As spa development and wellness momentum continue to thrive, understanding the nuances associated with advancing this new growth is acute to evolving meaningful and successful investment choices. This viewpoint asks panel experts to share why these programs are worthy of investment and how they add value to hospitality experiences. Various challenges related to COVID-19 have accelerated prevalent needs for new operational, and technological changes. Whereas the ripples of 2020 are expected to reverberate for a few years. This viewpoint also shares thoughts on how companies, stakeholders, and developers can enhance existing businesses and make tactical investments for 2021 and beyond.

Claudia Roth
Claudia Roth
Founder & Managing Director at Soul Luxury

Before addressing the questions of investment, let us first consider the underlying aspects of the massive changes that society is experiencing. There is no doubt, COVID-19 is nudging us to look within. When we first went into lockdown in the spring, the opportunity to slow down was a first for many. It was also a first, for swathes of the population to spend regular, even frequent time, in nature. 

Fast forward. By now we sense a collective shift into an ever-more attuned level of compassion and care, for selves and for others. The slow-down has initiated a new awareness for our own emotions and feelings. Our comfort in solid structures as we know them are crumbling. We are seeking new direction and answers on how to live life. It is as if we are responding to new-born energies around exploration and learning. 

We are asked to embrace a shift towards a new form of hospitality pointing towards something deeply personal and non-tangible. In this new age, we will be less inclined to “live for what is outside of us”, seeking validation in material things or in pleasurable experiences, and more inclined to focus on our inner wealth – to love, to find joy and be healthy. This requires transformation of business models and KPI's measuring that which is not tangible. Investment needed? Yes, not only investment in assets but investment into gaining a profound new understanding and a shift in consciousness. 

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