SPARK in Paradise: Where Leadership Thrives

This year marked my second time attending SPARK by Live Love Spa, and somehow this retreat keeps surprising me in all the right ways. Last year we were in Fiji – already a dream – but this year’s event at Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort by Meliã in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic felt like it cracked something open for me professionally. If you’re a spa owner or leader who is wondering whether SPARK is worth the investment for 2026, let me be the first to say, absolutely, yes!

Paradisus Palma Real is not your typical all-inclusive. The resort has a polished feel with lush spaces and built-in amusements around every corner. Between sessions, you could wander into live music, acrobatic shows, craft classes, and the kind of spontaneous entertainment that reminds you why retreat-style learning hits differently. While this was very much a business trip, there was no shortage of moments that felt like true leisure.

SPARK is a curated experience built specifically for spa leaders who want to elevate the way they do business, lead their teams, and expand their vision with intention. You’re surrounded by ocean air and genuinely brilliant people who understand the highs, lows, and heavy decisions that come with running a spa or wellness business. And because the environment is so immersive – sunrise yoga, intentionally themed parties that are a content creator’s dream, boat excursions that give back to the environment – you’re able to absorb professional insights in a way your stressed-out brain at home simply cannot.

One of the highlights for me was hearing from Dr. Bryan Williams. His talks go beyond motivational sound bites; he gives you frameworks you can actually take home and put into practice (his energy alone could fuel a small city). I left each session feeling more grounded and surprisingly fired up about how I can lead my editorial team more efficiently. Sometimes, you don’t realize how much weight you’re carrying until someone hands you better tools.

And here’s the part I didn’t expect: SPARK gave me the space (and the nudge) to share projects I’ve been quietly sitting on – ideas I’d been too scared to bring forward. Something about being surrounded by other leaders who are also questioning and dreaming made it feel safe to get vulnerable. The feedback I received was the catalyst I needed. If you’ve been holding back on something big in your business, SPARK is the kind of place that brings those ideas to the surface.

A huge part of that atmosphere comes from the Live Love Spa team themselves. They are bursting with passion and sincerity. Every detail reflects how much they love what they do and how deeply they want attendees to experience the same level of care they give to their own clients back home. Their energy sets the tone for the entire retreat.

For spa owners wondering whether 2026 is the year to finally experience it, let me tempt you: SPARK is heading to Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica next year. Think of it as a business investment wrapped in turquoise water, expert-led workshops, and the kind of clarity that only comes when you step away from your everyday environment.

If you’re a DERMASCOPE reader, you also get a 20% off discount on tickets when you use the code DERMASCOPE20 for 20% off your ticket until January 31st, 2026 which, trust me, makes the “should I go?” decision a lot easier. Last year, Fiji opened my heart. This year, Punta Cana sharpened my leadership. I can only imagine what Jamaica will hold. If you’re ready to grow, ready to lead better, or simply ready to reconnect with why you love this industry, SPARK 2026 is where you need to be.