Industry Intelligence Sound in Spas
A world of sound European Spa explores how incorporating sonic elements into the spa journey can add a whole new sensory dimension to your guests’ experience R E P O R T B Y D AV I D F A G A N
S
ound plays an integral part in everybody’s daily experience whether we realise it or not, from the ambient noise of the appliances in our homes and workplaces to the chatter of people in public spaces and the music we play to switch off, concentrate or energise ourselves. In recent years there has been a rapid evolution in the sophistication of how sound can be used to enhance wellness. The advent of online and wireless technologies has made it ever easier to access sources of music and other sound-based content. This has been driven by major global streaming services such as Spotify, which has a vast library of wellness-oriented content, from ethereal orchestrated music to nature sounds such as ocean-wave recordings. The BBC’s Sounds app also offers a myriad of wellbeing-enhancing mixes for listeners to stream. A proliferation of mindfulness apps including Headspace, Calm and Wave provide invaluable resources to help individuals perform fitness activities or meditate, while businesses can also harness their offerings to complement a range of activities such as yoga. The benefits of sound in spas
Sound has been shown to have a wide range of healing effects on the human body, from helping to reduce pain, stress, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, to lessening mood swings and improving the quality of sleep. Consequently, spa and wellness providers are increasingly incorporating sonic elements into their guest offering. Carefully orchestrated soundtracks are being used throughout spas to help guests decompress during their journey; instruments of sound are being incorporated into more and more treatment experiences; individual and groups of spas are evolving their menus to provide immersive sensory experiences; and spa product and equipment partners are providing new ways to enhance the spa experience through the use of sound. We have researched the growing use of sound in the wellness arena, seeking out experts to share the latest ways it is being used to enhance the spa experience and contribute to the delivery of fully immersive treatments. 88
www.europeanspamagazine.com
