Christine Esposito, Managing Editor04.10.23
Even with some well documented kinks over the Thanksgiving and winter holiday season, Americans are finally back on airplanes at pre-pandemic levels. Some 2.5 million people went through a TSA checkpoint on Sunday April 2, 2023, up from 2.2 million on the same date in 2022, 1.5 million in 2021 and just 122,000 back in 2020, according to data from the Transportation Security Administration.
Those numbers are a welcome sight for XWell, Inc., the global health and wellness holding company that operates XpresSpa, a wellness service and products storefront in airports. What’s more, the company benefits from the pandemic-fueled emergence of self-care as a major priority for many consumers.
“Self-care has never been more important. The circumstances of the last three years have had a profound impact on how people travel, work, shop, learn and play. It forced a renewed focus on the entire health and wellness category. It resulted in the re-evaluation by people on their quality of life…from how they want to experience it to the level of priority they place on their wellbeing,” said Pablo Henderson, chief marketing officer at XWell, Inc.
Wellness, he insists, carries all the way through to air travel. And let’s face it, the airport is one of the more stressful places in which people find themselves—from the security checkpoint to the close quarters in the cabin.
“Today’s air travelers are prioritizing their health and wellness more. They’re more mindful of people around them, they’re more concerned about hygiene, and they’re conscious of their purchasing habits; they want a stress-free travel experience. Unfortunately, airports can feel hectic and stressful for many people,” Henderson added.
For many years, that meant time at airport bar or nearest fast-food restaurant. But as consumers continue to pursue a healthier lifestyle many are eschewing alcohol and processed foods.
Rather than bellying up to the bar or grabbing a calorie-laden snack, XpresSpa can fill the void.
“That’s what makes the spa space attractive,” said Henderson continued. “There is a demand for a better, more enjoyable airport experience. One where travelers can get the products and services they crave on their time. XpresSpa is revolutionizing the way people experience wellness on the go by meeting travelers where they are and providing the products and services for an enjoyable travel experience.”
XpresSpa operates at the intersection of travel, health, and wellness, according to Henderson.
“Whether traveling alone or with family, we believe that when people focus on their personal well-being, they generate better health and wellness outcomes,” he explained.
At an XpresSpa, travelers can get a massage treatment or manicure and more, including rejuvenation treatments —think anti-aging light mask therapy or a heated chakra bed.
The company is tapping into tech to deliver services. In fact, XpresSpa just last month opened a new robotic manicure service in John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City. It is said to be the first airport location in the world to feature robot manicures.
The new nail service comes through a partnership with Clockwork, a provider of fully autonomous express manicures.
Clockwork’s “MiniCure” is an autonomous robot that uses proprietary artificial intelligence and 3D technology to paint nails in under 10 minutes without human intervention. A touchscreen guides travelers through the experience, with an live support feature. The MiNiCure experience includes automated nail polish removal as well as a free polish remover pot to take home.
XWell says it plans to install at least five Clockwork robots early this year, with the intent to add as many 25 more across its portfolio of 31 spa locations.
XpresSpa also stocks products, including women’s health, gut health, mental health and more.
Henderson described the brand’s sourcing as “very intentional.”
“We offer high-quality, sustainable products from companies that support women and are owned by women and people of color,” he noted.
XpresSpa officials told Happi they are looking for more product suppliers to complement its services.
In the US, the brand is opening a new spa in the Philadelphia airport, and it plans to refresh up to five spas with new look and a focus on technology, according to Henderson.
Specifically, XpresSpa will add HydroMassage and Human Touch machines to seven locations by the end of the month.
“We’ve thoughtfully and selectively chosen products and deployed services to meet the needs of a modern and conscientious traveler,” concluded Henderson.
Those numbers are a welcome sight for XWell, Inc., the global health and wellness holding company that operates XpresSpa, a wellness service and products storefront in airports. What’s more, the company benefits from the pandemic-fueled emergence of self-care as a major priority for many consumers.
“Self-care has never been more important. The circumstances of the last three years have had a profound impact on how people travel, work, shop, learn and play. It forced a renewed focus on the entire health and wellness category. It resulted in the re-evaluation by people on their quality of life…from how they want to experience it to the level of priority they place on their wellbeing,” said Pablo Henderson, chief marketing officer at XWell, Inc.
Wellness, he insists, carries all the way through to air travel. And let’s face it, the airport is one of the more stressful places in which people find themselves—from the security checkpoint to the close quarters in the cabin.
“Today’s air travelers are prioritizing their health and wellness more. They’re more mindful of people around them, they’re more concerned about hygiene, and they’re conscious of their purchasing habits; they want a stress-free travel experience. Unfortunately, airports can feel hectic and stressful for many people,” Henderson added.
Beauty & Spa Treatments in the Terminal
According to Henderson, today’s travelers want to move through security quickly and without issue, and then use any extra time to unplug.For many years, that meant time at airport bar or nearest fast-food restaurant. But as consumers continue to pursue a healthier lifestyle many are eschewing alcohol and processed foods.
Rather than bellying up to the bar or grabbing a calorie-laden snack, XpresSpa can fill the void.
“That’s what makes the spa space attractive,” said Henderson continued. “There is a demand for a better, more enjoyable airport experience. One where travelers can get the products and services they crave on their time. XpresSpa is revolutionizing the way people experience wellness on the go by meeting travelers where they are and providing the products and services for an enjoyable travel experience.”
XpresSpa operates at the intersection of travel, health, and wellness, according to Henderson.
“Whether traveling alone or with family, we believe that when people focus on their personal well-being, they generate better health and wellness outcomes,” he explained.
At an XpresSpa, travelers can get a massage treatment or manicure and more, including rejuvenation treatments —think anti-aging light mask therapy or a heated chakra bed.
The company is tapping into tech to deliver services. In fact, XpresSpa just last month opened a new robotic manicure service in John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City. It is said to be the first airport location in the world to feature robot manicures.
The new nail service comes through a partnership with Clockwork, a provider of fully autonomous express manicures.
Clockwork’s “MiniCure” is an autonomous robot that uses proprietary artificial intelligence and 3D technology to paint nails in under 10 minutes without human intervention. A touchscreen guides travelers through the experience, with an live support feature. The MiNiCure experience includes automated nail polish removal as well as a free polish remover pot to take home.
XWell says it plans to install at least five Clockwork robots early this year, with the intent to add as many 25 more across its portfolio of 31 spa locations.
XpresSpa also stocks products, including women’s health, gut health, mental health and more.
Henderson described the brand’s sourcing as “very intentional.”
“We offer high-quality, sustainable products from companies that support women and are owned by women and people of color,” he noted.
XpresSpa officials told Happi they are looking for more product suppliers to complement its services.
XpresSpa's Plans for the Future
XpresSpa has plans for growth in 2023. After opening five new locations in the Istanbul airport at the end of 2022, the company continued its international expansion with its first location at the Abu-Dhabi airport.In the US, the brand is opening a new spa in the Philadelphia airport, and it plans to refresh up to five spas with new look and a focus on technology, according to Henderson.
Specifically, XpresSpa will add HydroMassage and Human Touch machines to seven locations by the end of the month.
“We’ve thoughtfully and selectively chosen products and deployed services to meet the needs of a modern and conscientious traveler,” concluded Henderson.