What’s new in spa trends and wellness in 2021?

2020 was an extremely challenging year for everyone, especially anyone with a passion for spa experiences. However, for many of us it also placed more value than ever before on all aspects of wellbeing. Not just in terms of eating well and exercising, but putting time aside for our loved ones, being kind to our bodies, and making space to simply be quiet. Here, we look at the spa trends set to rise from the experiences of 2020…

Short-term spa trends following Covid-19

Last year, lots of us had to stay at home for extended periods, and as movement eases up there’s an eagerness to get away to nice places. For some, it’s about spending quality time alone - especially where they have busy home lives with children and partners or are living with friends. For others it’s about having an opportunity to spend quality time with someone they’ve only really been able to connect with digitally. Of course, spas are perfect for both of these goals.

Lots of people are already booking several short UK breaks or spa days - travelling a little and often rather than on one or two long holidays. Lots of us are concerned about job security and money. We still need little luxuries, but don’t want to spend large amounts of money or take a long time away from work in one go.

Long-term spa trends for 2021

An interest in wellness has been on the rise for a long time, but 2020 really altered the emphasis. Where it still had the ring of being a luxury indulgence for many, last year taught us the importance of our wellbeing on multiple levels. It’s not just about eating well and exercising, but about being able to create boundaries to support our physical and mental wellbeing.

With the work from home culture and so many people feeling isolated, the divisions between work and rest became blurred in 2020 and lots of people really struggled with mental wellbeing like never before. That, and the more obvious health threat to our loved ones of Covid-19 itself, has given us all a renewed appreciation for building time for health and wellbeing into our everyday lives. Lots of us have recognised the power of little rituals and practices - whether it’s a regular massage or aromatherapy in the home - as part of a much more holistic approach to everyday wellness.

The other thing that has really been on the rise is the anxiety driven by looking at ourselves on video calls all the time - there’s a certain amount of Zoom fatigue. It has had a real impact on lots of peoples’ self confidence. There’s a chance that we will see a rise in our focus on skincare, dermatology and to some extent maybe even aesthetics and non-invasive cosmetic procedures and treatments.

Which spa treatments are going to be popular next year?

It will come as no surprise that massages are the most popular treatments to book, especially when visiting spas for the first time. However, this is in part because a massage is a concept that many of us are familiar with. We often recommend that spa guests try a facial or a scrub, depending on the time of year, emphasising that the right one can be as effective for relaxation as a massage - sometimes more so.

It’s likely there will be an increase in the number of facials that are booked as a result of the ongoing rise in video call communications. As first time spa goers become more confident in their experiences, we may also see more people experimenting with different wellbeing experiences.

Therapists are extremely careful when it comes to protecting the wellbeing of spa guests. However, for anyone who wants to relax but is concerned about touch therapies post Covid, there are also the self-administered experiences such as mud rasuls. They are offered by lots of spas and are increasingly popular, especially for couples and friends on a spa break together.

What are spas doing to give spa goers the best experiences next year?

We have worked with spas to really develop the whole spa experience and to build packages that still feel extremely fulfilling, even when there are restrictions in place regarding social distancing and touch treatments.

The important thing on a spa break is for guests to feel safe, relaxed and looked after. So, it’s about packages that incorporate the treatment experience with meals, maybe activities like walks in the gardens or wellbeing talks, and (when the weather permits) and more creative experiences. Perhaps picnic hampers to enjoy in the grounds, and spa gifts to take home.

It’s about thinking of the wellbeing experience as a whole. Giving people the chance to make the most of their day or break and remind them of how powerful a spa experience can be.