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 Spring 2026 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 Guests
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.
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