Liza Muradian is Wellness Director at Relais & Chateaux Maslina Resort, Croatia. She is an experienced wellness and hotel professional, specializing in luxurious resorts, with extensive pre-opening experience across diverse destinations. Liza has a proven track record of enhancing spa and overall hotel revenue through innovative strategies, ensuring exceptional guest experiences.

1. What trends do you see emerging in the spa industry within the next 2-3 years?

Liza: In the next few years, I see several key trends shaping the spa industry:

• Spa experiences are becoming more tailored to individual needs, thanks to advancements in technology. These tools allow for personalized skin care, massage techniques, and even wellness plans based on individual health data (e.g., stress levels, sleep patterns, skin condition). So personalised wellness is becoming a normal thing in todays world whetehr its with the help of equioment or human touch.
• While physical treatments have always been a staple, mental health and mindfulness practices are increasingly being integrated into spa offerings. Meditation, breathwork, sound therapy, and nature-based relaxation techniques are expected to grow in popularity.
• Not in all the destination around the globe but in some countries virtual reality may start to be used in spa treatments, offering immersive experiences like virtual escapes, guided meditations, or relaxation simulations. Additionally, wearables for tracking recovery and relaxation will become more commonplace.
• There's a growing trend towards integrating traditional healing methods with modern practices. Treatments like acupuncture, sound therapy, aromatherapy, and energy healing will continue to gain traction as part of a broader holistic wellness approach. Combination of medical and holistic spas is definitely a future of wellness as well

2. In my opinion, the future of the spa industry lies in...

Liza: The future of the spa industry lies in personalized, holistic wellness that blends technology with natural, time-tested healing practices. With more people prioritizing mental health, self-care, and overall well-being, spas will need to evolve into more than just places for relaxation—they will become holistic health destinations.

Personalization will be key, with services tailored to specific needs, whether it's stress relief, recovery from physical exertion, or deep mental rejuvenation.Spas that can combine the best of both worlds—offering high-tech solutions for personalization and sustainability alongside natural, authentic treatments—will be the ones that thrive. As wellness becomes an integral part of everyday life, spas will play a central role in providing integrated wellness solutions for mind, body, and spirit.

3. What challenges do you see ahead?

Liza: Challenges facing the industry will include: 

• Staffing and Training: Finding and retaining skilled professionals is an ongoing challenge, especially in a rapidly evolving wellness industry. As demand for personalized services grows, spa owners and operators will need to invest in ongoing staff education and training, in all the areas of the industry.
  
  
• Balancing Technology and Human Touch: While technology will play a bigger role in spa treatments, it’s important to remember that the human touch—the personalized care and connection—is a critical part of the spa experience. Finding a balance between tech integration and preserving the deeply human aspects of wellness will be an ongoing challenge.

4. My favourite personal wellness routines include...

Liza: While I understand, develop and implement different kinds of services in the spas I run, my favourite wellness routine remains a good massage or facial, and the best mindful activity for me is rock climbing and hiking in the mountains.

5. The best advice I can offer the next generation of wellness professionals is...

Liza: The best advice I can give is to remain curious, compassionate, and adaptable. The wellness industry is constantly evolving, and it’s important to keep learning and stay open to new ideas. Embrace new technologies and trends, but don’t lose sight of the importance of human connection and empathy.

Being genuinely passionate about helping and connecting with others is at the core of the wellness industry, and your authenticity will resonate with clients. Also, take care of yourself first—burnout is real in the wellness industry, so practice what you preach, maintain healthy boundaries, and nurture your own physical, mental, and emotional health.