Wellness in Hospitality Spotlight: From Insignificant to Prominent.
Meet The Speakers
Lynn Curry
Principal, Curry Spa Consulting
Lynn Curry, CMC, ISHC, is a highly experienced spa consultant specialising in financial feasibility, design development, and pre-opening services. She founded Curry Spa Consulting, a globally recognised firm certified as a Women's Owned Business Enterprise. Lynn was awarded the American Spa Magazine's Favorite Spa Consultant in 2018. She is a member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants, serves on the boards of Green Spa Network and Questex Wellness Advisory, and contributes as an educator and speaker at industry events. Lynn's esteemed clients include Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, and Hard Rock Resorts.
Diana Mestre
Founder, Mestre Spa Consulting
Diana F. Mestre is a respected leader in the wellness industry across Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean, with 35 years of experience developing spas and wellness projects. She focuses on cultural themes and world-class standards. As a member of the Global Wellness Institute's Consulting Initiative task force, Diana has been recognised as the Best Spa Consultant 2019. Through speaking engagements, articles, and books, she shares her expertise. Diana's portfolio includes renowned spas with prestigious hospitality brands, earning top industry awards. Diana has a Summa Cum Laude Bachelor's in Pre-Med Biology.
Debbie Merdjan
CEO and Founder, Camelot Group
Debbie Merdjan, CEO and founder of the Camelot Group, brings 30+ years of business experience in Health and Skincare Training, Product Distribution, Spa consultancy, and Franchise operations in Africa. With numerous industry accolades, including EY Entrepreneur Of The YearTM and Haute Grandeur Global Spa AwardsTM, Debbie is dedicated to sharing best business practices and fostering entrepreneurship. Currently based in the UK, she is expanding into new markets with an International Spa and Product Distribution division. Debbie is an active member of the WPO and Global Wellness Institute's Consulting Best Practices Initiative.
Lauren Alba
VP of Global Marketing and Communications, The Leading Hotels of the World
Alba brings 15 years of experience in developing customer-centric marketing campaigns and communication strategies for global businesses. She began her journey at Leading Hotels in 2014, initially as the Director of Global Public Relations and Media Partnerships, and later as the Senior Director of Marketing Communications. In her newly appointed role as Vice President of Global Marketing and Communications, Alba will lead worldwide B2C marketing communications, along with B2B and hotel member marketing and communications. Furthermore, she will maintain her responsibilities in brand management, creative services, public relations, and social media initiatives within the company.
Sonal Uberoi
Founder, Spa Balance Consulting,
Author, The Wellness Asset
Sonal Uberoi, a globally renowned wellness expert, is the founder of Spa Balance, a boutique consultancy specialising in creating wellness concepts for luxury hotels. She is the author of the best-seller, The Wellness Asset: How to Transform and Futureproof Your Hotel. As the host of the Wellness in Hospitality interview series, Sonal has engaged with over 80 esteemed hoteliers worldwide. With 15+ years of experience on 40+ projects across four continents, her cross-disciplinary expertise and finance background from Goldman Sachs make her the go-to expert for optimising businesses. Notable clients include Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine, Four Seasons Hotels, among others.
Leekyung Han
Founder and Managing Director, Polaris Advisory
Leekyung Han is the founder and Managing Director at Polaris Advisory since 2018, specialising in wellness-related real estate development. With a bachelor degree in architecture from University of Michigan, a master degree in architecture from Harvard University and a master of real estate development from University of Southern California, her global portfolio includes luxury hotels, offices, and holistic wellness retreats. Her recent projects in Shanghai and Suzhou, The Livingroom by Octave and Sangha Retreat by Octave, showcase her expertise in creating wellness retreats that combine Eastern wisdom and Western technology.
Kathryn Moore
Founder and Managing Director, Spa Connectors
Kathryn Moore, founder of Spa Connectors, is a global spa and wellness expert with 15+ years experience. Known for creativity and developing high-end concepts, she is a sought-after collaborator. She has a proven track record of successfully negotiating complex commercial arrangements, implementing operational frameworks, and developing standards and training programs. Kathryn addresses industry gaps through her business consultancy, exclusive training programs, and recruitment solutions. Her recent launch of the Hall of Wellness Awards provides a platform to showcase and honour the exceptional individuals shaping the industry's success.
Maria Pajares
Managing Director, Mason Rose
Maria Pajares, a hospitality enthusiast from birth, boasts three decades of experience in the travel industry. Her diverse background spans luxury hotels, cruises, and online travel, with a focus on sales, marketing, and communications. As MD of Mason Rose since 2007, Maria's commercial expertise and compassionate leadership have propelled the agency to industry acclaim. With an unwavering passion and extensive network, she provides invaluable support, mentorship, and advice to hospitality stakeholders, leveraging her profound knowledge and longstanding connections. Maria's journey is defined by excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of the industry.
Wilfried Dreckmann
Founder, Spa Project EU
With over 25 years of hands-on experience in the beauty and spa industry, Wilfried Dreckmann is a seasoned expert. He has worked his way up from being a beautician to holding management positions in renowned spas across Europe. Today, he leads his own successful consulting company, providing valuable insights and guidance to clients across Europe. Alongside consulting, he lectures at iST University of Applied Sciences in Düsseldorf, teaching spa management at the bachelor level. His vast knowledge and practical experience make him a trusted authority in the field.
Heather Davis
Regional Vice President of Operations, Aimbridge Hospitality
Heather Davis is a Regional VP of Operations for Aimbridge Hospitality overseeing 20 hotels, including NYC Union Hotels. With extensive experience in various roles, including GM, Area GM, and F&B Director, Heather's career spans prestigious establishments like Waldorf Astoria and international positions in Ireland. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Science from Niagara University. In addition to her current role, she also serves as an Administrator of the Aimbridge General Manager Advisory Council and heads the HANYC Foundation.
Sean Murphy
Vice President and Managing Director, Hotel Esencia
With 10+ years of hospitality experience, Sean Murphy has held 12 different roles, received 3 leadership awards, and gained exposure across 6 countries. He played a pivotal role in elevating Hotel Esencia to become the only independently owned Five-Star rated property in Mexico. Currently on the Forbes Travel Guide Standards Advisory Committee, Sean is dedicated to redefining luxury and creating impactful guest experiences. His passions include employee engagement, leadership, and staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of hospitality.
James McLuckie
Chief Learning Officer, Mapal Group
James, Chief Learning Officer at MAPAL-OS, has over 16 years of experience in learning and development, working with leading companies like Google, Heineken, and Virgin. A respected Fellow of the Learning and Performance Institute, he chairs the judging panels for the Learning Technologies Awards and the Learning Awards. James provides coaching, mentoring, and delivers talks and webinars on the impacts of learning in organisations, and the principles of great learning design.
Xenia zu Hohenlohe
Founding Partner & Director, Considerate Group
Xenia, a Founding Partner/Director of the Considerate Group, leads a change-making company that helps hospitality and hotel real estate businesses become more sustainable. Considerate Group develops tailor-made sustainability strategies for global hospitality companies, prioritising financial performance, ESG strategies, data transparency, and sector-wide impact. With 25 years experience, Xenia's multilingual abilities and background with esteemed groups, she provides valuable guidance to clients. She actively speaks on climate change and gender diversity in hospitality networks.
Chantelle Nicholson
Restaurateur, Chef, Owner of Apricity
Chantelle Nicholson, a renowned chef, owns Apricity Restaurant (Michelin Green Star 2023) in Mayfair. Formerly the chef-owner of Tredwells (green Michelin star 2021) and All's Well, a pandemic pop-up. A leading voice in the UK hospitality industry, she champions seasonal, sustainable, veg-forward cooking through her restaurant and cookbook, Planted. A trained lawyer from NZ, Chantelle actively promotes sustainability as an independent board member for ReLondon and a Food Council member for City Harvest. Tredwells earned a Michelin Green Star in 2021 for its commitment to sustainability.
Matt Morley
Founder and Director, Biofilico, and Biofit Gym Consultants
Matt Morley is a green building professional with expertise in mixed-use, residential, hotel, and gym sectors. With 20 years of global experience, he owns Biofit, a gym and wellness facility design consultancy catering to clients like ZEL Hotels, Sani Resort, Ikos Resorts, Fusion Students, Fritton Lake Hotel, Tearose Hotels, and Singita safari lodges. His second venture, Biofilico, offers wellbeing strategy, healthy building certification, and wellness interior design for Meliá Hotels International, Hero Group, Guesthouse Hotels, Black Mountain Partners, and Al Wajba Royal Palace.
Noelle Homsy
Co-Founder, ENVI Lodges
Noelle co-founded ENVI Lodges, a luxury experiential ecolodge brand and management company offering immersive, eco-friendly experiences in remote locations. Noelle writes for industry publications, speaks at conferences, is an advisory board member to The Hotel Show Dubai and The Hotel Show KSA, and served on the jury for the Hotelier Middle East Awards in 2021. Recognised as one of the Top 50 influential hoteliers in the MENA region in 2022 and featured in the Hotelier Executive Power list in 2023, Noelle received the INSEAD Alumni Emerging Entrepreneur Award. She holds an MBA from INSEAD, a Master's in Engineering Management, and a Bachelor's in Architecture.
Riaan Drever
Advisor, General Manager, Avani + Fares Maldives Minor Hotels
Riaan Sinclair-Drever, a South African working in the Maldives for the past 11 years, has held positions at Jumeirah, Orient Express, Fairmont, Movenpick, Centara, and Minor Hotels. With a passion for hospitality, Riaan gained experience in the USA before working at properties like The Westcliff and Fairlawns in Johannesburg. He then ventured to Zanzibar, Comoros, and finally found his calling in the Maldives at Gili-lankanfushi. Riaan's additional studies in interior décor, landscaping design, marketing, and PR, including courses at institutions like Yale, complement his extensive hospitality background. Known for his emotional intelligence, he builds exceptional teams.
Horacio Alcalá
CEO, Alsotel
Horacio Alcalá, an esteemed professional in the hotel and real estate industries, has an 25+ years of international experience. With a notable focus on investment and development in Spain, he has spearheaded numerous successful projects. As the former CEO of Travelodge Spain, Horacio expertly restructured the business while introducing new ventures from the UK. His remarkable track record includes managing over €1bn in hotel assets and overseeing the development of 25 hotels. Collaborating with renowned companies like Metrovacesa, MedGroup, Matlin Associates, and TRI Hospitality Consulting, he has consistently delivered outstanding results. Horacio shares his extensive knowledge as a lecturer.
Rose Murray
Director, These WhiteWalls
Rose is the founder and director of interior design studio These White Walls, established in 2017. The studio represents the synthesis of her multidisciplinary background as a scenographer, stylist and designer. Her approach explores how our everyday experiences can be redefined by the spaces we inhabit. She applies an academic background in Anthropology, alongside a well-honed talent for visual storytelling to inform the studio’s distinct approach. Rose sees a symmetry between ourselves and our spaces, and begins her work with the question, How can we live more beautifully?
Lohyd Terrier, PHD
Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour, EHL Hospitality Business School
Dr. Loyhd Terrier joined École Hôtelière de Lausanne in 2008 as an Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior, and in 2018 was promoted to Associate Professor. With an academic background that includes a MSc in Work and Organizational Psychology and a PhD in Social Psychology from the University of Provence, Dr. Terrier brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. He has taught courses on Human Behavior and Performance, Influence and Leadership, Organizational Psychology, Research Methods, Social Psychology, and Interpersonal Relations.
Heleri Rande
Partner, THINK Hospitality
Heleri, originally from Estonia, has lived in seven countries. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Business from NYU and an executive MBA in Hospitality Administration from EHL. Currently partnering with Think Hospitality, she advises on F&B strategy projects for brands like Accor, Hilton, Kempinski, and more. She is an editor at Supper Magazine, a program director at global hospitality events, and co-founder of Ideas-Flavours-Experiences and the New Baltic Hospitality Forum. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Global Restaurant Investment Forum and is the Stammvater of the UK Chapter of EHL Alumni Network.