Published on : Friday, September 7, 2018
Wellness tourism is expected to grow 9 percent over last year, and that’s 50 percent faster than regular tourism. The guests no longer want the spa, pool, fitness center and healthy food. They want a healthy room with the comforts they’re used to at home.” And for that, she added, guests are willing to pay a premium.
Updating spas can go a long way toward keeping guests coming back, especially with increased competition from both business-focused hotels and dedicated resorts.
Connie Paur, a partner at design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates said that superficial spas no longer appeal, no matter how good the interior or space is,” said Connie Paur, a partner at design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates.
A spa used to be an add-on amenity in a hotel, but hoteliers are increasingly aware that if they want return clients, they need to brand their spas with “a philosophy, a storyline, a concept and a core value.” This mindset, she said, helps tie the space’s interior design to the overall concept. “With the onslaught of sharing of visuals on the internet, flashy design can easily grow out of fashion, and operators are now starting to realize they need a deeper value and a more holistic approach focusing on the experience to hold out in this competitive market.
Spas are taking a more long-term approach to their treatments than before and investing more time in to the holistic experience for mind, body and soul, rather than just a one-off treatment of the past.
Tags: Hirsch Bedner Associates, Hotel News, spa