Mala McAlpin Nonprofit research and educational resource for the global wellness industry, The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has just released the top five trends in hot springs as identified by the GWI’s Hot Springs Initiative. The trends come in celebration of World Bathing Day, a day to pay tribute to all of the world’s water in which we bathe, plus a rallying cry to create a world where bathing is possible for all.
“It’s crucial to remember that every generation benefits from hot springs—and worth noting that all five of the original Blue Zone Communities, places in the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives, feature hot springs in the community or very close by,” said Charles Davidson, founder of Peninsula Hot Springs and chairman of the GWI Hot Springs Initiative.
Without further ado, the top 5 latest trends when it comes to bathing in 2019 and beyond are:
Accessible for All
Hot springs are now being (and should be!) designed with those of all ages in mind, including infants and seniors; making it an accessible and enjoyable for all walks of life. Experiences we’re seeing now range from baby baths and walk-in pools to massaging hydro jets and water slides, along with designated spaces to for tranquil, low-energy activities or noisy, high-level activities without compromising either.
Connecting Community
An intrinsically communal activity, hot springs should be engaging with the broader community, through initiatives such as health and fitness programs (even special midweek entry prices for local visitors) as well as direct engagement with community organisations for philanthropy and as a social service.
More Wellness Programmes
Massage, Yoga, Pilates, hot/cold experiences and even forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) to name a few, are more and more often being incorporated into hot springs offerings, expanding the traditional appeal of just hydrotherapy to a more full-spectrum wellness-motivated approach. This means destinations can capitalise on their facilities and classes bringing them closer to ‘wellness retreat’ territory.
Maximise the Connection to Nature
Hot springs goes hand-in-hand with the holistic, spiritual wellness side of the industry. Now hot spring designs are further reflecting this, providing a deeper connection to the natural environment and their surrounding space. For example, this could include walking tracks as a component of guests’ bathing experience.
Extreme Bathing
Renowned for stimulating the immune system and natural self-healing mechanisms, consumers are becoming more and more savvy about hot and cold therapies, such as Cryotherapy. Natural hot springs are now emphasising these extremes with more than a plunge pool or cold shower, including portable heated hydro hammocks or makeshift steam room tents, or ice caves and ice plunge pools, supported by trained guides.
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