Riccardo Turri

Starpool, an Italian wellness consultancy, has partnered with design studio Aledolci & Co to develop an outdoor sauna concept. Called NatureSauna, the concept is billed as a tribute to the Nordic culture of ‘open air wellness’, and is designed to unite ‘building, man and nature’. It is made entirely of Italian spruce wood with brushed copper inserts and offers immersive, natural experiences for guests ‘seeking a healthy lifestyle in harmony with nature’.

Riccardo Turri, CEO of Starpool, says: “NatureSauna perfectly embodies Starpool’s values of: aesthetics, design, texture, effectiveness and environmental care. We aim to ensure memorable experiences with our spa projects and NatureSauna is an experience in itself.”

The sauna can be used in any outdoor setting and climate and is available in three sizes starting at 360x315m.

KEYWORD: STARPOOL

The sauna has been designed to unite ‘building, man and nature’

The new concept is billed as a tribute to the Nordic culture of ‘open air wellness’

Riccardo Turri

Spa consultancy AW Lake Design is set to launch the Icebox, a new cold therapy experience that could be offered in spas. Developed over a two-year period, the Icebox consists of three cryo-chambers contained inside a single unit. Each chamber offers a different temperature, ranging from 7°C to -23°C, and features natural ‘special effects’ such as wind chill, humidity and dryness effects.

The Icebox builds up resistance to cold gradually by exposing the body to various temperatures and environments, activating stress response pathways that strengthen the body’s defence mechanisms and build up overall resilience to daily stresses and illnesses. Adria Lake, owner and founder of AW Lake says: “Recent studies comparing the effect of cold-water immersion (ice bath) versus cold air exposure conclude that cold air is much more effective in increasing red blood cells production, releasing endorphins and strengthening immune systems.”

KEYWORDS: AW LAKE

Users are gradually exposed to the cold in three chambers

Ohayon says the blanket replicates the sensation of being held or hugged

Weighted blankets can add an innate sense of comfort to spa treatments as they’re designed to replicate the sensation of being held, which helps to relax the nervous system, increase serotonin and melatonin levels and decrease cortisol. And now Hush, a Canadian based startup, has developed a ‘cool’ version of its blanket for use in the summer months.

The Hush Iced, has an outer layer made from sweat-wicking bamboo and ultra-soft cotton which it says is “the coldest fabric in your house, guaranteed”. The inner layer is made from a microfibre material which has pockets filled with glass sand.

Billed as the world’s ‘softest and most luxurious’ cooling blanket, it’s also designed to reduce anxiety and help users fall asleep, and achieve better quality sleep, faster, dovetailing with the industry trend for sleep health.

Hush co-founder Lior Ohayon says: “We started the brand with just an idea and a couple of samples. Once we saw the impact it was having with thousands of people, we knew there was no turning back.”

KEYWORDS: HUSH

Hush Iced is a ‘cool’ weighted blanket for use in hotter months

Sarah Ivens

Aromatherapy Associates has partnered with forest therapy specialist Sarah Ivens to create a new essential oil – it’s first addition since co-founder Geraldine Howard passed away in 2016.

The blend features pink peppercorn, juniper berry and Mediterranean cypress and has been inspired by Japanese forest bathing rituals where the belief is that spending time in nature improves overall wellbeing and eases stress.

It’s used as the basis for the Forest Therapy retail collection, a bath & shower oil and wellness mist, which can be used as part of a daily personal care routine to improve mental and physical wellbeing through a connection with nature.

Ivens says: "The benefits are universal, ageless and endless. Reconnecting with nature reduces blood pressure, improves sleep, strengthens the immune system, calms the nervous system and relaxes an overworked brain.

KEYWORDS: AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES

The blend has been inspired by Japanese forest bathing rituals

Elizabeth Contal

Crystal jeweller Elizabeth Contal has developed a new meditation concept room for spas to offer a ‘sacred’ space where guests can clear their heads.

The Crystal Room features walls embedded with more than 800 of the gems, with varying healing benefits, and is designed to rebalance and recharge chakra energy centres.

At the same time, the room works on the senses. Clients experience scent from essential oils, LED lights in the hues of chakras, are given crystals to hold, calming tea infusions to taste and listen to music to leave them mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually balanced.

Contal says: "The Crystal Room appeases our hectic lives. A moment out of time to get back to basics, reconnect with the body and the mind. This comprehensive treatment is for those who are looking for holistic therapies to restore their emotional balance."

Manufactured and installed by consultancy firm ASPA International, Crystal Room is scalable, with the company able to create bespoke rooms or simply convert existing spaces through the use of clip on wall panels.

KEYWORDS: ELIZABETH CONTAL

Made by ASPA, the walls are embedded with over 800 gems

Alexandra Gasevitch

Vital Tech, a developer of infratherapy spa equipment, has developed an infrared lounger boasting a host of physical and mental health benefits.

The Nuage, features a unique cloud-like shape that envelopes the user while evenly distributing their weight, giving them the sensation of weightlessness.

It’s designed to make users feel instantly relaxed and incorporates Vital Tech’s patented infratherapy, chromotherapy and music to promote an overall feeling of wellbeing, as well as boost mood, increase productivity and creativity.

Designed and manufactured in Normandy, Nuage features a poplar wood frame with a top-quality memory foam mattress, and is equipped with carbon emission-absorbing panels.

Founder Alexandra Gasevitch, says: "The product was designed to be easily integrated into the workplace, in spas, resorts and fitness centres, without requiring specific rooms. We wanted everyone to be able to access Vital Tech’s infratherapy, and now, thanks to Nuage, they can."

KEYWORDS: VITAL TECH

The infrared lounger has a cloud-like shape to promote weightlessness

Jean-Guy de Gabriac

Italian skincare brand Vagheggi has partnered with industry consultant Jean-Guy de Gabriac to create Irritual, a signature massage treatment and product line for spas which can be tailored to the client’s needs.

A loving homage to Italy, Irritual is made from natural Italian ingredients sourced according to geographic location, such as almonds from Avola and walnuts from Veneto.

The collection offers a range of professional and retail products, including a massage oil, body scrub and aromatherapy oils as well as a haircare line.

De Gabriac, CEO of Tip Touch International, teamed up with Italian perfumer Morgane Collinot for the launch. He says: "Irritual’s intention is to encourage guests to ‘take it slow, feel the flow’. The signature massage uses lavish textures and fragrances chosen by Morgane.

"Irritual is completely bespoke to the client, they choose the fragrance, the intention, tempo and depth of the massage, all of which can be changed to fit with the moment. It’s perfect for men and women living in cities who want to disconnect from stress and technology, and reconnect with themselves.”

KEYWORD: VAGHEGGI

Italian skincare brand Vagheggi is the firm behind Irritual

Lejla Cas

Skincare brand Knesko has launched two hydrogel collagen masks for the face, eyes, lips and décolleté to combat environmental damage to the skin by using semi-precious gemstones as active ingredients.

The Rose Quartz Antioxidant face mask uses quartz, with vitamins C and E, white tea, liquorice root and grape seed, to calm and repair the skin and protect it from free radicals. While the Black Pearl Detox uses pearls, which are associated with emotional balance, and bamboo charcoal to draw out toxins and purify the skin.

Knesko founder Lejla Cas, says the masks can be used as a VIP service poolside, or even added to mini-bars, to create multiple wellness touchpoints throughout a property and increase revenues. "Directors tell us that offering the masks outside of the spa translates to more visits in the spa," she says. "Guests love the immediate result of better looking skin and they’re encouraged to take the time for self-care."

Knesko supplies top spa operators such as Bamford Haybarn, 1 Hotels and Four Seasons. "We’re blessed that our message and mission resonates with spas and resorts," Cas adds.

KEYWORD: KNESKO

The masks can be used poolside or added to mini-bars for multiple spa touchpoints

Victoria Elsey

French skincare brand Payot has launched L’Authentique, a cellular booster which combines precious actives and natural ingredients to protect the skin from environmental stressors.

Described as a hybrid between a cream and a serum, L’Authentique is formulated with saponaria plant stem cells, which protect the skin from pollution and improve its elasticity, density and firmness. Meanwhile, pure gold particles reduce the overall appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as blemishes and pigmentation.

It’s also been formulated to reduce the loss of collagen, leaving the skin smooth and plump, with a more youthful appearance.

Victoria Elsey, sales manager, says: “Radiant, luminous natural skin is the key to beauty for all women, whatever their age.

“This hybrid treatment is a perfect alchemy between minerals and plants, enriched with plant stem cells and 24-carat pure gold microparticles. It acts deep inside the skin to boost the cells, reinforce the skin’s self-regenerating power and bring about visible transformation.”

KEYWORD: PAYOT

The cream-serum hybrid contains pure gold microparticles