Ahh…Spa! Who doesn’t love the indulgence and pure luxury of mind and body pampering at a world-class spa? As spa popularity continues to grow, leading spa industry expert, Susie Ellis, has identified 10 emerging trends that are poised to reshape spa and wellness in 2012. Here is an overview of the top trends and some of the spas where you can experience the in-vogue treatments.

Focus on the Feet – Sexy, sky-high heels may show off the legs, but today’s shoe fashions often create agony for women’s feet. Spas and wellness centers are now putting a big focus on the feet from “foot-fitness” classes to reflexology and even unique specialty pedicures to alleviate the pain. Canyon Ranch SpaClub in Las Vegas has a new comprehensive “Healthy Feet” program and Dragonfly spas in China offer four-hand foot massages to quiet your barking dogs.

Cold and Ice are Hot – Cold applications are known to reduce inflammation in muscles and joints, and contrast hot/cold therapy has been reducing pain since the days of the ancient Romans. Today, cold-rock massages, ice mask facials and ice/snow rooms are becoming very popular. All ESPA spas offer ice fountains for a bracing rub down after a sauna and at Qua Baths & Spa in Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas you can lounge in the “Arctic room” to cool your jets.

Wellness & Beauty Coaching – The number one, medically proven way to prevent disease and improve overall health is making long-lasting lifestyle changes. Wellness and health coaching are increasingly available both on-site and at home post-spa, while technologies from text apps to Skype allow coaching connections to remain close even over time and distance. San Francisco’s Cavallo Point offers diverse forms of “Life Enhancement Coaching,” where guests can opt for unlimited follow-up sessions. Clarins in Paris has “Beauty Coaches” to keep you feeling gorgeous.

Online Wellness Gaming – Play your way to health and wellness! By using gaming’s addictive features of points, challenges and rewards, online gaming is a way to make healthy lifestyle changes stick. This trend is just getting started with a meditation game called Leela and Mindbloom’s Life Game, but has such wellness potential it is actually getting the support of major insurance carriers.

Pairing Fine Dining and Spa-ing – Many resorts pride themselves on their fine culinary offerings as well as amazing spa services. Since the two make such a delightful “lifestyle” combo for pleasure seekers and connoisseurs alike, resorts are beginning to pair them into packages that can be savored together. Examples range from spa/wine/food combinations at Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley to a full-immersion “Plates and Pilates” retreat at the Cascina Papaveri in Italy where guests help harvest and cook food around their daily sessions.

 

Vibration, Sound, Music, Light, and Color Therapies – The ambient accessories of light and sound that are often used in spa therapies may be calming and feel good, but new scientific evidence shows that there are actual physical and emotional benefits to them. New multi-sensory “good vibrations” approaches like the Miraval Resort’s new Taiz Sensorium, which integrates vibrational medicine, music therapy, gentle human touch, and aromatic oils fully engage all senses.

The Glam Factor – “Blingy beauty” is hot. Nail, hair and makeup are high-impact beauty fixes that are in high demand. Walk-in services like blow dry bars, professional make up applications and 10 minute manicures are exploding in popularity for that quick fix or frill. For an ultra high-end experience, the Guerlain Spa at NYC’s Waldorf Astoria provides a 50’s glamour sensibility, complete with red roses and personalized amenity options for clients. At both ends of the spectrum, “Glambition” reigns.

Spa Evidence: Showing the Science Behind Spa – SpaEvidence.com documents the hard science behind the positive effects of spa and wellness therapies. Alternative therapies like massage, aromatherapy, yoga and meditation have proven medical benefits and in 2012 hospitals and doctors will increasingly prescribe spa and wellness approaches. Spas are no longer just for pampering, but also used for wellness.

 

Spas Become a Family Affair – More and more families travel with children and spas are creating dedicated programs for the whole family. Nickelodeon Suites in Orlando showcases a kids’ spa and the new Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii offers a special spa designed exclusively for kids and teens, baby massage classes for new parents, and a host of other family-oriented services.

Spas Go for the “Wow” – Spas no longer have to be hushed and serious places and some are differentiating themselves by delivering the “wow” factor. “Amusement Park” spas like the Cocoon Spa at Indigo Pearl Phuket with an inspired treehouse concept are turning heads and drawing clients. The Kayley Sauna and Water Park in Estonia showcases tube slides, bubble baths, and every type of sauna imaginable, while New York City’s Spa Castle offers five stories of internationally themed saunas, steam baths, and swimming areas – plus a food court.

To experience any of these trending spa and wellness treatments for yourself, contact Covington Travel’s spa specialists for help choosing the spa that is just right for you.

Source: SpaFinder’s 2012 Spa Trend Report™.