On June 5, the HOTel&SPA Forum 2025 took place in Paris, at the Four Seasons George V hotel in Paris. A look back at this 17th edition rich in reflection and data on the hotel and spa sector.
As global tourism has returned to its pre-pandemic levels and wellness spaces are at the heart of travel trends, the HOTel&Spa Forum is emerging as a premier exchange platform for industry professionals. From the themes addressed to the speakers, including the award winners, what to remember from this BtoB Show?
A 17th edition placed under the sign of freedom
Organized on June 5 at the Four Seasons George V Hotel in Paris, the HOTel&SPA Forum chose the theme of freedom for its 17th edition. Integrated for the first time into the group Professional Beauty, the company that organizes the World Spa & Wellness, the Salon aims to create exchanges of ideas and information on this industry more trendy than ever. This year, extended networking breaks were introduced to allow partners to engage more with spa and hospitality operators.
Many themes were addressed during this last edition. Trends and innovations, global market data, the vision of sponsors, the future of wellness in hotels, contemporary luxury, the expectations and lifestyle of upscale travelers, the ecological transition, the challenges of industry… Each conference allowed the assembly to deepen its knowledge and ideas of hospitality and spa in 2025 and for the future.
Handpicked stakeholders
To debate, explain and reflect on these topics, the HOTel&SPA forum called upon experienced speakers from all over Europe. Thus intervened:
François Delahaye, director of operations at the Dorchester Collection (France)
Roger A.Allan, CEO of the RLA Global group (Great Britain)
Michael Landsberg, founder of Landsberg First Class Aesthetic (Germany)
Olivier Couraud, founder Olivier Claire (France)
Egle Ruksenaite, specialized in hotel spa development and architectural design (Lithuania)
Sammy Gharieni, founder Gharieni Group (Germany)
Caspar C. Wesener, general manager Maison Messmer – a Hommage Luxury Collection Hotel (Germany)
Simon P.Casson, CEO of Corinthia Hotels (Great Britain)
Anaïs Fretté, project manager specialized in the creation of luxury spas and wellness centers in France and abroad
Barbara Pruvost, Ecocert Greenlife manager (France)
Fabien Piacentino, director of Le Couvent des Minimes Hôtels and L’Occitane Spa (France)
Ozgur Cengiz, Director of Wellness Development at Gurok Tourism Group (Turkey)
Regarding the moderators, let’s quote:
Philippe Rubod, president and CEO Swiss hospitality global (Switzerland)
Verena Lasvigne, director and founder VLF spa consulting (France)
Mark Smith, Deputy Editor-in-chief of the European Spa magazine (United Kingdom)
Isabelle Charrier, editor and director Sense of Wellness Magazine (France)
Jean-Guy de Gabriac, founder of the World Wellness Weekend (France)
The winners of the awards created by the HOTel&SPA Forum
This year again, the Forum awarded three prizes to emblematic figures in the sector. The Red Diamond Award, which rewards a person committed to remarkable contribution, was presented to Marie-Paule Leblanc-Péru, volunteer president of the SPA-A association within the Federation of Spa and Wellness professionals.
The Blue Diamond Award highlights the management qualities, innovative spirit and commercial dynamism of a personality in the thalassotherapy sector. This year, it is Caroline Mahé-Léa who was acclaimed through this award. Director of operations at Thalgo, she supervises six wellness sites in France and abroad.
Finally, the Black Diamond Award is a distinction celebrating excellence in the world of spa and medi-spa and recognizing not a specific position but an exemplary career. Stéphane Reumont, currently director of the Guerlain spa at the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, was honored for his journey focused on service, training, transmission and the quest for excellence.
Read also > [CHRONICLE] Luxury travel: well-being, a major trend!
Featured photo : © Faust Favart
