Therme Group is forging ahead with its ambitious global expansion plans and has unveiled a futuristic AED2 billion (US$545 million, €526 million, £438 million) flagship in the Middle East, called Therme Dubai – Islands in the Sky.
The destination is set to open in the UAE in 2028. Designed by renowned architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Therme Dubai will be located in Zabeel Park, beside the Royal Palace in the heart of Dubai.
Blurring nature and city living, the landmark will span 500,000sq ft with a 100m-tall structure and has been designed to welcome 1.7 million visitors annually. Construction is set to start in 2026.
Transforming Dubai’s skyline and offering striking views of the city, the structure will feature botanical
gardens suspended in the air, stacked terraces and cascading bathing pools – as well as venues for cultural events and social spaces.
The project is being developed in collaboration with Dubai Municipality and was approved by the crown prince of Dubai,
his
Therme Dubai brings together Dubai’s ambition to advance its landscape and become an urban oasis with Therme Group’s leadership in wellbeing-driven infrastructure.
highness sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
spa business people
Chris Miller unveils flagship Arc communal contrast therapy club in London
Arc, London’s highly anticipated social wellness club, has debuted in Canary Wharf with a sleek 5,000sq m flagship urban bathhouse.
First teased in a Spa Business exclusive (www.spabusiness.com/ Arc), Arc blends contrast therapy, breathwork, sound healing and movement to create a space where wellness meets social connection.
The debut location features the UK’s largest sauna – spacious enough for 65 people – alongside eight two-person ice baths, an amphitheatre-style lounge and mixed changing rooms.
Following the launch, Arc has announced plans to open a second site in London's Marylebone in 2025.
“The programmes and experiences we unveil this year will reflect our belief in lasting transformation
Gopal Kumar
Arc is a place where wellness and meaningful connection go hand in hand
Chris Miller
“As traditional social spaces evolve, especially among younger generations, Arc offers something different – a place where wellness and meaningful connection go hand in hand,” says founder Chris Miller.
Miller, also CEO and founder of hospitality incubator White Rabbit Projects, was inspired to create Arc after experiencing US wellness clubs Remedy Place and Othership. Previously commercial director at Soho House Group, he witnessed firsthand how thoughtfully designed spaces can foster deep connections.
“Whether you’re looking for peak performance, stress relief or a sense of community, Arc’s experiences meet you where you are.”
Thailand’s award-winning wellness sanctuary, Kamalaya Koh Samui, is unveiling new facilities and programmes to address the growing demand for spa and wellness services focused on brain health, cognitive function and mental clarity.
As the property approaches its 20th anniversary in November, Kamalaya is preparing to launch a dedicated brain health facility – The Cognitive House – this month, followed by a Brain Enhancement retreat later this year.
“The programmes and experiences we unveil this year will reflect our belief in lasting transformation,” said Gopal Kumar, group director of wellness development.
“From pioneering therapies to personalised wellness journeys, our goal is to empower our guests not just during their stay, but for a lifetime.”
As longevity continues to be a significant wellness trend, brain optimisation has emerged as a key focus within the industry.
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/K2v3S_B
Marriot,we're committed to providing unparalleled guest experiences
Suzanne Holbrook
Suzanne Holbrook to spearhead wellness at Marriott
Marriott International is ushering in a new chapter for its wellness division with the appointment of Suzanne Holbrook as global leader of spa, fitness and wellness operations.
A respected figure in the industry, Holbrook has spent the past 13 years as senior corporate director of spa operations for Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton, overseeing 160 hotel and resort spas. She has spent more than 20 years of her career with the company and transitioned through a number of wellness leadership roles.
With more than 40 years' industry experience, Holbrook began her career as a hairstylist, running her own salon for eight years before transitioning into the broader wellness sector.
She said: “At Marriott, we're committed to providing unparalleled guest experiences. I’m honoured to join a team that prioritises guest, associate and owner satisfaction and strives for global excellence.”
Cognitive wellness
Gopal Kumar unveils Kamalaya's plans for new brain health facility and retreat
Country focus: Japan
Minor Hotels enters joint venture with Royal Holdings to establish foothold in Japan – targeting 21 hotels by 2035
Expansion plans
Maybourne to expand Surrenne portfolio with new Parisian retreat in 2027
SPA BUSINESS INSIGHTS
Working well
McKinsey report says workplace wellness is a nonnegotiable investment
Raising the bar
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab to debut in Dubai this March, emphasising wellness throughout customer journey
Supplier innovation
The latest in products and innovation from Vagaro, LaFlore Skincare, Bioline Jatò, Ground Wellbeing and Kkokdam
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ISE THE BAR
Colorado Springs
March 11–13
spa business news
JOINT VENTURES
Minor Hotels to expand into Japan
Thai-based hospitality giant Minor International (MINT), the parent company of Minor Hotels, has formed a 50/50 joint venture with Japanese hotel and restaurant operator Royal Holdings.
The new entity, Royal Minor Hotels (RMH), will launch in March and operate properties under Minor’s Anantara, Avani and Tivoli hotel brands. The JV aims to open 21 hotels by 2035.
RMH is part of Minor’s broader global expansion, which aims to add 285 hotels across multiple regions.
PROGRAMMING
Canyon Ranch tackles menopause with new retreats
US-based luxury wellness brand Canyon Ranch has launched a targeted four-day retreat designed to support women through menopause and perimenopause with expert-led health insights and treatments.
The first of four 2025 M/ Power retreats, priced at US$7,000 per person (€6,726, £5,635), will take place at Canyon Ranch's flagship Lenox resort in Massachusetts this March.
Capped at 15 participants, each retreat will be led by Canyon Ranch's team of specialists, including top physicians, nutritionists, exercise physiologists, licensed
We want to drive wellness into all of Minor’s brands
Dillip Rajakarier
Dillip Rajakarier, group CEO of MINT and CEO of Minor, has emphasised that wellness is a cornerstone of Minor’s expansion plans. “We want to drive wellness into all of Minor’s brands,” he said.
mental health therapists and spiritual wellbeing professionals.
All retreat journeys will begin with one-on-one consultations with Canyon Ranch team members to help participants address their individual needs across a range of disciplines in one place, at one time.
Attendees receive health diagnostics, biohacking access, consultations, spa treatments, and group sessions on wellness topics, fostering support and community.
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/K5K7Y_B MORE >>> http://lei.sr/7a3k6_B
GROWTH
Club Company unveils major acquisition
The Club Company, has kicked off 2025 with the acquisition of The Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club in the UK. The deal brings its portfolio to 18 properties.
The country club is set in 340 acres of countryside and has a 30-key boutique hotel, a restaurant, event space and a 36-hole golf course and driving range. It doesn't currently have a gym or spa, creating opportunities for investment and growth, although no announcement has been made about this.
GROWTH
Maybourne to take Surrenne concept to Paris
Luxury hospitality group Maybourne Hotel Group has announced plans to open The Maybourne Saint-Germain in 2027, marking its debut in Paris and second property in France.
Located in the historic SaintGermain-des-Prés district, the palace-style hotel will introduce 101 guest rooms and suites, alongside 23 branded residences – a first for the Parisian market.
Maybourne's pioneering wellness and longevity brand, Surrenne, will sit at the heart of the development. First launched in 2024 at The Emory in London, Surrenne is designed to offer a guest-centric, science-backed
Richard Calvert, Club Company CEO, says: “As the UK’s leading country club operator, we’re committed to delivering a continuous feeling of improvement and product enhancement for our members.”
>>> http://lei.sr/W2z6Z_B
and results-driven approach to wellness, with a holistic influence.
Conceptualised by industry consultant Inge Theron, the concept integrates cutting-edge health advancements with a refined, high-touch service philosophy. Maybourne has confirmed that Surrenne will be a key feature in its future developments.
The operator claims the Parisian flagship will become one of the city's largest luxury spa and health clubs.
>>> http://lei.sr/T7S8E_B
■ The Club Company is upgrading its offering
GLOBAL SPA LEADERS
Working well
A new report from McKinsey says workplace wellness is now a non-negotiable investment for employers The workplace has the potential to make a profound impact on health
Investing in employee health could create US$11.7 trillion in global economic value, according to a new report – Thriving workplaces: How employers can improve productivity and change lives – from the McKinsey Health Institute.
Produced in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and published for Davos 2025, the report says organisations that prioritise employee health and wellbeing see marked improvements in productivity, reduced absenteeism, lower healthcare costs and heightened employee engagement and retention. A healthy workforce is also more resilient and adaptable.
Research from the University of Oxford shows a direct correlation between employee wellbeing and an organisation’s financial success. A onepoint increase in employee happiness scores was shown to be associated with between US$1.39 billion and US$2.29 billion increase in annual profits.
Wellbeing factors such as worklife balance and job satisfaction are proven to be as strong an incentive as salary, especially for Gen Z and those with lower mental health scores.
Investors are also increasingly paying attention to how companies manage employee health and wellbeing. Organisations listed on benchmarks
A one-point increase in employee happiness was associated with increased profits of US$1.39 billion –US$2.29 billion
such as the S&P 500 index are now assessed on job satisfaction, happiness, stress and purpose at work, as well as the more usual financial metrics.
The issues
More than 30,000 employees worldwide were surveyed and only 57 per cent reported good holistic health (defined as mental, physical, spiritual and social).
Employees who are neurodivergent, female, LGBTQIA+, younger, less educated or with poor financial status report poorer employee health outcomes and these groups make up 80 per cent of the sample. This underscores the need for tailored interventions to address and prevent health challenges and tackle workplace factors that contribute to them. For example, improving access to treatments for menopause and endometriosis would give an annual boost of US$130 billion to the global economy by 2040.
Rather than solely addressing poor health, the report says promoting good health is also necessary and since 3.5 billion working adults spend around 45 years at work, the workplace has the potential to make a profound impact on health. As burnout increases to one in four people, not taking action will lead to a sicker, unhappier and less productive workforce.
The solution
There is no one size fits all solution and leaders must address all the varying needs of di erent groups to develop targeted interventions to enhance holistic health and reduce burnout.
E ective interventions include support from psychologists to train employees in wellbeing tools to reduce stress, wellbeing workshops, encouraging movement breaks, o ering yoga classes, wellness
days, awareness campaigns and access to meditation apps.
The report recommends conducting health checks first to get a baseline of health and wellbeing levels. Develop a long-term sustainable strategy with evidence-based interventions. Set up pilots and refine strategies to ensure the most e ective interventions are scaled. Track three to five metrics to measure success. Appoint a senior executive as a role model and embed a healthy mindset into the culture of the organisation.
This requires continuous engagement, regular evaluation and flexible interventions to meet needs. The ideal group of interventions addresses immediate needs, root causes and includes a mix of methods designed to help individuals, reshape jobs and change the organisation ● More: www.spabusinesscom/McKinsey
■ McKinsey is quantifying the value of workplace wellness
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab will feature our most significant wellbeing o ering so far
Niamh O’Connell, VP of wellbeing, Jumeirah
Raising the bar
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab will open its doors in Dubai this March, emphasising wellness throughout the customer journey
Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts is set to launch its “most significant wellbeing o ering” to date on 14 March with the unveiling of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the brand’s new ultra-luxury five-star resort.
Commanding a prime location on the Dubai peninsula, adjacent to the group’s iconic Burj Al Arab property, the destination will feature a large 3,500sq m spa spread over three floors –one of which will be dedicated to women.
The spa will be bathed in natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, while 13 treatment rooms will each open onto a private terrace with loungers, o ering panoramic views.
Wellness facilities will include a fitness studio, a hammam, a sauna, a steam bath, a barbershop and a salon, as well as five private swimming pools.
■ The new hotel is located next to Jumeirah's iconic Burj Al Arab
We don’t want to see wellbeing isolated to spas – it’s going to be part of the overarching Jumeirah experience
Open to both guests and locals, the facility will o er a range of treatments, including a selection of rituals from Irish skincare and spa brand Ground Wellbeing, following its new global partnership with Jumeirah.
“Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab will feature our most significant wellbeing o ering so far, which will be very much ingrained in all aspects of the property from spa through to F&B,” said Niamh O’Connell, Jumeirah’s VP of wellbeing, in an exclusive interview with Spa Business (www.spabusiness.com/JMAA).
Talise, Jumeirah’s in-house spa concept, currently operates in 14 of its properties along with a handful of other non-Talise facilities. While there’s a ‘golden thread’ of Middle Eastern influence that runs through the spas, they’re all adapted to their particular location and clientele.
Going forward, O’Connell and her team are looking to develop Jumeirah’s emphasis on wellness throughout its customer journey. “We don’t want to see wellbeing limited to spas – it’s going to be part of the overarching Jumeirah experience with di erent touch points throughout all hotels,” she said.
“We think the family market is hugely underserved, so we’re looking at how we create o ers that parents and children actually want. Families face enormous time pressures these days, so how do we create an environment where they can come together, switch o from social media and enjoy healthy activities?”
Women’s wellness, in particular menopause and the male equivalent ‘andropause’, will also be brought more to the fore, as well as longevity, with Jumeirah currently in ‘advanced talks’ with two potential medical providers. ●
■ The spa will be open to
■ Additional facilities will include exclusive beaches and a superyacht club
JUMEIRAH
JUMEIRAH
IN TOUCH
Sara Brenninger talks to wellness expert
Alina Hernandez about the power of real snow to create immersive touchless wellness experiences
The advent of touchless wellness experiences is enabling operators to deliver benefits without direct practitioner involvement, reshaping how people experience relaxation and making wellness services scalable, efficient and accessible. Snowrooms are part of this shift, providing cooling that can be used to deliver contrast therapy in a touchless setting. Cold therapy with snow offers a gentle, immersive cool-down option that combines the restorative effects of cold with the benefits of a biophilic experience.
TechnoAlpin snowrooms are a powerful contributor to a touchless wellness off ering
What sauna does with heat, the snowroom does with the cold
Alina Hernandez, innovation director, The Touchless Wellness Association
WHY DO WE NEED SNOW-BASED COOLING?
Touchless Wellness is about leveraging technology to provide effective treatments without touch, making services more accessible and adapted to today’s needs.
Snow-based cooling solutions, such as snowrooms, provide a way for clients to cool down after a heat experience without the need for an attendant.
They also offer a gentler, more prolonged cooling experience when compared to more intense coldwater immersion, allowing clients to connect with nature while controlling their comfort level.
As more people seek personalised experiences, snow becomes a crucial element in offering an effective and autonomous contrast therapy option.
HOW DO TOUCHLESS SOLUTIONS ADDRESS INDUSTRY CHALLENGES...?
The wellness industry faces labour shortages and a demand for technology-driven services and touchless wellness is designed to respond to these shifts by allowing facilities to offer consistent experiences without relying on practitioners.
For owners, this model can be a game-changer, it decreases operational costs, maximises revenue by providing uninterrupted service and reduces risks associated with labour shortages.
...AND
HELP THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION?
In addition to being rituals, these experiences are fun, meaningful and plain good for your health and wellness.
A strong body of scientific evidence tells us contrast therapy, thermal circuit cycles, or sauna and cool-down are beneficial to human health. This means there’s a mind-body-connection that provides multiple wins for the wellness consumer while also delivering a joyful experience filled with connection that just feels good.
HOW IS COOLING WITH SNOW DIFFERENT?
I’ve come to love the gentle cool-down that’s provided by snowrooms and would even say that what sauna does with heat, the snowroom does with the cold. This means it’s fun, it makes you feel good and provides many opportunities to be social or just go inward and be reflective.
Unlike cold water immersion (which I also like), snowroom cool-downs provide just as many benefits, but they also allow people to take their time and be fully immersive and biophilic.
HOW DOES THE USE OF SNOW ALIGN WITH THE PHILOSOPHY OF TOUCHLESS WELLNESS?
The fundamental premise of touchless is that we’re able to provide high benefits without some of the potential pitfalls in service provider-led treatments.
The experience of a snowroom becomes a self-directed journey – as with saunas, guest take themselves there.
The philosophy embodied in the work we’re doing at the Touchless Wellness Association is a direct reflection of this shift and is why its founder, Erin Lee, and myself, together with Nigel Franklyn – who is on its advisory board – are excited and convinced this new way of thinking about service delivery is one of the key emerging iterations of wellness. l More: indoor.technoalpin.com
Sara Brenninger is executive manager at TechnoAlpin Indoor
Alina Hernandez is advisory board member and innovation director of the Touchless Wellness Association, a wellness programme designer and industry thought leader
PHOTO: TECHNOALPIN/TRITONE
PHOTO: ALINA HERNANDEZ
10 – 13 APR 25 Exhibition
SUPPLIER NEWS
Suppliers tell Spa Business insider about their latest product, design and technology launches
Ground Wellbeing announces new global collaboration with Jumeirah
Luxury hospitality company
Jumeirah Group is updating its global spa offerings for 2025, introducing new facials and body treatments developed by Irish skincare and spa brand Ground Wellbeing.
Ground’s rituals will be introduced across Jumeirah’s international portfolio, initially launching in February 2025 at The Peak Fitness Club & Spa at Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London, followed by Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab –Dubai’s hotly anticipated 2025 opening – before being rolled
out more widely across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Jumeirah Carlton Tower will roll out 12 Ground treatments and be the first hotel globally to offer The Biome Facial, a 60- or 90-minute facial designed to soothe and support the skin microbiome, carefully created for sensitive skin and for those going through chemotherapy.
Speaking on the partnership, Niamh O’Connell, Jumeirah’s VP of wellbeing, commented: “At Jumeirah, we believe in the importance of harnessing natural ingredients that not only nurture the body
■ Niamh O’Connell, VP of wellbeing, Jumeirah
but also promote longevity and wellbeing. Together with Ground, we’re creating experiences that enrich the lives of our guests, to support both a balanced and healthy mind and body."
JUMIERAH
■ Jumeirah will roll out Ground’s signature rituals
SUPPLIER NEWS
Bioline Jatò showcases Retinol Skin A4 Regeneration line with all-new facial
Bioline Jatò has launched a three-piece overnight skincare collection aimed at revitalising the complexion. South Korea-based flower tea supplier Kkokdam has bolstered its offering with a duo of flower-based kombucha infused with citrus fruits.
The pro-ageing Retinol A4 Skin Regeneration line is comprised of a serum, face cream and treatment ampoules. Each product is formulated with two pure retinoids – retinol and retinaldehyde – as well as two plant-derived phytoretinols – bakuchiol and mastic resin –that mimic the effects of retinol. Bioline says these four ingredients work synergistically
Kkokdam expands floral tea collection
Sovernight to reveal younger, more radiant skin by morning.
The Retinol A4 line has been clinically tested and proven to reduce the visibility and depth of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, minimise the appearance of enlarged pores and rejuvenate the skin.
The new offering represents Bioline third generation of retinoid products. The brand has been working with retinoids since the 1990s, starting with the Superbe collection. The next evolution, the Caviar and Retinol line, launched in the early 2000s.
To promote the latest line, Bioline has developed a facial designed to visibly regenerate the skin on the face, neck and décolleté. Called
outh Korea-based flower tea supplier Kkokdam has bolstered its offering with a duo of flowerbased kombucha infused with citrus fruits.
The brand is best known for its signature line of flower tea sticks packaged in delicate glass vials.
Kkokdam offers five caffeine-free flavours –Korean mint, chrysanthemum, mugwort, Siberian chrysanthemum and bridal wreath spiraea – each with their own distinct wellbeing benefits, taste and aroma.
“Kkokdam’s premium flower tea sticks offer an immersive sensory journey that engages the nose, eyes and palate,” said global director Yejoon Kim.
According to Kim, these striking tea sticks make an ideal visual and aromatic
■ The new offering is Bioline Jatò’s third generation of retinoid products
Retinol A4 Skin Regeneration, the ritual is available as either a 50- or 60-minute experience and features the brand’s signature Skin Regeneration massage.
MORE ON spa-kit.net
http://lei.sr/7F3K3
■ Kkokdam offers five caffeine-free flavours of tea
addition to a range of spa relaxation areas and can also be white-labelled for any spa, wellness centre or hotel brand. Kkokdam also produces flower tea gift sets for retail.
MORE ON spa-kit.net
http://lei.sr/L0H0s
KKOKDAM
Yejoon Kim
LaFlore develops microbiome testing kit
LaFlore has launched a Skin Health Testing Kit that allows consumers to analyse their skin microbiome and receive personalised skincare recommendations based on real data.
“The kit offers a data-driven, individualised approach to skincare, simplifying impactful treatment planning for both professionals and clients,” says Shelby Isaacson, LaFlore’s director of marketing and brand development.
Users simply apply a test strip for 10 seconds to their forehead in the morning before cleansing, then package up their sample and post it to LaFlore’s partner lab.
They then receive a detailed Skin Health Report, which includes insights into skin age, hydration, sensitivity, firmness, sun protection and antioxidant levels.
The report also suggests skincare ingredients that are most compatible with the user’s skin and what key visible signs to monitor.
“This kit empowers individuals to understand their skin’s microbiome and enhance its resilience through tailored home care and treatments,” adds Isaacson.
“With this in-depth insight, spa professionals can develop the most effective treatment plans.”
ON spa-kit.net
http://lei.sr/z1x0u
Vagaro announces acquisition of Schedulicity
Vagaro, global spa, salon and fitness software provider, has announced its strategic acquisition of Schedulicity, a scheduling and business management software for wellness businesses.
“This move strengthens our dedication to equipping
industry service providers and business owners with simple-touse technology that empowers them to thrive,” said Fred Helou, Vagaro founder and CEO.
Vagaro will continue the support of all Schedulicity businesses while providing a customised
onboarding process for users, giving them access to additional business tools and 24/7 support.
“We're excited for the evolution of this acquisition as our primary goal is to enhance and provide the best overall experience for beauty and wellness professionals,” Helou added.
“We want to assure all incoming users of a seamless transition. We look forward to creating innovative solutions based on your feedback.”
With a Californian HQ, Vagaro’s mission is to simplify business management, credit card and payment processing.
MORE ON spa-kit.net
http://lei.sr/a2k1i
MORE
■ Users press the strip on their forehead for 10 seconds
■ Vagaro wants to "empower industry professionals to excel in a digital age"
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)
