Help guests soak up deep relaxation and endless benefits with spa baths—the perfect addition to your wellness menu.
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Help guests soak up deep relaxation and endless benefits with spa baths—the perfect addition to your wellness menu.
What are the benefits of soaking before a spa treatment?
Erick Kristian, marketing director, BainUltra: There are several benefits to having a warm bath before a massage. First off, it increases muscle relaxation, as the heat from the warm water increases circulation and reduces muscle tension, making it easier for the massage therapist to work out knots and tightness during the massage. A bath also reduces pressure on the body by allowing the bather to float and not exert their muscles, and this helps prepare the body further for a massage.
In addition, the heat can alleviate pain by decreasing sensitivity to pain and calming nerve endings that may be pinching. Dilated blood vessels and improved blood flow throughout the body enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, which promote healing and reduce inflammation.
The act of soaking in a hot bath can have a very calming effect on the mind and emotional state, reducing anxiety levels and helping them let go of mental tension (which often translates to physical tension, like holding muscles tight, i.e., breathing shallow or clenching fists or teeth).
Richard Bottiglione, M.D., founder, Dermatologist’s Choice Skincare: Soaking in a bath can help soften the skin, which might aid in better absorption of topical skin care treatments. Cold water has been known to help temporarily minimize redness or flushing in the cheeks. Some say warm water helps open the pores, which can also contribute to better absorption of treatments. Furthermore, soaking in a bath can help clean the skin of excess oil and dirt before a treatment.
Diane Hibbard, chief of treatments, Burke Williams: Soaking before a spa treatment offers numerous benefits rooted in the philosophy of healing through water. Water immersion increases circulation and blood flow, benefiting muscles, brain health and artery health while inducing deep relaxation. Pre-treatment soaking primes the body for massage therapy by relaxing muscles and enhancing receptivity to its healing effects. Warm water alleviates joint and ligament stress, enhancing flexibility and reducing pain. Cold water immersion can reduce inflammation and bolster the immune system.
Related: 8 Tips for an Elevated Onsen Bathing Experience
What can be added to a spa bath to promote well-being?
Andrea Trillo, marketing director, AIRE Ancient Baths: Adding aromatherapy oils, salts and minerals to a spa bath can significantly enhance well-being. Essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus promote relaxation and clarity, while mineral salts help detoxify and rejuvenate the skin.
Orange Garden is our signature fragrance, made of orange blossom and enriched with notes of sandalwood, bergamot and lavender. Used at all locations, the scent was designed by Swiss boutique Firmenich and has been scientifically proven to induce calm and relaxation.
Our Flotarium (salt bath) offers a unique floating experience in highly concentrated saltwater, which relieves muscle tension, promotes relaxation and provides essential minerals to the skin. The buoyancy allows for a meditative experience, reducing stress and improving mental clarity.
Kristian: We recommend bathers find their own “prescription” based on their health and wellness goals. Remember that bathing works on a physical, mental and emotional level.
- Aromatherapy oils: Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, chamomile or peppermint can be added to the bathwater to promote relaxation, relieve stress and uplift mood
- Epsom salts: Epsom salts, composed of magnesium sulfate, can help relax muscles, reduce inflammation and relieve soreness.
- Dead Sea salts: Rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium and bromides, these help improve skin hydration, promote relaxation and soothe muscle aches.
- Bath bombs: They can add color, scent and skin-nourishing properties to the bathwater, creating a luxurious and therapeutic experience.
- Herbs and botanicals: Dried herbs and botanicals such as chamomile, rose petals, calendula or mint can be infused into the bathwater to provide aroma, texture and potential therapeutic benefits. They can have soothing or invigorating effects on the body and mind.
- Mineral bath additives: Mineral-rich bath additives like Himalayan pink salt, sea salt or volcanic ash can replenish minerals in the skin, detoxify the body and promote relaxation.
- Bubble bath or foaming agents: This can create a luxurious lather and enhance the sensory experience.
- Milk or oatmeal: Milk or oatmeal in bathwater can soothe and moisturize the skin, making it soft and supple. Milk contains lactic acid, which exfoliates and brightens, while oatmeal is anti-inflammatory to soothe irritation and itchiness.
- Red wine: Red wine contains resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and promote anti-aging effects. Additionally, the aroma of red wine can be soothing and relaxing.
- CBD oil: CBD oil has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic effects, including pain relief, relaxation and stress reduction. Adding CBD oil to your spa bath may help alleviate muscle tension, reduce inflammation and promote overall relaxation.
- Magnesium flakes: Adding these to a spa bath can help replenish magnesium levels in the body, promote muscle relaxation and alleviate muscle cramps and tension.
Hibbard: Burke Williams provides unique tub teas tailored to rest, awaken or heal. Each tub tea comprises essential oils, herbs and spices to enhance the desired outcome. The Rest Bath, for instance, incorporates lavender for improved sleep and colloidal oatmeal for skin softening and soothing. The Heal Bath utilizes Epsom salt to soothe muscles, and jasmine and orange to boost immune function. For those seeking invigoration, the Awaken Bath contains lemongrass to increase energy and sea buckthorn berries rich in vitamin B.
How can spas tie in retail opportunities?
Kristian: Spas can offer products for customers to try in their spa bathing experience and take home for their own baths. Accessories such as bath pillows, towels and robes can all be part of the experience—and sold by spas for people who “fell in love” with the soft robe they wore after their bath. Relevant reading materials can also further support the wellness rituals they practice in their locations.
Hibbard: Bath and shower products that provide at-home benefits are diverse and appeal to guests seeking to continue their wellness journey. Bath soaks, treatments and shower products not only increase revenue, but also provide guests with enticing items to explore and purchase.
Trillo: Spas can seamlessly tie in retail opportunities by offering curated products used during treatments, such as signature oils, bath salts and skin care. This allows guests to extend their spa experience at home, driving both sales and customer loyalty. At AIRE Ancient Baths, we also offer in-venue add-ons like eye, face and hair masks, salt scrubs and pressed juices for guests to enjoy while they soak.
