The Gharieni Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers
of treatment tables and equipment for spa and wellness.
We talk to CEO, Sammy Gharieni, about his relentless drive
to deliver innovative products to underpin operators’ success
We live in challenging times,” says Sammy Gharieni, CEO of Gharieni Group. “Not only are people more time-starved, but when they go for a wellness experience, they also want more personalised service.
“They want to experience moments that add value and exceed their expectations – success comes from always keeping the customer journey fresh for wellness seekers. This fosters customer engagement and loyalty, enhancing their lives and creating a sense of the spa as an oasis.”
Shifting trends “Gharieni Group began by specialising in medical and spa equipment, so innovation has always been deeply embedded in our DNA,” says Gharieni.
“We foresaw the shift in our industry from spa to the more holistic spa and wellness offering and we’ve been meeting the needs of the industry in delivering on this trend, by adapting our offering to keep one step ahead.
“This approach has accelerated the growth of both our company and our client’s businesses and our capacity for responding rapidly to trends has seen us continue to lead the way in delivering high-end tech-driven experiences through our wellness concepts.
“However, in spite of this focus on technology, we still value the human response above all else,” says Gharieni. “Authenticity and quality of experience are cornerstones of everything we do. We create environments where the wisdom of self-care and healing meets the 21st century – with huge benefits for customers and the creation of unparalleled guest journeys.
“Spa investors should give more thought to individual or more personalised client treatments. One size no longer fits all.”
Selling concepts, not products “It’s important to stay on top of trends and what consumers need,” says Gharieni, “addressing these needs means higher returns for the operator and the creation of a fulfilling immersive environment for spa and wellness customers that keeps them coming back, so everyone wins.
“Combining holistic treatments with innovative technology is a key differentiator when it comes to the success of any wellness offering.
“‘Touchless treatments can also provide new options that can be integrated into wellness programmes to deliver proven benefits, with the assurance of knowing clients will be delighted with the results.”
Research – an industry first “We saw a unique opportunity during the early stages of the pandemic to start a programme of groundbreaking research to prove the efficacy of our products,” says Gharieni. “This research began with an investigation into two of our key lines – the Welnamis system and the Gharieni MLX Quartz bed and we intend to continue to research more of our products going forward.
“The Welnamis system is used to calm the mind during treatments, while the MLX Quartz Bed is filled with warm quartz sand that cocoons the body and replicates the benefits of a day spent at the beach.
“Our research found they both positively impact the Autonomic Nervous System, leading to greater levels of healing relaxation,” says Gharieni.
“This is the first study of its kind in the wellness market, so we’re pioneering in bringing these products to market, and undertaking research to prove their efficacy.
“We’re committed to the highest standards and to creating verified wellness experiences through our ongoing clinical studies,” he says.
See Gharieni’s product in action at its global network of flagship spas. Find out more at www.gharieni.com
About the research
Gharieni’s study into two of its touchless spa treatment concept beds looked at their effects on the Autonomic Nervous System, which is responsible for regulating important bodily functions and stimulating fight-or-flight reactions.
Good health and prevention rely on a sense of balance throughout the ANS.
Researcher and early human development specialist Sergio Pecorelli, MD, PhD, led the study, in collaboration with Alina Hernandez, vice-chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Mental Wellness Initiative.
Hernandez told Spa Business Gharieni launched the trial to provide scientific evidence to prove its products’ efficacy. She added that these kinds of studies will be crucial for spa and wellness going forward.
She believes this kind of evidence will help spa and wellness businesses stand out from the crowd and benefit the industry by reassuring customers that healing modalities are scientifically-backed, safe and worth their money.
“We immediately saw improvement in the ANS right after treatments. In fact, we saw peak improvement after three to four treatments, with maintenance and sustained improvement over the eight weeks of the study.
“Chronic stress is one of the greatest challenges to health and wellbeing, because it can trigger chronic inflammation which is ultimately the root of nearly all chronic diseases,” she said.
“This study is especially meaningful during a time when value and authenticity are highly important to the end-consumer,” said Hernandez.
To find out more about the research, go to www.spabusiness.com/Gharieniresearch
Positive effects on the nervous system were seen after just one Quartz bed treatment / photo: gharieni
photo: gharieni
We create environments where the wisdom of self-care and healing meets the 21st century – with huge benefits for customers and the creation of unparalleled guest journeys" – Sammy Gharieni, CEO
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2021 issue 3
Editor's letter: All about the people
With global staff shortages threatening to stall economic recovery, it’s time to reboot our commitment to driving improvements in pay and working conditions across the spa and wellness industry
Spa people: Dr Mark Hyman
Dr Mark Hyman MD believes functional medicine has the power to be life-changing in the health and wellbeing of patients.
New opening: Six Senses Shaharut
Six Senses has opened the doors to its new 60-key retreat in Israel’s southern Negev Desert, complete with a 1,900sq m, two-level spa and wellness sanctuary
New opening: QC NY
A 74,000sq ft Italian day spa has opened on New York’s Governors Island after a US$50m investment and seven years of planning, building and restoration.
Interview: Kenneth Ryan
We talk to the global head of spa at Marriott International about navigating the global lockdown, re-imagining the company's brand portfolio and what it will take to succeed post-COVID-19
Sponsored: Time out
Answering a growing demand
for non-invasive, anti-ageing skin
care, Comfort Zone is relaunching
its Sublime Skin line with a new
filler-like natural formula that
reverses cellular degeneration
Research: Total impact
Latest ISPA report considers the economic fallout of the pandemic and the spa industry's road to recovery
Sponsored: Gharieni Group
CEO Sammy Gharieni talks about his relentless drive
to deliver innovative products to underpin operators’ success
Analysis: Role model
What business models are showing the most potential in the wellness industry? Lyndsay Madden Nadeau shares her insights
Interview: Lorenzo Giannuzzi
The hospitality veteran dreamed of reinventing an historic Italian palazzo as a world-class medical spa. Lisa Starr went to find out more
Sponsored: TechnoAlpin
Snow rooms are creating a ‘wow’ factor for customers,
while reducing operating costs in the delivery of hot and cold
experiences
Interview: Gloria Caulfield
The executive director of Lake Nona wellness community talks about tapping into the latest tech to create healthy living environments
Software: Revenue management
How software suppliers have been supporting spas to get savvy with yield management since the pandemic began
Promotion: Iyashi Dôme
Iyashi Dôme’s touchless infrared tech is the perfect investment for the post-lockdown world, says Florent Cornelis
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
The Gharieni Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers
of treatment tables and equipment for spa and wellness.
We talk to CEO, Sammy Gharieni, about his relentless drive
to deliver innovative products to underpin operators’ success
We live in challenging times,” says Sammy Gharieni, CEO of Gharieni Group. “Not only are people more time-starved, but when they go for a wellness experience, they also want more personalised service.
“They want to experience moments that add value and exceed their expectations – success comes from always keeping the customer journey fresh for wellness seekers. This fosters customer engagement and loyalty, enhancing their lives and creating a sense of the spa as an oasis.”
Shifting trends “Gharieni Group began by specialising in medical and spa equipment, so innovation has always been deeply embedded in our DNA,” says Gharieni.
“We foresaw the shift in our industry from spa to the more holistic spa and wellness offering and we’ve been meeting the needs of the industry in delivering on this trend, by adapting our offering to keep one step ahead.
“This approach has accelerated the growth of both our company and our client’s businesses and our capacity for responding rapidly to trends has seen us continue to lead the way in delivering high-end tech-driven experiences through our wellness concepts.
“However, in spite of this focus on technology, we still value the human response above all else,” says Gharieni. “Authenticity and quality of experience are cornerstones of everything we do. We create environments where the wisdom of self-care and healing meets the 21st century – with huge benefits for customers and the creation of unparalleled guest journeys.
“Spa investors should give more thought to individual or more personalised client treatments. One size no longer fits all.”
Selling concepts, not products “It’s important to stay on top of trends and what consumers need,” says Gharieni, “addressing these needs means higher returns for the operator and the creation of a fulfilling immersive environment for spa and wellness customers that keeps them coming back, so everyone wins.
“Combining holistic treatments with innovative technology is a key differentiator when it comes to the success of any wellness offering.
“‘Touchless treatments can also provide new options that can be integrated into wellness programmes to deliver proven benefits, with the assurance of knowing clients will be delighted with the results.”
Research – an industry first “We saw a unique opportunity during the early stages of the pandemic to start a programme of groundbreaking research to prove the efficacy of our products,” says Gharieni. “This research began with an investigation into two of our key lines – the Welnamis system and the Gharieni MLX Quartz bed and we intend to continue to research more of our products going forward.
“The Welnamis system is used to calm the mind during treatments, while the MLX Quartz Bed is filled with warm quartz sand that cocoons the body and replicates the benefits of a day spent at the beach.
“Our research found they both positively impact the Autonomic Nervous System, leading to greater levels of healing relaxation,” says Gharieni.
“This is the first study of its kind in the wellness market, so we’re pioneering in bringing these products to market, and undertaking research to prove their efficacy.
“We’re committed to the highest standards and to creating verified wellness experiences through our ongoing clinical studies,” he says.
See Gharieni’s product in action at its global network of flagship spas. Find out more at www.gharieni.com
About the research
Gharieni’s study into two of its touchless spa treatment concept beds looked at their effects on the Autonomic Nervous System, which is responsible for regulating important bodily functions and stimulating fight-or-flight reactions.
Good health and prevention rely on a sense of balance throughout the ANS.
Researcher and early human development specialist Sergio Pecorelli, MD, PhD, led the study, in collaboration with Alina Hernandez, vice-chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Mental Wellness Initiative.
Hernandez told Spa Business Gharieni launched the trial to provide scientific evidence to prove its products’ efficacy. She added that these kinds of studies will be crucial for spa and wellness going forward.
She believes this kind of evidence will help spa and wellness businesses stand out from the crowd and benefit the industry by reassuring customers that healing modalities are scientifically-backed, safe and worth their money.
“We immediately saw improvement in the ANS right after treatments. In fact, we saw peak improvement after three to four treatments, with maintenance and sustained improvement over the eight weeks of the study.
“Chronic stress is one of the greatest challenges to health and wellbeing, because it can trigger chronic inflammation which is ultimately the root of nearly all chronic diseases,” she said.
“This study is especially meaningful during a time when value and authenticity are highly important to the end-consumer,” said Hernandez.
To find out more about the research, go to www.spabusiness.com/Gharieniresearch
Positive effects on the nervous system were seen after just one Quartz bed treatment / photo: gharieni
photo: gharieni
We create environments where the wisdom of self-care and healing meets the 21st century – with huge benefits for customers and the creation of unparalleled guest journeys" – Sammy Gharieni, CEO
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2021 issue 3
Editor's letter: All about the people
With global staff shortages threatening to stall economic recovery, it’s time to reboot our commitment to driving improvements in pay and working conditions across the spa and wellness industry
Spa people: Dr Mark Hyman
Dr Mark Hyman MD believes functional medicine has the power to be life-changing in the health and wellbeing of patients.
New opening: Six Senses Shaharut
Six Senses has opened the doors to its new 60-key retreat in Israel’s southern Negev Desert, complete with a 1,900sq m, two-level spa and wellness sanctuary
New opening: QC NY
A 74,000sq ft Italian day spa has opened on New York’s Governors Island after a US$50m investment and seven years of planning, building and restoration.
Interview: Kenneth Ryan
We talk to the global head of spa at Marriott International about navigating the global lockdown, re-imagining the company's brand portfolio and what it will take to succeed post-COVID-19
Sponsored: Time out
Answering a growing demand
for non-invasive, anti-ageing skin
care, Comfort Zone is relaunching
its Sublime Skin line with a new
filler-like natural formula that
reverses cellular degeneration
Research: Total impact
Latest ISPA report considers the economic fallout of the pandemic and the spa industry's road to recovery
Sponsored: Gharieni Group
CEO Sammy Gharieni talks about his relentless drive
to deliver innovative products to underpin operators’ success
Analysis: Role model
What business models are showing the most potential in the wellness industry? Lyndsay Madden Nadeau shares her insights
Interview: Lorenzo Giannuzzi
The hospitality veteran dreamed of reinventing an historic Italian palazzo as a world-class medical spa. Lisa Starr went to find out more
Sponsored: TechnoAlpin
Snow rooms are creating a ‘wow’ factor for customers,
while reducing operating costs in the delivery of hot and cold
experiences
Interview: Gloria Caulfield
The executive director of Lake Nona wellness community talks about tapping into the latest tech to create healthy living environments
Software: Revenue management
How software suppliers have been supporting spas to get savvy with yield management since the pandemic began
Promotion: Iyashi Dôme
Iyashi Dôme’s touchless infrared tech is the perfect investment for the post-lockdown world, says Florent Cornelis
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii
is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder
Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while
remaining actively involved with the company.
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th
anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s
longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its
recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’
planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–
Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism inv
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-
Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional
revenue opportunities.
The UK government has announced a temporary reduction in VAT on visitor attractions and
children’s meals as part of a summer cost-of-living support package designed to stimulate the
visitor economy and encourage family days out.
As designer Yinka Ilori prepares for his first solo gallery show in London, he speaks exclusively
to CLADmag about his mission to spread joy, the power of play, and his bold approach to using
colour (including the colours you won’t see in his work).
The government of Thailand is exploring plans for a THB300bn (£6.3bn, US$8.3bn)
entertainment complex in the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with officials
proposing a large-scale theme park and sports destination as part of a broader tourism and
economic development strategy.
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