Now is the perfect time to spruce up your spa. Updates or renovations, whether large or small, whether you have a big or small budget, are crucial to remaining competitive — and individualised — in the spa industry. The SpaFinder 2012 Spa Trend Report: Top 10 Global Spa Trends Forecast is a guide to ideas you can utilise to give your spa a makeover this year.
As SpaFinder President Susie Ellis said in the SpaFinder Spa Trend Report, the industry is exiting recession mode and is beginning “a new era of pushing the envelope with fresh, new ideas that deliver more wows, more fun and quite serious wellness innovation…there seems to be something really new in the air — and we like what we are seeing!” While she was speaking on the new top 10 trends, we think her thoughts can pertain to new renovations for your spa as well.
If you think it’s time to renovate, consider the following ideas, taken from the 2012 Spa Trend Report (which is known to forecast the trends and ideas that will reshape spa and wellness this year) to keep your spa competitive.
If you’re ready for a big change…
Go for the wow factor: Big wows or small wows, have your spa serve up some surprises to please seasoned spa-goers who are searching for “aha” experiences. Ponder these wows for most any budget in your renovation process – from the bold “bubble design” of Milan’s Atomic Spa Suisse (LED-illuminated mirror bubbles rise to the top of treatment rooms, baths and the sauna) to the smaller wows such as Hilton’s eforea spas emphasising Vichy showers or the Salt Yoga Studio (Thailand) highlighting its wall of Himalayan salt.

Courtesy of Atomic Spa Suisse
Play the hot-cold game: The trends report forecasts that spas will step out into the cold and there will be more icy therapies and cold design experiences (which promote the reduction of pain and inflammation and the release of endorphins) in 2012. Consider adding ice/snow rooms, or “igloos” as an alternative to classic cold “plunges.” This February, leading spa designer Thermarium will launch the first-ever “snow shower”: With the touch of a digital touchscreen, spa-goers can choose between “light snowfall,” “moderate snowfall” or “blizzard.”
Pick up the good vibrations: Sound, music, colour and light are becoming the main event — unleash this new wave and update your spa with the plethora of equipment and facilities that are now readily available. These include MUUSA, new software innovation that creates real-time treatment music directly generated by the therapist’s hand movements and the client’s bodily responses; rocking gravitational beds with chromo-therapy, found at Spaciomm at Hotel Omm (Spain); high-tech saunas, steam capsules, lounge chairs, massage tables, tubs and experiential “pods” that interweave light, colour, sound and music/rhythm together; the award-winning AlphaSphere by sha.; and futuristic-type spa tables with “vibromotors,” “musical massage” and “oscillating waves” combining music and chromo-therapy from the likes of spa designers Gharieni, Klafs, Schletterer or Thermarium.
Spa as a family: Allow families to get their spa-on together, by designating areas where whole families can spa together or where kids can indulge in their own whimsical, child-friendly treatments, fitness classes and more. Take a note from kid spas such as Keylime Cove (U.S.) or the Scoops Kids Spas at Great Wolf (North America).

Courtesy of Keylime Cove
Put your best feet forward: Unique specialty pedicures, treatments and foot spas are on the rise, as more people seek comfort for the most utilised part of the body — which means you may want to update mani/pedi chairs/stations or renovate to provide private, designated areas for treatments like reflexology.
…or if you like easy-breezing ideas that won’t break the budget
A little polish: It sounds like a no-brainer, but repainting your spa interiors can provide a glam, updated look. If you want to save a few bucks, have an after-hours painting party with your spa therapists, estheticians, etc.
It’s the little wows: Adding a few extras in the relaxation room, from new snacks and beverages to warm towels and warm neck pillows, let guests know you’re engaged with their needs and gives them a wow to talk about when they leave.
Give your menu a makeover: Your spa interiors may not be the only thing that needs updating – your spa menu might as well. Review SpaFinder’s hot spa trends of 2012 and update your menu accordingly to accommodate more seasoned spa-goers. Also, take a moment to possibly delete the services that are not so popular with guests.
Try wellness: With the industry moving into more “wellness,” it’s also important to update to accommodate guests looking for not just a spa but a wellbeing experience. If your spa includes a fitness centre, see if your exercise equipment needs updating — and possibly add some additional exercise classes to your schedule as well.