Industry Report
Designing through the wellness lens
The latest report by Horwath HTL Health & Wellness provides key guidelines to successfully design wellness resorts.
In order for wellness resorts to serve their purpose of providing immersive and transformative experiences to their guests, a specialized and meticulous design process is required. Such a process must not only ensure that physical spaces are in tune with the particular psychology of guests staying at wellness resorts, it must equally enable delivering personalized, seamless and intuitive guest services.
Starting with an overview of wellness resort characteristics and the unique mindset and behaviors of guests staying at such resorts, this paper demonstrates the crucial importance of placing guest experience and ease of operations at the core of the wellness resort design process.
This report explores the distinctive design process necessary for creating wellness resorts that offer transformative experiences, focusing on guest psychology and operational efficiency.
Wellness Resort Characteristics
According to the Wellness Tourism Association, a wellness resort, also known as a wellness sanctuary or clinic, is a facility that provides accommodation, wellness activities, healthy dining options, and wellness-related services. These resorts typically offer inclusive programs that combine accommodation, meals, and personalized wellness services such as consultations, diagnostics, treatments, and activities. Programs are designed to achieve specific health and wellness goals and include pre-arrival and post-departure processes to extend the guest’s wellness journey beyond their stay.
Wellness Resort Guest Psychology
Wellness resort guests differ significantly from those at leisure resorts. They travel with the intention of achieving specific health and wellbeing goals, often seeking personal transformation and the release of stress or unhealthy habits. This journey can be both physically and emotionally demanding, making guests feel vulnerable. Therefore, wellness resorts must create environments that support guests’ emotional and physical needs throughout their stay.
Design Guidelines for Wellness Resorts
Main Arrival:
- Should be smaller and more intimate than traditional leisure resorts, as guests only visit the main arrival for check-in and check-out.
- Semi-public facilities accessible to day users should be separated from the resort’s private inner core to ensure privacy and tranquillity for in-house guests.
Medi Spa and Wellness Centre:
- The medi spa, offering more medically oriented diagnostics and treatments, should be adjacent to the wellness centre but separated to maintain operational efficiency and guest privacy.
- The wellness centre, central to the resort, should be easily accessible and within a comfortable walking distance for guests.
Branded Real Estate Residences
These should have dedicated access and be adjacent to the wellness centre, serving as a clubhouse for residents while maintaining privacy.
Community and Educational Spaces
Incorporate community tables in dining areas and organic show gardens to promote guest interaction and education on healthy living.
Discrete Parking and Family Zones
Parking should be discreet, and family-oriented wellness resorts should have separate zones for children’s activities to minimize noise.
Wellness Centre Design Guidelines
Active vs. Passive Zones
Separate active zones (areas where guests are fully clothed and active) from passive zones (areas where guests are in treatment attire and relaxed). This distinction is crucial for guest comfort and operational efficiency.
Arrival and Consultation Areas:
- The wellness centre arrival should be larger than the resort’s main arrival, with sufficient counters and waiting areas.
- Consultation and diagnostic rooms should be the first component after the arrival area to guide guests through their wellness journey.
Treatment and Relaxation Areas
Treatment rooms and relaxation areas should be within the passive zone, providing a serene environment for guests.
Wellness resorts must be designed with a deep understanding of their unique business models and the psychological needs of their guests. By placing the guest experience and operational ease at the core of the design process, wellness resorts can offer transformative experiences, achieving high occupancy and return rates. Incorporating technology thoughtfully can enhance guest experiences while maintaining the authenticity of the environment.
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