Live from W3 Portugal; EMEA Spa Leaders Discuss Regional Business Outlook

17 Jun 26
with Louise Moore, Sharon Barcock, Egle Ruksenaite, Kerry Turpin

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 wellness
  • 05:15 – Hilton’s approach to meeting guests where they are on their wellness journey
  • 07:30 – Wellness technology: What’s worth investing in and what may be a passing trend?
  • 10:25 – The ongoing challenge of training and educating wellness teams
  • 15:45 – How geopolitical events are impacting tourism and hospitality across the Middle East
  • 20:00 – Why today’s travelers are seeking wellness, culture, and meaningful experiences
  • 24:00 – Egle Ruksenaite’s vision for wellness development beyond luxury
  • 29:00 – Designing wellness destinations that serve people of all abilities
  • 31:00 – Building one of Northern Europe’s largest thermal wellness destinations
  • 38:45 – 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. 

Key Topics Discussed

• 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.”

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