What To Expect Moving Forward In The Global Spa Community
Cary Collier co-founder, Blu Spas | June 5, 2020 – An interview with Cary Collier for Spa Business
Spa consultancies seem to be faring better than others in the global spa community. We’re most fortunate that ongoing projects are not slowing down and clients are still planning and/or building now to be ready for when things do pick up. At the same time, new prospective clients are already coming to us because of the coronavirus outbreak for advice on incorporating wellness.
Consultancies seem to be faring better than others in the global spa community… we’re getting 10-15% more inquiries
We’re getting 10-15 percent more inquiries than usual and most of those are for new builds (80 percent) or renovations. There’s also been interest in creating ‘adaptable’ spa models to resonate with what a ‘new normal’ maybe when we come back into the light. This fits in well with our Blu Galaxy indoor/outdoor soaking retreat concept which includes diverse experiences, all with health benefits, that are mostly enjoyed outside.
Without a doubt, COVID-19 will impact spa design. The technology, materials, and finishes to deliver more clean, virus-resilient ecosystems for spas and wellness facilities already exist. Whether that’s to do with air quality, such as filtration systems, wearable air purifiers or air-purifying curtains; or cleanliness, such as elegant sanitization portals, back-of-house ‘clean zones’, a reduction of ‘touch zones’ (think Star Trek-type sensor opening doors, RFID opening lockers), self-sanitizing rooms or bacteria-battling robots.
Sitting in on a Green Spa Network virtual meeting also germinated some ideas for new treatment concepts. These include everything from hand treatments (we’re drying the heck out of them!) as a complimentary welcome back to the spa to a ‘re-awakening’ package where a spa layers services to encourage repeat visits and community participation.
Services without practitioners – self-care, self-directed treatments – will be at the forefront.
Expect more virtual and digital communication and connectivity. Immune boosting and detox therapies will be the new normal.
There’s so much opportunity to improve and reset or innovate and inspire.
