Spa Creators to launch Gymshell concept following first Spashell

A bolt-on gym concept that aims to allow independent hotels, spas, and golf and country clubs to offer fitness with minimal investment is due to launch this year.

Following the launch of its Spashell, a concept that uses pod-building technology to create free-standing spas, consultant Spa Creators has created Gymshell – a gym that can operate as a standalone or connect to an existing building with docking pods.

Available in two sizes, the smaller able to support 200 members and the larger between 350–400, the concept includes a main central pod with changing areas, as well as a gym, spin studio, aerobics studio, and either a yoga or functional training studio. The planning application process, design, development and delivery (including the launch) are all managed by the Spa Creators team as part of the turnkey supply.

“About three years ago I recognised that there’s a need to put gyms into small, boutique hotels but many have nowhere to put it or can’t afford it,” said Alistair Johnson, managing director of Spa Creators. “We’re in discussions with a number of interested operators, hoping to announce the first site early this year." Gymshell can also connect to Spashell buildings – “the idea being that the Spashell family will feed off each other,” added Johnson.

As more hotel spas move towards creating packages that combine nutrition and fitness – the Global Wellness Institute reported that the fitness sector of the wellness industry was one of the fastest growing in 2016 at 21.4% – the industry is making more of an effort to give clients a more rounded wellness offering. Integrating fitness into spa services will also be a key topic at the World Spa & Wellness Convention 2017, which runs alongside the Professional Beauty London show on February 26–27.