Wired wellness, suspending gravity and death named in SpaFinder 2014 trends

International marketing spa group SpaFinder Wellness 365 has published its annual hot list of the top ten trends set to shape the global spa and wellness industry in 2014.

The forecast is put together by company research analysts led by Susie Ellis, SpaFinder president, and is based on ongoing surveys and evidence gathered from industry stakeholders, travel agents and consumers from around the world.

Mindful living was named as the interlinking theme for the trends of 2014, and is one of the biggest movements the wellness industry has ever seen, said Ellis.

The top ten trends identified for 2014 are:

1. Healthy hotels 2.0 – 2013 saw hotels starting the health kick and rebranding around wellness, but this year will see it be more than a passing phase due to the growing demand for healthy travel. Hotels will therefore be taking a more comprehensive approach.
2. Wired wellness – the growth of wearable tech devices allowing the social sharing of data has led to more businesses integrating them into their wellness programmes.
3. Suspending gravity - a rise in weightless, stress – and mind-melting flotation tanks, chambers and pools at spas, and on the fitness front, a global craze for aerial and anti-gravity classes and yoga. Look out for new technologies like anti-gravity massage beds and futuristic pods that simulate the experience of floating on a cloud.
4. Hot springs – more and more people are seeking affordable, social spa experiences. Governments and developers have taken note of this and are funding the development of hundreds of thermal springs across the globe.
5. Ferocious fitness – people seeking social and fun fitness groups will become more widespread, essentially so they can compete on a more serious but fun level to establish their own personal bests.
6. Natural beauty meets social media – the “selfie” trend has led to people having a more realistic idea of beauty, which is fuelling the trend for a more natural, but still results-driven treatments.
7. Aromatherapy, scent with intent – aromatherapy is set to play a greater role in the treatment process, with scent offering a more customised and transformative approach.
8. Wellness retreats rise and urbanise – as the popularity of wellness at destination spas shows no signs of abating, this has led to smaller wellness retreats popping up closer to home, making them far more reachable by car or train.
9. Death and spas – thriving during life’s transitions – a growing percentage of spas around the world are offering services specifically for people suffering from serious illnesses such as cancer, with many providing free services to support health-related causes.
10. Top 10 surprising spa and wellness destinations – with savvy spa-goers demanding more exotic destinations, expect to see new spa emerge in countries which have in the part been troubled with poor economy, histories and natural disasters.

To view the full 75-page report visit: http://www.spafinder.co.uk/trends2014.htm

Image credit: Penny Hill Spa