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

In this episode of Wellness Wisdom, Spa Life speaks with Tristan Lagarde, GM of PHYTOMER Group.

SPA LIFE: What trends would you personally most (or least) like to see gaining momentum in 2026 and beyond, and why?

TRISTAN: "There are some exciting shifts happening in our industry right now, especially the growing focus on technological advancements in pursuit of longevity, but honestly, I’d love to see the industry slow down a little and stop chasing every new trend that pops up.

Spas sometimes jump from one “must-have” concept to the next without asking whether it truly serves their brand or their clients by creating long term value. The result can be confusing: staff struggle to keep up, the brand identity becomes diluted, and clients don’t know what to expect.

What consistently works—and always has—is delivering high-quality, core services with reliability. Innovation is essential, of course, but it should support the spa’s long-term purpose, not distract from it. Spas that stay true to who they are and invest in coherence and quality are the ones that ultimately gain market share."

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?

TRISTAN: "Recruitment and retention are probably the biggest challenge in our industry and certainly the issues I hear about most regularly everywhere I travel in the world. When a team is understaffed or overstretched, quality inevitably suffers and sadly there is no magic fix, but there are ways to create a healthier, more resilient environment.

Building skills is essential—when therapists feel competent and confident, everything improves.

Regular team meetings that focus on short-term goals help keep everyone aligned and motivated.

And above all, a workplace where expectations are clear, and fairness is the rule, makes a huge difference. When morale is strong, productivity naturally follows."

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

TRISTAN:  "I’m genuinely excited about what digital tools can bring to the spa world. On the communication side, social media and digital content allow spas to stay present in clients’ lives in a very natural way. AI can be a useful tool to support content creation or help managers streamline operational tasks.

Where digital really shines, in my opinion, is in customer engagement. Some hotel spas are already doing this brilliantly—staff can instantly see a guest’s stay dates, preferences, concerns, and past treatments. It allows them to personalize the experience in a much deeper way. 

When a guest feels understood and cared for, the entire journey becomes more meaningful and enjoyable – and more likely to result in repeat business and customer referrals, both of which will impact revenue in a positive way."

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

TRISTAN: "First and foremost: enjoy it. That’s what a spa is for.

It’s natural for first-time guests to worry about doing something “wrong” or feeling out of place in a refined, tranquil setting. It’s completely normal to feel that way, but the spa team is there to guide you—whether it’s how to use the facilities, what to expect during a treatment, or simply where to go next.

My advice is to relax, take your time, and ask questions whenever something isn’t clear. It’s a shame to let stress get in the way of an experience designed to help you feel restored and uplifted."

SPA LIFE: What are some of your favourite personal routines or tips for managing stress and practicing self-care?

TRISTAN: "I need movement and fresh air to feel balanced. Running, walking along the cliff paths near home, gardening, or doing small projects around the house all help me reset. Even something simple like mowing the lawn or tending to the vegetable garden can be incredibly grounding and take your mind off work.

I also read a lot—fiction, history, science. Reading takes you out of your own head for a while and drops you into another world, which is a great way to gain perspective and refresh your mind."

ABOUT TRISTAN LAGARDE

Trained at HEC Paris, Tristan Lagarde began his career in London and Sydney with leading financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs and BNP Paribas. These early roles allowed him to develop a strong foundation in financial markets and project financing, reinforcing his commitment to long-term, purpose-driven business development.

Tristan later joined Phytomer, the family company which he co-leads with his wife, founded three generations ago, by her grandfather. His experience in international finance, combined with deep exposure to a pioneering, high-end marine skincare brand, has given him a unique perspective on sustainable growth, product innovation, and the strategic stewardship of a heritage French enterprise.