Boutique Design - July/August 2012 - 34

S E C T O R

S P O T L I G H T:

S PA S

Champalimaud. Natural- ber curtains still work as a means of suggesting individual “rooms” within open areas, but small podlike structures take that to the next level. And for those who want to be “alone in a group,” Jeremy Smith, director of the U.K.-based Blue Spa & Leisure, suggests a portable spa tent. “This type of facility enables my clients to offer a wider range of services using outdoor as well as indoor space,” he says. What about hotels that simply don’t have any room for a spa? Many are incorporating wellness spaces into premium suites, by including yoga mats, exercise bikes and videos. In addition to adequate oor space for a workout, designers are working closer with manufacturers to develop sleek, builtin cabinets that can hold the equipment when it’s not in use. “Integrating various spa modalities like yoga and aromatherapy into the guest room or suites is no longer a trend; it’s a strong movement,” says Dianne Kraus, associate with Gensler’s new Health and Wellness practice in Los Angeles. “Design has to do more than include a yoga mat. It has to speak to sustainability, speci cally on Blue Spa & Leisure designed this the interior use of the FF&E that has no “party sauna” to provide a portable off-gassing, that’s easy to maintain yet luxe spa for the most space-crunched resorts—or for guests who want in look and feel. We’re currently designing something unique. furniture, fabrics and various products to support this within the guest room.” These new rules are being applied with a variety of different stylistic touches and “Gone are the days of interchangeable spas with the same beige, Zen look. tweaks to t clients’ needs and those of As seasoned spa-goers seek out experiences, spas are piling on the their guests. “The goal is to provide a rewarding ‘wow’ factor to differentiate themselves from the crowd.” experience to as many guests as the spa —Susie Ellis, president of SpaFinder Inc. can graciously accommodate, along with having that spa deliver a sound ROI,” says and perspiration. Among his favorites are color choices (in services such as chroma- Meg Prendergast, a principal at Gettys’ porcelain pavers. “They have superior dura- therapy or light therapy) mean that each Chicago of ce. To accomplish that twobility,” he says. room has to be able to act as a private pronged goal, Prendergast says her rm New types of manufactured surfacing sanctum. Spa suites feature pocket or uses careful lighting practices, water materials are also coming into play. sliding doors to close off the bath—whether features, mood setting music, appropriate Because they can be grooved and curved, to provide separate zones for overnight levels of scent and sound-attenuation they can ow around corners or add visual guests or to accommodate social groups elements, along with elegant feature mateinterest in an understated space. Most or bridal parties. A high mix of lighting is rials and accoutrements. “And if the opercome with inherent advantages of ease of essential since these saleable venues will ator decides the spa should be home to a brownie buffet, we’ll nd a way to make maintenance and, in some cases, resis- provide photo ops for functions. tance to stains and molds. There’s also a trend toward fully that work, too.” BD Designers say interesting ways of priva- enclosed showers—especially chromatizing space are a top priority. Circuit-style therapy and programmable versions, says For more spa trends, go to treatments and guest-driven lighting and Chatu Ranasinghe, project associate with www.boutiquedesign.com

Boutique Design | July+August 2012

Courtesy of Ruthin Castle

http://www.boutiquedesign.com

Boutique Design - July/August 2012

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