In the past 15 years, wellness and Spa centers have evolved,
offering not just treatments but also a delightful culinary experience.
The demand for healthy and functional foods has grown significantly,
blending the pleasure with the pursuit of well-being
The joy derived from good food has always been a source of connection and celebration, fostering friendships and shared moments of life’s highs and lows. The dual benefits of a nutritious meal and its social aspects provide nourishment not only to the stomach but also to the soul. The traditional indulgence in culinary delights has shifted towards healthier choices.
SpaChina’s research reveals a surge in Chinese consumers (67%) actively seeking more nutritious diets. They are exploring functional foods and beverages to aid in weight management, heart health, anti-aging, and overall well-being.
Engaging in conversations with spa guests reveals their heightened focus on the benefits of nutrition. Spa centers are keen to distinguish themselves with a unique style, emphasizing the pivotal role of “nutrition.”
Whether it’s the treats in the spa lounge, wholesome meals, or specialized dietary recipes, the fusion of food and spa experiences enhances the customer journey. The current popularity of functional foods and beverages further elevates the overall wellness experience.
Sustained energy uplift
Just as spa treatments empower the body, the choice of the right food and drinks plays a vital role in replenishing energy. Providing quality water in a spa is paramount. Fresh and invigorating combinations, such as citrus, mint, or cucumber with plenty of ice, offer a refreshing touch. From green grape-infused iced water to traditional hot lemon ginger tea, the key lies in the preparation – iced drinks in advance and freshly made hot drinks for immediate enjoyment.
A healthy blend of nuts and fresh fruits is a common choice, while an extensive tea menu complements various spa treatments. Clients can indulge in Pu’er tea for weight loss, Dianhong black tea for warmth, and rose or jasmine tea for relaxation. Some spas even experiment with tea leaves, using them for foot soaks during treatments, providing additional benefits.
While alcoholic beverages are often discouraged due to hydration and detoxification considerations, some spas offer delightful non-alcoholic fruit cocktails and hot hazelnut chocolate or goji berry coffee. The enticing aroma of hot chocolate after a treatment provides relaxation, and the natural antioxidants in cocoa and the stimulating effects of caffeine contribute to post-treatment alertness.
Southeast Asian resort spas take a unique approach, incorporating organic skincare products made from fresh fruits and plants into their menus. Some even use pumpkin products in treatments, complemented by a serving of pumpkin soup in the spa lounge.
For a simpler approach, the integration of functional foods or supplements, such as vitamin C, B complex, collagen, and probiotics, aligns with nutritional goals.
Lifestyle integration
In wellness resorts, guests enjoy a plethora of healthy dining options beyond the spa. Whether it’s a nutritious poolside lunch or healthy choices from the resort restaurant, the spa concept seamlessly integrates into the entire guest experience, voluntarily and stress-free.
Internationally renowned wellness resorts, like Chiva-Som in Thailand, SHA in Spain, and the trending JOALI BEING, provide menus with detailed nutritional information. From lobster salads to chef’s daily fruit smoothies, these resorts strive to offer a variety of options to meet diverse dietary needs.
Established spas, having gained their clients’ trust, can customize choices to help clients achieve balance in all aspects of their lives, be it through body care, facial treatments, fitness routines, or nutrition.
A rising trend in the spa industry involves offering value-added services that improve daily habits. While some focus on fitness facilities and personal training, others concentrate on adjusting clients’ daily eating habits, either by setting a fixed diet plan or customizing based on specific client needs.
Weight management becomes a significant demand for involving nutrition and diet in spas. Clients often follow specific calorie guidelines, requiring the collaboration of professional nutritionists or experienced chefs.
Effective engagement with clients involves continuous monitoring and support. Some personal trainers check clients’ daily eating habits, share nutrition lectures, and conduct food demonstrations to ensure sustained adherence. Developing new dietary habits takes time, and long-term effectiveness is achieved through consistent efforts.
Clients are encouraged to enjoy healthy and delightful foods, and skilled chefs play a crucial role in this regard. Chefs can strike a balance between adhering to healthy dietary guidelines and delivering exceptional taste and visual appeal. Wellness resorts and hotel spas, with their abundant resources, often provide cooking classes, allowing clients to experience healthy cooking firsthand.
Integrating innovative nutrition projects and concepts into smaller day spas poses challenges, but starting small by incorporating customer service enhancements can positively impact the client experience. Offering a variety of beneficial organic teas, herbal teas, and seasonal, healthy green ingredients with corresponding promotions resonates well with clients.
Day spas can collaborate with local restaurants, facilitating pre-orders for clients who need dietary adjustments after a spa session, fostering a sense of care and ensuring healthy eating habits. Partnering with local eateries to create a customized healthy menu for the day spa can be a mutually beneficial strategy, allowing cross-platform promotion.
Day spas can also explore connections with registered nutritionists, offering regular consultation services. Caution is advised to avoid overwhelming clients, with the primary focus always on spa services, considering nutrition as an additional service.
In conclusion, the harmonious blend of creativity and in-depth research can unlock delicious business opportunities for spas. Clients benefit from a healthy, convenient, and delightful wellness experience, reinforcing the idea that wellness is not just a treatment but a holistic way of life.