As consumers' understanding of self-care and wellness expands, so to does their need for the right spa spaces. Here are the top four spa design trends as we move into 2022.
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As consumers' understanding of self-care and wellness expands, so to does their need for the right spa spaces. Here are the top four spa design trends as we move into 2022.
1. Social Spaces
While traditionally guests have opted for privacy in a spa, many now crave human connection and shared experiences. Spa design will reflect this shift by offering social spaces within the spa that cater to couples or a collection of friends who wish to enjoy the spa journey or an experience together.
We anticipate a rise in the popularity of small group treatment suites, cabanas (poolside or in the grounds), perfect for relaxation between treatments and reconnection around a fire feature.
Within the spa, Hammams and Banyan sauna suites are ideal for social spa-ing. They can be an integral part of a spa journey, and if they are reserved for private groups of friends, they can add revenue to the spa’s income.
Thinking beyond the obvious spa lounge area serving as a social hub, we look at spaces throughout the spa journey to create a social niche or nook. Within the Harrods Hair and Beauty Salon, we created a luxury club like vibe with the integration of "in-between treatment" relaxed social spaces. This included timber-lined window seats where guests can enjoy a glass of champagne from the fifth floor overlooking the prime Knightsbridge shopping street below.
2. Spa "Rewilding"
Connection to nature has been a central theme to wellness for the past two years. Guests expect to experience spas that embrace the outdoors. Clever design and space planning can make this connection to nature seamless. It is moving beyond the "spa garden" model, deeper into the countryside and forest, providing experiences and immersion in a wilder, natural setting. Wild swimming, foraging, forest bathing and guided meditations are all concepts that can be designed into the spa journey.
Expect to find individual treatment cabins, bathing and heat cabin experiences, as well, like the sauna on stilts that we helped to create at Aqua Sana Sherwood. Many of these saunas have open or glazed sides providing the ultimate connection to the landscape. This trend also extends to the creation of bedroom suites located in cabins or tree houses away from the main hotel.
Natural swimming pools offer a sense of freedom and escapism while tapping into the popularity of "wild swimming." These freshwater naturally filtered pools and ponds are set to become an essential element for any forward thinking, eco-conscious spa developer. A large natural filtered outdoor swimming pool forms the center piece of The Spa at South Lodge to great effect, the pool has proved a great hit with guests, many of who are experiencing wild swimming for the first time.
3. A More Modern Gym
For many millennial gym-goers, a trip to the fitness studio will often replace a night out at the pub or nightclub. This is especially true for many young urbanites. New high-end boutique gyms are aiming to cultivate a tribal loyalty and community. Club membership has become a status symbol for some, and savvy hoteliers can embrace this, designing their fitness space and offerings within to match the needs of this growing subculture.
Many properties are focusing their attention on the interior design of their gyms, fitness studios and wellness facilities by fusing elements of wellness with biophilic design to create green, healthy spaces that are a world away from the darkened, equipment-filled gyms of old. Often incorporating outside training facilities, they should also include social and flexible spaces to facilitate group training, enabling members to connect with each other and their personal trainers.
Modern, urban finishes and high-end joinery elevates the look and makes for a warm, welcoming experience.
4. Bespoke Furniture and Lighting
Every spa project wants to make its mark in the industry and offer a unique experience. The visual image is essential to capturing the attention of future guests; this is even more pronounced online with the dominance of social media sites. Bespoke pieces of furniture, joinery and lighting can help create a real sense of place that tells the story of the spa and its concept.
Examples of this can be seen at South Lodge spa, which had a botanical theme emanating from the botanist owner of the house, who had amassed a collection of over 360 species of trees and plants sourced from around the world. Sparcstudio designed bespoke tables formed from a large cross section of a fallen tree from the estate, and a restaurant host station inspired by an oval seed pod form, sculpted by a local artist.
Beverley Bayes is the creative director of design house Sparcstudio.
