Karma Group Chairman John Spence has been at the vanguard of the leisure, travel and hospitality industries for decades – including more than 30 years at the helm of Karma Group, which he has built into a boundary pushing luxury private members club that offers scores of resorts, beach clubs, fine dining venues, spas – but above all delivers unforgettable experiences. He continues to redefine luxury hospitality and throughout 2024, his entrepreneurial vision has not only expanded Karma Group’s global footprint but has also hugely enhanced the luxury hospitality experience for its 85,000+ members worldwide.
The past year has seen remarkable expansion with eight strategic additions to the Karma portfolio. New flagship properties in the Maldives, Siem Reap in Cambodia, and Thailand’s Koh Samui have strengthened the Group’s presence in Asia’s most sought-after destinations. In India, the introduction of properties in Manali, Shimla, and Mahabaleshwar has deepened Karma’s commitment to the subcontinent, where the Group has operated successfully for three decades.
Beyond physical expansion, Spence’s innovative approach to hospitality has manifested in the launch of Two Palms, an exclusive beach club in Koh Samui, and the significant enhancement of the Karma Club membership program. The latter has been completely redefined to offer unprecedented access to luxury experiences and privileges across the Group’s global portfolio.
Technology has played a pivotal role in Spence’s 2024 strategy, with the introduction of a state-of-the-art app and website that has transformed the member booking experience. This digital evolution reflects his commitment to combining traditional luxury with modern convenience.
The hugely successful Karma Curated Experiences programme has been expanded and refined under Spence’s direction, offering members access to unique cultural, culinary, and adventure experiences across all destinations each and every month. This initiative exemplifies his “Five Star Hippy” philosophy, which combines luxury with authentic local experiences that go beyond the usual tourist haunts.
Spence’s entrepreneurial vision extends beyond hospitality into the world of fine wines and spirits. 2024 saw the introduction of several notable additions to the Karma collection, including a distinctive Rosé and Malpere from Carcassonne, a Chianti from Tuscany, Travellers Gin No. 2, and a bespoke Karma Scotch Blend.
Meanwhile, soon to launch developments in Scotland, Sri Lanka, and India showcase his driven yet strategic approach to expansion, carefully selecting locations that offer unique experiences for Members as well as the opportunity to plan trips across multiple Karma Group resorts and products within a given region.
While driving business growth, Spence’s commitment to philanthropy remains unwavering. The success of the ACE Soccer Academy initiative in India for example demonstrates his belief in using business success as a platform for positive social impac – and always contributing to local communities in the places where Karma Group operates.
Throughout his career, Spence has maintained 100% ownership of Karma Group, operating with zero debt while leading three global divisions across Asia and Australia, India and Middle East, and Europe and Caribbean. His philosophy that “work should be taken seriously and be profitable but, like sport, be fun, challenging and something you do for enjoyment” continues to drive innovation across the Group.
As Karma Group steps boldly into 2025, Spence’s entrepreneurial spirit shows no signs of slowing. With multiple properties in development and a constant drive to enhance Member experiences, he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in luxury hospitality. His unique ability to spot opportunities in undiscovered areas, combined with his commitment to creating exceptional experiences, makes John Spence a standout candidate for the 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year award.
