In just five years, Synergy has evolved from an ambitious concept into one of the world’s leading platforms in wellness travel. Since its inception, the event has attracted some of the most influential voices in the industry, including Don Miguel Ruiz Jr., Laura Hof, Charlotte Church, Christopher Robbins, Rodney Yee, Pablo Luna, Per van Spall, Rajesh Ramani, Kim Strother, James Appleby and Anna Bjurstam.

A GLOBAL AUDIENCE OF INDUSTRY LEADERS

Reflecting Synergy’s international scope, attendees have come from key wellness travel markets including Europe (38.9%), North America (33.1%) and Asia (19.9%), with additional participation from Africa, South America and Oceania. Alongside top-tier media titles, the majority of delegates hold senior executive or ownership roles, fostering an environment of high-calibre networking and collaboration.

A BOOMING MARKET

The wellness travel sector is experiencing remarkable momentum, now valued at nearly $1 trillion (USD 978 billion in 2025) and projected to double by 2030. Within this, retreat travel alone—currently worth around $250 billion—is forecast to grow by 10% annually, reaching $360–370 billion by 2029.

Laura Montesanti, Synergy’s Founder and Managing Director, explains:

“Synergy is perfectly positioned within this wave of expansion, spotlighting innovation such as bio-personalised retreats, regenerative wellness stays, urban formats and science-backed modalities that are shaping the future of the sector. However, we also ensure a balance is kept between the old and the new, cultivating a holistic view by showcasing and drawing upon the long-standing wisdom of traditional practices, which over time never age.”

A GUIDING FORCE: THE SYNERGY ADVISORY BOARD

To support this next phase of evolution, Synergy has introduced its Advisory Board, bringing together some of the most respected experts in wellness hospitality and travel.

Founding Members:

Andrew Gibson, Global Wellness Pioneer and Chair of the Wellness Hall of Fame
Lee Han, CEO of Polaris Advisor
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

These new members join existing advisors Sallie Fraenkel, Wendy Bosalavage, and Barbara Cesario, who have worked closely alongside Laura Montesanti since Synergy’s inception.

Laura shares:

“These wellness and travel visionaries bring decades of experience and leadership to Synergy and its future development. Together, we are exploring the event’s evolution alongside the industry’s growth, while staying grounded in its purpose to unite the wellness and travel industries. I’m grateful for their commitment, insights and enthusiasm, and we’re all very much excited about what’s next!”

As the wellness travel industry continues its impressive trajectory, Synergy stands out as a unifying force—connecting innovators, leaders, and seekers in the shared mission of redefining well-being through travel. With its global community, expert leadership, and vision for the future, Synergy is not only keeping pace with a booming market—it’s helping to shape it.

“Synergy fills an important need in the travel industry, connecting the dots between the wellness practitioners delivering transformational retreat experiences and the spectacular destinations that host them. I am honoured to be invited onto their Advisory Board,” adds Jeremy.