Redefining the future of the wellness industry with Inge Theron

Step into the world of wellness with entrepreneur and wellbeing guru Inge Theron. At the helm of Surrenne, a new concept revolutionising the idea of a hotel spa, Inge is pioneering science-​backed solutions that merge cutting-​edge technologies with human understanding — taking health to a whole new level. We worked with Inge and luxury hotel group Maybourne to bring the ultra-​premium spa to their new London hotel, The Emory. We sat down with Inge to learn more about this new category of holistic rejuvenation that pushes wellness into the future.

How did you get started in the wellness industry?

I got into the business about 15 years ago as the wellness editor of the FT’s How To Spend It. I was an undercover journalist, so I got deep into the belly of the industry. I travelled around the world, encountering wellness in all its forms — very clinical, very holistic, very invasive, non-​invasive and everything in between. All of this inspired me to venture into designing spas.

What led to your vision for Surrenne?

I wasn’t looking for a gap in the market, I was looking for progress. I was looking for something that didn’t exist yet. These days we’re witnessing a movement towards embracing science and technology in daily life. I felt like we could bring that movement to a place that didn’t feel like any other gym or wellbeing facility. We’ve created a beautiful space, with amazing programming, all backed by science. The more you come to Surrenne, the better you feel.

“I wasn’t looking for a gap in the market, I was looking for progress.”

And what makes the space so special?

A 25-​metre pool is business as usual — it’s nothing new. Instead, we focus on exceptional programming and world-​class expertise. And it’s the branded products created by our thought leaders and scientists that really gives us an edge. Surrenne was conceived with science, to benefit your body, mind and soul. From the moment you arrive, there is a consideration for the lighting, the sound, the scent, and it’s all proven to positively impact your neural pathways. We have an AI sound system, which means you’ll never hear the same sound twice. It also monitors your heartbeat, the collective heartbeat, and stabilises the space. We have incredible video imaging that can turn our yoga studios into immersive environments. We can use holograms to conference with experts in Los Angeles. The technology is super interactive and immersive, and in this setting it is one-​of-​a-​kind. In Surrenne, we’ve created a branded universe that considers every single touchpoint and that sets the narrative for how we approach the world of wellbeing. It’s a quality that we can become known for.

What steps have you taken to ensure that Surrenne is proven to work?

Be bleeding-​edge, be exciting, be innovative, but make sure everything is science-​backed. The first thing we wanted to do was align ourselves with thought leaders. Bringing the Scientific Advisory Board to Surrenne was key, and I ran every single decision past them. I can actually go from the lab table to the treatment table with a singular line with just pure information. And we can then apply that in our spas, with confidence, knowing that we have backed up our decision-​making with real science.

Can you tell us more about the technology at Surrenne?

I have the incredible privilege on a daily basis of speaking to the most extraordinary thinkers who have pioneered new avenues for approaching health. Surrenne is a space dedicated to prevention. It is functional medicine at its best. You can attend a Tracy Anderson class, and also get your blood work done. You don’t have to wait until you’re sick and at the doctor’s office. We’re on the front line with advancements in diagnostics and wearables. Whether it be with your aura ring, your glucose tracker or your keto tracker, you can take wellbeing into your own hands. With all these wearables we have a consistent dialogue with our organs, which is so exciting.

The benefit of this technology is mind-​blowing – how do we impact more people’s lives?

Imagine if governments could make this technology more widely available. Data is power. I’ve managed to change my life because I had the data. So we need to push to make data more accessible to everybody.

What do you think is the broader cultural impact of our increased focus on wellness?

We’re seeing a trend to not only meet at the pub but meet at the club. You might still have that cocktail, but that could come after a class. People are meeting for a dopamine-​boosting cold plunge on a Thursday night, instead of waking up with a hangover on Friday. But being well doesn’t mean being restrictive or having less fun. You’re having fun because you’re sharing new experiences that are actually making you feel better.

As a final thought, are there any technologies on your radar that we should be excited by?

I am excited about disease-​detecting technology, not through another new wearable, but through a smart toilet. Not the kind that lifts its own lid or spray cleans your bottom! I am talking about loos that can detect a range of disease markers in stool and urine. This is game-​changing for individuals who are genetically predisposed to certain conditions, and can be an extraordinary way to collect daily data that will help us prevent disease and live longer, better lives.

Image credit: Surrenne