Technology, wellness directors and fitness key topics at the WSWC in London

The advent of technology in spas, making wellness key to repeat business and the rise of hyperpersonalisation were some of thetopics on the agenda at the 2018 World Spa & Wellness Convention.

The event, which took place last month once again attracted hundreds of senior spa and industry professionals from around the world, with many speakers from the GCC.

Taking part in a panel on Tech Disruptors the speakers debated the way in which technology is improving the spa experience – enabling a smoother, more streamlined booking and user experience.

However, the conversation also addressed the fact that, at the same time, guests are increasingly looking for a digital detox and a break from a 24/7 connectedlifestyle from their spa experience.

A session with Neil Jacobs, chief executive of the Six Senses resort group, and Middle-East based Andrew Gibson, vice president, wellbeing luxury brands, at Accor Hotels addressed how to make
spa more affordable, with Jacobs suggesting that looking into ways to reduce the costs of building spas could hold the key to this.

Gibson and Jacobs also discussed the concept of potentially appointing wellness directors at hotels – roles that would be separate to spa directors and would overlook the entire wellbeing offering at a property
– not only the spa element.

Panel discussions included The Rebirth of Fitness in Spa.
The panel featured GCC spa guru Sharon Barcock, director, spa and fitness operations and development MEA, Hilton Worldwide; and James Blower international hospitality manager EMEA, Matrix Fitness.