Our History
Two Millennia of
well-being “Made in Italy”
The roots of the modern well-being concept trace back to Ancient Rome, 2000 years ago, when the harmony of mind and body formed the foundation of a balanced system (mens sana in corpore sano). In the ancient baths of Rome, citizens indulged in well-being, pleasure, leisure, and socializing, using water and serene surroundings to restore their psycho-physical equilibrium, reflecting a modern understanding of wellness.
This ethos is encapsulated in the motto “Salus per Aquam,” abbreviated as Spa, which still denotes places dedicated to nurturing body, mind, and spirit.
Since those ancient times, well-being has undergone significant evolution, experiencing periods of prosperity and decline, ultimately attaining a pivotal role in the socio-economic framework of today’s world.
Elevating Spa standards globally, World Spa Organization drives
innovation and excellence, propelling the industry forward.
Our Highlights
Holistic
wellness
HI-TECH
IMPLEMENTATION
wellness
tourism
CUSTOMIZATION
PERSONALIZATION
MEDICAL
INTEGRATION
INNOVATION
IN TREATMENTS
VIRTUAL
SERVICES
ETHICS
& SUSTAINAIBILITY
From 1950, at the service
of the Spa Business
In 1950, the International Committee of Aesthetics and Cosmetology Section Italy was established, lead by Paolo Rovesti and Giuliana Brambilla. This visionary initiative aimed to foster the continuous advancement and development of sector professionals, facilitating knowledge transfer and upholding the ethical and professional values of practitioners. The Committee hosted a World Congress in Milan in 1952, during which Dr. Foa assumed the presidency on the global stage. Over time, the International Committee has flourished, evolving into a cornerstone of the sector both domestically and internationally.
2005
Thanks to the dedication of Giorgio Dionisio, Giosuè Giordano, Alessandro Paoletto, Anna Barbieri, Alex Gezzi, Andrea Bovero, Roberta Bozzini, and Prof. Pier Giovanni Baraldi from the University of Ferrara (Italy), the Committee embarked on a fruitful collaboration with the Academic World. Their efforts aimed to promote research and training projects in this multidisciplinary field.
In subsequent years, the Committee established successful partnerships with the Universities of Ferrara, Bologna, and Florence in Italy. These collaborations enabled the coordination and promotion of Post Graduate Higher University Education Courses tailored to professionals in the aesthetics and wellness sectors.
2006-2008
In 2007, Dr. Andrea Bovero assumed the role of President of the Committee and entered into an agreement with the Ginzza International Academy in China, one of the foremost training centers in Asia specialized in cosmetology and aesthetics.
Additionally, a framework agreement for international collaboration in cosmetology and aesthetics was established with Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai (Thailand), a prestigious university founded by the Royal House of Thailand. Furthermore, the Committee initiated a partnership with Anhembi Morumbi University in São Paulo (Brazil), which was part of the esteemed network of Laureate International Universities. An agreement was reached for the development of research and training projects.
2009-2011
The Committee entered into an agreement with the Laboratory of Pharmaco-biochemistry at the University of Pavia (Italy), a research center specializing in the safety and efficacy of cosmetic products. The project “CAMPUS: Higher Education in Aesthetics” was launched, uniting the top schools in the world to foster the social and cultural development of students. This initiative garnered collaboration from universities, associations, and leading companies engaged in research, development, and knowledge transfer.
Furthermore, the Committee partnered with the International Academy for Laser, Medicine, and Surgery (IALMS), a renowned organization in the realm of medical research.
2012-2015
The Committee played a pivotal role in establishing the High Training School for Spa & Beauty Management, heralding the beginning of the first international specialization course tailored for professionals in the Spa Industry.
Additionally, a strategic collaboration was initiated with LIFEXCELLENCE, a prominent firm specializing in training and consulting. This collaboration gave rise to the SPA & BEAUTY PASSPORT project, an international initiative designed to address the needs of operators, colleges, and companies in the sector. The project delivered high-level training courses, strategic guidance from top professionals specialized in the wellness market, and targeted interventions.
2016-2017
Under the leadership of Dr. Andrea Bovero, and alongside a diverse group of entrepreneurs and international business development experts, a decision was made to revive the timeless tradition of ‘Made in Italy’ well-being. The aim was to champion a new era of Spa & Beauty culture on the global stage.
In 2016, the Committee commenced a collaboration with Maria De Fatima Lima Pereira, the organizer of Estetika Brasil, one of the foremost beauty and wellness congresses in South America.
In 2017, a fruitful collaboration began with Isabela Vasile, organizer of Termalia in Romania, one of the premier luxury events for the Spa Industry.
2018-2020
The numerous successes achieved over the years have strengthened the partnership with COSMOPROF WORLDWIDE BOLOGNA. In 2019, “SPAce99: the Spa Experience” was born, the first Temporary Spa spanning over 300 square meters built within the world’s most important trade fair event.
Since then, a series of meetings, events, and international conferences have been held to disseminate the principles and philosophy of this new vision worldwide. This effort has led to an increase in testimonials and community members globally, laying the groundwork for the establishment of a new international association. This initiative has been made possible through the support of LIFEXCELLENCE, a leading company in services for the Spa Business.
2021-2023
Emerging after over 70 years of successes both in Italy and internationally, the World Spa Organization originated from the pivotal encounter between Andrea Bovero, Laura Grazioli, both from Italy, and Sandy Fuhr from South Africa. This prestigious group now boasts thousands of followers worldwide, all united by the desire to continuously enhance the sector.
With international offices, a global network, ambassadors, and committee representatives spread across over 75 countries spanning 5 continents, the World Spa Organization has established itself as a global leader in the fields of spa, beauty, and well-being.
2023...
The World Spa Organization is the ultimate global
community for Spa excellence and Beauty innovation.
