Silver COMPANY PROFILE

bbspa_Group

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Background
In an increasingly competitive landscape where clients expectations continue to rise, the task of crafting a successful wellness and spa project has become progressively more intricate and complex.

With the following principles as our foundation, we have dedicated 30 years to cultivating an international network of professionals who excel in evaluating, conceptualising, creating, designing, planning and managing wellness and spa projects worldwide.

Main products and services
bbspa distinguishes itself through its distinctive approach to assisting clients in achieving success and sustainability in their businesses. We offer personalised support to revamp every service according to the specific needs and goals of each project. With our core services, we ensure customised assistance at every phase of the spa project.

We think: we rethink or design the essential features of a successful spa from inception, creating an innovative and market led spa concept which is both sustainable and a profitable business model.

We setup: we develop a spa concept to be fully functional, manageable, and sustainable through analysis of space, function along with technological and management requirements.

We design: we support the client’s design team, engineers and suppliers, in an effort to define and develop executive projects, and in every stage of construction through to quality control at completion.

We manage: we help investors and managers define and implement a management model with measurable results and KPI’s.

Our aim is to create not just a spa, but a space that represents the values and identity of our clients. We pay attention to art and design, local culture, current styles and trends, and incorporate these aspects into our projects to enhance their unique identity, without neglecting the profitability of our clients' investment.

Where in the world?
bbspa is internationally active directly and through its branches: bbspa_Italy, bbspa_France, bbspa_Asia and most recently, bbspa_UK. In order to be more accessible for our clients, we plan to open additional locations, where we currently have projects in the pipeline, in the coming year.

With more than 43 projects in 10 countries and more than 65.000 sqm of spa area developed, our activity is carried out in Italy, as well as in France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Switzerland.

Plans for the next 12 months
While offering a 360-degree consulting service, we are committed to researching solutions and technologies to meet the demands of both the end customer and, above all, the wellness providers (facilities, therapists, spa managers) to facilitate and improve services. A few examples include: SPACUBES, AQUAMOTUS.

Our goal is to grow into a more global enterprise, focusing on project development across Europe and all overseas markets where our expertise holds value. To achieve this, we’re committed to further investing in and broadening our R&D endeavors ensuring the delivery of even more cutting-edge technologies to our clientele.
Key personnel
The three key partners and strength behind bbspa are:
Régis Boudon-Doris, founder
Ghislain Waeyaert, partner and head of international development
Kirsty MacCormick partner and head of international operations.
Key customers
We are proud to collaborate with corporate groups such as:

• Accor,
• Terme Italia,
• Star hotels Italia,
• Biologique Recherche,
• Pandox Sweden,
• Costes hotel Paris,
• Boutique group,
• Hilton, and
• Hesco Saudi.

We work on many innovative projects with the most recent being the construction of the first large spa (4000 m2) in a football stadium.
updates
27 May 2026
Longevity in spas: a strategic choice, not a default setting

Longevity has become one of the most debated concepts in contemporary wellness. From medical retreats to urban day spas, the term appears with increasing frequency in project briefs, investor decks and brand positioning documents. The question is no longer whether longevity matters, but whether it truly belongs in every project, and, if so, in what form.

At BBSpa Group, our answer begins not with a concept but with a question: who is the client?

Before any design or programming decision is made, we conduct a rigorous analysis of the potential clientele and a structured market research process. This is not a formality. It is the foundation on which every strategic choice rests, including the decision to integrate longevity or to consciously set it aside. Understanding who will use the space, what motivates their wellness behaviour, what they are willing to invest and what kind of experience they are seeking determines everything that follows. A project developed without this analytical groundwork risks building a concept around a trend rather than a real audience.

This is where many longevity-oriented spa projects fail. Often, a longevity-themed conceptual framework is adopted because it is current, not because it is coherent with the context. The result is a misalignment between offer and demand, between positioning and identity, between the experience promised and the one actually delivered.

BBSpa Group approaches longevity as a precise design filter. Once the client profile and market context are clearly defined, we evaluate whether longevity aligns with the project's vision. In some cases, it does – and it translates into integrated programmes, advanced diagnostics, personalised health journeys and long-term client relationships. In others, it does not and we deliberately exclude it, protecting an identity that may be more sensorial, more emotive, or simply more appropriate for the audience and destination in question.

There is, however, one point worth emphasising. Under the longevity umbrella lie a vast array of techniques, rituals and experiences that have been integral to the spa world for years, sometimes decades. Thermal bathing, Ayurvedic massage, meditation, detox protocols, sleep optimisation: well-established practices, rooted in ancient traditions, that contemporary longevity culture has simply reframed with new language and narrative. In many cases, integrating longevity into an existing project does not require a revolution in the offer. It requires an intelligent revision of the spa concept's storytelling, adapting how the experience is communicated, positioned and perceived without betraying its essence. This is not marketing. It is a fusion between the deep tradition of wellness and the language and vision of today. A fusion that, when authentic, adds depth and relevance without sacrificing identity.

In a market saturated with homogenised proposals, the real competitive advantage lies in discerning, not in replicating. Longevity, applied indiscriminately, becomes noise. Applied with method and strategic clarity, however, it becomes a genuine asset. 

29 Oct 2025
bbspa Group strategically expands into operational management of spas and wellness centres
After years of experience in wellness consulting and concept development, bbspa Group is expanding its strategic focus with a decisive move towards the operational management of spas and wellness centres.

This evolution reflects bbspa’s commitment to delivering not only vision and design excellence, but also tangible results, operational continuity and sustainable growth for its clients.

The organisational restructuring aims to create even greater synergy between teams and to enhance bbspa’s strategic presence across three key locations: France, Italy and the United Kingdom.

This configuration allows bbspa Group to operate closer to its target markets, in the countries where it intends to grow. The new model will also enable the company to strengthen its collaborations with key international clients.

The board, as described below, coordinates all of bbspa Group's activities through the specific and complementary skills of each member:

• Régis Boudon Doris, SVP creative development
• Ghislain Waeyaert, SVP global development
• Kirsty MacCormick, SVP global operations

These seasoned professionals share an international background and a unified vision: to create innovative, sustainable and high-value wellness solutions for clients across Europe, the Middle East and beyond.

This transformation has led to a revamped business structure, which is now enhanced by a new area dedicated to operational management. Providing operations support confirms the bbspa's commitment to ensuring project continuity.

The business is organised into five complementary areas that represent the entire development process of a wellness project:

• We Think - feasibility study
• We Develop - preliminary design
• We Design - executive project
• We Deliver - pre-opening
• We Manage - operations

The new corporate structure marks a major milestone in consolidating bbspa Group’s international leadership. It also reinforces the company’s position as the trusted partner for those aiming to invest in wellness in a sustainable, profitable and future-oriented way.

05 Sep 2024
Kirsty MacCormick merges The Spa Consultancy with bbspa_UK
bbspa_Group, a renowned name in spa and wellness, has officially merged the recently-launched bbspa_UK with The Spa Consultancy – owned by global spa industry expert Kirsty MacCormick.

Now serving as bbspa_UK CEO and co-founder, MacCormick has more than three decades of experience in delivering top-notch spa and consultancy services to the hospitality and resort industry.

She excels in spa and wellness development, operations and management across various wellness environments, from commercial day spas to luxury five-star hotels.

Her expertise includes retail, product development, treatment innovation and overseeing projects from concept to execution.

With a global approach, MacCormick has led more than 40 international spa openings and developed successful turnkey spa brands across Japan, China, the Middle East, Europe and the UK.

In addition to her new role with bbspa_UK, she is also CEO and founder of The Nail Yard and serves as chair of the Scottish Spa and Wellness Collective.

New beginnings
“bbspa_UK has been launched to enhance the realm of spa consultancy and offer the UK domestic market a full turnkey service ranging from market research and feasibility, technical design and specifications through to full and assisted management,” said MacCormick.

After recently moving into its new offices on Princes Street in Edinburgh, the bbspa_UK team has already announced plans to appoint two new directors to further bolster its board.

The firm currently has 18 live projects in consultancy development and four signed management contracts.

MacCormick added: “We now have a great opportunity to create the leading spa consultancy and management company in Europe across our three partner offices.”

“It's great to see such a strong, collaborative spirit driving the expansion of bbspa,” added Régis Boudon-Doris, bbspa co-founder and CEO.

“I have no doubt that Kirsty’s combined expertise and passion will drive bbspa to continue to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in the UK spa and wellness industry.”

The launch of bbspa_UK comes on the heels of bbspa's recent expansions into other key markets. In 2021, the consultancy firm established bbspa_France in partnership with Ghislain Waeyaert, followed by the launch of bbspa_Asia in Singapore in 2022.

Waeyaert, president of bbspa_France, added: “Collaboration between our offices in France, the UK and Italy will now allow us to extend our reach to different global regions and provide our clients with a highly experienced and complementary international team.”
24 May 2024
bbspa_Group's Gabriella Francia talks balancing tradition and tech in spas
For Gabriella Francia, co-founder of bbspa_Group and training manager, the powerful touch of a massage is the stand-out element that makes a spa experience truly unique.

In Francia’s opinion, massage goes beyond mere manual manipulation – it's an empathetic and intuitive experience that only a highly skilled industry expert can provide.

However, technology is advancing rapidly and the spa industry is witnessing the dawn of modern new devices that look to complement or replace the power of touch. For example, at the latest CES event in Las Vegas, French startup Capsix Robotics unveiled the Capsix Robotics.iYu, a robotic arm designed to perform professional massages.

Despite ongoing advancements, Francia is convinced that no machine can yet replicate or replace the intricacy of human touch and empathy of a professional masseur. But, she recognises that the technology can be used to complement and elevate spa treatments.

For instance, Aquamotus by Aquaform offers a Vichy-style shower massage with 16 types of rainfall massages, while the Zerobody bed by Starpool lets users floating in zero gravity for total body and mind regeneration.

“The goal is to amplify the value of the investment, ensuring a unique and memorable experience for every spa guest,” she said.
17 Apr 2024
Private Spas vs Spa Suites
Private Spas and Spa Suites have surged in popularity, meeting the rising demand for luxury, privacy and security in relaxation.

These exclusive spaces, found in hotels and wellness centres, offer sophisticated experiences tailored to a diverse range of customers.

Spa Suites – luxurious hotel rooms with integrated wellness areas – epitomise exclusivity and convenience. Ranging from 30 to 100sq m, they feature amenities such as saunas and Jacuzzis, providing an all-encompassing wellness experience within the confines of the room.

Included in the suites’ cost is access to spa facilities, while additional services like massages are available for an extra fee.

Ideal for romantic getaways, Spa Suites offer couples a secluded retreat for occasions like honeymoons or intimate celebrations.

In contrast, Private Spas offer a personalised spa experience within a dedicated space, often reserved for couples or small groups. These intimate settings cater to individuals seeking signature treatments and exclusive comfort.

Typically, Private Spas feature various zones, including welcome areas, treatment rooms, sauna, hammam, swimming pools and relaxation lounges. Guests follow a curated circuit starting with purifying treatments before indulging in hot and humid experiences, massages, and relaxation.

Private Spas are perfect for group celebrations such as anniversaries or corporate events. Additionally, there's a growing trend for designing Private Spas within private residences, offering homeowners a secluded retreat for relaxation or social gatherings.

In both commercial and residential settings, expert design and planning are crucial for optimising space and creating unique wellness experiences.

From luxurious Spa Suites in hotels to personalised Private Spas at home, these exclusive sanctuaries cater to the discerning needs of modern individuals and groups.
18 Mar 2024
Boutique Spa: wellness and luxury for a "WOW" effect
In the wellness sector, a trend that certainly needs to be monitored closely is the increased interest in 'jewel spas', small, high-end venues that we have learnt to call Boutique Spas.

More and more people are looking for unforgettable experiences when they travel. People are no longer simply looking for a place to relax, but a place that offers a dream experience and leaves beautiful memories.

A Boutique Spa is an 'exceptional' place in terms of its location, concept, design, and the treatment protocol it offers. It is a place devoted to offering a totally customised and 'tailor-made' experience, just like a haute couture boutique that takes all the clients' expectations and makes them a reality.

The term 'boutique' indicates something small, intimate, exclusive, so Boutique Spas are not large, usually ranging from 250 to 750 square metres. The atmosphere must be intimate and comfortable, services must be highly customised, to meet the needs and habits of customers, even anticipating them before they manifest themselves. Signature treatments and high-end cosmetics are a must!

Bbspa_Group has a pluriannual expertise in thinking, designing and managing luxury spas, as the new LA SPA Helvetia & Bristol: a wellness retreat, located in the centre of Florence where the ancient Roman baths once stood. Everything has been designed to create a private environment, away from the chaos, in which you can immerse yourself to rediscover well-being and relaxation.

To design the best boutique spa there are some rules to follow. We asked Regis Boudon Doris, the CEO of bbspa – read what he said here.
bbspa_Group: news from CLADglobal.com
27 May 2026
Longevity has become one of the most debated concepts in contemporary wellness.
29 Oct 2025
After years of experience in wellness consulting and concept development, bbspa Group is expanding its strategic focus with a decisive move towards the operational management of spas and wellness centres.
05 Sep 2024
bbspa_Group, a renowned name in spa and wellness, has officially merged the recently-launched bbspa_UK with The Spa Consultancy – owned by global spa industry expert Kirsty MacCormick.
24 May 2024
For Gabriella Francia, co-founder of bbspa_Group and training manager, the powerful touch of a massage is the stand-out element that makes a spa experience truly unique.
14 Mar 2024
bbspa_Group has unveiled an exciting addition to its portfolio in the UK, led by industry figure Kirsty MacCormick as co-founder and CEO.
31 Aug 2023
For 30 years, bbspa_Group has provided market-leading professional design and consultancy services to the spa industry.
bbspa_Group: featured in Clagmag magazine
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