A TASTE OF SYNERGY
A Morning of Connection, Collaboration and Transformation
On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Synergy – The Retreat Show hosted its inaugural “A Taste of Synergy” event at the elegant Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London. This intimate half-day gathering brought together a curated group of senior-level leaders from across the global wellness travel ecosystem for a nourishing breakfast and experiential immersion into the ethos of Synergy: connection, collaboration and transformation.
Set against the tranquil backdrop of one of London’s most iconic hotels, the event opened with a warm welcome that underscored the power of doing business differently - through relationships, shared values and personal-professional aligned growth. The room was intentionally diverse, representing a vibrant cross-section of the wellness travel sector, including buyers, exhibitors, retreat leaders and media.
The morning’s programme provided a preview of what makes Synergy unique. Attendees were guided through the show’s founding principles, including its commitment to working on the person first - prioritising meaningful personal connection and individual growth alongside commercial opportunity. Guests heard from members of Synergy’s team, who shared how the platform has evolved into a transformational space for wellness-driven businesses and change-makers.
“It was a beautiful start to the morning—set in a truly stunning location. It was wonderful to see such a high-profile and diverse group come together with open minds and a shared passion for transformation. The conversations were deeply inspiring and I have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback. It’s clear that Synergy is becoming a leading voice in wellness travel, and I’m incredibly excited to see fresh ideas and thought leaders from all corners of the industry joining this growing community. The wide representation and presence of top-tier press made the event even more impactful. Overall, I left feeling inspired, energised, and more certain than ever that we’re creating something truly meaningful together.” - Laura Montesanti, Founder of Synergy.
OUR GROWTH STORY
Since its launch just four years ago, Synergy has blossomed into a dynamic gathering of global wellness leaders, drawing some of the most inspiring voices in the industry. Past keynotes have featured the likes of Christopher Robbins, Laura Hof, Charlotte Church, Don Miguel Ruiz Jr., Rodney Yee, Pablo Luna, and Anna Bjurstam – a lineup that speaks to the calibre and diversity of our community.
Our audience is as international as it is influential. Attendees have joined us from across North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. Most hold senior executive or ownership roles, which means the conversations go deep, the connections run high-value, and the collaborations continue long after the event ends.
A BOOMING MARKET
Wellness travel is surging, on track to become a $1 trillion market by 2025, with no signs of slowing down. Retreat travel alone – already worth around $250 billion – is growing at 10% each year, and expected to hit $360–370 billion by 2029.
Synergy sits at the heart of this exciting momentum, championing the future of the sector by showcasing innovations like bio-personalized retreats, regenerative wellness, urban wellness formats, and science-backed experiences that are redefining the travel landscape.
A GUIDING FORCE
Over breakfast Laura unveiled an exciting next chapter: the launch of its newly formed Advisory Board, bringing together a powerhouse group of wellness and travel experts into the Synergy team:
Andrew Gibson, global wellness pioneer and Chair of the Wellness Hall of Fame
Lee Han, CEO of Polaris Advisor and a strategic leader in wellness development
Susie Arnett, Director of Wellness Programming at Six Senses
Joann Kurtz-Ahlers, Founder of Hidden Doorways Travel Collection
April Hutchinson, Publisher of TTG Luxury
Jeremy McCarthy, former Group Director of Spa & Wellness at Mandarin Oriental
They join long-standing Synergy advisors Sallie Fraenkel, Wendy Bosalavage, and Barbara Cesario, who’ve already played a key role in shaping recent editions alongside Laura. Together, this advisory team brings decades of experience, global perspective, and a shared passion for moving the industry forward — while ensuring Synergy stays rooted in authenticity and purpose.
THE SYNERGY EXPERIENCE
True to its name, Synergy delivered an immersive experience designed to inspire and connect. Scotty Johnson, Leadership & Well-Being Coach and founder of Explore What Matters, opened the space with heartfelt stories drawn from decades of leading transformational journeys around the world. To close, Kathryn McCusker, founder of KALM WELLBEING and a globally renowned Kundalini Yoga teacher, guided attendees into a calming group meditation.
WHAT’S NEXT: SARDINIA 2025
Excitement is building for Synergy’s next edition in Sardinia from 7th - 10th October 2025, under the theme The Role of the Arts in Healing. Tapping into Italy’s deep cultural heritage and the longevity of the island’s blue zone wisdom, the show will further explore how creative expression can enhance wellness experiences.
For ways to get involved, email info@theretreatshow.com