THE FUTURE OF WELLNESS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.