The following interview was conducted at the Global Wellness Summit 2025 in Dubai
In this episode of Wellness Wisdom, Spa Life speaks with Olivia Houghton. Insights & Engagement Director at The Future Laboratory.
SPA LIFE: How do you see the rapid rise of AI and constant self-tracking reshaping the wellness landscape,?
Olivia: “Wellness has always shifted as new technology comes along, but in the last couple of years things have sped up dramatically, especially with AI entering the mix. At first it all felt exciting — the idea that we could get quicker results, be more efficient, and measure absolutely everything. But we’re now seeing the flip side. People are getting tired. All the constant tracking and the pressure to be ‘better’ every minute of the day is wearing people down.
Because of that, there’s a quieter conversation starting to happen in the industry, one that’s more about slowing down and feeling grounded again. That’s why I think connection will be such a big theme in 2026 — connection with each other, with the systems we use, and even with our own senses.”
SPA LIFE: There appears to be a growing interest in care and lifestage wellbeing. How can the industry find a healthy balance between technological progress and the natural rhythms of the human body.
Olivia: “It’s not about throwing tech out the window. Far from it. What we’re talking about is blending smart innovation with what our bodies already know how to do. In our Synthocene Era report, we look at how technology can support us rather than push us out of sync — things like routines that follow our body clock, solutions that respond to the climate around us, and a deeper focus on different stages of life, such as fertility or menopause.
When tech is used in a way that works with our natural rhythms, rather than against them, it becomes a genuinely helpful partner.”
SPA LIFE: What role can spas and clinics play in helping people move away from over-monitoring and toward a more intuitive, grounded relationship with their own health and have you seen any good examples of this?
Olivia: “This is where spas and clinics can really shine, because they’ve always dealt with the subtle sides of wellbeing — the things you can sense but can’t always measure. The challenge has been that clients often don’t feel the effects straight away, so it can be harder to explain the value.
I believe that the direction we’re heading in now is much more holistic. It’s about helping people reconnect with what their bodies are telling them, not just what the numbers say. Technology still has a place, but more as a helper. It gives practitioners extra insight so they can guide clients in understanding what those readings actually mean in their own bodies.
When this happens, people stop feeling overwhelmed by data. They learn to notice small shifts before problems show up, and they start to trust their natural instincts again. Wellness becomes a calmer, slower journey, not a race. Grey Wolfe in Barnes (London) is a great example of a space that’s already putting this into practice.”
SPA LIFE: What are some of your favourite personal routines or tips for managing stress and practicing self-care?
Olivia: “I love doing 9-minute 'brain naps,' usually during lunchtime as they give me a real chance to decompress and reset.
I also enjoy playing a sport – not just working out, but an actual game – because it allows me to be fully present and focused on that one activity for an hour or so.
And finally, another non-negotiable for me is a daily walk, ideally in the morning, to get some fresh air and sunlight – it really sets the tone for the day.”
ABOUT OLIVIA HOUGHTON
Olivia Houghton is a leading expert in consumer trends analysis within the beauty, health, and wellness sectors, with many years' experience tracking market dynamics and evolving consumer behaviours. Widely recognized for her work at The Future Laboratory, she has authored influential reports such as Synchronised Care, Accredited Beauty, Longevity Lifestyles, and The Synthocene Era, which explore interconnected health, science-driven beauty, longevity, and the impact of accelerating technologies like AI.
Her expertise extends beyond research to thought leadership, regularly contributing to publications including Vogue and the Financial Times. Olivia is a sought-after speaker at major industry events and a key contributor to the Global Wellness Summit’s annual Trend Report, where her insights help shape strategies for leading beauty, health, and wellness brands navigating the future of consumer expectations.
Learn more about The Future Laboratory: https://www.thefuturelaboratory.com/
