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We reveal some of the latest, most thought-provoking spa and wellness
treatments, programmes and experiences from around the world
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At QC Termemilano, guests are fully immersed in the eye of a storm photo: QC terme
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Storm spa – love it or hate it
Thunder, rain and lightning – strangely comforting or anxiety-inducing? An immersive storm spa room in Italy is dividing opinions and has gone viral on TikTok.
Guests begin the experience at QC Termemilano by stepping into a pool where a gentle rain shower trickles from the ceiling. Eventually, this progresses into a full-on downpour, as if the heavens have opened from up above.
While guests listen to rainfall hitting the pool’s surface, the sounds of rumbling thunder and cracks of lightning boom out. At the same time, footage of dark storm clouds rolling across majestic landscapes is projected onto floor-to-ceiling screens to truly make guests feel like they’re in the eye of the storm.
Location: QC Termemilano, Milan, Italy
Cost: Day passes start at €62 (US$67, £54)
Calming kids’ treatment in Thailand
Meliá Chiang Mai has extended its Yhi Spa repertoire to include children by offering a ritual to prevent hyperactivity. The 45- or 60-minute Kids Therapy treatment has been created with six- to 12-year-olds in mind. It starts off with guided stretching and animal-inspired yoga poses before a gentle massage with HARNN coconut oils.
Menu highlights for older guests, meanwhile, include a 90-minute signature treatment (THB 2,000, US$61, €56, £50) which starts with tok sen, an ancient northern Thai massage that relaxes the muscles with the rhythmic tapping motion of a wooden hammer and stick made from a tamarind tree. It then transitions to a Spanish massage, in homage to the brand’s roots, that strives to reduce cellulite and relieve fatigue, tension and muscle spasms.
Location: Meliá Chiang Mai, Thailand
Duration: 45 or 60 minutes
Cost: THB800 (US$24, €22, £20) or THB1,000 (US$30, €28, £25)
The ritual has been designed to prevent hyperactivity / Photo: shutterstock/kornnphoto
Chiva-Som taps
into kinesiology
Dr Greg Shiu / Photo: Chiva-Som
Chiva-Som has turned to visiting kinesiology practitioner Dr Greg Shiu to help address issues such as joint pain, digestive ailments, stress, hormone imbalances and sleep health.
Dr Shui tests muscle and acupressure points (without needles) to determine where imbalances in the energetic system are. A number of vibrational medicine-based techniques, including holding acupoints and using flower essences or sound tools, are applied to correct the imbalance.
Dr Shiu combines this with joint manipulation, myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian therapy and clinical nutritional and dietary management.
The session finishes with an overview of what was achieved and a take-home plan.
Location: Chiva-Som, Hua Hin, Thailand
Duration: 80-minute treatment and consultation, plus 50-minute follow-up session
Cost: THB18,000 (US$547, €501, £444)
Sound tools are used to correct any imbalances / Photo: Chiva-Som
Mykonos gets a sensory seaside cave
A hidden treasure awaits discovery at Kensho Oronos, a boutique hotel on the Greek Island of Mykonos. This April, it will reveal a spa which has been designed to mirror the calming interior of a secluded seaside cave.
A 60-minute Cave Experience includes a 20-minute hammam session and dip in the pool before trying out sensory loungers which provide a gentle heat, envelop users in colour and include sound therapy.
Treatments by Codage are offered in one of two treatment rooms. There’s also a hydropool, tropical rain beds and a gym.
Location: Kensho Ornos, Mykonos, Greece
Duration: 60 minutes
Cost: €60 (US$64, £53)
Sensory loungers enhance the calming cave experience / Photo:Kensho oronos
Pooch pampering in Scotland
Dogs and their human companions were recently able to enjoy a spa day together at Kimpton Blythswood Square after the five-star urban hotel launched its Ultimutt Treat.
The unconventional experience began with either a 30-minute express facial or massage for owners – using Ishga’s seaweed-centric spa products. Meanwhile, their four-legged friends rested in a spacious cosy dog bed.
Once the pet parent was fully relaxed, the pups were then pampered as their owners were taught by spa therapists how to give the perfect doggy massage using Edinburgh-based Bark and Hare’s doggy paw balm.
Location: Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow, Scotland
Duration: 60 minutes
Cost: £99 (US$122, €112)
Spa therapists taught owners how to massage their dogs / Photo: Kimpton Blythswood Square
US$2,000 futuristic facial in California
California’s Spa Montage is taking holistic healing to the next level with its Five Senses Treatment using all-new VR+ technology from Natura Bissé.
The journey begins with the sounds of a singing bowl, a taste of honey and a foot bath while guests are immersed in a VR sight and sound experience. Through audio and immersive visual elements, the VR technology helps clients focus on breathing, mindfulness and the other senses being stimulated throughout the ritual.
To complement, the treatment also includes a foot cleanse, a detox mask for hands and feet, a customised full-body massage and an anti-ageing facial. To finish, the sounds of a singing bowl and handcrafted dark chocolate gently bring guests back to the real world.
Location: Montage Laguna Beach, California, US
Duration: 150 minutes
Cost: US$2,000 (€1,848, £1,619)
The ritual will be a first for the luxury resort / Photo: Montage Laguna Beach
The Natura Bissé treatment uses audio and VR technology / Photo: NATURA BISSÉ
Yoga retreat funds education for vulnerable young women
Part of the proceeds of Souljourn Yoga’s workshops go towards giving girls access to education – which more than 130 young women around the world are denied.
The next retreat for the non-profit foundation will take place across Nicaragua and include a week of yoga, movement and meditation, exploring a local coffee plantation, a tortilla-making lesson and hiking in breathtaking settings.
Participants will also spend time at a nearby girl’s home which will receive a US$375 tax-deductible donation from each person as part of the experience.
Location: Nicaragua (various venues)
Duration: One week
Cost: US$2,300 (€2,126, £1,862)
Souljourn’s next retreat is in Nicaragua / Photo: Souljourn Yoga
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| Originally published in Spa Business 2023 issue 1
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