ARTICLE INTRODUCTION
Guncast’s Sales Director Robert Pearce, and KLAFS Director in the UK Gilles Darmon and Thorsten Bichler, Director of International Sales KLAFS representing the KLAFS Group, were delighted to attend the European Spa Leadership Event. A day defined by powerful insights, thoughtful discussion and a compelling look at what’s next for spa and wellness. More than 240 guests attended from around the world to connect with purpose and enjoy an event conference programme featuring some of the sector’s leading lights.
Attendees included spa leaders and operators, consultants and designers, as well as key representatives of the super brands of the spa industry.
Hosted at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London, the event brought together leaders from across global spa and hospitality to explore the future of longevity, design, leadership and guest experience.
Key themes shaping the future of wellness
- Heart stress versus head stress- escapism of head stress- never ending to do lists and heart stress from family life to health worries.
- Longevity and burnout- Tracking the need for longevity and can the industry offer it.
- Redefining high performance- making people feel better, live better and perform better.
The evolving value of spa & wellness
Speakers highlighted how wellness continues to anchor the guest experience in luxury hospitality—transitioning from an amenity to an essential contributor to wellbeing, connection and long‑term guest loyalty. Look outside of the industry to see what’s happening within the bigger picture of wellness. Redefining high performance- making people feel better, live better and perform better.
Wellness‑led design in luxury spaces
A deep dive into how intentional design influences behaviour, elevates the guest journey and creates spaces that support both relaxation and transformation.
Longevity & cognitive wellbeing
Two standout sessions delved into the science of healthy ageing, a theme set to influence the next decade of spa and wellness innovation.
Longevity and burnout: This discussion explored the rising demand for longevity-focused wellness and questioned whether the industry is truly equipped to deliver it. The session highlighted the growing tension between “head stress”, the mental overload of constant to‑do lists and digital noise, and “heart stress”, the emotional weight of family pressures, health concerns and personal responsibilities.
By understanding how these two types of stress affect long‑term wellbeing, the industry can better shape programmes that support both resilience and sustainable healthy ageing.
Leadership for a changing wellness industry
From culture to communication, conversations centred on how to guide high‑performing teams through constant evolution with clarity, confidence and care.
For Gilles, Robert and Thorsten, the event was a fantastic opportunity to listen to some of the most respected voices in the industry and connect with peers equally passionate about elevating wellness experiences.
Thank you to European Spa magazine for bringing the community together for such an energising and meaningful event. The future of spa and wellness continues to inspire, and we’re excited to be part of its evolution.
