The Advancement of Wellness – Spa Concepts of the Future
Mike Dalezman Shares Insights
May 1, 2020
Our Mike Dalezman recently joined fellow hospitality industry experts Stephanie Rest of Caribbean Wellness & Education; Lynn Curry, CMC, ISHC of  Curry Spa Consulting LLC (now Resources For Leisure Assets); and Clark A. Smillie of VITA Planning & Landscape Architecture for an intriguing discussion on the wellness industry and how it will be impacting the future of spas.

With the hospitality industry preparing for the re-opening of properties amid the pandemic, safety is a key factor. It seemed appropriate that the conversation focused on outdoor wellness spaces. Moderated by Stephanie Rest, more than 85 participants tuned in to engage in the dialog and ask questions of the panel. We’ve shared some of the key takeaways:

  • Starts with the arrival experience

  • Consider positioning the spa more in the forefront instead of hidden away

  • Design with immunity in mind

  • Demand for more simple and holistic design—nothing too “faddish”

  • Blend indoor with outdoor/nature and keep it simple

  • Incorporate more natural elements—especially water

  • Smaller properties can benefit from the outdoors/surrounding nature experiences

  • Highlight key features of the locale in the design

  • Enlighten the guest about the property and local community

  • The industry is becoming more science-based and steeped into historical and empirical data

  • Wellness experience to include children

  • Incorporate wellness into the F&B menus and guestrooms

  • The spa is becoming more of the focal point and becoming larger

  • Create a diversity of experiences

  • Demand for local authenticity and unique

  • It’s about the journey

  • Guests want to feel a sense of belonging, with an emotional connection

  • Nature creates a sense of belonging and familiarity

  • Concept is very important and the unique foundation on which the design is based

  • It’s about reconnecting with the environment

  • Operators are trying to pack too much into one space

  • Dense vegetation to transcend the every day

  • Incorporate fresh lawn on property, even if just a strip of green to walk on

  • Strong timeless design

  • Find ways to create a more intimate space

  • Incorporate the local experiences into the design

  • The story telling of the entire property is critical to the concept and final design

  • Integrate light and outdoor light exposure as well as the views

  • The spa footprint is expanding

  • Most opportunities are being seen in boutique hotels

Clockwise from top-left: Stephanie Rest, Lynn Curry, Mike Dalezman, Clark Smillie
The Advancement of Wellness – Spa Concepts of the Future
Mike Dalezman Shares Insights
May 1, 2020
Our Mike Dalezman recently joined fellow hospitality industry experts Stephanie Rest of Caribbean Wellness & Education; Lynn Curry, CMC, ISHC of  Curry Spa Consulting LLC (now Resources For Leisure Assets); and Clark A. Smillie of VITA Planning & Landscape Architecture for an intriguing discussion on the wellness industry and how it will be impacting the future of spas.

With the hospitality industry preparing for the re-opening of properties amid the pandemic, safety is a key factor. It seemed appropriate that the conversation focused on outdoor wellness spaces. Moderated by Stephanie Rest, more than 85 participants tuned in to engage in the dialog and ask questions of the panel. We’ve shared some of the key takeaways:

  • Starts with the arrival experience

  • Consider positioning the spa more in the forefront instead of hidden away

  • Design with immunity in mind

  • Demand for more simple and holistic design—nothing too “faddish”

  • Blend indoor with outdoor/nature and keep it simple

  • Incorporate more natural elements—especially water

  • Smaller properties can benefit from the outdoors/surrounding nature experiences

  • Highlight key features of the locale in the design

  • Enlighten the guest about the property and local community

  • The industry is becoming more science-based and steeped into historical and empirical data

  • Wellness experience to include children

  • Incorporate wellness into the F&B menus and guestrooms

  • The spa is becoming more of the focal point and becoming larger

  • Create a diversity of experiences

  • Demand for local authenticity and unique

  • It’s about the journey

  • Guests want to feel a sense of belonging, with an emotional connection

  • Nature creates a sense of belonging and familiarity

  • Concept is very important and the unique foundation on which the design is based

  • It’s about reconnecting with the environment

  • Operators are trying to pack too much into one space

  • Dense vegetation to transcend the every day

  • Incorporate fresh lawn on property, even if just a strip of green to walk on

  • Strong timeless design

  • Find ways to create a more intimate space

  • Incorporate the local experiences into the design

  • The story telling of the entire property is critical to the concept and final design

  • Integrate light and outdoor light exposure as well as the views

  • The spa footprint is expanding

  • Most opportunities are being seen in boutique hotels