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How are spas changing their menus since
coronavirus struck? And what other industry
events are taking place? We take a look at some
of the latest concepts, trends and programmes
Lefay spa resort in Lake Garda, Italy has introduced five packages which blend outdoor activities, TCM practices and wellness treatments.
Each journey includes a Natural Wellness Trail set in 11 hectares of beautiful grounds where guests encounter ‘treatment stations’ which represent different shapes, colours, aromas and recommend activities.
The White Tiger journey, for example, represents meditation and autumn, and is characterised by the colour white. The trail is recommended at sunset and includes yoga for overall balance, body awareness and improved breathing. A full body massage aims to curb feelings of melancholy.
“Even before COVID-19, more academic studies were highlighting the benefits of prescribing a connection with nature and the great outdoors,” says Dr Carlo Barbieri, president of Lefay’s Spa Method Scientific Committee.
Cost: €320 (US$378)
Bürgenstock offers COVID-19 recovery retreats
Bürgenstock, Switzerland has rolled out three executive retreats focused on preventative health solutions, mindfulness and mobility, respectively, at its five-star medi-wellness facility, Waldhotel.
The preventative health programme is a particular highlight. It’s conceptualised as “the ultimate medical MOT” and includes two days of screening followed by a comprehensive review and onsite intervention recommendations by a medical team member.
Opened in late 2017, the Bürgenstock Hotel is also home to the Alpine Spa which covers 107,000sq ft on three levels.
Cost: CHF2,200 (US$2,372) including lunch and dinner. Can be booked with or without an overnight stay
The prevention programme is referred to as “the ultimate medical MOT”
Celebrating hot springs worldwide with Soakember
David Dronet
The Global Wellness Institute’s Hot Springs Initiative team organised a live international soaking event to champion hot spring bathing on 13-14 November.
Live-streamed on Facebook and Soakember.com it ran simultaneously at hot springs in Japan, France, Hungary, China, Germany, Austria, Australia, the US, Slovenia, New Zealand and Costa Rica.
Initiative member and co-owner of The Springs in Colorado, David Dronet, has spearheaded the function to celebrate hot springs’ healing powers and the diversity of global bathing traditions. “Hot spring communities of the world are coming together in the shared belief that hot springs and hydrothermal thermal therapy can provide the mind, body and soul with the rejuvenation and renewal that so many of us need,” he says.
Initiative chair, Charles Davidson adds: “During these difficult times when the world has been so impacted by COVID-19, it’s important that we remember how beneficial mother nature can be to our health and wellbeing. Let’s soak together, to heal together.”
Cost: Free
Hot springs from around the world showcased their facilities / The Springs Resort & Spa, Pagosa Springs, CO
Armathwaite offers wild swimming and cold water therapy
Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa in the Lake District, UK, has launched a wild swimming package to improve people’s wellbeing using cold water.
Guests can choose a half-day or full-day package exploring local natural water features. This includes the chance to experience and immerse themselves in breathtaking water destinations such as a natural infinity pool; a string of spectacular waterfalls; and secluded locations, including the local Gin Pool, known for its crystal clear waters.
The new wild swimming retreat is designed to let guests discover the benefits of cold water swimming, including pain relief, a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, and an increase in the happiness hormone serotonin.
Cost: Starts at £90 (US$118)
Cold water will be used to improve wellbeing / Ian Doctor
Anantara opens first IV drip bar
Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas has stepped into the world of medi-wellness with its inaugural IV drip bar, VIVID by Verita Health clinic, at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.
The VIVID bar is characterised by bright, contemporary interiors and offers a variety of solutions to relieve symptoms of anything from jetlag or burnout to addressing beauty concerns. Treatments start at THB5,500 (US$176, €151, £136) for 40 minutes.
Other services include medical grade oxygen therapy, light therapy for circadian balancing and anti-ageing cosmetic treatments.
The new opening is a product of Anantara’s joint venture with Singapore group Verita Healthcare to create a global network of integrated health centres. Two other facilities are earmarked for Anantara properties in Bangkok and Phuket next year.
Cost: Start at THB5,500 (US$176)
VIVID has bright, contemporary interiors
Underwater breathwork programme in St Lucia
Diving is a great way to practice breathwork / Elovich /Shutterstock
Breathwork is a key pillar of wellness and its positive effects are well documented on the physical, mental and emotional state. In St Lucia, Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort and Spa has blended it with diving and yoga to create an underwater wellness programme.
Based around an early morning sunrise dive, the programme sees submerged participants practising four different breathing techniques to aid mindfulness and buoyancy control, while also following demonstrations of controlled yoga positions. The experience is 2.5 hours in total with 45 minutes underwater.
It claims to be the first of its kind to offer underwater breathwork and helps to slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, instil calmness and reduce overall stress and anxiety.
Cost: US$180
Clinique La Prairie supports immunity
Swiss medi-wellness clinic, Clinique La Prairie, has revealed two limited edition retreats, called Energising Wellness and Immunity Boost, available for Q4 2020 and throughout 2021.
Developed by the clinic’s expert health practitioners, the five-day programmes have been conceived to replenish energy and immunity levels and to help guests kickstart health habits.
They include a comprehensive health check-up, which assesses cardiac health, blood analysis, body composition and skin health, plus mindfulness classes, PT training and IV drips to correct deficiencies.
There’s also an emphasis on the role a healthy diet plays in immunity, with the retreats featuring nutritional coaching sessions and a private masterclass about antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Cost: Prices start at CHF6,900 (US$7,520)
The retreats will run throughout 2021 / Clinique La Prairie
GSN partners with Esalen Institute for Healing Arts webinars
Doug Drummond
The Green Spa Network (GSN) has teamed up with the Esalen Institute to produce a complimentary webinar series dedicated to personal and professional healing and growth during the global pandemic.
Founded in 1962, Esalen is a non-profit organisation seeking to ‘explore human potential through experience, education and research’ and is known for its therapeutic massage technique worldwide. The group has a retreat centre in California where it offers personal, spiritual and social transformation practices through healing arts.
Working with GSN, select Esalen healing arts specialists will focus on raising awareness of its practices to provide inspiration in the ever-changing wellness landscape. “We’re looking forward to sharing some unique perspectives,” says Doug Drummond, Esalen’s director of Healing Arts.
Beltrami Linen’s approach to the world of spa is underpinned by a strong emphasis on bespoke
design, where close collaboration with customers and their designers is always of the utmost
importance. [more...]
How are spas changing their menus since
coronavirus struck? And what other industry
events are taking place? We take a look at some
of the latest concepts, trends and programmes
Lefay spa resort in Lake Garda, Italy has introduced five packages which blend outdoor activities, TCM practices and wellness treatments.
Each journey includes a Natural Wellness Trail set in 11 hectares of beautiful grounds where guests encounter ‘treatment stations’ which represent different shapes, colours, aromas and recommend activities.
The White Tiger journey, for example, represents meditation and autumn, and is characterised by the colour white. The trail is recommended at sunset and includes yoga for overall balance, body awareness and improved breathing. A full body massage aims to curb feelings of melancholy.
“Even before COVID-19, more academic studies were highlighting the benefits of prescribing a connection with nature and the great outdoors,” says Dr Carlo Barbieri, president of Lefay’s Spa Method Scientific Committee.
Cost: €320 (US$378)
Bürgenstock offers COVID-19 recovery retreats
Bürgenstock, Switzerland has rolled out three executive retreats focused on preventative health solutions, mindfulness and mobility, respectively, at its five-star medi-wellness facility, Waldhotel.
The preventative health programme is a particular highlight. It’s conceptualised as “the ultimate medical MOT” and includes two days of screening followed by a comprehensive review and onsite intervention recommendations by a medical team member.
Opened in late 2017, the Bürgenstock Hotel is also home to the Alpine Spa which covers 107,000sq ft on three levels.
Cost: CHF2,200 (US$2,372) including lunch and dinner. Can be booked with or without an overnight stay
The prevention programme is referred to as “the ultimate medical MOT”
Celebrating hot springs worldwide with Soakember
David Dronet
The Global Wellness Institute’s Hot Springs Initiative team organised a live international soaking event to champion hot spring bathing on 13-14 November.
Live-streamed on Facebook and Soakember.com it ran simultaneously at hot springs in Japan, France, Hungary, China, Germany, Austria, Australia, the US, Slovenia, New Zealand and Costa Rica.
Initiative member and co-owner of The Springs in Colorado, David Dronet, has spearheaded the function to celebrate hot springs’ healing powers and the diversity of global bathing traditions. “Hot spring communities of the world are coming together in the shared belief that hot springs and hydrothermal thermal therapy can provide the mind, body and soul with the rejuvenation and renewal that so many of us need,” he says.
Initiative chair, Charles Davidson adds: “During these difficult times when the world has been so impacted by COVID-19, it’s important that we remember how beneficial mother nature can be to our health and wellbeing. Let’s soak together, to heal together.”
Cost: Free
Hot springs from around the world showcased their facilities / The Springs Resort & Spa, Pagosa Springs, CO
Armathwaite offers wild swimming and cold water therapy
Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa in the Lake District, UK, has launched a wild swimming package to improve people’s wellbeing using cold water.
Guests can choose a half-day or full-day package exploring local natural water features. This includes the chance to experience and immerse themselves in breathtaking water destinations such as a natural infinity pool; a string of spectacular waterfalls; and secluded locations, including the local Gin Pool, known for its crystal clear waters.
The new wild swimming retreat is designed to let guests discover the benefits of cold water swimming, including pain relief, a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, and an increase in the happiness hormone serotonin.
Cost: Starts at £90 (US$118)
Cold water will be used to improve wellbeing / Ian Doctor
Anantara opens first IV drip bar
Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas has stepped into the world of medi-wellness with its inaugural IV drip bar, VIVID by Verita Health clinic, at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.
The VIVID bar is characterised by bright, contemporary interiors and offers a variety of solutions to relieve symptoms of anything from jetlag or burnout to addressing beauty concerns. Treatments start at THB5,500 (US$176, €151, £136) for 40 minutes.
Other services include medical grade oxygen therapy, light therapy for circadian balancing and anti-ageing cosmetic treatments.
The new opening is a product of Anantara’s joint venture with Singapore group Verita Healthcare to create a global network of integrated health centres. Two other facilities are earmarked for Anantara properties in Bangkok and Phuket next year.
Cost: Start at THB5,500 (US$176)
VIVID has bright, contemporary interiors
Underwater breathwork programme in St Lucia
Diving is a great way to practice breathwork / Elovich /Shutterstock
Breathwork is a key pillar of wellness and its positive effects are well documented on the physical, mental and emotional state. In St Lucia, Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort and Spa has blended it with diving and yoga to create an underwater wellness programme.
Based around an early morning sunrise dive, the programme sees submerged participants practising four different breathing techniques to aid mindfulness and buoyancy control, while also following demonstrations of controlled yoga positions. The experience is 2.5 hours in total with 45 minutes underwater.
It claims to be the first of its kind to offer underwater breathwork and helps to slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, instil calmness and reduce overall stress and anxiety.
Cost: US$180
Clinique La Prairie supports immunity
Swiss medi-wellness clinic, Clinique La Prairie, has revealed two limited edition retreats, called Energising Wellness and Immunity Boost, available for Q4 2020 and throughout 2021.
Developed by the clinic’s expert health practitioners, the five-day programmes have been conceived to replenish energy and immunity levels and to help guests kickstart health habits.
They include a comprehensive health check-up, which assesses cardiac health, blood analysis, body composition and skin health, plus mindfulness classes, PT training and IV drips to correct deficiencies.
There’s also an emphasis on the role a healthy diet plays in immunity, with the retreats featuring nutritional coaching sessions and a private masterclass about antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Cost: Prices start at CHF6,900 (US$7,520)
The retreats will run throughout 2021 / Clinique La Prairie
GSN partners with Esalen Institute for Healing Arts webinars
Doug Drummond
The Green Spa Network (GSN) has teamed up with the Esalen Institute to produce a complimentary webinar series dedicated to personal and professional healing and growth during the global pandemic.
Founded in 1962, Esalen is a non-profit organisation seeking to ‘explore human potential through experience, education and research’ and is known for its therapeutic massage technique worldwide. The group has a retreat centre in California where it offers personal, spiritual and social transformation practices through healing arts.
Working with GSN, select Esalen healing arts specialists will focus on raising awareness of its practices to provide inspiration in the ever-changing wellness landscape. “We’re looking forward to sharing some unique perspectives,” says Doug Drummond, Esalen’s director of Healing Arts.
Kerzner International has signed deals to operate two new Siro recovery hotels in Mexico and
Saudi Arabia, following the launch of the inaugural Siro property in Dubai this February.
Nuffield Health’s fourth annual survey, the Healthier Nation Index, has found people moved
slightly more in 2023 than 2022, but almost 75 per cent are still not meeting WHO guidelines.
The US spa industry is continuing its upward trajectory, achieving an unprecedented milestone
with a record-breaking revenue of US$21.3 billion in 2023, surpassing the previous high of
US$20.1 billion in 2022.
Short-term incentives for exercise, such as using daily reminders, rewards or games, can lead
to sustained increases in activity according to new research.
The Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan will reopen later this year with an
all-new design plus enhanced treatments and experiences inspired by its river valley home.
Operator Circadian Trust has launched a five-year growth drive designed to
support health and wellbeing across South Gloucestershire, UK. The initiative
will see a £2.4m investment in its five Active Lifestyle Centres.
Remedy Place, a US-based social wellness club brand, is poised for steady expansion in the
coming years, with plans to open two new clubs annually moving forward.
Beltrami Linen’s approach to the world of spa is underpinned by a strong emphasis on bespoke
design, where close collaboration with customers and their designers is always of the utmost
importance. [more...]
