Spa design has undergone a transformation in recent years. Current trends in spa design harmoniously combine aesthetics, technology and nature, shaping a sanctuary for the senses where every element is carefully curated to evoke tranquility and peace.
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Spa design has undergone a transformation in recent years. Current trends in spa design harmoniously combine aesthetics, technology and nature, shaping a sanctuary for the senses where every element is carefully curated to evoke tranquility and peace.
When Amber Haskins, owner of Flora Spa and Aesthetic Bar in Pittsburgh, Pa., was opening her spa, she combined the look of a cozy mountain resort with chic contemporary design.
“I wanted the spa to feel warm and settled, like it has been there forever, with a modern feel,” she said. “We want our clients to feel as though, once you are here, there is nothing else you need. We provide it all.”
Sonya Haffey, CEO of Jupiter, Fla.-based design firm V Starr, noted infusing local culture in spas through thoughtful interior design is in vogue. For instance, one of the firm’s recent projects that puts this trend in practice was the renovation of the Spa at PGA National Resort, which included a focus on an oasis within its tropical surroundings.
“It tells a softly spoken story of breeze swept sands, pale coral textures and lush shadowy palms,” Haffey said. “Drawing direct inspiration from the locale of Palm Beach Gardens, the refreshed palette notes color tones of soft whites and washed woods, alongside champagne highlights and the subtle accents of blushy corals and palm prints. Soft white sand-effect floor tile underfoot is reminiscent of the city’s beaches. As you move into the retail area, a custom pink palm tree feature wall transitions guests into the spa spaces, where they are instantly decompressed with a custom champagne gold ceiling that nods to sunlight as it glimmers through tree canopies.”
Michael Lahm, vice president at COO of TLEE Spas and Wellness, a global spa design and consulting firm with headquarters in San Francisco, has seen a shift in the spa industry to one centered around the treatment-room experience, to one that is looking at more spontaneous and social wellness, and design trends are following this transition.
One recent example is the redesign of the Kilolani Spa at Grand Wailea Maui, where the firm created both gender-specific and a coed environment, in keeping with different facets of bathhouse culture, but with a Hawaiian twist.
“We have been doing a portal entry that from a space standpoint, sets intentions before the experience,” Lahm said. “It instills magic through design. You want a moment to ground their energy or intention, and use design and space to shift guests into an intentional mindset, and not a transactional one.”
Related: 4 Wellness Design Trends for Spa Spaces
Going Natural
David Knowles, founder and creative director of Artelier, an art consultancy that provides art to spas around the world, notes an emerging trend in spa design deals with an increased use of natural elements.
“We focus on using organic, nature-inspired materials like clay, ceramics, carved wood and glass,” he said. “These materials not only enhance the natural, relaxing atmosphere of the spa, but they also don’t overwhelm the mind with too much imagery or complexity. It’s all about creating a serene, visually cohesive space that feels effortless and peaceful. We love celebrating the beauty of these natural materials, whether it’s through raku-fired ceramics or hand-carved wooden sculptures.”
Spas can also enhance their office spaces by incorporating natural and calming elements such as grass, plants, rocks, stones, waterfalls and wood.
“These elements can be included through decorative pieces, wall art, and furniture, helping clients return to a place of solitude and relaxation,” said Richina Lukes-Milledge, founder and CEO of L’Elite MediSpa in Huntington, N.Y. “Nature, in its purest form, is where most people seek comfort. Bringing these elements into the spa creates a strong connection to nature.”
Plants, water and wood all play a huge part in the design Haskins created at Flora.
“The plants I use are high oxygen emitting plants, which calm feelings of anxiety and depression, while offering the feeling of relaxation and focus,” Haskins said. “We use wood in a few unique ways. Visually, wood walls and ceilings throughout the space create a feeling of calm and security. We take that a step further with our signature scent, which includes woodsmoke, emitting throughout the spa.”
Indulge the Senses
Another trend in design is the rise of multi-sensory experiences. From chronotherapy lighting to soundscapes and aromatherapy, spas are designing environments that engage all five senses to deepen relaxation and rejuvenation. For instance, at Flora, the spa’s signature scent is one of the first things guests experience when they enter the spa, walking across a bridge looking over a waterfall outside.
“I’ve combined eucalyptus, woodsmoke, and leather to create and promote a relaxing environment for all who enter Flora,” Haskins said.
Knowles said to create a peaceful experience for clients, a spa design must prioritize simplicity, minimalism and a calming atmosphere rather than complex or stimulating visual elements that engage the mind.
“A well-designed spa layout that includes art must thoughtfully guide guests from soothing treatment rooms to tranquil relaxation areas,” he said. “Ensuring that transitions between spaces feel smooth and unhurried is key, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the artistic experience. Therefore, clear sightlines, natural light, and harmonious materials like wood and stone can enhance this sense of flow due to their natural ebbs, curves and flows in their material structure.”
A graduate of the University of Miami, Keith Loria is a D.C.-based award-winning journalist who has been writing for major publications for close to 20 years on topics as diverse as healthcare, travel and food. He started his career with the Associated Press and has held high editorial positions at publications aimed at entertainment, sports and healthcare.
