Spa Specifier

SHOWCASING STYLISH EQUIPMENT AND LEADING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

Edited by Sarah Todd

Sommerhuber – Lounger One Plus

Based in Steyr, Austria, Sommerhuber has been designing and manufacturing heat-storing ceramics since 1491. The refined expertise of the family-run business in the manufacturing of large-area, ergonomically shaped heat storing ceramic tiles, means its products are ideal for spa thermal suites.

“Our ceramic heated loungers, benches and seats for steam and dry rooms, as well as our foot basins and hammam tables are used in leading spas and thermal experiences across the globe” says spa project and product marketing manager Fiona Sommerhuber.

“The speciality of our ceramics is their unique ability to store warmth and to emit this to both the room and the people in it as long infrared heat. For centuries, people in the Alpine region have enjoyed this special warmth for their personal comfort and wellbeing.”

The benefits of radiant heat

Creatively designed using the latest technology, the radiant warmth of the company’s jointless ceramic surfaces has a soothing effect on the human body via the autonomic nervous system, stimulating the circulation and dissolving muscle tension.

With recent research suggesting that the inhalation of hot steam is beneficial to the upper airways, Fiona believes the company’s products can play a vital role in providing the wellbeing benefits that spa guests are now looking for. “The heat found in steam rooms or saunas is an attractive way to strengthen the immune system and combat infections,” she says.

“Our products combine the highest standards of hygiene with contemporary design for an inimitable relaxation experience. For example, our new Lounger One Plus (pictured above) has an organic aesthetic with delicate curves and offers excellent comfort.

“The lounger is easy to clean and maintenance-free. An optional USB port can also be included, while the body and headrest can be colour-coordinated with the ceramic glaze.”

www.sommerhuber.com

London Basin Company – ‘Mini’ range

Designed to suit smaller changing room spaces, London Basin Company has launched a new Mini range featuring some of its most popular designs in a more compact size.

The Madeline, Aubrey, Bryony and Coralie basins have all been scaled down to between 30.5cm and 33cm in diameter.

Handmade using a combination of traditional and contemporary craft processes, each basin has a bold and distinctive style. Retaining their rich detailing, the new collection also includes the Mini Finn wall bracket and the Mini Theo tap.

London Basin Company also designs single and double vanity units in a range of special finishes with a choice of bespoke tops with taps and mirrors to complete the decorative aesthetic.

www.londonbasincompany.com

SEP Jordan – Al fresco furnishing

Working with refugees in Jordan’s Jerash ‘Gaza’ Camp and the Jerash municipality, SEP Jordan produces textiles and accessories that tell ‘unique stories’.

Rather than being recipients of aid, skilled artists and craftswomen delicately hand-embroider a range of textiles and accessories, such as cushions and throws, with geometric patterns inspired by Islamic geometry and Palestinian heritage.

The company, founded by former banker turned social entrepreneur Roberta Ventura in 2014, uses sustainable and organic Cariaggi cashmere sourced from a group of Hircus Laniger goats that graze freely on a farm located in an unspoiled area of Inner Mongolia.

The brand oversees the life cycle of each animal and the entire process of the cashmere fibre as well as the protection of the territory and the welfare of both the animals and shepherds. www.sepjordan.com

PRODUCT INNOVATION

BC Softwear – SwimSoft Ponchos

The new SwimSoft Poncho from leading textiles manufacturer BC Softwear is made with SupremeSoft fabric for fast drying and energy-saving benefits.

With a lightweight plushness on the exterior and absorbent towelling on the inside for maximum comfort, the poncho is made in a generous size to give wearers full coverage. Under-arm and side slits allow for discrete changing and a hood provides added warmth.

www.thameslido.com

A logo or plain text can also be embroidered onto the unisex garment which comes in Slate Grey for adults and children, and Pebble for adults only.

“As with every product we develop, our inspiration always stems from initial customer interest,” says Barbara Cooke, BC Softwear founder and CEO. “The poncho was also inspired by a wild swim in Cornwall during SpaFest in 2019, when a group of spa industry friends took an early morning dip and we observed how nice it would have been to have a bespoke post-swim robe to put on.

“With the trend rapidly developing for wild swimming – and outdoor river, lake and beach activities being offered by a number of spa and hotel operators – this reaffirmed our thinking that the towelling poncho would be widely welcomed.” www.bcsoftwear.co.uk

“The poncho was inspired by a wild swim in Cornwall during SpaFest in 2019... when we observed how nice it would have been to have a bespoke robe to put on.”

Kettal – Meteo S

Created as a continuation of the Meteo family of sunshades, the Meteo S has been designed by Konstantin Grcic as a contemporary, high quality parasol.

Offering long-lasting and sustainable protection from the sun, 70% of the sunshade is made from recycled materials and it is also 100% recyclable.

With a simple manual system for opening and closing, Meteo S is available in a selection of 34 Terrain Fabrics as well as 22 Parallel Fabrics and a further 30 Terrain Paints – the aluminium colours used on the base of the sunshade.

www.kettal.com

Ambientec – Turn+

The Turn+ is a contemporary, rechargeable and portable lamp by Japanese lighting design brand Ambientec.

Created by Nao Tamura to ‘blend a jeweller’s craftsmanship with optical science’, the accent lamp is a synthesis of high-tech lighting, fine materials and artisanal craftsmanship.

An integrated touch sensor and two types of LED segments mean a simple gesture can adjust the light to one of four different gradations ranging from an intimate, candle-like glow to a restful light to read by.

The lamp’s exterior is made in aluminium, brass or stainless steel, each bringing greater depth to the light through natural refraction, while the diffuser is made from glass.

Turn+ offers up to 500 hours of light per charge and it is also waterproof, meaning it can be used outdoors, on balconies or in a garden space.

www.ambientec.co.jp/pages/en

WELLNESS TECHNOLOGY

Gharieni – Second-generation Welnamis

An enhanced new Welnamis experience has been created by Gharieni, offering a range of more precise programming and treatment protocols for spa guests.

Using binaural acoustic and dynamic stimulation via computer-controlled acoustic and vibrational therapy, Welnamis aims to help users benefit from deep relaxation techniques. In a process similar to meditation, sound is used to slow down mental activity Sammy Gharieni while vibrational frequencies act specifically on the body’s energy centres, or chakras.

“We saw a unique opportunity during the Covid-19 pandemic and decided to begin conducting research on the efficacy of our wellness technology concept beds,” explains Gharieni Group founder Sammy Gharieni. “Beginning with Welnamis and the MLX Quartz, and ongoing, we have undertaken the first study of this kind in the wellness arena and have found that Welnamis positively impacts on the autonomic nervous system.”

Welnamis sessions can lead to a deep sense of relaxation within either a 30 or 60-minute timeframe. The new programmes comprise: Stress Relief, which is recommended for first-time users, and Mindfulness, targeting the Theta brainwave. A 22-minute envigorating PowerNap and Awareness therapy uses Gamma wave frequency and is associated with increased cognitive function.

Welnamis programmes can either be combined with other treatments or be self-guided without the need for a therapist.

www.gharieni.com

Lapicida – Qualis Rice

Capturing the authentic look and feel of handmade tiles, the new Qualis Rice range of porcelain from Lapicida offers an organic, rustic aesthetic for interior walls and floors.

Extremely versatile, the minimalist design of Qualis Rice means it can be used to achieve widely different looks – from mid-century, modern style to warm, Mediterranean flair.

Available in three sizes and four contemporary colourways, the tiles have an irregular surface with an opalescent, glazed finish and can be used individually or combined to create bespoke feature walls.

Lapicida’s extensive collection of ceramics and porcelains are available in a wide range of plain and decorative designs as well as a variety of authentic finishes including timber, concrete, marble and stone.

www.lapicida.com

Planika – Galio Star Corten and Galio Star Insert

From modern fireplace specialist Planika comes a mesmerising freestanding fireplace as well as a unique star-shaped gas burner.

The Galio Star Corten fireplace offers a multi-dimensional flame and does not require any hard connection so can be easily moved around t o different outdoor spaces.

Made from highly weather-resistant Corten steel, the Galio Star Corten can be supplied to run on either natural gas or LPG.

The Galio Star Insert gas burner can be installed in a piece of furniture or pedestal with a bespoke finish offered. The star-shaped burner has striking natural flames with an automatic control option.

www.planikafires.com