People are traveling again, and wellness has become a national obsession.
Consumers are looking for more than just a room to sleep in. They want to return home feeling pampered, relaxed, and healthy. Offering the perfect spa amenities can help draw people to your establishment for the ideal weekend getaway and earn you a slice of the $639 billion wellness tourism pie. Of course, a pool or jacuzzi can offer a big draw, but there are many other items you should offer in your spa getaway packages. Here are a few of the best ideas for healthy spa amenities that will make your hotel stand out.
Most hotels already have some wellness features: pools and gym facilities are common. Spas offering facials, massages, and other services are common in more upscale hotels, and expensive hotels often offer specialty services in addition to expected amenities. Here’s how you can offer wellness amenities to deliver memorable luxury, even in a lower-priced hotel.
10 Luxury, Wellness-Focused Amenities for the Perfect Spa Retreat Experience
1. In-Room Hot Tubs or Saunas
Older hotels often have the advantage of bigger rooms. If you have extra floor space, consider a few higher-priced suites with hot tubs or individual saunas. Naturally, you will need to make sure your housekeeping staff is well-trained in hot tub sanitation.
2. Yoga, Water Aerobics, or Tai Chi Classes
A fitness center is a must, of course—even Holiday Inn has those. But you can pump up the wellness cred with gentle, instructor-led classes appropriate for any age or fitness level. Bonus points if you can host them poolside, on the beach, or in a peaceful scenic location.
3. Company Retreats
With more people working remotely, companies need to find ways to connect teams and reward top employees. Wellness spa retreat packages are the perfect getaway for stressed-out execs and remote collaborative teams, especially if you can combine harmonious workspaces and wellness activities.
4. Wedding Packages
Destination weddings are more popular than ever and can be an extra selling point for healthy spa retreats. A gorgeous venue or view is a great start; just add seating, lots of flowers, and a great menu.
5. In-Room Massage
You can book a massage at most upscale hotels, but even if you have no room for a full spa, you can offer in-room massages by partnering with a local business, and your guests will love it!
6. Poolside Furniture Upgrades
Most hotels are still stocking their poolside area with cheap, uncomfortable lounge chairs, but why? Colorful padded chairs, beds, hammocks, and swings are as stylish as they are comfy. Pick a distinct color scheme and make poolside lounging comfortable, luxurious, and absolutely unforgettable.
7. Guided Nature Tours
Have natural features close by? Partner with a tour company to offer nature walks, bike trail expeditions, river and dolphin cruises for guests to experience all the nature surrounding your property.
8. Healthy Eats
Health-conscious travelers are looking for delicious, satisfying, healthy food. Some health resorts have committed to vegetarian menus, like The Art of Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Much of the food on the menu is grown in the extensive gardens located on the resort grounds.
However, healthy food does not have to be plant-based. Go with locally sourced, fresh ingredients and a good variety of healthy choices that diners can feel good about.
9. Green Spaces
The power of green cannot be denied. Many spa retreats are located in remote areas or in places where the scenery is spectacular and serene. From the expansive ocean views of beachfront resorts to wellness hotels on majestic mountaintops, landscaping or natural features enhance the experience. If you’re city-bound, consider a rooftop garden with private seating areas, relaxation rooms that overlook natural views, or an old-fashioned solarium.
10. Full-Service Spa
Spas today offer all kinds of services, from mani-pedis to mud baths. Make your spa stand out with trendy services such as:
- Crystal Healing Therapies: Holistic health therapies like crystal and gemstone healing sessions are increasingly popular in trendy spas. Crystal and gemstones are believed to balance the chakras and enhance natural body functions.
- Immunity-Boosting Treatments: Massage can stimulate the lymphatic, circulatory and hormonal systems, improve joint pain and poor posture, and reduce body pains like arthritis and sciatica. It also caused a measurable decrease in cortisol—known as the stress hormone—and an increase in white blood cells. Other immunity-boosting treatments include reflexology, aromatherapy, and acupuncture.
- Skin Health Care: Many spas create their own line of skin care products, which can take on a life of their own. One such product line was created by worldwide spa chain Aman. Spa amenities include an extensive line of luxury skin care products in iconic packaging alongside candles, fragrances, and health supplements. They also offer their signature bedding and cashmere-soft robes, so you can take some of the comfortable ambiances of your weekend spa package home with you.
- Mental Wellness: We are a tech-obsessed society, so why not harness tech to create the perfect environment for relaxation? Virtual reality companies like Relaxvr and NaturaBisse offer virtual reality programs designed to enhance the spa experience and deepen relaxation.
5 Shining Examples of Luxurious Spa Retreats
These amazing hotels have all the amenities a guest seeking a health spa weekend could possibly want.
Sundara Inn & Spa – Wisconsin Dells, WI
This serene retreat is located on 80 acres of forested preserve. Its award-winning wellness facility offers everything from educational demonstrations about preparing healthy seasonal meals to a long list of wellness activities to keep guests energized and engaged. Three unique pools, tranquil spaces, golf, kayaking, biking, and a nicely equipped fitness room ensures that guests have plenty of wholesome, healthy activities during their stay.
The spa is truly full service, offering hair, nails, and facials in addition to massages, body treatments, and therapeutic baths. They also offer a salt room and spa services designed for men and pregnant women.
Amangani – Jackson Hole, WY
Nestled in the foothills of the magnificent Grand Tetons, Amangani overlooks the mountains and plains of the Snake River Valley. The resort itself is constructed of redwood and sandstone and designed to enhance the natural landscape and its pioneer spirit.
Amangani’s holistic spa treatments are designed to “encourage a deep sense of connection to the earth and a renewed sense of self.” Guests can choose from three 180-minute programs—Grounding, Purifying, or Nourishing—and are encouraged to take all three during their health spa weekend for a complete experience.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – Scottsdale, AZ
The magnificent view of Arizona’s McDowell Mountains sets the stage for a restorative visit to one of the most acclaimed resorts in the US. The AAA Five-Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale Princess features Spanish colonial-style architecture, expansive plazas and lush, flower-filled gardens.
The resort’s Well & Being Spa features an innovative fusion of energizing wellness and enlightened relaxation. with customized holistic treatments for sensory awakening, healing and strengthening, and indulgence and pampering. Relaxing treatments and enriching, evidence-based tools for diet and exercise make guests feel happy and healthy long after the visit ends.
Carillion Miami – Miami, FL
Set on one of Miami’s most beautiful beaches, Carrillion Miami offers spectacular ocean views, lush landscaping and a holistic wellness program that combines serene surroundings with Western, Eastern, Alternative, and Aesthetic treatment options.
Transformative signature spa amenities include hydrotherapy, massage therapies combined with aromatherapy and warm crystal quartz, and personalized facial treatments to combat the effects of pollution, stress, and specific skin concerns.
Dollywood DreamMore Resort, Pigeon Forge, TN
Yes, that Dollywood. When you think about luxury spa retreats, Dollywood probably doesn’t immediately spring to mind. Surprisingly, the DreamMore Resort combines legendary Southern charm, lush surroundings, rustic luxury, a full-service spa, and an exciting theme park for an incomparable experience to delight every member of your family. But don’t expect tiny, trendy health foods. As you might expect, DreamMore restaurant tables are loaded with big, hearty, and eminently Southern meals.
Spa packages are seasonal and capture the colors and scents of the season. For example, a Spring Treatment features a cool citrus massage and radiant orange facial.
While most of these spa retreats are world-class resorts, you don’t have to go big to make your spa retreat stand out. Pick a few great amenities and services and play up natural features, landscaping, and fresh local menu offerings to create a healthy, serene environment—then take inspiration from existing spa retreats to write enticing copy for your site and social media.
Featured image and all post images are provided by the resorts for media use via press & media pages, courtesy of Fairmount Scottsdale Princess, Dollywood, and The Art of Living Retreat Center.
