Trailblazers of the spa and wellness industry, Peter and Shula Clarke, share the beauty of their masterpiece project in Grand Cayman.
After 35 years of working side by side, Peter and Shula Clarke have defined the gold standard of the spa and wellness industry globally. Although they have enjoyed their retirement for the past 10 years, by no means have they lost their touch. In fact, they came back stronger than ever and delivered what they consider to be their life’s work.
Over the course of their career, they have designed seven award-winning spas and several international consulting projects — and a deeply felt ethos that guides them in the execution and creation of every space they touch. But nothing, they say, compares to Meraki Wellness. Based in Grand Cayman, they expressed their pride, in an exclusive interview with Dolce, in this project as it is the most personal and defining one of their lives.
While enjoying their retirement in Mallorca in 2018, Caribbean developer Fraser Wellon invited them to London to discuss a new project at The Watermark in Grand Cayman. The Clarkes were intrigued but cautious. They agreed to visit the island — with no promises. But the moment they arrived, they fell in love with Cayman instantly.
“We were struck by the integrity and the detail- driven philosophy of the Wellon family. It was very clear that he was a visionary, that he does not cut corners, [is] detail-oriented and [operates] at the highest level,” says Peter.
A second visit followed, along with months of deep research into the region’s wellness offerings. What they found was opportunity — a promising canvas for something elevated, soulful and refined.
To understand Meraki Wellness, it helps to understand its name. “Meraki is a Greek word that means ‘what I do, I do with love and passion, and I leave a piece of my soul in my work’,” Shula explains. “That’s who Peter and I are. It’s our approach to everything, whether it’s work, personal, friendships or family.”
What makes Meraki so intensely personal for the Clarkes is that all the pieces came together like a fairy tale: a visionary developer, an architect who embraced the concept rather than imposing his own, as well as the Clarkes’ award-winning creative experience.
“It’s magic when you have those three ingredients,” Peter says. “And all three were aligned on this project.”
Meraki, as a wellness as a destination is one defined by flow, thoughtfulness and emotion. The entire facility follows a gentle half-circle flow, with curves guiding guests through spaces designed to relax the body without overwhelming the senses.
“Everything flows. Every space is harmonious. And we think deeply about how it makes you feel from the moment you enter,” says Shula.
Nothing is accidental. Textures, scents, lighting, air quality, temperature and even sound are all calibrated to encourage a peaceful state of mind. Mind, body and soul are all treated with the utmost care. For example, the lighting shifts subtly throughout the day. Music transitions to match circadian rhythms. Floors prioritize natural materials like wood to enhance grounding. The air itself is purified to 99.99995 per cent — the first spa in the world to achieve this standard.
“We control everything — the air you breathe, the light around you, the way the music evolves,” Peter explains. “But you never notice the technology; it’s all there to elevate how you feel.”
“THIS IS THE FIRST TIME WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO BRING OUR ENTIRE LIFE’S WORK TOGETHER UNDER ONE ROOF.”
For them, the technology, while innovative, has its flaws; no one wants to be surrounded by touchscreens and buttons. Their innovation is subtly embedded within the guest experience; there is never an overwhelming moment during the guest experience.
Emotion is their sole focus. With beautiful spaces that matter and exceptional service, guests feel something memorable, transformative and personal. “They will leave and say, ‘I can’t put my finger on it, but that was amazing. I’ll be back,’” Shula says. “That emotional connection is everything.”
Peter puts it more succinctly: “We don’t want to know if the guest had a good treatment. We want to know: Did we leave a ‘heart print’ with you today?”
It is an ethos woven through Meraki’s team, storytelling and brand. Every team member is educated in the narratives behind the building, the treatments and the materials.
Guests aren’t welcomed with an itinerary — they are welcomed through meaning. At the core of that meaning is the phrase that Shula considers both a promise and a calling: “Wellness with Love.” The slogan came to her during meditation. “It landed so clearly,” she recalls. “And I knew instantly that it was right.” Peter agreed: “It was a brave tagline, but we knew we could deliver on it.”
From the wellness café to purpose-built event spaces to five distinct relaxation lounges, Meraki Wellness is a community hub as much as a sanctuary. Locals, travellers, families, executives — everyone finds a place to breathe, recharge and reconnect. But the real game-changer, among the many one-of-a-kind highlights Meraki Wellness offers, is a snow room. The first in the Caribbean. It introduces contrast therapy in a playful, sensory and unforgettable way.
“Snow is rare for many of our guests,” Peter says. “So, it becomes part of the emotional experience that they will never forget.”
“Meraki is our legacy,” Peter says, without hesitation. “This is the first time we’ve been able to bring our entire life’s work together — under one roof — and we will be judged by our industry; we welcome that.”
For Shula, it is something even deeper. “This project has changed our lives,” she says. “It has touched our souls. And that’s the energy we want every guest to feel when they walk through the door.”
In the end, Meraki isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling.
