The International SPA Association (ISPA) will present the 2019 ISPA Visionary Award to Jeremy McCarthy, director of spa & wellness for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group at the ISPA Conference & Expo taking place at The Venetian in Las Vegas from 11-13 September, 2019.

“Jeremy’s forward-thinking approach to spa leadership has inspired countless industry professionals throughout his career,” said ISPA president Lynne McNees. “We are thrilled to recognize his commitment to the industry and look forward to the continued passion he brings to the spa world.”

As director of spa & wellness for Mandarin Oriental, McCarthy is responsible for leading the group’s guest and colleague wellness programmes and their luxury spa division.

He has over 25 years of experience operating luxury spas in resort and hotel properties worldwide and holds a Master of Applied Positive Psychology degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He is the author of ‘The Psychology of Spas & Wellness’ and hosts a blog about holistic wellbeing called Psychology of Wellbeing. He is also the chair of the Digital Wellness Initiative for the Global Wellness Institute.

Throughout his career, McCarthy has been a pioneer in innovative spa concepts, most notably the benefits of technology free areas within the spa. In 2016, Mandarin Oriental, with McCarthy’s direction, launched their Digital Wellness initiative. This programme is designed to help guests find new ways to manage their relationship with technology and the stress that can come with a constantly connected digital lifestyle.

“For me, the spa industry is and always has been about taking care of other people. This is the true essence of hospitality,” said McCarthy. “I couldn’t be more honoured, humbled and excited to receive this recognition from ISPA, an organisation that has been by my side through many chapters of my career.”

McCarthy has also served on the ISPA board of directors, including his role as vice chair in 2009, and has been instrumental in the creation of several ISPA textbooks.

The ISPA Visionary Award is presented each year to someone in the spa industry who has made significant contributions to both the definition and positive movement of health and wellness over the lifetime of their career.