Spa-tacular
Next generation spas are getting “greener” and more naturally luxurious
By Monica Rogers, contributing editor -- Hotels, 2/1/2008 3:33:00 PM
“The green movement is here to stay. It is opening up a whole new universe in terms of how spas are planned and operated,” says Cary Collier, founder of Collier & Collier Spas and co-owner and principal of Blu Spas. Collier, who has offices in Whitefish, Montana, sees this increasingly eco-friendly focus inciting fundamental changes in spa design--from the placement of spas and the lines of their architecture to the flow and feel of interior spaces. It also means better customer reach. “There’s growing evidence of consumer demand for green design and green practices, “adds Doug Chambers, Blu Spas’ Los Angeles-based co-owner and principal.
Selecting sites for the next generation of spas will be as much about effective management of the local water supply and energy resources, whether wind or geothermal, as it does about finding the best views. “There are no set formulas. Green initiatives have to be adapted on a project-by-project basis to achieve the highest level of energy and waste controls. Design has to look at every aspect—mechanical, electrical, heating and cooling. There is a lot of room for innovation and innovation is being driven by the spiraling interest in green and sustainable solutions. For example, there is UK hotel drawing energy from the elevator ascending and descending,” says Chambers.
Although Colliers and Chambers agree that green initiatives can drive up costs and push schedules if they’re done as an afterthought, they maintain that “the gap between traditional and green construction costs is narrowing, particularly when operational savings are factored in.”
Green Addition Without Luxury Subtraction
Much of the greening of spas is happening behind the design, leaving guests feeling luxuriously pampered and intrigued by the new look of hotel spas while reducing the negative environmental impact spas can have. “Spas equate to water. Designers need to look for creative solutions to deal with water consumption and wasted water, including those that are market- or client-driven. For example, low-flow technology is happening. We’re seeing a lot of showerheads that have a regulator and still look great,” says Collier.
He predicts more resorts will find ways to create 100% sustainable loops for conserving water by purifying and re-circulating “black water.” “There are not enough reasons to justify not doing it,” Collier adds. Spas also will be conserving energy by tapping into other systems to heat water—whether geothermal sources or heat exchange technology.” The model is to find a solution that will get payback in eight years or less,” he says.
“You have to think about how the choice of fabric affects the weight of the robes, towels and linens when they go through the drying cycle,” says Chambers. Innovation is broadening choice with new options such as robes made of bamboo fibers. Because of inherent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal traits, Chambers points out that the robes can be washed at lower temperatures. “Consumers want green, but they don’t want to have to worry about hygiene. There are also those who don’t want to be inconvenienced,” adds Chambers, who is also a principal force in the creation of the salon and spa organization, Yamaguchi Enterprises, which has a strategic alliance with Blu Spas.
Market demand for natural, authentic and often indigenous treatments is sparking a new wave of products in spa’s retail spaces as well. “We’ll see products becoming the messengers of the (spa) brand. The trend will be toward items with shorter shelf lives, more natural ingredients and the aura of exclusivity—something that no one else has,” says Collier, one of the founding members of the International Spa Assn. Asia Pacific.
Whenever possible, Colliers and Chambers see resort spas working with local suppliers to deliver one-of-a-kind design and treatments. However, there are challenges to making that rule inviolate. “Currently, all of the bamboo fiber robes are shipped from China. There are no local resources yet. So, is it better to use an environmentally-friendly textile that has to be shipped around the globe or to use something from a local supplier that may not be so eco-conscious?” asks Chambers. He points out that some vendors, such as Pure Bamboo, address this issue by programs to offset carbon emissions.
Not every market will be equally green. In Asia, Colliers says younger travelers want “a modern definition of luxury” in high-end spas. In Dubai and other parts of the Middle East, “ostentation is no longer the fashion.” But, there is still a core market in both regions that looks for spas with more traditional elements of glamour than new age green appeal. In Europe and Australia, green is virtually a given.
“Whatever the visual identity, standards have to be met. We’re working on a spa in Costa Rica for which we will use local vendors as much as possible, but there are certain skin care products that aren’t available. We’re working with a local company to create a certified organic skin care line for the future,” says Collier.
Recycled Spaces
Greener spas not only cut costs, but, through thoughtful design, they can grow profits by eliminating wasted space or better utilizing space. Collier and Chambers forecast more double-duty locker rooms. Once relegated just to gym-like lockers and benches, the new changing rooms also serve as lounge areas, venues for upsell treatments such as foot massages and even special destinations with furnishings customized for relaxation. Lockers are going upmarket with new colors and textured finishes. Suites are also getting even more luxurious as they open up new markets from bridal and social groups to couples and families.
Photos:
* All computer renderings by Moran Architects
* All illustrations by Bruce Kimball for Moran Architects
* Marbella Del Pacifico Luxury Condominiums and Spa, Rosarito Beach, Mexico
* Sol Imperial Destination Spa and Chinese Wellness Center, Acapulco, Mexico
* Villa Cortez Luxury Residence and Spa, Puerto Peñasco, Mexico
