The relaxation room is a haven of tranquillity and well-being dedicated to guests’ physical and mental regeneration. A well-designed relaxation room offers not only a moment of respite but also enhances the entire wellness path, combining privacy, comfort, and sensory details such as soft lighting, aromatherapy, and relaxing music.
With the contribution of Régis Boudon-Doris, CEO and Founder of bbspa_Group, we discover the essential elements and latest trends in the design of relaxation rooms, perfect for every type of spa and wellness centre.
Why the relaxation room is essential in a spa
“The relaxation room is a key element of the wellness path. It has a transitory and functional function: it helps the body stabilise, amplifying the effects of treatments or preparing it for further experiences. It is an indispensable moment of pause to rebalance temperature, relax and optimise the benefits of the spa services.”
In summary, the relaxation room
- promotes deep relaxation after treatments
- prepares the body for the best SPA experience
- improves overall well-being, reducing stress and tension
Types of relaxation rooms and characteristics
There are different types of relaxation rooms, each designed for specific needs:
- Pre-treatment rooms: areas dedicated to waiting are designed to offer comfort and calm before treatments begin.
- Post-treatment rooms: cosy spaces with comfortable loungers and a relaxing atmosphere to prolong the benefits of the wellness programme.
- Themed relaxation rooms: rooms that evoke specific experiences:
- after the sauna: rooms with a central fire, heated loungers, and a cosy atmosphere
- after the hammam: spaces with mint tea and traditional snacks
- Experience rooms: immersive places with visual and sound effects, inspired by natural scenarios such as deserts, seas, or snow-capped mountains.
- Convivial rooms: areas that combine relaxation and sociality are ideal for small groups or workshops.
Key elements for the perfect relaxation room
To create an unforgettable experience, it is essential to view the relaxation room as a place to pause, not just a place to pass through. Every relaxation room should include:
- Comfort of furniture: ergonomic loungers, armchairs, hammocks, and soft blankets
Thermoregulation of the environment - Soft lighting: warm, adjustable lights, often combined with candles or chromotherapy
- Aromatherapy: diffusers of essential oils that stimulate relaxation and well-being
- Music and natural sounds: relaxing playlists or water features sound
- Herbal tea corner: refreshing water, hot drinks, detox herbal teas, and healthy snacks
- Privacy: room dividers or curtains for tranquillity and isolation
- Natural details: green plants, ecological materials, and nature-inspired decorations
- Small samples of treatments: meditation sessions led by experts, short gentle yoga or stretching classes, hand and foot treatments, or facial masks, both individual and group
The benefits of spending time in a relaxation room
Time spent in a relaxation room offers numerous benefits for the body and mind:
- stress reduction and improved depth relaxation
- natural detoxification and increased energy
- enhancement of the effects of the treatments received
- conscious socialisation, creating connections in a serene environment
- quality sleep: peaceful surroundings promote a regenerative rest cycle
Guidelines for designing the SPA relaxation area
Again, we put the question to Régis Boudon-Doris of bbspa_Group.
“Designing the relaxation room(s) of a spa requires attention to many details in order to achieve a result that is satisfying for both the guest and the investor.
I will summarise some key aspects: :
- Spaces and functional layout: assess the minimum space required based on the flows of the facility (there must be a balance between the relaxation area and the other spa environments) and ensure that these are well distributed. Provide separate areas for relaxation, meditation, and a tea or beverage area. The layout must be linked to the type of experience the spa wants to offer and harmonise it with the choice of lighting, colours, materials, space arrangement, etc.
- Lighting: use soft, adjustable lighting. Create colour effects that enhance the spa environment. Warm lamps and candles help to create a peaceful atmosphere.
- Colours and materials: it is very important to choose neutral, relaxing tones, but it is equally important that the colours enhance the spa theme. Favour natural materials such as wood, stone, soft fabrics, and green materials in general.
- Sustainability: the use of eco-friendly materials and natural products, as spas are increasingly adopting sustainability practices.
- Furniture: opt for comfortable furniture, chaise longues, armchairs, floor cushions, or hammocks and loungers to encourage deep relaxation. Supplementing with green plants improves air quality, while fountains or the sound of water enhances the feeling of tranquillity.
- Aromatherapy: essential oil diffusers and scented candles foster a soothing atmosphere through scent.
- Sounds: arrange a selection of soft music (to be renewed periodically) or sounds of nature to stimulate calmness and relaxation.
- Privacy: ensure a good level of privacy, if necessary, with curtains or separators.
- Activities: supplement by offering yoga sessions, meditation, or other relaxing practices (active relaxation).
- Accessibility: it is very important to make the relaxation room (and, in general, the whole spa) accessible to all, taking into account different mobility needs.
Innovative trends for relaxation rooms
New spa trends are redefining the concept of the relaxation room, integrating technology and customisation to offer tailor-made experiences:
- Integration of nature: spaces with vertical gardens, natural materials, and biophilic design promote psychological well-being.
- Virtual and augmented reality: immersive meditation experiences that transport guests to distant environments
- Smart aromatherapy: smart diffusers automatically adjust essences and scents to personal preferences.
- Silence zones: areas completely isolated from noise and distractions are ideal for deep meditation.
- Multi-sensory design: spaces that combine light, sound and aroma to create unique sensory experiences.
- Innovative furniture: ergonomic seating, such as warm salt beds, enveloping cocoons, or relaxation alcoves.
The relaxation room is not just a complement but the beating heart of the SPA experience. Careful design, taking into account the latest trends and guests’ desires, allows you to create environments that foster well-being, relaxation, and emotional connection.
If you want to design or renovate your relaxation room, bbspa_Group is the perfect partner to turn your vision into reality.
