Insider’s Guide to 2015 Trends: Spa On Arrival (& En Route)

For our next installment of the Insider’s Guide to the Spafinder Wellness 365™ 2015 Global Spa & Wellness Trends Forecast we’re taking a deeper look at the trend of Spa On Arrival (& En Route). Whereas in the past, spa treatments were considered a luxurious addition to fit into your schedule during business and pleasure travel, now spa and wellness are becoming a priority, both en route and on arrival.

What started as an airport lounge amenity for those traveling in first-class and eventually migrated to the masses in the form of departure terminal express spas like XpressSpas and Be Relax, has turned into airport yoga and meditation lounges, walking paths, healthy cuisine, and so much more! Between layovers, security checkpoints, and middle seats on the plane, travel is stressful by nature, making spa and wellness, unbelievably beneficial and needed. As more and more travelers embrace spa and wellness to ease their anxieties and combat the negative side effects of traveling (think: dry skin and achy muscles) this trend continues to grow.

Another factor fueling this trend is the need to make the most of a short time off from work. As the Trends Forecast states, “According to Expedia’s 2014 Vacation Deprivation study, 53 percent of worldwide respondents take several short vacations and long weekend trips versus a long holiday. To reap the full benefit of precious time off, relaxation must begin very quickly; and massage, acupressure, reflexology, and other bodywork are proven ways to express-deliver stress reduction and relaxation.”

We at Spafinder are over-the-moon happy that people are now so aware of how beneficial spa and wellness is that it’s becoming a key part of their travel itineraries and that airports and properties are making it even easier to get your spa and wellness on. Examples include:

• En Route: Airlines like Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Qantas give first-class and business travelers access to full-service spa and beauty bars in their lounges. A prime example is the Six Senses spa in Etihad’s first-class lounge in Abu Dhabi and the on board A380 Shower Spa in Emirates’ first class cabins. As well, SHA Wellness Clinic, recently unveiled Esenza by SHA in Terminals 4 and 4S of the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. Here they will offer travelers healthy food and 20-minute treatments using products and protocols from brands such as Natura Bissé and EviDens de Beauté.
• On Arrival: Complimentary massage at check-in is offered at the Cheval Bank Randheli in the Maldives (pictured), Bali’s Maya Sayang, and Brazil’s Emiliano.
• 24/7 Spa: Oberi Hotels and Resorts around the world offer their guests constant access to the spa any time of the day or night, making it easy to soothe and restore tired travelers.

 

Just as our Trends Forecast says, “spa on arrival has definitely arrived. And fortunately, these days you don’t have to travel far to find it.” Learn more and see what else is trending in 2015!