Jeremy McCarthy, Director of Spa & Wellness for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, will receive the International SPA Association (ISPA) Visionary Award this year. The award will be presented at the ISPA Conference & Expo, which takes place at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nevada, from September 11 to 13, 2019.
The ISPA Visionary Award is presented annually to someone in the spa industry who has made significant contributions to health and wellness over the course of their career.
“Jeremy’s forward-thinking approach to spa leadership has inspired countless industry professionals throughout his career,” ISPA President, Lynne McNees, is quoted as saying in a media release. “We are thrilled to recognize his commitment to the industry and look forward to the continued passion he brings to the spa world.”
McCarthy has more than 25 years experience operating luxury spas in resorts and hotels around the world. As Director of Spa & Wellness for Mandarin Oriental, he leads the hotel group’s renowned luxury spa division and guest and colleague wellness programs.
McCarthy holds a Master of Applied Positive Psychology degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and is the author of the book, Psychology of Spas & Wellbeing, and of the holistic wellbeing blog, “Psychology of Wellbeing.” He is also the Chair of the Digital Wellness Initiative for the Global Wellness Institute.
A noted trailblazer in spa and wellness, McCarthy is recognized for his innovative concepts, including the incorporation of technology free areas within spas. Under his direction, in 2016, Mandarin Oriental launched a Digital Wellness initiative to encourage people to establish a healthier relationship with their devices. The initiative includes a Digital Wellness Escape treatment, mindfulness retreats, and “Silent Night” events, during which guests are invited to disconnect for an evening of silence in Mandarin Oriental spas.
McCarthy recently told Spa Executive, “There is a fundamental challenge with our relationship to technology. We need technology in order to be successful professionally, but too much technology has a negative impact on wellbeing, and people are struggling to find the balance.”
McCarthy has served on the ISPA Board of Directors and as ISPA Vice Chairman. He credits his ISPA connections and experiences as motivational factors in his career, and names ISPA keynote speakers Tony Hsieh, Marcus Buckingham, and Shawn Achor as inspirations.
Regarding the Visionary Award, McCarthy said in a statement released by ISPA, “For me, the spa industry is and always has been about taking care of other people. This is the true essence of hospitality. I couldn’t be more honored, humbled and excited to receive this recognition from ISPA, an organization that has been by my side through many chapters of my career.”
Information about attending the 2019 ISPA Conference & Expo can be found at attendispa.com.
Spa Executive magazine is published by Book4Time, the world’s most innovative spa, salon, wellness, and activity management software. Learn more at Book4Time.com.