The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort Iridium Spa with Blue Hole pool
St. Regis
As travel slowly opens up worldwide and more people are getting vaccinated, the spa industry is looking to create unique luxury experiences to entice guests. New resorts are slowly launching after pandemic delays, and while spas are usually the last thing to open, soon, there will be a lot more creative options for spa lovers like myself. According to Rona Berg, editorial director of Organic Spa Media, the industry is dramatically changing its mindset on offering luxury experiences while remaining safe.
“There are some eagerly anticipated new spa openings in 2021 after many hit the pause button over the last year. Spas are ramping up programs with inherent social distancing like reflexology, treatments outdoors in tents. More people are traveling with extended family and friends, and spas are shifting to accommodate those groups, with wellness programs for the entire family, even children.”
Ojo de Agua Wellness Center at Paradero Todos Santos
Paradero Hotels
“Some spas are introducing Mental Wellness programs, targeted toward helping to ease the mental stress that has accumulated over the past year,” she continues. “Nature Immersions have been increasingly popular, and now, even more so. Escaping outside yourself, through immersion in nature, historical and cultural sites, and visits to exciting cities with rich itineraries can certainly be exhilarating. Testing your physical limits—hiking, biking, diving, surfing, along with other athletic pursuits—makes you feel alive. Others are focusing on Transformative Experiences that lead to traveling inward or programs that help guests Reset themselves.”
And now, the World Spa Awards, created to reward excellence in the spa and wellness sector, has unveiled its nominees for 2021. Nominees cover the entire spa industry ranging from hotel spas, wellness retreats, spa destinations, and detox programs to aromatherapy brands and wellness apps. Winners will be unveiled in a ceremony in October in Dubai.
Last year’s winners included two Italian properties; Lake Como’s Mandarin Oriental Spa, Dolomite’s Lefay Resort & Spa, and the Royal Heritage Ritual treatment at Intercontinental Bali.
Among my favorite categories are the often outrageous spa treatments, including many of the nominations for the world’s Best Spa Signature Treatments for 2021.
Treatment room at Emirates Palace spa
Mandarin Oriental
ABU DHABI
A Day of Gold ($1,150)
Emirates Palace Spa, Mandarin Oriental
Enjoy …….
