If designed and developed properly, the hyperthermia and bath experience will be a star service for the spa/wellness center, attracting guests and bringing considerable profits. By Tony Cheung
Thermotherapy and hydrotherapy have been considered amongst the most effective ways to improve one’s well-being. They have been popular for centuries in every part of Europe as well as in many ancient cultures such as the Middle-East, Japan, Korea and China. They involve a series of experiences that enhance immune system functions by combining different forms of water and different temperatures which improve blood pressure, and promote detoxification. Moreover, this experience has begun to be popular in North America and the rest of the world’s spa over the last decade.
Social contacts
In addition to bringing health benefits, many hyperthermia and bath facilities are designed to meet the needs to socialize and connect. The younger generation and male guests tend to prefer combining leisure activities and well-being treatments.
Masterpiece of Art: Operation & Marketing Advantages
Many of the thermal facilities and baths are designed to be masterpieces of art, not only for the spa, but also unique designs that creates talking points to attract guests booking to the hotel. Compared to most one-on-one spa treatments, hyperthermia and bath facilities would require much less manpower and demand less skills to operate, thus greatly support the bottom line and profitability.
Professional Design and Construction
If designed and developed properly, the hyperthermia and bath experience will be a star service for the spa/wellness center, attracting guests and bringing considerable profits.
However, if they are not designed properly, there can be serious problems. Putting up an “Out of Order” sign is the most terrible situation that both you and your guest would like to see.
The design and construction of these facilities require technical expertise, professional knowledge and mindful experience. There are many considerations – from complicated energy, ventilations, water and electrical designs to choice of equipments, materials and control systems. Besides, there are many rules and regulations to adhere. Privacy, sanitation and safety standards must be met to ensure guests’ and owners’ benefits are protected. To successfully build thermal therapy and bath facilities, we must carefully plan every aspect from the beginning.
1. Understanding the needs
People in different places have obvious preferences. For example, Chinese guests adore water facilities. Moreover, research from SpaChina shows that, if properly managed, the income from water facilities or hot springs can reach 20% -30% of total hotel revenue, or more.
2. Keeping a good balance
Balancing the proportion of water facilities (baths) and thermal experiences (steam bath, saunas, etc.) requires thoughtful consideration. Creating optimal space and flow are important to avoid over-crowding and allows guests to experience various hot and bath facilities comfortably.
3. Do not underestimate the space requirements
The wet spa area usually requires a significant space to accommodate the equipment behind-the-scenes. When there is not enough space, you should seek professional advice on the most rewarding design and technical solutions.
4. Customer and staff flow difference
Make clear who will be in which areas – customers and staff – and formulate planning so that the operation is busy but not chaotic. It is important to avoid guests and staff interfering with each other.
5. Do not overlook plant room and technical design
In the early planning stage, plant rooms and technical design are often overlooked, resulting in delays and unnecessary costs. This is very common and we have seen many similar mistakes.
6. Avoid noise
It is impossible for guests to truly enjoy a relaxing spa experience if there were disturbing noise. A well-thought spa would avoid placing the rest area next to a vitality pool; not only would the hydro jets create noise, guests using the pool would be chatting at a certain volume.
7. Prevent leakage
If the selection of materials and construction methods were inappropriate and drainage systems were poorly designed, this could lead to leakage, damaged equipments, dripping ceilings, slippery floors, worn furniture, and more. Delayed attentions to these problems could result in the breeding of mould and bacteria, which leads to serious health and hygiene problems. These are very important for a qualified spa.
8. Clear budget, rely on experts
Water facilities areas cannot be built casually; to avoid disappointment, it is best to make it clear from the beginning of the project. I have always said: This is a professional spa area, and must be designed by experts. It is necessary to seek professional guidance as early as possible. After all, compared with the rectification costs, the pre-construction professional design fee is only a drop in the ocean. What’s more, do not forget only the well-designed and well-built hydro-thermal facilities are able to achieve real profitability.
