Even brief, virtual nature experiences might be beneficial / Guidemiu/shutterstock
It’s well-documented that being in nature has a profound effect on wellbeing. Good news for destination and resort spas which have expansive grounds for guests to explore.
Now, a new study by researchers in the UK could help city spas and those with little outdoor space to tap into aspects of forest bathing too.
The research will investigate our response to digital and virtual experiences of nature and is part of a wider collaboration between the BBC and the University of Exeter called Soundscapes for Wellbeing. The purpose of the study is to find out how best to bring virtual experiences of nature to those who can’t get outside.
Led by psychologist and PhD researcher Alex Smalley, the study explores people’s responses to different digital nature environments created by composer Nainita Desai and sound recordist Chris Watson. It was originally designed with vulnerable people in long-term care or those restricted to clinical settings – most of whom can’t get outdoors and are deprived of nature’s benefits. Lockdown has since increased the number of people shut off from nature and so the urge is growing to investigate how these virtual experiences could be used as an alternative means to support wellbeing.
Speaking on BBC programme WinterWatch, Smalley called digital nature encounters “therapeutic tools in their own right” and gave two possible reasons to explain this. “Firstly, we evolved in natural environments, so we should have an innate biophilic preference for viewing them as well as spending time in them,” he said. “Secondly, there are these inherent qualities in nature – things that can capture our fascination and hold our attention – which can help those parts of our brains that might be stressed and tired to recover.”
He suggested that there may be certain aspects of nature that are more rewarding, such as images and sounds of water, but also alluded to the idea that even a brief moment could have an impact. “I’m really interested in fleeting experiences in nature, things like sunrises and sunsets, which come to define a person’s encounter.”
The study’s results could provide valuable insights and evidence for spa operators on how best to use digital nature applications to boost customer wellbeing, or confirm that they’re already on the right path. For example, offering immersive VR relaxation treatments using rich nature visuals such as Sensync, and incorporating recorded wildlife soundtracks in wet and thermal experiences. Anyone who’s attended the Global Wellness Summit can also attest to the mesmerising nature-based films of Louis Schwartzberg.
In light of COVID-19, operators could make use of digital nature in touchless experiences. Plus, spas in cities could use such offerings to enhance their attraction as calming sanctuaries from busy urban life. l
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2021 issue 1
Editor's letter: Healing the world
With the impact of COVID-19 affecting millions of people globally, spas have a special role to play in the recovery movement
Spa Programmes: On the menu
Healing heartache retreats at Chablé Mexico and Czech spas using mineral water to treat long COVID feature in our latest programming highlights
Programming: Kevin Kelly
Four Seasons’ Sensei retreat in Hawaii taps into wearable tech and biometric data
Programming: Jeremy McCarthy
Mandarin Oriental rolls out it Inner Strength Outer Strength mental wellness course to guests
Interview: Emlyn Brown
Accor’s global vice-president of wellbeing talks to Katie Barnes about business strategies following COVID
Everyone’s talking about: Local markets
How are spas adapting their business model to attract locals? And what happens when international tourists return? Spa Business magazine reports
Trends: Spa Foresight™ 20/21
Touch hunger, lung health, resilience and COVID cool spots all feature in future predictions from the Spa Business team
Sponsored: G.M. COLLIN: New partnerships
Skincare brand GM Collin is
re-energising its sales network and looking
for new distributors from across the globe
to drive its business network
Insight: Hindsight 2020
Mia Kyricos looks at the harsh lessons that spas can learn from the last year
Analysis: On your marks
Analyst Jan Freitag suggests a timescale for global hotel recovery and hotel spas
Research: Eyes on Ireland
An Irish Spa Association snapshot survey shows the impact of COVID on spas across country
Promotion: Artofcryo.com: Chill factor
Artofcryo.com provides evidence-based whole body cryotherapy solutions,
offering effective solutions for guests and an attractive ROI for investors
Fitness: Harley Pasternak
The celebrity trainer and nutritionist shares his vision of fitness and health in the age of coronavirus
Promotion: Iyashi Dôme: Optimal solution
Iyashi Dôme Japanese saunas offer a versatile treatment solution for spas searching for quality touchless treatments backed by science and Japanese technology
Finishing touch: Watch out
UK researchers launch a new study to explore how digital nature experiences can be good for us
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly
customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness
environments. [more...]
Even brief, virtual nature experiences might be beneficial / Guidemiu/shutterstock
It’s well-documented that being in nature has a profound effect on wellbeing. Good news for destination and resort spas which have expansive grounds for guests to explore.
Now, a new study by researchers in the UK could help city spas and those with little outdoor space to tap into aspects of forest bathing too.
The research will investigate our response to digital and virtual experiences of nature and is part of a wider collaboration between the BBC and the University of Exeter called Soundscapes for Wellbeing. The purpose of the study is to find out how best to bring virtual experiences of nature to those who can’t get outside.
Led by psychologist and PhD researcher Alex Smalley, the study explores people’s responses to different digital nature environments created by composer Nainita Desai and sound recordist Chris Watson. It was originally designed with vulnerable people in long-term care or those restricted to clinical settings – most of whom can’t get outdoors and are deprived of nature’s benefits. Lockdown has since increased the number of people shut off from nature and so the urge is growing to investigate how these virtual experiences could be used as an alternative means to support wellbeing.
Speaking on BBC programme WinterWatch, Smalley called digital nature encounters “therapeutic tools in their own right” and gave two possible reasons to explain this. “Firstly, we evolved in natural environments, so we should have an innate biophilic preference for viewing them as well as spending time in them,” he said. “Secondly, there are these inherent qualities in nature – things that can capture our fascination and hold our attention – which can help those parts of our brains that might be stressed and tired to recover.”
He suggested that there may be certain aspects of nature that are more rewarding, such as images and sounds of water, but also alluded to the idea that even a brief moment could have an impact. “I’m really interested in fleeting experiences in nature, things like sunrises and sunsets, which come to define a person’s encounter.”
The study’s results could provide valuable insights and evidence for spa operators on how best to use digital nature applications to boost customer wellbeing, or confirm that they’re already on the right path. For example, offering immersive VR relaxation treatments using rich nature visuals such as Sensync, and incorporating recorded wildlife soundtracks in wet and thermal experiences. Anyone who’s attended the Global Wellness Summit can also attest to the mesmerising nature-based films of Louis Schwartzberg.
In light of COVID-19, operators could make use of digital nature in touchless experiences. Plus, spas in cities could use such offerings to enhance their attraction as calming sanctuaries from busy urban life. l
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2021 issue 1
Editor's letter: Healing the world
With the impact of COVID-19 affecting millions of people globally, spas have a special role to play in the recovery movement
Spa Programmes: On the menu
Healing heartache retreats at Chablé Mexico and Czech spas using mineral water to treat long COVID feature in our latest programming highlights
Programming: Kevin Kelly
Four Seasons’ Sensei retreat in Hawaii taps into wearable tech and biometric data
Programming: Jeremy McCarthy
Mandarin Oriental rolls out it Inner Strength Outer Strength mental wellness course to guests
Interview: Emlyn Brown
Accor’s global vice-president of wellbeing talks to Katie Barnes about business strategies following COVID
Everyone’s talking about: Local markets
How are spas adapting their business model to attract locals? And what happens when international tourists return? Spa Business magazine reports
Trends: Spa Foresight™ 20/21
Touch hunger, lung health, resilience and COVID cool spots all feature in future predictions from the Spa Business team
Sponsored: G.M. COLLIN: New partnerships
Skincare brand GM Collin is
re-energising its sales network and looking
for new distributors from across the globe
to drive its business network
Insight: Hindsight 2020
Mia Kyricos looks at the harsh lessons that spas can learn from the last year
Analysis: On your marks
Analyst Jan Freitag suggests a timescale for global hotel recovery and hotel spas
Research: Eyes on Ireland
An Irish Spa Association snapshot survey shows the impact of COVID on spas across country
Promotion: Artofcryo.com: Chill factor
Artofcryo.com provides evidence-based whole body cryotherapy solutions,
offering effective solutions for guests and an attractive ROI for investors
Fitness: Harley Pasternak
The celebrity trainer and nutritionist shares his vision of fitness and health in the age of coronavirus
Promotion: Iyashi Dôme: Optimal solution
Iyashi Dôme Japanese saunas offer a versatile treatment solution for spas searching for quality touchless treatments backed by science and Japanese technology
Finishing touch: Watch out
UK researchers launch a new study to explore how digital nature experiences can be good for us
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly
customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness
environments. [more...]
