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Q + A with our CEO Martin Goldmann
03 January, 2025

Q + A with our CEO Martin Goldmann

03 January, 2025

Our CEO Martin joined the family business in 1990, he has gone on to become an innovative leader in the wellness spa design sector.

We asked him a few quick fire questions to get to know him better!

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to join our team?

I joined the family business right after graduating in July of 1990. At that time my father had started the family business in Portugal and it was expanding at a massive rate. It was logical that I join and help and was very grateful for the opportunity.


What excites you most about working in the industry?

I think the most exciting thing about this industry is, designing spa layouts and coming up with solutions which are unique and sensorial for the user. We have two challenges in spa and wellness design. How to transmit in a pleasant and comfortable way the advantageous and benefits of sauna, steam, cold plunge and cold therapy, to name a few experiences. The second challenge is to make everyone, large or small, male or female, experienced or first timers, as comfortable as possible. Fully clothed, we are confident, not very self-aware but put on a swim suit (or in some parts of the world go naked) and most of us feel very vulnerable. Good architectural design and interior design helps in making people feel more at ease.

    
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on so far and why?

Favorite project was Zanzibar, of course just the name is mystical and enchanting, but I loved this project from three elements. We created a medina where locals would set up stalls at 8AM till 12PM and sell fresh fruit, coconut milk, spices, mangos, do henna painting and hair braiding. It was such an awesome way to invite locals into the project and become part of the wellbeing journey. Also, we asked guests when booking online to please bring with them small gifts for school kids, back packs, coloring in pencils, writing books, English dictionaries. When they visited the spa they would get a free treatment for their offering and once a month the spa manger would visit local villages and distribute these gifts. The other two elements of this spa were the Fountain of Youth at the reception and Fountain of Life (The father, mother and child).


What are some of the biggest trends you’re seeing in spa wellness design right now?

Contrast bathing is very high on the list of (trends) habit forming rituals. The evidence we have on sauna bathing (hot therapies) and cold plunge pools (12°C to 3°C) are amazing and confirm the Longevity trajectory.


Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know?

I acquired my pilots license at the age of 16 years and 3 days old, 2 years before I got my drivers license at the age of 18!


What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Seeing the passion and glow in my colleague’s eyes when talking and teaching them about Wellness.
There comes a moment when you see that everything just clicks in their brain – and they get it.


Do you have a personal wellness routine or favorite spa treatment you swear by?

Yes, I have a gym routine of 1 hour a day with my PT, (Monday to Friday 7am to 8am)
Twice a week 45 Min. HIIT spinning (Wednesday and Saturday)
On Sunday my wife Stella and I try walk 8 to 12km along the cliffs.
I sauna twice a week, once with Mom (3 x 20Min.)  and once by myself (3 x 30 Min.).
My favourite spa treatment is Full Body Massage and Reflexology.


What’s a recent design trend that you’re excited about?

We're currently working on a Contrast bathing project – a very large Sauna for 40+ people and 3 cold plunge pools 12°C, 6°C and 1°C. The first one will be rolled out at the end of 2024 with another 6 to 15 during 2025.


What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

Sauna (first place) for 90 Min. (3 x 30 Min) or Hot Tub (Second place) and star gazing for 20 Min.


What are you looking forward to most in the upcoming year at ASPA?

Building an amazing team, motivating and being motivated by each and everyone in the team. We have such great people with such great skills – we are all so passionate about the World of Wellness and becoming best in our Class.