Wellness leadership: an exclusive interview with Martijn Zengerink

Martijn Zengerink, general manager of the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh, was recently awarded Rising Star of the Year at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards.

At the age of 29, he has been recognised for his leading performance since joining the hotel. Recognising his commitment to building a culture of empowerment and career growth.

Since taking the reins in August 2023, Zengerink’s leadership has seen the hotel achieve a 26 per cent increase in net owner return. He has led a £1.2m investment in upgrades, leading to a 4.2-point gain in market share.

Zengerink’s views on wellness and team development are refreshingly dynamic. He sees One Spa as the hotel’s heart – a trailblazing asset that continues to bring the property iconic status.

We find out more about how he sees One Spa’s kudos positively contributing to his commitment to wellbeing for guests and his team alike.

How does it feel to be recognised as a Rising Star in hospitality?

“It’s an incredible honour to be recognised in such a dynamic and competitive industry.

“Hospitality is all about people. I’m fortunate to work with an exceptional team that shares my passion for creating outstanding guest experiences. This award is a testament to their hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence.”

Hospitality leadership can be stressful. How do you stay well?

“I go to a spin class twice a week and walk to work whenever I can – it’s a great way to get my steps in and clear my head. Also the 30-minute walk to the hotel helps me reset and separate work from home.”

“I do enjoy time myself in One Spa, though I’m mindful of giving our members and guests their space; they might feel uncomfortable recognising me.

“That said, it’s important to experience the facilities as a guest would. It helps me understand what works well and where we can make meaningful improvements.”

How important are spa and wellness services to the future of hospitality?

“Wellness tourism is growing, with more people prioritising self-care and seeking unique experiences to spoil themselves and their loved ones.

“More hotels are expanding or improving their spa offerings for this reason. To stay ahead in this rapidly evolving market, it’s important to continuously review and refine our wellness experiences.

“We are a strong believers in delivering a personalised experience. We want to be able to tailor each guests’ stay to their needs – One Spa is crucial in this.”

How important is One Spa to the overall guest experience?

“One Spa is a key differentiator for us, a unique wellness experience that drives bedroom revenue. Our vision is to position the Sheraton as an urban retreat, integrating a 360-degree wellness experience that connects our signature beds, exclusive F&B offerings and One Spa.”

“One Spa also helps us to remain an icon in Edinburgh’s five-star hospitality scene. In addition, the city is highly seasonal – so One Spa helps us attract leisure guests during quieter months.

“We’re also seeing a growing trend of business travellers choosing more leisure-oriented hotels, as they value the opportunity to unwind.”

What investment will you be making into spa and wellness strategy?

“We’re actively working to refresh and uplift the facilities. We’re also exploring the relaunch of our salon services, Now at One Spa, and incorporating the latest wellness-tech to enhance the post-treatment experience.

“We work closely with ESPA to ensure we stay on top of the latest trends in treatments and have a balanced offering that meets guests’ expectations.”

How do you invest in your team’s wellbeing?

“We prioritise associate wellbeing and with my leadership team we’ve launched the mantra: ‘Happy Guests, Proud Associates, Thriving Business.’ We believe that, when we look after our associates, they will look after our guests.

“Benefits include dental care, mental health sessions and Tea & Talks to support the team personally and professionally.

“I also host a monthly Associate Relations Committee meeting, where team members from all departments can share ideas to enhance wellbeing.”

Do you see the development of wellbeing throughout the hotel as a key driver?

“Yes, especially during leisure-dominated months. We’re exploring ways to better integrate the One Spa experience into guest rooms, from spa-inspired amenities and signature scents to dedicated fitness classes and personalised one-on-one sessions.

“Guest satisfaction remains our key success metric, ensuring our wellness offerings truly enhance the overall stay.”

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