Global Wellness Summit 2024 marks a watershed moment for wellness

The 18th Global Wellness Summit (GWS) was held for the first time in the UK at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in St Andrews, Scotland.

This year’s theme, ‘A watershed moment for wellness’ set the tone for some thought-provoking presentations.

These addressed climate change, how we use (and misuse) water ,and highlighted innovative projects to recycle and cleanse water for reuse.

Taking a deep dive into the topic of water, the Summit also explored the new wave of bathing, sauna, hot springs, cold immersion and wild-swimming experiences.

Welcoming over 500 international delegates from 43 countries, the event is billed as an opportunity to shape the future of the spa and wellness industries, offering unique insights from globally renowned experts.

A change in focus

The three-day event was officially opened by Global Wellness Summit founder, chair and CEO Susie Ellis along with Nancy Davis, chief creative officer and executive director. Ellis used her opening address to stell attendees: “What’s next, I believe is that we need to switch our focus on numbers and look at the impact of our global might and focus on wellness for the many as well for the few.”

The welcome featured videography from Louie Schwartzberg, film-maker and CEO of Moving Art, depicting water in every form.

Nina Kohler, strategy and design consultant, Kohler Co., welcomed guests to the host venue (which is owned by the company and features a Kohler Waters Spa). She gave an overview of the history of the Kohler brand from its humble beginnings to what is now – a leading brand in the bath and spa markets.

Keynote speaker J. Carl Ganter, founder, Circle of Blue, when talking about water as the challenge of the century said: “It’s a profound moment in history and what we do right now will define our future.”

Ganter explored the financial impact of not acting in the face of a water crisis, and offered solutions, concluding that “the only hope for water’s future is one we deliberately design.”

Highlights from the speakers

Lindsay Madden-Nadeau, senior director development – wellness strategy at Red Sea Global, chaired a panel with Sue Harmsworth, founder of the SATCC; Karen Campbell, business development director, Chiva-Som; and Mahesh Natarajan, COO, Ananda.

They explored future trends for the coming years in a discussion centered on balancing wellness and longevity with what clients want in the future, the evolution of consumer demands, and the disruptions that are reshaping the wellness and longevity industries.

Harmsworth said: “Spa is not finished. 70 per cent of what people want is massage. It is so profound. We need to look back at the origins of where we started.”

She also moderated a panel on ‘The future of integrative health, wellness, longevity and optimal living’ with industry experts Simone Gibertoni, CEO of Clinique la Prairie and Isaac Jones, DC, founder of Health Experts Alliance and the founder and CEO of Centagio.

Gibertoni said: “The challenge is to make people into longevity enthusiasts. Only through follow up can you determine what is and isn’t working.”

Unlocking value in wellness

In a talk entitled ‘The business of content: unlocking value in the wellness industry’, travel industry guru and social media star Jeremy Jauncey shared data demonstrating how brand discovery – and commerce – is shifting to social, even for Generation X. His advice to delegates? Make short-form video content and start managing your brand on social today.

During the Global Wellness Summit panel, ‘Wellness trends for 2025’, moderated by the GWS’s Beth McGroarty, Amy Eisinger of Well+Good noted: “Reflective of what we’re seeing in the world, wellness is becoming a place of extremes… biohacking on one side… and those who are really finding the joy of logging off (JOLO).” This is just one aspect of a rising analog trend in wellness, including social experiences like vinyl listening bars or the travel trends of silent walking and disconnected cabins.

The final day of the Global Wellness Summit offered many highlights including from Cathy Feliciano-Chon, managing partner at Finn Partners, who spoke about wellness travel trends with Charles Davidson from Peninsula Hot Springs, who explained the growth in hot springs.

A special mention has to go to Gundeep Anand for his inspiring presentation on his work for The Last Stand, bringing communities together to play urban football.

Water security and optimism

Other speakers who inspired the audience were Sarah Livia Brightwood, president, Rancho La Puerta, who described how her business is addressing water security through the development of a waste water healing plant, naturally resorting water quality on her property.

One of the most engaging talks was from David Stewart, founder and CEO at Ageist, who presented the scientific evidence for optimism. In a nutshell, he said that people who are optimistic are more likely to lead a long and healthy life.

Lewis Spire, founder, Curious Times also received a warm response to his talk about how youth is not always wasted on the young, offering some stark figures around social media addiction and usage.

Wellness in action

Delegates at the 18th annual Summit had the option to start the day with an ice bath experience by Kohler x Remedy Place or a walk down to the beach with Luuk Melisse and Gabriel Olszewski for a Sanctum movement class. Yoga with Ashley Kohler and wild swimming on West Sands beach were also on offer.

Thierry Malleret and Mary Anne Malleret conducted wellness walks through the local area with a focus on the redemptive power of nature.

Award winners

Shark Tank of Wellness Winner  Sofia Sanchez, founder, The Bond-Sai

Leading Woman in Wellness 2024  Amy McDonald, CEO and founder of Under A Tree, a wellness consultancy practice

Bennett Family Award for Collaboration in the Science of Wellness Wim Hof and Jemma King, PhD, Director, BioPsychAnalytics

Debra Simon Award for Furthering Mental Wellness Michael Acton Smith, founder, Calm

Leader in Sustainability Davide Bollati, Davines Group

The Global Wellness Summit 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.