HEAT EXPERIENCES
Using light colours and lighting effects will increase the sense of space in smaller spa and thermal areas, says Promet’s Sungur
to produce a dry salt mist, thereby creating a salt inhalation experience. As well as the heat experiences, it’s
important to remember the relaxation areas in your thermal area, says Markus Muller, international consultant for Klafs:
“Very often the relaxation area gets forgotten. This is where users will rest between experiences, so it’s important to create an appropriate space for them.” A rest area could comprise a few
heated loungers or a heated tiled bench with individual foot spas. Regardless of the products you choose, the layout of the thermal area is critical.
TIPS FOR MAXIMISING USAGE OF YOUR THERMAL AREA
• Focus on the design and lighting of the thermal area to create a
• Invest in multi-functional rooms so you can offer more than one
welcoming and relaxing space that clients will want to return to
• Make sure you have a good booking system to manage the
type of experience
• Consider offering ladies-only and men-only sessions
arrival and departure of guests, so the area is never too busy
• Run promotional offers to attract users during quieter times
• Offer online bookings to make it easier for users
accommodate all users
• Make sure your facility opens early morning and late evening to
The experiences should flow from hot to cool and there should be good signage to educate clients about the benefits of the facilities and how to use them.
DESIGN DETAILS
“One of the most common mistakes operators make is thinking the feature rooms need to be very large. They don’t usually need to seat more than 10 people, even at the busiest of times. The rooms are designed to be relaxing and therapeutic; overcrowding can ruin that tranquil experience,” says Humphries. When it comes to design for small
thermal areas, the advice is to keep it simple. “I’d recommend a modern and minimal concept using light colours and transparent surfaces to give a sense of space. Lighting effects can be used to create a relaxing ambience,” says Sungur. “Choose products with a clean design
that’s based on a few, but expressive, materials,” advises Muller. Very often it’s the functional
components that can let a thermal area down, so operators must be vigilant about these less glamorous features too. Given the nature of heat experiences, and the heat and humidity they produce, effective insulation is a must. “Water insulation, heat insulation and sound insulation – as well as good ventilation, sanitary equipment and fi re precautions – are critical. Failing to use anti-slip fl ooring and/or high quality, durable, easy-to-clean materials and non-corrosive fi xtures for drains, vents and ducts can also lead to the failure of thermal areas,” says Sungur. “If you’re working in a new build or an extension, access to services
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MAXIMISING REVENUE The cost of heat experiences will vary depending on the supplier, materials used and any ancillary items used to enhance the facilities, such as mood lighting and music systems. But all operators should be looking to make a return on their investment as soon as possible. Thermal areas can be run as a standalone unit or as part of an existing membership, and there are a number of ways to maximise revenue potential. “Some clubs have a basic membership
and an additional membership, where suites such as rasul treatment rooms and sanarium can be charged on top of the basic membership. Operators can charge as much as £90 for a 45-minute rasul treatment,” says Humphries. Watts has other suggestions: “Create
a dedicated spa membership – an add- on spa package to your existing gym membership. Host private parties like hen dos or birthday parties, and offer themed events such as teen parties. Also create promotions with discounts for clients willing to commit to more than one session – for example, eight sessions for the price of six.” With careful planning and creative
programming and marketing, even operators with limited space can create successful thermal areas. As Muller says:
“Focus on a few quality products that have the most potential for achieving success. Less is defi nitely more.” ●
August 2015 © Cybertrek 2015
like electrical power shouldn’t be an issue, but if you’re retrofi tting heat experiences into an existing area, the provision of services may be more of a challenge,” adds McCarthy.
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