Emma Barnett Spitzer

After seeing a gap in the market for a luxury wellness operator, Emma Barnett Spritzer founded Essential Escapes in 2002 – one of the first companies to offer dedicated luxury spa holidays – before launching Tots Too in 2007 to cater to families looking for spa experiences to enjoy with their children. She competed as a finalist on the UK’s popular MasterChef TV programme in 2015 and has since built on her passion for bringing food and adventure together with her experience in the wellness market, eventually rebranding Essential Escapes to include her three pillars of wellness: spa, food and adventure.

FAMILY FOCUS: Why Wellness Isn’t Just for Individuals

In response to a rise in teenage anxiety; screen time taking over family time; and the overarching trend towards a more wellness-centric lifestyle, the industry is increasingly moving to accommodate the modern family. As travellers seek experiences that offer them more quality, nurturing time with their loved ones, how can high-end hospitality react and provide the type of connective, group sessions they crave? An expert panel featuring Balance Holiday’s Stella Photi and Sandra Hoffman from Children’s Concierge will discuss the best ways for the industry to put family connections at the top of the agenda.