Sophie Weir

🏨 Paul Russel, General Manager at the Norton Park Hotel, emphasizes sustainability and modernization in his leadership. The hotel, located between Winchester and Basingstoke, features a refurbished 300-year-old Manor House with 13 bedrooms, a full-service hotel, spa, leisure facilities, large conference rooms, and a Tithe Barn. Facing rising costs, Norton Park implemented energy-efficient systems and smarter BMS solutions. Shorter lead times for event bookings have prompted more agility in service. Refurbishments have increased operational capacity and guest accommodation, especially during peak times. Diversification in offerings ensures resilience against market fluctuations. In 2025, Norton Park aims to focus on team well-being, recruitment, and facility upgrades to enhance guest experiences. The hotel caters to a variety of needs, including weddings, corporate events, park-and-sail packages, and regional attractions.

🏠 Sparcstudio, a spa and wellness design studio with over 15 years of experience, forecasts 2025 trends, focusing on sustainability, longevity, privacy, social wellness, gym floor wellness experiences, and the use of color. Beverley Bayes, Creative Director, emphasizes the importance of durable, local materials, future-proofing facilities, and designing spaces for both social interaction and privacy, such as the spa garden Cabanas at Pennyhill Park and private lodges at South Lodge. The integration of fitness and spa is highlighted through stretch pods, like the Proverb pod at The Grain Store. Pantone's Color of the Year 2025, 'Mocha Mousse,' aligns with the natural and comforting spa environments Sparcstudio creates.