Creating a successful spa is certainly a demanding challenge, and not only on an economic level It is like setting up a business, which ‘sells’ something that is not tangible but is nevertheless measurable from an economic point of view and in terms of customer satisfaction.
Modern spa environments are a fascinating and complex reality at the same time. They are places that satisfy, excite and urge us to make choices that also influence our lifestyle.

Let’s see together, step by step, how to proceed in order to best implement your own spa idea.

Tips for a good start

Before venturing into any undertaking, it is necessary to have:

1- creativity and knowledge of the wellness world.
2- awareness of the managerial and management commitment to be put in place.
3- determination to focus on a winning project and realise it to the best of one’s ability.

5 fundamental steps for a winning spa project

1 – Analysing thoroughly the target audience we intend to address (type of services, prices, protocols we would like to activate) and the customer segment we wish to ‘conquer’ (business, travel, local customers, etc.);

2 – Analysing and getting to know our competitors perfectly, both direct and indirect, to avoid proposing something that already exist in the area. It is also important to understand how they work and with what results, to have a useful parameter for our evaluation.

3 – Be familiar with the area, because the spa we are going to create must have a strong identity and be linked to the environment and culture that surrounds it;

4 – We need to clarify what type of investment we intend to make in order to understand how much the spa will have to yield and reach the break-even point between business costs and revenues.

5- Define clear objectives, defined in time and truly attainable.

The secret ingredient that makes the difference

If we want to be sure that the spa will be a success, the first winning secret is to create a well-structured and up-to-date menu of services. We will therefore have to decide what treatments to propose to customers, establish their price, identify quality standards, set working protocols, etc.

All this must be done before the design phase because the project will have to take these aspects into great consideration, as they will give character to the spa and make up its concept: this is the second secret ingredient!

In the design phase of a spa, it is essential to think about its identity, the ‘motivation for use’, analysing the reasons that should induce the customer to walk in and entrust his or her health/well-being to us.

It is about designing a space that responds to a need, where treatments, massages, experiences must be consistent with the spa mission and well-adapted to the location. We avoid experiences, rituals and design that are decontextualised and almost alien to the essence of the SPA.

Who to rely on when designing a SPA

It goes without saying that it is necessary to rely on experts who know how to guide in the development/conception of the SPA project, who accompany in its implementation and take care of its launch.

For 30 years, bbspa_Group team has been providing design services and professional advice for the spa world, with expertise in all areas of wellness: training, research, design, eco-sustainability, equipment, technological innovations, etc.

bbspa approach is therefore multidisciplinary and allows one or more services to be used, depending on the investor’s needs.

What services and advice can be useful

“Thirty years of work in the field have enabled us to create an innovative approach to the spa/wellness world,” explains Régis Boudon Doris, Founder and CEO of bbspa_Group. “We can assist the client in the full implementation of their spa project or work only in specific areas. The overriding goal must in any case be the well-being of the guest combined with the profitability of the investment”.

What are the areas of intervention of bbspa consultants and planners

• Initial professional advice to shape the SPA project/concept.
• Definition and mapping of everything that will make up the spa (spaces, environments, services) to make it available to professionals and the company that will build the structure.
• Optimisation of the organisation of spaces and detailed specifications, necessary for suppliers and professionals.
• Support in conception and design, finding suppliers and the best performing materials according to the different types of spa environments, quality control, green technologies, etc.
• Selection and training of staff (pre-opening and ongoing), management of protocols for reception and treatments, marketing for spa launch and communication.

How much does marketing influence the success of the SPA

“The marketing-oriented approach is very important for us today, because the factors at stake are different and must take into account the emotions and characteristics of the customer we intend to address. Lastly, it is fundamental to commercially promote the SPA both to the identified target and to local operators who might be interested in some form of collaboration and to other facilities in the area.

The communication/promotion of a wellness centre is a rather delicate and strategic aspect. This is why we believe it is important that communication is always in accordance with the investors’ objectives and concept, finding original solutions to attract new customers”.

Edit by Elisabetta Farneti

L'articolo How to design a successful spa proviene da bbspa_Group.

What is ludic well-being

For each of us, well-being also passes through the recovery or enhancement of convivial dynamics, to the pleasure of socializing, having fun. These are all activities that create harmony, improve the person, and which can also be found in spas, where clients seek not only benefits from a physical point of view but also from a mental point of view, to achieve harmony, a general well-being.

Enhancing this playful dimension of wellness allows the spa to broaden its target customers by targeting, for example, young people, couples, and groups of friends. It is still rare, in fact, to find spas with proposals aimed expressly at young people and their families, who instead represent, today more than ever, an interested part of the market.

What are the characteristics of a Ludic Spa

Any spa could be mistakenly understood as ludic and experienced as a fun game: go from sauna to whirlpool, short stop in the steam room then emotional shower with a whole series of buttons to push to try out programs, water jets, light and color games, dips in the pool, etc.

If proposed in this way (amusement park model) a Ludic Spa will end up tiring quickly. In fact, if the proposed activities and circuits are not properly organized, clients will not feel an improvement in their condition. This is because a playful environment is not enough to restore harmony and well-being.
Conversely, even a spa that focuses heavily on the professionalism and seriousness of the environment runs the risk of not meeting the expectations of clients, who may relive inside the spa the same patterns of daily life that they hoped to forget for a few hours, entering a world designed to surprise and excite.

A unique concept

“In the past, there was a tendency to standardize the spa environment. Today, a change of course is absolutely necessary – says Régis Boudon-Doris, CEO and Founder of bbspa_Group – Hotels, Spas, must focus on a concept that sets them apart, that excites and brings customers back.
When talking about spas, one can no longer think only about the equipment to be included or envisage over-tested but also very dated solutions.
Today’s guests are evolved, demanding and not easily retained! A quality offer absolutely goes through a strong customization of Spa environments. Only in this way can one think of truly meeting the expectations of guests, who today look carefully at everything that is green, integrated with the surrounding landscape but also hyper-technological, innovative and trendy”.

How to design a Ludic SPA

“Talking specifically about LUDIC SPA – adds Régis Boudon-Doris. it is a rather virgin area that falls within a concept of true wellness tourism.
We are not just talking about saunas, treatment cabins or tubs but about a set of architectural, design, and planning solutions that would allow the recovery of harmony and playfulness, of a feeling of being still a bit of a child that so many of us seek for our own well-being.
Today, after the covid period, this strong need to feel good represents an opportunity to revitalize and enhance the SPA, Wellness, Spa sector and the hospitality sector in general”.

What mistakes to avoid

We need to be very careful because risks exist, especially if in the design phase we focus only on space and equipment, without giving due consideration to really important aspects: the emotions that the various environments arouse, the quality of the services, how to structure the pathways and distribute the spaces, the approach of the staff, and the philosophy of wellness that distinguishes the spa and around which the entire service offering revolves. These may sound like obvious things, but they are not at all.
That’s why, those who invest in the spa world are increasingly calling on the input of experts who can bring to life a project that is profitable, meets customer expectations, represents a real wellness offering, and is a lasting investment.

“Unique” spas are the most sought-after ones.

Often the strong characterization and uniqueness of a SPA are the features that make that center attractive and successful. On the one hand, uniqueness rewards, on the other hand, as already pointed out, its value emerges and stands out when it is the result of careful design and careful study and deep knowledge of the sector. Choosing uniqueness certainly requires courage, but if well supported, it is a path that generates an important competitive advantage for one’s business!

L'articolo Ludic SPA: the child within us brings us closer to well-being! proviene da bbspa_Group.

More and more people are looking for unforgettable experiences when they travel. People are no longer simply looking for a place to sleep, but a place that offers a dream experience and leaves beautiful memories. Because of this, and because of the style and sophistication that distinguishes them and their respect for the environment, they are very popular with young customers, couples and the international jet-set.

What does the customer look for in this location? What are the characteristics? Which investment?
Let’s delve into that in this article.

What a Boutique SPA is

A Boutique Spa is an ‘exceptional’ place in terms of its location, concept, design, and the treatment protocol it offers. It is a place devoted to offering a totally customised and ‘tailor-made’ experience, just like a haute couture boutique that takes all the clients’ expectations and makes them a reality.
Clearly this is a special place that focuses on offering targeted, exclusive, and limited spa services and treatments to guarantee high quality standards and be consistent with the chosen spa concept.

What are the characteristics of a Boutique SPA

LeBoutique Spas are luxury environments, characterised by distinctive design, unique furnishings, refined atmospheres and, sometimes, located in very attractive locations.

LThe aim is to propose an experience that combines luxury, wellness, landscape, art, culture, and tradition. The term ’boutique’ indicates something small, intimate, exclusive, so Boutique Spas are not large, usually ranging from 250 to 750 square metres.

The concept behind it must be characterised by a strong personality, a clear brand identity. This must be communicated through targeted communication strategies capable of speaking to its target audience.

Unique design, enriched by exceptional pieces of furniture, refined atmospheres, and high-quality finishes. The presence of high craftsmanship certainly increases its prestige.

The atmosphere must be intimate and comfortable and able to pamper all the senses: the lights and colours must be well studied, the music as well, the entire spa circuit should be characterised by precise olfactory notes that help characterise the place and remain impressed in the memory.

Services must be highly customised, to meet the needs and habits of customers, even anticipating them before they manifest themselves. Signature treatments and high-end cosmetics are a must!

The entire team must be constantly trained to maintain a high quality of service, to be aligned with the concept: everyone must speak the language of the brand.

Stunning locations and ‘wow’ environments

Boutique Spas are often found within Boutique Hotels. Structures that have sprung up in truly enchanting locations, far from the destinations of mass tourism and precisely for this reason most appreciated by their clients.
Environments designed and created to allow customers to make the most of their stay both in discovering interesting places and in regenerating and taking care of themselves. Here the wellness programme is of a very high standard, as is the attention to design, art, restoration, and enhancement of historic or charming hotel environments.

High-end wellness and unusual proposal

The professionals who look after guests’ wellbeing in the Boutique Spas are of the highest rank, just as carefully selected and innovative are the activities and treatments: they range from metabolic medicine sessions to treatments with local spices, from open-air gyms for ‘wild fitness’ to yoga sessions surrounded by palm trees, from Irish meditation to treatments with mud and local herbs. Care in the design of the Spa menu is very important.

How to design a Boutique SPA

The ‘wow’ effect that the customer finds in a Boutique SPA is not the result of chance.

Every aspect is thought out, designed, verified and realised with the utmost attention to detail and care for the environment, the needs of investors and the trends appreciated by customers.
We asked Régis Boudon-Doris, Founder and CEO of bbspa_Group.

He explains: “Today more than ever working on a Boutique SPA project is an exciting and demanding challenge. It is exciting because you have to be daring, innovative, but at the same time you have to combine the concept with respect for the surrounding environment, art and culture. It is demanding because the balance between invested capital, end result and productivity must always be guaranteed. All this with the needs of today’s increasingly informed, demanding customers in mind. The energy to be spent on the retention of customers is ever greater”.

What are the investment costs to implement it

To build a Boutique SPA we have to assume a cost per square metre starting from 4,000€, then according to the spa concept and its Business Plan we define the specific budget for each structure

Some examples of Boutique Spas

“Among the latest projects that have already been completed that best sum up all these distinctive traits, we cannot fail to mention LA SPA Helvetia & Bristol in Florence and the Ambassade Biologique Recherche in Rome”,says Régis Boudon-Doris.

L'articolo Boutique SPA: top-class wellness for a “WOW” effect proviene da bbspa_Group.

Urban SPAs have always been one of the most important places to survey and assess the new needs of SPA customers. This is because those who frequent them usually do so on a regular basis, live in the area, and consider them to be places of reference for everything related to beauty treatments, new technologies applied to wellness, face/body cosmetic products, etc.

There is no need to go ‘elsewhere’ to find a place for pampering and relaxation because there are magnificent wellness oases even in the city.

Characteristics of the environments

They must enhance sensoriality, propose innovative, stimulating ideas, envelop the person, to contribute to the relaxing effect of a day or even just a few hours to dedicate to a holiday for mind, body and spirit, enhancing the uniqueness of each individual person and their desires. Comfort and design must characterise the ambience. An elegant and exclusive setting in which to forget the stress of the city.

Urban SPA to unplug

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city, the Urban SPA is a wellness refuge where you can switch off and regain your lost energy. From anti-ageing treatments to decontracting body massages, from holistic treatments to laser hair removal and sessions with innovative machines to soothe the signs of time, there are many reasons to ‘disconnect’ and take a SPA break. Even a few hours in saunas, whirlpools, steam baths and hot pools help to restore harmony.

Who chooses the Urban SPA and for which treatments

Undoubtedly the so-called Millennials, or Generation Y, are those who are most influencing not only fashion but also the beauty and wellness sector. Their relationship with beauty and wellness is so special that many beauty business brands are reviewing their production and marketing strategies.

They are the generation of the new millennium. In Europe they represent 24% of the entire population. Hyperconnected, highly engaged in professional projects, attentive to the latest trends, they live late into the night and feel the need to recharge their batteries with meditation, yoga and detox diets.

“We are talking about clients who live very busy lives,” explains Gabriella Francia, SPA Manager and trainer for bbspa_Group. They are often exposed to a new kind of stress. A large number of young women state they are tired, not only from lack of sleep but also from the many activities in which they are engaged. This obviously requires special attention when choosing the SPA menu”.

About treatments, “Personalisation is essential because, more and more, people who take a wellness break want a unique and personalised experience” – Gabriella explains. Younger people focus a lot on immediate results. The many tutorials and social media make them aware of new products and treatments. Our task is to intercept their needs as well, because they will certainly represent our largest clientele in the very near future
Some examples? Today’s trendy products and treatments are those that offer very specialised solutions, i.e. those that best meet the personal needs and new lifestyles of this generation. Facial treatments with instant effects, masks that give the skin a radiant and immediate effect, so that you are ready for an important evening. People are less interested in creams that prevent wrinkles after the age of 50, because they live in the here and now. The same applies to make-up: the skin must look radiant, smooth. The selfie phenomenon has influenced this”.

Yoga, meditation, and customised rituals in Urban Spa

Mindfulness meditation is becoming increasingly popular, not only among those who practise sport but also among those who seek to recharge their batteries from stress. This is why URBAN SPAs offer meditation, yoga, or pilates sessions, aimed at all those who think of their well-being as a path to rediscovering themselves and their physical and mental balance.

Targeted investments for a profitable business model

All this makes it clear that even for a successful URBAN SPA you need to organise yourself on several levels. A well-structured spa menu, diversified environments, trained staff, investment in modern, high-performance equipment, an innovative spa concept and welcoming spaces. We talked about this with Régis Boudon-Doris, founder, and CEO of bbspa_Group. “There is absolutely no need to trivialise the idea of the URBAN SPA,” Regis emphasises. On the contrary, it is necessary, especially in this case, to focus on solutions that are very exciting for customers and well-performing for staff. Those who carve out an ‘urban’ wellness break must be able to make the most of it. This is why the environments must be very well designed and the spa menu must absolutely meet the needs of the costumers”.

SPACUBES: modular solutions and technology for successful URBAN SPAs

An absolutely innovative and particularly high-performance solution for creating an URBAN SPA is SPACUBES®. “It is the first prefabricated and modular spa concept. Created by bbspa_Group in collaboration with a team of architects and technicians explains Régis Boudon Doris, it allows to compose and create a spa according to the needs of the location and the investor, creating welcoming, innovative spa environments that can adapt to any environment, especially urban“.

L'articolo Urban SPA: wellness oasis in the city proviene da bbspa_Group.

A business, the one related to the ‘cold’ trend, which will generate significant increases over the next decade.
This is because it has been rediscovered as a valuable ally of well-being and our metabolism.

Pythagoras and Hippocrates advocated the importance of cold baths to stay healthy, but it was Sebastian Kneipp, the inventor of hydrotherapy, who paved the way for a more modern concept of cryotherapy in the mid-19th century. In more recent times, science has validated the benefits of water below 15 degrees.

What are the main applications of cold

Cold therapy is based on this very principle: exploiting low temperatures to treat both medical and aesthetic problems.

Cryotherapy, swimming in icy water and experiencing cold/snowy environments were already under the magnifying glass of wellness enthusiasts in its extreme forms, so much so that in 2017, during the Global Wellness Summit, the ‘charm of cold’ was mentioned as one of the trends of the near future. A vision that turned out to be true.

Just think of the fans of breathing in cold temperatures to achieve greater self-awareness, or the many who believe that immersion in the cold benefits physical health and generates greater ‘self-presence’.

From home-made ice baths to natural cold plunges, this enthusiasm has created a new market for cold treatments.

How to enhance cold experiences in spas, gyms, and wellness centres

A growing market not unnoticed by people working in the wellness sector. New products are being created, as well as new services aimed precisely at cold environments: not only modules with ad hoc temperatures to be inserted in spa contexts, but also staff training, ‘cold’ packages, etc.
Some examples: design baths that allow rapid cooling of the water, or ‘cryo chambers’, i.e., vaporised nitrogen cabins that reach very low temperatures (already used in the sports sector and now very popular in Italian spas).

Therefore, gyms, thermal centres and spas arrange to include cold environments among their offerings: guided breathing sessions immersed in cold water, rituals alternating between warm environments and icy immersions, experiential moments to probe our body’s greater adaptive capacities and draw all possible benefits (better listening, understanding what you need, regulating your breathing, greater mental clarity) .

The main benefits of cold

The power of cold is today conquering an ever-widening public, even among the uninitiated. “Cold” is increasingly sought after to energise, combat stress, improve immune functions and slow down ageing!

The many fans of this trend claim it gives a major boost to metabolism, strengthens the immune system, and helps sleep better. Not least, it significantly improves mood and brain function.
In sports, cold therapy has long been used by athletes to reduce inflammation, muscle pain and swelling.

What about the beauty industry?

Cold has long been a valuable ally in dermatology as well. Both to improve the appearance of the complexion and to treat imperfections of the face and body. Spas and wellness centres, always attentive to what is new and what the public is interested in, cannot miss out on the potential of ‘cold treatments’.

Of course, as with any new activity/wellness programme, it is important to take things gradually and accustom the body so that the shock is not extreme.

Written by Elisabetta Farneti

L'articolo Cold Therapy: the cold trend is growing proviene da bbspa_Group.

The bbspa team of We Design redesigned a 250 square metre space, working with Italian craftsmen who remodelled the existing furniture to adapt it to the requirements of Biologique Recherche’s technologies and protocols, taking the historical materials and embellishing them with Corian and alabaster.

The Roman Embassy is located on Via Frattina, number 7, in the beating heart of the Eternal City. An exclusive project born thanks to the collaboration between Biologique Recherche, a leading company in the cosmetics sector, and bbspa_Group (specifically with its branch bbspa_France).

A glamorous environment steeped in history, opened last 20 December, which will be inaugurated shortly, dedicated to a clientele of connoisseurs and wellness enthusiasts, both Roman and international.

A chat with Regis Boudon-Doris (CEO and Founder of bbspa_Group) immersed us in this intriguing project that combines history, innovation and well-being.

A network of embassies in Italy and around the world. What is the mission?

“As part of its development projects, Biologique Recherche is creating its own network of “embassies” around the world to guarantee customers a brand experience. For this reason, the collaboration with bbspa_Group will continue with the opening of 2 more “Ambassade” in 2023 and 2024,” Regis emphasises. “We are also creating a collaboration that goes beyond Italy thanks to projects that Biologique Recherche would like to realise with its clients worldwide.

What was the most fascinating or curious aspect of this job?

“Ambassade Roma is located on the site of a very famous lingerie shop from the 1950s that boasted a VIP clientele, including all the famous actresses linked to Cinecittà as well as famous women from all over the world passing through Rome. Also, for this reason – adds Regis Boudon-Doris – we wanted to respect what already existed. The challenge was to transform a shop into a wellness centre and this was possible thanks to the collaboration of architect Joanne De Lepinay, who adapted ‘retro’ environments to the specific needs of Biologique Recherche for 2023″.

Technology, design and well-being: a perfect mix

Works started in July 2022. They were planned, organised and realised by bbspa_Group and a team specially structured for such a specific project.

A 250 m2 space (including 50 m2 on the ground floor with reception, shop, waiting room and product testing room) with 6 treatment cabins, 4 for individuals, 2 for couples and a team area.
Skillful Italian craftsmen have remodelled the existing furnishings to adapt them to the needs of Biologique Recherche’s technologies and protocols. How? By taking historical materials and embellishing them with Corian and alabaster.

In addition to Joanne De Lepinay, bbspa_Group specialists worked on the project: Federico Dottorini (Project Manager), Hande Yildiz (Interior Designer) and Andrea Francia for project procurement.

Refined and intimate wellness centre with innovative treatments

An intimate, cozy and muffled atmosphere as well as the organization of the spaces, specially designed to experience each treatment to the fullest. The design and furnishings are in blue, white and champagne (the signature colours of Biologique Recherche) enhanced by the mahogany and copper of the historical structure.
The ambience is permeated with touches of refinement combined with the lively personality of the Roman Dolce Vita. Distributed on the first floor, single and double treatment cabins welcome guests for a rejuvenating moment. There is also a lounge for personalised consultations.

A bien-être experience signed by Biologique Recherche

L’équipe dell’Ambassade Roma è formata secondo protocolli e tecnologie The Ambassade Roma team is trained according to Biologique Recherche protocols and technologies and is at the service of those who wish to enjoy an effective and different beauty experience. The first step is an in-depth assessment of the skin’s condition. The results of this analysis determine the customised treatment protocol to be applied, which will then be spelled out in the various face/body treatments.

What has been bbspa_Group’s trump card?

“We create synergies that amplify the effectiveness and efficiency of solutions to maximise the profitability of each project. Our one-of-a-kind character is represented by a philosophy that allows us to organically approach the entirety of a Wellness&Spa project by optimising processes without ever neglecting attention to detail and the peculiarities of our clients’ projects. A vision born where the expression of Italian design and the culture of pleasure typical of the French art de vivre meet,” says Regis Boudon-Doris.

The history of Maison Biologique Recherche

Biologique Recherche was founded at the end of the 1970s by Yvan and Josette Allouche, a biologist and physiotherapist respectively and experts in cosmetic treatments with an artisanal flavour. Their savoir-faire and visionary approach to the world of cosmetics are behind the brand’s success for the effectiveness of its exclusive products.
Indeed, the founders have conceived an exclusive methodology of personalised cosmetic treatments adapted to each ‘Skin Instant^©‘, based on products with a high concentration of active ingredients.

Regis, who would you like to thank for the success of the project?

All professionals who have worked very intensely and in very short times. Especially:

Chiara Ferrari, administrator of Biologique Recherche Italia
Paolo Ruggeri, CRT Group together with Giorgio Gotti who did an incredible job with carpentry and finishes
Maurizio Mei of Green Edil for managing a construction site in a complex location
Alessio Leoci who allowed us to make the project a reality in the historic centre of Rome with all the bureaucratic difficulties that this entails.

Ambassade Rome, watch the video.

By Elisabetta Farneti

L'articolo Biologique Recherche wellness center in the heart of the Roman Dolce Vita proviene da bbspa_Group.

Thinking and behaving in a ‘green’ manner requires a profound paradigm shift, and the beauty, spa and wellness sector in many cases is already a protagonist of this transformation, but there is still much to be done.

Green Attitude in the Beauty, SPA and Wellness Industry

Scientific research and the development of new technologies now make it possible to offer the market extremely innovative products, equipment and services with a low environmental impact, for an ethical approach to beauty and body care.

The cosmetics industry in particular, which has always been in the eye of the storm for packing and packaging that are not always ‘green’, actually boasts many cases of virtuous companies, right from the beginning of the supply chain.

Formulations, packaging and entire production systems are constantly evolving to create a clear and transparent path of responsibility towards the consumer and the environment.

The same applies to the SPA and Wellness sector, where research and innovation characterise the new environments, treatments and services. From water treatments, to energy saving, to the use of low-polluting materials, everything is studied and designed with great care.

Eco-sustainable SPA: what it is and what the paradigms are

We asked Régis Boudon-Doris Founder & CEO of bbspa_Group, who has been involved for years in designing spas that are cutting-edge in terms of concept, profitability and eco-sustainability.

“Many spas around the world are located in beautiful places. We all love the environment but you have to treat it well in every situation. How many people wonder what happens to chlorine in swimming pools? What happens to the cosmetic containers, to the slippers offered to customers, to the products used for washing, to the disposable material? The mission of bbspa_Group is to implement Wellness & SPA projects at 360° which results in facilities that combine for example energy saving, use of recyclable or zero-impact materials, architectural choices that respect the surrounding environment and enhance it..

We have recently activated a partnership with Sibor SPA Certification precisely to give strength to this GREEN approach of ours. Recently bbspa_Group has also launched 100%YOU a professional clothing line that is not only safe, beautiful and comfortable but also 100% recyclable and environmentally sustainable”.

GREEN SPA: a concrete example

One example to mention is Starpool, which has been developing innovative spa environments such as saunas and steam baths for 45 years.

“bbspa_Group, stresses Régis Boudon-Doris, has been working with Starpool for some time, sharing its green approach.All production takes place with a low environmental impact: low energy consumption, from clean and renewable sources and external emissions close to zero, with the goal of zero emissions by 2030. All products are manufactured from materials that are more than 75% recyclable by weight. The wood in the saunas is 100% natural and untreated.
30.4% of raw material purchases are zero food miles and 48.7% are within 100 km.
In addition, all products are equipped with software functions that make it possible to control, optimise and reduce energy consumption with a significant improvement in management performance and profitability“.

What consumers think

Never before have so many people started talking about their imperfections or wellbeing expectations as in this post-COVID period. Body Positivity thinking is extremely topical and generates changes that affect the entire Beauty, Cosmetics, Wellness and SPA world.

From China to India, via Europe and the United States, it can be seen that the effects of the pandemic have changed consumer priorities: not only are they focusing more on essential, value-for-money products, but there is also a focus on environmental sustainability and safety.

The economic push of e-commerce, the sustainable evolution of the cosmetics & wellness industry and the spread of increasingly influential social and cultural movements are important factors to consider when exploring new business and development opportunities in this market.

by Elisabetta Farneti

L'articolo Green SPA: trend or awareness? proviene da bbspa_Group.

Today, tourist hospitality is also aligning itself with this need and evolving into “open-air” stays and activities, using nature as a wellness tool as well as a place of experience.

At last, an important concept has spread widely: tradition, innovation and the enhancement of environmental and cultural resources become the way forward in formulating an offer capable of capturing the interest of customers. This applies irrespective of whether we are talking about accommodation facilities or SPA environments, spa treatments, cosmetics, etc.

What SPA clients look for

In avant-garde spas and wellness centres, the architectural layouts, treatments, activities, style choices, and culinary proposals all dialogue with nature and the surrounding environment in new ways. It is a symbiotic and reversible relationship, capable of welcoming and satisfying increasingly demanding customers. The Zen Generation, i.e. the customers of today and especially of tomorrow, demand a strong interconnection between the surrounding space and the digital sphere.

A growing trend: retreats or wellness retreats surrounded by nature

Recent surveys show that many of those travelling or planning a period of rest and relaxation are tend to prefer retreats in secluded, quiet places, far from the hustle and bustle. In short, there is a greater desire for nature (+31%) and tranquillity (+29%). One example: in the first four months of 2022, sites dedicated to outdoor tourism recorded a 150% increase in the flow of searches compared to 2021 and an 8% increase compared to 2019.

The new hospitality and wellness venues must enter into symbiosis with nature through intelligent architectural solutions. Attentive customers prefer facilities that are perfectly integrated into the natural environment and connected to digital ecosystems powered by renewable sources. In this case, the difference is no longer the price of the offer but rather the zero impact on the territory.

How to design a SPA in the in nature

Specialised architects and designers who are attentive to the new tourism/wellness trends are oriented towards redesigning gardens and open-air spaces that can be used for sports and wellness activities. Design and new style proposals therefore conquer green spaces and often create an absolutely harmonious and relaxing connection between indoors and outdoors.

Certainly, the secret to a successful spa project in nature is to have a unique and innovative concept in mind that is characterising for that spa and becomes the common thread of the entire customer experience.

by Elisabetta Farneti

L'articolo SPA and Nature: a winning combination proviene da bbspa_Group.

What is Kundamiri

A steam bed enriched with oxygen and essential oils, it is one of the treatments par excellence for an optimal detox and deep cleansing and purification of the skin, which is immediately radiant, supple and soft. The technology of the Kundamiri lounger promotes muscle relaxation, helps get rid of tiredness and is a technique for relaxing psychological tensions as well.

How Kundamiri works

The heat of the steam causes sweating, which eliminates toxic substances and helps relax the muscles The moist heat softens the stratum corneum of the skin, sebum, fatty substances and impurities, which can thus be eliminated more easily. In addition, the heat acts to promote the release of tension.

To these beneficial actions of the steam bath, Kundamiri combines the action of oxygen, which triggers a detoxifying and draining action through the enlarged pores. What it entails

What it entails

The treatment involves a Finnish birch bed, with a built-in sanitising system, which creates a microclimate similar to a real Turkish bath, with added oxygen. In this way, the body is enveloped in a cloud of oxygen-saturated micro-steam that penetrates the dilated skin and stimulates its regeneration and defence processes against oxidants and free radicals. The next step is a deep peeling and a relaxing massage with customised essential oils. Chromo, aroma, music therapy amplifies the effectiveness of the treatment. Aromatherapy steam baths are far preferable to the dry heat of saunas as they do not irritate the capillaries and do not stress the venous circulation.

Less toxins, more relaxation

Kundamiri is a typical technique used in spa and thermal baths that, thanks to steam, creates a personal moment in which to pamper oneself, to treat oneself to well-being, relaxation and tranquillity.

The temperature and humidity produced by this particular thermal bed stimulate blood vasodilation and sweating, resulting in increased body metabolism and a detox effect.

The benefits of this SPA treatment

You remain inside the bed for a minimum of 30 minutes.

This is to achieve different results, all aimed at aesthetics and well-being:

• Expulsion of toxins produced by our body and those caused by external factors (drugs, cigarettes, pollution, etc.)

• Deep purification of the skin, which immediately shows a firmer, more elastic and radiant texture.

• Stimulation of cellular turnover, stimulated by the steam and temperature of the thermal bed, which encourages rapid detachment of dead cells from the stratum corneum.

• Sebum, fatty substances and impurities are fluidised.

• Counteracts and improves cellulite-related imperfections.

• The enveloping steam helps release contractures and muscle tensions, relaxing body and mind, promoting a state of well-being that is not only aesthetic but also psycho-physical.

by Elisabetta Farneti

L'articolo Kundamiri: a detoxifying and relaxing steam bath proviene da bbspa_Group.

What can we do? Certainly by giving the gift of a stay in a Spa, where we can share magical moments together with our loved ones or friends.

Spas, in this period, are also chosen for a last minute remise en forme by those who, in view of lunches, dinners and gala evenings, want to prepare themselves in the best possible way to present themselves in perfect shape for these appointments.

We are therefore talking not only about a health approach, to maintain or improve one’s physical shape, but also about treatments and courses that contribute to creating the right personal balance between body/mind/emotions, preparing us to face a period of celebrations, relationships, parties and emotions in the best possible way.

Christmas in a SPA

Spending Christmas holidays in a Spa is a good idea because the choice balances holiday time with the need for true relaxation.

From Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve, until Epiphany, the days of the Holidays are a perfect opportunity to go to places where you can take care of your body and mind.

Stress-free gifts

Receiving gifts is always nice, but often giving them can become stressful. So why not give the gift of wellness at the nearest or most desired Spa?

Many facilities offer the possibility of customising packages with “ad hoc” treatments, Private Spas, phytotherapy treatments, moments of relaxation in the sauna or hammam, and all that the vast Spa world is able to offer, working to create a sensation of wellbeing linked to a profound harmony with oneself and the surrounding environment.

Today, every Spa is in fact oriented towards studying ‘tailor-made’ treatments, associating massage techniques with the stimulation of energy points and meridians, which generate special wellness and beauty pathways that suit everyone’s needs.

So, a holiday of this kind becomes a beautiful “cocoon” gift to give ourselves or our loved ones.

Which SPA to choose for Christmas

More and more, in the common imagination, places dedicated to relaxation are immersed in nature, with breathtaking views, surrounded at this time by snow-capped peaks and perhaps close to the ski slopes, for a New Year’s Eve in a Spa with the family or as a couple, in perfect balance between relaxation and sporting activities.

However, Spas throughout Italy represent places with a vocation for wellness, and therefore suggestive and cosy destinations for a relaxing winter break. Make way, therefore, for thermal Spas, but also for recreational Spas or Spas in cities of art, adding ingredients such as art and culture to the relaxation break.

For example, LA SPA Helvetia&Bristol, a 5*L wellbeing retreat in the heart of Florence proposes a very innovative and popular Wellness Menu.

by Elisabetta Farneti

L'articolo Give the gift of wellness in a SPA for Christmas proviene da bbspa_Group.