In this inspiring episode of The StarrCast Podcast, host Lisa Starr sits down with Vivienne Tang, founder and CEO of Destination Deluxe, a luxury wellness and travel company, to explore the dynamic world of wellness retreats. Vivienne shares her journey from fashion publishing to becoming a global thought leader in wellness travel, offering insider perspectives on the evolution of wellness experiences, the essential elements that make retreats transformative, and how travelers are seeking more profound, meaningful experiences beyond traditional spa services.

Whether you’re a spa professional, wellness entrepreneur, or simply wellness-curious, this episode offers a compelling deep dive into where the industry is headed—and how you can tap into it.

About Vivienne Tang

• • Founder & CEO of Destination Deluxe, a leading online magazine and platform for curated wellness and luxury travel.
  • Former Editor of Asia Spa Magazine and co-owner of The Sanctuary, a holistic wellness center in Hong Kong.
  • Vivienne is recognized worldwide for her expertise in wellness retreats, and is often called upon by top hotels and resorts to consult on designing wellness programs.

Key Takeaways

• • The Rise of Wellness Retreats: How consumer needs shifted from spa services to holistic, transformative experiences.
  • Authenticity Matters: The importance of genuine programming, expert practitioners, and personalized guest experiences.
  • What to Expect: A breakdown of typical retreat structures—consultations, activities, food, and digital detox strategies.
  • Medical Meets Wellness: How biohacking and preventative medicine are blending with traditional wellness practices.
  • Building a Successful Retreat: Essentials like customized guidance, community building, connection to nature, and standout culinary offerings.
  • The Ongoing Journey: How retreats offer a gateway, but true wellness is a lifelong path—not a one-week fix.

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In this episode of The StarrCast Podcast, Lisa Starr speaks with James Gu, Director of Spa and Wellness for Equinox, and Greg Kasparian, founder of The Creek Retreat in Serenbe, Georgia. The episode, recorded live at the We Work Well spa event at Chateau Elan, offers a dual perspective on the future of wellness. 

James discusses how Equinox is evolving its spa offerings across over 90 properties with a focus on performance, biohacking, and accessibility. Greg shares his journey from the supplier side of the industry to launching a cutting-edge wellness facility based on intention, technology, and personal reinvention. 

This episode reveals how two leaders are shaping wellness spaces that respond to modern health demands, staffing limitations, and shifting consumer expectations.

Why It Matters: As wellness merges with fitness and personal optimization, both guests demonstrate how vision, adaptability, and innovation are crucial to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

• The future of spa is rooted in performance, personalization, and technology-driven recovery.
• Equinox is shifting from one-size-fits-all spa models to specialized tiers and touchless modalities.
• The Creek Retreat embodies a deeply personal reinvention of wellness care, offering hyperbaric therapy, red light, cryotherapy, and pain-relieving SoftWave technology.
• Biohacking, longevity, and stress regulation are top wellness trends guiding design and service innovation.
• “Rewirement” is the new retirement: wellness entrepreneurship as a second act.

Other Topics: 

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Cryotherapy
• Red light therapy
• Wellness retreats
• Biohacking
• Vibroacoustics
• Recovery labs
• Touchless therapy
• Healthspan

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Live from FIBO Part 2 of 2; Longevity Center CEO Joanna Bensz discusses her Center's focus on expanding preventive health and lifestyle optimization and László Puczkó, Hospitality and Wellbeing Strategist, advises on incorporating true wellness activities into your business model. Event organizers Andrew Gibson and Sven Huckenbeck comment on the many innovative takeaways of the Spa & Wellness International Day.

Live from FIBO, the largest fitness show in the world, we're sharing excerpts from the Spa & Wellness International Day, where expert speakers shared innovative business models integrating longevity and wellness with hospitality and membership. This episode, part one of two, features Andrew Gibson, Oliver Patrick of Pillar Wellbeing, and Claire Bourne of Eden One.

Live from LEC Innovation Summit: industry veteran operators Maggy Dunphy and Tammy Pahel share thoughts on the current state of the wellness industry and future innovation, including touchless wellness options.

Live from the Health & Fitness Association's annual conference, three panelists from different corners of the world discuss how their innovative business models are redefining what it means to be well, and why they’re quickly becoming the go-to destinations for individuals seeking comprehensive, transformative health experiences that promote physical recovery, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. Featuring Emili Hernandez, of Inner Flow, Daniel Stickler of The Covery, and Matthew Riemann of ShaeFit.

Every year, wellness is included on more trend lists from popular publications and thought leaders, but it can be difficult to discern a trend from a fad. Business management has to navigate these forecasts to ensure their business is providing options that are sought after, but not too far ahead of the curve. Jessica Shea, VP of Wellness, Retail and Leisure Operations for Hilton Americas, helps us to find the practical applications in the haystack.

Africa is a continent rich with indigenous wellness rituals and unique botanicals, but growing the wellness industry within Africa is a challenge on many levels. Mariane Akwenye of NomadSpa and Michelle Saudan of Amanzi Wellbeing, Chair and Vice-Chair of the African Wellness Initiative from GWI, are passionate about the continent's history and culture and determined to spread the word globally.

Chiropractor and Concierge Wellness Doctor Jonathan Leary recognized the need among patients for an opportunity to participate in holistic healing activities that did not feel isolated, and the idea for Remedy Place was born. On the cusp of opening their 4th location, Dr. Leary discusses the journey so far and his vision for the future of this new and exciting business model.

Entrepreneur Jennifer Pahl took a yoga class and said, I can do this too! Using a practical approach, Jennifer shares her journey from idea to studio owner, yoga instructor, and yoga studio business coach, creating a vibrant Twist-Yoga community along the way.