By Casssandra Cavanah Founder, Cavanah Communications
Hotels and resorts have long led the charge when it comes to creating beautiful, authentic hydrothermal (also known as "aquathermal") bathing circuits, giving guests access to experiences they otherwise might be hard pressed to find anywhere else.
This access has helped fuel an amazing amount of growth and exploration in hydrothermal bathing -- from Finnish saunas and Russian banyas to Turkish Hammams and Korean bath houses to mud bathing and thalassotherapy to Japanese onsens and Mayan temazcals and so much more.
There's just a plethora of amazing, often ritualistic ways, to cleanse and purify the body through sweat bathing, water, and cold temperatures – and today's consumers seems to want to discover them all.
There are many factors that make hydrothermal bathing so particularly relevant today. First, there's the evidence. These therapies have long been proven (through scientific studies) to protect against respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, improved immune system function, improved muscle recovery, pain detoxify, improved sleep, etc., etc. Secondly, it's a self-administered, touchless wellness experience that has tons of benefits – this means it's great for guests who are not yet ready for close contact AND it requires minimal staffing. Thirdly, when done right, hydrothermal bathing is a communal, soul rejoicing experience – something we all need a bit more of right now!
Don Genders, CEO of Design for Leisure, specialists in commercial hydrothermal design and builds, says, "A revival, and greater appreciation of communal bathing has been taking place across the globe as people turn to authentic, traditional and, crucially, evidence-based wellness practices that also offer the opportunity to connect with like-minded people in a safe social setting. We've only seen this trend growing as we come out of the pandemic."
European thermal bathing companies known for jaw-dropping (both in terms of size and features) bath houses, including Therme Group from Austria and QC Terme from Italy, are actively investing in new developments in markets they've never been in previously. QC Terme recently opened a day spa resort on New York's Governor's Island, dubbed QCNY, which offers rest and respite from the hustle and bustle of NYC for an $88 admission rate. Therme Group, whose thermal well-being resorts attract around 3.4 million visitors a year in Europe, has big expansion plans for the UK and North America. In fact, they recently appointed Robert Hammond, who oversaw the successful development of New York City's High Line, to run the North American strategy.
"Clearly, these companies are seeing an impressive return on investment at their thermal bathing resorts in Europe, many of which draw in hundreds, if not thousands, of guests per day at affordable, yet profitable, daily rates," continues Genders, who also chairs GWI's Hydrothermal Initiative. "It's a model that smart hoteliers can and should capitalize on."
"In the post-COVID landscape, wellness destinations may want to up their game," says Genders. "With more 'wellness' activities readily available at affordable prices, consumers will likely become more demanding about what they expect in a 'wellness holiday' and destinations will want to not only keep step with what's available locally, but also think about how they can "wow" with next level offerings."
To keep pace with what today's wellness consumers expect and want – and to capitalize on the impressive 21% annual growth rate projected for wellness tourism through 2025 (according to GWI researchers, this sector alone will be valued at over $1.1T by 2025 ), it's important to be aware of key trends in the sector's ever-evolving landscape. Here's a look at the Global Wellness Institute's Hydrothermal Initiative's key trends for 2022.