Spa & wellness
recently renovated Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort in beautiful Tuscany. Following a two-year refurbishment, this 19th-century retreat – once home to Italian poet Giuseppe Giusti – has enhanced its spa offerings while preserving its cultural heritage. And the big sell? At the heart of Grotta Giusti’s wellness experience is its 130-million-year-old thermal cave, the largest of its kind in Europe. Here, guests are invited to journey through a unique underground circuit inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, moving through Paradiso (heaven), Purgatorio (purgatory) and Inferno (hell), each with varying temperatures and humidity levels. Elsewhere, the Meditarium, a new thermal and wet
area, expands the experience further with Roman baths, steam baths, saunas infused with essential oils and ice showers. “This transformation solidifies Grotta Giusti’s place as a premier destination for those seeking a profound and natural wellness experience,” the resort boasts. Now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, Grotta Giusti exemplifies the brand’s strategy of integrating historic spa destinations into its wellness- driven portfolio. The resort’s newly added experience showers, an ice waterfall and hydrotherapy pools perhaps position it among the most luxurious thermal spa retreats in Europe. Marriott’s investment in wellness tourism is a good indication of where the industry is heading – towards experiences that prioritise both cultural authenticity and innovative relaxation techniques.
Above top: Winter at Glacial Waters, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Above bottom: Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort and Spa.
Opposite: Grotta Giusti’s 130-million- year-old thermal cave.
83%
McKinsey’s 2024 Wellness Market Report
28
The percentage of 400 sauna users that experienced improved sleep quality, revealed in a recent global survey.
practise refers to the use of heat and water therapies for relaxation, rejuvenation and overall well-being. It might involve hydrotherapy treatments such as thermal baths, saunas, steam rooms, contrast therapy (hot and cold immersion), mineral-rich waters and other heat- based experiences. These practices have roots in ancient traditions – from Roman baths to Nordic saunas and Japanese onsens – and are now being reimagined in luxury hotel spas worldwide. The focus is on harnessing natural elements like geothermal springs, glacial waters and Himalayan salt to enhance physical and mental wellness. Something BASIN Glacial Waters is trying to tap into with its varying-temperature pools, for example, but is the real goal to literally tap into the local geothermal activity?
Europe’s thermal heritage reimagined Across the Atlantic, thermal bathing has deep roots in European culture, and hotel groups are reviving and modernising these traditions. Marriott, in particular, has been investing in properties that fuse historic charm with cutting-edge wellness. A prime example is the
Middle Eastern promise The Middle East is also embracing the trend, with IHG leading the charge through its Hotel Indigo brand. The Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa in Oman has unveiled Jala Spa & Wellness, the largest wellness centre in the region. Set amidst the landscapes of Jabal Akhdar, the spa takes inspiration from those all- important natural elements, incorporating Himalayan salt rooms, extensive thermal zones and vitality pools. “Our team has poured their heart and soul into creating a place that captures the very essence of Jabal Akhdar,” said James Reeves, general manager of Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar. This expansive spa experience aims to extend beyond treatments, promoting a holistic connection with the region’s culture and natural surroundings. The spa, part of IHG’s commitment to evolving wellness within its luxury portfolio, is expected to set a precedent for future developments across the group’s properties. IHG’s, as well as Accor’s and Marriot’s, increasing focus on wellness-centric properties reflects a shift in consumer preferences. Jala Spa’s emphasis on traditional Omani practices, combined with advanced wellness technology, highlights IHG’s approach to crafting bespoke well-being spaces that align with the natural beauty of their destinations and a growing consumer demand for authentic experiences. The brand’s investment in these thermal
Hotel Management International /
www.hmi-online.com
Accor; IHG
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