Dior has opened its first permanent spa in the US at its renovated four-floor flagship shop, House of Dior, in New York City.
The spa is located on the top floor of the boutique on Madison Avenue and 57th Street, which has opened following years of renovation, with the redesign by architect Peter Marino.
The Dior Spa has adopted a scientific approach to skincare and wellbeing, which it calls the Science of Haute Wellness. It uses cuttingedge technologies in combination with its signature treatments.
The spa has four treatment rooms, the Dior Light Suite – which offers four different light therapy treatments – and a makeup parlour.
The Dior Light Suite offers therapies that mimic the benefits produced by the sun, to provide
the ideal daily dose of light. An LED-studded ceiling diffuses four types of light and is promoted as an enhancement to any of the spa’s 90-minute treatments.
The four options offer to meet goals for guests: happiness, recharge, recovery and rest.
Happiness is said to stimulate serotonin and dopamine. Exclusive to the New York boutique, this therapy has been developed in collaboration with Dr François Duforez, a doctor and sleep clinician and the founder of the European Sleep Centre in Paris.
Dunluce Lodge hosts first calming coastal retreat
Ashley Leckey reveals details of the first retreat
He will lead on Therme's strategic direction
■ The design of the spa in New York City is by architect Peter Marino PHOTO:
spa business people
Jeremy McCarthy announces his departure from Mandarin Oriental after 11 years
Jeremy McCarthy has announced his departure from Mandarin Oriental, where he has been group director of leisure, spa and wellness for more than 11 years. He will officially leave his position on 31 August.
McCarthy originally joined Mandarin Oriental in 2014 as group director of spa, before his role evolved to group director of spa and wellness – and then wellness across all hotel touchpoints.
He has created guestroom wellness videos and internal corporate wellness programmes as well as those for external businesses, including Mindful Meetings.
In 2023, McCarthy became group director of leisure, spa and
David's
It has been an incredible opportunity to shepherd the group's wellness strategies for more than a decade Jeremy McCarthy
wellness to focus on the group’s resort strategy, family programming and leisure experiences.
When he joined the company, it had fewer than 30 hotels in operation and 12 in development. The group has since expanded to encompass 44 hotels, 12 residences and 26 exclusive homes in 27 countries and territories with more projects under development, following the group’s strategic alliance with The Oberoi Group.
McCarthy also instigated the group's annual celebration of Global Wellness Day and the delivery of visiting practitioner programmes.
McCarthy has not yet outlined his future plans.
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David MacNaughton becomes chair of Therme Ventures, part of Therme
Group
David MacNaughton has been appointed as chair of Therme Ventures – the division within Therme Group that focuses on strategic partnerships and investments.
Robert Hanea, CEO, Therme
Group
Therme says MacNaughton will work closely with the company’s stakeholders to ensure its ventures are positioned for long-term success. He will be responsible for strengthening existing initiatives, exploring new opportunities and shaping growth strategies that align with the brand.
MacNaughton is a Canadian diplomat, political advisor, strategy consultant and president of AI software company Palantir Technologies Canada. Between 2016 and 2019 he was the Canadian ambassador to the United States.
Robert Hanea, CEO and founder of Therme Group, said: “David brings a wealth of experience and a partnership-driven approach that will strengthen Therme Ventures’ ability to deliver innovative projects and collaborations.”
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PHOTO: MANDARIN ORIENTAL
Emlyn Brown is the new head of spa and wellness at Mandarin Oriental
Emlyn Brown has joined Mandarin Oriental as group director of spa, leisure and wellness.
Earlier this month, Brown left Accor, where he was VP of wellbeing, strategy, design and development for the past seven years.
He worked across Accor’s many brands, collaborating with different departments to set out a future vision for each of them via the publication of wellness white papers and launching facilities at hotels around the world.
Prior to Accor, Brown had roles at Resense, GOCO Hospitality, Six Senses and Jumeirah Group.
At Mandarin Oriental, Brown will be involved in the company’s ongoing transformation strategy to offer hospitality experiences that achieve the brand’s full potential, according to an official announcement made by the company on Linkedin.
He replaces Jeremy McCarthy, who was with Mandarin Oriental for 11 years.
Emlyn Brown
Emlyn Brown joins Mandarin Oriental as Jeremy McCarthy announces his departure from the group
Soho House
The private members club chain secures US$2.7 billion to take the company private
SPA BUSINESS INSIGHTS
Celestial breathwork
Thermengruppe Joseph Wund reveals a second immersive multi-sensory experience created by an artists' collective using space agency data
Fairytale destination
The Spa at Dunluce Lodge's manager Ashley Leckey shares details of the upcoming coastal retreat at the brand new Northern Irish destination spa
Asia Pacific insights
Andrew Jacka, chair of the Asia Pacific Spa and Wellness Coalition, shares highlights from a regional industry roundtable
Supplier news
The latest in products and innovation from Germaine de Cappucini, Ross J Barr and Lore Group, Zenoti, Elemis and Alqvimia
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WE’RE
GROWING European Assembly is on the Horizon
spa business news
INVESTMENT
Soho House goes private for US$2.7bn
Soho House, the operator of private members’ clubs and its in-house Cowshed-branded spas, has secured funding worth US$2.7 billion (€2.3 billion, £2.0 billion) to take the company off the New York Stock Exchange, where it had been struggling.
US hotel owners MCR Hotels is leading new equity investors in Soho House, which will see new investors buy out remaining public shareholders at US$9 (€7.7, £6.7) a share, for roughly 15 per cent of the chain.
RENOVATION
Our existing and incoming shareholders have strong confidence in Soho House
Andrew Carnie, chief executive, Soho House
MCR Hotels’ chief executive Tyler Morse will be Soho House’s vice-chair and actor and investor Ashton Kutcher will join the board of directors. Apollo Global Management is providing US$700 million in finance.
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/s9P7b_B
Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo's Guerlain spa opens
Hôtel Métropole Monte‐Carlo in Monaco has revealed its renovated Spa Métropole by Guerlain as part of an extensive renovation project that saw the hotel reopen accommodation earlier this year and more rooms will be introduced later this quarter.
Ellora LX & Everest LX will soon be assembled in Europe for quicker delivery and service support. Learn more!
The redesign has been led by interiors architect Sami Itani of Itani and Courtois. The spa now features clean lines, natural tones and textures in a calming, light-filled space that offers a reflective retreat.
The spa has 10 fully refurbished treatment rooms, a sauna and a hammam. A cold bathing facility will also be installed in October.
It is set to become a premier destination spa in Monaco
Serge Ethuin, GM
The treatment menu is comprehensive, including manicures and pedicures by Bastien Gonzales, as well as other therapies inspired by the coastal location.
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/X2M5F_B
■ The spa has an MLX Quartz table by Gharieni
Royal Lahaina debuts oceanfront spa
Royal Lahaina Resort and Bungalows on the Hawaiian island of Maui, US, has launched The Spa at Royal Lahaina as part of the property’s multi-million dollar refurbishment.
The privately owned oceanfront property ranges across 27 acres of oceanfront land on Kāʻanapali Beach. The resort, which was once the preferred retreat for Hawaiian royalty, is entirely operated by hospitality management firm Highgate.
The 1,200sq ft spa has five treatment rooms plus a manicure and pedicure beauty bar. The building
PROGRAMMING
Andrea Hurst offers reflexology at Raffles London
Andrea Hurst, a reflexologist who has worked with celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, members of the British royal family and other VIPs, is now in residence at the Guerlain Spa at Raffles London at the OWO in London.
Hurst practices reflexology globally and is known for her intuitive, bespoke sessions where she rebalances the body’s internal systems by working through the feet.
Hotel guests and those visiting the spa for the day have access to a range of four exclusive tailored treatments delivered by Hurst of varying durations.
Royal Lahaina has long been a place of connection, restoration and aloha
Karen Parker, spa director
has an open-air oceanfront lanai, a Hawaiian open-sided veranda, for guests to take advantage of the healing benefits of blue mind therapy – a calming state experienced when near water.
Debbie Lowry, director of wellbeing at Raffles London told Spa Business, "The reflexology treatments position our spa as a leader in mindful rejuvenation."
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spa business insights
Celestial breathwork
Thermengruppe Josef Wund debuts its second immersive multi-sensory installation, with NASA-inspired breathwork experience
We not only want to set new standards, but commit to improving the quality of life of our guests and our community
Thermal baths and spa complex Thermen and Badewelt Sinsheim in Germany has opened an immersive cinematic experience called “Breathing Planet” to o er multi-sensory guided breathing meditation.
Thermengruppe Josef Wund, strategic partner of Therme Group, developed the new experience following the launch of a similar o ering at sister resort, Therme Eurskirchen, last year – called “Forest Bathing Lupuna”.
The addition of a second multi-sensory experience suggests the roll-out of these facilities to other thermal bathing complexes within the portfolio.
Breathing Planet
Breathing Planet, at the Sinsheim spa complex, is an immersive multisensory experience that o ers a 10-minute screening of artistic visuals, a meditative soundscape and natural scents – to provide guests with a sense of calm and guide their breathing while sitting.
The filmic experience draws on real global wind data from space agency NASA between January and February of 2020, showing
■ NASA's global wind data was used by artists to create the experience
PHOTO: THERMEN AND BADEWELT SINSHEIM
We are creating something new with innovative ideas, using technologies and media that meet people’s needs
a visual landscape that gently moves and pulsates like breath.
The projections were created in collaboration with London-based artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast.
Alex Rowse, head of business development and executive producer for Marshmallow Laser Feast told Spa Business: "We guide audiences through a ritual that highlights our connection to the natural world and encourages deep relaxation through resonant breathing – a scientifically supported technique to encourage deep relaxation and support emotional regulation. We want people to leave feeling centred, relaxed, joyful and a little bit in awe at their connection with the natural world."
Immersive Horizon
The screening takes place in a new space designed by Atelier522,
called Immersive Horizon – an enclosed cinematic room for up to six people. It is located in the bathing complex’s former Sky Lounge, in the Palm Paradise zone.
The space was designed as a retreat and sensory experience that blends art, nature, science and cutting-edge technology.
Franz Hofstetter, CIO of Thermengruppe Josef Wund said, "Breathing is at the heart of the new experience. As a natural regulator of our body, it's a powerful tool for reducing stress, but one that is often neglected in everyday life."
There are two showings of Breathing Planet per hour and Immersive Horizon is open daily, o ering 17 screenings from Sunday to Friday and 19 screenings on Saturdays. The experience is included in the price of a ticket to enter the whole facility. ●
■ Franz Hofstetter, CIO of Thermengruppe Josef Wund
■ Immersive Horizon is an enclosed space designed by Atelier 522
PHOTO:
PHOTO: THERMEN AND BADEWELT SINSHEIM
This retreat will celebrate where we are, our beautiful landscape and will have many
coastal activations
Ashley Leckey, spa manager, The Spa at Dunluce Lodge
Fairytale destination
The Spa at Dunluce Lodge's spa manager Ashley Leckey reveals details of the first retreat at the new folklore-inspired property
The Spa at Dunluce Lodge in Northern Ireland, has partnered with local retreat company Seascape Wellness Studio and Irish seaweed skincare company Seabody to launch its first retreat between 5-7 September.
The property, which opened earlier this year, is a five-star spa hotel on the Antrim coast. It has 35 suites and nine more rooms in an annexe called The Stookan, where the retreats will be held.
It debuted as the venue for the 153 Open Golf Championship and is situated alongside the fourth fairway of the Royal Portrush Golf Club.
The retreat
The lodge’s hospitality philosophy is inspired by Celtic mythology, so much
■ The Spa at Dunluce Lodge was designed by wellness consultant Jasmine Monaco. It has four treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge and steamrooms in the changing areas
PHOTO:MPMOREL
We don’t envisage enormous hoards of customers – it’s an intimate and exclusive destination spa
so that during turndown, local folklore bedtime stories are left on their pillow.
The spa’s retreats will follow this storytelling tradition, with chapters in their titles. The first is called Chapter One: Coastal Calm.
Ashley Leckey, spa manager, told Spa Business, “This retreat is the first of many. This chapter will celebrate where we are, our beautiful landscape and will have many coastal activations.”
The retreat will start with a walk to a nearby beach for an opening ceremony, where guests will receive a journal to capture their thoughts and stories.
Guests will experience sunrise yoga, open-air art therapy, nutritious meals, guided wild swims and sound bathing experiences in local caves. Contrast therapy sessions will take place on the beach using a mobile sauna and plunge pool provided by Hot Box Sauna.
Leckey continued, “We partnered with Hanno Windisch of Seascape Wellness Studio, a local holistic practitioner, to lead the retreat.”
Windisch o ers sea-based wellness experiences that blend breathwork and other complementary healing protocols such as reiki and soundbaths.
Seabody partnership
Just in time for the coastal-themed retreat, The Spa at Dunluce has become the first Northern Irish spa partner for Irish seaweed skincare company Seabody. Guests can book treatments in their free time during the programme. The brand’s seaweed is harvested on the coast that faces the Atlantic Ocean, which Dunluce Lodge overlooks.
The retreat package starts at £695 (US$944, €805) per night. ●
■ Dunluce Lodge opened in February following a first-time investment in the region by US owners, Links Collection Capital
■ There are plans to expand the spa facilities
PHOTO:MPMOREL
Defined standards and more training are needed to balance touchless innovations with human connection
Andrew Jacka, chair, Asia Pacific Spa and Wellness Coalition
Asia-Pacific insights spa business network
Andrew Jacka shares the highlights from the APSWC 2025 strategy meeting
Touchless wellness and the opportunities presented by industry growth were on the agenda at the recent Asia Pacific Spa and Wellness Coalition (APSWC) roundtable.
Representing over 1,300 spa and wellness operators and businesses, APSWC convened the annual event in Jakarta to address key industry challenges. The resulting guidance has been published in the APSWC Industry White Paper 2025 which underlines the importance of innovation, education and cross-sector collaboration in ensuring the continued growth and credibility of the spa and wellness industry across Asia Pacific. The following highlights explore ways to evolve the industry.
Touchless wellness
Labour shortages are accelerating the adoption of touchless wellness tech in Asia. From red light therapy to robot massage, these solutions offer efficiency while easing therapist demand.
During the roundtable, industry professionals recommended a phased integration of these systems, giving time to educate clients and ensure personalisation remains central to the spa and wellness experience. A hybrid high-tech/high-touch model was proposed as the ideal solution, with therapists evolving into wellness consultants. Defined standards and more training are also needed to balance innovation with human connection to ensure optimal outcomes.
Community wellness
The industry is urged to go beyond individual care and foster collective wellbeing, especially given rising mental health issues among young people. Delegates called for impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, dedicated CSR leaders, updated manager training and the prioritisation of selfcare among wellness professionals.
A shift from focusing purely on profit to including social impact in the list of priorities is
seen as essential, emphasising cultural respect, collaboration and socially responsible practices.
Wellness tourism
In Asia, standalone spas are essential players in wellness tourism, offering holistic services such as sound baths, yoga and massage – independently from and in support of hotel and resort offerings. These services contribute to preventive care and recovery, yet outdated regulations and confusion with medical tourism still pose challenges. Updated and better governance, clearer certification and the promotion of wellness-focused services (as distinct from reputation-tarnishing sex-worker facilities) are crucial, as standalone spas and day spas expand access to wellness services and support a more inclusive tourism economy.
Trends in nutrition
As the parameters of wellness expand, the role of plant-based foods in supporting physical, mental and emotional wellbeing has become
Outdated regulations and confusion with medical tourism pose challenges to growth in the day spa sector ■
a focus for spa and wellness operators, with the wellness industry having a vital role to play in promoting mindful and nutritious eating.
A plant-based diet can support holistic wellness and reduce chronic disease risks, however, highly processed, plant-based foods can be nutritionally poor, so not all plant-based diets are equal.
Barriers to the adoption of plant-based diets include the availability of suitable produce, cultural preferences, education and chef training.
Local producers are driving the plant-based movement amid a rising awareness of the benefits to both health and environmental sustainability. White paper: www.spabusiness.com/APSWC25
● The ninth APSWC roundtable and fourth APSWC industry awards will take place from 22-24 April, 2026
APSWC held its meeting in Jakarta
SUPPLIER NEWS
Suppliers tell Spa Business insider about their latest product, design and technology launches
■ The products and treatments are inspired by wellness traditions and practices from different regions around the world
Germaine de Capuccini unveils holistic spa range Sperience and traditional rituals
Skincare brand Germaine de Capuccini has introduced four new skincare lines as part of a new collection called Sperience.
The products and spa treatments are inspired by holistic wellness rituals from different regions around the world.
The ranges are Amazonian Discovery, Asian Journey, African Safari and Mediterranean Escape.
In order to create multi-faceted sensory experiences, the skincare products were created using a patented fragrance system called
Actimood. Developed by a company called Symrise, Actimood measures the neurological, psychometric and biometric responses to different scents. The use of this technology has enabled Germaine de Capuccini to create skincare with emotionally impactful aromas.
Ana Gonzálvez, global technical director at Germaine de Capuccini said: "Actimood’s neuroscientific methodology allows us to combine science with the principles of neurocosmetics and psychodermatology to integrate emotional wellbeing with visible
■ Ana Gonzálvez, global technical director, Germaine de Capuccini
skin benefits. Fragrance can evoke memories, influence mood and even increase perceived effectiveness. It’s the first impression a product makes and often the one that persists in the consumer's memory.”
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PHOTO: GERMAINE DE CAPUCCINI
PHOTO: ESTHER CORTÉS
SUPPLIER NEWS
Lore Group introduces herbal wellness patches by acupuncturist Ross J Barr
Hospitality company Lore Group has partnered with acupuncturist Ross J Barr, stocking his herbal wellness patches in guestroom minibars and at spas in its portfolio of global hotels.
As part of Lore’s strategy to deliver wellness experiences grounded in science, Barr’s natural patches
■ Acupuncturist and wellness specialist Ross J Barr
have been formulated based on his approach to blending Eastern medicine with modern living.
The patches are designed to soothe the physical and emotional stresses of travel and the collection includes specific variations called Calm, Sleep, Healing, Breathe and Period. They can be used by people aged upwards from 12.
Barr’s knowledge of in-clinic acupuncture and Five Element Therapy will now be available in guest room minibars. Staff at spas around the world will also be trained by Barr on how to use the patches during existing wellness protocols.
Barr told Spa Business, “My work is rooted in tailoring wellness to the
Zenoti adds AI-powered function HyperConnect
Cloud software provider Zenoti has launched HyperConnect, an AI-powered function that is designed to help beauty businesses interact with clients, increase customer loyalty and reduce lost revenue.
HyperConnect was developed in response to customer research conducted by Zenoti, which showed almost two-thirds of consumers think a good booking experience must feature a warm welcome with personal connection and a quick, easy check-in process.
The AI software listens and evaluates conversations with customers to capture actionable insights. It measures voice, timeline, flow and other metrics in
■ The herbal patches will enhance spa treatments at Lore Group's hotels
individual. Every guest has different needs, and the best results come from creating space for people to tune in to themselves – especially in the context of modern life and travel."
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■ The AI software listens and evaluates conversations
real-time to convert customer calls into revenuemaking opportunities. The software prompts the staff member throughout calls. These insights are instantly viewable on an easy-to-read dashboard.
Elemis has launched the new ProCollagen Toning Mist to prime the skin for the absorption of active ingredients in later skincare routine steps.
The company says using toner has become an overlooked and under-appreciated step in skincare routines and this product has been created to create more enthusiasm for the protocol.
The weightless mist is designed to be used after cleansing the skin twice, offering gentle skin exfoliation. Elemis says the mist refines pores and smooths the skin’s appearance without disrupting moisture levels.
The formula contains a marine biotech ferment, which helps support the skin’s natural barrier. Padina Pavonica, a brown fan-shaped algae, is also contained in the solution thanks to its high polysaccharide and glycosaminoglycan content, which can attract and retain moisture. Polyhydroxy acid exfoliates dead skin cells and supports skin renewal.
■ The mist is to be used after cleansing the skin twice
A 150ml bottle costs £45 (US$60, €58).
Noella Gabriel, global president and co-founder, said: “With the launch of Pro-Collagen Toning Mist, we’ve created a new era of toner to reignite the passion for this under-appreciated step."
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Alqvimia launches anniversary edition of Queen of Hungary Water
Holistic cosmetics company
Alqvimia has launched a limited edition of its body tonic called Queen of Hungary Water, to celebrate the brand’s 40th anniversary.
The solution is one of the company’s first beauty elixirs,
originally released in 1985. It has become a recognisable emblem of the brand.
The new matte black glass flask serves as a collector’s item, with gold-stamped illustrations.
The artwork represents the key steps in the art of spagyria, the process of separating, purifying and mixing active ingredients used in medicinal herbal remedies.
Drawings of the sun and moon feature on the bottle, representing the fusion of opposites and the harmony between body, soul and spirit.
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The new illustrated black glass flask serves as a collector's item
■ Drolma Lizcano, CEO of Alqvimia
■
PHOTO: ELEMIS
PHOTO:
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)
