We were thrilled to be the only PR agency invited to the launch of the 2026 Leader’s Resource guide from European Spa magazine.
Held at the stunning Jumeirah Carlton Towers Hotel, over 250 spa professionals came together for an afternoon and evening of networking and inspiring talks.
Here are some key takeaways from the speakers:
Emlyn Brown, Group Director of Spa, Leisure and Wellness at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group – Spa and Wellness Design
Emlyn explored the emerging new consumer and encouraged looking beyond the traditional spa industry for wellness inspiration, including biohacking, boutique fitness, bathing, and big-box experiences.
Key points:
• Consider membership-driven models and understand who your customer is now, and who they will be in the future.
• Guests are moving from simple amenities to thematic, energy-aware guest journeys, create lingering spaces where people want to spend time.
• Release outdated or unprofitable offerings, but recognise when expert input is essential.
• Build community through club culture, blending neighbourhood hotspots with local and visiting guests.
• Always choose a reliable thermal MEP specialist, as so much can go wrong without one.
Aki Mandhar, CEO & President, Chelsea FC Women
Aki highlighted how female football fans differ from male fans:
• They want closer connections to players, replicate team rituals, and are willing to spend more.
• Sports have a strong influence on women’s health and confidence, which makes wellness initiatives particularly resonant.
Alice Lightfoot, Director of Spa & Fitness, Jumeirah Carlton Towers
Alice discussed the challenges of balancing guest expectations with loyalty:
• Guests are increasingly sophisticated, but long-standing members may resist change.
• In London’s competitive spa market, it’s not always about having the newest facilities, it’s about creating a warm, personalised guest experience.
• Changes to the non-dom tax affected membership, prompting adjustments to their model:
• UK members now have expanded access to facilities, family inclusion, social events, and meetings, bringing more value directly to them.
Oliver Patrick, Physiologist & Wellbeing Consultant – Unpicking Longevity
• Oliver advised caution: longevity cannot be guaranteed, and it is not necessarily an experiential outcome.
Peigin Crowley, Irish Spa Association & Founder, Ground Wellbeing
• Peigin spoke on burnout and emphasised the importance of listening to our vagus nerve for better wellbeing.
Adam Mogelonsky, Partner, Hotel Mogul Consulting – Cognitive Longevity
• Adam introduced the concept of “joyspan” and Vitamin G: Joyspan: prioritising experiences that increase happiness and wellbeing. Vitamin G: the importance of being generous, giving is key to long-term wellbeing.
The event was a fantastic reminder of how spa, wellness, and hospitality are evolving, with innovation, empathy, and community at the heart of the experience.