Reclaiming joyful wellness with Auberge Collection

Late last year, Auberge Collection introduced its new approach to wellness – The Joy of Wellbeing – which centres around reclaiming the presence, vitality and soul that make us human.

The brand, which is set to debut in London later this year, rolled out the new wellness concept, which focuses on four guiding principles – awe, connect, excel and nurture – to all of its hotels.

The concept is about creating space for people to connect deeply and rediscover the simple wonders of life, well beyond their stay.

“Joy fuels our best days and creates the emotional texture that gives life meaning,” says Christian Clerc, president and CEO, Auberge Collection. “It’s what drives connection, vitality and presence, and shapes every experience from the way guests move, rest and connect, to how they eat and play.”

Here European Spa speaks exclusively to Auberge’s vice president of wellbeing, Vivianne Garcia-Tunon, about the brand’s redefinition of wellness.

Why was The Joy of Wellbeing concept introduced?

“We introduced The Joy of Wellbeing after spending nearly two years studying the evolving wellness landscape.

“We recognised a clear shift in what guests are truly seeking when they travel – wellbeing that feels deeply personal, uplifting and rooted in the way they want to feel, not just what they want to do.

“Traditional wellness offerings had become checklist-oriented or overly prescriptive. We saw an opportunity to reframe wellbeing around a universal, science-backed concept.

“Joy is not only emotionally resonant but has a proven connection to longevity, healthspan and human health. Rather than add to the stressful to-do list of wellness tasks, we want wellbeing to feel accessible, intuitive and achievable from the moment a guest arrives.”

Tell us about the four core pillars…

“The philosophies grounding The Joy of Wellbeing are awe, connect, excel and nurture, which together express different facets of living well.

“Awe reconnects people with beauty and wonder; connect fosters meaningful relationships; excel celebrates vitality and strength, not just fitness for its own sake and nurture emphasises care for both body and mind.

“Each principle is rooted in both scientific insights about wellbeing and the human desire to feel present, connected and energised. To live well and longer, we need to understand human connection, vitality and potential.”

What led you to introduce this new approach to wellness?

“We saw that joy triggers feel-good neurochemicals, lowers stress hormones and strengthens resilience.

“Just as importantly, joy is the emotion people remember. Wellness delivered through joyful moments creates an emotional texture to travel that guests deeply value.

“In hospitality, where memory and emotion are core to experience, joy becomes the connective tissue that makes wellbeing not only impactful but unforgettable.”

Tell us about your work with Gabby Bernstein and Amanda Kloots

“Collaborations are vital because they bring both authenticity and expertise to deeply enhance the guest experience. Gabby’s work adds a powerful emotional dimension through guided reflections, rituals and meditations, which help guests shift from stress to presence.

“Amanda’s high-energy movement programmes bring joy into physical wellbeing in ways that feel accessible and empowering.

“These partnerships extend our framework beyond static offerings. That intersection of expertise and lived experience elevates our wellbeing offering and makes it more impactful.”

What can you tell us about the planned spa at Cambridge House?

“London’s Cambridge House will be located in the former Grade II-listed In and Out Club on Piccadilly. The Joy of Wellbeing will come to life via immersive sensory rooms that use sight, sound, scent and a unique bath house concept for presence and joy.

“In addition to world-class bodywork and fitness programmes, this offering complements Cambridge House’s unique city setting, providing an oasis for encounters and sensory renewal right in the heart of London.

“Our pipeline for 2026 and beyond reflects The Joy of Wellbeing philosophy in diverse, destination-specific ways. In Florida, we’re emphasising Pilates, strength training and social thermal bathing as key pillars of wellness.

“In Puerto Rico, my home, the focus will be nature-immersive, active experiences rooted in the island’s vibrant culture. Our Dallas destination will feature one of the most extensive skin-health offerings in hospitality.”

Auberge Collection currently has four properties in Europe: Domaine des Etangs in Massignac, France; Grace Hotel in Santorini, Greece; Collegio alla Querce in Florence, Italy and The Woodward in Geneva, Switzerland.

It’s pipeline of openings includes The Knox Hotel in Dallas, Texas in 2026 and Shell Bay Club and Resort plus Shore Club, Miami Beach, both opening in Florida in 2027. Moncayo in Puerto Rico is scheduled to open in 2027.

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