Samantha Dunn
Sam started studying wellness therapies in 1984, her curiosity piqued by being cured of debilitating allergies by a naturopath. Now, some 25 diplomas & certifications later, this passion for learning has given Sam a deep knowledge across the spectrum of wellness that few can match.
Sam’s initial career was in Advertising, which proved invaluable when she transitioned to become a Spa Consultant in 1999. It gave her an ability to develop unique and creative concepts that are founded in strategy and practicality.
Over the last 20+ years, Sam has created over 50 wellness concepts in 15 countries. She has set up and managed day spas, club spas, hotel & resort spas, wellness centers, health resorts, and also planned several wellness communities.
Sam is a published author, speaker and industry activist, having served on the boards of 6 international associations. She also created Spa Development and Management courses that she ran for Chiva-Som Academy in Thailand for 11 years. Those courses have enabled many entrepreneurs to achieve award-winning businesses. Her hope is that it will do the same for you!
Sonja Sorich
Sonja is an accomplished industry professional with a vast knowledge of the luxury spa and wellness market. Having 24 years of direct experience in the spa, fitness, wellness, personal growth, health retreat and hospitality industry’s, along with foundational studies in Interior Design, supports Sonja in bringing exceptional depth and consideration to a range of spa and wellness concepts.
Her past experience includes personal training and teaching classes such as yoga, pilates, qi gong, meditation, dynamic fitness, dance and other movement modalities. She has managed wellness clinics, health and fitness clubs, resort and hotel spas, and Australia’s largest destination health retreat spa. In her role as a program manager, Sonja also led guest programs at Australia's leading lifestyle retreat.
With a passion for wellness travel, Sonja's journeys have taken her to some of the best healing sanctuaries and health resorts around the world. Her personal and professional interest in wellbeing and personal evolution, have her continually participating in the experience of therapies and programs. She has lived in ashrams, sat with Buddhist monks, attended many retreats and personal growth programs and continues to actively explore wellness and healing for mind, body, soul.
Sonja formed Spa Wellness Consulting in 2014 to provide bespoke consultancy to day spas, health retreats and other unique wellness businesses. During these past years, a wide variety of clients have utilised her consultancy - some for a full turn key solution, and others for certain aspects such as concept, design or feasibility. She has provided spa consulting, spa management, holistic business reviews and wellness solutions, to name but a few.
