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Wellness That Outlives the Stay

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12 months ago

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By Christian Kiefer CEO and Founder, Spa Wellness Project Management

Looking back at your journey, what inspired you to dedicate your career to redefining wellness in hospitality?

My journey into wellness began almost by chance, though in hindsight, it feels like it was always meant to be.

What inspired me to dedicate my career to wellness in hospitality was the realization that wellness could be more than a treatment or a spa session. It could be a philosophy woven into the very fabric of how we live, travel, and experience the world. When I transitioned to land-based hospitality and later moved to the Middle East in 2010, I saw that while this region was booming with luxury hotels and breathtaking resorts, wellness was often treated as an afterthought. My vision became clear: to redefine wellness not as an amenity, but as an essential pillar of hospitality.

Redefining wellness meant making it accessible, ethical, and deeply integrated into hotel operations—so that guests didn’t just leave with beautiful memories of their stay but with a renewed sense of health, balance, and connection to themselves. That has been my inspiration ever since.

What core philosophy drives Spa Wellness Project Management, and how do you ensure that your projects deliver both commercial value for hotels and genuine wellness for guests?

The core philosophy of Spa Wellness Project Management is rooted in three words: accessibility, authenticity, and sustainability. I founded the company because I saw the gap between what hotels were offering and what guests were truly seeking. Too often, wellness was packaged as luxury but lacked depth, or it was operationally unsustainable and therefore short-lived.

For me, delivering value means creating win-win solutions: hotels must see measurable returns, and guests must experience genuine transformation. That balance is non-negotiable. From the commercial perspective, I focus on building spas and wellness brands that are revenue centers, not cost centers. That involves smart design, efficient operations, rigorous training for therapists, and programs that appeal to both hotel guests and the local community.

On the guest side, authenticity is everything. Guests can immediately sense when wellness is superficial. We design experiences that are rooted in true healing philosophies—whether it’s holistic therapies, sustainable product sourcing, or integrating local cultural practices into treatments. At the same time, we ensure consistency and quality across all locations.

This dual focus on commercial viability and authentic wellness is what has allowed Rayya Wellness and Wellbeings Holistic Healing to thrive.

Rayya Wellness and Wellbeings Holistic Healing have seen impressive growth across the UAE. What do you believe has been the key factor behind their success?

The success of Rayya Wellness and Wellbeings Holistic Healing lies in their adaptability and clarity of purpose. Both brands were created with a strong identity. The key factor, though, has been the consistency of execution. Growth does not come from a glossy brochure or a clever marketing campaign alone. It comes from every guest walking away with the feeling that they have been cared for, that their needs have been understood, and that they’ve experienced something real.

Another crucial element is the long-term partnerships we’ve built with hotels. Operators trust us because we don’t just bring a brand—we bring a strategy, a training framework, a strong operational backbone, and a proven track record of profitability. That trust has fueled our expansion.

How are hotels in the region evolving in their approach to wellness, and what role do you see wellness playing in driving occupancy and guest loyalty?

Hotels in this region are undergoing a fundamental shift. Ten years ago, a spa was often just a line item in a hotel’s brochure, a beautiful space, yes, but not necessarily a strategic driver. Today, wellness is no longer optional. Guests, whether they are millennials, Gen Z, or baby boomers, are prioritizing health and well-being as a core part of their travel experience.

We’re seeing hotels move beyond the traditional spa model into wellness-integrated stays. This means wellness is present not only in treatments but also in dining concepts, fitness facilities, room design, and even meeting packages. Wellness is becoming experiential and holistic, shaping the entire guest journey.

As for occupancy and loyalty, wellness has become a differentiator. In a competitive market like the UAE, a hotel can no longer rely on luxury rooms or prime locations alone. Guests want experiences that enrich them. A strong wellness offering can influence booking decisions and keep guests returning. I believe wellness will increasingly become a key revenue driver and a brand loyalty anchor for hotels.

Sustainability is a growing focus in hospitality. What practical steps can spas and wellness brands take to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining luxury standards?

Sustainability and luxury are not opposites—they can, and must, coexist. For spas and wellness brands, this begins with choosing partners and products that prioritize ethical sourcing, recyclable packaging, and natural ingredients, ensuring that every treatment reflects care for both the guest and the planet. Operational efficiencies also play a major role; from reducing single-use plastics to implementing water-saving fixtures and energy-efficient lighting, even small adjustments can significantly reduce environmental impact. Another important step is local sourcing—whether that’s using regionally made teas, oils, or wellness products—which not only supports the community but also reduces the carbon footprint tied to global shipping. Just as important is educating guests and inviting them into the sustainability journey by making eco-conscious initiatives visible and meaningful, whether through refillable amenities or wellness programs designed with environmental awareness in mind. The key is to integrate these measures seamlessly so that guests never feel that sustainability is a compromise; instead, it becomes part of a more thoughtful, elevated expression of luxury.

Your career began on luxury cruise liners and has since taken you to some of the most prestigious hotel groups. What lessons from your early career still guide you today?

Working on cruise liners taught me two invaluable lessons: the importance of adaptability and the power of human connection. Onboard, you deal with hundreds of guests every week, each with different expectations, needs, and cultural backgrounds. To succeed, you had to be agile—ready to pivot in an instant while still delivering excellence. That adaptability has stayed with me, especially in a dynamic market like the Middle East.

The second lesson is about people. No matter how luxurious the facility, it is the human touch that makes or breaks a guest experience. I learned early on that genuine hospitality comes from empathy—understanding what a guest needs even before they voice it. This belief continues to guide every training session we deliver and every brand we build.

Looking five years ahead, how do you see the intersection of hospitality and wellness evolving in this region—and what role do you want Spa Wellness Project Management to play in shaping that future?

I see the future of hospitality and wellness in this region as one of deep integration. Wellness will no longer be a “department” within a hotel—it will be the essence of the entire experience. Guests will expect wellness to influence everything: the way rooms are designed to promote sleep, the way food is curated for health, the way activities are built around mindfulness and movement.

Technology will play a role too, with personalized wellness journeys supported by data-driven insights and AI. But the heart of it will remain human—the need for authentic, healing, face-to-face experiences.

My goal for Spa Wellness Project Management is to be at the forefront of this transformation. I want us to continue pioneering accessible, ethical, and commercially viable wellness solutions for hotels. More importantly, I want us to shape a wellness culture that is not just about luxury treatments, but about helping people live healthier, more balanced lives—even after they check out.

In five years, I envision a region where every major hotel view wellness not as an amenity, but as a core promise. And I want our team to be the trusted partner making that vision a reality.

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Hospitality

VELAA PRIVATE ISLAND ANNOUNCES THE VELAA VAMPIRE CHRONICLES FOR HALLOWEEN 2026

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17 hours ago

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September 15, 2026

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Velaa Private Island has announced The Velaa Vampire Chronicles, an eight-day Halloween takeover running from 25th October to 1st  November 2026 in the Maldives’ Noonu Atoll.

For GCC travellers, the programme lands on a Halloween weekend, the 31st falls on a Saturday this year, making it a short-haul family escape at the close of the region’s October school break period.

Rather than a single themed night, the Chronicles run as a series of separate experiences, with a dedicated children’s strand across all eight days.

Across the resort, the weekend brings several experiences together at once. Younger guests can join the Lha Velaa Kids Club’s Little Vampires programme, while the Vampire’s Lair Escape Room and Scary Train Ride offer after-dark thrills for the whole family. Meanwhile, The Immortals’ Stage brings a night of live music and entertainment, before it all builds to the gothic-themed Halloween Gala Dinner on 31st October.

Tokey & Friends: Little Vampires
What: Tokey and his friends turn into the island’s littlest vampires, with fang-tastic games, spooky crafts and daily Halloween surprises.
When: 25th October – 1st November 2026
Where: Lha Velaa Kids Club, Velaa Private Island

The Vampire’s Lair Escape Room
What: Enter the Count’s hidden realm, follow the trail of clues and escape before darkness claims you.
When: 26th – 27th, 29th – 30th October and 1st November 2026
Where: The Velaa Coral House, Velaa Private Island

The Immortals’ Stage
What: Charly’s Angels take the stage for an evening of music, dance and live entertainment.
When: 28th October 2026
Where: Athiri Beach, Velaa Private Island

The Scary Train Ride
What: A haunting night-time journey through the island’s shadows, with vampires waiting around every corner.
When: 29th – 30th October and 1st November 2026
Where: Velaa Private Island
Age: All ages

The Halloween Gala Dinner
What: The Count’s invitation to an evening of exceptional dining and captivating performances, beneath the moonlit sky. The dress code is gothic.
When: 31st October 2026
Where: Velaa Private Island

To know more or for reservations, please visit the website https://www.velaaprivateisland.com/.

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Hospitality

Accor Loyalty Pays Off: Members Spend 2.6x More, Driving Growth at Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai

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19 hours ago

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September 15, 2026

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Subscription-based hotel loyalty is delivering measurable returns across the Accor network, according to newly compiled data from ALL Accor+ Explorer, the premium tier of Accor’s loyalty subscription line. 

Explorer members now number more than 480,000 across 22 countries, including the UAE, and are driving outsized value for the hotels they stay in: 2.9 times more stays, 74% more repeat visits, and 2.6 times more spend compared to non-members. These figures rise to 4.8x and 4.1x respectively when compared against guests with no ALL Accor loyalty status at all.

Across the Accor network, Explorer members have already logged more than 3.5 million room nights and contributed €454 million in room revenue, with Asia Pacific accounting for 36% of total ALL Accor loyalty contribution, underscoring the region’s growing weight in the group’s global loyalty strategy.

In the UAE, that momentum is playing out at a hotel level. Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai, the five-star, 244-apartment property located moments from Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, is among the Accor hotels offering the full suite of Explorer member benefits. 

For members, that includes two complimentary Stay Plus nights every membership year, 15% off public rates at more than 4,500 Accor hotels worldwide, up to 50% off through limited-time Red Hot Rooms offers, and 30% off dining plus 15% off drinks for tables of up to ten guests. Guests can put those savings towards dining at the hotel’s Grazer Restaurant, relaxing at the Oasis Terrace & Garden restaurant, or enjoying its signature daily Chocolate Hour in the lobby.

The data adds to a broader industry conversation about the economics of hotel loyalty: as subscription models mature, hotels are increasingly finding that the depth of a guest’s engagement, not just their volume of bookings, is what drives long-term revenue. 

For a destination like Downtown Dubai, where business travellers, families and long-stay guests converge around landmarks like Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, that engagement is translating directly into repeat stays and higher spend at the property level.

ALL Accor+ Explorer membership is available for USD 249 annually and can be purchased via accorplus.com or directly through participating hotels, including Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai. 

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Hospitality

Majestic Hotels Celebrates World Tourism Day with Two Decades of Dubai Hospitality and a Growing Homegrown Legacy

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19 hours ago

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September 15, 2026

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As the world comes together to celebrate World Tourism Day on Sunday, 27 September, UAE based hospitality group Majestic Hotels is marking the occasion by celebrating two decades of homegrown hospitality, meaningful guest experiences and its continued growth alongside one of the world’s most dynamic tourism destinations.

With a distinguished collection of upscale four-star properties across Dubai, including Majestic City Retreat, Majestic Premier and Majestic Cove, Majestic Hotels has built its reputation around a simple philosophy: “Make a Memory.” The tagline reflects the group’s commitment to creating stays that go beyond accommodation, connecting guests with the character, culture and energy of Dubai while giving them experiences worth remembering.

The group is celebrating a particularly significant year in 2026, marking its 20th anniversary while also expanding its portfolio with the launch of its fourth property, further strengthening its presence in Dubai’s competitive and rapidly evolving hospitality landscape.

For Majestic Hotels, the milestone reflects not only the growth of its portfolio, but also the evolution of Dubai itself. Over the past two decades, the city has transformed into one of the world’s leading destinations for leisure, business, retail, gastronomy and international events, welcoming millions of visitors from around the globe.

A Homegrown Hotel Group Rooted in Dubai Strategically located across Dubai, Majestic Hotels’ properties provide guests with convenient access to the city’s key attractions, transport links and business districts.

The group’s hotels place visitors within easy reach of some of Dubai’s most iconic cultural and leisure landmarks, including Meena Bazaar, Dubai Frame, the Gold and Spice Souqs, Dubai Museum, Dubai Creek, Dubai Mall and Dubai World Trade Center. Convenient access to metro connections and Dubai International Airport also makes the properties well suited to both international leisure travellers and business guests.

This balance between contemporary comfort and Dubai’s cultural heritage is central to the Majestic Hotels experience. Rather than simply offering a place to stay, the group encourages guests to explore the city, discover its neighbourhoods and create their own Dubai stories.

The result is a hospitality proposition that combines the comfort expected from an upscale four-star hotel with a distinctly local sense of place.

Looking ahead to Dubai’s Q4 Tourism Season 

World Tourism Day also comes at an important point in Dubai’s annual tourism calendar, as the city prepares to enter its traditionally vibrant Q4 season.

With cooler weather bringing increased opportunities for outdoor experiences, cultural exploration, shopping, dining and entertainment, the final quarter of the year is a particularly important period for Dubai’s hospitality sector. The season also brings a diverse mix of international visitors, families, business travellers and returning residents to the city.

For Majestic Hotels, the upcoming season represents an opportunity to welcome both first-time visitors discovering Dubai and returning guests looking to experience the city from a familiar base.

From exploring historic Dubai Creek and the traditional souqs to visiting world-renowned attractions, shopping destinations and major business and entertainment venues, guests staying at Majestic Hotels can experience the many sides of Dubai within easy reach of their hotel.

As the group enters its third decade, its focus remains firmly on the guest experience, creating comfortable stays, meaningful connections and memories that encourage visitors to return.

Twenty years of making memories 

For 20 years, Majestic Hotels has grown alongside Dubai, evolving with the city’s tourism landscape while maintaining its identity as a homegrown hospitality group.

Its latest expansion in 2026 marks another milestone in that journey, bringing the portfolio to four properties and opening a new chapter for the group.

As Dubai continues to attract visitors seeking authentic experiences alongside world-class hospitality, Majestic Hotels is looking to the future with a clear ambition: to continue growing while remaining deeply connected to the destination that has shaped its story.

This World Tourism Day, the message is simple: travel may take guests to new places, but it is the memories they create that bring them back, and for Majestic Hotels, every stay is an invitation to “Make a Memory”. 

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