About Us

Abi Wright, founder of Europe’s leading spa booking agency Spabreaks.com, was born in Newton Abbot in Devon. With no formal business training and no stand-out academic record, she has a vivid memory of her careers advisor telling her that she wouldn’t ever amount to anything. It was a galvanising moment in Abi’s education that continues to inform her drive and encouragement of other individuals in their careers today.

It was during her time as sales and marketing manager for The Peter Michael Collection that Abi had her lightbulb moment, realising that there was an opportunity to change the way spas were marketed, and to alter the perception of spas by working with them to help realise their commercial potential whilst still showcasing the integrity of the industry.

In early 2008, Abi launched Spabreaks.com with a team of two interns, just four months after her first son was born. Having started the company in the middle of a recession, Spabreaks.com reached the number two position in The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 in 2012 following revenue growth from £250k in 2009, to £3.9m in 2010, £6.8m in 2011 and £11m in 2012. By 2018 turnover reached over £25m.

Today Spabreaks.com sends more than 6000 people on spa days and breaks each week, and has a customer database of more than one million people. The number of spas they work with now exceeds 900 in the UK and overseas; and the team has grown to more than 90 members of staff.

The founding principle of Spabreaks.com was to make spa experiences more accessible to anybody and everybody who wanted to go. Abi wanted to bring back the ancient purpose of spas as places of sanctuary for mind and body. However, she also wanted to balance those principles with commercial viability, proving that integrity and business success could go hand in hand. That meant creating accessible booking and communications systems, a variety of price points, a wide range of geographical options, a dynamic marketing strategy and working closely with spa destinations to create spa experiences that really showcased their attributes. In short, Abi and her team pride themselves on marketing spas with commercial passion.

For Abi however, accessibility has also meant challenging outdated and damaging limitations within the spa industry. In particular, she and her team at Spabreaks.com have worked to break down barriers and drive change in the industry approach to treating anyone with or recovering from cancer, or with any other illness or disability.
After serving a 2 year tenure on the Board of the Spa Association and feeling like progress is really being made to bring identity and purpose to the organisation, Abi is looking forward to working alongside new and old colleagues for the coming 2 years.

A previous serving UKSA board member, Bobby re-joined the team as our General Manager in March 2024. Bringing over 30 years experience in the luxury spa and hospitality sector.

Bobbys career boasts a broad range of experience within the industry, from starting out as a spa therapist at the highly acclaimed, Ragdale Hall Spa to worldwide projects for industry giants, such as Mandarin Oriental and E’spa International. Bobby worked as a Spa Consultant with the famous, Tanya and Allan Wheway (Wheway Lifestyle International) and was heavily involved in training, pre-opening and extensive operational roles in Jordan, Beirut, Singapore, Dubai, Thailand, Mauritius, St Lucia and Tunisia, as well as various parts of the UK.

More recently Bobby headed up the Spa at Dormy House in the Cotswolds and was responsible for the concept, design and creation of their estate wellness centre.

Bobby is passionate about the spa industry and revels in working together with a board of highly experienced industry players to celebrate the profession, to elevate the industry and to bring about change and progression for all.

In Bobbys own words, ’It's an honour to hold the role of General Manager, at this critical moment in the industry’s future. This industry has given me so much and I strive to work tirelessly to progress the UKSA, working with my industry peers to see what can be achieved with our combined experience and passion for spa and wellness.’

Gary has almost 40 years’ experience in the Personal Care sector and is Managing Director of the JK Health and Beauty Technologies Group plc with responsibility for sale and distribution of a portfolio of leading brands within the UK, Europe and beyond.

With a long-standing passion and commitment to supporting the sector, Gary has for many years volunteered his time, energy and expertise to a range of sector organisations, with roles as diverse as political lobbyist and strategist through to media spokesperson, campaigner and expert topic member with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).  In his new role on the UKSA Board, Gary is keen to utilise his considerable experience in supporting the UKSA’s communications strategy objectives and is very much looking forward to taking part in the continued growth and reach of the organisation.

Amy Bates, Founder of The Beauty Rebellion has an 11 year career in the beauty industry as a hair and makeup artist and beauty therapist. Now in her capacity as a body confidence coach, author and podcast host, Amy is a change maker in the beauty and spa industry helping beauty leaders and their teams drive positive change for the confidence and mental wellbeing of clients and industry professional. She is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion and the creator of the UK’s first client confidence and wellbeing app.

Colin is a seasoned professional specialising in wellness, sports and recreation management, with a proven track record in innovation, people development and commercial impact. He brings a pro-active, inventive and insightful management approach based upon, research, financial planning, operational standards and rigour alongside relationship management and the desire to lead with new initiatives which communicate a passion for health, well-being and the natural environment.

Colin has extensive experience at senior management level in projects in the UK and abroad, having managed 5 star properties in Jordan, Cyprus and various parts of the UK. He spend several years as Managing Director at Wheway Lifestyle International and was responsible for overseeing concept, design and feasibility on a number of projects, whilst supplying business and management support on others and guiding the commissioning and operational launch on further projects.

For the last 8 years Colin has been based at The Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire as their Director of Leisure. There Colin holds a senior divisional management position, with a wide remit of non-golf leisure departments. Managing a team somewhere in the region of 170 and specialising in: gym, poolside, spa, hair and beauty, Children's care and activities, equestrian, falconry, gundogs, off road driving, climbing and adventure, cycling, clay shooting, fishing , archery and field sports, Colin has not only substantially increased revenues but has also introduced a number of specialist events, programmes and initiatives.

He joins the board at a time of dynamic growth and change for the UK Spa Association and is very much looking forward to contributing with his wealth of experience and industry knowledge.

As Spa Director of the Spa at Carden, board member of UK Spa Association, Emma has been a prominent voice in the UK spa industry in recent times and a mainstay of the Carden Park team for over two decades. Starting as a reservationist, Emma went on to manage key areas of Carden Park revenue and was instrumental in the development and launch of the spectacular new Spa at Carden in early 2020. 

With one of the UK's largest spa gardens and an investment of over £10 million, The Spa at Carden has become a globally recognised destination for five-star luxury and wellness set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. 

Head of Spa and Wellbeing Development and member of the Senior Leadership Team with English beauty and wellbeing brand WILDSMITH. With over 30 years UK & International experience,  and a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the conception and delivery of world-class spa and wellbeing operations oversees the global expansion of WILDSMITH wellbeing offering.

Beginning his career at Gleneagles, Jamie led the country club before moving on to open and manage the award-winning spa.

He later joined ESPA, joining the brand’s highly respected international consultancy team, working with hospitality partners such as Ritz-Carlton, Leela Group, Fairmont, Corinthia, and l owned properties. In this role, Jamie supported projects ranging from financial planning and pre-opening preparations to operational management.

Jamie then took on the role of Spa Director at The Grove before moving to Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, where he helped relaunch the spa in 2019. He focused on refining the spa’s offerings, building strong partnerships, and supporting its position within the luxury wellness market. In 2021, he became Senior Spa Director, taking on additional responsibilities for the Spa at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair.

More recently, Jamie served as Area Director for Spa and Wellness at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, supporting spa operations across Europe, assisting with both new and existing properties, and working closely with the two London locations.

With a career spanning over three decades in luxury hospitality, I have developed a deep expertise in creating and managing exceptional spa experiences. My proven track record includes:

• Strategic Spa Management: Driving significant revenue increases through innovative membership programs, strategic pricing, and targeted marketing.

• Operational Excellence: Restructuring spa operations, implementing efficient processes, and ensuring the highest standards of service.

• Wellness Innovation: Introducing new spa concepts, wellness policies, and treatment offerings to meet evolving guest needs.

• Award-Winning Performance: Consistently achieving prestigious spa awards and accolades, recognizing excellence in service, facilities, and team performance.

• Team Leadership: Building and motivating high-performing spa teams dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Jason has overseen the Opening the Serentiy Spa at Seaham Hall, Foxhills Club & Resort Spa, Rockliffe Hall’s 5 star Spa as well as currently overseeing the Aqua Club and Spa and the 5 Star Headland Hotel in Newquay

Jean is the Director and Co-Founder of 4Leisure Recruitment, bringing years of expertise and a passion for tackling recruitment challenges head-on.  A product of Mauritius with a touch of Croydon, he’s a seasoned industry professional, who excels in crafting innovative hiring strategies and tailored solutions for businesses across the Leisure sector and its many sub-industries.

Having recruited in the spa, beauty and aesthetics sector for over 15 years, he has worked with of the most recognisable brands delivering talented individuals to businesses when they need it most.

Jean also invests time and resource in developing grass roots talent within the spa and beauty sector, delivering seminars and careers guidance to colleges and academies across the country.

A true problem-solver, he’s the go-to person for expert guidance and fresh perspectives.

Jessica has been a board member of the UK Spa Association since April 2023, contributing her expertise to support local colleges, offer career guidance, and help shape the future of the spa and wellness industry.  

With 23 years of experience in the spa and wellness industry, Jessica began her career as a personal trainer before training as a therapist and quickly rising to a management position. In 2014, she and her team opened The Gainsborough Bath Spa, the first hotel in the UK with thermal waters, which was awarded Best Spa in the World by Tatler in 2016.  

In 2019, Jessica was given the opportunity to lead Whatley Manor’s spa, where she successfully navigated the challenges of the pandemic, managing to retain the entire team. During this time, she experienced first-hand the invaluable support and resources offered by the UK Spa Association, inspiring her to one day join the board and give back to the industry.  

Jessica joined Lucknam Park in 2021, doubling the team’s size and revenue within her first three months and implementing operational changes, including innovative sustainability practices and new wellness concepts. During her tenure, Lucknam Park was awarded Condé Nast Readers’ Choice No.1 Destination Spa in the World for two consecutive years. Passionate about education and talent development, she and her team actively collaborated with local colleges to provide employment opportunities and career guidance, helping to future-proof the spa industry.  

Jessica’s contributions to the sector have earned her widespread recognition. She was awarded Wellbeing Champion by Boutique Hotelier and was a finalist for Spa Leader of the Year in both 2023 and 2024 at the World Spa & Wellness Awards. She has also contributed as a judge, speaker, and advisor for the World Spa & Wellness Convention, further solidifying her commitment to shaping the future of the industry.  

Jessica is now a Senior International Spa Operations Associate with ESPA, supporting spas across the EMEA region through auditing services, education, business strategy, and leadership development, further expanding her impact within the global spa and wellness industry. 

With over three decades of experience in hospitality and technology, I've gained a deep understanding of how to leverage technology to enhance guest experiences and optimize spa operations. My expertise includes strategic planning, sales, and account management, enabling me to provide valuable insights and guidance to spa businesses.

I'm passionate about the spa industry and committed to helping spas thrive in a competitive market by embracing innovative technology solutions. I'm eager to share my knowledge and expertise to support the growth and success of the spa association and its members. 

I am delighted to be joining the UK Spa Association Board. With years of experience in spa management and account management in my role as Spa Development Manager, I look forward to contributing my knowledge to help drive innovation and inclusivity within an industry I am very passionate about. I am thrilled to become part of the board and support the UKSA in shaping the future of the spa sector.

Sarah Ronchetti has been VP Global Head of Spa for nearly 20 years at TEMPLESPA where she oversees the Spa Sales and Training team, playing an integral role in the growth of the British award-winning Spa brand and making a huge contribution to its success to date.

Prior to joining TEMPLESPA Sarah spent time with Elemis where she was one of the Senior International Trainers, also working as part of their sales force. Elemis gave Sarah immense exposure and understanding of the Industry as well as offering the opportunity to travel the world visiting some of the finest Spas, primarily within the US, the Caribbean and Hawaii as well as locations closer to home.

The Cayman Islands were also key in the early years of Sarah’s career, spending almost 3 years in the Caribbean and enjoying the position of Spa Manager at the Hyatt Hotel and Spa towards the end of her time there. Whilst in the Cayman Islands Sarah set up a massage training school, an initiative to encourage local people into the industry and boost employment opportunities for the residents, this proved a huge success.

The earliest role for Sarah was working as a therapist at Grayshott Hall where she really cut her teeth in Spa; hard work, long hours, and a long commute, she embraced it all and performed treatments on many “A” listers and even Royals during her 7 years there.

Combining all her roles, Sarah is a great all-rounder and hugely knowledgeable about all aspects of the Spa Industry on a UK & International level, her passions lie in Industry Standards, reputation and encouraging more young people to embrace careers in the fantastic world of Spa.

Sarah has been involved in the spa and hotel industry for over 14 years.  Based at Lifehouse spa and hotel in Essex, she joined as part of the pre-opening team back in 2010.  Starting as a night receptionist, she progressed through various operational roles, before switching to the financial side of the business.  After some intensive training she advanced to the Finance Director position.  In 2019 she also took over the running of the operational side of the business and this is where she currently sits in the role of Finance and Operations Director.  Her responsibility encompasses running every aspect of the resort and business, including a 200 strong team.   With both the operational and financial experience, this has given Sarah a holistic 360 approach and understanding to running the spa, as well as a never-ending To-Do list.

Alongside her busy work schedule, Sarah has continued her personal development gaining various Leadership and Management qualifications and is currently studying Chartered Management Accountancy with CIMA. 

Since being at Lifehouse, Sarah feels lucky to have been given so many opportunities to progress, so is a firm believer in paying that back and giving people opportunities to succeed by empowering and developing her team through mentorship.   Equality and diversity in society and the workplace is really important to her, along with and mental health awareness and support, with an aim to try and make the spa industry inclusive to everyone.

Sarah’s interest in wellness first began in 1999 when she began studying Kung Fu, both internal and external styles.  She qualified as an instructor in both styles, learning meditation, qi gong and acupressure amongst other things.  She has held British titles in Tui Shou, a method of Tai Chi fighting and is a double silver medallist from the European Tai Chi Championships.  Although not actively practising any more, it is something that will always stay with her and be an influence on her life.

Outside of work Sarah enjoys spending time with her Wife and three dogs.  She has two Macedonian rescue dogs called Richard and Isadora, who love to go to work with her and distract the Lifehouse team.

Victoria is UK Country Manager for luxury French spa and skincare brand Sothys, where she oversees the UK sales, training, marketing and PR Departments. 

With over 25 years of global spa experience across luxury hotel groups, day spas and retail channels, Victoria began her career at the multi award winning Ragdale Hall in Leicestershire. 

Specialising in leading sales and training teams as well as launching luxury skincare brands in new markets, Victoria’s extensive experience and knowledge of the industry has been honed working with some of the world’s most prestigious spa and skincare brands: Shiseido, Kanebo, Hyatt Regency and Natura Bissé.

With a reputation for excellence and a passion for high quality skincare and spa treatments, Victoria spent 11 years working with Shiseido learning all she could about one of the world’s most famous luxury skincare brands.

At Shiseido, Victoria swiftly climbed the ranks from UK National Training Manager to EMEA Head of Spa Development managing and delivering training across the EMEA. 

Her passion and enthusiasm, combined with her knowledge of the luxury skincare market made her a perfect fit for Natura Bissé, where she successfully launched the brand to the Irish market within five-star properties around the country. 
Victoria joined Sothys in 2022, with a remit to further develop the profile of the brand in the UK, using her extensive knowledge and experience to launch the brand in the UK luxury hotel and spa arena.