The following interview was conducted at the Global Wellness Summit 2025 in Dubai.
In this episode of Wellness Wisdom, Spa Life speaks to Sammy Gharieni, the Founder and CEO of the Gharieni Group, a global leader in spa, wellness and medical technologies with more than 30 years of industry expereince.
Spa Life: Sammy, you’ve seen the spa industry evolve over decades. What trends excite you most for 2026 and beyond?
Sammy: I’d love to see immersive, multi-sensory experiences go to the next level—not just those that we already know, but new concepts that really surprise guests and deliver that “wow” factor in a meaningful way.
And treatments that support recovery, sleep, mental wellbeing, and longevity are gaining momentum as the awareness and interest from our customer base in improving healthspan vs lifespan.
People don’t just want to live longer; they want to live better.
Spa Life: That sounds exciting. But what about the operational side? What challenges do you see, and how do you tackle them?
Sammy: From the perspective of a provider of Wellness Technology, three things are essential for operational success:
i) proper training,
ii) understanding how to use wellness tech,
iii) and understanding why it matters for customer wellness.
If your team doesn’t feel confident, even the most advanced equipment won’t deliver its full value. It is important to work closely with your spa partners during onboarding to refine protocols and build confidence.
At Gharieni Group, we also collaborate with external experts to design customized protocols that pair specific skincare and aromatherapy products with our tech. This keeps treatments fresh and relevant for guests, which is a win-win.
Spa Life: Speaking of tech, let’s dig a bit deeper into this. How do you see digital tools impacting spa operations?
Sammy: In so many ways. First of all, everyone understands that digital tools can streamline day-to-day processes, making operations smoother and more efficient. That’s a big win for managers who want consistency without adding complexity.
But talking specifically about wellness tech and equipment, these tools are not gadgets – they’re about outcomes - they accelerate and amplify wellbeing results. They help deliver treatments that feel more effective and impactful, which guests really notice.
The technology adds new layers of immersion. It’s not replacing what you already offer — it’s enhancing it with multi-sensory elements that surprise and delight. That’s what keeps guests coming back.
Wellness is evolving fast; investing in technology is a smart way to future proof your spa by ensuring you stay relevant. It’s about positioning your spa for what guests will expect tomorrow, not just today.
Spa Life: Personalisation is a big buzzword right now. How does tech play into that?
Sammy: Digital tools make it easy to tailor treatments and guide guests through a personalized journey. They also help track progress over time, which builds trust and loyalty, which positively impact your revenue.
Spa Life: So, the investment pays off?
Sammy: Definitely. Tech creates new revenue streams without adding staff. It’s a way to increase ROI while elevating the guest experience. When implemented thoughtfully, it transforms the entire wellness journey and deepens engagement.
“Tech should never replace therapists—it should elevate the experience.”
Spa Life: What are some of the common misconceptions you have observed about services?
Sammy: The biggest misconception is the worry that tech takes away the human touch. Tech should never replace therapists—it should support them. Used correctly, it elevates the treatment journey and creates more opportunities for meaningful interaction.
One of our clients recently added mental-fitness loungers to their relaxation area and simultaneously, slightly raised the price for their day pass: now they generate an extra $15,000 per day. That’s proof tech can enhance the guest experience and boost revenue.
Spa Life: Impressive! Before we wrap up, as a leading Spa Professional many people may see you as a wellness role model. Are there any personal wellness tips you swear by?
Sammy: Sleep is my number one non-negotiable. I’m also a fan of power naps: even a short rest can reset the day.
When things get really intense, I turn to sound-based relaxation techniques that help calm the mind and rebalance the nervous system.
And finally, I enjoy contrast therapy—cold showers or cold plunge paired with heat, ideally a sauna—works wonders. If I can, I like to combine with a sauna session followed by a massage. Pure bliss.
Sammy’s Quick Tips for Spa Managers
1. Invest in Training Before Tech: Ensure your team understands how to use wellness technology and why it matters. Confidence drives consistency.
2. Pair Tech with Creativity: Don’t just install equipment—integrate it into treatments in ways that feel fresh and exciting for guests.
3. Reassure Guests About Human Touch: Communicate that technology enhances—not replaces—the therapist’s role. Position tech as a complement to care.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Wellness is evolving fast but remember, technology and human connection are partners: the future of spa isn’t about replacing touch—it’s about enhancing it.
ABOUT SAMMY GHARIENI
Sammy Gharieni is the Founder and CEO of the Gharieni Group, a global leader in spa, wellness, and medical technologies. With over 30 years of experience, he began by revolutionizing treatment beds and has since built a brand recognized in more than 120 countries for its innovation and premium quality. His vision has consistently focused on bridging wellness and technology, creating immersive, multi-sensory experiences that elevate both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Educated as an engineer in Germany, Sammy brings a unique perspective to the industry. His pioneering approach has earned him accolades such as the prestigious A Life of Beauty Award at Beauty Düsseldorf. A regular contributor to global wellness summits and industry forums, he advocates for integrative wellness—combining high-tech solutions with high-touch therapies—to future-proof spas and deliver evidence-based wellbeing outcomes.
Driven by a passion for innovation and customer-centric design, Sammy continues to influence the evolution of spa and wellness by promoting concepts that merge luxury, science, and sustainability. His thought leadership inspires operators worldwide to embrace technology not as a replacement for human connection, but as a powerful tool to enhance it.
