Sparcstudio an independent, creative design studio specialising in spa and wellness design for over 15 years in the spa, wellness, fitness, hotel, and resort sectors has announced its key trends in spa design for 2025. Creative Director, Beverley Bayes explains…
The world of spa design continues to offer unique opportunities for hotel investors and operators to carve a niche for their property in the delivery of exceptional wellness facilities.
There is a growing interest in physical and mental health and wellbeing and savvy business owners are tapping into this trend with major investments. Enhancing facilities with considered, sustainable design is good business sense and correctly done can significantly improve revenue and return on investment.
Image caption: Calcot & Spa | Image credit: Sparcstudio
Designing for longevity
Sustainability remains a hot topic in spa design and past years Sparcstudio has highlighted the use of reclaimed and non-toxic materials. For 2025, the focus is on another element of sustainability – building for longevity. This is something that Sparcstudio have been doing for many years and we’re proud to see spas that we have helped to create still winning awards 5 and 10 years on from their creation.
Key to this is the specification of durable materials and finishes and details (such as pool quality boards, good falls to drains, designed into wet areas to prevent pooling of water. We also opt for a timeless elegant feel for the spa facilities and concept overall, using local materials where possible. Future proofing a building for growth should also be high on the list of considerations. When building a new gym/fitness facility in a spa, look to future membership projections when designing the space and don’t skimp of square meterage. This will enable member numbers to grow while serving the membership with a luxury experience.
Image caption: The Spa at South Lodge | Image credit: Sparcstudio
Designed for privacy
While there is a movement towards social wellness clubs, there is a sector of the spa-going public that also values privacy. It is the new luxury and with clever thought and planning can be included in any spa space with ease in the form of pods, private thermal experiences, plus secluded nooks and cosy spaces. The spa garden Cabanas at Pennyhill Park serve this need with elegance and simplicity and provide additional revenue generating opportunities with their own stocked fridge and mini treatments. The newly launched Reeds lodges at South Lodge offer private accommodation and also double up as private spa havens, with Infrared sauna, steam shower and deck mounted soak bath arranged around a wild swim lake, just a small amble from the main amble past the vineyards.
The deep relaxation space is another perfect example of where privacy should be a priority for design. This can be easily achieved with individual beds and elegant sheer curtains dividing spaces. Clever lighting design can also enhance the privacy element here. Our recent project at Calcot & Spa is a good example of how this can be achieved.
Image caption: The Reeds | Image credit: Sparcstudio
Wellness experiences on the gym floor
There are many synergies between spa and fitness, but very few spas take advantage of this potential crossover. Assisted stretching is becoming a key element of a personal training session and in the coming year you can expect to see more examples of gym spaces being designed to accommodate stretch pods or wellness pods. Innovative work from Proverb, a lifestyle brand has revolutionised this space. At The Grain Store, we recently designed a stretch pod featuring Proverb that has been a hit with members and has set the scene for more to come in the future. It is set on the gym floor and has worked extremely well for the team.
Image caption: The Grain Store | Image credit: Sparcstudio
Social wellness clubs
The rise of social wellness club spaces from New York to LA and London to Melbourne has set a precedence for social inclusivity in spa design. What does this mean for spa design in 2025 and beyond? Guests are expecting there to be spaces where they can congregate, chat and connect, not only with friends and family, but also to make new connections with other guests or members. This will be driving a lot of spa design in the future as spas aim to capture the zeitgeist. Social areas and beautiful lounges that draw on nature’s elements are key here. They need to be cocooning and offer a contemporary look, with super comfy seating and hidden nooks. Memberships are also looking for multipurpose spaces where they can also catch up on emails as the work from home (or anywhere) trend is here to stay.
Image caption:Aqua Sana Elvedon Forest | Image credit: Sparcstudio
Colour of the year
Colour will always a key element of the spas that we create (we virtually never opt for a monochrome scheme!) Colour is such an important element in the creation of a mood or tone & key part of the spa experience. We note that Pantone Colour of the year 2025 is ‘Mocha Mousse’, a mellow brown with ‘inherent richness and sensorial warmth extends further into our desire for comfort and the indulgence of simple pleasures.’ We certainly concur with this choice as a perfect backdrop to a comforting and indulgent spa experience with strong links to nature.
Main image credit: Sparcstudio
