Travel & Hospitality Awards - Spa & Wellness 2023

The exquisite ambience of a luxury spa might feel like it’s some sort of magic, but there are a few
real-life secrets to how the best spas create the feeling of true decadence.
OPULENT
SURROUNDINGS
Décor
Peace, relaxation, and tranquillity are three of the qualities
associated with a luxurious spa, so it makes sense that
the fittings and furnishings reflect that. You’ll often find
natural materials that radiate calm, like stone or wood,
while their neutral colour tones help you to relax and
unwind.
Lighting
Softly lit rooms help to create a gentle, soothing
ambience that adds to the calming powers of a luxuryspa
experience. You won’t find overhead, fluorescent strip
lights, but muted, warm tones from diffused light sources
like lamps.
Music
Taking you far away from your ordinary, day-to-day
life, some music can soothe aches and pains while
other music stimulates the mind and improves the spa
experience. You might choose your own tunes to use to
wander off into bliss, or even listen to the calming sounds
of the rainforest or ocean waves.
Smells
Your sense of smell can transport you to another country,
or even into your past. With aromatherapy offering a
complementary health approach, a spa might use an
invigorating scent like forest eucalyptus or the calming
scent of jasmine and lavender.
Space
One of the best things about a luxurious spa is the
feeling of calmness and serenity. Clean lines, uncluttered
surfaces, and open, vertical spaces can make even a small
spa feel miles high. The clever use of reflective surfaces
and strategically positioned mirrors helps to leave room
for meditation and thought.
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