In accommodation businesses, a spa environment will offer guests an oasis of unparalleled benefits.
Nick Plimmer from Ministry of Architecture + Interiors has been a designer of spa and wellness offerings for various hotels and boutique accommodation offerings.
One noticeable standout in his career was the spa at the Address Downtown Dubai, which he was involved in different elements of its design, including playing the role of the main Design Manager in the implementation and fit-out process, which provides for a very unique perspective on the operations and considerations of a spa of this scale.
He described it as very big, very premium, and a lot of it had been done well. However, there are various factors that the industry has continued to use when designing spa spaces, which he said were of particular importance.
Recently, while enjoying the Spa at the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa, Plimmer said he was conversing with a Norwegian man in the sauna.
“Of course, the topic of discussion landed upon the Scandinavian health and wellness culture, combined with the social elements which occur naturally,” he said.
“In our spa design approach, we consider closely the introspective nature of the spa experience, the washing away of stress, and a renewed mental clarity. There are some key factors which contribute towards inducing this state of ‘world away bliss’.”
Plimmer said that the arrival experience should allow guests to be transported into an immediate experience of calm, fragrance, and a touch of wonderment.
He listed lighting as a key element, specifically the use of reduced blue lights, uplighting, and texture. He added that the sequence of movement through the interior was important, such as niches for objects and accessories and the importance of privacy at the relaxation area.
Plimmer said the relaxation space has become a lost space, a dead area of the floor plan which gets utilised.
He said spaces should be designed for all users, including both guests and staff. An example of this is hidden doors for staff so guests are not confused, the notion of privacy within the environment, and functionality for staff to offer the best possible service.
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