Description
The Indian wellness industry was estimated at close to Rs 85,000 cr in FY2014-15 and is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 12% in the next five years. The industry is likely to touch about `1.5 trillion by FY20, according to a recent report by FICCI and Ernst & Young. It is true that over the last few years, the spa and wellness business has witnessed a paradigm shift. The primary focus of consumers, as well as the stakeholders, has moved from being seen as places of pampering luxury to centres of wellbeing.
Falling prey to demanding lifestyles, acute awareness about healthrelated isssues and the benefits of living well, people from all walks of life are embracing spa therapies as holistic approach to wellness. New and innovative massage therapies and techniques are often employed in accordance with trends. Stakeholders are leaving no stone unturned to cater to the gradual rise in demand and are emphasising on client service above everything else, to stay ahead of competition.
Taking cue from this, we have designed the cover story on the spa menu. Consumers are drawn towards spas that offer an eclectic mix of services, and so, an informative and thoughtfully worded spa menu is crucial. It requires tremendous insight into the business, consumer psychology and trends, as several issues need to be factored in. We speak with entrepreneurs, hoteliers and experts to learn the finer nuances of blending relevance with innovation, and emerging successful.
In Hair, we meet Franco Vallelonga, Session Hairstylist, Groomer, Hair Colourist and Educator. All rolled into one, he is an inspiration for many. In Mumbai since 2016, he recently made waves by creating Bollywood’e A-lister, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s hair looks. On the home front, we have Sareena Acharya, Style Director, Enrich Salon & Academy, who is also one of the seven L’Oréal Professionnel ID Artists. She specialises in precision cutting and is known in the industry for her impeccable attention to detail.
In Beauty, we have Mumbai-based make-up artist, Varssha Sugandh Tilokani who chanced upon make-up artistry, but decided to make a mark in the line. She credits the Internet and social networking platforms for her incredible journey, and wishes to refine her craft to the highest degree.
In the Spa section, we present the visual grandeur of Cedar Spa by L’Occitane at JW Marriott Walnut Grove Resort & Spa, nestled amidst the Himalayan hill town of Mussoorie with plush dense jungles in the west and the beautiful Landour to the east. Touted as the best spa in Mussoorie, Cedar Spa is a haven for Mediterranean wellness. Zahan Umrigar, CEO of The Palms Spa, Bangalore, shares his views on the wellness industry of India, USPs of the spa, future plans, and more.
