At Panpuri Organic Spa in Bangkok, Thailand, Peter Dowling says there is a 70-30 split between retail and spa treatments. At Panpuri Organic Spa in Bangkok, Thailand, Peter Dowling says there is a 70-30 split between retail and spa treatments.

Q: What are the biggest challenges for spa product suppliers?
Clare Maskall: In this region one of the main challenges is government legislation and registration, the rules can change without any notification and we've found exporting to other states can be a minefield, we use the best freight forwarders who help guide us but it can take a lot of time and research.

Peter Dowling: The biggest challenge comes from the cheaper competition from emerging markets, as the current global spa market is approaching a saturated state. There are sometimes ingredient shortages in periods of high demand and occasional complications with packaging suppliers to deal with.

Intricate paperwork and various official hurdles that have to be passed pose another challenge, as there are vastly differing standards and requirements in importing spa products into different countries.

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Tristan Lagarde: Speaking of Middle East, we must ensure that we keep Phytomer very visible to spa professionals and consumers through various communication channels to keep our share of voice high and to entice potential clients with our brand.

Another point to keep in mind – the products cannot enter the market without proper registration. We are happy to say that thanks to our regional agent, Beauty Leaders LLC, all Phytomer products are properly classified and our agents do not face any challenges in importing them here.

Louise Molloy: There a number of high quality spa products that are coming onto the market, each offering a different outlook on how best to treat and obtain the best results for the skin. It is really important that your brand is identifiable and gives a clear message to the consumer on the benefits and results.

Being able to deliver on demand can be a huge challenge, meeting deadlines, being flexible, making sure you have the stock quantities on hand are always going to be testing factors. [Recruiting] highly experienced trainers that understand the brand, are good educators and deliver high quality treatment protocols is critical for our reputation.

Q: What spa product lines do you offer and why?
Rosalin Lau, Spa Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC: The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC currently works with Natura Bissé products, the luxurious and revolutionary skincare brand from Barcelona, Spain.

The products combine cutting-edge science and technology with selective active ingredients in their highest concentrations, to deliver maximum benefits and results. By the end of the year, we will also be working with Aromatherapy Associates, a leading spa brand renowned for the therapeutic benefits of their natural essential oils, aromatherapy rituals and treatments.

We choose to work with both brands because they offer results-driven, holistic treatments, which we believe provide the best spa experience for our guests.

Hannah Dowd, So Spa manager, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche: We have three product lines that we work with — Cinq Mondes, Carita and Shiffa. Cinq Mondes draws inspiration from around the world to create and develop their treatments and products, from Japan to the Polynesian islands to Morocco, Indonesia and India.

Carita was chosen for their high performance reputation; their treatments involve lavish diamond facials and laser therapy, which produce immediate results. Shiffa was blended into our So Spa for their sublime hammam products — it is not new to the area but it has a devout following.

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