111. Why Design Alone Won’t Save Your Wellness Project with Alberto Apostoli

If your wellness project starts with design, you’re already too late.

In this episode, I sit down with Alberto Apostoli, architect, operator, and one of the most experienced minds in wellness design. 

We talk about what it takes to create a wellness concept that performs emotionally, financially, and strategically.

Alberto’s been designing wellness spaces for over 20 years. But as you’ll hear in this conversation, what matters most isn’t the space, it’s the thinking behind it. 

From spirituality to AI, neuroscience to sustainability, we cover the key pillars of long-term success and the gaps that most hotels (and teams) still ignore.

In today’s episode, we talk about:

→ Why “beautiful” wellness spaces fail, and how to design for ROI, not just ambiance.
→ What happens when your guests are more educated than your team, and what to do about it. 
→ How to design strategically from Day 1, even if your project is still just an idea.

If you want to avoid costly mistakes and build a wellness concept that actually works, this episode is a must.

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Are you ready to take wellness to the next level?


Here are 2 ways I can help:


1️⃣  WHO: Wellness directors who want to join 1% of wellness leaders


📌 WHAT: The Wellness Asset Academy
A 10-week online group programme where I guide you through my 7-step ESSENCE framework. Achieve higher pay and secure a genuine seat at the hotel’s big table—so wellness is no longer the most neglected area in the hotel.

→  Join the waitlist here.



2️⃣  WHO: Owners of small, independent hotels with a strong wellbeing focus


📌 WHAT: Asset Builder Mentorship
Exclusive 6-month 1:1 mentorship programme to master creating a wellness asset, build a proud team, and deliver transformative experiences for your guests.

→  Become a steward of true hospitality.



💡 Why work with me?

I know what works with wellness and I also know what doesn’t. I’ve made the mistakes so you don’t need to – saving you thousands of dollars on bad decisions.

✅ #1 best-selling author, global wellness expert 
✅ 40+ projects in 20+ countries across Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific 
✅ Top brands: Abadía Retuerta, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Accor, Six Senses Resorts & Spas 
✅ Interviewed over 150+ hoteliers worldwide