2022 WELLBEING TRENDS, AND HOW THE LUXURY HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IS RESPONDING
With self-care high on the nation’s agenda in the wake of Covid-19, the start of 2022 saw a flood of trend predictions for the world of wellness. Experts hypothesised on the correct way to scrub our skin, stand on our heads, and stimulate our senses for the year ahead. As an industry compounded of various beauty, spa and fitness fields, the ever-changing ‘wellness’ landscape can be a challenging one to grasp. Utilising our diverse roster of industry experts (and leaders in their field), Sauce Communications has taken a deep-de-mystifying-dive into how these predictions have manifested. From the rise of CBD in Yorkshire to spa rewilding in Sussex, read on for an insight into how consumers are prioritising their health this year and what we can expect to see next.
TREND: THE RISE OF CBD: Over the past year, previously underrated CBD has gained more prominence in the health and leisure industries due to its natural properties and healing benefits. The Coniston Hotel in Yorkshire has seen its many benefits continue to be discovered.
REALITY: After launching a range of bespoke OTO CBD massage treatments and utilising CBD in their food and drink through cocktail bitters, The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa have partnered with OTO to host ‘The Power of CBD’ retreat in the Yorkshire Dales. Held between 17th – 19th March 2022, each day of the two-night retreat will be themed on one of OTO’s three pillars – Focus, Amplify and Balance. Guests will understand the remarkable benefits of CBD, whilst immersing themselves in an enriching spa experience at Nàdarra Spa nested within The Coniston’s picturesque and private 1,400-acre Yorkshire Dales estate. Expect sunrise yoga, a gong bath, sound meditation and more.
WHAT NEXT: THE RISE OF BATHING: Baths have always been a fantastic way to relax and unwind, however now have added health benefits. At The Coniston’s Nàdarra Spa you can enjoy spectacular scenery and fresh Yorkshire air whilst soaking in either of the outdoor roll-top baths, either pure Scottish seaweed, which is naturally healing, moisturising and has anti-ageing benefits, or therapeutic tea, which is detoxifying, immune-enhancing and great for balancing your body and mind. Rates start from £549 per person (double occupancy) or £689 per person (single occupancy)
TREND: SPA REWILDING: With climate anxiety an unmoving obstacle for 2022, spa goers are looking to achieve physical and environmental regeneration in harmony. Fresh water pools and ponds are set to become an essential element for forward thinking, eco-conscious spa developers.
REALITY: Exclusive Collection’s South Lodge Hotel & Spa in Sussex is helping guests rewild their body and mind with their large natural filtered outdoor swimming pool which forms the centrepiece of the Spa. Botanica, the hotel’s Mediterranean inspired restaurant has also introduced a number of plant-based plates to encourage circular consumption including the Wasted Burger, made entirely from left over pulp from the morning juices.
WHAT NEXT: SOCIAL SPA’ING: The spa team at South Lodge have found a real focus on the social side of the spa experience with an increase in over 20% for the couple’s mud room treatment compared to 2019 and regular requests for groups of friends spa’ing together. They have seen a huge increase in requests for spa events for both membership and day guests with skincare workshops and social gatherings being very well attended. Rates at South Lodge start from £285 per night on a B&B basis
TREND: HAPPINESS THROUGH HOBBIES – Picking up new hobbies and creative hacks has been on the rise since lockdown and consumers continue to seek out events and masterclasses that improve our skill credentials.
REALITY: A scandi-inspired retreat on top of the Cornish clifftops, Bedruthan Hotel & Spa is a colourful, idyllic choice for nature loving travellers. In 2022 the hotel will offer a myriad of creative workshops for guests young and old, from outdoor survival camps for kids to surfing for grown-ups, candle making for couples and beginners’ embroidery. Each month of the year will see guests exposed to tricks and tips from local artisans, encouraging visitors to leave their holiday with new skills under their belt.
WHAT NEXT: EMOTIONAL FITNESS – Responding to the emphasis on mental contentment and the ‘It’s okay not to be okay’ movement of 2021, hotels will prioritise making space for meditation, therapy and group recovery. Bedruthan Hotel & Spa are set to host their first men’s mental health retreat in 2022 and already offer shared spa experiences for guests to meet new people and enjoy a herbal tea by the communal fire side. Rates at Bedruthan start from £165 on a B&B basis
TREND: PERSONALISED HOLISTIC TREATMENTS –The move away from generic advice and one-size-fits-all treatments. Consumers are seeking personalised experiences where they can learn more about themselves and determine practices that benefit their own holistic healing.
REALITY: Renowned for its eco spa and clifftop wooden sauna, Scarlet Hotel in Cornwall has built a reputation for sustainability. The fundamental wellness offering at the hotel however, is the use of Ayurvedic principles. Each guest receives a personal consultation to determine how best to achieve total natural balance for them individually. The ‘Solo Ayurvedic Journey’ invites guests to discover a guided combination of restorative treatments, including a long therapeutic massage accompanied by the sound of crashing Atlantic waves. Treatments take place in tented, lantern-lit rooms and include stillness afterwards in the deep relaxation room’s suspended cocoon pods.
WHAT NEXT: EMPHASIS ON COMMUNITY – A new era of humanity hospitality will see consumers giving back to the destination through charitable contributions. For personal wellbeing to flourish, the team at Scarlet believe we must take care of community and environmental wellbeing too. The hotel is a member of the Cornwall Sustainable Tourism project (CoasT) and offers guests the opportunity to support charities such as Surfers Against Sewage with a £5 donation per booking. Rates at The Scarlet start from £245 on a B&B basis
TREND: SPA SIMPLICITY – After two years of strict travel restrictions, controlled movement, long queues and confusing rulebooks, travellers are looking to experience minimalism for a sense of wellness. When it comes to going abroad to source wellbeing, the less complicated, the better.
REALITY: Embracing this trend, Discovery Hotel Management in Portugal, allow guests complete autonomy with no check out times, no deadline for breakfast and pools open night and day. Azores Hotel houses a natural pool with no chemical usage and works with 100% natural and organic products, whilst Èvora Farm Hotel offers 11-hectares of total tranquillity, with nature walks, food and wine tastings, breakfast on the hotel’s meadows at dawn, and learning more about farm life a handful of the wellness experiences on offer.
WHAT NEXT: LOCAL IMMERSION. The team at Spa Azor have seen continued guest interest in the connection between the Island of São Miguel and hotel spa practices. A strong appeal for guests is that all ingredientes at the hotel are produced locally, be that the essential oils of Laurus Azorica and Cryptomeria used at the spa or the Azorean milk, yoghurt and pineapple available at breakfast. Rates for 2 nights at Evora Farm Hotel, based on 2 adults sharing start from €108