Key Hyrotheral Trends - Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Magazine #100

Spa - Sanitus Par Aqua Key Hydrothermal Trends

The term "spa" invokes images of tranquility, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The word itself has an interesting origin, as it is derived from the Latin phrase "Sanitus Par Aqua," which translates to "health through water."

A Spa is characterized by its focus on water-based therapies, diverse treatment offerings, emphasis on relaxation, holistic approach, and luxurious environment. While other wellness practices and facilities may share some common goals, such as promoting health and well-being, spas offer a unique combination of elements that set them apart as oases of tranquility and rejuvenation in the modern world. Understanding the historical and cultural context of spas helps us appreciate their role in promoting physical, mental, and emotional health through the centuries.

The Hydrothermal Initiative 2023, by the Global Wellness Institute, assesses the hydrothermal sector,

of the wellness industry, experiencing huge interest and exponential growth. Of particular trend interest:

TREND 1: Sauna As Art and Entertainment

TREND 3: Cold Therapies Continue to Fascinate - AND Drive Growth

TREND 4: Wellness-at-Home Goes Pro

TREND 5: Wellness ROI

In the pandemic's aftermath, we're seeing operators, notably Accor, and more recently Marriott, embrace a better understanding of wellness and its value both in terms of additional revenue opportunities and finally truly appreciating the accepted wisdom that wellness consumers can be counted on to spend more.

In a recent interview, Emlyn Brown, global vice president of wellbeing at Accor said, “Consumers

today understand that they need to own their health and immunity in a different way than before the pandemic. Our ability to deliver an authentic, holistic, and highly considered wellness offering is vital.”

“Wellness travelers spend more money,” he said. “In fact, they spend 55 percent more on average than typical leisure travelers. That means more suite and spa bookings, longer length of stay, and higherend food, beverage and retail purchases. That's just a fact.”

This is contributing to accelerated investments being made in spa and wellness facilities - whether in hospitality, urban bathhouses, spas, membership clubs, gyms or new longevity centers that are moving hydrothermal wellness from a “nice to have” amenity to a tool that is considered incredibly effective for living a full and healthy life.