DESIGN


Remedios campaigned for a larger pool and views of a Zen rock garden (above); the relaxation room maintains a peaceful Japanese aesthetic (below)


Lights down low Much consideration has been given to the spa’s layout, with active (fitness) and passive (treatment) areas divided. The pool, at the heart of the facility, can be accessed either through locker rooms, which also lead to the 24-hour fitness centre, or a hidden door by reception. Seven treatment rooms are found along a quiet corridor adjoining reception – each has a shower and toilet so guests can avoid the lockers rooms completely. There’s a sensual quality to the oak latticed woodwork and doors, sensitively underlit, while the absence of ceiling spotlights means that guests are not dazzled when they turn during their ESPA treatment.


60 spabusiness.com issue 2 2015 ©CYBERTREK 2015


The relaxation room maintains the


peaceful Japanese aesthetic. Walls here are covered in metallic brush strokes layered over a local plastering technique and suspended ceiling dividers are made from a material reminiscent of reeds. Peppered with columns required to cope


with seismic activity, the locker rooms proved awkward to design. Remedios would have loved more space. Kasahara says making room for a hot spring would have added value too. Despite the spatial limitations, she confirms that back-of- house and storage facilities are efficient. Large hidden drawers help the spa team to maintain tidiness, although some of them are a little high for the petite therapists,


so stepladders are used to compensate. But what has pleased Kasahara, above all, is the reaction from both Japanese and overseas guests: “For locals, there’s a comforting nostalgia associated with the landscaping and design while international visitors gain an expression of Japanese culture. The spa has a healing atmosphere for all.” ●


Neena Dhillon writes about spa, hotel and travel trends around the world Email: ndhillon@ spabusiness.com


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