The spa industry has paid tribute to Italian photographer Luca Tettoni, who passed away in August following a long battle with illness.

Tettoni was one of the world’s most renowned photographers of Asian fine art, architecture and interiors. He travelled throughout Asia and was known for his expansive knowledge and appreciation for Asian culture and heritage.

In the spa industry his work photographing spas was renowned.

Luca published many books and numerous magazine articles on the Asian spa world, which brought the industry considerable exposure.

Elizabeth Smailes, assistant director of marketing communications at Minor Hotel Group, paid tribute, saying: “I had the wonderful opportunity to work with such an amazingly talented soul for 18 months on what turned out to be Luca’s last book project.

“His ability to visualise a concept, capture the image and direct the layout to ignite the reader’s engagement was beyond measure.

“Tenacious, sometimes challenging yet usually right, Luca was always happy to share his wealth of knowledge that never failed to captivate and surprise.”

Sophie Benge, author, journalist and director of glorious London, said: “We entered the spa world together in 1998 on The Tropical Spa book project, which took us both into this industry in ways that we didn't foresee at the time. Luca burst out laughing when I asked him to photograph a chest smeared with yoghurt for a double page spread. He told me I must be joking and rolled his eyes in horror! From then on we got more and more excited as we devised ways to cover beautiful bodies with papaya, honey, oils, nuts and flower petals.

“I know so many of us in the industry who loved him as a person. We all have the hugest respect for him as Asia's leading spa photographer."

Oriele Frank, director of international marketing at spa and skincare brand Elemis, said: “Luca Tettoni had a huge impact on the spa industry, when back in the 90s he worked with Sophie Benge on the Tropical Spa, a beautiful coffee table style book that inspired us all. His photographic imagery bought the world of interiors and spa treatments found in some of the most beautiful Asian spas to the forefront visually and with a beautiful simplicity.

“I feel honoured and lucky to have worked with such a talented, feisty, Italian photographer and was saddened to learn of his passing away. Thank you Luca for your immense eye for beauty and charismatic character. His images are timeless and will live on in his memory.”