Designing spas and wellness centers in three steps

Over the years, SPAConsulting has gained extensive technical and design expertise in the creation of wellness areas, bringing together the art of relaxation and well-being in a tangible form.

Before designing a wellness center or spa, we carry out in-depth studies and analyze the situation to fully understand what the client wants. This way, we can guide you on an exciting journey through three key steps to create your very own wellness paradise.

We are ready to assist you throughout the entire process, from spatial conception to the grand opening, ensuring that your facility (whether private or open to the public) becomes a captivating destination for anyone seeking a break from daily stress.

How to design a spa: the requirements

The first crucial step in designing a spa involves listening to the client’s needs through careful, detailed analysis, asking the right questions, and understanding the vision so that wishes can be turned into reality. Before starting the design process, it is important to define your vision: what you want to offer, the atmosphere you wish to create, such as whether you prefer a refined, elegant style or a more natural, enveloping ambience; identify the target clientele you want to attract; and decide on the type of experience you want to provide.

For us, designing a spa is a continuous challenge, where the main goal is to create unique, customized environments by combining elements like saunas, steam baths, hot tubs, relaxation zones, fragrances, music, and much more.

Atmosphere plays a fundamental role in creating an immersive experience. Calming colors, soft lighting, and natural elements come together to create an environment that envelops guests and transports them into a world of peace and tranquility, delivering an unforgettable experience of luxury and total well-being.

Defining the spaces: organization

The second major step in designing spas and wellness centers is defining the spaces and pathways to ensure a comfortable environment, focusing more on relaxation than mere aesthetics. The organization of spaces and the internal layout of elements will be crucial, as they shape the overall structure and highlight the importance of identifying the target audience in order to create a delightful yet functional design.

It is essential to determine whether the spa will be inside a private home, a standalone private facility, or attached to a hotel. In the case of a hotel, one must also figure out whether it will be for the exclusive use of hotel guests or open to the public. These factors significantly influence the layout and distribution of spaces, such as the entrance area, which is the first point of contact with customers.

Apart from the entrance, it is also important to clarify the location of the wellness area and whether it will have direct or indirect access. In the first scenario, the entrance is directly connected to the wellness area, where one might also find the changing rooms; in the second scenario, the entrance and wellness area are separated by a transitional zone, such as the changing rooms themselves.

The wellness area should be designed to guarantee the guest’s mental and physical well-being, drawing on the centuries-old knowledge of the Romans in spa design: specifically, the importance of correctly arranging the zones to facilitate a transition from warmer to cooler areas, which helps tone the body and promotes a sense of well-being. Additionally, using premium materials and sophisticated lighting and paying close attention to detail is essential for transforming the space into an area of pure relaxation and beauty.

Spa and wellness center design typically follows a linear path that divides the facility into three main sections, giving users a clear direction: entry into the facility / changing clothes in the locker room / enjoying the wellness area.

Every element is intended to stimulate the senses and encourage both mental and physical rejuvenation.

Consultation with the designer

At SpaConsulting, we are known and appreciated for our professionalism and expertise. We oversee the design of spas and wellness centers from start to finish, making sure the project adheres to specifications. We are specialized experts in crafting the layout of treatment cabins, staying closely up to date with current market trends and proposing innovative (original/unique) solutions. Besides defining the spaces, we also provide the designer with more detailed technical information regarding the systems—aiming primarily at greater comfort rather than mere aesthetics—by implementing new technologies.

Designing a spa requires very thorough technical consulting to ensure all relevant aspects are considered, as well as highly specialized skills. Our many years of experience guarantee maximum efficiency and professionalism, and we create projects that are deliberately “not turnkey.”

Below are the key elements of our spa design consultation:

Defining the objectives: the type of spa, the services to be offered, and the atmosphere you want to create.
Developing a detailed plan: detailing the architectural aspects, spatial layout, organizational flows, choice of materials, technical systems, and safety considerations.
Providing a visual concept through design proposals and renderings, enabling assessment and possible modifications.

Another fundamental value in each project lies in careful consideration of energy consumption.

In conclusion

To design a spa or to make a wellness center truly excellent, the designer must always keep three fundamental points in mind:

The correct definition of functional and spatial schemes.
Ensuring the perfect indoor climate (technological systems).
Surprising clients and providing an emotional experience (aesthetics and design).