The following interview was conducted at the Global Wellness Summit 2025 in Dubai

In this episode of Wellness Wisdom, Spa Life speaks to Christine Clinton, Chair of the Wellness for Children initiative at the Global Wellness Institute and recipient of the Debra Simon Award as a leader in furthering Mental Health.

SPA LIFE: What trends would you personally most (or least) like to see gaining momentum in 2025 and beyond, and why? 

Christine: I would very much like to see family wellness programs that focus on digital detox and focus on things like cooking lessons. I feel our young people have been excluded from the growing, harvesting, shopping for, and cooking of real food. Creative cooking classes with the whole family are fun and engaging and provide a great opportunity to continue the experience at home.

With so many young people, particularly young girls, struggling with eating disorders, there is evidence to suggest that if they engaged in the selecting of the ingredients and actually preparing and cooking the food, they are more likely to eat the food and enjoy the fruits of their labour. In taking the time to create a menu, prepare and cook the food, then enjoy sharing that food, the young person has been without their phone for some time. 

If we can slowly but positively offer engaging alternatives to being constantly online, with mindless scrolling and addictive behaviours, we can begin to highlight how wellness activities can fit into everyday life, one small conscious act at a time.

SPA LIFE: What are the most challenging operational issues you find in your field, and how do you address these issues to improve efficiency without compromising quality?

Christine: That's a great question. I think the biggest challenge we have right now is staffing. Our gen Z therapists have a relaxed work ethic that does not align very well with the educated guest, with expectations of a specific outcome from a chosen spa service/ritual.  many of these therapists are ill-equipped to handle the demands of such clients, so I believe education is critical in helping to upskill the therapists, supporting their professional development, while retaining staff that have been loyal to the spa.

SPA LIFE: How do you see digital tools and technologies impacting spa operations, customer service and client engagement?

Christine: Spa operations can be enhanced by the use of new software that allows for maximizing therapist time and the flow of guests through the spa. In some destination spas we see the use of AI-powered robotic massage such as Aescape (which recently raised $83 million dollars and a partnership with equinox wellness clubs - they have 113 locations worldwide).
 As someone who believes in the power of therapeutic touch and human connection, I was hesitant to embrace the idea of a robot giving massages, but as one spa director pointed out, the robot doesn't call out sick on Mondays, doesn't accept tips and can accommodate late night or early morning services. With the investment of this magnitude, the goal is to further develop and expand the use of AI in the business.

SPA LIFE: What are some common misconceptions you have observed about spa services, and what advice would you give to someone who is new to the spa experience? 

Christine: One of the most common misconceptions I have heard from clients is that they are not in control of the spa service - so if the pressure was too light, they are not confident in asking more than once for deeper pressure, likewise if the pressure is too deep the client would rather accept being uncomfortable than ask for lighter pressure.

There is a genuine misconception that therapists would be upset if you guided them to make adjustments – for example to the temperature of the room, the stones used in the service, or the treatment bed itself - however all therapists want to see their client relax and achieve the agreed upon outcome of the treatment. 

So, for new spa goers, I would say be assertive, explain your preference for heat, pressure and music choice, then enjoy every moment of your new spa experience!

SPA LIFE: Spa professionals are often seen as wellness role models. What are some of your favourite personal routines or tips for managing stress and practicing self-care? 

Christine: For me it's a regular massage. Wherever I am in the world, I plan a spa service and I still believe there are few better ways to relax than through therapeutic human touch.

Throughout the day, I rely on music and breathwork to keep me balanced and when I know I have a big trip coming up I try to get more sleep ahead of time and I drink more water in preparation for the pressurized cabin. I also use the jet lag app so that I minimize the disruption to my circadian rhythms, and I always pack my compression travel socks, which are so attractive!!

About Christine Clinton.

Christine Clinton has been in the health and wellness sector for 35years. She offers advanced education for spa professionals in several modalities including Massage, Skincare, Cancer Care, Clinical Lymphatic Drainage, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Mother & Baby Massage, Hormone Health, Teen Mental Health and programming for younger guests in Spas.

She is the founder of Clinton Cancer Care, an international award- winning certification program and Wellness for Life, Offering wellness education to all. She has been a school owner, an international examiner for an awarding body in student practical skills, a spa owner and operator, a speaker and a therapist.

Christine is a founding member of the SATCC, Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care, a registered charity in the UK, led by Industry Icon, Sue Harmsworth.

Christine has taught her award-winning programs in Europe, Asia, The Americas and The Middle East, reaching hundreds of therapists and thousands of guests along the way. She partnered with industry expert, Joanne Berry and together they have a team of educators around the globe offering in person, hands on training for people in active treatment for cancer or with a history of cancer in a spa setting.

Christine is also the co-founder of Junior Genius Global, offering wellness programs for children in preschools and learning centre’s during the formative years. 

Christine is the chair of the Wellness for Children initiative through the Global Wellness Institute and was the recipient of the Debra Simon award for leader in furthering Mental Health. In May 2023 she hosted the inaugural Children’s Mental Health Summit in Ireland with Government officials and Global leaders in early childhood development, advocating for more support and understanding of the unique needs of neuro diverse children in the classroom and in the community.

Christine has been a speaker at many industry events including The Global Wellness Summit, Spa Life International, Medical Wellness Congress, FIBO, SESPAA, WE Caribbean and SPARK. She invites you to review her website www.christineclinton.com