Posts

Showing posts from March, 2014

Joy in the design vol.12

Image
Creativity shall be on display in all aspects of life as is in spa design. Location, related dynamics and concept should prepare a strong base for the creation process of a unique design. If you are to make a difference, you should think outside the box; you should be able to redound new dimensions. Spa lovers..Here is a striking design relying to Tschuggen Bergoase spa suites. The suites are schemed as leaves in the middle of nature full of  trees and snow and adorned with sky lights. I really enjoyed even when dreaming myself visiting there to have a spa break and promenade in nature’s pocket. I would probably shine out if I truly experience this beauty J How about you? ;)

Joy in the brand vol.11

Image
When checking over Okeanos Spa integrated within Renaissance Marina Hotel at Aruba Island, I am once more convinced that I amorously like oceanic spa brands & concepts; they are evoking dominant cheerful feelings like freshness, vitality & positive energy. Spa Lovers..I have previously emphasized on the importance of simplicity in creating brands; the wished image should be precise in terms of colour and shape display in order to inspire guests. Moreover, there should be a characteristic stance to impress them. As you see in the Okeanos example, there is only one bold circle within which the name is showed on a yellow greeny background adorned with interpenetrating circles seeming like bubbles. I found this energizing, active and fluid. And, I also loved the colour choice which seems excitative to me :) Do you agree or not? ;)

Joy in the menu vol.11

Image
  The menu is an important part of the spa concept which is a good marketing tool and selling room for both the brand and its treatment & services. Moreover, a well-designed & structured menu will surely affect the financial income of the spa since it will include clear, inspiring diplays & explanations; in that case, while existing guests are more willing to spend for extra treatments, potential guests are more willing to meet the spa treatments. In addition, the shewing of that kind of menu in relaxation areas will definitely maximize the demand. I am so sure that I know this from myself J For instance, when enjoying in the relaxation area after a soothing massage, I instinctively browse through the menu and if I am persuaded with the content and the design, I certainly go for additional services! J Spa lovers..I recommend that you visit http://jayce-o.blogspot.com/2013/06/30-examples-of-spa-brochure-designs.html  which is a rare platform presenting ...

Joy in the design vol.11

Image
Spa lovers..We have already indicated that a spa should hold a unique & creative concept to be able to give the “journey feeling” to guests. Accordingly, the location preference is an ultimately crucial point for the whole spa affairs including both prospective conceptual and financial aspects. In this example, we are observing a couple treatment room combined with the rainforest concept matchy-matchy with the location; It is woody, natural, fresh & clean. Furthermore, it has a pond view decorated with small rocks. A few display of products and white beds & equipments shewed with pink flowers evoke the sense of simplicity. Moreover, this is designed like a small hidden cottage where you can relax and refresh, which makes you feel special. Besides, I can say that there is also a little romance in the air J Overall, I liked this concept. What do you think? ;) #rainforestspa

Joy in the brand vol.10

Image
Elemis is a British spa and skincare brand consisting of natural elements combined with advanced technology. It has a wide range of sales channels; cruise ships, department stores, Elemis day spas, travel spas, salon & spas, online shop, shopping channel on TV. It is globally present, especially in 4 & 5 star resort spas; 60 Mandara areas and over 1000 independent spas. Elemis is an experienced brand in skincare & bodycare products and location based therapy options. Moreover, it has a specific product range for men, as well.  I think all these show the vision, the professionalism and the product effectuality of a spa brand. Spa lovers..The generally used logo of Elemis only consists of letters and a small horizontal “S” flow on “E” in navy. I think that it is a quite simple & precise choice. I liked the plainness, but the colour preference may be lighter & softer to emphasize the purity side. On the other hand, I have tried Elemis products in Sanda Spa in T...

Joy in the menu vol.10

Image
Balance is the state of sustaining the line of gravity of a body with the help of postural sway. To achieve this balance, foot significantly play an inevitable role. Do you know that the human foot consist of 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments and there are specific link points dedicated to each organ & general system of the body within the foot structure & anatomy? It is believed that when reflexology is applied to these specific zones, a physical & energetic change to the body is appeared. In point of fact, reflexology is an alternative therapy including pressing movements on foot with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques generally wtihout the use of oil / lotion. The interesting side is that there is no reunification among reflexologists on a systematic way & knowledge relying to the foot areas corresponding to body areas to provide an improved health state.  Spa lovers.. Here is a reflexology chart on which you ...

Joy in the design vol.10

Image
There are several types of steam rooms for which the design and the temperature are two variable factors. Dry heat treatment room, high humidity and salt steam baths are some of kinds. The temperature generally varies between 40 and 60 degrees, materials & equipments used and the technical installation process applied within the rooms are determined according to the humidity level. Spa lovers..I conceive that steam rooms should be schemed as one of the most refreshing areas of a spa in terms of colour, lighting, comfort aspects since the steam may already have a slight pressing effect on the guest. I think that soft lighted colours and calming sound are better choices for the purpose of creating a spacious room. Besides this, the use of various herbs, salt and menthol in order to accelerate circulation and purify the breathing passage makes the treatment room more rewarding and meaningful. Here is a steam room example from Ten Spa in Canada. I think that the combinatio...

Joy in the brand vol.9

Image
Purovel is a luxurious, modern, minimalist spa brand integrated within Swiss Hotels & Resorts. Its origin is based on the 4 seasons alpine air in the Swiss mountains. It prioritises natural and pure concepts such as water, wood, stone. Furthermore, it has its own organic oils produced in Switzerland rather than having private label products, which strengthens the branding fact. Spa lovers..As you notice, there is not a specific insigne, the brand only consists of a softly & globally & locally designed letters. Grey & white are the dominant colours which I think they totally reflect “purity”. Perhaps, a light & classy green tone would be another choice. All in all, I strongly suggest you to inhale an Alpine air in Purovel Spa especially with Swiss Mountain & Alpine Meadow signature massages! J

Joy in the menu vol.9

Image
Bamboo massage is one of the very helpful therapies for relaxing muscles, loosing stress & tension, slackening aches & pains, enhancing texture of the body. This therapy is realized with the help of organic bamboo canes of various lengths and diameters, which are warmed or used at room temperature. The longer sticks are for gliding strokes, where smaller ones are for detailed body work. The therapist rolls the bamboo cane over the muscle with the same strokes with his/her hands. Furthermore, some therapists combine this therapy with massage types like Shiatsu, traditional Chinese, Thai and Indian Ayurvedic techniques for maximising results.  Spa lovers..There is a bamboo therapy named “Bamboo Miracle” in Sanda Spa which consists of ryhtmic bamboo moves resulting in recovery of negative energies, skin softening and body relaxation. And it is also believed that bamboo brings luck along with a relief. Worth to try! ;) #bamboo#therapy#sandaspa#spa#massage

Joy in the design vol.9

Image
The functionality of treatment rooms are critically important in terms of providing practical, profitable and satisfying services to guests. There are several elements to consider: *preferences between wet & dry / single & double / facial & body rooms and their number & space (treatments/therapies identified in spa menu-one of crucial determining factors) *massage bed types & size * therapist stool *storage for equipment & products *hand basin with hot & cold water *shower / bath usage in every room *air conditioning *lighting *music *soothing design & atmosphere Spa lovers..As you notice, details are playing significant roles in sheerly reflecting the conceptual & operational entirety. Here is an example of a double & dry treatment room with ocean view. I liked the simplicity full of peacefulness, mysticism with candles, therapic & transformational ambiance with ocean blue. Besides, there is a strong feeling of “being special”. Would you...

Joy in the brand vol.8

Image
Sothys is a French originated brand name which subsists in France and 120 countries around the world. Its global presence is relying to over 15,000 partner beauty institutes and spas and 13 subsidiaries in Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the U.S. Sothys describes itself as a “world of of extremely refined emotions and sensuality” and as a legendary name representing “excellence” and “prestige”.  The history of Sothys is as follows  (extracted from  http://www.sothys.fr/)  : “Sothys was the name that the ancient Egyptians gave to the brightest star in the sky; she was perceived by the inhabitants of the land of Pharaohs as the jewel amongst jewels. Men were fascinated by her brightness and her beauty. During a heavenly night, Saturn met the young star Sothys; even Venus never seemed so beautiful. Their meeting was astonishing and Saturn was overwhelmed with passion ...

Joy in the menu vol.8

Image
The Ayurvedic Massage is originated from India, which is one of 5000 years old traditional medicine techniques such as yoga, meditation and natural plants. It is based on the ultimately strong link between body and mind considering them as “one”. And it emphasizes on the connection of “prana” (“breath of life”) with body since it is believed it is like an energy flow keeping it alive. When this flow becomes unbalanced by stress and other negative factors, the body faces with problems. In this case, these problems may be relieved with the help of pressing movements on certain body parts aiming to rebuild the energy flow; the prana. The prominent effects of this ayurvedic massage is relaxing, eliminating toxins and stress at the same time. Spa and Yoga lovers, I have news for you: It is a rare case that Yoga is combined with an Indian Massage Therapy. Here is an amazing example to this; Shangri-La Bosphorus Hotel offers “Indian Yoga Rebalancing Massage” at CHI Spa which is based o...

Joy in the design vol.8

Image
The hydrothermal area, this is one of the most enjoyable areas of a spa which is composed of common wet areas such as sauna, steam, jacuzzi, hot & cold plunge and herbal baths. Behind the creation of this area, there are some critical points to consider: *Complex design and construction process (water resistant materials) “Hygiene issues (flow balance, purification, bacteria measure etc.) *Safety procedures (temperature level, flooring type etc.) *Essential need for water dispenser to balance hydration degree. Besides its amusing side, the hydrothermal area is a very important marketing instrument in terms of providing favourable rumors spreading over, piquant photo resources and value-added selling point. Spa lovers..Here are two nice examples: The Chedi Andermatt in Switzerland (at the top) and Banyan Tree in Mayakoba (at the bottom). Their design and concepts are totally diverse. The first one is lighted, naturist, outward relaxing. The second one is bluishly dim, abstract...