Conde Nast’s iconic fashion and lifestyle magazine, Vogue, has launched a Global Spa Guide, featuring 100 of the world's leading spas.
Showcasing a wide range of locations – from urban sanctuaries and medical wellness clinics, to remote mountain welllness retreats – the guide emphasises the diversity and richness of spa experiences available to consumers worldwide.
Each location is accompanied by detailed reviews and recommendations which highlight their unique features, available facilities, sustainability credentials and stand-out treatments, demonstrating why each deserves its place in the compendium.
The publication was curated by Vogue editors Chloe Schama, Jessica Diner and Florence
O’Connor, who say there are plans to update the list annually.
“There is a lot out there in the world of wellness,” say the authors.
“Creating this guide has taken us to some very interesting places and raised questions about what
makes us truly feel our best. There is no wrong way to relax”.
The guide's content is split into five geographic areas, North America, Europe, Asia, South America and also Africa and the Middle East.
■ Vogue will be updating the Global Spa Guide on an annual basis
spa business people
Caitlin Dalton celebrates record turnout for 2024 Good Spa Guide Awards
The 15th annual Good Spa Guide (GSG) Awards winners were unveiled on 24 June at a gala dinner during the Spa Life Convention in Hampshire, UK.
With seven awards given, the accolades are designed to recognise excellence in the UK spa industry and celebrate their increasingly vital role in supporting health and wellbeing.
“More than a quarter of a million spa lovers voted in the awards this year – confirming just how important our much-loved spas are for our health and wellbeing,” said Caitlin Dalton, director at GSG.
The 2024 winners is as follows:
■ Best City Spa: Maya Blue Wellness at The Titanic Hotel Liverpool, Liverpool.
This honour reflects Victoria's incredible impact on the beauty and personal care industry
Meribeth Parker
More than a quarter of a million spa lovers voted this year
Caitlin Dalton
■ Best Destination Spa: Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, Keswick, Cumbria.
■ Best Day Spa: The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village, Preston, Lancashire.
■ Best Hotel Spa: The Woodland Spa, Burnley, Lancashire.
■ Best Boutique Spa: Yorkshire Spa Retreat, York, Yorkshire.
■ Best Spa for Wellness: Champneys Forest Mere, Liphook, Hampshire.
■ Best Spa for Sustainability: Hoar Cross Hall, Burtonon-Trent, Staffordshire.
In other news, Good Spa Guide recently released its new consumer research – turn to page 8 of this issue of Spa Business insider to check out the findings.
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/5V8n4_B
Victoria Brownlie made an MBE for services to personal care industry
Victoria Brownlie, the British Beauty Council’s chief of policy and sustainability, has been made an MBE (member of the Order of the British Empire) in King Charles III's Birthday Honours 2024 for her services to the UK’s beauty and personal care industry.
Brownlie has been praised as a tireless advocate for female-owned businesses and working to challenge misconceptions about the beauty sector. The British Beauty Council says her efforts have been pivotal in securing support for the industry.
Meribeth Parker, chair of the British Beauty Council said: “This well-deserved honour reflects the incredible impact that Victoria and the British Beauty Council have had in delivering policy change and impact for the important beauty and personal care industry.
“The sector offers unique career opportunities, supports enhanced wellbeing and has an influential impact on the UK’s GDP, and we’re delighted to see Victoria's significant contribution rewarded in this way.”
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Victoria Brownlie
Edan Studios is more than just a place to work out, it's a wellness paradise
Anna Lewandowska
Anna Lewandowska reveals plans for 'wellness paradise'
Fitness influencer and karate champion, Anna Lewandowska, has announced the launch of a multi-concept boutique in Barcelona called Edan Studios based on HIIT, Pilates and dance.
Lewandowska has signed franchise agreements for two Holmes Place Brands concepts – HIIT-based TRIB3 and Reformer brand PILAT3S to deliver the first two elements, while dance classes will be designed by Lewandowska.
Welcoming all levels of fitness, the studio wants to give members the opportunity to belong to an inclusive and community-driven space focused on wellbeing, care and belonging.
Lewandowska is the founder of five fitness and wellness companies and has a social media following of 5.6 million. She's married to pro-footballer Robert Lewandowski.
“Edan Studios is more than just a place to work out, it's a wellness paradise that reconnects to the part of you that loves to move together with music,” said Lewandowska.
People
Victoria Brownlie recognised with MBE for services to beauty and personal care industry
Water-based wellness
Global Wellness Summit 2024 to make waves in Scotland with theme “A Watershed Moment for Wellness”
On the move
Walking 10,000 steps daily confirmed to reduce health risks of inactivity, say Australian scientists
SPA BUSINESS INSIGHTS
Next generation
The Good Spa Guide's new consumer report reveals diverse spa preferences and spending habits across age groups –Spa Business digs deeper
One of a kind
One&Only has opened a new oceanfront spa in Greece offering treatments inspired by Greek mythology and Ayurveda
Supplier innovation
The latest in products and innovation from Omorovicza, 111Skin, Ojmar, Swissline and Kloodos
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spa business news
Luxury 20-treatment-room spa launches in Turkey
Turkish hospitality group Maxx Royal Resorts has launched a new upscale coastal retreat on Turkey's Bodrum peninsula, complete with a large 4,500sq m destination spa.
Framed by landscaped gardens and views of the Aegean, the tiered Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort features 282 villas and suites.
The destination marks Maxx Royals' third resort in Turkey.
The 20-treatment-room spa marks the flagship Maxx WellBeing Centre and provides holistic and sciencebased treatments from Biologique Recherche, Art of Detox, Phytomer, Icoone and Swiss Perfection.
EVENTS
Rituals on offer range from hightech facials using micro current therapy, LED lights and mesotherapy to traditional Moroccan rose waterinfused hammam experiences and Ayurvedic-inspired treatments.
In addition, the spa also offers advanced therapies such as ozone therapy and IV therapy.
Wellness amenities include a banya, a hammam, saunas, VIP spa suites, a steamroom, a pool, a halotherapy room, a rain room and scrub rooms. The centre also offers a relaxation space, Medi-Spa area, and a Technogym-equipped gym.
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/f5f2p_B
Global Wellness Summit 2024 to make waves in Scotland
Our industry will see further radical transformation
Susie Ellis
The 2024 Global Wellness Summit (GWS) is set to make a splash in Scotland from 4-7 November, with the theme “A Watershed Moment for Wellness”.
Held at the historic Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, the event agenda will explore how the industry is at a watershed moment for growth and evolution. Additional focus areas will include the burgeoning 'H2O Experience Economy' and the industry’s role in sustainability.
As in previous years, the GWI will unveil a complete update of
■ The resort features a contemporary design
The destination marks Maxx Royals' third resort in Turkey
the Global Wellness Economy Monitor, complete with new data and insights on each wellness sector.
Susie Ellis, GWS chair and CEO said: “This year’s agenda will investigate how our industry will continue to see further radical transformation.”
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/9H7C6_B
■ The GWS will explore the boom for hydrotherapy
PROGRAMMING
Blue Zones retreats to debut in Japan
A new retreat focused on helping people lead longer, happier lives is launching at luxury five-star resort Halekulani Okinawa, on the Japanese island of Okinawa.
As one of the world's five Blue Zone areas, the island is known for its population's longevity and health.
The retreat will run from 20-26 October, 2024, offering exclusive experiences and workshops based on Blue Zones' research on Okinawan traditions that foster longevity and happiness. Céline Vadam – head of retreats and hospitality partnerships
ACTIVITY
10,000 steps daily reduces health risks of inactivity
A new study by the University of Sydney is one of the first to objectively measure whether daily steps can offset the health risks of sedentary behaviour.
The results discovered that 10,000 steps a day can reduce the risk of premature death and cardiovascular disease, even if people are inactive the rest of the time. What’s more, just a small number of steps can still make a difference.
Lead author and research fellow, Dr Matthew Ahmadi, says: “This is by no means a get out of jail card free card for people who are sedentary for excessive periods of time, however, it
Blue Zones is actively looking for more retreat hosts
Céline
at Blue Zones – will join the retreat to conduct workshops. Earlier this year, Vadam expressed ambitions to host a retreat in all five Blue Zones in an interview with Spa Business - read more: www.spabusiness.com/BZ.
Vadam
does hold an important public health message that all movement matters.”
The findings play into the growing popularity of walking-based programmes offered by resort and destination spas worldwide.
Senior author, professor Emmanuel Stamatakis, adds: “We hope this evidence will inform the first generation of device-based physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines, which should include key recommendations on daily stepping.”
MIND-BODY WELLNESS TECHNOLOGIES
THE ART OF WELLBEING
spa business insights
Next generation
The Good Spa Guide's new consumer report reveals diverse spa preferences and spending habits across age groups – Spa Business digs deeper
■ Seventy-five per cent of pregnant respondents feel their treatment choices are limited
We feel some easy adjustments can be made to help people get the most out of their spa time
Results are in for the latest Good Spa Guide (GSG) consumer survey, with this year's findings categorised into five life stages to better understand di erent spa-goers' priorities.
The State of Spa Report 2024 investigates 2,456 UK respondents' motivations for visiting spas, spending habits, personal experiences and preferences regarding types of spas and treatments. Ranging from age 17 to over 60 years of age, respondents were split into the following life stages: teenagers, pregnant or recently postnatal individuals, those experiencing peri-menopause or menopause, individuals aged 60+ and people living with chronic or long-term conditions.
Results indicated that most people in all segments value spas and believe they provide excellent service.
However, there are instances where some people's needs aren’t being met, or there is a perception that spas don’t o er good value for money.
For example, 75 per cent of women who disclosed to their therapist that they were going through menopause said no adjustments were made for them.
This slight disconnect is also felt by pregnant women and those with chronic conditions.
■ Most teens were motivated to visit spas primarily for emotional benefits
Results showed that the majority of people – in each life stage – valued spas and feel they’re providing an excellent service
For pregnant women, 75 per cent said their treatment choice was limited and 51 per cent said they felt spas don’t o er value for money for people who are pregnant.
Chronic or long-term conditions
While 81 per cent of those living with a chronic or long-term condition were happy with the spa o ering, there is still a feeling among some individuals that their needs aren’t being supported or they aren't comfortable disclosing their needs at spas.
Accessibility in spas was also highlighted as an issue, with one respondent saying: “Many spas say they’re disabled-friendly, however they really aren’t.
“Having a disabled-friendly spa means that those with a disability can enjoy the spa just the same as an able-bodied person.”
Price-points and cost
The survey also asked two questions about spa spend and whether respondents want to spend more or less in these economically turbulent times.
Most people (61 per cent) stated that they would spend about the same as in previous years, while 4 per cent said they would spend more and 24 per cent said they would spend less.
Additionally, more people are looking to spend in the higher price brackets (£100-200 and £200+) for their spa visits compared to last year.
Answers varied by age with the 50-59 age bracket most likely to pay £100£200 (62 per cent) and the 18-20 age bracket the least (37 per cent).
New data on teen spa-goers
Although teens comprised less than 5 per cent of the sample, GSG discovered that many of their
choices align with those of the overall respondent group, with one notable exception: their spa companions.
Most teens (55 per cent) visit spas with friends, while 45 per cent said they went with a parent or family member – meaning no teens expressed a preference for visiting spas alone.
Additionally, the vast majority (99 per cent) stated they were motivated to visit spas primarily for emotional benefits rather than to enhance their physical appearance.
Caitlin Dalton, GSG director, concluded: “Results showed that the majority of people value spas in each life stage and feel they’re providing an excellent service. While there are some instances where people’s needs aren’t always being met, we feel some easy adjustments can be made to help people get the most out of their spa time.” ● More: www.goodspaguide.co.uk
We’re excited to reveal our second Greek haven and now, with two distinct properties, we o er a truly unrivalled journey across Greece
Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner International
One of a kind
One&Only has opened a cli top spa in Greece o ering treatments inspired by Greek mythology and Ayurveda
One&Only Resorts has opened a new three-storey spa on the picturesque Greek island of Kéa, located at its recently launched property, One&Only Kéa Island Resort and Private Homes.
Set on a dramatic cli top site, the 63-villa resort is One&Only's second Greek destination, joining One&Only Aesthesis in Athens, which debuted in 2023 featuring Greece’s first Guerlain Spa. (www.spabusiness.com/O&OAthens)
Partnered with luxury Ayurveda aromatherapy brand Subtle Energies, the Kéa Island spa is inspired by the ancient Greek concept of sophrosyne, emphasising harmony of mind and body.
One&Only’s vision was to create a wellness space that harnesses the elemental energy of Kéa and o ers
■ The spa features an indoor-outdoor pool
One&Only Kéa Island Resort is the company's 15th property
Every One&Only resort is one of a kind, celebrating its exceptional location and honouring the local community
tailored treatments drawing on Greek mythology, Ayurvedic healing traditions and local botanicals and to celebrate the spa’s launch, Subtle Energies has curated four exclusive rituals. Spa facilities include watsu therapy pools, cold plunge pools, steamrooms, saunas, jacuzzis and an indoor-outdoor pool with uninterrupted sea views. There's also a Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio By Bastien Gonzalez and a hair salon. Moreover, the resort features a fitness centre, a dedicated teens’ area, bike loans as well as padel and tennis courts.
Design details
Designed by architect John Heah, the resort's design pays homage to Kéa’s architectural traditions and features hand-cut local stone, Greek marble, lofty atriums, white-washed walls, pergolas and rounded archways.
The main arrival building and villas have been designed to create a villagelike atmosphere while maintaining a sense of space and privacy.
Growing presence
“Every One&Only resort is one of a kind, celebrating its exceptional location and honouring the natural landscape and local community,” says Philippe Zuber, CEO of One&Only’s parent company Kerzner International. “We’re excited to reveal our second Greek haven and now, with two distinct properties, we o er a truly unrivalled journey across Greece through the lens of One&Only.” Additional facilities include a kids club and six restaurants and bars. The resort also o ers a schedule of cultural excursions across land and sea to help guests immerse themselves in Kéa’s culture and history. ●
Myrtha Herbal Sauna is the most contemporary thermal bathing experience in the spa industry
Stefano Cattaneo
Pools and wellness facilities expert, Myrtha’s new Herbal Sauna, brings an innovative and therapeutic experience to the spa, says Stefano Cattaneo
With the benefits of using sauna cabins widely acknowledged across the wellness industry, Myrtha’s Herbal Sauna adds another dimension to the therapeutic benefits that can be delivered to spa clients.
The Myrtha Herbal Sauna resembles a traditional sauna but also features two sauna stoves with a steam outlet in between which gently releases herbal vapours through a grill.
The sauna’s interior features attractive ‘green walls’ – with planter boxes filled with dried herbs, spices and aromatic plants. This natural decor gives the cabin an eco-friendly and soothing, peaceful atmosphere.
Using natural herbs and essences within the sauna environment, the cabin creates a variety of positive health effects, including a calmer mind and body, deeper sense of relaxation and uplifted mood.
Herbal preparations delivered through the medium of heat are also believed to improve circulation, enhance lung function, boost the immune system and provide relief for a variety of skin conditions.
HERBAL PREPARATIONS
The Myrtha Herbal Sauna delivers its effects in a number of ways.
It starts by delivering extracts of warming spices, such as ginger, which promote perspiration to
naturally cleanse the body, then steam opens the pores, enabling tiny medicated droplets in the air to be absorbed by the skin.
Next, inhaling the steam directly decongests and strengthens the respiratory system.
Finally, after the sauna session, herbs and spices can be applied as a treatment for the client in the form of a balm or in a poultice.
Popular herb and spice selections for the sauna experience include jasmine, lemongrass, lotus flower, ginger, turmeric, kaffir lime, lavender, eucalyptus, camphor and menthol.
Beyond all the physical benefits of the natural vapours, clients are able to leave their sauna experience with enhanced mental clarity and a deeper sense of inner peace.
Myrtha’s wellness director, Stefano Cattaneo, says: “Myrtha’s Herbal Sauna is the most contemporary thermal experience in the spa and wellness industry, combining sophisticated engineering and technical prowess and overlaying these with natural remedies and an eco-chic appeal.” l More: www.myrthawellness.com
spa-kit.net keywords: Myrtha Wellness
PHOTO: MYRTHA
PHOTO: MYRTHA WELLNESS
PHOTO: MYRTHA WELLNESS
Planters are filled with, herbs, spices and aromatics
Myrtha Herbal Saunas can also be used for hay treatments
SUPPLIER NEWS
Suppliers tell Spa Business insider about their latest product, design and technology launches
■ Designed exclusively for Claridge's, the two-hour treatment is performed on a heated Onyx treatment table
Omorovicza debuts at Claridge's with two-hour ritual inspired by ballet
Hungarian skincare brand Omorovicza has introduced a signature treatment to mark its new partnership with the spa at the iconic Claridge’s hotel in London.
The two-hour experience represents the pinnacle of Omorovicza’s collection of facials, body treatments and massages now featured on the Claridge’s Spa menu.
The treatment takes place in the spa’s Pink Room, a newly designed space inspired by the hotel’s Painter’s Room bar, featuring an elegant heated pink onyx treatment table.
The space also includes a built-in shower and a design mirroring Omorovicza’s London Institute treatment rooms intended to create a healing and rejuvenating atmosphere.
“We’re honoured to have created a unique ritualistic experience with Omorovicza, inspired by centuries of Hungarian bathing tradition,” commented Hattie David-Wilkinson, director of spa at Claridge’s.
“Not only are we delighted to be working with Margaret and Stephen de Heinrich de Omorovicza – two long-standing friends of Claridge’s – but the synergy
■ Margaret de Heinrich de Omorovicza
between the design of The Pink Room and the new Omorovicza Mayfair Institute, inspired by the Rac in Budapest, makes this partnership particularly special and serendipitous.”
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OMOROVICZA
SHAPED LIKE AN ACRYLIC SPA
Our luxurious textured plastic panels look just like real wood, but are lighter and more resistant to climate changes. We use timeless, neutral colours to create soothing and natural designs. When assembled, our spas look just like a high-end acrylic spa but without sacrificing on any of the portability and convenience.
SUPPLIER NEWS
111Skin announces launch of Wrinkle Erasing Retinol Patches
Founder of 111Skin Dr Yannis Alexandrides has introduced the brand’s new Wrinkle Erasing Retinol Patches to provide a needle-free solution for wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes and mouth.
Alexandrides says the patches utilise a transdermal system of
microcones that physically penetrate the skin at 0.35mm to deliver 111Skin's signature retinol-based formula. Key ingredients include:
• Ascorbyl glucoside – A vitamin C derivative and antioxidant claimed to help brighten, tone and promote collagen production.
• Acetyl octapeptide-3 – A peptide complex composed of amino acids said to improve signs of ageing formed from repetitive facial expressions.
• Retinol – Part of the vitamin A family, retinol works by increasing cell turnover to help diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone and texture.
Ojmar introduces batteryfree electronic locker
Smart lock manufacturer Ojmar has released the OTS20 Batteryless – the first batteryfree electronic locker lock on the market. The smart lock is powered by Ojmar's patented 'Push Power' technology, which harnesses the energy created by a simple push of the nozzle.
The OTS20 Batteryless has been designed for sustainability, with every component being 100 per cent recyclable. The lack of a battery means waste is reduced significantly. This contributes to a cleaner environment and helps clubs and spas to advance their carbon footprint reduction goals.
Aitor Elorza, Ojmar sales and marketing director, said: “This signifies a revolutionary step towards
■ The patches should either be worn for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight
• Sodium hyaluronate – A form of hyaluronic acid said to help draw moisture into the epidermis and deeply hydrate, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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■ Ojmar says the batteryless lock is easy to install
sustainability and innovation in the fitness and wellness industry. This unique system not only simplifies operations but also fosters eco-friendly practices by reducing electronic waste and energy consumption.”
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■ Dr Yannis Alexandrides
Kloodos unveils futuristic Cell Stack PBM pod
Kloodos has secured the global distribution rights for a futuristic photobiomodulation (PBM) pod that also emits negative ions and has been designed to create a float-like feeling.
Based on red and near-infrared therapy, Cell Stack enables facilities to customise the light sessions – selecting from continuous or pulsed wave rates and six irradiance levels.
Kloodos, which brought the bed to market in a joint venture with a medical equipment manufacturer, says Cell Stack is especially unique because users can pinpoint the Joule (energy) dose they're exposed to.
And it's developed a series of protocols, averaging around 20 minutes, to help manage mitochondrial health, recovery, rehabilitation, circadian rhythm balancing, hormonal regulation and stress/pain relief.
The bed also emits a steady flow of negative ions which are believed to optimise air quality to “increase the body's ability to recover, switching us to an alkaline from an acidic state”.
In addition, it's ergonomically designed and rather than lying on hard perspex, it sports a speciallycreated silicone mattress to support the body.
“We can't wait to set the longevity world alight,” says Kloodos founder Julie Cichocki.
ON spa-kit.net
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Swissline creates hybrid skincare-SPF sunscreen for mature skin
Swissline has enhanced its Cell Shock Age Intelligence Collection with the NeverCreased Sunscreen SPF 50. The new product is designed to nourish and safeguard the skin from sun damage, focusing on the face, neck and décolleté.
■ Custodio d’Avo, Swissline global brand director
Tailored for mature skin, the skincare-SPF hybrid has been formulated to avoid leaving a white cast and won't settle into wrinkles, to help ensure a smooth complexion.
Custodio d’Avo, Swissline global brand director, said: “For many, using sunscreen daily is a 'no-go' due to concerns about wearing it under makeup, leaving a cast or caking. Never-Creased addresses these issues and an often overlooked one – accentuating fine lines. It provides broad-spectrum coverage without drying out the skin.”
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■ The new product is enriched with niacinamide, vitamin E and vitamin C
TECHNOLOGY YOU CAN TRUST, RESULTS YOU CAN FEEL.
WEB ADDRESS BOOK
Connect with spa organisations from around the world. We welcome your entries – write to spateam@leisuremedia.com
Asia-Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition (APSWC)
■ www.apswc.org
Association of Malaysian Spas (AMSPA)
■ www.amspa.org.my
Australian Hot and Mineral Springs Alliance
■ www.bathing.org
Australasian Wellness Association (ASWELL)
■ https://aswell.au
Bali Spa and Wellness Association
■ www.balispawellness-association.org
Brazilian Esthetics & Spas Association
■ www.abesbrasil.com.br
Bulgarian Union for Balneology and Spa Tourism (BUBSPA)
■ www.bubspa.org
Association of Spas of the Czech Republic
■ www.jedemedolazni.cz
Estonian Spa Association
■ www.estonianspas.eu
European Historic Thermal Towns Association
■ www.historicthermaltowns.eu
European Spas Association
■ www.europeanspas.eu
Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)
■ www.fht.org.uk
Federterme
■ www.federterme.it
FEMTEC (the World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy)
