Emilie Chanon
LUMINA WELLBEING
Lumina Wellbeing is a wellness consulting and management company based in Hoi An, Vietnam, specialising in spas, wellness resorts, and retreats. With a distinctive, wellness-first approach, Lumina offers a comprehensive range of services, from hotel and spa set-up to full operational management, all designed to optimise the guest experience and enhance asset performance. The company collaborates closely with investors and operators to create properties that deliver both exceptional wellness offerings and strong financial returns. By blending innovative wellness practices with local cultural elements, Lumina Wellbeing helps clients craft transformative, sustainable experiences that resonate with guests while driving long-term success.
Meet Emilie Chanon – Partner & Wellness Development Director | Lumina Wellbeing who is dedicated to helping others achieve balance and wellness. in this interview, she shares insights, personal experiences and wellness trip.
- Could you tell us about you and your journey in the spa
and wellness industry? What inspired you to pursue this
career path?
My journey in the wellness industry spans over a decade, driven by my desire to positively impact others’ lives. I was inspired by the opportunity to help people find balance and harmony in their bodies, minds, and spirits. Wellness for me is more than a luxury; it’s a holistic way of life—one that offers personal transformation through physical therapies, meditation, and curated wellness experiences. Working in spa settings has shown me the power of wellness in creating deep, lasting changes, and I’m passionate about designing experiences that guide guests to reconnect with themselves. As Partner and Wellness
Development Director at lumina wellbeing we strive to “awaken a sense of wellbeing” in every hospitality experience. The future of wellness, I believe, will be shaped by technology, but its heart will always remain deeply human focused on
connection, compassion, and care.
- Looking back, what was your first role in a spa
environment, and how did that experience shape your
approach to spa management?
My first role as a Spa Manager at Fusion Maia Da Nang in Vietnam was a transformative experience. Managing an all-inclusive resort that offered up to 350 spa treatments daily, I led a team of 120, including 80 therapists. This high-volume operation taught me the importance of effective communication, organization, and a clear vision of wellness beyond treatments. I learned that wellness is not just about massages but about creating holistic, transformative experiences. It also reinforced my commitment to innovation in spa management, shaping my philosophy of integrating wellness as an essential part of the guest journey rather than just an add-on service. Development Director at lumina wellbeing we strive to “awaken a sense of wellbeing” in every hospitality experience. The future of wellness, I believe, will be shaped by technology, but its heart will always remain deeply human focused on connection, compassion, and care.
- You’ve managed spas in various resorts. Could you share some memorable
experiences or challenges from those roles?
One of the most rewarding aspects of managing spas has been seeing guests experience true transformation whether it’s overcoming physical exhaustion or emotional overwhelm. A memorable challenge has been maintaining high service standards in high-demand, all-inclusive settings, where personalizing each experience is key. Managing large teams also presented challenges, particularly maintaining morale and minimizing turnover. I addressed this by investing in training and fostering a supportive, empowering team culture. These challenges have shaped my approach to spa management, which balances operational excellence with a focus on human connection.
- What are some of the most significant changes you’ve witnessed in the spa and wellness industry over the years?
The wellness industry has evolved significantly, with wellness now seen as a holistic lifestyle rather than a luxury. One major change has been the democratization of wellness, making it accessible to a broader audience. I’ve also seen spas embrace local traditions, incorporating indigenous ingredients and healing practices into treatments, offering guests a deeper, more authentic experience. Another key shift has been the rise of technology, enabling personalized wellness journeys through biometric data, AI, and virtual experiences. These changes reflect a broader societal shift towards conscious living and wellness as an essential part of life.
- Among the resorts you’ve worked at, what made each unique in terms of their spa offerings and guest experiences?
Each resort I’ve worked with has been unique in its approach to wellness, thanks to a personalized Wellness Guest Journey. The integration of diverse wellness practices from ancient traditions to cutting-edge techniques elevates offerings and delivers transformative results. Advanced technologies like biometrics and personalized data enhance the wellness experience, while cultural integration brings authenticity. At Namia River Retreat, a wellness-inclusive resort in Hoi An managed by Lumina Wellbeing, genuine cultural experiences and healing practices of Vietnamese Southern Herbology are woven into the offerings, creating a deeply immersive and authentic retreat.
- What do you consider your most significant achievements as a spa director?
Among my proudest achievements is fostering stability and professionalism within large spa teams. By empowering staff and promoting growth, I’ve seen team members evolve into confident, skilled professionals who provide exceptional service. I’ve also been fortunate to lead wellness programs that have been recognized with industry awards, validating the innovative approaches I’ve implemented. However, my greatest achievement is the lasting impact of these efforts—creating spaces where guests and staff alike can thrive, and where wellness becomes a transformative experience that continues to inspire long after guests leave.
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/luminawellbeingspa
- Address: 193 Ly Thai To, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam, Vietnam
