The Phillip Island Hot Springs project, a 13-hectare geothermal bathing facility, is due to open by the end of the year on the south coast of Phillip Island in the Bass Coast Shire, Australia.
Approximately 100km from Melbourne, the project is owned by the Onsen Group, a group of health and wellness-focused investors. Hatcher Advisory is managing the development. These two firms became involved in the project in late 2024, though the project was first reported to be in development in 2019.
More than AUS$60 million (US$39 million, €36 million, £30 million) has been committed to the project. This includes AUS$5.2 million (US$3.4 million, €3.1 million, £2.6 million) from the Victorian State Government.
The investment will support expanded facilities to boost regional tourism and create jobs.
The project has been designed as a sustainable, year-round destination that celebrates the island's natural beauty and capitalises on the demand for wellness tourism.
The first stage of the development to open will be the Lagoon Bathing Precinct, which will have views of the Bass Strait. It will be the flagship offering at the facility, with what the developers are calling “Australiafirst geothermal experiences”.
■ Phillip Island Hot Springs' offer will be based around geothermal pools
spa business people
Julie Garrow reveals spa industry workplace wellness initiatives are not equal in latest study
Intelligent Spas has published the results of an industry survey that invited spa managers from around the world to share how workplace wellness initiatives are implemented in their companies.
The study, Workplace Wellness in Spas, revealed that all destination spas surveyed implemented a workplace wellness programme, compared to 50 per cent of day spas.
Sixty-seven per cent of spas in a chain business with multiple locations implemented these workplace initiatives, compared to 57 per cent of standalone spas.
Seventy-four per cent of spas located in Asia-Pacific offered these wellness programmes, compared to 47 per cent of European spas.
It's time for a new chapter
Oriele Frank
Fifty per cent of spas that don’t have a programme in place plan to create one
Julie Garrow
Eighty-six per cent of respondents stated that a main goal of their workplace wellness offerings was to boost staff retention, whereas 79 per cent aimed to increase productivity.
Julie Garrow, MD of Intelligent Spas, told Spa Business: “Insights gained will help identify best practice and common challenges, plus opportunities to enhance the wellbeing of owners and employees within the spa industry.
“It is great to see 63 per cent of survey respondents already implement these initiatives,” added Garrow. “Plus, 50 per cent of respondents who don’t currently have a workplace wellness programme in place plan to create one.”
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/H8f2z_B
changes
Oriele Frank leaves Elemis as brand confirms senior leadership
Oriele Frank has left Elemis, the company she co-founded 33 years ago with Linder Steiner, Noella Gabriel and Séan Harrington.
Frank helped the brand develop new products, branding and marketing; launched the flagship House of Elemis in London and led the brand to achieve B Corp status. She said it was “time for a new chapter,” adding that she will continue to advise brands.
According to official records, Frank’s directorship ended on
8 January. Fellow co-founder Séan Harrington’s directorship of the company ended on 15 November of last year.
A spokesperson for Elemis told Spa Business: “In November, Noella Gabriel, co-founder and global president of Elemis, was appointed CEO. She succeeds Séan Harrington, who has decided to step down from operational leadership and will serve as non-executive chair. Oriele Frank has left the company to pursue new opportunities.”
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/V8d5T_B
You only need three things in your life: laughing, sleep and death – that's all Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche
Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche leads Buddhist retreat rituals
Retreat operator Datu Wellness will host Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche, a Tibetan Lama, Buddhist master and Tibetan medicine scholar, between 3-5 April.
Rinpoche will teach healing practices from the East in this Western setting: Datu’s 17th-century palazzo in Salerno, Italy, overlooking the Amalfi Coast.
He was trained from a young age in yogic and meditative practices within the monasteries of Tibet and India. At 13, he was recognised as the eighth incarnation of the spiritual teacher and Buddhist Lama, Nyentse Tulku.
Rinpoche will teach two practices during his residency: guided Tummo Fire Breath and Dzogchen meditation.
Tummo Fire Breath is a practice designed to generate “inner fire”, boost metabolism, increase energy and cultivate mental focus. It starts with an inner heat meditation and is followed by a combination of diaphragmatic breathing and visualisation of a flame.
Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche
Buddhist master and Tibetan Lama
Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche will teach healing practices at Datu Wellness
Bacteria absorbs UV rays
Scientists have found a compound at a Thai hot spring that could be used to make natural sunscreen
Simon Casson
Simon Casson will step down from his role as CEO for Corinthia Hotels after two years in the role
SPA BUSINESS INSIGHTS
Patrick Saussay
Patrick Saussay makes sense of the longevity spa landscape and what the future of these services looks like
Born to be wild
Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Mexico has created a junglethemed spa concept for children
Cumulative wellbeing
A new urban longevity clinic has opened in Arizona, US, to offer destination spa services year-round
Supplier news
The latest in products and innovation from Lemi, Alqvimia, ENML, AG1 and Neurosonic
Sign up to Spa Business insider: Online: www. spabusiness.com/signup
Email: subs@leisuremedia.com
Tel: +44 (0)1462 471930
Annual subscriptions: International £114, UK £80 and UK students £42.
http://lei.sr/c5L9D http://lei.sr/5L8V1
@spabusinessmag
Read Spa Business and Spa Business insider free online: www.spabusiness.com/archive
spa business news
RESEARCH
Hot spring bacteria may hold the key to eco-friendly sunscreen
A new biocompatible UV-blocking compound has been discovered by scientists in Thailand, during research into cyanobacteria from the country’s hot springs.
The compound found within the cyanobacteria, often called blue-green algae, has an unusual structure, which is produced under the stressors of UV rays and salt.
The researchers are hailing the discovery as a step towards a new generation of eco-friendly sunscreens and skincare products that are safer for both people and the environment.
Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic, meaning they produce oxygen.
TRAINING
In order to survive in harsh environments, these bacteria also generate a range of chemical compounds, including mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). These MAAs are small, water-soluble molecules that absorb ultraviolet radiation and protect cells from sun damage.
The researchers found a new MAA in cyanobacteria from the Bo Khlueng hot spring in Ratchaburi Province in Thailand.
A UV-absorbing compound increased when the MAA was exposed to UV-A and UV-B light. MORE >>> http://lei.sr/C9r9K_B
Voya and Anada co-create ocean-inspired thermal ritual
We're making immersive experiences more structured for spa partners
Deborah
Carr, founder, Anada
Thermal sauna and wellness training company Anada has collaborated with Irish seaweed skincare company Voya to create two thermal ritual protocols inspired by the ocean.
The training, which is launching internationally in March, will help spa teams capitalise on the global resurgence of sauna bathing culture.
The two rituals combine Voya’s thalassotherapy heritage and Anada’s contemporary thermotherapy ceremonies.
The brands say the Voya Thermal Rituals training will be
This discovery reminds us that nature still holds many chemical surprises
Professor Hakuto Kageyama
supported by certified professional training in technical, sensory and performance skills – via Anada – to ensure consistent standards.
There is a sauna ritual called Tides of Renewal and a steam ritual called Ocean Replenish.
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/W5G3y_B
■ The bacteria was found in a Thai hot spring
■ The two rituals each last 15-17 minutes
PEOPLE
Simon Casson leaves Corinthia CEO role
Simon Casson, CEO of Corinthia Hotels, will leave his current position at his own request after two years at the helm of the company. He focused on strengthening the company’s leadership and operational structure, as well as leading strategic growth and brand development.
Casson will remain with the company in the role of senior strategic advisor to the Corinthia Group, CEO Simon Naudi and the board of directors. This change will take place in April.
ECONOMY
Italy has fourthlargest wellness economy in Europe
Italy’s wellness economy is ranked as the fourth-largest in Europe and the 10th largest globally, with a value of US$140.6 billion (€129.5 billion, £100.1 billion) according to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI).
The GWI’s country ranking report, Global Wellness Economy: Italy, reveals the country sits behind Germany, the UK and France in the 55 wellness markets measured in Europe.
Of the eleven wellness sectors analysed by the GWI, Italy ranks among the top ten global markets in ten categories. Italy's top five largest wellness sectors are
This feels like the right moment to make a conscious, mindful shift
Simon
The advisor role will see Casson continue to support Corinthia’s long-term strategic priorities and future growth plans.
Casson said he is making the change for a more balanced life.
Casson MORE >>> http://lei.sr/J4X5m_B
Susie Ellis, chair and CEO,
personal care and beauty; healthy eating, nutrition and weight loss; physical activity, wellness tourism and public health, prevention and personalised medicine.
spa business opinion
Spas now play a pivotal role in connecting scientific rigour with holistic wisdom
Patrick Saussay, founder and CEO, Global Project and Spa Advisory
Enlightened longevity
Patrick
Saussay outlines the potential evolution of longevity services for spas
Longevity has become one of the most prominent themes shaping today’s wellness industry. From international summits to nextgeneration spa concepts, it’s often presented as a new frontier, driven by scientific breakthroughs and advanced medical technologies.
Yet while the terminology may feel new in the Western world, the philosophy behind it is much older. Longevity is not merely about extending lifespan; its true ambition lies in
■ Western longevity concepts promote an analytical version of wellbeing
preserving vitality, cognitive clarity, emotional balance and overall quality of life over time.
In the West: longevity via technology
In the West, longevity is largely associated with high-tech, data-driven solutions. The rise of longevity centres illustrates this scientific and analytical vision of wellbeing.
Blood and DNA analyses, metabolic, hormonal and cognitive diagnostics allow the body to be read as a complex set of data points, guiding highly personalised corrective programmes.
At this stage, however, these centres remain very exclusive; accessible only to a 'happy few.'
The level of expertise, technological sophistication and investment required, restricts their expansion for now, even if the services could become part of a global healthcare ecosystem in the future.
Asia: longevity as a way of life
By contrast, in Asia longevity is not a programme, but a lived philosophy embedded in everyday habits. From Ayurveda to TCM, health has historically been
PATRICK SAUSSAY
understood as a dynamic balance between body, mind, nutrition, environment and lifestyle rhythms.
Here, prevention relies less on technology and more on consistency of movement, breathing, diet, emotional balance, a deep connection to nature and even spirituality.
Three emerging expressions
Drawing on all these approaches, three complementary expressions of longevity are shaping the wellness landscape.
First, exclusive technology-driven longevity centres focus on diagnostics and optimisation. Second, international wellness destinations offer immersive environments rooted in authenticity, nature and conscious living. Finally, more accessible urban spas provide spontaneous access to wellness experiences and preventive care.
Between science and the senses
Spas now play a pivotal role in connecting scientific rigour with holistic wisdom. Wellness
In Asia longevity is not a programme, but a lived philosophy embedded in everyday habits
becomes not only restorative, but also responsible. Guests arrive with concerns and expectations, entrust them to experts and wellness coaches and leave not just relaxed, but transformed, empowered with the foundations of sustainable, long-term wellbeing.
Towards an enlightened longevity
This move towards longevity highlights a shift in the way we relate to health, time and overall quality of life. For industry stakeholders, the challenge will be to move beyond the traditional divides between technology and tradition, plus exclusivity and accessibility, in order to develop hybrid, credible and human-centred approaches capable of supporting individuals not only towards longer lives, but also – above all – towards the conditions of more balanced and fulfilling ones. ●
■ At retreats in Asia, such as Ananda, guests learn a balanced attitude to wellbeing
spa business insights
Born to be wild
A new jungle-themed spa concept has launched exclusively for children at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Mexico
Grand Velas Riviera Maya in the coastal Caribbean state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, has opened its brand new Jungle Kids Spa and Salon for children aged 5-12.
The jungle theme draws inspiration from the 206-acre resort’s surrounding jungle and mangrove landscape. The concept is rooted in the philosophy that rejuvenation and relaxation can be fun – and the resort’s wise and
playful monkey mascot, called Pancho, features prominently.
The space has been designed to encourage children to play, with decor reflecting the nature outside.
The facilities include manicure and pedicure stations, shiatsu massage chairs, facial treatment areas and hair styling zones.
FarmHouse Fresh
FarmHouse Fresh is the supplier of organic and natural bath, body and
skincare products for the Jungle Kids Spa. Each child receives a FarmHouse Fresh product kit to use during their treatment and a simple guide to continue their wellness journey at home.
Children can log on to the product house’s website to discover the types of rescued animals supported by their choice of products. This is seen as an educational opportunity by Leticia Fernandez, director of SE Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Maya: “It's
■ The spa has been designed for children to relax, play and connect
a feel-good experience from start to finish, nurturing their wellbeing while fostering compassion and environmental responsibility.”
Treatments at Jungle Kids
The menu of treatment options includes:
● The Berry Good Mani and Pedi services have been adapted for different ages, with a 30-minute Sparkle treatment for younger children (costing US$105) or a
It's a feel-good experience from start to
finish
Leticia Fernandez, director, SE Spa
■ Treatments are delivered using products by organic and natural skincare brand FarmHouse Fresh
45-minute session for older children (costing US$149). These feature nail shaping, soothing scrubs, polish and decorative sticker application.
● Sweet Dreams Massage 30 minutes for US$105 or 60 minutes for US$193. This is a head, neck and back massage.
● Surely Degunked Facial 45 minutes for US$149 or 60 minutes for US$193. This is a cleansing facial.
● Hair services involve glitter and ribbons, plus cleansing products. ●
spa business insights
It’s not about a oncea-year transformation; it’s about sustainable, cumulative progress woven into everyday life
Colleen and Brett Lewis, founders, BluSonil
Cumulative wellbeing
The founders of a new urban wellness and longevity clinic aim to provide regular spa services inspired by global longevity retreats
■ The founders intend to expand, opening 15-20 new companyowned sites over the next five years
Anew urban wellness and longevity clinic called BluSonil has opened in Scottsdale, Arizona, in the US, to provide regular spa services inspired by those offered at international longevity resorts and retreats.
The founders, Colleen and Brett Lewis, explained the concept to Spa Business: “There are extraordinary destination wellness resorts, places such as Canyon Ranch, Miraval and La Prairie, where people go for one or two immersive weeks a year to reset, recalibrate and refocus on their health. Those experiences are powerful, but they’re episodic by nature.
“We saw a gap in relation to what happens during the other 50 weeks of the year and BluSonil was created
BEN MEYER
BlueSonil was created to bridge the gap between stays at destination wellness resorts and the other 50 weeks of the year
to be that bridge – bringing the intention, sophistication and clinical integrity of a destination wellness retreat into an ongoing, local, highly personalised experience,” explained Colleen Lewis. “It’s not about a once-a-year transformation; it’s about sustainable, cumulative progress woven into everyday life.”
“BluSonil was born from the belief that true transformation happens when your unique biology, lifestyle and outward vitality and radiance are treated as one, creating results that are lasting, intentional and deeply personal,” said Brett Lewis.
Facilities
Design and architecture for the Scottsdale clinic is by immersive wellbeing design studio Mendil + Meyer.
The location features four treatment rooms for hands-on therapies, such as facials by HydraFacial, a Blue Zone-inspired facial, chemical peels, micro-needling, dermaplaning and various aesthetics procedures.
Aesthetic technologies are by SkinPen, Visia for skin analysis and Sciton for skin texture and pigmentation improvement.
The longevity wellness technologies on offer include hyperbaric oxygen therapy; red light therapy; a cold laser therapy body contouring system; lymphatic drainage compression therapy; whole-body cryotherapy; sauna and body composition testing.
Services include IV drips, vitamin shots, hormone replacement therapy and peptides, as well as GLP-1s. There is a membership model, but services are also available for non-members. ●
■ The aesthetic for BluSonil blends Japanese minimalism with contemporary comfort
■ Design and architecture for BluSonil is by Anissa Mendil and Ben Meyer of Mendil + Meyer
BEN MEYER
MENDIL + MEYER
RLX BRAINGYM™
MENTAL FITNESS LOUNGER
G-Vac Libra Edge
New York City | May 12, 2026
Wellness Is Now a Real Estate Imperative
From design and development to capital and consulting, the Wellness Real Estate & Communities Symposium convenes the people influencing how wellness is built—and monetized—at scale, alongside new insights from Build Well to Live Well: GCC Case Studies. Join us May 12 in New York City.
Learn more at www.globalwellnesssummit.com or scan the QR code.
SUPPLIER NEWS
Suppliers tell Spa Business insider about their latest product, design and technology launches
■ The new chair a memory setting to move the chair to a therapist's preferred configuration
Lemi launches multi-modal Lemi X chair for wide range of treatments
Lemi has developed a new multifunctional chair called Lemi X that can be used in professional treatments ranging from body therapies, facials, aesthetics and hair removal.
The structure of the chair has been designed to accommodate load capacities of up to 250kg, with a secure base for a stable treatment experience.
The chair has four silent electric motors that enable smooth adjustments to create a wide range of positions, including horizontal, while the handset control allows
for changes to the chair’s height and tilting functions. It also has a synchronising feature, which creates a 90-degree leg inclination at the same time the back rest moves.
The armrests are adjustable and there's also a removable footrest.
The AUT function (automatic) returns the chair to its original position and another memory setting can be used to move the chair into a therapist's preferred configuration.
The Bi-Zak memory foam mattress is handcrafted, with an option for a thicker 15-cm version for deeper support for longer treatments.
Lemi’s general manager, Matteo Brusaferri, told Spa Business: “With LEMI X, our goal was to rethink the professional treatment chair as an active part of the treatment experience.”
MORE ON spa-kit.net
http://lei.sr/Y9B9F
LEMI
■ Matteo Brusaferri, GM, Lemi
LEMI
SUPPLIER NEWS
Alqvimia unveils reformulated Essentially
Masculine
men's range
Alqvimia has reformulated its men’s range, called Essentially Masculine. The Seductive Man Body Oil and Esprit de Parfum Seductive Man fragrance are designed to be used together in a wellbeing ritual, to regulate stress, create mental clarity and balance emotions.
■ Drolma Lizcano, CEO, Alqvimia
Alqvimia says these products are olfactory elixirs that allow users to reconnect with their inner masculine strength. The products now contain more concentrated active ingredients for a richer sensory experience.
The Seductive Man Body Oil is a lightweight formula with natural ingredients, such as black tea and Andean maca, to hydrate and regenerate the skin. It comes in a recyclable glass bottle with a dropper for precise application.
The Esprit de Parfum Seductive Man is a perfume combining a high concentration of pure essential oils and natural hydrolates suspended in organic alcohol. It has top notes of grapefruit, lemon and orange.
Neurosonic creates Serene vibration chair
Finnish wellbeing technology brand Neurosonic has introduced a low-frequency vibration chair called Serene, designed to provide a nervous system reset. The technology within the chair is said to activate the body’s natural “rest and recovery response,” guiding the body from states of stress to calm in a natural and safe way. The vibrations are believed to slow users’ breathing, ease muscle tension, settle the heart rate and quieten the mind. The brand says the benefits include improved sleep quality, enhanced recovery and stress reduction. The recliner is controlled via an app and can integrate with Oura and Apple Health.
■ This range is designed to reconnect users with their masculine strength
Drolma Lizcano, CEO of Alqvimia, told Spa Business: “We are seeing a growing demand from men who are not only interested in grooming, but also in holistic wellbeing.”
MORE ON spa-kit.net
http://lei.sr/2t4m8
■ The Serene recliner is controlled by an app
Juha Suoniemi, Neurosonic’s CEO, said: “After years of developing our technology across different formats, we wanted to create something that feels as calm and intuitive as the experience itself.”
MORE ON spa-kit.net
http://lei.sr/B9b7f
ALQVIMIA
ALQVIMIA
■ Juha Suoniemi
Hugh Jackman is new global ambassador for AG1 supplements
Actor and wellness entrepreneur, Hugh Jackman, has become a global ambassador for nutrition supplement company AG1, formerly known as Athletic Greens. He will front the company’s global campaign called Good Morning, Hugh, to market the use of the brand’s supplements in the mornings as part of a wellbeing ritual that 'sets the tone for the day.'
Jackman has been a strategic investor in AG1 since 2021 and has incorporated AG1’s Daily Health Drink into his diet for more than five years. The product has a blend of vitamins, probiotics, antioxidants and superfoods. It has since become a part of his routine to support his energy, gut health and immune system.
Jackman said: “I’ve been drinking AG1 for years because it’s an easy way to take care of myself. It fits into my life wherever I am and it’s become part of my morning that I don’t really have to think about.”
has been a strategic investor in AG1 since 2021
Kat Cole, CEO, AG1, said: “While there’s only one Hugh Jackman, what he values reflects what we hear from millions of AG1 drinkers around the world: when you invest in your nutrition consistently, it changes how you feel and what you’re capable of.”
MORE ON spa-kit.net
http://lei.sr/D3R3U_B
ENML releases new oral care flavours after pilot with Marriott
Sustainable oral care brand
ENML has released a series of new toothpaste flavours, beyond its signature mint, following a pilot guest amenities programme at five US-based Marriott properties. ENML produces dentist-formulated mouthwash and toothpaste tablets.
■ Jordan Harper, co-founder, ENML
They contain hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens enamel, offering an effective alternative to traditional toothpaste and mouthwash.
One tablet is designed to be used at a time, turning it into a paste as a user chews it before brushing and rinsing.
ENML recently partnered with Marriott to pilot tablets in spa retail locations and locker rooms.
The new flavours are cinnamon, limoncello, lavender and there is a new whitening mint-flavoured option.
MORE ON spa-kit.net
http://lei.sr/z5w5S
■ Five US Marriott properties offered ENML's tablets as spa retail products
■ Jackman
■ Kat Cole, CEO, AG1
Scale with yoga
Elevate your offering with a high-impact wellness solution.
WEB ADDRESS BOOK
Connect with spa organisations from around the world. We welcome your entries – write to spateam@leisuremedia.com
Asia-Pacific Spa & Wellness
Coalition (APSWC)
■ www.apswc.org
Association of Malaysian Spas (AMSPA)
■ www.amspa.org.my
Australian Hot and Mineral Springs Alliance
■ www.bathing.org
Bali Spa and Wellness Association
■ www.balispaandwellnessassociation.id
Bulgarian Union for Balneology and Spa Tourism (BUBSPA)
■ www.bubspa.org
Association of Spas of the Czech Republic
■ www.jedemedolazni.cz
Day Spa Association
■ https://dayspaassociation.com
Estonian Spa Association
■ www.estonianspas.eu
European Historic Thermal Towns Association
■ www.historicthermaltowns.eu
European Spas Association
■ www.europeanspas.eu
Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)
■ www.fht.org.uk
Federterme
■ www.federterme.it
FEMTEC (the World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy)
