The Sustainable Spa Association launches with backing from Alberto Apostoli
– Alberto Apostoli
A new UK-based trade-body has been launched to help spas achieve sustainability goals, called The Sustainable Spa Association (SSA).
The membership-based organisation offers independent guidance and ongoing support to spa operators on how to improve their sustainability credentials for £1,000 (€1,105, US$1,319) a year.
SSA is founded by Lucy Brialey, former group head of spa for Aspria, and Robert Cooper, MD of eco-towelling company, Scrummi Spa.
The SSA uses a bespoke benchmarking system to allow spas to measure their environmental impact against the industry standard and achieve a recognised accreditation for their efforts and improvements.
This 12-part appraisal allows the SSA to highlight areas for improvement and guide its members to reach a level of accreditation that is recognised by global spa professionals and consumers alike.
Member spas gain access to a unique online Sustainable Impact Assessment that provides instant dashboard results.
“As a non-profit organisation, we’re dedicated to making ongoing positive environmental change within the spa industry; through education, support and accreditation,” explained Brialey.
“With guidance from The SSA and its partners, spa operators can be confident that they’re taking the right path towards achieving sustainable development goals.”
The SSA is launching with influential industry figures in sustainability as founding partners and on its board of directors, including Studio Apostoli’s Alberto Apostoli and Tracey Brasenell – country manager of [comfort zone], as well as British textile supplier Scrummi Spa.
“I strongly believe the concepts of wellness and sustainability are intrinsic to each other,” commented Alberto Apostoli, founder of Studio Apostoli, “sustainability is not a trend but a necessity.”
The organisation offers its members access to carefully researched resources, up-to-date information, education and exclusive insights from leading spa brand partners and sustainability experts – all designed specifically for the growth and development of spa businesses.
“We want to make it easy for spa operators to take those important steps towards sustainable practices,” said Cooper, “each SSA member and partner will be contributing to a collective improvement in spa practices.”
As well as membership offers, the organisation is also looking to partner with brands which align with its values and who have a strong commitment towards social, ethical or environmental causes.
The organisation claims its members look to the SSA to provide advice, expertise and research on sustainable product choices in all purchase categories.
Brand partners will be connected with spa operators and advisors who’re looking for its product and expertise as well as being given a profile listing within the member’s area of the website.
Sustainable Spa Association SSA Alberto Apostoli Comfort Zone Tracy Brasenell sustainability Lucy Brialey Aspria Robert Cooper Scrummi Spa.Alberto Apostoli, Laszlo Puczko and Martin Goldman to speak at inaugural Medical Wellness Congress
Studio Apostoli designs Milanese wellness centre with a green onyx cave, gold features and mosaic details
Alberto Apostoli is creating a spa inspired by icebergs and the Northern Lights
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
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 investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
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 attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres




















