Function-led. Purpose-driven. Performance-based.

Our distinct approach to the design and renovation of wellness ventures is deeply rooted in the realities of a highly-nuanced, dynamically-evolving sector.

We deliver function-led planning solutions that prioritize practicality and effectiveness in operations, purpose-driven concepts that foster engagement and community connection, and performance-based models that ensure success spans from perfect-on-paper to profitable-in-practice.

Interior Planning and Design

Regardless of scale or scope, our design mission is to deeply ground and anchor one in place and time. A touch of magic. An experience unexpected and never forgotten.

As a vertically integrated Design and Consulting Firm, prioritizing the union of health and design is one of the fundamental principles our business is built upon. We carefully consider the health of the built environment, the health of the business and the health of all inhabitants.

An awakened and conscious approach, our commitments are non-negotiable and universal, yet the criteria for each project is entirely bespoke. Our creativity is informed by your illuminated organizational vision and inspired by the culture and environment you call home.

 
 

“We are very proud to have joined the @WELLCertified movement, the leading tool for advancing health and well-being in buildings and communities globally. With WELL Accredited Professionals on our team, our depth of knowledge and expertise in the WELL Building Standard will be enriched and will ensure health and human experience is enhanced through our designs, even in the most complex of environments.”

– Jennifer Findlay

 
    • Interior Planning: Crafting strategic layouts that optimize space and flow, ensuring functional and aesthetically pleasing environments.

    • Interior Design Concept: Developing creative and cohesive design concepts that embody wellness, reflecting the essence of your brand.

    • Schematic Design: Creating initial sketches and plans to visualize the overall design direction and spatial relationships.

    • Design Development: Refining concepts into detailed designs, focusing on materials, colors, and finishes to bring the vision to life.

    • Working Drawings: Producing precise and comprehensive drawings for construction, guiding builders with accurate measurements and specifications.

    • FF&E Specifications: Detailing furnishings, fixtures, and equipment, ensuring they align with the design concept and client requirements.

    • Construction Documentation: Preparing thorough documentation for construction, enabling seamless implementation of the design vision.

    • Construction Administration: Overseeing the construction process, ensuring quality, adherence to design, and timely project completion.

    • Project Management: Providing expert oversight, coordinating vendors, and ensuring the project's seamless execution from concept to realization.

    • Space Planning: Strategically arranging interior spaces to optimize functionality, flow, and aesthetics.

    • Layout Design: Thoughtfully placing architectural elements such as walls, doors, windows, and partitions to create a harmonious and effective spatial arrangement.

    • Material and Finish Selection: Choosing appropriate materials, finishes, textures, and color palettes to ensure a visually pleasing environment with an elevated design aesthetic

    • Lighting Design: Planning and implementing lighting solutions that minimize harmful exposure, support circadian rhythm and sleep, as well as enhance the ambiance, mood and functionality of the space.

    • Furniture Design: Creating custom furniture pieces or selecting existing ones that align with the overall design concept and fulfill the functional needs of the space.

    • Healthy Design: Science-backed design that addresses air quality, thermal comfort, acoustical quality and more to ensure the health of the built environment is prioritized and the well-being of occupants is prioritized. We can also collaborate to integrate sustainable design.

    • Hospitality Design: Elevating guest experiences with expertly crafted spaces.

    • Spa Design: Fusing luxury and wellness for ultimate relaxation.

    • Hydrothermal Spa Design: Innovating wellness through cutting-edge hydrothermal experiences.

    • Retail Design: Enhancing customer satisfaction with immersive retail spaces.

    • Wellness Club & Community Design: Fostering well-being in inclusive, community-centered spaces.

    • Fitness & Sport Club Design: Optimizing layouts for efficient workouts and athlete performance.

    • Golf Club & Membership Community Design: Balancing luxury and functionality for unmatched golf experiences.

    • Mind-Body Studios: Creating serene spaces for mindfulness and holistic well-being.

    • Alternative Medicine & Holistic Clinics: Integrating natural elements for healing-focused clinic environments.

    • Brand Identity: Develop a unique brand identity to set your project apart and create a strong market presence.

    • Market Research: Gain insights into market trends, customer preferences, and competitive landscapes through comprehensive research, allowing you to make informed decisions and tailor your project to meet the demands of your target audience.

    • Conceptualization: Translate your ideas into a cohesive design concept that embodies the values of health, wellness, and hospitality, ensuring that every aspect of your project aligns with your vision.

    • Feasibility Analysis: Evaluate the practicality and viability of the design concept from both a business and operational standpoint, ensuring that your project is not only creatively compelling but also financially sustainable.

    • Financial Planning: Develop robust budgets, accurate cost projections, and effective financial strategies that support the successful development and long-term prosperity of your project.

    • Strategic Planning: Formulate strategic approaches to achieve your business objectives, elevate customer engagement, and foster lasting success, positioning your project as a leader in the health and wellness sector.

    • Project Management: Ensure seamless coordination and strategic vendor engagement, transforming your ideas into a cohesive reality. Our experienced project managers oversee every detail, from conceptualization to execution, ensuring that each aspect aligns perfectly with your vision.

 

 

Business and Concept Development

We are in the business of wellness. Historically underperforming assets, spa and wellness enterprises are not seen as viable businesses. Too often they are poorly planned, incorrectly programmed and experientially underwhelming from the start.

Urban or remote, Core Essence is fiercely invested in the development and actualization of regenerative and reciprocal communities. We devise concepts and enrich environments that attract the investment, energy and authentic engagement of owners, operators, members and guests.

 

“The entire spectrum of consumer expectations has been transformed with an accelerated focus on health and well-being and a strong rise in conscious consumption. Savvy consumers demand quality and innovation. Market saturation and competition is fierce.”

– Jennifer Findlay

 
    • Market Analysis: In-depth insights to drive informed business decisions.

    • Competitive Analysis: Strategic assessment for competitive advantage.

    • Strategic Positioning: Crafting unique market positioning strategies for success.

    • Concept Development: Innovative ideas brought to life, tailored to your vision.

    • Financial Modeling: Data-driven financial planning for sustainable growth.

    • Program & Service Development: Tailored services and programs to meet market demands.

    • Menu Curation: Creating enticing menus that reflect your brand and captivate customers.

    • Strategic Partnerships: Cultivating valuable collaborations for mutual benefit.

    • Vendor Selection, Negotiation & Agreement: Expert handling of vendor relationships, ensuring favorable terms.

    • Project Management: Seamless execution and oversight, from inception to completion.

    • Urban Hotel Spas: Elevate urban retreats with a luxurious blend of modernity and tranquility.

    • Resort Spas: Craft havens seamlessly merging nature and luxury for ultimate relaxation.

    • Wellness Retreats: Cultivate holistic spaces, offering immersive programs for rejuvenation.

    • Wellness Retail: Curate empowering environments and products for customers' wellness journeys.

    • Fitness & Sports Clubs: Design motivating spaces tailored for peak fitness performance.

    • Golf Clubs & Membership Communities: Blend luxury seamlessly with practicality for premium golf experiences.

    • Mind-Body Studios: Create serene oases for mindfulness practices and meditation, fostering a sense of calm and peace.

    • Alternative Medicine & Holistic Clinics: Design healing environments infused with natural elements for holistic wellness.

 

Operations and Management

Leveraging decades of expertise in spa operations and spa management with several esteemed global hospitality brands, we understand extraordinary service and are devoted to setting the highest standards of authentic guest experience.

We support spa and wellness recruitment, spa training, leadership coaching and ongoing professional development. We streamline challenging spa operations, facilitating management and efficient daily operations.

With a relentless pursuit of excellence, our commitment is to optimize your spas performance and elevate your establishment in the wellness industry.

 
 

“Core Essence is the result of many years of experience converting under-performing spas into high-performing wellness enterprises. Jennifer has an in-depth understanding of a highly-nuanced industry bringing to the table a strong business and entrepreneurial perspective; as well as exquisite taste on design and aesthetics.”

– Gamal El Fakih Rodriguez

Area Director of Operations, Europe, Middle East & Africa Marriott International

 
    • Vendor Coordination & Integration: Seamless collaboration for operational success.

    • Systems & Setup: Cutting-edge solutions for enhanced efficiency.

    • Sales & Marketing Support: Strategic tactics for market prominence.

    • Copy & Content Production: Engaging content for effective communication.

    • Recruitment & Talent Acquisition: Skilled team building for business growth.

    • Standards, Protocols & Procedures: Consistency and quality in operations.

    • Virtual & On-Site Training: Empowering teams for excellence.

    • Pre-Opening & Launch Support: Expert guidance for a successful opening.

    • Ongoing Development & Education: Continuous growth through industry education.

    • Performance Audits: Identifying areas for improvement and optimization.

    • Financial & Operational Leadership: Strategic planning for long-term prosperity.

    • Workflow Optimization: Design layouts that enhance operational efficiency, ensuring smooth processes and minimizing disruptions.

    • Maintenance Considerations: Design with easy maintenance and durability in mind, reducing downtime and extending the longevity of your facilities.

    • Technology Integration: Seamlessly incorporate technology solutions that enhance operations, connectivity, and security, enabling efficient day-to-day activities and future scalability.

    • Recruitment: At Core Essence, we understand that the foundation of exceptional service begins with the right team that’s why we ensure that your team is composed of passionate professionals dedicated to delivering outstanding guest experiences, setting the stage for enduring success.

    • Training & Development: Empower your team with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the competitive hospitality industry. Through immersive learning experiences, mentorship, and hands-on guidance, we foster a culture of continuous improvement and expertise.

    • Financial & Operational Leadership: We guide your hospitality business towards sustainable growth and profitability. Our financial experts assess your financial landscape, developing robust budgets, accurate cost projections, and effective financial strategies. Simultaneously, our operational leadership focuses on optimizing workflows, designing layouts for operational efficiency, and integrating cutting-edge technology solutions.

    • Urban Hotel Spas: Transform urban retreats into luxurious escapes, blending modernity with tranquility for unparalleled relaxation, managed for operational excellence.

    • Resort Spas: Create serene sanctuaries within resorts, harmonizing nature and wellness, ensuring seamless operational management for ultimate relaxation.

    • Wellness Retreats: Curate immersive experiences fostering holistic well-being, managing operations for transformative guest journeys.

    • Wellness Retail: Empower customers on wellness journeys, curating products and services, optimizing operations for seamless retail experiences.

    • Fitness & Sports Clubs: Optimize spaces for superior workouts, enhance athlete performance, ensuring smooth operations for member satisfaction.

    • Golf Clubs & Membership Communities: Design prestigious golf spaces, blend luxury and functionality, manage operations for an unmatched golfing experience.

    • Mind-Body Studios: Cultivate tranquil spaces for mindfulness, promote inner peace and balance, manage operations for transformative experiences.

    • Alternative Medicine & Holistic Clinics: Infuse natural elements, promote holistic wellness, manage operations for exceptional healing environments.

 
 
 

Creating Impact

Core Essence

 
 
 

Start your Project with Core Essence

  • New Construction

    Investors, Developers, Architects, Designers

    The Global Wellness Economy is currently valued at $4.5 trillion, poised to reach $7 trillion by 2025. Amongst a number of growing sectors, Wellness Tourism expenditures are at least twice average tourism expenditures, while Wellness Real Estate continued its growth at over 22% annually during the 2020-2021 pandemic year.

    Core Essence offers design and development services to optimize your wellness venture.

  • Renovation & Reposition

    Owners, Operators, Asset Management Firms

    Do you own or operate an existing hotel, club or community in need of a renovation or refresh? Is your business relevant to today’s and tomorrow’s consumer? Are you confident you are maximizing your revenue and bottom-line return?

    Core Essence will diagnose the critical gaps and define the areas of greatest opportunity, and then revitalize and reposition your business for lasting success.

  • Advisory & Consulting

    Owners, Operators, Asset Management Firms

    Are you knee-deep in day-to-day operations and in need of a strategy to stabilize your business? Are you struggling to source and develop talent that can help you take performance to the next level? Do you want to accelerate the next chapter of growth for your spa or wellness entity?

    Core Essence delivers outstanding leadership, education and operations support to eliminate the headache and heartache for owners and operators of health and wellness enterprises.

Healthy Design.

Higher Human and Organizational Potential.

Meet our team of wellness design consultants and wellness strategists.