European Spa celebrates online launch of European Spa Platinum Resource 2024

European Spa magazine has hosted an online launch for its European Spa Platinum Resource 2024, sharing the new book with spa and wellness leaders from around the world.

The home of global spa intelligence, European Spa Platinum Resource features wellness leaders, spas, trends and brands to watch for the coming year.

Speaking at the online launch, which was hosted in association with The Spa PR Company, European Spa’s founder and editorial director, Sarah Camilleri, said: “Whether you’re a supplier or you’re a front-line operator, the spa industry is booming.

“I have been writing about and championing spas for 20 years now, and am proud to bring the industry a companion for spa business success.

“We have created the European Spa Platinum Resource to guide you throughout the year. Please keep the book on your desk and talk to the experts we’ve pulled together.”

European Spa Platinum Resource 2024

As well as insight and expert advice on key challenges and trending spa topics, the European Spa Platinum Resource features a comprehensive directory of the super brands of spa and wellness.

We interview spa icons, showcase trends and pick ten platinum spas to watch. It is the ultimate new resource for spa managers and investors in the coming year.

Two icons of the spa and wellness industry joined the European Spa team as guest speakers for the online launch.

Sue Harmsworth MBE, founder of Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC) and ESPA, talked about integrative wellness in all of its modalities.

Icons of industry

“Integrative wellness is a way spas can support public health and the lifestyle diseases that are so prevalent,” said Harmsworth. “It is the future for prevention and longevity, but let’s be clear, integrative wellness is not right for every spa. And that’s OK.

“For some spas, staying true to your intuitive and holistic roots is just as important as offering advancements in science and technology.”

Harmsworth’s closing plea to the industry was to get more therapists cancer care trained. “With one in two people being touched by cancer, we have a moral obligation to train our therapists not to be scared by it,” she said.

“Invest back into your team members”

Continuing the theme of professional development, Niamh O’Connell, group vice president wellbeing for Jumeriah Group, also urged attendees to invest in their teams.

“Giving your teams confidence through training will in turn instil confidence in the consumer,” she said. “It’s this confidence that converts them into a repeat guest.

“Customers are much more sophisticated and now come to spas with a wealth of wellness knowledge. Teams need to be up to date with what consumers have on their radar.”

The guest journey

Focusing on guest journeys, O’Connell shared advice on how to deliver immaculate customer experiences. “Avoid wellness-washing and focus on authenticity,” she advised.

“If you’re a hotel or resort, weave wellbeing through the whole guest journey, not just the spa. Wellbeing isn’t isolated to a 60-minute massage, it’s the whole stay.

“In your rooms, are there lights flashing to diminish guests’ sleep experience? Are there moments for peace and quiet, moments to engage with the surrounding community? This is all part of the practice of wellness.”

Mandarin Oriental prize draw

All launch attendees were entered into a prize draw to win overnight stay at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London and a Detox & Renew Retreat by Clinique La Prairie.

Jenny Jones, spa director at the Westin London City, was the winner.

The event finished with an interactive intention-setting session led by European Spa’s deputy editor and founder of Kalm Horizons, Mark Smith, to set intentions for 2024.

To download your FREE copy of the European Spa Platinum Resource click here.

Sign up here to receive our weekly news delivered direct to your inbox