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Spa experiences: What’s hot in spa?
If you’re planning to upgrade your spa area, why not try something a bit more adventurous? We take a look at some of the latest innovations in the area of hot – and cold – spa experiences
PUT IT ON ICE
supplier: Zimmer Medizinsysteme Gmbh
Already used in the medical field, but new to spas and health clubs, icelab is a whole body cryotherapy experience with temperature chambers set at three different levels: -10°C, -60°C and finally ‘the big chill’ at -110°C.
Just a few minutes in the coldest room – bearable due to the almost 0 per cent humidity – has been shown to offer benefits such as increased sports stamina, faster recovery from injury, stress and pain relief, and even alleviation of clinical depression. It also promotes deeper relaxation and better sleep, as well as offering an instant feel-good sensation due to the release of endorphins.
BRAVING THE ELEMENTS
supplier: KLAFS
Spa My Blend by Clarins, at the exclusive Velaa resort in the Maldives, offers the country’s only snow room. The cabin is cooled to around -15 °C, with water and air then sprayed in which freezes and falls to the ground as powder snow. Coupled with the use of a sauna and/or steamroom, this promotes detoxification, boosting the circulation and stimulating the skin. In addition, it’s said to help tighten cuticles and pores for shiny, clean, young-looking hair and skin.
Also at Velaa, the Wolke 7 Cloud 9 is a holistic, multi-sensory relaxation experience using colour therapy, mental acoustic therapy and a swinging pod for relaxation.
TAKE A DEEP BREATH
supplier: KLAFS
KLAFS last year bought the rights to a dry salt inhalation treatment, the Micronizer. In this treatment, the salt aerosol particles penetrate deep into the respiratory tract and the skin, cleansing the airways – improving hayfever, asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis and COPD – as well as cleansing and revitalising the skin. Regular inhalation is also said to support the immune system.
BACK TO NATURE
supplier: Schletterer
The Aqua Sana spa at the new Center Parcs Woburn Forest, UK, includes two “world firsts”.
The mineral room infuses health-enhancing minerals and trace elements into the steam bath, alternating minerals every eight minutes: magnesium to support the recovery and stabilisation of skin, hair and respiratory organs; iodine and selenium to strengthen the immune system and combat free radicals; and lithium, also known as the good mood salt, to help relieve stress and restore vitality.
The Sensory Experience is a multi-temperature room with different levels of humidity and heat to reflect the four seasons of the year, all on a 20-minute cycle. There are sounds and images from nature, with steam and ‘rain’ also emitted into the room. It’s said to heighten bodily and sensory awareness and foster mental regeneration.
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
supplier: Dalesauna
Infrared saunas use infrared light to heat the body directly for a more targeted, energy-efficient experience.
The technology is credited with offering a variety of physiological benefits beyond relaxation: it’s said to be more useful than a conventional sauna for muscle recovery and relieving aching joints after a workout, making it the ideal heat experience for health clubs. Fitness First is trialling Dalesauna’s infrared saunas in some London sites, but Dalesauna Combi Saunas are also available. These offer the warmth of traditional saunas, but with infrared panels that can be instantly switched on.
HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
supplier: Sommerhuber
Sommerhuber’s Healing Clay Spa uses therapeutic mud treatments that – in conjunction with the steam in the room – are said to revitalise and rejuvenate the entire body, nurturing the skin, purifying the body and stimulating the metabolism. This combines with infrared heat radiation in the ceramic seats to offer an experience that relaxes the body and stressed muscles after a workout at the gym.
