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  • State of the Wellness Industry in China: Lessons from Market Leaders

    State of the Wellness Industry in China: Lessons from Market Leaders
    2026/09/23
    What does it really take to succeed in China’s rapidly evolving spa, wellness, beauty, and fitness market? Recorded at the Spa China Summit, this episode of the StarrCast Podcast takes Lisa Starr directly into the market for conversations with four industry professionals who bring distinctly different perspectives on China’s wellness economy. Together, they explore changing consumer expectations, localization, technology, equipment innovation, fitness growth, and the importance of understanding China as a complex collection of regional markets rather than one uniform consumer landscape. What You’ll Learn Why Chinese beauty and wellness consumers are increasingly balancing efficacy, quality, and value for money, and where premium opportunities remain. Why international wellness brands need to localize their strategies rather than simply bring a successful Western business model into China. How relationships, trust, local partners, after-sales support, and cultural understanding can influence success in the Chinese market. How Chinese spa consumers and operators are embracing new technology, AI, robotics, wellness concepts, and equipment innovation. Why commercial fitness is gaining momentum and why more Chinese hotel brands are incorporating fitness facilities into their guest experience. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Yuwan Hu on China’s changing beauty, lifestyle, and wellness consumer 07:08 – How efficacy, price, and perceived value are influencing purchasing decisions 11:58 – How wellness opportunities differ across China’s tier-one, tier-two, and tier-three cities 18:41 – Why international brands need localization and cultural understanding to succeed in China 25:18 – Luca Gualdrini on bringing icoone® into the Chinese market and learning to operate differently 36:15 – Benjamin Jiang on China’s evolving spa equipment market, technology, innovation, and wellness experiences 52:14 – David Chioe on the resurgence of commercial fitness and growing hotel fitness demand in China Meet the Guests Yuwan Hu, principal of HY Nexus, brings a market research and brand strategy perspective to the conversation, with a focus on consumer insights, beauty, lifestyle, and wellness. Luca Gualdrini, co-founder and general manager of i-Tech Industries, shares lessons from bringing icoone® technology into China and building the local relationships and infrastructure needed to support the market. Benjamin Jiang, Sales Director for Asia Pacific and China for Intentional Wellness Brands, offers a perspective shaped by 16 years working at the intersection of global wellness equipment, manufacturing, hospitality, and the Chinese market. David Chioe, Regional Director of Sales for the hospitality channel in Asia Pacific for Matrix Fitness, discusses the growing Chinese commercial fitness market and increasing demand for fitness facilities within local hotel brands. Closing Insight One theme runs through all four conversations: China rewards businesses that are willing to understand the market on its own terms. Consumer expectations are changing quickly, technology is reshaping the wellness experience, and opportunities extend well beyond China’s best-known cities. But succeeding in this enormous market requires more than scale. It requires cultural awareness, strong local relationships, meaningful differentiation, and a willingness to keep learning. Join Lisa Starr for this on-the-ground look at the opportunities, challenges, and changing face of spa, wellness, beauty, and fitness in China. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/ Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with Yuwan Hu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuwan-hu/ Connect with HY Nexus: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hy-nexus-linkedin/home/ Connect with Luca Gualdrini: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-gualdrini-57248a4b/ Connect with i-Tech Industries: https://i-techindustries.com/en/ Connect with Benjamin Jiang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-jiang-a3a44985/ Connect with David Chioe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chioe-547569b/ Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube: https://wynnebusiness.com/starrcast-podcast/ Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynnebusiness/
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    1 時間 6 分
  • Leveraging Massage Into a Wellness Future

    Leveraging Massage Into a Wellness Future
    2026/09/16
    How does a massage therapist evolve from practitioner to business owner, build a thriving team, and then expand beyond a labor-dependent business model? In this episode of StarrCast Podcast, host Lisa Starr talks with Kelly Hander, owner of Be Well Body Works in Longmont, Colorado, about her 25-plus-year journey in massage therapy and the lessons she learned while becoming an employer, leader, and wellness business owner. Kelly shares how she built a financially healthy business, created a culture that supports therapist career longevity, and recently expanded Be Well with private contrast therapy rooms and red light therapy. What You’ll Learn Why being a talented practitioner does not automatically prepare you to run a successful wellness business How financial health can support better jobs, training, equipment, and client care Why workload, compensation, culture, and career longevity matter when attracting and retaining massage therapists How Kelly created consistency without asking every therapist to deliver an identical massage Why Be Well added contrast therapy and red light therapy as a way to expand services and create growth that does not require therapists to physically do more How memberships can encourage clients to use wellness services consistently and support recurring revenue Episode Highlights 03:27 – How clinical massage shaped Kelly’s approach to therapeutic care08:49 – The transition from skilled practitioner to business owner11:38 – Why a financially healthy business supports better care13:42 – Creating a workplace where massage therapists can build lasting careers18:28 – Building consistent guest service without creating cookie-cutter treatments24:36 – Recognizing when the original business had reached its growth limits25:04 – Adding contrast therapy and red light therapy to the business model33:45 – Growing revenue without asking therapists to physically do more40:38 – How to evaluate new wellness equipment and modalities before investing47:06 – Evolving from a massage studio into a place designed to help people feel better Meet the Guest Kelly Hander is the owner of Be Well Body Works in Longmont, Colorado. With more than 25 years in massage therapy, Kelly began her career with extensive therapeutic and clinical training before building Be Well into a team-based wellness business. Her newly expanded facility combines six massage rooms with five private contrast therapy rooms and a red light therapy bed. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Kelly discusses therapist mentoring and ongoing training, management structure, massage and contrast therapy memberships, private sauna and cold plunge experiences, red light therapy, and the importance of researching new modalities based on client needs, business culture, and long-term goals. Closing Insight Kelly’s story is a reminder that sustainable growth in a spa or wellness business requires a willingness to keep learning, adapt the business model, invest in the team, and stay focused on the experience you want to create for clients. As Kelly puts it, “If you’re willing to keep going, the door will keep opening.” Subscribe to StarrCast Podcast for more conversations with spa and wellness professionals about leadership, operations, guest experience, team development, and building stronger wellness businesses. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/ Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with Kelly Hander: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-hander-36b7a55/ Connect with Be Well Bodyworks: https://bewellbody.com Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube: https://wynnebusiness.com/starrcast-podcast/ Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynnebusiness/
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    49 分
  • Hot Water: Managing Risk in Spas, Bathhouses & Thermal Wellness Facilities

    Hot Water: Managing Risk in Spas, Bathhouses & Thermal Wellness Facilities
    2026/09/09
    What should spa and wellness operators know before opening a bathhouse or adding sauna and cold plunge experiences? As thermal bathing and contrast therapy continue to grow, Lisa Starr speaks with MacKenzie Boling of Longevity Law and Adam Wilkins of NFP, an Aon company, about the legal, operational, and insurance risks that can affect guest safety and long-term business viability. Their conversation offers practical guidance for owners who want to build a durable business, protect their guests, and understand the responsibilities that come with these increasingly popular wellness experiences. What You’ll Learn Why regulatory classification, permitting, and water-vessel requirements should be addressed before construction or opening. How to evaluate insurance coverage beyond general liability, including professional liability and potential waterborne illness exposures. Why marketing claims, waivers, informed consent, and staff training need to support the experience being offered. How guest education and proactive supervision can help reduce risks associated with heat, cold, and social pressure. What to review before adding new modalities to an existing spa, and how to identify gaps in your current risk management approach. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Why the growth of bathhouses is raising new questions for spa and wellness operators 07:47 – The regulatory and paperwork risks that can threaten business durability 10:02 – Insurance exposures beyond slips and falls 18:44 – How marketing promises can influence an operator’s duty to guests 29:14 – Why waivers need to be supported by informed consent and intake 36:13 – What to do before adding a sauna or cold plunge to an existing spa 43:48 – How additional modalities can complicate insurance procurement 46:31 – Two practical risk management actions operators can take tomorrow Meet the Guests MacKenzie Boling, Esq. is the founder of Longevity Law, where she conducts risk reviews for bathhouses, saunas, thermal bathing programs, and pre-opening projects. Her background includes criminal defense law, massage therapy, and sauna master training. Adam Wilkins is a property and casualty insurance broker with NFP, an Aon company. He works with businesses in alternative wellness and medicine, including hot and cold exposure, helping operators understand and insure their business risks. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned The conversation explores MacKenzie’s risk architecture approach, including operational compliance, staff training, the guest journey, and alignment between marketing and practice. It also introduces her work on a nationwide water-classification database and the need for defensible sauna standards. Closing Insight A safe and successful bathhouse begins with informed decisions, clear operating standards, and an understanding of the risks your business is taking. Whether you are opening a new facility or expanding an existing spa, this conversation will help you approach growth with your eyes wide open. Subscribe to StarrCast Podcast for more conversations about the business of spa and wellness. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/ Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with MacKenzie Boling, Esq: https://www.linkedin.com/in/longevitylawllc/ Connect with Longevity Law: https://longevitylaw.law/about Connect with Adam Wilkins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-wilkins-insurance-broker-and-mental-health-advocate/ Connect with NFP an Aon Company: https://www.nfp.com Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube: https://wynnebusiness.com/starrcast-podcast/ Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynnebusiness/
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    57 分
  • From Banker to Hot Springs Visionary: David Dronet Doubles Down on Wellness Real Estate

    From Banker to Hot Springs Visionary: David Dronet Doubles Down on Wellness Real Estate
    2026/06/24
    What does it take to transform a historic hot springs property into a thriving wellness destination? In this episode of StarrCast, Lisa Starr sits down with David Dronet, Founder and CEO of Olympus Real Estate Group, to explore the intersection of wellness real estate, thermal wellness, hospitality, and destination development. David shares his remarkable journey from banking and real estate development into senior living and ultimately the restoration and expansion of two of the most significant hot springs resorts in the United States: The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and Murrieta Hot Springs Resort in California. Together, they discuss what investors look for in wellness properties, why thermal bathing is gaining momentum, and how hot springs, hydrotherapy, and evidence-based wellness experiences are reshaping the future of hospitality. What You'll Learn • How David transitioned from banking and real estate development into wellness hospitality • What makes a wellness real estate project financially viable and operationally successful • Why thermal wellness, hydrotherapy, and hot springs are experiencing renewed consumer demand • The challenges and opportunities of developing geothermal wellness destinations • How guest insights, wellness programming, and operational excellence drive long-term success Episode Highlights 03:02 – Why David left traditional banking to pursue entrepreneurship06:09 – How a personal family experience led him into senior living development10:11 – The unexpected path that led to acquiring The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs18:03 – Recognizing unmet demand and expanding a wellness destination23:40 – The role of geothermal pools, contrast therapy, and hydrotherapy experiences27:05 – Bringing evidence-based wellness into thermal bathing experiences30:44 – Reviving Murrieta Hot Springs and restoring a historic health resort37:01 – The complexities of geothermal resources and thermal wellness development Meet the Guest David Dronet is the Founder and CEO of Olympus Real Estate Group. With a background in banking, real estate development, senior housing, and hospitality, he has become a leading voice in wellness real estate and thermal wellness destination development. Under his leadership, The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs and Murrieta Hot Springs Resort have become two of the most prominent hot springs and hydrotherapy destinations in the United States. Tools, Frameworks, and Strategies Mentioned • Thermal Wellness • Hydrotherapy • Contrast Therapy • Geothermal Resource Management • Wellness Destination Development • Guest-Centered Hospitality Design • Evidence-Based Wellness Programming • Wellness Real Estate Investment Strategy Closing Insight As wellness continues to move from a luxury amenity to a lifestyle priority, destinations built around natural healing resources, authentic experiences, and evidence-based wellness practices are positioned for long-term growth. If you're interested in the future of wellness real estate, thermal bathing, hospitality innovation, and destination wellness, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Subscribe to StarrCast for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of spa, wellness, hospitality, and healthy living. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/ Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with David Dronet: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddronet/ Connect with The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs: https://www.pagosahotsprings.com/ Connect with Murrieta Hot Springs Resort: https://www.murrieta-hotsprings.com/ Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube: https://wynnebusiness.com/starrcast-podcast/ Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynnebusiness/
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    55 分
  • Live from W3 Portugal; EMEA Spa Leaders Discuss Regional Business Outlook

    Live from W3 Portugal; EMEA Spa Leaders Discuss Regional Business Outlook
    2026/06/17
    What happens when some of the world's leading spa and wellness executives gather to discuss the future of the industry? Recorded live at the W3Spa EMEA event in Portugal, Lisa Starr sits down with hospitality and wellness leaders Sharon Barcock, Louise Moore, Egle Ruksenaite, and Kerry Turpin to explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping spa, wellness, longevity, and hospitality across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. From the rise of longevity-focused guest experiences and wellness-driven hotel design to the growing importance of natural resources, accessibility, and inclusive wellness, this conversation offers a fascinating look at where the industry is headed next. What You’ll Learn • Why longevity has become one of the most important conversations in hospitality and wellness • How leading hotel brands are integrating sleep, movement, nutrition, and mindfulness into the guest journey • The role technology should play in spa and wellness experiences • Why education and staff training remain critical to successful wellness innovation • How natural resources such as thermal waters, climate therapy, and local healing traditions are shaping future wellness destinations • Why the future of wellness may depend on making experiences more accessible to broader populations Episode Highlights 03:35 – Why longevity is becoming a defining trend in hospitality wellness05:15 – Hilton's approach to meeting guests where they are on their wellness journey07:30 – Wellness technology: What's worth investing in and what may be a passing trend?10:25 – The ongoing challenge of training and educating wellness teams15:45 – How geopolitical events are impacting tourism and hospitality across the Middle East20:00 – Why today's travelers are seeking wellness, culture, and meaningful experiences24:00 – Egle Ruksenaite's vision for wellness development beyond luxury29:00 – Designing wellness destinations that serve people of all abilities31:00 – Building one of Northern Europe's largest thermal wellness destinations38:45 – Why the future of wellness is about creating healthier ways of living Meet the Guests Sharon Barcock is Director of Spa Operations for Hilton across the Middle East and Africa, overseeing a rapidly growing portfolio of luxury wellness destinations throughout the region. Louise Moore is Director of Spa Development and Operations for Hilton across Europe and brings extensive expertise in hospitality wellness, guest experience, and spa strategy. Egle Ruksenaite is Founder of E77 and one of Europe's most respected wellness consultants, known for developing innovative spa, medical wellness, thermal, and hospitality projects throughout Europe and beyond. Kerry Turpin is Global Head of Spa and Wellness for Corinthia Hotels, where she leads wellness strategy across a growing luxury hotel portfolio. In this conversation, she shares how Corinthia is integrating movement, mindfulness, recovery, and nourishment into the guest experience. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned • Longevity and healthy aging • Wellness hospitality trends • Spa development and operations • Wellness tourism • Guest experience design • Natural healing traditions • Thermal wellness destinations • Accessibility and inclusive wellness • Hospitality leadership • Future wellness concepts Closing Insight "The future of wellness isn't just about building more luxury spaces. It's about creating healthier ways of living that are accessible, meaningful, and connected to the needs of real people." If you enjoyed this episode of StarrCast, subscribe and follow for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of spa, wellness, hospitality, and longevity. Subscribe to StarrCast for more conversations with the innovators, operators, and thought leaders shaping the future of spa, wellness, hospitality, and longevity. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/ Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with We Work Well: https://weworkwellevents.com/ Connect with Sharon Barcock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-barcock-7379704/ Connect with Louise Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-moore-205ab46/ Connect with Egle Ruksenaite: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruksenaite-egle-00593174/ Connect with Kerry Turpin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-turpin-35572a180/ Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube: https://wynnebusiness.com/starrcast-podcast/ Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynnebusiness/
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    1 時間 2 分
  • The Rise of Sauna Culture and America's Aufguss Movement

    The Rise of Sauna Culture and America's Aufguss Movement
    2026/06/03
    What happens when ancient sauna traditions meet modern wellness culture, theatrical storytelling, and world-class competition? In this special on-location episode of StarrCast, Lisa Starr travels to New York City for the Aufguss USA Championships to explore one of the fastest-growing movements in wellness. Through conversations with industry leaders, international judges, competitors, and bathhouse operators, this episode uncovers how sauna culture is evolving into a powerful force for wellbeing, connection, recovery, and community. What You’ll Learn What Aufguss is and why it has become a global wellness phenomenon How sauna rituals combine heat, aromatherapy, storytelling, and sensory immersion Why contrast therapy is gaining momentum across the United States How the communal sauna experience supports emotional wellbeing and social connection What the future holds for sauna culture, bathhouses, and wellness destinations in North America Episode Highlights 01:23 – Cassandra Cavanah explains what Aufguss USA is and how the organization supports sauna culture across America 05:36 – The emotional, therapeutic, and communal benefits driving sauna's popularity 08:17 – Why developers, operators, and wellness brands are investing in large-scale sauna experiences 15:20 – Deborah Carr shares how the British Sauna Society helped grow sauna culture throughout the UK 20:35 – How post-pandemic wellness trends accelerated public interest in sauna and cold-water therapy 27:50 – Competitor Tovi Wayne discusses his journey from professional dance to championship-level sauna mastery 37:04 – Former NFL player Mitch Mathews explains the business model behind FlowHaus and the future of social wellness 45:14 – The opportunities and challenges of financing and scaling bathhouse concepts 47:35 – World-class sauna master Alonzo Solorzano shares how Aufguss evolved from a side job into a career and artistic pursuit 59:24 – The future of Bathhouse expansion, sauna training, and competitive Aufguss in North America Meet the Guests Cassandra Cavanah is President of Aufguss USA and a longtime advocate for hydrothermal wellness experiences through her work with the Global Wellness Institute's Hydrothermal Initiative. Deborah Carr is President of the British Sauna Society, sauna educator, juror, and industry leader helping establish sauna standards and professional pathways throughout the United Kingdom. Tovi Wayne is a Bathhouse sauna master and competitor whose background in dance and performance informs his immersive and emotionally engaging Aufguss experiences. Mitch Mathews is a former NFL wide receiver and Founder of FlowHaus, a growing wellness concept focused on guided sauna, contrast therapy, and community wellbeing. Alonzo Solorzano is Director of Aufguss at Bathhouse, the 2024 U.S. Solo Champion, and one of the leading figures advancing competitive sauna culture in the United States. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Aufguss Rituals Show Aufguss Competition Modern Classic Cup Contrast Therapy Hydrothermal Wellness Sauna Master Training Community Wellness Experiences Guided Sauna Programming Cold Plunge Therapy Wellness-Focused Bathhouse Development Closing Insight Sauna is no longer simply a place to get warm. Around the world, it is becoming a platform for wellbeing, human connection, emotional expression, recovery, and community. As Aufguss continues to grow across the United States, this movement is redefining what modern wellness experiences can be. Whether you're a spa professional, wellness entrepreneur, sauna enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of hydrothermal wellness, this episode offers a fascinating look at a movement that is only beginning to gain momentum. Subscribe to StarrCast for more conversations with the innovators, operators, and thought leaders shaping the future of spa, wellness, hospitality, and longevity. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/ Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with Aufguss USA: https://www.aufgussusa.com/ Connect with Cassandra Cavanah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-cavanah-a847b211/ Connect with Deborah Carr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-carr-101bb0135/ Connect with Tovi Wayne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tovi-wayne-b9205b102/ Connect with Mitch Mathews: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchmathews/ Connect with Alonzo Solorzano: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alonzo-solorzano-72ab6298/ Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube: https://wynnebusiness.com/starrcast-podcast/ Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks Join us on ...
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    59 分
  • Wellness 2026: Insights from Spa Leaders at Canyon Ranch, Kohler, Arch Amenities, and Mario Tricoci

    Wellness 2026: Insights from Spa Leaders at Canyon Ranch, Kohler, Arch Amenities, and Mario Tricoci
    2026/05/27
    What are some of the most influential leaders in the spa and wellness industry seeing as they look toward the future? Recorded live at We Work Well Spa North America in Bonita Springs, Florida, Lisa Starr sits down with four accomplished industry leaders representing Canyon Ranch, Kohler Water Spa, Arch Amenities Group, and Mario Tricoci Spa & Salon. Together, they explore the changing expectations of today's wellness consumer, the rise of longevity programming, recovery-focused experiences, community-driven wellness, AI integration, and the growing intersection of spa, beauty, and medical wellness. This episode offers a unique cross-section of perspectives from operators, brands, and management groups helping shape the future of wellness and hospitality. What You’ll Learn How guest expectations have evolved and why personalization is more important than ever Why community and social connection are becoming essential wellness offerings The growing demand for longevity, recovery, and contrast therapy experiences How wellness brands are helping guests take healthier habits home Where AI may fit into spa operations, marketing, and guest engagement Why med spas and therapeutic wellness services continue to expand How leading organizations are adapting to changing consumer behavior Episode Highlights 01:24 – Ellen McGinnis on innovation, personalization, and the evolution of the wellness guest 04:45 – Canyon Ranch's approach to longevity, women's health, and transformative wellness experiences 11:27 – How Kohler Water Spa is leveraging the healing power of water and experiential wellness 18:10 – Why community, belonging, and social wellness may define the next chapter of the industry 22:04 – Susan Hammer on hotel spa management, recovery programming, and the role of AI 29:35 – Understanding what guests are truly seeking beyond wellness buzzwords 35:54 – Cassandra Stratton on the rapid growth of med spas and therapeutic wellness services 36:21 – How beauty, spa, and medical aesthetics are converging into one client journey Meet the Guest Ellen McGinnis is Director of Spa at Canyon Ranch Tucson and represents one of the most respected wellness brands in the world. She shares insights on longevity, guest expectations, innovation, and the future of destination wellness. Nicole Miller serves as Director of Spa Operations for Kohler Water Spa, overseeing six locations across the United States and Scotland. She discusses experiential water therapies, wellness innovation, recovery experiences, and the growing importance of community. Susan Hammer is Senior Vice President of Spa Operations and Client Success at Arch Amenities Group, overseeing dozens of spa properties nationwide. She offers perspective on management trends, recovery-focused wellness, employee development, and AI integration. Cassandra Stratton is Director of Spa Services and Education at Mario Tricoci Spa & Salon, one of the Midwest's leading beauty and wellness brands. A licensed massage therapist with more than two decades in the industry, she discusses the continued growth of spa services, the rise of med spas, and the increasingly connected journey between beauty, wellness, and medical aesthetics. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Longevity Programming Women's Health Initiatives Experiential Water Therapy Contrast Therapy and Recovery Experiences Community-Centered Wellness AI-Powered Operations and Marketing Med Spa Growth Strategies Personalized Wellness Journeys Hospitality Wellness Management Therapeutic and Preventive Wellness Services Closing Insight Across every conversation, one theme emerged clearly: wellness is becoming more personalized, more outcome-focused, and more connected. Whether through longevity programs, recovery experiences, advanced technologies, or meaningful community engagement, the future belongs to organizations that help guests create lasting change rather than simply delivering a momentary escape. Subscribe to StarrCast for more conversations with the innovators, operators, and thought leaders shaping the future of spa, wellness, hospitality, and longevity. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/ Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses Other Links: Connect with Ellen ​​McGinnis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-mcginnis-3569572a/ Connect with Nicole Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-miller-607394115/ Connect with Susan Hammer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susie-hammer-442ba93/ Connect with Cassandra Stratton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandradstratton/ Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube: https://...
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    36 分
  • Live from the GWI Wellness and Real Estate Communities Symposium; Healthy Buildings and Human Longevity

    Live from the GWI Wellness and Real Estate Communities Symposium; Healthy Buildings and Human Longevity
    2026/05/20
    What if the future of wellness has less to do with treatments and more to do with the spaces where we live, work, travel, and recover? In this special on-location episode of StarrCast, Lisa Starr reports from the Global Wellness Institute’s Wellness Real Estate & Communities Symposium in New York City. Through conversations with leaders in wellness architecture, hospitality, healthy buildings, and digital experience design, this episode explores how wellness real estate is evolving from trend to infrastructure. Topics include longevity living, low-EMF environments, wellness-focused hospitality, digital integration, and the growing demand for healthier built environments that support everyday wellbeing. What You’ll Learn Why wellness real estate is becoming one of the fastest-growing sectors in hospitality and development How low-EMF building standards are shaping conversations around healthy buildings and longevity living The role of architecture, technology, and user experience in creating wellness-centered spaces Why hospitality brands are integrating wellness into residential and mixed-use developments How personalization, digital design, and human-centered experiences are redefining wellness environments Episode Highlights 01:37 – Christophe Laarman explains the rise of low-EMF building standards 04:50 – Practical ways consumers can reduce EMF exposure at home 10:15 – How EMF testing and certification for buildings works 13:22 – How Cactus combines architecture, strategy, and digital experience design 18:03 – Why digital design is becoming essential in wellness real estate 21:08 – The challenge of integrating technology into wellness experiences without distraction 30:32 – Amanda Al-Masri on how Hilton approaches wellness across hospitality and residential spaces 36:50 – Why wellness personalization matters more than one-size-fits-all solutions 39:24 – The future of wellness as a lifestyle integrated into everyday living Meet the Guest Christophe Laarman is the Executive Partner of EMFIS, a company focused on global low-EMF building standards and healthier living environments through electromagnetic field mitigation and wellness-centered design. Michael Offerman is the Director of Strategy at Cactus, an innovation consultancy that combines architecture, digital experience design, and strategy to create immersive hospitality, healthcare, and wellness experiences. Amanda Al-Masri is the Global Vice President of Wellness at Hilton, where she leads wellness strategy across one of the world’s largest hospitality portfolios, helping shape the future of wellness hospitality and residential living. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Low-EMF building standards Healthy building certification and assessment Wellness-focused hospitality design Digital and physical user journey integration Longevity living and regenerative development Personalized wellness experiences in hospitality and residential environments Closing Insight As wellness continues to evolve beyond spas and amenities, the built environment is becoming one of the most important drivers of human health, longevity, and quality of life. From healthy buildings and wellness communities to digitally integrated hospitality experiences, this episode highlights how the future of wellness may be shaped less by what we consume and more by the spaces we inhabit every day. Subscribe to StarrCast for more conversations exploring the future of wellness, hospitality, leadership, and human-centered business strategy. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting Live Training Online Learning Other Links: Connect with Christophe Connect with Michael Offerman Connect with Amanda Al-Masri Follow Lisa on LinkedIn Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube Join us on Facebook Join us on Instagram
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    43 分