From the world of strategic consulting to the creation of luxury SPAs: a journey defined by excellence, passion, and a forward-thinking vision for the future of wellness, where water stands at the heart of it all as 'the primary source of energy for the body and the first cosmetic product for the skin.'
Patrick Saussay is a visionary in the wellness and luxury SPA sector, with a career that combines strategic excellence and a passion for wellness. After 15 years of experience in consulting for major companies and public organizations, Patrick decided to follow his calling in the world of SPAs. As the founder of Global Project & Spa Advisory (GPSA), he introduced an innovative approach that blends design, efficiency, and sustainability.
Can you tell us about your professional journey and the experiences that led you to work in the world of SPAs and wellness?
I began my professional journey with 15 years in the consulting world, working for some of the leading firms in the industry. As a Senior Manager at Arthur Andersen/BearingPoint, I was involved in the transition processes of several major private and public organizations, including the French Ministry of Health, the City of Paris, CNES, Bloomberg, Saint Gobain, and several prominent French hospitals. For three years, I focused exclusively on healthcare organizations, balancing quality and efficiency in this highly sensitive sector.
Later, my passion for wellness fully captured my attention. Initially, I worked as Managing Director for a luxury Swiss SPA brand, where I oversaw its international development while maintaining high standards of quality and originality. In 2012, I founded my own company, GPSA (Global Project & Spa Advisory).
My goal was to bring the lessons I had learned about quality delivery, efficiency, project management, and the balance between aesthetics and financial performance to the young and evolving wellness industry
Can you explain the mission and vision of Global Spa Advisory and what your work entails?
G.P.S.A. is a strategic and management consulting company founded in 2012, specializing in the wellness sector. We provide support to investors, hotel directors, SPA managers, and brand owners for activities such as the creation or renovation of wellness facilities, improving offerings, operations, and business performance, as well as the international development of concepts, products, and SPA brands.
We focus on both customer experience and profitability, delivering global wellness services. Our highly personalized approach aims to offer memorable experiences while simultaneously enhancing sustainability and individual well-being.
What is your design approach? How do you conceive and develop your projects? What sets your creations apart from others in the industry?
I always start by understanding three key components: the identity of the hotel or destination, the strategic objective of the project owner, and the target clients. A concept works well when it fully aligns with the culture and characteristics of the location.
We define storytelling that makes sense for the project and translate it into the architecture and design, treatments and experiences, as well as the overall atmosphere of the SPA. To create a memorable experience, I consider all the senses in a holistic wellness approach. This ensures a distinctive creation, tailored to a specific location, integrating all the assets and constraints that shape the SPA's identity.
A recent example of our approach, in 2024, is N le Spa, designed for the Hotel Le Negresco on the Costa azzura. The hotel's art collection, boasting over 6,000 pieces, inspired us to develop an original SPA concept based on art, offering surprising, contemplative, and immersive experiences.
(Credit picture Nicolas Matheus)
What is your vision for the use of water in SPAs? What benefits can it offer in all its forms?
I have been involved in the creation of the evian®SPA concept and currently oversee its international development on behalf of evian®, the world’s leading natural mineral water brand. I firmly believe that water is the most important component of our well-being.
Water is the first source of energy for the body, the first cosmetic product for the skin, and an element that can provide wellness through various types of experiences. It lies at the very origin of SPAs (salus per aquam) and will always be part of guests’ expectations, whether for relaxing or revitalizing moments.
Technologies such as emotional showers, cold plunge pools, horizontal showers, steam baths, and swimming pools continue to evolve, diversifying the benefits that water can offer. However, water is also a precious resource and must be used wisely, only where it makes sense, and always adopting sustainable solutions.
(Credit picture Elise Quiniou)
What are the essential elements that cannot be missing in a luxury SPA to ensure an unforgettable and high-quality wellness experience?
The team is and always will be the most important component of a wellness experience. Beyond a pleasing design and carefully crafted details, the ability to understand the guest, tailor the right experience to their needs, and deliver it with expertise and genuine care is the fundamental requirement for a luxury SPA.
An engaging SPA concept, where every detail is aligned to tell a coherent story, is crucial for creating an exceptional moment. Attention to every single detail, combined with the right team—first to design the SPA and then to operate it—is what truly defines a luxury SPA.
Do you believe that, with the continuous growth of the wellness sector and the increasing interest in wellness, SPAs will become an increasingly important attraction for people seeking rejuvenating and high-quality experiences?
The SPA market continues to grow with no signs of slowing down. After the COVID years, the desire to take care of oneself in a sustainable way has increased significantly. According to the Global Wellness Institute, in 2023 there were approximately 191,348 SPAs worldwide, generating $136.8 billion in revenue. This represents 111% of the pre-pandemic situation, and estimates predict growth to $184.3 billion by 2028.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Patrick Saussay for sharing his inspiring story and insights with us. It has been a pleasure to learn about his journey and vision for the future of wellness. We wish him continued success in shaping extraordinary SPA experiences and bringing innovation and passion to the world of wellness.
Team aquaform
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