BUSINESS ANALYSIS
PHOTO: LINDSAY MADDEN NADEAU
Role model New wellness businesses and propositions are cropping up daily. But what models are likely to stand the test of time? Lindsay Madden Nadeau investigates
Cocoon hosts retreats for up to 24 guests and partners with farmers for produce
Purpose-built lease spaces
©COCOON PORTUGAL
Cocoon is a successful lease-based retreat in Portugal set on 275 acres
60 spabusiness.com issue 3 2021
This no-strings-attached model is making its way into the retreat arena. Savvy investors are scooping up beautiful pastures of land and creating small, unique spaces specifically with retreats in mind. There’s much interest from the likes of yoga and meditation teachers around the globe who want to lease easily accessible facilities to run their programmes. The venue can be as simple as an existing old farmhouse in the countryside, a space for organic farming or a movement or yoga shala, accompanied by 10-12 guest rooms to host up to 20 guests. There’s a strong need for this type of offering in Europe, as most practitioners have to travel across oceans to secure a special spot like this. Cocoon, on the Atlantic coast of Portugal, is a lease-based retreat space that’s done really well. Set on 275 acres of farmland, this special nest has 10 guest rooms with bathrooms hosting up to 24 people for retreats. There’s an indoor and outdoor yoga shala and partnerships are formed with local farmers and to source produce for its plant-based menu. Plus the area hosts plenty of activities to keep retreat goers happy in their spare time. Another shining star in the purpose-built lease space is Sutra House in Switzerland. Both this and Cocoon are booked out at least one year in advance to host retreats. It’s a no brainer!
©COCOON PORTUGAL
©COCOON PORTUGAL
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teadily over the last three years, different types of wellness businesses have been showing up all over the world. Clinics are bringing together a variety of complementary medicines to support holistic treatment plans, while larger medical organisations in America and Europe predominately focus on diagnostics. In South America there’s a movement towards plant- and nature-based medicine and in Asia the focus is on using ancient traditional therapies that have been passed down through generations to support and rebalance the body. Wellness is showing up everywhere and it certainly isn’t slowing down. The models mentioned above aren’t unusual, in fact they’re fairly standard. However, the onset of COVID-19 has led to the arrival of newer hybrids that are becoming more bespoke and are quickly evolving as the definition of wellness develops. If you’re in the business of spa, it’s worth taking note of the hottest models in the marketplace which are currently in the process of creation. Perhaps they’re new competitors? Or maybe they can provide inspiration for growing your own offering.
