Spa booking habits are evolving, with new data revealing a rise in online reservations, flexible payment preferences and higher spend later in the week – here’s what your business needs to know.
Spas across the UK are experiencing a digital transformation, with new data from booking platform Trybe highlighting a shift in consumer behaviour towards convenience, flexibility and seamless payment experiences.
According to Trybe’s 2024 trends report, the rise in online spa bookings is fuelling increased footfall and customer spend, as tech-savvy consumers opt for easier ways to plan and pay for their treatments.
Online spa bookings on the rise in 2024
The platform revealed that Mondays are now the most popular day to book a spa, closely followed by Fridays.
However, the highest average spend per booking occurs on Thursdays, with Saturday bookings also seeing significant expenditure.
In contrast, Monday bookings saw the lowest average spend – indicating that while customers like to plan early in the week, they tend to splurge closer to the weekend.
Importantly, Trybe reports that 57% of spa bookings are now made outside of traditional guest service hours, underlining the growing importance of offering 24/7 online booking options.
One spa using Trybe's booking technology saw both bookings and revenue double after switching to an online engine – demonstrating the impact digital convenience can have on business growth.
Payment flexibility boosts customer satisfaction
Today’s spa clients don’t just want to book online – they want to pay their way too.
The new data shows that 40% of customers prefer to pay upfront when booking, with the figure rising to 53% among millennials, who favour control and efficiency.
This preference for payment flexibility is becoming a key factor in overall guest satisfaction, offering an opportunity for spas to enhance their service and streamline operations with modern tech solutions.
Despite economic pressures, wellness spend continues to rise
Even against a backdrop of financial uncertainty, consumer investment in wellness remains strong.
The continued growth in bookings and client spend reflects a deeper shift: people are prioritising self-care, relaxation and long-term wellbeing.
The data from 2024 reinforces what many in the industry already feel – clients are no longer seeing spa treatments as luxury extras, but as essential for health and happiness.
What this means for spa businesses
For spa owners and managers, these evolving habits present a clear opportunity. By embracing online booking tools, offering flexible payment options and tailoring promotions to reflect midweek and weekend spending patterns, spas can meet the needs of today’s digitally driven clients.
For a broader look at what’s shaping the industry, explore our in-depth guide to the top spa and wellness trends for 2025.
