employees, was our point of departure,” said Thun.

“We tried to create a functional village with a gentle mood by melting traditional rural shapes and innovative volumes around a greenhouse and garden.”

The new complex focuses on sustainable energy, waste reduction and the optimisation of natural resources and the saving of non-renewable ones via a variety of methods.

The green spaces include a scientific garden, or ‘open-air laboratory’ in which plants and vegetables will be cultivated for use in cosmetic formulations, as well as the restaurant.

Another area, known as the ‘Green Kilometre’, will employ trees to counter the harmful emissions of vehicles from the nearby motorway. Other companies overlooking the 11 kilometres of motorway that cross the Parma area are also set to become involved in the project.

“More than ever the values of sustainable beauty are inspiring the Davines Group towards an increasing coherence,” said Bollati. www.davines.com

Helena Field takes the SpaPulse of the industry UK: Former UK Spa Association (UKSA) general manager Helena Field has set up a new job listings website dedicated to all aspects of the spa industry.

Field, with 19 years professional experience, said SpaPulse.com was ‘a long-awaited solution to the spa and wellness industry’s recruitment struggle’.

“Almost every day I’m asked if I know Helena Field of someone available for a spa job, or if I know of someone who is hiring,” said Field, who recently stepped down from her role as UKSA GM to concentrate on SpaPulse (see UKSA GM news, p27).

“I thought to myself, wouldn’t it be so much easier, and save a lot of time and hassle, if spa people could go to one site, knowing all the jobs available on the market will be listed there. So SpaPulse was born.”

The popular response since its launch in August has resulted in the setting up of an additional service to help employers showcase their spas to potential candidates.

Field added: “UK employers who advertise with us can

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Montcalm opens boutique urban spa at The Chilworth UK: The Montcalm Hotel Group has opened its first townhouse, The Chilworth, London, complete with an urban spa and gym.

The compact spa features a Jacuzzi, a steam room, a yoga suite, a Matrix-equipped gym and two treatment rooms complemented by Thalgo products. There is also a yoga suite, with the possibility of outdoor yoga classes in nearby Hyde Park. www.thechilworth.co.uk

Hobbit House spa to feature at The Eastbury UK: The Eastbury Hotel in Sherborne, Dorset, recently acquired by renowned hoteliers Peter and Lana de Savary, is set to unveil a unique ‘Hobbit House’ spa in summer 2019.

The quirky building will be built from local stone with a sedum and moss roof and a circular doorway.

It will house a hydrotherapy pool, a sauna, a steam room and a mini gym. Thalgo products will be used in the two treatment rooms. www.theeastburyhotel.co.uk

New diploma available from The Training Room

now take advantage of our specialist recruitment filming service. We organise and execute the scripting, briefing, filming and editing for the spa operator as these can be incredibly time-consuming things to do.

“Video as a recruitment tool is so much more effective than just static pictures and words to would-be candidates.” www.spapulse.com

UK: British spa and beauty academy The Training Room is offering a new beauty and nail specialist diploma designed to help students and therapists achieve a successful career in the industry.

Skills obtained include facial skincare; lash and brow treatments; makeup application; hand and footcare; waxing; and salon reception duties. A premium diploma will provide additional training in salon management and business building, and spray tanning. www.thetrainingroom.com

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Business News

Four Seasons Hotel George V opens stylish Le Spa in heart of Paris FRANCE: Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, has opened a luxury, Pierre-Yves Rochon-designed spa, offering tailor-made treatments from globally recognised experts.

Situated in the heart of the French capital, the 720sqm Le Spa incorporates a 17m pool, a vitality pool with a hydro-massage water experience heated to 34ºC and two hammams. There is also a 90sqm fitness room with the latest equipment from Technogym, and a hair salon.

Described by general manager Jean-Claude Wietzel as “a contemporary space of style and serenity in the heart of the city”, Parisian interior designer Rochon has drawn inspiration from Greek, Roman and Turkish mosaic patterns to accent the visually striking styling.

The eye-catching treatment menu includes a traditional Japanese facial, Kobido, meaning ‘the ancient way of beauty’, created by Dr Shogo Mochizuki, who personally visited Le Spa to share his expertise with the team of therapists.

There is also an Alaena organically certified anti-ageing body and face treatment, inspired by

Tui Na; a therapeutic art of Chinese medicine, from Dr. Sylvie Peres; and a customised exclusive from Dr. Burgener, which includes a scrub, a massage and a facial, and concludes with a glass of Champagne and a macaron, a traditional French sweet treat.

With cellular brand Swiss Perfection providing

Thyme to relax at Meadow Spa

UK: The spa that has been added to Thyme, a restored historic Cotswold manor and farm, is described by its founder and creative director, Caryn Hibbert, as an “idyllic haven of peace and tranquillity”.

Opened on August 1, Meadow Spa, developed in collaboration with consultant Lisa Knowles of The Spa Set, includes five treatment rooms with Lemi beds, a thermal suite, a spring water swimming pool and a hot spring water tub, along with a yoga and Pilates studio and a tennis court.

Caryn Hibbert Illustrating an embrace of green technology, Bristol-based Clear Water Revival has installed the 15m pool and hot tub that utilises fresh water taken from the natural underground source that flows deep below the meadows on the farm.

Thyme has turned to a British brand, Aurelia Probiotic Skincare, to provide treatments. With a foundation in bio-organic ingredients, it is Aurelia’s first foray into the world of spa.

“The spa has been created as a place for calm, mindfulness and meditation that provides respite from our busy lives,” said Hibbert. www.thyme.co.uk/the-spa-at-thyme

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therapies to treat the signs of ageing, spa director Nathalie Delclos said: “Focusing on results-orientated, non-invasive, manual skincare techniques has been key in my approach to offering our guests the very best in unique, made-to-measure, innovative skincare solutions.” www.fourseasons.com/paris/

A royal makeover for Tenerife hotel

SPAIN: The recently-opened Royal Hideaway Corales Resort, on the island of Tenerife, includes a 1,000sqm spa overseen by renowned interior design company MKV Design.

The five-star Barcelo-owned property, which commands Atlantic Ocean views over La Enramada beach near Costa Adeje, was overseen by esteemed Tenerife architect Leonardo Omar.

MKV, run by founder and managing director Maria Maria Vafiadis Vafiadis, drew upon Omar’s purist, avant-garde approach, and the island’s volcanic landscape and natural scenery, incorporating stone, strong sunlight, deep shade, water and corals into the spa design.

“Royal Hideaway Corales is all about the experiences, and the aim is that guests will return year after year,” Vafiadis told European Spa. “Central to this ambition, and key to the business case for such a large number of suites, was the spa and wellness centre, a 1,000sqm sunken space designed to offer a wide range of pampering and personalised wellbeing treatments, along with fitness and pure ‘get-away-from-it-all’ relaxation.”

The spa comprises a 41sqm pool, complete with a hydrotherapy circuit of waterfalls and swan neck jets. There is also a sauna, a Turkish bath and a Technogym-equipped fitness centre.

The seven treatment rooms provide experiences from Carita, Decléor and Kama Ayurveda, with Nilo supplying the couches. Additional outdoor cabins cater for certain treatments. www.barcelo.com

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Business News

Appointments Lanserhof Lans’s new medical director

Dr Katharina Sandtner

AUSTRIA: Dr Katharina Sandtner is to take up the post of medical director at Lanserhof Lans from January 2019.

Dr Sandtner has worked at the resort since 2012, initially as a general practitioner before becoming deputy medical director three years ago. She replaces Dr. Georg Kettenhuber. www.lanserhof.com

Harrison Gregory promoted at Elemis

Majorcan manor house is a spa oasis SPAIN: Described as ‘an oasis of renewal and relaxation’, Majorca’s latest five-star hotel includes a new 1,500sqm spa.

Carrossa Hotel Spa Villas is owned by Hamacher Hotels & Resorts, which also has three properties in Austria.

The boutique 300-year-old Giuseppe Moscovio manor house is situated in the north-west of the island, near the historic town of Artà, and offers views over the bays of Alcúdia and Cala Millor.

Overseen by German interior designer and architect Florian Keck, the hotel comprises 75 rooms and suites, and offers the high-end Carrossa Spa, which includes a 17m indoor pool and steam bath.

KLAFS has provided a Finnish sauna, a biosauna

and an ice fountain, and there is also a wellness lounge. Outside there is a 20m heated infinity pool with panoramic views.

The five treatment rooms, which overlook the indoor pool, incorporate high-end cosmetics line QMS Medicosmetics and French Caribbean brand Ligne St Barth, with beds from German company Ionto-Comed. Technogym’s ARTIS Series furnishes the fitness centre that again offers captivating views.

General manager Giuseppe Moscovio said: “We are positioned as an international five-star destination that offers unobtrusive luxury and warm-hearted hospitality.

“We are far from the streams of mass tourism, embedded amidst untouched nature. The Carrossa Spa awaits its guests with a vast treatment offering and the most elegant and spacious sauna area on the island.” www.carrossa.com

Hatherley Manor unveils its ‘long-awaited’ spa

Harrison Gregory

UK: Elemis has elevated Harrison Gregory from head of salon and spa to the role of UK sales director.

He will oversee the UK Spa & Salon Division, UK Retail Division, E-Tail Division and Export Euro Division, and be responsible for sales targets for revenue, profitability and growth. www.elemis.com

Aspria welcomes Byrne Plowman

Katie Byrne Plowman

EUROPE: Katie Byrne Plowman has become group head of spa for Aspria, looking after its European portfolio of members’ wellness clubs.

Most recently group and wellness director for The Mayfair Hotel, London, Byrne Plowman will lead strategy, development and operations of all spa areas. www.aspria.com

Laramee moves into WTS spa division

Jenna Laramee

UK: A £3 million (33.4 million) spa has opened at the 17th-century Hatherley Manor, Gloucestershire.

According to spa director Will Wellon, the 847sqm spa “has been a long time coming” and as well as hotel guests it will cater to a membership of 300.

Speaking to European Spa, Wellon said: “Hatherley Manor is a beautiful hotel set in stunning grounds and now the spa will provide guests with even more reason to visit.

“It will also create greater awareness of the hotel locally and nationally, as well as increase wedding and conference bookings.”

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With architecture and design provided by London-based Edge, and Debi Green serving as spa consultant, the spa incorporates a 12m swimming pool, a separate vitality pool, sensory showers, a steam room, a sauna, a tepidarium, heated loungers and a private spa garden.

There are six treatment rooms, including one double, with Elemis, Made for Life Organics and CND as brand partners. The gym is equipped by Life Fitness, and Rigo Spa, based in Wallasey, Merseyside, fitted the pool and thermal suite. www.hatherleymanor.com

GLOBAL: Spa, fitness and lifestyle consultancy and management company WTS International has taken on Jenna Laramee as its corporate operations director for spa.

Laramee will be responsible for setting a new standard in wellness programming. www.wtsinternational.com

Hepburn strengthens Harpar Grace

Shelley Hepburn

UK: Luxury brand distribution and consultancy company Harpar Grace International, has appointed Shelley Hepburn as head of its spa division.

Hepburn will oversee the launch of CODAGE, alongside Déesse PRO LED light therapy, Totally Derma Nutraceuticals and Cosmeceutical iS Clinical. www.harpargrace.com

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Business News

The Langley and Sisley’s partnership makes ‘absolute sense’ FRANCE/UK: Family-owned French luxury beauty brand Sisley has been chosen as the core spa partner at The Langley, where spa director Alex James said it will “add to the absolute luxury experienced by our guests”.

The Langley, which has been transformed into a 41-bedroom boutique hotel following a four-year renovation, is due to open the doors to its new 1,600sqm spa later this year.

Along with Claridge’s Spa in London and Archerfield Alex James House in Scotland, The Langley becomes only the third location in the UK to offer Sisley’s advanced treatments, including its revolutionary phyto-aromatic programme.

“It made absolute sense for us to partner with Sisley on The Langley Spa,” James told European Spa. “Our ultimate aim for the spa is to create an experience that is unique to each of our guests, taking them on a journey through the striking space while offering treatments that are authentic and results-driven – an aspiration that is entirely matched

by Sisley’s ethos.”

Remarking on the synergy between the two brands, Sisley global vice-president Christine d’Ornano added: “We are confident that by merging our innovative treatments with the spa’s incredible design and impeccable service standards, it will be a highly successful partnership.”

The Langley’s five treatment rooms and VIP suite will also include four other brand partners: Margaret Dabbs, Gentleman’s Tonic, James Read and La Sultane de Saba.

“We are confident these treatments, along with those from Sisley, will be very well received by our spa guests and members,” James added. www.thelangley.com | www.sisley-paris.com

Spa haven in Majorcan monastery

SPAIN: A new spa on the Spanish island of Majorca has turned to indigenous ingredients to provide a bespoke treatment menu.

The €1million (£876,000) Son Brull spa is housed inside the five-star Relais & Châteaux Son Brull hotel, which was formerly an 18th-century Jesuit monastery.

Overseen by interior design duo Ignasi Forteza and Sandra Aparicio, the 350sqm spa includes a 14m indoor pool, a sauna, a steam bath, a cold water pool, a solarium and a 17m outdoor heated pool, all installed by Majorcan company Gispert.

Co-owner Mar Suau told European Spa: “We’ve taken nature as our inspiration and used design elements to complement this, as well as using dark natural colours and contemporary furniture. This gives the space a feeling of calm and timelessness where guests can take in the peaceful silence of the spa and the local area.”

There is also a yoga room and three treatment rooms, where all treatments benefit from a combination of selected natural products from the island, making particular use of the prickly pear. www.sonbrull.com

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Grzesk becomes new GM at UKSA

UK: New UK Spa Association (UKSA) general manager Helena Grzesk has vowed to innovate and develop new initiatives after taking up the position.

Grzesk takes over the role from Helena Field, who served as GM for two years, but has opted to vacate to pursue a new venture in the spa recruitment industry (see p22). She will remain on the UKSA board looking after the networking events.

Grzesk, who previously served on the board’s benchmarking operation, joins UKSA from her most recent position as spa director at The Midland Hotel in Manchester, where she worked for three years.

Outlining her objectives as GM, Grzesk told European Spa: “I believe my commercial, operational, hospitality spa and salon experience will help me to support our existing members, as well as provide continued implementation of our clear growth strategy for all category members including salon operators and students.

“I am also keen to nurture and grow our relationships with key industry spa partners to develop new initiatives and innovation for the industry and for our members for the future”. www.spa-uk.org

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Business News

Raison d’Etre guides Swiss resort to reach its Rock Spa status SWITZERLAND: Hard Rock International has opened its latest Rock Spa to offer guests an immersive wellness experience integrated with the power of music.

Sited in the Swiss Alpine resort of Davos, the 1,000sqm spa has been designed by London-based architects Woods Bagot, in conjunction with global spa consultancy company Raison d’Etre, which was involved in the concept and development process.

“We are delighted to partner with Raison d’Etre and Dagmar Weber Hard Rock International to create a state-of-the-art spa for our guests to enjoy,” said general manager Dagmar Weber.

“The combination of music and wellness is a unique and exciting movement, and we look forward to pairing authentic Nordic experiences with the Hard Rock ethos.”

The 1,000 sqm spa features a 57sqm pool, a Kneipp walk pool, several saunas, a steam bath, an ice room and a whirlpool. Six treatment rooms benefit from the emerginC organic brand, which contains raw materials, such as spirulina, kombucha, goji berries, white and green teas, aloe and food-safe algaes. The spa’s Body Rock Fitness Centre utilises Technogym equipment.

The Rhythm and Motion music-centric spa menu employs amplified vibrations, pressures and patterns as the foundation for its treatments, under the motto ‘Live Hard, Purify Harder’.

The spa complements an in-room Rock Om yoga programme that claims to ‘energise the body and soul through the power of music’ via a trio of videos. www.hardrockhoteldavos.com

Carlsson confident of new Dröm era

UK: Dröm co-founder Kicki Carlsson said she has no doubt the thermal wellbeing company will continue to “go from strength to strength” despite her decision to step down as CEO. Carlsson, who formed Dröm in 2002 alongside Barry Smith (above right), who has been appointed the new CEO, will become a brand ambassador, aiming to raise the public profile of the company in the UK and abroad. Erin Lee (above left) has been made managing director.

Carlsson said: “My decision to step down as CEO took a long time to make and wasn’t easy, but I now feel very comfortable handing over the

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reins to the new management team as they have a wealth of knowledge and a real passion for the company.”

Smith, whose focus will be on high-end project management and sales growth, said: “This is an exciting time for Dröm UK as we head into the future. The new management team are looking forward to continuing to push the boundaries of design and working with our suppliers to create new and unique products.

“Our immediate plan is to continue to grow the business steadily, undertaking more bespoke projects both here in the UK and on a more international stage.” www.dromuk.com

Anne Semonin strengthens its five-star Spanish presence

FRANCE/SPAIN: Luxury Parisian spa expert Anne Semonin has added to its growing portfolio by partnering with two luxury, five-star hotels in Spain.

The Égoïste Spa in Madrid’s Gran Hotel Inglés and the Cocô Spa Oasis in Hotel Es Princep in the Majorcan capital, Palma, have taken up its highly-effective skincare and made-to-measure treatments.

Manuel de la Garza, director of Luxury Group Hotels, which oversees Gran Hotel Inglés, told European Spa: “We look for excellence in our spas, so we trust in the best luxurious cosmetic products, and Anne Semonin is a sure bet.

“Their commitment to innovation means we can always offer our clients the latest and most innovative ingredients, which can make a real difference to the condition of their skin. We not only believe in Anne Semonin, we trust them because we know it works.”

Discussing the partnerships, Anne Semonin general manager Katherine Connolly said: “They will help us solidify our presence in Spain, a territory where we have experienced significant growth in recent years.” www.annesemonin.com

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Keynote 1:

Keynote 2:

Patrick Holford 6 Secrets of 100% health

Jules Mitchell Re-wired for Wellness

This keynote session will provide the information to help you turn your clients’ lives around and achieve levels of health & energy most people can only dream of.

This fun, interactive session from a truly mischievous genius will help you improve the lives and happiness of your customers, your team and yourself.

13th – 14th November. Hilton Birmingham Metropole

Register on-line: www.spa-life.co.uk Enquiries: +44 1268 745892 Email: info@spa-life.co.uk

Business News

Hyatt boosts wellness development The Massage Company grows GLOBAL: Hyatt’s strength in the world of wellbeing played a defining role in Mia Kyricos’ decision to take up a position with the international hotel brand, said its new senior vice president, global head of wellbeing.

Kyricos, who will serve as vice-chair at the Global Wellness Summit at Technogym’s headquarters in Italy, will be responsible for ‘shaping a multi-dimensional global wellbeing strategy, providing leadership and subject matter expertise to help establish the vision, objectives and strategic priorities for wellbeing at Hyatt’ for both guests and employees.

“I do believe that the company’s vision, ‘a world of understanding and care’, and its ultimate aim ‘to care for people’ puts it at a unique advantage from an empathetic standpoint,” Kyricos told European Spa. “If you combine these commitments with their recent acquisitions of Miraval and exhale – each inclusive of strong leaders, products and teams – I think Hyatt is well-positioned to make wellbeing a priority for guests and colleagues alike, and I couldn’t be more excited to help.”

Kyricos, who served as president and CEO of Kyricos & Associates, a boutique advisory firm providing guidance to

Mia Kyricos

wellness-driven hospitality, tourism and healthy lifestyle companies, has placed that company in hiatus. It will not be in operation while she is at Hyatt.

Helping to define Kyricos’ new role with Hyatt is her own definition of wellbeing.

“I believe that wellness and wellbeing are indeed related but not synonymous with one another,” she explained.

“I see wellness as the road – what I do every day to take care of myself – and wellbeing as the destination, including factors both within and outside of my control, like financial security or social-economic climates.

“I therefore see wellness as synonymous with preventing disease and optimising health versus wellbeing which I closer equate to happiness.” www.hyatt.com

UK: The Massage Company has opened its second centre and signed up its third franchisee as it continues its expansion under the tagline ‘high quality massage to the mainstream’.

Under the direction of Elliot Walker and UK Spa Association chairman Charlie Thompson, The Massage Company opened its initial site in 2016 in Camberley.

That has now been followed up with a £500,000 (5561,650) investment in a new 14-treatment room facility that has opened in Tunbridge Wells on the site of an old brewery that was built in 1860.

The centre is to be run by the first of the company’s franchisees, Taran Bassi. Tunbridge Wells is the first of three planned locations from Bassi, with the other two in London or the south east.

“As a business opportunity it is truly unique to the UK and a real industry disruptor,” Bassi told European Spa. “The Massage Company delivers an excellent customer experience with real long-term health benefits to customers.”

Joining Bassi as a franchisee is Sunny Sachdev, who has started his property search in the Solihull, Leicester and Nottingham areas. www.massagecompany.co.uk

Harrogate baths undergo restoration and makeover UK: A £300,000 (3337,151) restoration project of one of the finest remaining examples of a Victorian-era Turkish baths has hopefully helped preserve its longevity into the 22nd century.

Opened in 1897, the Grade-II listed baths in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, renowned for its Moorish architecture, has undergone a makeover that now Chris Mason enhances the guest journey.

One major original feature that has been uncovered is a hammam, while high barrel-vaulted ceilings, sky lights and tiling have also been revealed, and changing spaces enhanced.

In addition, the entrance canopy and walkway have been made more welcoming and visible to guests, and a modern twist has resulted in the updating of the website that provides additional online booking features and a more interactive experience.

Explaining the reasons behind the 10-week makeover, manager Chris Mason said: “As the only remaining operational element of the original Royal Baths, we have a duty of care to this beautiful building and the spa town tradition in Harrogate. It is our mission to ensure that in another 120 years’ time, people are still travelling to sample the treasures the baths have to offer.” www.turkishbathsharrogate.co.uk

Share your appointments, announcements, launches and diary dates with Ian Parkes by calling +44 (0) 115 950 4748 or email ian.parkes@spapublishing.com

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Diary dates Independent Hotel Show

October 16-17 Olympia, London A collection of over 300 innovative product and service providers from across the hotel supply chain, along with multiple networking opportunities to help hoteliers improve their businesses. www.independenthotelshow.co.uk

World Travel Market

November 5-7 Excel, London The global travel trade assembles on a geographically and sector-divided exhibition floor to discuss business, innovations and trends in the travel market. www.london.wtm.com

Spa Life International (UK)

November 13-14 Hilton Metropole, Birmingham The event for spa professionals that provides exposure to new product innovations, shared industry insights, extensive networking opportunities and quality management education. www.spa-life.co.uk

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Business Event Preview: Spa Life International, UK 2018

Education, motivation, inspiration Spa Life International (UK) organiser Andrew Hammond explains why the two-day convention on November 13-14 continues to excel as a premier networking event Spa Life UK is again set to deliver on its promise of being Europe’s largest dedicated event exclusively for senior spa professionals. The ninth convention, at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel on November 13-14, Andrew Hammond offers buyers and suppliers its customary ‘speed-dating’ meetings on the opening day, with the Supplier Showcase and Expo running across both days.

Keynote presentations this year are provided

by Patrick Holford, founder of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition; and Jules Mitchell, a motivational speaker, author, trainer and coach.

There are also a number of breakout sessions.

Media-partnered by European Spa, a gala dinner and the Good Spa Guide awards complete the two-day programme. We asked organiser Andrew Hammond what to expect this year.

What topics will be addressed for 2018?

The wellness agenda is continuing to gain traction globally and spa professionals from all sectors of the industry are keen to explore this theme.

Our two keynotes will help delegates make this relevant to their own business, also exploring wellness from a personal perspective and how can we better look after ourselves and our teams.

A diverse range of breakout sessions will also aim to fine-tune the skills of delegates at all levels in key management disciplines, such as operations, marketing and sales.

What will your line up of speakers offer?

They will educate, motivate and inspire. All our presenters are selected for their experience and expertise in their chosen subject. Most sessions offer a simple ‘how-to’ approach, so delegates can learn it today and implement it tomorrow. Others encourage the audience to reflect on what they are currently doing within their businesses and consider ways to improve this, often with a series of top tips from the experts.

What can we expect from this year’s event?

This year sees the return of the CEO Summit. As the name suggests, this is an exclusive gathering of senior managers and industry influencers

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Above: Delegates enjoy ‘the serious fun event’ at last year’s Spa Life UK

who will debate key issues affecting the growth and development of the spa sector. Also, we have teamed up with the Beauty Companies Association to provide a series of educational seminars exclusively for suppliers, adding even greater value for our event partners.

What is the enduring quality of Spa Life?

Spa Life is one of the most well-known, trusted and respected brands in the industry; we connect spa professionals from all around the world and from every sector of the industry.

Our conventions are about educating, communicating and networking. They provide

an unparalleled combination of exposure to new product innovations, shared industry insights and extensive networking opportunities alongside a quality educational programme.

Spa Life is about serious business done in a relaxed yet professional environment. Our delegates always tell us they have lots of fun at the event, which led to the birth of one of our unofficial strap-lines, ‘The serious fun event’!

I think this is probably the most enduring quality of Spa Life – its a place where business is fun, and you come away with new friends. www.spa-life.co.uk

Keynote speakers Patrick Holford: Delivering ‘Six Secrets of 100% Health’, one of the leading spokesmen on nutrition will discuss the results of the UK’s largest health survey, involving over 55,000 people. This will include advice on diabetes pervention, heart disease Patrick Holford and cancer, as well as how to feel naturally happy; how to lose weight without feeling hungry; looking younger; and adding years to your life and life to your years.

Jules Mitchell: Described as ‘a mischievous genius’, Mitchell’s talk will reveal ‘(How to) Re-wire yourself for wellness’.

She claims we are all geniuses but are unaware of our potential, instead accepting stress as the norm, which manipulates our thinking and Jules Mitchell chips away at our self-worth.

Her fun, interactive and high-energy presentation will provide daily tools, techniques and practices to improve health and happiness.

www.europeanspamagazine.com

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www.gerrardinternational.com | info@gerrardinternational.com | UK 0345 217 1360 | International +44 (0) 20 8381 7793 | member of the

Business Italy in focus A guest enjoys the stunning Tuscan scenery while relaxing in the outdoor pool at Fonteverde spa

Bella Italia Ahead of the 2018 Global Wellness Summit, to be held at Technogym’s headquarters in the beautiful Italian city of Cesena from October 6-8, we look into the country’s history of spa and wellness and highlight some of its outstanding properties, designers and product houses RE P O RT BY I A N PA R KES

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to 3,023, resulting in an increase in employment from 61,398 to 66,441 people.

In terms of wellness tourism, some 6.6 million trips were taken in 2015, accounting for 150,000 people in direct employment and an expenditure of $12.7 billion.

Spa by numbers Such statistics ensure Italy retains a strong presence in the spa, wellness and thermal/mineral springs tourism markets, as defined by the last Global Wellness Economy Monitor report from the Global Wellness Institute, which was published in January 2017.

The report states that Italy’s spa market revenue for 2015 was $2.46 billion (€2.13 billion/£1.92 billion). Although this represents a fall of $300 million compared to figures for 2013, at that time the number of spas had risen from 2,679

Strong thermals If these statistics were not impressive enough, when it comes to thermal/mineral springs tourism, Italy truly shines due to its abundance of natural termes (hot springs). The country holds a strong fifth place in the global market behind only China, Japan, Germany and Russia, with revenues in 2015 of $1.68 billion from 760 establishments.

Complementing such markets, Italy also boasts a formidable worldwide presence when it comes to home-grown companies that supplement and enhance the spa and wellness industry, from leading architects and designers to innovative equipment suppliers and superlative skincare brands.

Over the following pages European Spa highlights a few of the best Italian spas and businesses that fly the flag for the country’s industry.

Although it is by no means a definitive list, given the wealth of beautiful properties and vibrant businesses across the country, we hope to provide a picture of the rich and diverse spa and wellness culture that Italy has to offer discerning wellness travellers and those seeking unique spa destinations, experiences and ideas.

taly has been associated with spa – the historical acronym of salus per aquam, or healing by water – since the reign of Caesar Augustus from 27BC to 14AD when Roman soldiers cleansed their wounds in curative baths.

By the start of the fifth century, these baths, numbering almost 900 at the time, began to be viewed by the Romans as a place for rest and relaxation, and the oldest in existence can be now found in the south Tyrol town of Merano.

From the Alps in the north, through the lake region of Lombardia, the verdant regions of Emilia Romagna and Tuscany, and down to Puglia and Sicily, a country rich in thermal and mineral waters today inspires a flourishing spa and wellness industry.

In 2015, the Italian National Institute of Statistics said spas accounted for 4.4% of the 200 million nights spent in holiday accommodation by Italians, in addition to 3.4% of the 192.6 million nights enjoyed by overseas visitors.

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Business Italy in focus

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Business Italy in focus The rural Tuscan location of Fonteverde, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, provides the ideal setting for guests to find ‘synergy between mind, body and environment’

Fonteverde A place of beauty where people can find their Equilibrium

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uilt in the 17th century by Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici to take advantage of the beneficial properties of the natural hot springs, the beautifully restored Fonteverde has since Nicola Angelo transformed into a renowned Fortunati spa and wellness resort.

Located in a rural Tuscan setting of olive groves and vineyards, the spa promotes a wellbeing philosophy, entitled Equilibrium, that allows guests to find what the operators describe as ‘the perfect synergy between mind, body and environment’.

The resort’s thermal waters, rich in sulphur, calcium, fluorine and magnesium, flow at a temperature of 42ºC, and offer numerous health

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benefits, primarily in the relief of inflammation and muscular pain.

Within the three-level, 5,000sqm spa, there are a total of seven pools, including an outdoor infinity pool with stunning views over the gentle, rolling hills of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Val d’Orcia.

Treatment philosophy In terms of treatments, Fonteverde utilises the natural elements at its disposal, including mud and inhalation therapies, and a trio of thermal circuits – Etruscan, Bioaquam and Kneipp.

Along with a traditional range of massages and facials, there is also an Oriental twist courtesy of an in-house treatment specialist, who provides programmes grounded in the philosophy of Indian master Dipu.

From a health perspective, the spa offers

programmes that address diet, including fasting, as well as combatting cellulite and stress, and promoting physical exercise.

Fonteverde also provides aesthetic medicine, in the form of numerous non-invasive procedures carried out by a team of specialised medical personnel.

“The anti-inflammatory thermal waters are the basis of our healthcare protocols and an evolution of Fonteverde’s decades of experience and research,” says general manager Nicola Angelo Fortunati. www.fonteverdespa.com

FAST FACTS Size: 5,000sqm Spa team: 50 Treatment rooms: 35 (plus five medical offices) Key suppliers: Eteria, [comfort zone], CMV srl Annual guests: 65,400

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NILO SPA DESIGN The excellence of wellness MADE IN ITALY Nilo is a world leading company for design, manifacturing and commercializing furniture and equipments for spas and salons dedicated to body care, wellness and beauty.

The highest level of comfort and performance is combined with the new sensory level.

An archetype in the world of Beauty Design.

Nilo s.r.l. - Via Armani, 1A - 42019 Scandiano (RE) Italia tel. +39.0522 7631 - fax +39.0522 766676 - info@nilo-beauty.com - www.nilo-beauty.com

Business Italy in focus The manufacturing and research facility Technogym Village (left), which opened in 2012, is dedicated to physical activity and also serves as an integral part of the Romagna-Wellness Valley initiative

Technogym

An internationally recognised leader in wellness innovation

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ust 35 years ago, Technogym’s president, Nerio Alessandri, designed and made his first pieces of gym equipment in a garage in Cesena. Today the company he founded is a world-leading supplier of Nerio Alessandri fitness and wellness solutions.

Technogym is estimated to have equipped 80,000 wellness centres and more than 200,000 homes around the world. The brand has been the official supplier at the last six summer Olympic Games and around 40 million people use its products every day. It now employs around 2,000 people at its 14 bases across Europe, the US, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and South America, and exports 90% of what is manufactured to over 100 countries.

In 2012, with former US president Bill Clinton in attendance, its current headquarters were opened. Technogym Village is not only a manufacturing and research facility, but a

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centre dedicated to physical activity and the culture of wellness. It is also an integral part of the Romagna-Wellness Valley, an initiative created 15 years ago by Alessandri, which has become an alliance of 250 public and private stakeholders across the Romagna region. Its aim is to promote 60 best practices that motivate hundreds of thousands of people to improve their quality of life.

“Innovation has always been part of our DNA and we invest an incredible amount of resources in research and development,” Alessandri tells European Spa. “This requires 10% of our workforce – 200 people out of a total of 2,000 employees – to work every day to create the wellness solutions of the future.”

Leading the way Technogym’s innovations include creating the first CPR [constant pulse rate] system in 1992, whereby cardio equipment automatically and consistently adjusts to the user’s heart rate.

In 1996, it also pioneered the use of software

systems to manage training at the gym.

In 2003, the company was the first to integrate a TV screen into its fitness equipment.

Then, with the advent of the digital age, the brand released its original online fitness equipment in 2007. This was followed up, in 2012, by the release of the first cloud-based equipment in the fitness arena to connect people, equipment and exercise facilities.

“Product innovation has always been our key priority,” adds Alessandri. “Today we are the reference brand, setting the standard in athletic training. As far as the world of luxury hotels and clubs all over the world are concerned, the most iconic locations choose Technogym.” www.technogym.com

FAST FACTS Founded: 1983 Employees: Over 2,000 Key products: Skill Line, Personal and Kinesis ranges Spa portfolio includes: Four Seasons George V, Paris, France; One&Only, Los Cabos, Mexico; Corinthia Hotel London, UK; Old Course St Andrews Golf Resort & Spa, Scotland; Miraval Austin Wellness Resort & Spa, Austin, US; Canyon Ranch Health & Wellness Resorts, US

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Unique expertise in high-end personalized beauty 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 protocols like Seconde peau. The Seconde Peau treatment accelerates cell renewal and optimizes healing for a visible and immediate tightening effect.

Biologique Recherche - 32 avenue des Champs ElysĂŠes - 75008 Paris www.biologique-recherche.com - info@biologique-recherche.com

Business Italy in focus

Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda A European style and method that works in synergy with eastern modalities

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escribing itself as ‘an exclusive temple of wellness’, this 3,800sqm spa offers three different areas: Water & Fire, which includes swimming pools, saunas, grottos and small lakes; Nature & Fitness, Alcide Leali consisting of a large gym fitted out with all the latest equipment for training and a studio for classes; and In Silence & Among the Stars: Trilogy in the Air, which gathers together the spacious outdoor areas and energy gardens used for sports and meditation.

Remarkably, considering the hotel has just 93 guest rooms, the spa team numbers 42 people, with four medical experts, underlining the importance of the property’s health Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda appeals to European guests thanks to the Lefay Method’s incorporation of eastern modalities, while non-Europeans enjoy soaking up the stunning location of this elegant resort

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programmes, known as the Lefay Spa Method.

“The Method is an innovative wellness philosophy, born from studies carried out by a pool of medical experts in various holistic disciplines, that aims to teach guests a healthier way of living,” explains Lefay Resorts’ managing director Alcide Leali.

“It grew over time thanks to our established wellness hospitality experience and highly skilled, internally trained staff. This is something which cannot be easily replaced,” he adds.

Cultural inspiration There are nine different wellness sections, ranging from Lefay Spa treatments, using its own 50-strong product range made from local ingredients, to beauty services, by way of aesthetic, natural and western medicines. There are more than 60 signature treatments in total.

“Definitely the most innovative are those using acupuncture, one of the oldest Chinese therapies, for beauty purposes,” states Leali.

This chimes with Lefay’s claim to be ‘a place where east and west blend in perfect synergy with the surrounding environment’.

“We offer our European guests the feeling of being far away, in an exotic place, to rediscover themselves, but with the advantage of being close to home and benefitting from western scientific research,” explains Leali. “On the other hand, our non-European guests choose the resort thanks to its slice of contemporary Italian style, taste and elegance.”

He concludes: “From the interior design to our Mediterranean cuisine and friendly service, everything is delivered in an authentic and traditional Italian way, consistently with the uniqueness of a fulfilling spa experience.” www.lefayresorts.com

FAST FACTS Size: 3,800sqm Spa team: 42 Treatment rooms: 25, including four for beauty treatments and services Key suppliers: Tra Suoni e Colori (Lefay’s own product line), ZO Skin Health, Technogym Annual guests: 50,000+

www.europeanspamagazine.com

Business Italy in focus

Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort A medical spa where the water of wellness runs freely

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ocated on the site of a thermal spring that dates back to the Etruscan era, southern Tuscany’s Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort is one of Italy’s pre-eminent soft-medical spas.

Sandro Baronti The property focuses on improving guests’ wellbeing through hydrotherapy, fitness, beauty, stress management and nutrition. Its main inspiration is the site’s pure spring water, enriched with mineral salts, hydrogen sulphate and carbon dioxide, which provides numerous health benefits, in particular aiding skin or respiratory conditions.

Along with a striking Roman bath lined with Italian travertine stone, a Turkish bath, a bio-sauna and a steam room, its four hot-water swimming pools house a variety of hydrotherapy facilities.

The spa has 53 treatment rooms and its numerous thermal therapies capitalise on the beneficial properties of the mineral spring water, such as mud and inhalation therapy.

On the medical front, specialist assessments are available courtesy of a team of in-house doctors, who use the latest techniques and technology as part of several programmes for personalised and effective rejuvenation.

“Our state-of-the-art spa focuses on improving guests’ wellbeing through a variety of methods, including hydrotherapy, beauty, stress management, holistic treatments, authentic thermal cures, nutrition and aesthetic medicine,”

says Sandro Baronti, director of spa and soft medical operations.

“All treatments incorporate our own skincare range, based on the plankton and minerals that are harvested from the thermal springs.” www.termedisaturnia.it

FAST FACTS Size: 3,000sqm Spa team: 52 Treatment rooms: 53 Key suppliers: Terme di Saturnia Skincare, Sirpea, Intraceuticals, Technogym Annual guests: 8,000+

Acquaforte Spa, Forte Village World-renowned thalassotherapy and performance enhancement

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et over 116 acres of stunning coastline on the island of Sardinia, Forte Village offers five five-star and three four-star hotels, along with eight luxury villas, 21 restaurants, 11 bars and a selection of Alina Tokarets outdoor pools.

At its heart is Acquaforte Spa, which draws on expertise in six areas: Forte Lab offers diagnostic capabilities as well as thalasso-laser treatments; a department of aesthetic medicine provides traditional beauty treatments; the spa’s massage and physiotherapy knowledge base includes Ayurvedic practices and principles; while the nutritional needs of guests are catered for by the hospitality team.

In addition, there is a high-tech Performance Center that offers personalised resistance body training. Finally, the spa’s world-leading thalassotherapy facilities, the product of a collaboration with the Italian School of Thalassotherapy over 25 years ago, provide

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a unique six-pool circuit that reflects the island’s ancient hydrotherapy heritage. They offer varying concentrations of magnesium and sodium, as well as aloe, which work to purify and relax the body.

“As a centre of excellence, some of the world’s top specialists visit Acquaforte to run their treatment programmes in fields such as sports medicine, aesthetic and dietary medicine,

Ayurvedic massage, yoga and transcendental meditation,” says spa director Alina Tokarets. www.fortevillageresort.com

FAST FACTS Size: 7,000sqm, plus 300sqm private spa Spa team: 56 Treatment rooms: 26, plus four in the new centre of cosmetic medicine Key suppliers: Sisley Paris, Acquaforte (own cosmetic line), Technogym Annual guests: Around 20,000

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Business Italy in focus Lemi’s Italian-made, technologically advanced products offer a wide range of customisation and carry a 10-year warranty in addition to lifetime assistance

Lemi

Technology, innovation and essential Italian design

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ince its launch in 1989, Lemi has established itself as a premier provider of customised spa equipment solutions to meet any change in market demand.

Based in Casalbuttano, north of Cremona, it has sold Matteo Brusaferri more than 60,000 treatment couches to the beauty and spa, medical and chiropody sectors in over 100 countries.

Priding itself on being ‘100% Made in Italy’, Lemi designs, manufactures and controls its entire production cycle in its own factory.

The company’s 10-year warranty is one of the longest on the market and it offers lifetime assistance, providing spare parts and technical solutions for products, even if they are approaching the end of their life cycle.

The incorporation of technology into Lemi products allows fragrances, colours and sounds to be mixed with high levels of comfort, elegant design and quality in order to deliver unique treatments.

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An international reputation “Since the beginning, Lemi has been known for high-end and technologically-advanced products of unmistakable Italian style, which have attracted the patronage of a refined international clientele,” says general manager Matteo Brusaferri.

“All our products feature a wide range of customisation possibilities. In fact, the company offers a vast assortment of colours, materials and finishes to render each model unique.”

He continues: “All our padded models are hand-finished by Lemi’s upholstering department, where our highly skilled and experienced craftsmen constantly strive for perfection, creating extraordinary effects. It’s a question of style – Italian style, which is renowned worldwide.”

Over the years, Lemi has been at the forefront of treatment couch innovation, developing the Lemi 4, which was the first to introduce four electric motors into a system, as well as the Sereneya, the first wooden table with electric height adjustment.

Most recently it introduced the Aemotio SPA, a multi-function, height-adjustable water bed, with a heated mattress and providing a Vichy shower, colour therapy, aromatherapy, a steam bath and water-enhanced vibromassage.

In addition, the company’s Spa Dream 2IN1 provides chromatherapy via seven selectable colours, and offers the choice between a 10-cushion water mattress and spherical quartz. www.lemigroup.com

FAST FACTS Founded: 1989 Employees: Around 50 Key products: Capri Pedi Spa, Spa Dream 2IN1; Aemotio Spa Spa portfolio includes: The Westin Al Habtoor City, Dubai, UAE; Forte Village Resort, Sardinia, Italy; Four Seasons Hotel, Florence, Italy; Six Senses Residence, Courchevel, France; Rocco Forte Brown’s Hotel, London, UK.

www.europeanspamagazine.com

Business Italy in focus

Verdura Resort & Spa Holistic wellness at a spa soaked in Sicilian sunshine

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isplaying a distinctive Sicilian flair, Verdura Spa is the flagship of Rocco Forte Spas. Its philosophy is based on Sebastian Kneipp’s five pillars of water, plants, exercise, nutrition and balance.

Irene Forte “While each pillar improves wellbeing, it’s through the interconnection of all five at Verdura that self-healing begins,” says Rocco Forte Hotels’ group project director Irene Forte. “This is enhanced by local Sicilian traditions and products, and an experienced team of health professionals and therapists.”

The 4,000sqm spa offers four outdoor thalassotherapy pools, a 20m indoor swimming pool, a double-height steam room, Finnish and infrared saunas, a state-of-the-art gym and fitness studio, spacious relaxation areas and a hair and beauty salon. The spa bar offers food

by Italy’s only Michelin-starred vegetarian chef, Pietro Leemann.

Sicilian signatures The balanced approach to health at Verdura offers five individualised health programmes, Fit, Slim, Detox, Anti-age and Relax, while the spa’s signature Rocco Forte Rituals use a newly developed product line, Irene Forte Skincare, which takes inspiration from indigenous products grown at the resort, including the orange blossom scent used in all treatments and

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rituals. Sicilian mud and herbs are also used, and the start and end of each experience is marked by the ringing of a bell from the Virgadomo foundry in Burgio, which has operated since the 16th century.

“With the overarching Rocco Forte Spas programme, I wanted guests to find wellness at every touchpoint at the resort,” says Forte. “I didn’t want the experiences to be limited to just the spa or a singular fitness centre.

“The offering was born from the desire to find wellness in every environment. This is why it includes things such as the hotel’s surrounding location, for sightseeing, trekking or running, as well as nutritious menus throughout the hotel

Every aspect of Verdura Spa is imbued with a sense of its Sicilian location, from the swimming and thalassotherapy pools (top) to the treatment rooms (above) and the products used in them

and a healthy minibar option.

“We wanted to be able to cater to our health-conscious guests, but also to entice those who aren’t necessarily that way inclined. We also wanted to give people new habits that could be continued at home.” www.roccofortehotels.com

FAST FACTS Size: 4,000sqm Spa team: 23 Treatment rooms: 11 Key suppliers: Forte Organics, Pevonia, Anmin, Geomedical, backlabel, Technogym Annual guests: Approx. 18,000

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Time to relax.

With expert knowledge and unbeatable service, you can count on Ellisons to make your next spa refit or project a success.

Ellisons offer an extensive range of luxurious furniture to complement your spa’s relaxation area. With products on offer from industry leading brands such as Living Earth Crafts, Gharieni and Alexander Rose, you are sure to find the perfect addition to your relaxation space, whatever your vision or budget.

Whether you aim to take your clients on a sensory journey or promote complete sleep and relaxation, our product range will allow you to turn your desired treatment experience into a reality.

ellisons.co.uk

From stylish wave loungers to quality couches and beanbags, Ellisons’ competitive furniture supplies will enable you to enhance any relaxation area, allowing you to provide an unforgettable spa visit for each and every client.

Bespoke options are also available so you can achieve your desired treatment experience with ease.

With a wealth of knowledge and experience, our Spa Partner team are on hand to make sure your next spa project or refit runs smoothly, on time and to budget.

Whether you’re embarking on a major refit or hoping to make some minor improvements, we are able to provide a seamless experience for every project.

Make the most of our years’ of experience and contact your dedicated Spa Partner team to discuss your vision in more detail: E: spapartner@ellisons.co.uk T: +44 (0)24 7636 9114 Find out how we can add value to your next spa project by downloading our Spa guide at www.ellisons.co.uk/spaguide

GOCO Spa, JW Marriott Venice, Italy

Business Italy in focus

Starpool Designing and delivering the ideal spa for every client

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ounded in 1975 by Ardelio Turri, Starpool claims to have revolutionised spa design, launching new products into the marketplace based on a superlative balance of quality and extensive research Riccardo Turri and development.

Within the company’s own guidelines, it states its objectives are to ‘deal with all activities that are directly and indirectly related to the care of the human body and its harmonious development’.

To this end, a team of engineers, designers, technicians, craftsmen and specialists support its clients through every phase in the development of their projects.

Based out of its factories in Ziano di Fiemme, in the province of Trento, Starpool proudly manufactures all its products in Italy, including steam and heat baths, saunas, salt rooms, hot tubs, pools, ice waterfalls and Kneipp walks.

As well as producing functional spa elements,

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Starpool also offers architectural consultancy to help clients design their ideal facility.

“What I feel makes us unique is, first and foremost, the high level of skills provided by our team of professionals in developing spa projects,” says CEO Riccardo Turri.

“As for the products we produce, they are characterised by an attractive design with pure and essential lines, with a high focus on technology and functionality.

“We can also boast of being able to industrialise a technically crafted product, ensuring the best performance.

“Moreover, we create wellness paths based on the concept of heat, water and rest. This formula, characterised by ancient origins, is the true essence of every spa designed by Starpool.” www.starpool.com

FAST FACTS Founded: 1975 Employees: 90 Key products: Sweet Spa Luxury Calacatta, Intense SoulSteam, GlamourSaunaPro Savu Spa portfolio: Amanyangyun Luxury Resort & Hotel, Shanghai, China; Hotel Mandarin Oriental, Milan, Italy; Atlantis The Palm, Dubai; Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, Antibes, France; campZero, Champoluc (Valle d’Ayas), Italy

Nilo Spa Design Staying ahead of trends to offer high-tech, flexible products

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ounded in 1987, Nilo Spa Design is the wellness and beauty division of the family-owned Maletti Group.

The company specialises in the production of furnishings, equipment and accessories for Elena Maletti spas, wellness centres, beauty salons and institutes, hotels and gyms.

From its head office in Scandiano, sited between Milan and Bologna, and boasting a 4,000sqm showroom, Nilo has become a leading competitor on the international market with a range of products that reflect design trends and technological innovation.

“We produce furniture with a high content of innovation and technology to answer the needs of our sector, but at the same time, we watch carefully the continuous changes of the market to see which trends and fashions are emerging,” says CEO Elena Maletti.

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Business Italy in focus

Matteo Thun & Partners Creating simplistic designs that emotionally satisfy spa guests

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ome 17 years after opening his own design studio in Milan in 1984, Matteo Thun founded the company that now bears his name, which has since expanded to include a team of 70 architects, interior, product Matteo Thun and graphic designers, and a subsidiary office in Shanghai.

In addition, Matteo Thun Atelier offers a collection of handmade, high-quality and customisable objects, all made in Italy.

The multi award-winning Thun, born in the bilingual Italian-and-German-speaking region of South Tyrol, has overseen a number of outstanding properties in partnership with Spanish designer Antonio Rodriguez, who joined the company in 2003.

Their ‘ZERO Design’ philosophy is based on a concept of simplicity. “We always search for the iconic form and create things that people can understand intuitively,” claims Thun.

Believing that ‘taking no risks leads to no reward’, the company states that its architecture

and design concepts stand for ‘calculated risk and keeping the right balance between challenge, responsibility, innovation and speed’.

“To design a spa means to fulfil a holistic claim,” says Thun. “Not only should the facilities satisfy the guest, that person must also feel emotionally addressed; the appropriate service, the right food and beverage – that all leads to a feel-good factor.

“Our approach has always been what we call ‘selfness’. From spa – salus per aquam, meaning ‘wellbeing through water’ – to sao – simpliciter ad originem, meaning ‘back to the origin’; we try to find the simplest processes and design simple shapes with strong emotions.” www.matteothun.com

FAST FACTS Founded: 2001 Employees: 70 Key services: Architecture, interior, lighting, landscape and product design Products designed: Sauna and steam for KLAFS, Ofurò for Rapsel, Nice/Now faucets for Fantini, Serie T radiators for Antrax Spa portfolio includes: Vigilius Mountain Resort, Lana, Italy; Terme Merano, Merano, Italy; JW Marriott Venice Resort and Spa, Venice, Italy; Waldhotel Health & Medical Excellence, Bürgenstock, Switzerland; Thermal Spa, Bad Wiessee, Germany; Davines Village, Parma, Italy

Nilo offers a number of collections and collaborates with many designers, including the renowned Claudio Silvestrin and Elisa Gargan Giovannoni.

Aside from products, the company offers a full range of support services, utilising its team of specialists, designers and architects to assist with the development of a complete spa project, or to aid in a customisable way with the concept, design and décor of a spa space.

“Picking Nilo signifies being ahead of the trends and having a service that has been studied in every detail, through 360°; starting from the layout phase, followed internally by our designers, right up to the realisation of the project,” adds Maletti.

“We will continue to develop furniture and furnishing accessories that offer high-tech functions, but that are also extremely flexible and pleasant for a spa guest.” www.nilo-beauty.com

FAST FACTS Founded: 1987 Employees: 50 Key products: Ninfea, Foot Dream, Omnia Spa portfolio includes: Spa Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel, Pune, India; Marco Polo Hotel Spa Gudauri, Tbilisi, Georgia; Spa La Parenthèse, Aix-les-Bains, France; Le Tsuba Hotel, Paris, France; MSC Seaside, Monte-Carlo

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Business Italy in focus

[comfort zone] Science-based skincare that aims to soothe the soul

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onceived in 1996 by pharmacist and cosmetic chemist Dr. Davide Bollati, [comfort zone] is now found in over 1,000 beauty salons and day spas, and more than 130 resort spas and hotels.

Barbara Gavazzoli Based in Parma, [comfort zone] is the skincare division of the Davines Group, a family-owned business that was founded 13 years earlier as a research laboratory producing high-end hair products.

The company’s tagline, ‘skin, science, soul’, encapsulates its aim to deliver performance and sustainability in its skincare solutions.

“Constant results-oriented innovation is guaranteed by our internal R&D laboratories, with the support of a scientific committee of international, multidisciplinary researchers,” says director of communication and education Barbara Gavazzoli. “Most importantly, though,

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we care for people, not just for their skin, and we care for the planet – that’s the soul of our brand. We teach our trainers to make an emotional connection for the overall wellbeing of our guests. It is this variety of social and environmental initiatives that have allowed us to become a certified B Corporation, a global drive in which companies show high standards of environmental and social performance.”

Quality formulas The brand’s ‘Conscious Formulas’, which combine high percentages of natural origin ingredients with high-tech dermo-compatible molecules, ensure [comfort zone]’s face and body products are good for the skin and the environment, resulting in best-selling collections, such as its Sublime Skin anti-ageing line.

Testifying to its empathic, holistic approach, the Tranquillity aromatherapy range, which has a unique blend of aromatic essential oils and is used at the beginning of every facial and

Clockwise from top left: [comfort zone]’s products use a high percentage of natural ingredients; a Tranquillity Pro-Sleep Massage; the Sublime Skin collection; the brand’s Sublime Skin Hormon-Aging treatment

body ritual, is the key feature of its famous Tranquillity Pro-Sleep Massage.

Asked why [comfort zone] is held in such high regard, Gavazzoli says: “It is for the quality of our formulas and the uniqueness of our rituals and massages. Therapists become loyal to our approach because they experience a constant professional enhancement and evolution. Customers see and perceive visible changes in the way they look and feel.” www.comfortzone.it

FAST FACTS Founded: 1996 Employees: Over 500 Key products: [comfort zone] Sublime Skin Cream, [comfort zone] Tranquillity Blend, /skinregimen/ Tripeptide Cream Spa portfolio includes: The Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, Canada; Glen Ivy Hot Springs, Corona, US; Fonteverde Hotel and Spa, Tuscany, Italy; Ystad Saltsjöbad, Ystad, Sweden; Rockliffe Hall, Darlington, UK

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THE JOY OF BEAUTY

Every age has its beauty.

Discover the new Sublime Skin Hormon-aging™ products and facial, specifically designed for menopausal skin. Clinically proven to provide ultimate comfort and cellular regeneration thanks to the exclusive Cell-Support technology™.

Commit to excellence. Become our partner.

Call +44 203 3010496 or send an email to infocz@comfortzone.it www.comfortzone.it

Business Italy in focus Clockwise from left: Portopiccolo, Sistiana, Italy; Casale del Principe, Monreale, Italy; Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, Pinzolo, Italy; Portopiccolo, Sistiana, Italy

Alberto Apostoli A ‘deep understanding’ of spa management and design

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n international leader in spa design and consulting, Alberto Apostoli has been at the forefront of spa architecture for 21 years since setting up his practice in 1997.

During that time, Alberto Apostoli Apostoli and his now 50-strong team have overseen more than 1,000 projects in 15 countries via his three brands – Alberto Apostoli Architecture and Design; Apostoli Engineering; and Studio Apostoli & Associati Project Management.

Although the company has expanded over the years and now designs hotels, retail spaces, residential properties, workspaces, mixed-use areas and products, it is in the area of wellness and spa that Apostoli made his name.

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“With years of experience and design knowledge, we have developed a deep understanding of spa management, marketing, retail and communication,” he tells European Spa. “The integration of our expertise leads us to deliver the perfect project every time.”

In 2012, Apostoli published a book, entitled Architettura delle SPA (Architecture of Spa), which outlines the specific attention he pays to sustainability, regulations and general management of a project. For engineering, a ‘holistic approach’ is adopted by his team that is ‘aimed at energy saving and sustainability of particularly energy-intensive structures, such as hotels, spas and shops’.

He suggests lighting is the most crucial aspect

of interior design as it highlights the form and colour of all other build materials.

“The secret of our success lies in our constant search for innovation, in terms of materials, products and technologies, and most of all, it lies in our mission to shape new spa design trends and to influence spa-goers’ tastes,” he states. www.albertoapostoli.com

FAST FACTS Founded: 1997 Employees: 50 Key services: Architecture, interior design, MEP design Products designed: Jacuzzi Sasha, Nilo Beauty Eterea, Newform Aqualite Spa design portfolio includes: Portopiccolo, Sistiana, Italy; Atrium Spa & Beauté, Mâcon, France; Faas Stem Cell & Anti-Aging Center, Lijiang, China; Casale del Principe, Monreale, Italy; Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, Pinzolo, Italy (scheduled to open in 2019)

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“We believe outstanding spas are created from innovative vision and emotion, designed by a company with a great heritage, and offer an innate sense of beauty.�

Alberto Apostoli - Chairman & Founder

Business Italy in focus

Borgo Egnazia’s traditionally constructed buildings house the 2,000sqm Vair Spa, which offers an eclectic programme of experiences that harness the region’s natural bounty

Vair Spa at Borgo Egnazia ‘Nowhere else experiences’ at one of the spa jewels in Italy’s crown

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uilt from natural white stone to celebrate traditional Puglian architecture, and with commanding views of the Adriatic sea of Savelletri and ancient olive groves of the Itria Valley, Borgo Egnazia is Aldo Melpignano one of Italy’s spa jewels.

The five-star property works to create what it refers to as ‘nowhere else experiences’, and at the heart of this promise is the multi-award-winning Vair Spa. Many of the 2,000sqm spa’s treatments and products are inspired by the local culture and environment, incorporating indigenous ingredients, including fresh herbs and hand-picked fruits harvested from nearby fields.

A further devotion to the culture of Roman bathing is evident in a space that includes a tepidarium, a caldarium and a frigidarium, as well as a saltwater flotation tank.

As well as its highly trained therapists, Vair’s

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esoteric programmes require the participation of dancers and musicians, allowing guests to explore new areas of fitness through movement, and new levels of relaxation through sound. A range of Puglian-inspired sports activities and Iyengar Yoga are also on the menu.

Constant evolution “Vair means ‘true’ in the Puglian dialect,” states owner and managing director Aldo Melpignano.

“This name embodies the spa’s most intimate essence, in that we focus on the ‘true wellbeing’ that is just inside ourselves.

“We offer an ever-changing range of treatments and programmes that combine spa experiences, nutrition and personal discovery. For instance, Tarant is our women-only wellness retreat based on the ancient Puglian phenomenon of the Tarantism: a mind-blowing experience that combines dance, poetic spa treatments and elements of the Mediterranean diet.”

Borgo Egnazia claims that ‘every detail and treatment is infused with the soul of southern

Italy, particularly that of Puglia’, and this includes its magnificent spa.

“Vair aims to lead you to rediscover your joy and happiness through one-of-a-kind spa experiences based on a deep connection with our land, continual innovation and high personalisation,” adds Melpignano.

This distinctly home-grown quality, which spreads from the brand’s products to its music and personnel, is said to be part of the reason for its high guest capture rate.

“Borgo Egnazia was only opened eight years ago, so we are still pretty young, but we already have a lot of repeat guests, which is the result of hard, passionate work together with what is a fantastic place. It’s a magical blend,” says Melpignano. www.borgoegnazia.com | www.vairspa.it

FAST FACTS Size: 2,000sqm Spa team: Around 30 Treatment rooms: 12 plus two beauty booths Key suppliers: KLAFS, Vair in-house products, INSÌUM Cosmetics, Luca Fortuna’s Essential Oils, Technogym

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Business Italy in focus

Bossini Spa Exporting Italian style and quality to more than 60 countries

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ounded in 1960 by Leonardo Bossini, the style-focused shower manufacturer has grown globally due to ‘design, quality and continuous technological research centred on innovation’.

Nadia Bossini With a team of more than 160 across sites in Castenedolo and Montichiari, Bossini exports its Italian-made range of shower heads, columns, mixers and accessories to hotels and spas in over 60 countries.

“Design tends to be the meeting point of form and technology, taste and functionality.

We Italians are well recognised for this,” says designer Nadia Bossini.

Bossini prides itself on its commitment to the environment and its two factories operate closed-circuit waste water treatment systems whose total energy requirements are supplied entirely by a co-generation plant.

Instilling this eco-conscious approach into its products, Bossini’s Fit-Air system allows air and water to be mixed, achieving what it states

is ‘a lighter and more voluminous spray, while limiting the amount of water expended’.

“The challenge for us is always to maintain our high level of quality and service, constantly combining creativity and invention,” says the company’s owner, Leonardo Bossini. www.bossini.it

FAST FACTS Founded: 1960 Employees: More than 160 Key products: Dream 4 Sprays LED Lights, Kneipp shower head, Manhattan Flat 3 shower panel Spa portfolio includes: Hotel Boscolo Exedra, Nice, France; Sheraton Deira, Dubai, UAE; The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Cape Town, South Africa; Yas Viceroy, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Terme di Sirmione, Colombare, Italy

Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti

A wondrous world of water-based wellness treatments

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aving been handed down through seven generations since the property was bought at auction by Josef Anton Sanoner, what once was a simple inn is now a luxury spa and wellness resort.

Silvia Mittelberger Built in 1810, in the small village of Ortisei in the Dolomites, Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti is now overseen by brothers Andreas and Klaus Sanoner, along with their mother Elly. This stunning property is said to be where ‘tradition and modernity, luxury and simplicity come together for a unique sensation of wellbeing and good living’.

The resort houses Aguana, a 3,500sqm ‘water world’ with an indoor crystal pool, a brine pool, a subterranean salt lake, baths and relaxation areas. There are also seven saunas, including two used for hay therapies.

Treatments come via its own range of Adler Spa Active Cosmetics, which employ the light spring waters of the Dolomites, mineral-rich thermal waters from Bagno Vignoni, and sea

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water from the Sea of Sicily, which is rich in potassium and magnesium A variety of programmes are delivered by highly trained therapists, aimed at purifying, body styling and improving the wellbeing and beauty of guests.

“Our friendly team, with different areas of expertise, allow us to offer not only classical wellness treatments, but also physiotherapeutic applications and medical services, Ayurvedic treatments, Thai, shiatsu, osteopathy and a variety of beauty treatments,”

says spa director Silvia Mittelberger.

“Due to this wide selection, we attach great importance to the competent, courteous and cordial advice offered to guests, which they greatly appreciate, and who are treated as an individual.” www.adler-dolomiti.com

FAST FACTS Size: 3,500sqm Spa team: 33 Treatment rooms: 28 Key suppliers: EffegiLab, Maria Galland, Landsberg, Hofer, Vitalis, Technogym Annual guests: Approx. 19-20,000

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Menu VOYA

An organic evolution Emma Roberts, VOYA’s head of sales and business development, discusses how the award-winning luxury spa brand’s products and treatments are formulated with wellness at their core

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constantly evolving range of award-winning facial and body products has made VOYA one of the world’s pre-eminent organic brands. In addition, its menu of professional spa treatments combine results-driven protocols with ancient traditions to create a unique experience that targets specific skin conditions.

Co-founded in 2006 by Mark and Kira Walton as an extension of the family’s VOYA seaweed baths in County Sligo, the brand’s products harness the restorative and healing powers of certified-organic seaweed, which is hand-harvested on Ireland’s Atlantic coast.

The seaweed is then combined with the highest quality botanical ingredients and aromatherapy oils to create skincare, home and lifestyle products that enjoy an unrivalled purity in their journey ‘from shore to shelf’.

We spoke to Emma Roberts, the company’s head of sales and business development, to find out what is next for this enduring brand.

Tell us about VOYA’s expertise.

We’re one of the global leaders for organic products in the spa industry. Organic is much more popular now as spa guests are better educated about what they’re using. However, people still want a luxury feel, so we’re really pushing boundaries when it comes to getting the very best organic options available.

How do you create your spa treatments?

Everything we do relates back to the sea. Our massages incorporate wave-like movements and ingredients, such as raw seaweed, are used in their most organic form. We always keep the therapist in mind, in terms of flowing techniques and reducing strain. We aim to instil in them a deep confidence in what they do.

How important is wellness to VOYA? It’s a word that can be used freely but wellness is at the core of everything we do. We have a full wellness programme for employees that includes weekly yoga or Pilates sessions, and we run monthly courses on subjects such as mindfulness or nutrition. We also offer health

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business planning and marketing to help spas strategically grow their businesses. This enables our partner spa managers to tap into a network of support and bounce ideas off each other.

“We are what we say we are: we’re authentic and have absolute integrity in everything we do” Emma Roberts, VOYA

checks and occupational health visits, as well as three counselling sessions per year with a practitioner of their choice for any of our staff experiencing difficult or stressful situations.

What elevates VOYA from its competitors?

We are what we say we are: we’re authentic and have absolute integrity in everything we do.

Everyone in the company really performs from the heart – from Mark and Kira to the sales and training teams on the road, the office staff and our warehouse team.

How does VOYA support spas?

We have regular meetings with our spas to brainstorm ideas. It’s very much a partnership and we like to be a key part of developing and supporting spa businesses. Being a family-run company means we can develop new treatments in a timely fashion to suit our partners’ needs.

Also, we hold Spa Excellence courses twice a year, with guest experts offering advice on

Tell us about your Cancer Care treatments.

In collaboration with Christine Clinton Cancer Care, we have rolled out a new advanced Cancer Care training programme. Over the next three-to-five years we will ensure that no one will be turned away from a VOYA spa because they are undertaking a cancer treatment.

Specifically catering for the needs of the guest, and to ensure our therapists are totally confident in delivering these targeted treatments, the initial launch introduces our Tender Tides menu of four wellbeing rituals.

The collection includes a restful Skin Sea Soothers Facial, the restorative Calm Seas Massage, a hydrating Art of Healing Facial and the detoxifying Heart of Ocean Cocoon.

These protocols support the guest’s journey of healing during or post-cancer treatment and are safe for anyone undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy.

We chose to partner with Christine because her cancer-care training has a really strong community focus, so our therapists work with people local to them, who are going through cancer treatment, during their training.

What launches are currently exciting you?

We have launched two pregnancy treatments, which also coincided with our co-founder Kira’s pregnancy. Both aim to soothe and alleviate pregnancy-related skin conditions as 95% of the women we spoke to had issues with dry, itchy skin when pregnant. The hydrating and soothing effect of seaweed has amazing results.

Pregnancy is such a precious time – we concentrate on mum and bump and it’s all about envelopment and making the client feel safe, supported and truly, deeply relaxed. www.voya.ie Right: VOYA’s organic seaweed products and treatments are now being delivered with specific benefits for those suffering or recovering from cancer, as well as mums-to-be

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Menu VOYA

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Dornbracht LifeSpa Aquamoon

lifespa.dornbracht.com/aquamoon

Business Jack Tang, Urban Massage

Technology meets wellbeing European Spa meets Jack Tang, the dynamic co-founder of Urban Massage, to find out how ‘on-demand’ wellness will provide new opportunities for therapists

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ntrepreneurial Londoner Jack Tang is a man on a mission to shake up the status quo. A co-founder of Urban Massage, an online booking portal for on-demand massage, his company now facilitates more than 200,000 treatments annually, all booked via the Urban Massage app.

The success of the business, first in London then in Manchester, Birmingham and Paris, is testament to Tang’s desire to provide therapists with significant work opportunities and increased earning capacity.

Urban Massage currently provides potential clients with access to 1,700+ registered massage therapists. In addition, Tang says the company also aims to help ‘bricks and mortar’ spas in these locations to find quality therapists during busy periods or staff shortages.

Depending on your point of view, Urban Massage could be viewed as a digital disruptor that potentially threatens the traditional spa

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massage model by providing clients a route to services that bypasses existing operations.

However, on the flipside, it can be referenced as an exemplary new wellness leader, using technology and social connections to empower talented therapists to set their own work schedule and potential earnings.

Furthermore, it also offers a talent pool that spa operators can dip into to help improve their yield and scheduling.

European Spa asks Jack Tang about his vision to make massage an accessible lifestyle service.

Why did you launch Urban Massage?

One of the key reasons is that I would have treatments myself and speak to the therapists, who were an open book about how they felt about their work. Knowing that some can have up to 10-12 appointments a day made me feel bad as a client. I also considered the discrepancy between the charge for service being delivered

and what the therapist actually gets paid.

Urban Massage really champions ethical ways of working and we believe we’re setting new standards for the industry. When you pay for a treatment with us, in most cases 70% or more of that goes directly into the therapist’s pocket.

That’s a very powerful statement.

What does on-demand massage offer?

Dynamic pricing and technology allow us to truly democratise the way people can access wellness. Traditionally, massage has been considered an expensive luxury, but really it can play an integral part in general wellbeing. People are now ranking its importance alongside things like healthy eating and regular exercise.

At Urban Massage we have simplified the equation of how to deliver high-quality, consistent service at the best price for the consumer. This means they can have more of it, more regularly, as part of their everyday life.

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Business Jack Tang, Urban Massage

THOUGHT LEADER

How do you define wellbeing?

The wellness industry is a huge and necessary one, especially in an age when people are living very fast-paced lifestyles and are constantly stressed, stuck at their desks in a static state.

Our approach is ‘inside-out first’, offering anything that helps you feel confident, look good or removes feelings of stress, pain or other limiting conditions. We want to build a global wellness brand that people living in cities can fully trust for everything wellness related: from massage to beauty, fitness and consumables.

Is Urban Massage a threat to spas?

No, definitely not. We’re trying to create a community of happier, thriving therapists and unifying that population of best-in-class professionals. It’s perfect for spa operators to tap into when they need it.

How do you protect therapists as they go into people’s home environments?

We take safety and security very seriously. We have a ‘no cash’ policy, so we can trace every single client that we work with. We also run ‘Know Your Customer’ checks when taking payment at the point of booking. This gives us a really good picture and a line of accountability.

Every therapist has our proprietary

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application, which provides GPS tracking for when they are working. They are able to check in and check out for appointments; if there is anything unusual, our team can monitor it.

We have also partnered with a third-party company that provides panic buttons to NHS workers, so our therapists are also able to opt in for one of those if it makes them feel safer.

What else is new at Urban Massage?

We are all about encouraging people to look after themselves, so we are now allowing clients to book osteopathy to tackle things like back pain, as well as regular check-ups; typically including one, two or three treatments at home, then possibly one at a spa.

We’ve also launched Urban Curates, initially in collaboration with Neom Organics, allowing our customers to enjoy the benefits of massage alongside a brand that they really love.

Urban Curates enables brands to connect with customers in a completely new way; we have also launched similar packages with The Organic Pharmacy and AVEDA and are looking for more brands to work with.

How can Urban Massage work for spas?

We’d love to partner with more spas to help them maximise their yield – that’s definitely one

Above: Jack Tang (far right) believes Urban Massage offers a service that works not only to give therapists autonomy over their hours and earnings, but also to help spas maximise their yield by tapping into its pool of best-in-class practitioners

thing we feel we can add tremendous value to.

Empty treatment rooms are a constant challenge for spa managers, especially in the hotel or resort setting where there is pressure to increase yield. The dialogue between spa managers and GMs often boils down to ‘if you can’t provide the numbers, then you can’t employ more people’, but really it is just a case of thinking differently.

What advice would you give spa operators?

We can help turn their spare capacity into working capital. It’s all about maximising the number of therapists, treatments and price.

We’re able to offer a solution that can remove the headaches of yield management, forward planning and scheduling personnel.

Today it’s all about staying connected and relevant to clients beyond them visiting your spa. Ultimately, people come to you because of the experience they can have, so it’s about how you personalise this experience, add value and deepen your connection with them. www.urbanmassage.com

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EDITED BY MARK SMITH

Editor’s choice

Diamonds are forever Natura Bissé has introduced Diamond Cocoon to protect skin from the ageing effects of pollution, blue light and solar radiation.

The Diamond Cocoon Collection from Natura Bissé has been developed to tackle the accelerated signs of ageing caused by environmental aggression.

Pollution, blue-light damage and UV exposure lead to cutaneous alterations, dark spots and a dull, lifeless skin tone. So, this new skincare range, said to mimic the epidermal function, works as a dual-action smart defence system that strengthens the cutaneous barrier to protect its inner layers while combatting pollution and environmental damage.

“At our spas, we are in touch with clients on a daily basis and know the importance of having an effective treatment to protect skin against modern pollution, including the damaging effect of blue light,” explains Sali Flores, managing director of Natura Bissé in the UK. The line boosts oxygenation and tackles free-radical damage with its Skin Booster Fortifying Concentrate, formulated with alteromonas fermented extract, OxySkin-HEV and actiobiome complex to strengthen the cutaneous barrier, protect against blue light and balance the skin’s microbiota. It also helps to prevent small pollution particles attaching to the skin.

Ultimate Shield Protective Mist, created with polyshield, OxySkin-HEV and niacinamide, forms an invisible, breathable veil on the skin to guard against minute pollution particles. It also combats environmental damage and prevents dark spots.

Enzyme Cleanser Deep Cleaning Mousse, formulated with lipase, alteromonas fermented extract, sepiolite, purifying clay and aloe vera, is a deep enzymatic cleanser that removes pollutant particles from the skin and boosts hydration levels.

“Wellness is paramount in today’s hectic lifestyle and we know that our clients come to our spas to disconnect and detox from their busy lives, allowing them to eat healthily and breathe clean air, so why not cleanse the skin as well as the body? We believe Diamond Cocoon will do exactly that, enabling a thorough 360° cleanse of body, mind and skin,” Flores concludes. www.naturabisse.com

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Menu New products & therapies

Supporting the skin through hormonal changes In order to nourish the skin and the emotions during the hormonal changes of menopause, [comfort zone] has launched a new treatment and supporting homecare.

Sublime Skin Hormon-Aging Facial aims to counter skin thinning, extreme dryness, loss of skin density and feelings of fragility. Combining two unique massage techniques, Dermal Dr. Alyssa Burns Hill Petrissage and Kobido, the facial reactivates cellular communication, regenerating the skin at a deep level and promoting a sense of serenity and vitality.

The new products were developed with Dr. Alyssa Burns Hill, a natural hormone health specialist who is the latest addition to the brand’s scientific committee.

It is supported at home by Hormon-Aging Oil Cream for day and night, and Oil Serum for night use only.

The products are redensifying, regenerating and nourishing, and are formulated with biotechnological marine extract to promote collagen synthesis and boost skin density; chicory extract to strengthen the skin; maracuja oil, rich in tocotrienols to enhance skin regeneration; and Abyssinian seed oil, rich in omega 3 and 6 to nourish the skin.

“All women need and deserve to live the joy of beauty at all ages,” said Barbara Gavazzoli, communication and education director at [comfort zone]. “In particular, women with menopausal skin need extra support, considering the physical as well as emotional changes and imbalances they experience.

“Nearly a century ago women’s life expectancy was 65 years, and it has now increased by 20 years. But the age of menopause hasn’t changed significantly, so we’re spending nearly a third of our life after menopause: a considerably significant portion of life which is challenging but at the same time very rich and positive if lived with the right attitude and with proactive self-care.” www.comfortzone.it

Treatment focus Miracle mask Aromatherapy Associates’ Hydrogel Sheet Mask is designed to deliver intense hydration, firmness and radiance in a biodegradable applicator that includes hand-blended pure essential oils and powerful actives.

Frankincense Hydrosol, a potent by-product of the distillation process of the pure oil, plumps fine lines to leave skin lighter and brighter; turmeric root extract boosts cellular defences, protecting against oxidative stress and evening skin tone; hyaluronic acid boosts hydration; and aloe vera calms and soothes.

The mask also includes a blend of frankincense, rose absolute, geranium, patchouli, ho wood, sandalwood and ylang ylang to relax, calm and soothe the skin and mind. www.aromatherapyassociates.com

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Thalgo Exception Marine Redensifying Treatment Designed to sculpt contours, redensify the skin and fill-out wrinkles, Thalgo’s Exception Marine Redensifying Treatment utilises its patented Marine Replenishment Complex to combat mitochondrial ageing and reinforce the skin’s structure.

The facial includes the exclusive Thalgo Energilift Technique, which aims to correct sagging skin and the loss of volume in different areas of the face.

The deep, rhythmic movements of this manual facelift, developed in collaboration with an aesthetic doctor, re-oxygenate skin on the face, neck, décolleté and hands, restoring its tone and firmness. Visible results are said to be seen after the first treatment.

Exception Marine also includes new retail products, including Intensive Redensifying Treatment, Cream and Eyelid Lifting Cream. www.thalgo.co.uk

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Menu New products & therapies

Turning Japanese Inspired by the beauty rituals of Okinawa, Cinq Mondes’ new dual-action, anti-ageing face cream promises to prevent the appearance of the key signs of ageing for women in their 30s, while correcting the signs of ageing in more mature skin.

Géto Suprême The Cream is formulated with getto, a plant sourced from Okinawa which is said to ‘awaken’ cells internally, stimulating their unified action to boost skin regeneration.

Skin regains its firmness, density and elasticity, wrinkles are diminished, facial contours appear more defined and skin is left more hydrated, even and radiant. www.cinqmondes.com

And relax…

Hand-crafted by artisans into a beautifully moulded seamless structure, Mauli’s Tension Relief Massage Dome is rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom to gently lift, sculpt and smooth skin.

The tension release tool, which is made from mineral-rich virgin copper, zinc and a trace of tin, is said to activate Marma points to promote a greater sense of wellbeing. A natural anti-ageing tool, it offers restorative therapy at home, at work or when travelling.

Mauli recommends using it in conjunction with its Supreme Skin Face Serum, which nourishes skin at a cellular level, providing intense protection and hydration.

The Mauli Tension Release Dome is presented with a complimentary travel-size Supreme Skin Face Serum, a pure muslin carry pouch and sacred mauli. www.maulirituals.com

The wild ones

Body reawakening: Decleor launches Aroma Blend

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Taking inspiration from the natural world, CND’s new autumn collection pays homage to the colour palette and landscapes of planet Earth.

Its six new shades offer a sophisticated take on raw, earthy hues that will inspire both nail technicians and clients alike. Available in both CND Shellac, the 14-day nail colour and Vinylux weekly polish, there is a colour to suit every skin tone.

The Wild Earth collection comprises; Blue Moon, a deep cobalt; Dreamcatcher, a dusky purple; Arrowhead, an earthy mauve; Spear, a muted terracotta; Element, a warm toned red; and Brimstone, a chino beige. www.sweetsquared.com

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Menu New products & therapies

ANDA – A breath of life for skin Designed to restore, centre and revitalise the skin and soul, ANDA, named after the Swedish word for breath, renews, transforms and strengthens with a selection of certified organic ingredients, powerful nutrients and cutting-edge actives.

Kerstin Florian’s new range promises to deliver visible, targeted and age-defying results with luxurious textures and sensorial experiences.

The collection, which promotes self-care, was developed using cruelty-free vegan formulas and sustainable production processes.

“With Anda, our 40-year heritage of spa wellness and holistic beauty comes full circle,” said CEO and founder Kerstin Florian, who Kerstin Florian has dedicated the new organic skincare collection to celebrate the life of her daughter, the company’s former chief creative officer Charlene Florian, who sadly lost her battle with cancer in 2016.

“Charlene dedicated her career to the wellness and self-love principles we stand for,” she adds. “What started as a passion project for my daughter is now my tribute to her. Charlene’s positive energy and profound respect for the environment are part of the ANDA brand DNA and come to life in these beautifully-effective, multi-faceted products.”

The three debut products, which will be followed by new launches in 2019, include the skin protecting Coherence Elixir, which contains structured water, mondo grass and prickly pear extract to slow cellular degeneration and boost hydration.

Vitalessence Serum-Oil contains organic fruit oils and snow lotus plant cell to balance moisture and protect against environmental aggression, while Super Nutrient Balm moisturises, protects and restores with buriti fruit, kelp extract and kokum butter. www.kerstinflorian.com

From Peru to you Inspired by the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and the culture, food and fashion of Peru, OPI has launched its autumn/winter collection.

The Peru range includes 12 new shades in Nail Lacquer, Infinite Shine and GelColor formulas, reflecting earthy, sandy landscapes in dusty mauve undertones, deep reds and burgundies.

Peru features the iconic, tongue-in-cheek names that OPI is famous for including: Machu Peach-u, a soft peach; the rose-tinted Suzi Will Quechua Later!; Lima Tell You About This Color!, a warm pink; Alpaca My Bags, a green lacquer; and Don’t Toot My Flute, a dreamy lilac. www.opiuk.com

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Gently does it Phytomer has launched its popular professional Gentle Body Scrub with Glasswort Oil as a retail product to use at home.

The body scrub features a mousse-oil texture that starts as a rich cream and progressively melts to an oil during the exfoliation process.

Designed as an ultra-sensory experience, the scrub contains a trio of ingredients to renew and revitalise, while boosting hydration and nourishing the skin.

Glasswort oil is a hydrating and replenishing coastal ingredient that stimulates the production of aquaporins, strengthening the skin. Silica powder is a fine mineral that eliminates dead cells on the skin’s surface.

Finally, a seawater oligomer concentrate exclusive to Phytomer boosts the skin with minerals and oligo-elements. www.phytomer.com

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Menu New products & therapies

Autumn inspiration Inspired by the changing of the seasons, Jessica has created a rich, warm and wearable colour collection for autumn, available in GELeration Soak-off Gel Polish as part of professional GELeration treatments Autumn Romance features luscious colours including: Wine Country, a rich burgundy crème; Natural Splendour, a tanned nude crème; Toasted Pecans, a nut-brown crème; Fallen Leaves, brick red crème; Morning Haze, misty grey with a delicate shimmer; and Mauve-Lous Nights, a deep mauve crème.

Jessica colours feature a vitamin-enriched formula and are free from: formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, DBP, camphor, xylene and ethyl tosylamide. www.jessicacosmetics.co.uk

Going for gold Instant glow MoroccanTan has launched a fast-absorbing, self-tanning oil that delivers both glow and hydration to the skin.

Instant Dry Oil is infused with the brand’s signature pure organic Argan Oil, as well as organic rose absolute, which work together to ensure a darker, more natural and intense finish to the skin.

Designed to partner with the brand’s existing range, this fast-drying mist delivers instant colour that can be worn straight away and will continue to develop over time. Suitable for all skin types, the MoroccanTan Instant Dry Oil can be reapplied as required to achieve a deeper colour. www.sweetsquared.com

Treatment focus

Formulated to give skin a golden glow, Babor’s ReVersive anti-ageing glow body cream is silky-smooth with ultrafine Glow-Tech pigments to create a subtle shimmer on the skin.

Exclusive to the ReVersive range, it also contains highly active Re-Youth Complex, which is formulated with elovitin and agicyl to help to boost the life-cycle of skin cells, and epocyl and lumicol restore skin’s natural luminosity.

The signature ReVersive fragrance, a key element of the cream, also offers a sensory experience, helping clients to relax in a matter of minutes. www.babor.com

Murad Technoceuticals Technoceuticals is a series of high-performance professional peels with intensive, post-procedure treatment concentrates from Murad.

Created specifically for the professional market, the new peels work directly on dark spots, blemishes and wrinkles, helping to renew and rejuvenate the skin.

Murad Technoceuticals Peels are based on the latest scientific advances, combined with Dr. Murad’s proprietary discoveries of Glycolic and Tri-Acid Complex technology. He has paired this with antioxidants and hydrators to create a step-up experience with an in-spa professional peel partnered by an at-home professional concentrate.

Level one features AHA Rapid Exfoliator, a glycolic acid peel for an instant glow, partnered with Clarity Control Solution Professional Concentrate to minimise pores and excessive shine with salicylic acid and iris root extract.

Level two features the Intensive Peel combining glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids to exfoliate and brighten, supported by the Brightening Boost Concentrate to minimise dark spot and pigmentation.

Retinol Dual-Phase Power Peel includes Tri-Acid complex and retinol to firm skin and minimise lines, and the Wrinkle Solution Concentrate contains tri-hyaluronic acid to plump and revitalise skin. www.murad.co.uk

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Menu New products & therapies

Skin calming expertise Designed to soothe and calm sensitive skin, Decléor’s first organic product range, Harmonie Calm, offers three skincare products featuring anti-inflammatory rose essential oil to reduce redness and skin tightness.

2 in 1 Cream & Mask is a moisturising mask for sensitised skin, designed to instantly reduce redness, tightness and irritation. This can also be used as a moisturiser to soothe, calm and hydrate.

Aromessence Rose D’Orient is a soothing, comforting oil serum, expertly blended for sensitive, reactive skins. This 100% natural elixir includes damask rose to protect, soothe and strengthen skin, alleviating sensitivity; softening sweet almond and neroli; calming camomile; plus blackcurrant seeds to combat inflammation and redness.

Aromessence Rose D’Orient Night Balm soothes reactive skin types to work overnight. It includes neroli and rose essential oils; almond to protect against external irritations; rice wax to protect and improve skin structure; plus beeswax to soften.

The Harmonie Calm range is certified organic by the COSMOS standard. www.decleor.co.uk

Direct from Down Under Australian skincare brand Gaylia Kristensen is now offering its high-tech skincare range in the UK, having already become popular at spas including Raffles, Jakarta; Fairmont, Macau; and Mandarin Oriental in Singapore, Hong Kong and Prague.

The brand combines natural Australian botanicals with molecular protein polypeptide technology sourced only from plant and marine extracts, which is said to be equivalent to pharmaceutical grade cosmetics.

Among the hero products from the line are Utopia, a youth serum that features a polypeptide Youth Complex; and Dream Cream, which contains seven powerful protein and peptide technologies to help re-balance hydration. www.gayliakristensen.com.au

True decadence Mii Cosmetics’ Pure Decadence Collection offers a variety of on-the-go makeup options by way of its new eyeshadow palette and clickable lip crayons.

The Click & Colour Lip Crayon, in Merlot and Rose, provides full colour cover in a smooth, highly pigmented lip crayon. Clicking the base releases the crayon, which is then applied to lips in short, sweeping strokes. Infused with avocado and mango oils, the colour glides on smoothly for a long lasting and light-feel effect.

Pure Decadence Eye Palette is a richly-pigmented eye selection offering ultra-blendable, natural, skin-enhancing shades including Cognac, Truffle, Champagne and Caviar. www.gerrardinternational.com

Seasonal scrubs Natural Spa Factory has launched three unique body scrubs with a heady blend of aromatic spices and oils to accompany the transition into autumn.

House Rum & Orange Zest Body Scrub boasts a blend of dark and oaky rum, with toasted cinnamon, spicy cloves and aromatic vanilla laced with orange zest.

Autumnal favourites are spiced up with warming cinnamon and herbal nigella seeds for the Winter Pumpkin & Pear Body Scrub.

Sloe Down Scrub combines juniper-tinged sloe gin, elderberries and blackberries for a burst of antioxidants to refresh and awaken the skin.

The scrubs feature antioxidant grape seed oil combined with peach kernel oil to hydrate, and salt to exfoliate and renew. www.naturalspafactory.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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Technogym Promotion

A perfect fit for spas With greater demands being placed on the spa and wellness industry by an increasingly health-conscious society, Technogym’s ARTIS range of equipment provides an all-round solution

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ellness travel has undoubtedly boomed in recent years, with many more people specifically looking to enjoy active breaks or restorative mindfulness and yoga retreats.

However, there is also a growing number of travellers who simply wish to maintain their fitness routine and healthy lifestyle regardless of where in the world they happen to be.

As a result, hotels and spas are increasingly offering holistic wellness opportunities to suit the needs of modern, health-conscious guests.

As well as healthy cuisine, sleep expertise and wellness treatments, contemporary fitness centres are being equipped to comprehensively cater to growing trends, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), virtual training and functional training.

As one of the world-leading manufacturers of state-of-the-art fitness equipment and digital

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solutions, Technogym is renowned for its stunning designs and next-generation, future-proof technology.

Many of the world’s most iconic spas partner with the Italian fitness leader to ensure their guests are provided with the best wellness experience. These include ESPA Life at Corinthia London; Palazzo Versace Gold Coast in Australia; Kohler Waters Spa at The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland; ESPA Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore; and Italy’s Borgo Egnazia.

Furnishing wellness architecture The concept of ‘wellness architecture’ is now shaping the luxury travel industry, with spaces being thoughtfully designed to improve mental and physical wellbeing through the use of materials, shapes, colours and lighting.

With low, sweeping lines and frameless

geometry, the elegant forms of Technogym’s ARTIS line of equipment is an ideal choice to complement these design-led spaces.

The sleek shapes of the ARTIS range create an environment that evokes confidence and freedom; guests are able to move in harmony with products designed with the utmost attention to the human form and movement.

As the first fully-integrated collection of over 30 pieces of cardiovascular, strength and functional equipment, ARTIS is the preferred option for many prestigious hotels and spas around the world thanks to its combination of seamless design, futuristic technology and superior ergonomics.

One such location is luxury spa and wellness destination Borgo Egnazia, situated in Puglia, on the heel of Italy, which has achieved a perfect balance of tradition and modernity. Its evocative architecture and history have been paired with

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Technogym Promotion

high-end technology courtesy of the ARTIS range, which complements the white limestone walls, hand-carved stone and arched windows and ceilings of its gym space.

The ‘smart hotel’ of the modern era In the digital age, technology has become a crucial means of creating immediate and personal interactions between hotels and their guests.

This ‘smart hotel’ concept has led to spa and fitness technology becoming increasingly sophisticated, offering protocols and functions such as detailed body composition analysis and high-tech medi-spa treatments.

Guests now demand advanced fitness technology that allows them to view their real-time workout data; to continue their training programme wherever they may be staying; to enjoy immersive and motivating workout experiences; and to watch their favourite TV programmes while they exercise.

Technogym continually invests in innovation with the aim of delivering a customised and engaging experience for all users.

The company’s ARTIS cardio equipment features Technogym’s UNITY 3.0 Android console, which offers countless entertainment options, including Netflix and YouTube, on

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screens of the highest possible definition.

In addition, personalised training programmes, such as Speed Shift, allow users to create their own interval training session and offer engaging workouts to keep them motivated.

Gamification is another growing trend in the fitness industry and to meet this demand for interactivity, UNITY 3.0 includes race mode options. These provide a competitive edge by allowing guests in the same facility to challenge one another to a race of their preferred distance and location. Alternatively, users are able to test themselves along some of the world’s most iconic marathon routes.

Total integration UNITY 3.0’s complete integration with mywellness, Technogym’s cloud-based open platform, means that users can access, track and monitor their physical activity in one central place, in any location.

When a guest logs into their account on Technogym equipment, they are automatically presented with their preferred selection of entertainment, websites and apps, as well as their personal training programme.

This connectivity allows guests to continue a programme prescribed to them by their regular trainer, and mywellness can also track any

Above from left: Technogym’s ARTIS range is a fully integrated collection of cardiovascular, strength and functional equipment; the traditional culture of Italy’s Borgo Egnazia embraces the modern functionality of Technogym equipment; the UNITY 3.0 console that features on the ARTIS range allows guests to access entertainment and data

outdoor activities provided by spas as it syncs with a variety of third-party apps and wearable devices, such as Strava, Runkeeper and Garmin.

The growth of functional training While treadmills and other cardio equipment are ever-popular, the way we exercise is changing, with weights and resistance work growing in popularity. To meet demand for functional equipment, free weights and floor space, ARTIS Kinesis stations are designed to facilitate the most natural human movements.

Unique FullGravity Technology, a patented loop cable system offering 360° movement, and a wide range of exercise combinations make Kinesis the perfect tool for personal training sessions, or for guests to use alone, whether they are a beginner or an advanced user.

Technogym connected equipment and mywellness are the ultimate choice for hotels and spas looking to provide the personalised and seamless experience that consumers demand. www.technogym.com

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Business Jacqueline Kneebone, agua Spa, sbe

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Business Jacqueline Kneebone, agua Spa, sbe

The boutique touch Spa director Jacqueline Kneebone discusses how the original philosophy of the agua brand has influenced her development of the spas at sbe’s Sanderson and Mondrian hotels R E P OR T BY I A N PA R KES

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he agua spas at London’s Sanderson and Mondrian hotels offer two very different luxury experiences, each aimed at distinctive target markets yet based on a single core philosophy.

Originally developed by Rita Schrager – former wife of Ian Schrager, who once owned Sanderson as part of the Morgans Hotel Group, now known as sbe – the agua blueprint has been in the charge of spa director Jacqueline Kneebone since 2010.

“Rita’s fundamental concept for agua was about quality,” says Kneebone. “It was not about the time that you spend there, but rather delivering a quality experience in an urban environment. The foresight she had 20 years ago was quite incredible. She really understood the importance of offering a curation.

“Ian Schrager coined the boutique spa concept and we see ourselves as a specialist, pulling together what is niche, unique and local so guests have a more discerning and personalised experience.”

Contrasting designs Remaining loyal to Schrager’s approach, Kneebone claims to have ‘drilled down’ to the core of the agua brand to ensure her own ideas are built upon authentic foundations. In particular, she says, this was the case during the development of agua Bathhouse and Spa at Mondrian London, which opened in 2014.

Referred to as ‘a spa playground’, Hollywood glamour is embraced in its curved walls, clean lines and luminous pathways, and at the heart is a decadent relaxation room that features the iconic copper teardrop sculpture created by Opposite page, clockwise from top left – Mondrian: A neutral palette in the changing rooms; Tom Dixon’s iconic copper teardrop sculpture; a well prepared treatment room; refreshments await in the couple’s relaxation room; the spa’s ‘glamour’ lounge; modernist design in the steam room; pedicure stations with clean, simplistic designs; a sweeping glass wall provides a sculptural flourish to the interior

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2,750m of soft, white fabric used to separate the treatment rooms and relaxation spaces.

“So many people who go to Sanderson love that experience,” says Kneebone. “They love the hushed whispers. They love that you go into these private hubs, double-storey in height, and you just lie there. They can’t believe how quickly they relax.

“When you walk into that space, you connect on so many different levels. The energy and atmosphere are really special.”

“Ian Schrager coined the boutique spa concept and we see ourselves as a specialist, pulling together what is niche, unique and local so guests have a more discerning and personalised experience.”

Jacqueline Kneebone Spa director

British designer Tom Dixon.

“I wanted to create a social spa experience, for the guests to be able to come in groups and have fun. Mondrian is bold, aspirational and dynamic,” says Kneebone.

“Compared to Sanderson, which has a more established clientele, we were definitely targeting a younger audience, so we undertook a comprehensive study of our market. We looked at a number of social and economic habits to gain an understanding of what our guests wanted to experience at our different properties, then we used this information to create our offerings and programmes.”

In contrast, the design of agua at Sanderson adopts the whimsical, yet discerning nature of the Philippe Starck-designed hotel, with

Integrity is key One common denominator at both spas is the superlative quality and delivery of their products and treatments. As a qualified complementary therapist and aesthetician, who trained in her homeland of South Africa before moving to England and initially working at Ragdale Hall in Leicestershire, Kneebone feels strongly that the the brand’s reputation is enhanced by the product partners at each spa.

Luxury Spanish skincare provider Natura Bissé serves both sites, while at Sanderson, Nuxe, Eve Lom and Annee de Mamiel complement the menu. At Mondrian, the Spanish brand is joined by Soveral, Dr Jackson and Made for Life by Spiezia Organics.

“Authenticity and integrity are incredibly important as part of our experience in both spas,” insists Kneebone.

“We look for organic partners who are aligned with our thinking. We also believe that if their owners and founders are very much involved in the business, then a certain integrity is maintained as they are not managed strictly commercially; there is a thought process behind every new product creation and treatment protocol, which is really, really important for us.

“We also get our partners to come in and help train our teams, to inspire them to understand that what we’re doing is something a little bit different.

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Business Jacqueline Kneebone, agua Spa, sbe

SBE’s burgeoning portfolio Los Angeles-based sbe was founded by current chairman and CEO Sam Nazarian in 2003.

After starting out with a night club as his first property, Nazarian has grown and diversified the brand into numerous sectors, and now has a portfolio that includes some of the most exclusive and high-profile hospitality and lifestyle destinations in the world.

With the acquisition of Morgans Hotel Group in December 2016, sbe took on 22 hotels across five brands, with almost 7,000 rooms. Aside from Mondrian London and the Sanderson, the hotel listing includes such iconic venues as the Delano in Miami Beach and the Hudson in New York.

Now with over 130 hotel, entertainment, nightlife and restaurant venues globally, sbe works with renowned designers such as Philippe Starck, David Rockwell and Marcel Wanders, and chefs José Andrés, Michael Schwartz and Danny Elmaleh.

“All our treatments are tailored and personalised across the board, with the price lists mirror images of each other, except that we’re working with different brands and different treatments.”

Finance and flair Kneebone has thoroughly studied the business aspect of the industry, having completed courses in spa management and finance with the University of California, as well as a Masters in management with New York State’s Cornell University, and she is soon to take another course in asset management.

Being able to think not only as a therapist, but also from a management perspective, has been crucial to her shaping of the agua spa business.

“Spas need to be taken seriously within the broader corporate landscape, and unless you speak in their language, people from other walks of business are not going to respect you and you’re not going to get your message across,” she states. “Thanks to my background, I can go to a finance director and say, ‘here’s a budget and a forecast’ and they will have the information they require to make an informed decision.

“Then, when I talk about the cool and sexy side of the business, such as treatments and products, they know it’s backed up with business sense. That’s incredibly important in getting the support that you need.”

Two additions Kneebone has made to the business model and revenue stream, which she says have “worked very well for us”, are the staging of exclusive events and creative collaborations.

“We use Sanderson and Mondrian as wide spaces,” says Kneebone. “People are constantly

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Clockwise from top right – Sanderson: An elegant relaxation room at the Sanderson; 2,750m of soft white fabric is used to delineate treatment rooms and relaxation spaces; the spa’s fully equipped gym; the design echoes the hotel’s ‘Alice down the rabbit hole’ concept

looking for venues that are aligned with points of difference and if you host a brand launch inside Sanderson, we open up the entire space.

We dress it up for your brand with different elements – displays, floral displays, food and beverage. Because it’s a wide space, the whole area looks like it has been created for that particular brand. We also support that launch with many treatments, manicures, pedicures, facials and massages.

“This has become a big part of our business; we’ve converted non-revenue-generating space into quite high profit providers that also support our treatment offering.”

Making an impact While agua at Mondrian benefits from its work with advanced facialist Kate Kerr London, in a further display of openness, agua at Sanderson has recently welcomed four resident specialists with whom it is collaborating to provide a more personalised touch to its treatments.

In addition to skincare expert Eve Lom and leading acupuncturist, aromatherapist and holistic facialist Annee de Mamiel, it has embraced one of the world’s most sought-after facialists, Su-Man Hsu, as well as renowned therapist Katie Light.

“We’ve created a home for a range of specialists who just want to do amazing work.

They don’t have to worry about the logistics side of things as our team is there to fully support them,” says Kneebone.

“It’s quite a happy family and very motivating for the therapists and the people who work here because they really feel like they’re part of something special.”

Another example of Kneebone’s outside-of-the-box thinking is her production of The Little White Book, a self-care handbook that is offered to all guests, with expert tips and insights from a number of agua’s brand partners and specialists.

“That’s the thing about spa,” she reflects.

“It’s an ever-evolving business that is constantly integrating health and hospitality. Spa can be a hub for so many different things, it’s just incredible. It really is a space where we can make so much impact.” agua Spa – Sanderson & Mondrian, UK Sanderson +44 (0) 20 7300 1414 Mondrian: +44 (0) 20 3747 1010 www.sandersonlondon.com | www.mondrianlondon.com

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Menu Retail focus: Christmas gifting

The most wonderful time of the year C

E DI T E D BY M ARK SM I TH

hristmas is the main retail event of the year and accounts for a substantial part of any spa’s revenue. Skincare, aromatherapy sets and candles are perennial favourites, but wellness and self-care concepts are creating a wider range of opportunities for gifting, staging instore events and promotions, and the sale of spa vouchers.

While times may be changing, and taste along with them, skincare gift sets remain a core staple during this bumper retail period. According to research by NPD Group, the market was valued at £104 million [d117 million] in 2017 and consumers spent an additional £6.5 million on skincare gift sets, an increase of 7%, compared to 2016.

To help spa operators capitalise on this annual increase in consumer spending, European Spa talks to some of the industry’s leading retail experts to find out how to boost revenue during the festive period.

Planned partnerships are a key to success Tracy Brasenell, national sales manager, Caudalie UK & Ireland “It is important that spas and their partners work closely to identify and fully explore Christmas retail opportunities.

“Well run spas and brands begin their detailed preparation around May/June to create a clear marketing calendar of opportunities together for the festive period.

“Partner brands can assist with product sale and gifting opportunities, corporate, in-room and table gifting. Treatment packages, including gifts, vouchers and residential/spa packages, are an essential part of the offering.

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“Ensure that your marketing department works closely with your suppliers to provide strong messages on your website, social media, and in newsletters, brochures, inserts and leaflets.

“Training for therapists, receptionists and reservations team on the specific details of the opportunities is crucial to success at this time.

“Set targets, rewards and incentives, then provide ongoing support to ensure the plans are maximised.” www.caudalie.com

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Menu Retail focus: Christmas gifting

The art of living well

Tracey Woodward, CEO, Aromatherapy Associates “Christmas should be about helping people to look and feel amazing, whether it’s encouraging that first step into wellbeing or gifting to individuals that already love your brand.

“Help your customers to think about giving and receiving throughout the festive season and, of course, self-gifting, particularly where you are offering ways to enhance personal wellbeing.

“Accompany your festive gift offering with additional guidance in the ‘art of living well’.

Look at the expertise you have within your team to provide advice on getting through the festive season in the most healthy way possible, as it can also be a stressful time for many.

“We feel that by offering the added value of advice and information, you are empowering people to make those better life choices, while promoting self-kindness and the ability to learn how to create a better you for 2019.” www.aromatherapyassociates.com

A seasonal showcase

Noella Gabriel, co-founder and president of Elemis “It’s important for spas to showcase their Christmas collections at this time of year and hosting exclusive events can be a great way to do it. Think invite-only shopping events with additional incentives, such as refreshments and goodie bags, visual merchandising and guestspeakers giving talks or Q&A sessions. All of these offer something different and help make customers feel excited and engaged with the new collections for the festive season.

“Education is invaluable at these events, so having a brand expert on hand to guide your

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customers through purchases is crucial.

“You can also use these events as an opportunity to give out bounce-backs for January offers; enticing the customer to revisit in the new year, when sales can often be a little slower.

“Spas could consider creating a special treatment menu for a limited time only; offering unique winter treatments and Christmas collections together at a special price, so that customers purchase the festive specials while also getting a great deal.” www.elemis.com

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Menu Retail focus: Christmas gifting

Gifts for the whole family Jane Lewis, senior business manager, ESPA

“When offering gifts for the family, it’s important to think about how they are presented and positioned in the spa to ensure they are easily seen and catch the attention of the customer.

Gifts for stocking fillers should be available near the till for quick and easy purchasing.

“The content and price-points of gift sets are key, and dividing them into clear categories makes the gifts easier to navigate. For example: lifestyle, luxury, skincare, and home fragrance.

“Gifts for women, particularly mothers, need to feel indulgent, and products they view as a treat, or associate with relaxation and ‘me time.’

“For men, gifts can be presented in a creative way, perhaps in a reusable collectable tin with products. Men often prioritise functionality so cleansing gels, grooming oils or moisturisers are most popular in Christmas gifts.

“For teenage girls anything that helps achieve radiance, hydration and that much sought-after post-facial glow would be popular. For younger guys, keeping up appearances is increasingly important, so look for products for healthy skin.” www.espaskincare.com

Offer incentives for the customer Judith Emslie, marketing manager, Thalgo

“Spas should consider giving a treatment voucher to the person buying the Christmas retail gift, perhaps offering a discount, say 30-50% redeemable against a treatment during January. This way the customer gets a gift themselves while doing their Christmas shopping and the spa gets additional business during a traditionally quiet month.

“Alternatively you could pop a voucher inside the Christmas gift box so that the recipient of the box can continue their enjoyment of the skincare or spa products

with a treatment in the new year.

“Christmas baubles are extremely popular in the beauty market.

You can hang baubles on the Christmas tree containing a voucher. These could contain a range of treatment discounts or special offers as well as a few free treatments.

“Customers spending a set amount on retail products or Christmas gift sets can choose a bauble off the tree and see what their prize is.” www.thalgo.co.uk

Convenience is king

Fabienne Lindholm, international education director, Babor “The beauty industry needs to make this time as convenient as possible for their customers. Create promotional short treatments that de-stress and deliver a healthy radiant complexion; a quick fix that will give people the chance to treat themselves without taking too long.

“Most consumers want something accessible, fun and luxurious but affordable when it comes to buying gifts.

Consumer research has shown that women are wanting more door-to-door services at the last minute, so, if possible, set up a ‘drive-through’ beauty salon with a choice of two or three packages that can be ordered via email or phone and delivered to the cars outside the spa.” www.babor.com

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Menu Retail focus: Christmas gifting

The gift of giving

Diane Nettleton, founder, Gaia

“Creating a bespoke gift-wrapping station, where customers can purchase Christmas gifts and vouchers from a designated till, is popular during the Christmas period. For a spa within a hotel this means guests can buy their gifts without interrupting the flow at the main retail area.

“Creating festive packages works really well too, perhaps combining a results-driven facial, manicure and blow dry. Three-for-two offers on treatments are popular with guests during December as three friends can celebrate Christmas together for the price of two.

“This links perfectly to the ‘me time’ concept and embraces the consumer’s desire to share experiences rather than simply giving gifts.

“Workshops during December should combine wellness, being mindful of the essence and fun of the festive season. We are offering workshops with a naturopath who will talk about how to support your liver whilst having a good time.” www.gaia-spa.co.uk

Pre-plan your promotions

Louise Riby, managing director, Elemental Herbology

Acting on impulse Susan Gerrard, chairman, Gerrard International

“Choose a brand with an assortment of impulse buys to draw interest – from gift sets to themed products for special occasions. Eye-catching packaging and fragrances also play a large part in impulse purchases.

“Regularly, perhaps once a month, refresh your offering to keep it new and exciting, after all it would be unusual to walk into a fashion store and see the same items on display from season to season.

“Arrange the gifts in a desirable way with key features, messaging and cost clearly displayed, as well as tester samples available.

“Spas can appoint an individual, such as the receptionist, to keep the impulse buying area up to date. Impulse buys work well as gifts and you can encourage customers to purchase these with a seasonal focus, with offers directly targeting men and women.

You can also incentivise guests by offering money off a treatment when purchasing an impulse buy.” www.gerradinternational.com

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“There are some important steps that can dramatically increase retail sales during this busy period.

“Lay out your retail display early. Customers are thinking about Christmas as early as September or even August and it’s important to have your gifting ready. We would recommend setting displays no later than the end of October to maximise sales.

“Set aside an area with high foot fall to create your display. Even if your guest does not buy the first time, a reminder each time they visit will encourage a purchase.

“Many Christmas boxes are set at a lower price than if they were to buy products separately. It’s important to actually remind the customer of this saving as it will encourage a purchase. Also, rearrange your display every few weeks in the run up to Christmas to keep your retail area fresh and interesting.” www.elementalherbology.com

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Menu Retail focus: Christmas gifting

The beauty of vouchers

Emma Roberts, head of sales and business development, VOYA “Vouchers are an essential part of your Christmas planning strategy. Returning vouchers will help to fill your January and February appointment schedule which can be quieter in the spa.

“It’s important that every guest is asked if they need any gift vouchers for Christmas from October onwards. This is best done when they are checking into or out of the spa. Every person calling to book an appointment should be told vouchers are

available and asked if they need any for Christmas.

“For regular guests a great way to maximise voucher sales is to have vouchers that offer a years’ worth of facials or a years’ worth of massages. This would give them one treatment per month for the full year. These can be stand alone, or better still, be packaged up with a gift set from your partner product houses. “ www.voya.ie

Create a customer journey

Jeremy Smith, co-founder, Natural Spa Factory

“When it comes to successful retailing and attracting people into the retail area, focus on your customer journey. Where does it start? Is it entertaining? Is it educational?

“Entice your customer in to the retail area – customer touch points should occur as soon as time is booked. Inform them of exclusive events happening when they visit. Offer interactive workshops and some spa exclusives that they won’t be able to find on the high street.

“It’s essential to encourage customers to ‘stay and play’. Create stations where customers can experience the products, complete with a sink, a cage full of hand towels and bowls with incredible smelling products.

“Ensure there is a knowledgeable, approachable team member on hand to educate and engage your guests. An informed, passionate voice is one of the most valuable things when it comes to inviting clients to part with their money.” www.naturalspafactory.com

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Menu Retail focus: Christmas gifting

Evoke the spirit of Christmas

Amanda Winwood, founder, Made for Life Organics

“Spas have an opportunity at Christmas to focus on the fact that their customers are looking to unwind and ‘catch their breath’. They are also thinking about how they can pass a similar gift onto their loved ones.

“An eye-catching display with tastefully festive point-of-sale material will draw in the consumer, as will beautiful gift wrapping, so why not wrap a few of the spa gifts to show how stylish they would look under the tree! There is a hugely willing audience to sell to, so make sure that the marketing material provided promotes gift sets with beautiful imagery that is evocative of Christmas.

“People buy on emotion, so make sure there is a story behind each gift and ensure that therapists proactively promote the gift of well-being at home. Finally, it’s important to have a selection of gifts to suit different types of customers with different budgets.” www.madeforlifeorganics.com

The trend for ‘self-treat’ in retail Liz Griffiths, general manager Decléor UK & Ireland

“Customers are looking to purchase Christmas gifts earlier and earlier each year, so spas should certainly be aware of this and ensure that they place their orders in sufficient time and order plenty of stock to satisfy demand.

“Advent calendars are showing no sign of losing popularity, they are an ideal gift if looking to treat a loved one, or as a treat for oneself. Similarly, stocking filler style gifts are an easy upsell during the later stages of the Christmas shopping period, where clients are making an impulse last-minute purchase.

“Self-treat is a trend we are also seeing grow year on year, particularly in a spa where a client has had a treatment and is therefore in the pampering frame of mind. It is an ideal moment to capitalise and should be kept in mind when Spas are ordering their stock allocation.” www.decleor.co.uk

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modern plant chemistryTM

Spas Exclusive: Palace Merano Espace Henri Chenot, Italy

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Spas Exclusive: Palace Merano Espace Henri Chenot, Italy Left: The neo-classical Palace Merano Espace Henri Chenot is one of Europe’s most renowned wellness destinations

The key to better health We meet Henri Chenot and his wife Dominique for an exclusive look at the preventative health-wellness concept in action at the pioneering Palace Merano Espace Henri Chenot

S

R E P OR T BY M A R K S MITH

et in the foothills of the Italian South Tyrol, Palace Merano Espace Henri Chenot is blessed with beautiful views, rambling rivers, majestic mountains and forest walks within minutes of its entrance.

The stately property dates back to 1906 and its neo-classical architecture, inspired by the luxury hotels of the Côte d’Azur, adds a unique element to this small town.

Operating as a luxury hotel for much of its existence, its original spa dates back to the early 1970s, but the arrival of renowned preventative health-wellness expert Henri Chenot, in spring 1994, brought a dramatic change of direction. From this point on, the hotel began to focus on medical-led preventative healthcare in a spa setting, and the addition of a wellness centre in 2000 elevated Espace Henri Chenot to one of the most renowned health-enhancing destinations in Europe.

The man behind the method A student of biology, naturopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henri Chenot holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in psychology, and an ‘Honoris Causa’ doctorate in human sciences. As evident from his books, Chenot has spent 50 years pursuing a mutli-disciplinary approach to the subjects of energy, diet, health and detox.

A believer in prevention rather than cure, the Chenot Method now brought to life at Palace Merano Espace Henri Chenot can also be found in other clinics around the world, including Chenot Palace Gabala in Azerbaijan, which is a medical-led operation similar to Palace Merano.

Furthermore, a portfolio of Espace Vitalité Chenot Wellness Spas, offering customised long to short-term vitality, beauty, rejuvenation and fitness

“The aim of our work is to allow people to achieve the highest possible level of psychophysical wellbeing; in other words, it’s not illness we are dealing with, but health, considered from every point of view.”

Henri Chenot Founder, Chenot Group

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Spas Exclusive: Palace Merano Espace Henri Chenot, Italy

programmes, can be found in various global luxury hotels and resorts. The Chenot brand also offers Espace Chenot Health Wellness Spas, cure-based centres for luxury hotel guests.

Fascinated by the impact of lifestyle on the genetic ageing process, Chenot coined the term Biontology for a new way of studying the ageing process, and subsequently founded the Biontology Academy and Research Laboratory. This specialist approach to health-wellness assessment takes a complete view of the human body that incorporates the client’s mind and spirit.

“I delve into the changes that occur in the body with the passing of time, basing my analysis on the holistic view of the person,” Chenot explains. “Health is a state of balance

“When my husband first started, 50 years ago, detox was fundamental and it remains so.

We have to clean the body, to rebalance the energy. Detox begins with the food; without the correct food you cannot have an effective detox.”

Dominique Chenot Co-founder, Chenot Group

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Clockwise from top: The modern reception area in the high-tech medical, research and development department at Palace Merano Espace Henri Chenot; the latest technology is used to treat guests; Dominique Chenot consults with a new client in the wellness reception area

between our genetic code, our lifestyle, our age and the surrounding environment. Disease appears when there is a breakdown in this balance.”

East meets west The Chenot Method is a finely balanced blend of Chinese and western medicine that combines diagnostics, treatments and a diet based on Henri Chenot’s understanding of the human body and its energy channels. The programmes are designed to protect the body from the accumulation of toxins and the damage they cause, which, in turn, is said to slow the ageing process.

“The aim of our work is to allow people to achieve the highest possible level of psychophysical wellbeing; in other words, it’s not illness we are dealing with, but health, considered from every point of view,” explains Chenot.

Guests undergo a thorough consultation on arrival to ascertain their health needs, concerns, aims and goals. This helps to determine the correct treatment programme, which is highly personalised in every aspect from food to fitness, and is supported by

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Owner, The Grange Spa

Spas Exclusive: Palace Merano Espace Henri Chenot, Italy wellness therapies that help to reactivate the energy channels and, most importantly, boost detoxification.

Detox is a key tenet of the Chenot Method, focusing on the elimination of damaged cells and the removal of cell impurities that accumulate in the body. “Today the word detox is so over used it almost doesn’t mean anything,” states co-founder Dominique Chenot. “50 years ago, when my husband first started, detox was fundamental and it remains so. We have to clean the body, to rebalance the energy. It begins with food; without the correct food you cannot have an effective detox.”

Guests on the programmes are placed on the detox or the bio-light diet, depending on their needs. The former is curated to help purify the body, promoting the elimination of toxins while supporting the natural cleansing functions of the liver. Almost exclusively based on non-animal products, with no salt or saturated fats, it includes a healthy proportion of fresh organic and vegan foods to deliver the correct amounts of daily vitamins and mineral salts.

Clients are often joined by their partners or extended family, and those not taking the full detox programme can Clockwise from below: The grand entrance of Palace Merano; the wellness treatment rooms offer bespoke massages for every guest; Revital, the high-tech medical, research and development department offers guests intravenous vitamin infusions and nutrition consultations

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Expanding horizons: The Chenot Group Explaining the Chenot Group’s plans to take its concept of detox, preventative and regenerative treatments to a wider audience, Dr. George Gaitanos, chief operating officer and scientific director, says: “Over the past 10 years there has been a growing focus towards health, prevention and wellbeing. This increasing awareness of healthy living, coupled with a more stressful working life, means there is rising demand for the Dr. George Gaitanos experience we offer.”

Chenot has partnered with the Doğuş Group, following substantial investment, to leverage its experience in the hospitality and real estate sector. Aiming to cater to market demand and a geographically diverse portfolio with unique experiences, Chenot will open in Weggis at Lake Lucerne, Switzerland in 2019 with Marbella, Spain to follow in 2022.

“Weggis will become the brand’s leading medical research, innovation and training centre,” says Gaitanos.

“The new property will have a 5,000sqm state-of-the-art medical spa facility with a Human Performance Department, a metabolic laboratory, a whole-body cryotherapy chamber and a sports lab for fitness screening.

“It will also include antigravity technologies and normobaric hypoxia training for physical wellness. Its 97 rooms will be able to accommodate between 100 to 160 guests.” www.chenot.com

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Spas Exclusive: Palace Merano Espace Henri Chenot, Italy From top right: The 20m indoor pool offers opportunity for exercise, which is a key part of the Chenot Method; daily aromatherapy baths followed by mud wraps and hydro-jet massages help to stimulate the detox; guests enjoy a cookery class as part of their education in healthy eating

enjoy the bio-light menu’s mix of health-conscious dishes.

Served in healthy portions, these are prepared using methods that preserve their nutritional benefits, but do include animal protein and products.

One important aspect of the Chenot Method is the elimination of the high levels of chemicals, preservatives and antibiotics that result from modern farming and food production. “While it is true that food is the source of our health, it is also evident that what we eat can be an important cause in the genesis of disease,” says Henri Chenot.

Resolving modern ailments The detox programme at Palace Merano is most popular among guests wishing to lose weight or reduce stress, hypertension, anxiety or depression. It can also assist with muscular, sleep and digestive disorders as well as heart, circulation and joint issues.

The treatment offers a deep cleanse of the body to reduce and remove residual toxins caused by any imbalance in lifestyle and diet. It also includes a series of assessments for toxaemia levels, bio-energetic function, body composition, body densitometry, healthy bone density, as well as a general physical assessment.

This personalised regime, overseen by medical staff, comprises the detox nutrition diet, energetic treatments, wellness therapies plus daily massage and hydrotherapy experiences. Treatments are adjusted every day according to the pre-determined pathway for each guest, taking into account any changes displayed by the individual during a continuous assessment of their journey and medical profile.

“All of the treatments in the programme are designed to accelerate the elimination and drainage of toxins,” emphasises Dominique. “The daily massage will never be the same. We need to know where the pain is and work on the meridian, or the specific elements, such as the kidneys for people who are crystalloid. We also work with cupping to further help detox the energy.”

The daily hydro-energy treatments combine aromatherapy baths with phyto-mud wraps in heated beds followed by hydro-jet hose massages. “To help the detox, we have to stimulate the capillaries through the water with aromatherapy oils, which creates vasodilation and vasoconstriction,” explains Dominique. “After that, comes the mud therapy, which is personalised using hot and cold mud. Then there is the jet massage using specific energising movements to stimulate the body.”

Fitness and movement also play a vital role in this process, with the on-site gym, pool, fitness programmes and group physical exercise forming a central part of the daily regime.

A multi-disciplinary approach Espace Henri Chenot at Palace Merano is a complete health-wellness destination where every guest can participate in the programmes. Development of the hotel was somewhat

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Spas Exclusive: Palace Merano Espace Henri Chenot, Italy

Clockwise from above: Guests are covered in both warm and cool mud, then wrapped in film before relaxing in a heated bed to boost their detox; Palace Merano Espace Henri Chenot is welcoming younger guests who want to retake control of their health and wellbeing; the spa’s enveloping steam room

constrained by the building’s heritage, resulting in the various departments being situated in disparate locations, but a sense of wholeness pervades due to the entire property being devoted to health, wellness and detox.

The lower ground floor is home to the main wellness reception and provides access to massage, treatment and aesthetic rooms, a gym, the pool wet spa area and hydrotherapy suites. It is a bustling hub throughout the day and is expertly managed by the hotel’s multi-lingual reception staff.

On the ground floor, the Bio-energetic department offers diagnostics and treatment rooms, and the main restaurant, serving the detox and bio-light menus, is also located here.

The central floors of the hotel feature a series of luxury rooms and suites, and the top floor is home to the hightech medical, research and development department. Here a more clinical approach is taken, including intravenous vitamin infusions and nutrition consultations taking place alongside advanced medical aesthetic treatments such as laser, ultrasound botox, hyaluronic fillers, radio frequency, microneedling and thread lifting. There is also a private laboratory that offers same-day results for blood, hormone and intestinal flora testing.

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A global reputation Espace Henri Chenot is a year-round operation, closing only for a few weeks in late January for maintenance. With 100 rooms, it can accommodate up to 150 guests taking the Chenot Method, but the ideal number for a smooth operation is said to be around 130.

Guests come from over 90 different countries with around 30% from Russia and surrounding nations, such as Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. French and Italian citizens are regular visitors and wellness travellers from the UK and US have been growing in numbers over the past few years.

“We have a 70% return rate with many people coming one or two times a year. Some guests have been visiting us for 30 years,” adds Dominique. “Clients are coming to lose weight, detox and obtain optimal health. They want to cleanse, to feel better and to rebalance their energy.

“Previously it was people who were older or overweight and not so many men. Now more younger guests and men are coming alone because they want to lower their stress levels, stay healthier and improve their performance.

Basically, they want to retake control of themselves.”

Palace Merano Espace Henri Chenot, Italy +39 (0) 473 271 000 | www.palace.it Hotel owner: Pietro Tosolini Spa design: Michel Jouannet Spa size: 4,500 sqm Spa team: 70 Treatment rooms: 27 Product partners: Chenot Other suppliers: Unbescheiden, Technogym, DEXA - Lunar Prodigy GE, HC Drain, HC Biostim, Dublo, Fraxel, Storz Cellactor, Indiba

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Expert Guide Heat experiences

EUROPEAN SPA’S GUIDE TO

HEAT EXPERIENCES REPORT BY SARAH TODD

A

t the very heart of the spa experience, hydro-thermal equipment serves guests and operators equally. A sequence of thermal spaces gives clients the freedom to discover for themselves the many therapeutic benefits of spa in a relaxed and sociable environment. It also offers businesses the chance to upsell treatments or connect their food and beverage options,.

Of course hydro-thermal areas require significantly high initial capital expenditure, but ongoing staffing costs are low. Furthermore, intelligent space planning can ensure spas create a unique thermal attraction to elevate their operation from the competition as well as encouraging repeat visits. Designing an intuitive, natural thermal space is the key, with the flow of hot and cold areas such that guests receive the optimum benefits from each experience.

Form and function While multi-functional equipment remains a popular choice for spas where space is at a premium, a recent trend has emerged across Europe towards a softer design language, with lighter and brighter colour palettes offering a clean, contemporary aesthetic.

Ultimately, the overall commercial success of a spa’s thermal area depends on the space being aesthetically pleasing as well as offering a reliable service that requires low levels of ongoing maintenance.

This guide aims to help you make the most informed decision about your investment and the various considerations to be thought through when planning to introduce or refurbish a thermal offering – from operational flow and design factors to incorporating the latest technological innovations and ensuring the space created will ensure your guest experience is both enhanced and elevated.

The third edition of the Guide to Hydrothermal Spa and Wellness Development Standards will be available at the Global Wellness Summit, October 6-8, in Cesena, Italy.

European Spa would like to thank the following companies for their contribution to this guide: • BARR + WRAY • DALESAUNA • KLAFS • DRÖM • SOMMERHUBER • DESIGN FOR LEISURE • MR SAUNA • HELO

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THE GUEST EXPERIENCE

ARCHITECTURE AND ERGONOMICS

The optimal heat experience design needs to consider the guest journey at every point. It is vital to ensure there is a natural flow between the hot and cold areas so that guests receive the full benefit of each thermal space.

Locate cooling areas as close as possible to the hot cabins so that first-time users are clear about what they need to do next, and be aware of ‘pinch points’ in your suite to ensure there is plenty of room for your guests to relax.

Understand your target market and why they will use your thermal areas, and research what your competitors are offering, especially in the local area.

Make sure your offering is bespoke so that it represents a unique selling point for your spa. Most importantly, purchase the highest quality products that your budget will allow and appoint a design and installation team that will complete the project within budget and on time.

Planning your space and the positioning of your thermal experiences is paramount.

Create a concept that chimes with your spa’s overall design aesthetic and, if space is tight, consider a multi-functional approach. Perhaps combine a classic Finnish sauna with other experiences at differing temperatures and humidity, but ensure an accurate ratio between experiences and relaxation areas.

A softer design language is currently gaining popularity, with lighter and brighter shades providing a clean welcoming feel.

Furthermore, consider enhancements such as chromotherapy or aromatherapy equipment that can aid relaxation as well as boosting energy.

Avoid placing areas with heavier footfall close to quieter spaces and make sure to design sufficient back-of-house access for towel drops and laundry collection. The design of ‘unseen’ areas is also important to aid servicing and repair work.

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Expert Guide Heat experiences

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SOPHISTICATED INNOVATION

THE HEART OF THE MATTER

Spa suites are increasingly popular as they offer a social experience for couples or groups who want their own spa ‘bubble’.

Combining treatments with installations such as a steam shower, a rasul mud room or a sauna, suites add a sense of luxury and privacy for guests while offering spas an ideal opportunity to upsell other parts of their treatment menu.

However, relatively inexpensive features, such as drench buckets and feature showers, can also make for effective additions to thermal areas.

Always consider the wood used in saunas as it has a very strong influence on their climate; look for a supplier whose panels don’t contain formaldehyde. Also, look into the use of additional products that offer tangible health benefits, such as aromatherapy essences or the addition of salt therapy (halotherapy) in sauna or steamrooms, both of which can deftly enhance an excellent thermal experience.

Hydro-thermal areas are often described as the ‘heart’ of a spa and can be an ideal way to create a centrepiece to your facility.

Don’t forget to include a relaxation room with tiled, heated loungers, as many guests like to relax after completing their heat experience journey.

Salt bricks can make a striking feature wall, especially when backlit, and larger thermal cabins should also be considered, where traditional sauna rituals and ceremonies, including aufguss, can take place for up to 15 guests with sauna masters providing an entertaining take on the sauna experience.

With many spa guests increasingly using external spaces, outdoor saunas or spa pools are ideal for when spas have limited interior space. For destination spas with beautiful surroundings, a partially glazed thermal cabin or sheltered exterior whirlpool allows guests to relax in a naturally inspired ambiance.

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BARR + WRAY Founded in 1959 and with headquarters in Scotland and offices in Hong Kong and Dubai, Barr + Wray has gained global recognition as a leading provider of cutting-edge spa and pool engineering solutions.

Lorne Kennedy, Operations director

Tell us about your company’s offering.

Our turnkey customer service can provide full spa interior design as well as engineering customisation and installation of pool and thermal facilities, all backed up by comprehensive aftersales support.

With offices in the UK, Hong Kong and Dubai, we are able to offer our clients a global perspective and comprehensive spa industry knowledge.

Lillie Square, London, UK

Why are thermal suites vital to a successful spa?

The thermal suite often becomes the heart of the spa. Heat experiences take guests on a deeper wellness journey, leaving them feeling revitalised and refreshed. The benefits of heating up and cooling down your body are also vital to the spa as they leave guests wanting more and returning time and again.

How can spas best promote their hydro-thermal experiences?

Help your guests make the most of their visit to the spa by educating them on how and when to use hydro-thermal experiences. Consider including a guide to your facilities on your treatment menu.

What common mistakes should be avoided?

Don’t try to offer too much. Investors should remember that a hydro-thermal zone is a haven in which to clear the mind and be at one with yourself. If you are limited on space, consider fewer but larger hydro-thermal facilities to help make the area seem bigger without compromising on quality over quantity.

How do spa and wellness trends inform your business?

We certainly read and listen about new trends in our market but it doesn’t mean that any given trend is something that will suit all projects. As innovative designers, we like to think outside the box and create our own vision for each of our clients.

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What the experts say...

Water massage: An underwater massage experience, creates a talking point for any spa project.

Aroma infusion: Scent plays a key role in thermal facilities. Spas can use different aromas throughout the day to enhance the guest experience.

Thermal path: An expertly designed spa layout, alternating light and dark zones with various temperatures, provides an invigorating journey.

GLOBAL SPA CLIENTS INCLUDE: Ritz-Carlton Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Rosewood Hotels & Resorts St Regis Hotels Westin Hotels & Resorts Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Bulgari Dubai

What is most important when creating a hydro-thermal area?

Consider the location and try to make the most of any views that may help create a USP for your spa. Plant room positioning is equally vital to the running of any good spa and should be well thought out. Journey planning is also important to create a feeling of relaxation and comfort. Finally, work with specialised spa designers who show passion and good knowledge for these niche spaces.

Lillie Square, London, UK; Ye Olde Bell, Retford, UK

What design and aftercare services do you provide?

We offer full spa interior design, taking your wellness area and transforming the space from reception right through to the thermal suites. We also offer engineering consultancy for pool and spa facilities, providing a full tender package for these specialist items.

Our team of designers, engineers and technicians are here to oversee the entire process, right through to our aftersales department, which provides in-house engineers who will continue to support and maintain your installations, offering you total peace of mind.

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

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

The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village, Preston, UK

What is unique about Dalesauna?

We care deeply about our clients and their vision. We 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 aftersales support, Dalesauna can offer the lowest cost over Sarah Fishburn, Northern sales manager the lifetime of its products.

Tell us about your company’s offering.

We have been supplying the leisure sector for over 40 years and are very proud to be involved in the spa industry. We have worked with many leading hotels, spas and leisure facilities during this time and our product range includes saunas in many timbers; tiled thermal rooms; spa/hydro pools; and a collection of more specialist items, such as dry flotation beds and hammam tables.

What design and aftercare services do you provide?

We have a full service team and some of our engineers have more than 20 years’ experience within the industry. We also have a consumables department that offers essences as well as all the parts required within a thermal spa area.

What common mistakes should be avoided?

Limit the number of people using the spa at any one time.

There is nothing worse than visiting a spa that is overcrowded.

Primarily, guests go to a spa for relaxation purposes, not to be surrounded by lots of people who could potentially be noisy and disruptive to their experience.

What trends are you currently responding to?

We are increasingly finding that our clients are looking at developing outdoor spaces where they can feel reinvigorated by moving from a warm area to an exterior spa pool. Of course, it could also be raining, but that is nature’s perfect cool-down!

Once an external spa has been installed, then the idea of an outdoor shower area often develops, followed by possibly installing heat experience rooms such as a fully-glazed fronted sauna that looks out onto the surrounding space.

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What the experts say...

Remember the journey: Begin with the warm room and build up to the hot rooms with cooling opportunities en route.

Stimulate the senses: Enhance the heat rooms by using good quality essences to improve the experience.

Multi-purpose rooms: A steam room with fabulous essences in the morning can then be switched to a salt steam room in the afternoon.

The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village, Preston, UK

What is most important when creating a hydro-thermal area?

Don’t forget your customer and the type of market that you are aiming for. This will assist in the design of the spa and the thermal experiences that you would like to incorporate. Also consider the flow of the spa equipment and ensure there is adequate space for guests to relax in between, during and after their thermal experience.

Therme Bath Spa, UK

Why are thermal suites vital to a successful spa?

Heat experiences enhance any spa offering for the guest.

A spa day package with time in a thermal suite is always a wonderful experience. This can include a rasul treatment, a massage or just being able to relax without interruption from the outside world.

UK SPA CLIENTS INCLUDE: Therme Bath Spa, Bath Titanic Spa, Huddersfield Devonshire Spa, Buxton Aqua Sana, Center Parcs Seaham Hall, Co. Durham DALESAUNA +44 (0) 1423 798630 www.dalesauna.co.uk

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KLAFS Founded in 1928, the Germany-based KLAFS Group offers an entire range of wellness products and solutions that includes saunas, steam rooms, ice and snow rooms.

Thorsten Bichler, International sales director

Tell us about your company’s offering.

KLAFS Group is a multi-award-winning global market leader in the wellness and spa industries. Our renowned team of experts can create the most exclusive or ambitious spas anywhere in the world. Custom-made for a range of hotels, resorts and health clubs, we offer energy-saving, one-of-a-kind spa areas, each with a unique design and a comprehensive range of health benefits.

What design and aftercare services do you provide?

KLAFS’ in-house designers and architects are carefully trained experts who are always best informed about the latest style and design trends thanks to their knowledge-sharing with numerous internationally renowned architects.

Our global sales and service partners guarantee a 24/7 aftersales service wherever our projects or products have been realised or installed. We also make sure our representatives speak the same language and have the same cultural background as our clients.

What is unique about KLAFS? We operate on a worldwide basis to deliver the complete scope of our work wherever required. We like to stay ahead of the latest design trends and always offer the most eco-friendly thermal solutions possible. Due to the many in-house departments within our group, KLAFS is able to provide a full service, from consultancy to technical solutions, product supply and aftersales service.

Why are thermal suites vital to a successful spa?

Heat experiences offer huge benefits for guests. For example, sauna use is associated with lower blood pressure and enhanced heart function, so combining heat with spa treatments and deep relaxation enhances the wellness journey for every guest.

How can spas best promote their hydro-thermal experiences?

Knowing and sharing the health benefits of hydro-thermal experiences, such as sauna and steam, as well as individual treatments is the key to success. Spas should be able to improve health, wellbeing, rejuvenation and beauty at the same time. This will create an enduring and positive experience for your guests.

What trends and innovations are you currently responding to?

Multi-functional cabins remain popular, such as our Sanarium, where guests can experience a classic Finnish sauna as well as four more experiences with different temperatures and humidity. It is also possible to combine a sauna and an infrared cabin thanks to the innovative InfraPLUS seat, or to combine a sauna with our patented and award-winning Microsalt treatment.

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What the experts say...

Sustainability first: Environmentally sustainable wood panels should be used wherever possible.

Multi-choice climates: Consider innovative, multi-tasking equipment such as the KLAFS Sanarium, which offers five different types of bathing.

All images: ESPA at Mondrian Doha: KLAFS, Marcel Wanders

What is most important when creating a hydro-thermal area?

To be successful, the architecture, design and general concept of a spa’s thermal area needs to be holistically delivered. The spa should have USPs in terms of its thermal installations and treatments, as well as an accurate ratio between experiences and relaxation areas throughout the hydro-thermal area. We also deeply believe that every thermal spa concept should be individual.

Salt-based benefits: Applying salts during the thermal experience can provide guests with a deep cleansing of the airways and revitalisied skin.

SPA CLIENTS INCLUDE: ESPA Life at Corinthia, London, UK Euphoria Retreat, Mystras, Greece Jaz Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands Yasuragi Spa, Saltjö Boo, Sweden AIDA Cruises, worldwide Öschberghof, Germany ESPA at Mondrian Doha, Qatar KLAFS +49 791 501-0 www.klafs.com

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WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS THE KLAFS SPA EXPERIENCE. BUT THAT WON’T STOP YOUR GUESTS FROM TRYING.

Burtschahof

Photos: Hanno Mackowitz

Home of Balance Panoramahaus

As a global manufacturer of premium saunas and spa solutions, we know what it takes to become a hot topic: outstanding comfort and uncompromising quality. We select only the finest materials, and craft them with passion and painstaking care. To bring each customer’s unique vision to life. Let us inspire you and help you offer your guests a one-of-a-kind spa experience. Find out more at www.klafs.com

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DRÖM UK Dröm UK has grown over the last 16 years into a well respected thermal wellbeing specialist, designing and installing luxury, bespoke spa areas for clients throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

Erin Lee, Managing director

Tell us about your company’s offering.

Dröm UK provides quality in design and build, and specifies only the installation of systems and components from leading brands. Fixtures, fittings and accessories are sourced from the best quality and design-led, trusted manufacturers. We are FSC-certified, so source wood from sustainable sources, and we always aim to exceed expectations.

Why are thermal suites vital to a successful spa?

Thermal experiences are so important as the health benefits they offer are essential for wellbeing and relaxation. They can easily be combined with other spa treatments to offer a complete wellness journey and enhance the overall experience.

Rasul, private spa, London, UK

What design and aftercare services do you provide?

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

What is most important when creating a hydro-thermal area?

It is vital to consider exactly what your target clientele want from their visit and arrange the flow of hot and cold areas so that they get optimum benefit from their thermal journey. There needs to be adequate and suitable relaxation areas included in the design as these are important to allow guests to cool down and relax between experiences.

How can spas best promote their hydro-thermal experiences?

By promoting the many health benefits. Heat can alleviate aches and pains, reduce levels of toxins and impurities within the body, and increase circulation, thereby stimulating the immune system.

Cold temperatures stimulate blood circulation and oxygen intake, again stimulating the immune and lymphatic systems. Adding aromatherapy and chromotherapy can help to either relax or reinvigorate guests.

What trends and innovations are you currently responding to?

We have recently been incorporating infra-red panels into traditional sauna rooms to create a multi-purpose room. We’ve also found that salt rooms are increasingly popular with clients as they become more aware of the health benefits of salt inhalation, so we are installing backlit, salt-brick feature walls into a lot of our current projects.

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What the experts say...

Educate your guests: Gently educate your guests in the benefits of thermal bathing and all aspects of the various hot and cold rooms.

Quality first: Ensure your thermal rooms are built by professional craftsmen and are custom-designed for optimum comfort and relaxation.

Mix it up: Thermal bathing can be combined with other spa treatments to enhance the wellbeing experience.

SPA CLIENTS INCLUDE: Wentworth Golf Club, Virginia Water, UK Pennyhill Park Spa, Bagshot, UK Stoke Park Country Club, Stoke Poges, UK Four Seasons Hotels, worldwide Communal spa, private club, Dubai

Private spa, Leicester, UK

What common mistakes should be avoided?

A lot of spa investors make the mistake of thinking these rooms are ‘simple’ spaces and don’t require much consideration, meaning that plant spaces and locations are often compromised.

Always use a professional company for advice and installation in order to build an area that will last for years to come.

DRÖM UK +44 (0) 1932 355655 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 Promotion

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 experiences and leading spas across the globe.

On the importance of design in a hydro-thermal area...

A successful hydro-thermal area should offer an experience that excels in design, hygiene and relaxation.

Whatever space is available, the overall Christian Sommerhuber, design concept and Managing director colour scheme can create a unique customer experience.

There is a clear, visible trend in favour of minimalistic style concepts. Many contemporary spa designs are increasingly incorporating lighter, softer designs with organic shapes as well as lighter colours, such as light greys, beiges and soft earth tone colour schemes.

This ‘cleaner’ design is emphasised by the use of ‘floating’ constructions and large-area material surfaces with fewer joints, creating a sense of space and luxury.

When it comes to surface materials, operators should consider ceramic surfaces, such as Heat Storing Ceramics, which are unique because they transmit health-promoting, long-wave infra-red warmth to the human body.

Whatever space is available within your spa, you should consider the overall design structure and source customised shapes and colours to create a unique offering. This is especially important for wet spa areas where the space required for technical and maintenance equipment can often be underestimated.

Ultimately, the hydro-thermal experience should allow customers to relax in an attractive space that comprehensively addresses a combination of design, hygiene and vitality aspects to provide a bespoke wellness experience.

SOMMERHUBER Tel: +43 (0) 7252 8930 www.sommerhuber.com

DESIGN FOR LEISURE Established in the UK in 1991, Design for Leisure is a spa and wellness company with specialist skills in the design and implementation of hydrothermal features.

How heat experiences can be a justified investment...

Hydro-thermal spa and wellness areas involve significant capital investment, frequently costing up to four times as much money per square metre to develop as the rest Don Genders, CEO of the spa area.

Investors, particularly those with limited spa experience, frequently struggle to understand how they can achieve a return on their money.

However, there are some convincing arguments to support such an investment, as capital payback can frequently be achieved in two years.

Operators often miss out on ways that a high quality hydro-thermal spa can benefit their business and help to drive guests to try other spa services.

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For example, a typical fee for the use of hydrothermal facilities will likely be the lowest cost item on the spa menu located next to a hotel guest’s bed.

It is also a unique way to get ‘newbies’ through the spa doors, so photography should be used well in all promotional material and spa menus.

Attracting non-spa going guests is difficult, but a low-cost, DIY experience is a great way to get a ‘toe in the water’ and from that point onwards there is ample opportunity to upsell other parts of the spa experience.

For thousands of years, humans have practiced thermal bathing, but it is only in the last 50 years that studies have proved that what feels good also greatly benefits health in multiple ways.

DESIGN FOR LEISURE +44 (0) 20 8363 4036 www.designforleisure.com

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Expert Guide Promotion

MR SAUNA

Based in North Yorkshire, Mr Sauna was founded three years ago by Gerard McCarthy to offer high quality saunas, steam rooms and thermal experiences with exceptional customer service.

Finding a partner that offers operational support...

When installing any thermal experience, it is important to consider the levels of use expected; the environment into which the equipment is to be installed; Gerard McCarthy, Founder the operational requirements of the equipment; and any cleaning and maintenance required.

In terms of operation, saunas are designed to ideally operate at around 85°C and running them hotter may adversely affect the timber.

Salt Rooms are becoming increasingly popular in many spas, but as the salt is injected into the room under pressure, the injection point will require regular cleaning if they are not to become blocked (this applies to essences also).

Regular cleaning is vital for customer

satisfaction and to ensure the safe and effective operation of the equipment.

Saunas and steam rooms should be washed down daily and more thoroughly on a weekly basis. There should also be frequent inspection of the area around the sauna heater for any foreign objects that could pose a fire hazard.

Periodically, the sauna rocks should be removed and cleaned, checking for any that may be split or damaged. Regular cleaning or descaling of the steam bottle in a steam generator will also prolong its life and save money over time.

In terms of ongoing support, many companies offer a regular maintenance service which provides a thorough check of the equipment on an annual basis. This is well worth the investment to prevent problems before they occur.

MR SAUNA +44 (0) 1423 568704 www.mrsauna.co.uk

HELO

Helo Group is one of the world’s largest sauna and steam bath business, developing, manufacturing and marketing sauna and steam products on a global basis.

Making the right calculations for spa success...

The optimal flow of a thermal suite rests upon an expert understanding of the potential time spent by each guest Peter Mitchell, Head of during their commercial design thermal cycle.

We always aim to create a natural flow and we believe a ‘mini-cycle’ is the best way to enjoy a thermal experience, whether that’s a sauna, steamroom or spa pool.

Each mini-cycle lasts about 45 minutes. For example, guests can begin with a warm foot bath to prepare and warm their body for 5-10 minutes, before enjoying a warm shower, a towel down and then moving onto a thermal space such as

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a sauna for a further 15 minutes.

On leaving, the guest can have a cool mist shower, maybe some ice, then dry themselves and find a quiet seat or lounger for 20 minutes to complete the mini-cycle. They can then start again with a different thermal cabin.

Calculating these timings accurately enables spa operators to ensure their suite has enough equipment to maintain a natural, relaxed flow of guests at all times.

Another aspect worth considering is the use of glass in thermal rooms. Not only does this open up the space and express the internal finishes but it also allows the bather to view occupancy at a glance.

HELO +44 (0) 1342 300555 www.helo.co.uk

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Spas Garden Secret Spa, Ringwood Hall & Spa, UK

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Spas Garden Secret Spa, Ringwood Hall & Spa, UK

A secret no more The new owners of Derbyshire’s Ringwood Hall have spent over £2 million bringing it into the 21st century with the creation of the Garden Secret Spa, the first of a three-phase development programme within the estate’s rejuvenated grounds R E P OR T BY I A N PA R KES

R

ingwood Hall, a 19th century Grade II-listed Georgian manor house in Brimington, Derbyshire, has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past 19 years. Built in 1829-30 by George Hodgkinson Barrow, who once ran the Staveley Forge and Ironworks, it was taken over by Lyric Hotels in 1999. The company has since fully restored what was then a partly derelict 21-room hotel, whose once renowned 29-acre gardens, locally designated as an historic park, were largely run down and overgrown.

Having extended its room offering to 74, as well as building the Parklands Health & Fitness Club, which comprised an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym, just over two years ago Lyric Hotels owner David Seton sold Ringwood Hall to healthcare sector entrepreneur Danny Hayer and his partner Charan.

Since embarking on their first venture into the hospitality industry, off a guide price of £7.5 million [d8.4 million], the Hayers have spent in excess of £2 million on further refurbishment that has included Parklands making way for the the Garden Secret Spa, which opened in June. Rebranded as Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, the property as it stands today has been boosted to four-star status.

Rona Davies, general manager of Ringwood Hall for the last 19 years, has witnessed the metamorphosis first hand. “When I came here under previous owners, the building, the gardens and the grounds were pretty much derelict,” she recalls. “It’s been an incredible journey, seeing the hotel establish itself in the area, watching the building being restored to its former glory, and most particularly, seeing the gardens brought back to life. They have been a major project and are still a work in progress.”

“We developed a small treatment area as an opportunity to test the market. It made us realise the marketplace for residential spa, in particular, was huge.”

Rona Davies General manager

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Davies is clearly impressed by the commitment and passion of the Hayers for Ringwood’s success. “The new owners, who fell in love with the property the very first time they saw it, have demonstrated amazing energy since acquiring it, immediately looking at areas where best to improve presentation,” she states.

“Their particular focus has been the gardens and the spa project, which has really brought Ringwood Hall into the 21st century.”

A cautious approach Before embarking on any full scale development, the Hayers set out to gauge the local appetite for a more comprehensive spa offering. Inside Parklands, a pop-up ‘beauty box’ was constructed, incorporating two treatment rooms, and the results were very encouraging. “We were stunned how popular it was,” recalls Davies. “It made us realise the market for residential spa, in particular, was huge.”

This early success clarified the need to appeal to a fresh audience and create new marketing opportunities. After analysing the preferences, habits and needs of prospective guests, as well as potential competitors in the region, the marketing team discovered that there was, with only one exception, no other spa of significance within a 45-minute drive of Ringwood.

“The research was vital,” Davies insists, “not just to find out what we were looking at in terms of competition, but also to find out what the guests’ expectations were, too. We wanted to develop a spa that would meet and exceed the demands of seasoned spa-goers.”

Natural inspiration Working with Claire Caddick of consultants SPArticulate, with design by West Yorkshire-based Curveline Design, what has been created is an elegant spa that is nestled within the hall’s rejuvenated grounds. Within its 550sqm footprint, enjoying views of the gardens, are a Himalayan salt sauna; a herbal sauna that is filled daily with fresh garden herbs, including lavender, rosemary, thyme, sage and lemongrass; and a 12m hydrotherapy pool Left, clockwise from top: A mirror cut to the exact size of Garden Secret Spa’s 12m hydrotherapy pool creates the illusion of a double-height room; Salt of the Earth’s manicures and pedicures contain 72 trace minerals; the spa’s luxurious offering has already proven popular with guests

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Spas Garden Secret Spa, Ringwood Hall & Spa, UK

with a Jacuzzi at one end and bubblejet chairs at the other.

Positioned directly above this is a smoked mirror, cut to the exact size and shape of the pool, which ingeniously gives the spa the appearance of being double height.

In addition, there is a blossom steam room, infused with the heady aromas of citrus essence; two experience showers; a couple of foot spas that produce a rich, perfumed foaming lather; an ice fountain; and a relaxation area.

“I visited a lot of spas in a 12-18-month period,” says Davies, “and what I discovered was that, as well as a quiet, healthy environment, people were seeking out a more holistic, fun experience. They were looking for something slightly more unique and quirky, so we considered what we could bring to our spa that was different.

“That’s when we looked at bringing the gardens indoors. It was the perfect way forward for us as it allowed

“We found the demand from people was for organic because they are really thinking about what is being used on their skin. So, while our products may appear quite niche, that’s where the demand is.”

Jemma Whitney Spa manager

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Clockwise from top left: The spa’s designers worked to bring elements of nature into Garden Secret Spa; herbs from the grounds are incorporated into both treatments and refreshments; a guest enjoys the view from the sauna; the Glasshouse Brasserie offers the chance for a little indulgence

the spa to reflect the nature of our property.”

The first floor of the spa houses seven well-proportioned treatment rooms, including a double/triple room and a private suite with whirlpool baths and a sauna, along with two comfortable relaxation areas. A separate Star Trac and Concept-equipped gym is housed in what used to be the former archives building.

Providing nourishment and refreshment is the 24-seat Glasshouse Brasserie, which serves a variety of freshly prepared meals and snacks, many of which include ingredients sourced from Ringwood Hall’s gardens.

Bespoke, niche, but in demand To keep the spa’s treatments in line with its garden theme, bespoke Devon-based brand Lola’s Apothecary was chosen as a menu partner, providing handmade products inspired by nature and created with aromatherapeutic benefits in mind.

“Because our gardens are so special, we wanted to offer our clients a unique journey that incorporated natural ingredients, which is why we chose Lola’s Apothecary,” explains spa manager Jemma Whitney.

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Spas Garden Secret Spa, Ringwood Hall & Spa, UK Clockwise from top: A double/triple treatment room allows small groups to enjoy private rituals; a freshly prepared dish from the Garden Brasserie; guests enjoy some al fresco relaxation at the Garden Secret Spa; products from the spa’s menu partners are available in the boutique-styled retail area

“The idea behind the Garden Secret Spa was about bringing the outside in, creating something that’s raw and real, and providing a very natural experience. These products are all handcrafted and made on a farm; they come with their own batch number and preparation date.

“Everything about it is so special, and we feel we really get that across to our guests as well, letting them know that a lot of thought has gone into the products on their skin.”

High-end Thai skincare brand Ytsara is providing facial treatments, with Little Butterfly London, Britain’s first luxury and organic-certified skincare range for mothers and babies, providing antenatal treatments. For manicures and pedicures there is Salt of the Earth, whose products are claimed to contain 72 trace minerals.

“It was important for us to provide a partner range that was unique and offered something different,” adds Whitney.

“When we conducted our research, we found the demand from people was for organic because they are really thinking about what is being used on their skin. So, while our products may appear quite niche, that’s where the demand is.”

Additional development Garden Secret Spa, which took just eight months to build, is phase one of a broader three-phase development programme at Ringwood Hall. Phase two is already underway with the construction of an outdoor relaxation space, which will allow guests the opportunity to experience the gardens in all weathers, as well as an outdoor treatment area.

For phase three, planning permission has been applied for to turn an original Grade II-listed Victorian boiler house into a glass-topped sauna or pool, potentially with the addition of fire pits and further water experiences.

Despite being open for only a few weeks at the time of writing, a noticeable increase in business has been seen, in particular with regard to the day spa market, so the future looks promising for Ringwood’s spa venture.

“These are very exciting times,” enthuses Davies.

“Investment has seen the property transformed into a much brighter, lighter, more modern facility. The future is definitely very bright, very positive.”

“We really have hit our target market,” adds Whitney. “A lot of people have said the area has been waiting for something like this, and now we’ve been able to deliver. It’s also great to work for owners who see the potential, and who are willing to make that investment. It all makes for such a rewarding business at the end of the day.”

Garden Secret Spa, Ringwood Hall & Spa +44 (0) 1246 280077 | www.ringwoodhallhotel.com Owners: Danny & Charan Hayer Investment: Over £2 million Spa size: 550sqm Spa team: Seven Treatment rooms: Seven Product partners: Lola’s Apothecary, Ytsara, Little Butterfly London, Salt of the Earth Thermal and wet spa design and supply: Curveline Design, Unique Pools, Schletterer Consult Spa consultant: Claire Caddick, SPArticulate Other suppliers: Ellisons, BC Softwear, Inline London

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Wellness

HEALING THERAPIES

NUTRITION

MINDFULNESS

MOVEMENT

RETREATS

EDITED BY SARAH TODD

Editor’s choice

World Wellness Weekend 2018 was a ‘resounding success’ More than 80 countries engaged with the event, which aimed to introduce sustainable lifestyle change for people around the world

More than 80 countries took part in this year’s World Wellness Weekend, which took place from September 22-23. Bolstered by the active support of 36 global spa and tourism associations, organisers hailed the even as a ‘resounding success’.

Launched last year in France and Belgium (pictured above), the event encourages global spa, wellness and tourism professionals to organise new and exciting experiences aimed at encouraging participants to introduce sustainable change into their lifestyles.

A multi-lingual website and interactive World Wellness Map were created, enabling visitors to discover the range of free activities taking place in hundreds of spa and wellness properties; from sunrise yoga sessions to a spa robe flash mob, creative workshops and

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wellness treasure hunts for children.

Companies taking part in the event included Rocco Forte, Corinthia, GOCO Retreats & Spas, Marriott International, Matrix, Aromatherapy Associates, WTS International and Langham Hotels’ Chuan Spas.

Globally co-ordinated by Jean-Guy de Gabriac with generous support from Biologique Recherche and Tip Touch International, a range of Wellness Ambassadors

“We have the unique opportunity to touch the hearts and lives of millions, to enable them to understand how great it feels to be truly well.”

Jean-Guy de Gabriac Global co-ordinator, World Wellness Weekend

added further assistance, including Nathalie Roy, co-owner of Spa Eastman Montréal in Canada; Rekha Chaudhari, owner of India’s JCKRC; and Norway’s Lasse Eriksen, development manager for Farris Bad. “Joining this year’s event wasn’t simply about registering online and posting a ‘welfie’ (wellness selfie) on social media,” said de Gabriac. “It prompted deep consideration of the way businesses communicate with current and prospective guests as well as how they can enrich ongoing relationships with their members and the wider community.

“It’s my hope that everyone who has participated will create partnerships with other wellness-related businesses and work in collaboration, rather than competition. We have the unique opportunity to touch the hearts and lives of millions, to enable them to understand how great it feels to be truly well.” www.world-wellness-weekend.org

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Wellness Trends & developments

Grotta Giusti unveils thermal yoga Italy: Grotta Giusti has launched a unique yoga offering that takes place in an ancient thermal cave with natural therapeutic steam baths.

The historic Tuscan spa retreat’s cave, where yoga classes will be led by a qualified instructor, includes a thermal underground hot spring lake with water rich in salt, sulphates and alkalines. Guests will also benefit from the grotto’s thermal vapours, which act as a natural steam bath and are said to boost both respiration and circulation.

A two-night spa package has been introduced which, in addition to the yoga classes, includes floating therapy or scuba diving in the grotto’s underground thermal lake. Guests will also enjoy full access to the hotel’s thermal hot spring swimming pools and bioquam circuit, as well as the fitness centre and a guided morning hike. www.italianhospitalitycollection.com | www.grottagiustispa.com

EarthCheck teams with Resense

Spa Albear by Resense, Cuba

Setting sail with Blue World Voyages

Switzerland: Two companies dedicated to sustainability in the spa and wellness industry, Resense and EarthCheck, have forged a partnership they believe will benefit the wellbeing of future guests and clients.

Geneva-based Resense operates 50-plus spas globally, and provides owners, investors and hoteliers with wellness solutions via its consultation and training programmes, and a spa management software system that ensures better decision-making.

Kasha Shillington Global business advisory group EarthCheck, based in Queensland, offers a scientific benchmarking and certification programme for the travel and tourism industry in more than 70 countries.

EarthCheck CEO Stewart Moore said the partnership “provides opportunities to work with leading spas and wellness destinations globally to help lower environmental impact and operational costs while supporting local communities”.

Further explaining the collaboration, Resense CEO Kasha Shillington said: “The benchmarking and data that EarthCheck provides, which proves the commercial and asset benefits of operating sustainably, is compelling for even the greatest sceptic.

“In order to better assist our clients, we need serious expertise to embed sustainability into the design and operational support of our spas.

“EarthCheck has been engaging the visitor economy for the past 30 years, which is why we know this partnership will be successful and yield better wellness results for our guests and clients.”

Global: Blue World Voyages, billed as the first cruise line 100% dedicated to active, healthy lifestyles, is to set sail in 2019 with a 350-passenger, all-suite vessel that is to offer 26 suites reserved for purchase as owner residences.

Onboard highlights will include what is claimed to be the first full spa deck at sea, including a therapy tub, a spa pool, indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a solarium and a seawater lap pool. There will also be 12 private ‘Bali beds’ for guests to sleep on under the stars before waking up to a butler-served breakfast.

An entire designated Sports Deck will be fitted out with batting cages, a functional training centre and yoga, spinning and TRX studios.

Co-founded by health and fitness entrepreneur Gene Meehan and former Starbucks president John B. Richards, the senior team also includes Diane Trieste, vice-president of wellness at Canyon Ranch Health Resorts.

Three ships are planned for the line’s first five years at sea. All will be designed to access smaller ports, where larger ships can’t go, and various routes throughout Europe and the Mediterranean are being considered for the inaugural season. www.blueworldvoyages.com

www.earthcheck.org | www.resensespas.com

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Wellness Trends & developments

Main image: C. Balaguier

Thalgo partners with free-diving champion France: Marine-based professional spa brand Thalgo has entered into a partnership with free-diving champion Aurore Asso.

Based on common goals that Thalgo and Asso both uphold, the partnership intends to raise awareness of ecological issues as well as taking an active approach to preserving the richness and biodiversity of the marine world.

Dependent entirely on the diver’s strength and stamina, free-diving is a professional sport with events held at sea, where the goal is to reach the greatest depth, and in pools, which involve remaining underwater for as long as possible and swimming as far as possible underwater.

Working with associations for the protection of the marine environment, one of Asso’s major projects has been Les 7 Merveilles du Monde Aquatique (The seven Wonders of the Aquatic World), which intends to mobilise public opinion on the vulnerability of the earth’s aquatic resources. www.thalgo.co.uk

Wellness-orientated jewellery

Daisy London

BuDhaGirl

Silatha

UK: Each of the seven chakras in Daisy’s Chakra collection is represented by a unique symbol and colour to remind the wearer of what they are striving for. Its Healing Stone Collection features seven crystal gemstones crafted in recycled sterling silver, while the Good Karma Collection has 15 symbols to wear for love, luck and positivity. Daisy’s spa partners include Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Champneys spa resorts and Hampshire’s Chewton Glen destination spa.

US: BuDhaGirl’s chic bracelets, necklaces and pendants are available in more than 300 retail locations, including The Peninsula Spa, Paris. Its All Weather Bangle is handcrafted from flexible, polyvinyl carbonate rings sealed with exclusive BuDhaGirl prayer beads. Each of the nine bangles aims to turn routines into rituals; as they are put on in the morning, intentions are affirmed, and when the bangle is removed at night, the wearer fills their thoughts with gratefulness.

UK: Spiritual jewellery specialist Silatha focuses on gemstone ‘Dorje’ that can be chosen based on the inner quality the wearer wants to grow.

It also recently launched a female-focused guided meditation app that offers a three-week programme, said to be the only one linked to a physical item – Silatha’s jewellery – which serves as a reminder to stay present throughout the day.

The completion of a journal further supports the wearer’s journey.

www.daisyjewellery.com

www.budhagirl.com

www.silatha.com

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Wellness Trends & developments

Drop-in meditation studio opens in UK capital UK: Billed as London’s first drop-in meditation studio and devoted to the scientific research of meditation and mindfulness, Inhere will make its debut in late 2018.

Co-founded by Adiba Osmani and Ghazal Abrishamchi, the Inhere studio will offer private guided meditation classes and group workshops.

A series of custom-designed meditation pods for private use are intended to enable visitors to incorporate meditation practices into their daily lives in a convenient, practical way.

Available for both public and private spaces including homes, offices, hotels and spas, the pods include comfortable seating and headphones, and have been specifically designed to provide the best possible environment for peaceful meditation practice.

Adiba Osmani and Ghazal Abrishamchi

www.inherestudio.com

£1.5m wellness centre is MADE to boost personal positivity

Princesa Yaiza introduces mineral-led Thalion treatments to ease insomnia

Spain: The Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, has launched a new series of spa treatments that use magnesium to help guests increase their melatonin levels and reinvigorate their sleep cycles.

With a common cause of sleep deprivation and insomnia being a lack of melatonin, the hormone that guides sleep cycles, the new two and four-day programmes by leading marine brand Thalion focus on the use of the mineral, which is regarded as essential to regulating melatonin levels.

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Each programme will include massages, luxopuncture, acupuncture, baths and wraps using highly concentrated solutions of magnesium, to ensure effective absorption and long-lasting results.

Guests will also receive a Sleep S.O.S kit that will include a vertivert, camomile and sandalwood bath and shower oil, as well as a 100% natural Marin extract magnesium oil and capsules to stimulate melatonin production. www.princesayaiza.com

UK: Luxury Staffordshire-based country spa Moddershall Oaks has opened a new £1.5 million (E1.69 million) wellness centre, called MADE. Encouraging guests to be healthier in an environment focused on ‘discovery, encouragement and positivity’, MADE was designed by Moddershall Oaks director Penny Weston with interiors by Curveline.

The new building has a fitness area with four workout zones, including a Boutique Fitness Gym, an Outdoor Training Terrace with 150sqm of cushioned astro turf, a Cycling Cave and a Functional Studio. All of the bespoke fitness equipment was custom-made by Technogym.

Two treatment rooms, with beds supplied by Physioworld, offer sports recovery, hypnotherapy, rehabilitation and nutritional consultations, while the Café at MADE will offer a range of whole, mineral-rich foods.

“We are constantly innovating and evolving to meet with market demands,” said Weston. “MADE comes from a very personal place. In the past few years, I have drastically changed my approach to wellness and I wish I’d had a facility like this when I started my journey to wellbeing.” www.welcometomade.com

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Wellness Sue Davis, Lifehouse Spa & Hotel

Delivering nature’s cure Naturopath Sue Davis discusses her approach to wellness at the UK’s Lifehouse Spa

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s the resident naturopath at the Lifehouse Spa & Hotel in Essex, Sue Davis specialises in creating a transformational approach to health and wellbeing for each guest. Originally from Australia, where she graduated with a degree in Naturopathy, Davis spent many years working for the globally renowned Chiva-Som International Health Resort in Thailand before joining the team at Lifehouse, where she encourages dietary and lifestyle adaptation in a unique combination during each individual consultation.

We spoke to her about naturopathy and what lies ahead for Lifehouse Spa. What does naturopathy do for people?

The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the root causes of disease. Symptoms are seen as ‘red flags’ that highlight improper functioning of the body.

The most basic premise of naturopathy is that the body has the inherent ability to heal itself if given the right tools. These could include dietary and lifestyle correction, the concept of ‘food as medicine’, herbs, flower essences, nutritional supplements, detoxification and exercise.

How do you tailor your advice to each guest?

Communication is essential, so I normally speak to a guest before they arrive, to establish their needs, goals and how long they plan to stay. It is also useful to discuss their dietary and lifestyle patterns so I can manage expectations.

I then put together a bespoke treatment plan, including wellness and spa treatments, daily exercise and a personalised food menu. We have regular catch-ups in order to evolve various aspects of their programme during their stay.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The best part is seeing positive transformation in a guest at the end of their stay, when they are looking and feeling infinitely better than when they arrived. Guests leave feeling empowered with the necessary tools to continue the good work at home.

What treatments are popular at Lifehouse?

The Ultimate Holistic Experience with our in-house healer Michael Barthaud is very popular.

This is two-hours of meditation, healing, reiki for

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chakra balancing with a tailored Australian Bush Flower essence for the guest to take home.

Our Soul Soother signature wellness treatment is another 120-minute experience with full-body exfoliation and pressure-point massage, including essential oils, crystals and singing bowls to work on all the senses. Food intolerance testing, rhiatsu and physiotherapy are also very popular.

What do you especially enjoy about your role?

The ability to create new wellness programmes and treatments for our wide-ranging demographic of guests and remaining responsive to our guests needs. I enjoy looking out for new trends and recruiting different experts to enhance our team.

Clockwise from top: Sue Davis at Lifehosue Spa & Hotel in Essex, UK; the spa offers a healthy take on nutrition to aid wellness; Lifehouse’s dramatic hydro-pool

What’s next for Lifehouse’s wellness offering?

We will be adding more practitioners and therapists to the team. Soon we will be launching annual health checks for our guests and members to enable their progress to be monitored. As one of the first spas in the UK to become canceraware, we will also continue to help those going through cancer, as well as responding further to the needs of an ageing population. www.lifehouse.co.uk

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The future of networking in the wellness industry Join Wellness Collective Events for a four-day luxury networking event like no other.

This is a unique opportunity to celebrate excellence in the wellness sector in the stunning, tranquil surroundings of the 5-star Verdura Spa & Golf Resort in Sciacca, Sicily.

Be part of the future If you’d like to join the elite of the wellness industry in Sicily from 24th - 27th April 2019, register at wellnesscollectiveevents.com/register for more details.

#theOriginal

sales@rem.co.uk +44 1282 619977

The Indigo, conceived and designed in the UK by REM See the collection at rem.co.uk

FURNISHINGS

Style EQUIPMENT

FINISHES

TECHNOLOGY

FITNESS

E D I T ED BY S A R A H TOD D

Gharieni’s Select offering promises to elevate the spa experience

Latest innovative product updates provide ‘supreme comfort’ and aromatherapeutic benefits through the use of the latest technology The newest addition to the Gharieni portfolio is its stylish MLR Select treatment bed, which aims to elevate the treatment experience.

“The MLR Select has movable arm rests for supreme guest comfort and its superior bed mobility elevates the spa treatment,” said founder and Sammy Gharieni CEO Sammy Gharieni. “It is available with a heating system and can be supplied in a wide range of upholstery colours and different wooden or metal finishes to match any spa interior.”

Specialising in the manufacture and global supply of a wide range of premium spa and beauty furniture and equipment, the Gharieni Group’s products are designed to subtly enhance and extend the luxury spa experience for every guest.

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Elsewhere within the brand’s extensive collection, both the MLX Quartz bed and the Libra Edge Horizontal Shower now benefit from the addition of aromatherapy functions.

“Our beds incorporate methodologies and

protocols within their technical functions to enable spas to create multi-sensorial treatments,” added Gharieni.

“We can now offer encapsulated aromatherapy in the new handshower for the Libra Edge table, and a scent generator for the MLX Quartz bed, thereby assimilating the sense of smell into a therapist’s treatment methodology,” he said. “Having aromatherapy features embedded in our equipment further heightens the senses and makes for a truly memorable wellness experience.”

Asked what drives the company’s constant evolution, Gharieni replied: “Our passion is innovation and this is transferred into every design we create. We offer exceptional comfort with all of our treatment beds, which become part of the treatment rather than just being static equipment. Every bed has options to tailor treatments uniquely to the individual, whether that be built-in heating systems or surround sound.”

www.gharieni.com

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Style Design, form & function

Romeo and Julia q KLAFS

Moving away from conventional sauna lamp lighting options, the new Romeo and Julia pendant lamps have been designed to create an intimate, relaxed atmosphere in a variety of heat experiences.

Positioned above the sauna heater, the lampshades haves been anodised on the inside, while the illuminant has been made from material tested to withstand temperatures up to 300°C, so is ideally suited to the demands of a sauna.

www.klafs.com

Gemya Evo p Lemi

Combining the strength and elegance of the Gemya spa table with an innovative, highly comfortable mattress, the Gemya EVO from leading Italian equipment manufacturer Lemi can be used for a variety of treatments.

The multifunctional bed includes a head rest with a face hole and adjustable armrests, enabling guests to relax their neck and shoulder muscles in the prone position while still allowing the therapist to efficiently and easily perform treatments.

The mattress features the HBS Stress Relief System while its contemporary, striking design ensures it is a focal point for even the most luxurious treatment room.

Lemi’s ‘3D Service’ further enables spas to visualise the Gemya EVO in their treatment rooms, via a photorealistic 3D rendering that can recreate environments and scenes with lights, materials and even shadows.

www.lemigroup.com

SKILLBIKE t Technogym

Created to ‘revolutionise indoor cycling’, the new SKILLBIKE from Technogym is intended to enable cycling professionals and enthusiasts to ‘live the challenge’ of outdoor experiences in an indoor environment.

A digital and fully interactive product, SKILLBIKE has an integrated 7-inch colour LCD connected console that can provide real-time feedback on performance, including data on heart rate, distance, speed and gradient.

Other exclusive features specifically designed for athletic and performance training include a real gear shift, which allows the user to replicate the dynamics of hill riding by changing gears to counter the change in resistance and maintain the correct power and cadence for the maximum efficiency.

The design is intended to reproduce the biomechanics of a bicycle, with the frame and handlebar shaped to seamlessly accommodate different riding positions, such as road and mountain bike. There is also a road effect system to simulate the feeling experienced in a real outdoor situation by reading the pedalling style and performance parameters.

www.technogym.com

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Style Design, form & function

Geo Deep Ofuro Bath and Wave Basin t William Garvey

Club Chair LE t Earthlite

Honoured with a 2018 ISPA Innovate Award, the Club Chair LE is a bespoke mani-pedi chair with a retractable, motorised and fully plumbed pedicure bowl.

The versatile chair’s small footprint saves space and it is an ideal replacement for banquettes, while revenue can be maximised as either manicures, express or combination treatments can be scheduled to take place in the chair.

The hidden onboard pedicure unit features SaniJet Pipeless Hydrotherapy as well as a hand sprayer, a power remote drain and an electronic footrest.

Hand-upholstered from a broad range of fabrics and finishes, both the chair and bowl can be electronically adjusted to ensure the spa guest and therapist benefit from optimal ergonomics.

Constructed from a laminated teak composite and ideal for bathing areas with a limited space, the Geo Deep Ofuro Bath by William Garvey has a removable seat and is designed to stand on two solid teak bearers, which elevate the bath by four feet in height.

Each Geo Bath is fitted with a chrome Presflo (chainless) waste that is compatible with standard shallow bath traps and fitted in the centre of the bath, with a base shaped to improve drainage.

A double version of the bath is also available with two seats and taps being either wall or floor mounted. It can also be made in lacquered or unlacquered teak or a grey tinted teak.

A laminated teak stool is also supplied and all William Garvey baths can be made bespoke to fit the exact size and specification required.

www.livingearthcrafts.com

www.williamgarvey.co.uk

Lys q

ISO Italia Group

Celebrating light and colour, the luxurious 3-in-1 Lys treatment and massage bed offers a range of treatment options.

Chromotherapy is innovatively incorporated by a plexiglass band that wraps around the bed and illuminates the surrounding treatment space in subtle colours.

Featuring clean, elegant lines, the Lys is supplied with a hypoallergenic water mattress or with optional Quartz sand or Pink Himalayan salt mattresses. It also incorporates a patented, easily adjustable heating system.

An ideal centrepiece in a spa suite, the Lys is supplied by Italian company ISO Italia Group, which has more than 30 years’ experience in the wellbeing and beauty industries.

www.isobenessere.com

Ultrasonic Aromatic Diffusers p Sanatio Naturalis

Two striking aromatic diffusers have been unveiled by Sanatio Naturalis. Using the highest quality, therapeutic-grade aromatherapy oils, both lamps would add an elegant ambience to a spa’s reception, relaxation or treatment room.

Hand-blown from glass, the Ultrasonic Diffuser Lamp (above, right) produces a fine, pure-smelling mist and each piece features a hand-painted, eastern-inspired design.

The pale cream Porcelain Diffuser Lamp enables spas to add the aroma of Mediterranean orange orchards or French lavender fields to their interiors and adds a decorative finish to a variety of spa environments.

Both lamps automatically turn off when their water levels are low.

They have an optional addition of a soft light and have a continuous runtime of four hours, or eight hours with intermittent use.

www.sanationaturalis.com

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Style Design, form & function

Britta q Oakworks

New to Oakworks Masters’ Collection, the Britta treatment bed combines high-tech with simple lines and elegant curved panels.

The result of years of research and development, the two-column Britta has in-built capability for guests to be put in the Trendelenburg position while its comfortable padding can be complemented by additions such as Oakworks patented ABC System (Adjustable Body Comfort), warming drawers and a heated top, if required.

Highly customisable, the wooden centre section of the table curves at the corners and can be painted in any colour to complement the selection of textures and laminates available for other parts of the Britta.

The Britta is available in four design spaces: Contemporary, Euro Chic, Highlands and Pacific Rim. Spas can also use STUDIO by Oakworks Spa to build their treatment beds in real time and configure and further customise their equipment to exactly fit their aesthetic requirements.

www.oakworks.com

Ocean p Glass Design

A new collection of luxurious washbasins from bathroom specialist Glass Design has been unveiled.

Each Ocean basin is fashioned from Florentine crystal and boasts an elegant external finish that is both smooth and monochromatic, drawing the eye towards the distinctive inner texture that is characterised by an interplay of nuances that are intended to be reminiscent of the sea.

Available in three alternative colourways, the Ocean basin was originally conceived in a Blue/Gold combination but is now also available in Black/Gold and Black/Silver. It is also available in two sizes with a diameter of either 34cm or 40cm.

www.glassdesign.it

Rubelli Casa t Rubelli Group

Comprised of designs by Studio Rubelli alongside CINECITTA, created by architect Marco Piva, Rubelli Casa is a contemporary furniture collection that draws inspiration from the world of film.

Intended to bring elegance to a wide range of interior spaces, and complementing pieces from previous year’s collections, the furniture blends opulent decoration with a restrained, mid-century design aesthetic.

Highlights include the elegant Triennale chair, which appears to almost have a ‘floating’ structure, and the Lollo tub chair by Marco Piva, which takes its inspiration from Gina Lollobrigida’s famous Italian style, featuring simple, sophisticated lines characterised by symmetrical proportions that give it an enveloping shape.

www.rubelli.com

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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(RE)DISCOVER

PAR ADISE MLX QUARTZ

Aroma Therapy

Dynamic Flow Massage System

Sound Therapy

Touchscreen Display

Psammo Therapy

Inversion Gravity

LED Lighting

TAKING WELLNESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL www.gharieni.com

MADE IN

G RMANY

Style Focus Florence Roby

Still looking fabulous at 50 As Florence Roby celebrates half a century of spa service, we talk to sales director Jan Roby about the company’s latest textiles and designs Established in 1968, Florence Roby is a leading textiles manufacturer and designer of luxurious, stylish spa and hospitality uniforms.

Now celebrating 50 years of working within the spa industry, the company caters for the needs of a wide range of clients – from small independent Jan Roby operators to multi-national businesses – while its reputation for innovative design and high quality fabric runs to the very heart of its continued global success.

We spoke to Jan Roby about the company’s considerable heritage and what the future holds.

Tell us about Florence Roby’s spa expertise.

Our incredible design team creates new collections every year to the exacting standards of quality and fit required in a professional spa environment.

Our uniforms are cut to ensure the wearer looks good and has total freedom of movement, so we incorporate stretch across the back of the uniform and in both arms.

How do you support spas?

Most importantly, we listen and react to the feedback from our customers. We ensure all of our uniforms are comfortable with a soft feel and are low-maintenance and long-life.

We’re also constantly innovating and our fabric manufacturers are currently working on a number of new textiles for us that will be really good for hot climates, which we’re hoping to launch in 2019.

What has been most popular from your latest uniform collection?

Earlier this year, we launched a multi-functional culotte suit which has been extremely well received. Consisting of the elegant Malfa tunic and culottes, the set is comfortable to wear, on trend and can also be paired with a jacket.

We’re about to launch a capsule wardrobe that spas can build upon with a fit that’s based on the different body shapes of their team. We’ll offer trousers that can be paired with a shorter top that will look equally good on people of any size.

What separates Florence Roby from its competitors?

From design to distribution, we look after every aspect and can turn products around quickly.

We operate a factory in the UK and retain significant manufacturing capability there. In addition to our core range, we offer a sample service, and storage and

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distribution, all from the UK. We’ve also recently brought out a maternity pattern in every single style we have in our core range. This enables pregnant women to have the same style of branded uniform as the rest of their team – an aspect often overlooked by other suppliers.

What are your team’s strengths?

Because our design team is in the UK, our in-house expertise is second to none – some of our staff have been with us for more than 30 years!

All of our designers are keen on combining fashion and functionality to the very highest standards. As such, we’re frequently asked to work on bespoke projects to produce a complete ‘Lookbook’ of original designs, which are then sampled and trialled before we proceed to the final uniform. In this way, we can create what each of our customers wants.

We’ve created bespoke ranges for a range of spa operators, from Champneys and Center Parcs to Clarins and Viking Cruises.

What upcoming launches are exciting you?

Our next range will launch in Spring 2019 and we’re currently looking at new fabrics and textiles that we can incorporate into our core ranges.

Also, where we’ve traditionally designed mostly for the spa and beauty markets, we’re now being asked by hotels to design across the board for every aspect of the hotel. Clients now want to carry a sense of identity and functionality throughout their business, from food and beverage to front-of-house, fitness and, increasingly, men’s spa wear, all of which presents many exciting opportunities for us.

Tell us more about the celebrations for your 50th anniversary.

We’ve run promotions throughout 2018 but, most importantly, we want people to remember that Florence Roby is still very much a proud family business. It was created by my mother-in-law, bespoke tailoress Florence Roby, in 1968, when she started cutting out patterns at her kitchen table.

Aside from marking the occasion on a business level, we’ll be hosting a Black Tie Celebratory Ball in November for all our staff and a selection of our valued customers. Hopefully a good night will be had by all!

www.uniformcollection.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

saunas steam rooms and more...

mr sauna

T: +44 0 1423 568704 E: saunas@mr-sauna.co.uk www.mrsauna.co.uk @mrsauna011 Copthall Bridge House Station Bridge Harrogate HG11SP

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: [comfort zone] 22, 36, 48, 49, 62, 83 Acquaforte 41 Alberto Apostoli 50, 51 Anmin 44 Anne Semonin 28 Annee de Mamiel 73 Antrax 47 Aromatherapy Associates 8, 62, 77, 113 Aurelia Probiotic Skincare 23 AVEDA 58 Babor 66, 78 backlabel 44 Barr + Wray 96, 97 BC Softwear 110, 117 Beauty Express 13, 89 Biologique Recherche 39, 113 Book4Time 91 Bossini Spa 53 BuDhaGirl 115 Carita 23, 67 Caudalie 4, 76 Christine Clinton Cancer Care 54 Cinq Mondes 63, 109 Claudio Silvestrin 47 Clear Water Revival 23 CMV srl 36 CND 10, 26, 63 Cosmoprof 20 Curveline Design 107, 110 Daisy London 115 Dalesauna 98, 99 Darling Associates 21 Davines 22 Decléor 23, 31, 68, 82 del Buono Gazerwitz Landscape Architecture 22 Design for Leisure 104 DEXA - Lunar Prodigy GE 92 Dornbracht 56 Dr Jackson 73 Dr Shogo Mochizuki 23 Dr. Burgener 23 Dr. Sylvie Peres 23 Dröm UK 28, 102, 103

Dublo 92 EarthCheck 114 Earthlite 123 Edge 26 EffegiLab 53 Elemental Herbology 18, 79 Elemis 2, 26, 77, OBC Elisa Gargan Giovannoni 47 Ellisons 45, 110 emerginC 28 ESPA 78 Eteria 36 Eve Lom 73 Fantini 47 Florence Roby 93, 126 Florian Keck 26 Forte Organics 44 Fraxel 92 Gaia 79 Gaylia Kristensen 68 Gentleman’s Tonic 27 Geomedical 44 Gerrard International 68, 79 Gharieni 121, 125 Gispert 27 Glass Design 124 Global Wellness Summit 30 HC Biostim 92 HC Drain 92 Helo 105 HL Concepts 127 Hofer 53 Ignasi Forteza 27 Indiba 92 Inline London 110, 111 INSÌUM Cosmetics 52 Institute for Optimum Nutrition 32 Intraceuticals 41 Irene Forte Skincare 44 ISO Italia Group 123 James Read 27 Jessica 33, 66 Jules Mitchell 32 Kama Ayurveda 23

Kate Kerr London 74 Katie Light 74 Kerstin Florian 6, 64 KLAFS 26, 47, 52, 100, 101, 122 La Sultane de Saba 27 Landsberg 53 Lemi 42, 43, 122 Leonardo Omar 23 Life Fitness 26 Ligne St Barth 26 Little Butterfly London 110 Lola’s Apothecary 109, 110 Luca Colombo 22 Luca Fortuna’s Essential Oils 52 Made for Life Organics 26, 73, 82 Majestic Towels 81 Margaret Dabbs 27 Maria Galland 53 Matrix 22, 113 Matteo Thun 22, 47 Mauli 63 Mii Cosmetics 15, 68 MKV Design 23 Monica Signani 22 MoroccanTan 66 Mr Sauna 105, 128 Murad 66 Natura Bissé 24, 61, 73 Natural Spa Factory 68, 80 Newform 50 Nilo 23, 37, 46, 50 Nuxe 73 Oakworks 124, 131 OPI 64, 65 Pevonia 44 Philippe Starck 73 Phytomer 64 Pierre-Yves Rochon 23 Premier Software 87 QMS Medicosmetics 26 Raison d’Etre 28 Rapsel 47 REM UK 120 ResortSuite 112

Rigo Spa 26 Rubelli Group 124 Salt of the Earth 110 Sanatio Naturalis 123 Sandra Aparicio 27 Schletterer Consult 110 Silatha 115 Sirpea 41 Sisley 27, 41 Skincity 22 Sommerhuber 104 Soveral 73 Spa Life 29, 32 Sparcstudio 13 SpaPulse.com 22 SPArticulate 107 Starpool 46 Storz Cellactor 92 Su-Man Hsu 74 Sweet Squared 66 Swiss Perfection 23 Technogym 12, 23, 26, 28, 30, 34, 38, 40,

41, 44, 52, 53, 70, 92, 122 Terme di Saturnia Skincare 41 Thalgo 17, 22, 62, 69, 78, 115 Thalion 116 The Massage Company 30 The Organic Pharmacy 58 The Training Room 22 The Wellness Collective 119 Tip Touch International 113 Tra Suoni e Colori 40 Unbescheiden 92 Unique Pools 110 Urban Massage 12, 58 Vitalis 53 VOYA 54, 60, 80 William Garvey 123 Woods Bagot 28 WTS International 26 Ytsara 110 ZO Skin Health 40

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In conversation with

TONY DE LEEDE The Global Wellness Summit co-chair and Australian co-owner of the award-winning Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat discusses a new way to wellness “I believe in fitness and wellness, but I don’t like to exercise. I have to push myself.”

But I realised long ago that what I eat, how I move and being in the right head space are vitally important. Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat’s ‘The Five Pillars of Wellness’ workshop addresses exactly these three things, plus sleep and ‘giving back’ via community activities. If you can get all of those lined up correctly, then a person should have a more productive, enjoyable life with less stress.

“If you eat well, move well and sleep well, then hopefully you will live well.”

The best outcome is not just living a long life, but living a long ‘well’ life. At my age – I’m now 65 – there are massive numbers of people with plenty of money, but they are realising their wealth cannot buy health – that is something they have to take charge of. People just need better environments in which to improve, and tools that are more comfortable, palatable and enjoyable.

“The wellness revolution is happening in vertical markets.”

A lot of hotels, corporate companies and age care homes have basic fitness facilities, but they have realised they are simply supplying equipment, and that people want more than that, so wellness has popped up on the radar in all kinds of places.

One of the most recent vertical market examples is the Hyatt hotel group creating a new senior vice-president position known as ‘global head of wellbeing’. Coincidentally, my Global Wellness Summit co-chair, Mia Kyricos, is the person who has been appointed to this role (p30). This is an example of a huge vertical market creating a significant position to pursue wellbeing.

“What GWS represents is a significant part of the future of many different businesses.”

That could be spas, health clubs, hotels, care homes or numerous other vertical markets. The evolution to living better and living longer – with more non-intimidating and time-efficient bites of virtual activity – is something I think is very relevant, which is why I have developed Club W. For younger people it’s not about if they exercise, but where they exercise. People of my generation, who are ageing and staring at a shorter fuse in terms of life expectancy, are looking at how we prolong our productive lives by living well.

“The forgotten generation, as I call my age group, didn’t grow up with health clubs.”

For 80% of people aged 50 and over, they will have never been to a

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With almost 40 years in the fitness and wellness industries, in addition to Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, entrepreneur Tony de Leede has launched Australian Body Works in the US, founded Fitness First Australia, was owner of CardioTheater, and is now introducing his pioneering Club W concept

health club, or if they did, they will have gone for a short period of time and dropped out. That is why I came up with my Club W concept, which I pitch as a second home for those who would never go to a traditional health club. Guys have pubs and clubs, the golf course, but women don’t have as many options as they get older. A huge issue for older women is loneliness, so Club W offers a community where like-minded women can meet and focus on living longer by living well.

“Club W is about being comfortable, feeling good, not feeling threatened.”

It’s really delivering activity that shies away from cardio, high-intensity fitness or a heavy workout. Instead, we call it ‘activity, movement, mindfulness’. We have virtual classes with the best experts in the world being shown on big screens like an IMAX. These can be as short as 10 minutes and no longer than 30. Many women don’t want an instructor, so we are trying to soften it all by making it less intimidating. I think this is where a niche is growing, particularly with women. www.globalwellnesssummit.com | www.gwinganna.com | www.clubw.com.au

Tony de Leede was speaking to Ian Parkes

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