Hotel Spa Trends 2023: Cold Therapy
Our Toronto-based Core Essence team took the icy plunge at Othership this summer, an Urban Sauna and Ice Bathhouse, to kick-off an afternoon business strategy session. Nearly 30-degrees celsius outside, we stood inside, side-by-side, two to a tub, fearful yet filled with anticipation for our cold immersion. Sensing some apprehension from the group, I shared a gentle reminder: “Two minutes in the ice might feel like forever, but it’s just 12 slow breaths. One breath at a time! Inhale for a slow count of four, exhale for eight.”
Each member of our team, a collection of cold enthusiasts and ice newbies, slid into the ice baths. Up to our chins, we synchronized our breath, and submerged ourselves for two full minutes. Emerging elated, and surging with endorphins, the rush of energy and vitality lasted all afternoon through our creative session on the vibrant sun-filled rooftop terrace of the Soho House Toronto.
The advantages of cold exposure to the body and mind are numerous. When it comes to enhancing the Spa and Wellness offerings of your guests, icy does it. In this feature, you’ll learn more about the many benefits of Cold Therapy, and discover some innovative ways that you can integrate Cold Therapy Amenities into your Hotel Spa and Wellness Programs. We share some important spa operational considerations and Cold Therapy design tips that we have learned from our work in the Hydrothermal Spa Industry. Lastly, we mention some of our favourite Cold Therapy Spas in Canada, and some global bucket-list destinations for Cold Therapy Retreats.
Frigidarium at Pompeii by Johannes Overbeck
What is Cold Therapy?
Cold Therapy is a therapeutic practice that involves exposing the body to cold temperatures for various health benefits. It’s a technique that has been used for centuries, with early evidence of its usage dating back to 3500 BC.
It has gained popularity in modern times due to its potential to promote healing, ease muscle soreness, and promote tissue recovery. Leading biomedical scientist Dr. Rhonda Patrick further notes that regular cold exposure can improve glucose and lipid metabolism, decrease inflammation, enhance immune function, and improve cognitive performance.
Additionally, as any cold exposure aficionado will confirm, the body responds to purposeful cold exposure by releasing endorphins, leading to improved mood and overall well-being. By alternating the body between hot and cold (also known as ‘contrast therapy’), blood vessels constrict and then dilate, which can increase oxygenation to the tissues and improve blood circulation.
The Science Behind Cold Therapy: The Wim Hof Method
Cold Therapy is commonly associated with The Wim Hof Method, named after its founder. The system of Cold Therapy combines controlled breathing techniques and ice-cold water immersion as a means of enhancing physical and mental well-being. While the sensation of immersing in ice-cold water may seem daunting, enthusiasts of The Wim Hof Method embrace this practice as a way to challenge their comfort zones and tap into the body’s innate capacity to adapt and thrive in extreme conditions.
In 2011, Radboud University conducted a scientific study about The Wim Hof Method, which brought credibility and aroused the curiosity of scientists and of people interested in testing the benefits of this practice. In 2023, Dr. Peter Attia published Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity which brought Cold Therapy science onto the NYT Bestseller list and firmly anchored these practices in mainstream consciousness.
Cold Therapy Amenties
Discerning travelers prefer to stay in places that provide holistic wellness, which is why Hotel and Resort owners and managers have begun to integrate Cold Therapy amenities into their Spas due to the multitude of health benefits that these techniques offer. Cold Therapy amenities have the potential to become a defining aspect of your Hotel’s brand identity and increase both reputation and revenue. Below are a few methods to integrate Cold Therapy experiences within your spa.
COLD WATER IMMERSION
Cold water plunge pools and ice baths are a popular way to integrate Cold Therapy into Spa Environments. In cooler northern climates, Resorts can consider providing guests with safe access to a lake or mountain-fed stream for Cold Therapy experiences in nature. Water temperature should be uncomfortably cold, ranging from 0°C to 10°C. Dr. Andrew Huberman recommends up to 11 minutes of deliberate cold exposure per week for optimal benefits.
CRYOTHERAPY CHAMBERS
Cryotherapy involves standing or sitting in a small chamber that is cooled with liquid nitrogen that ranges from -85°C to -140°C. With temperatures this chilly, exposure time is limited to around 3 minutes. This form of Cold Therapy is increasingly being integrated into High-End Wellness Centers. Growth in the Cryotherapy market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 7.8% from 2021 to 2026 and this touchless treatment can contribute significantly to a spa’s ROI. With a broad appeal for guests looking for innovative ways to enhance their recovery, this service is ideal in Resort Spas looking to serve golfers, skiers and fitness enthusiasts.
ICE ROOMS
Applying ice to specific areas of the body to reduce pain and inflammation is another method of Cold Therapy. Custom-built ice and snow rooms are a unique feature for hotel spas, especially novel in warmer climates, and can incorporate scent and chromotherapy.
KNEIPP WALKS
The meandering Kneipp River that Core Essence developed for Oceanstone Seaside Resort, features textural reflexology integrations that flows through the Hydrothermal Spa. This friendly and memorable experience is ideal for guests not quite willing to take the plunge.
Cold Therapy Design & Operational Considerations
Before considering integrating Cold Therapy into your Spa, it is essential to consult Health and Wellness design experts. Safety, efficiency and alignment with the highest Wellness Standards is critical at the earliest planning stages. Below are a few design and operational considerations.
COLD PLUNGE POOLS OR ICE BATHS
These tend to be smaller than warm water pools since guests will typically spend just 1-2 minutes in there. They need to be deep enough for guests to sit with water up to their chin. Close proximity to thermal amenities such as a sauna, steam room, and warm pools is key for creating a contrast therapy experience.
SHOWERS
Showers with adjustable temperatures are required for rinsing between contrast therapy experiences. They can become design highlights of a Hydrothermal Spa by incorporating water unique massage, chromotherapy and aromatherapy features.
REST + RELAXATION
Ample comfortable seating where guests can relax, allows the body’s temperature to naturally rise back to normal.
OUTDOOR SHELTER
Shelter from the elements is critical where Hydrothermal Spas are located in nature. Fire elements serve a dual purpose; to provide warmth and a focal point where guests will naturally gather and rest.
CRYOTHERAPY CHAMBERS
These can be located within a Spa Treatment Area or integrated in a Fitness or Movement Studio for a controlled full-body Cold Therapy session following a workout.
ONGOING TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES IS CRUCIAL
Your team must be equipped to educate guests about the benefits of Cold Therapy, what to expect during their session, contraindications to cold therapy and the risks associated.
Cold Therapy Enhances the Guest Experience
The Hospitality Industry is constantly evolving and searching for ways to provide better guest experiences. Staying in tune with new developments in science, design and wellness strategy is essential to offering memorable experiences to guests and improving the art of Social Wellness.
An innovative Hotel Spa must go beyond offering a conventional wellness experience. It must offer guests a transformative Wellness Experience. At Core Essence, we help clients achieve this by meticulously creating spaces that fuse design with natural calming elements, and artfully responds to the natural flow of the guest journey.
The goal is to position your Hotel as a visionary in the Wellness Hospitality Business, elevating guest experience by including innovative therapies. Remember, when a Spa is thoughtfully designed and implemented with skill and care, the result will yield considerable benefits, not only in terms of revenue and operational performance but also in guest experience.
The Hydrothermal Spa at Oceanstone Seaside Resort, Nova Scotia
Exceptional Cold Experience within Hotels & Resorts in Canada
THE HYDROTHERMAL SPA AT Oceanstone SEASIDE RESORT
Wellness from within, featuring an Atlantic Plunge Pool and Kneipp River Walk in Indian Harbour, Nova Scotia. Designed by Core Essence.
AIKA SpA
A natural sanctuary in the forest of Squamish, British Columbia to escape, slow down, and find your balance.
KurSpa at Sparkling HilL RESORT
Innovative cold amenities including an Igloo, Experience Showers, Cryotherapy Chamber and Kneipp Hydrotherapy in British Columbia.
Othership
Launch your love of the cold at this urban sauna and ice bath. We recommend trying the Arctic Tundra guided ice bath class.
Bloom Holistic Retreat
A spectacular new wellness retreat center on Loughborough Lake. The friendly hosts will break through the frozen lake to facilitate your ice bath immersion in nature. Wim Hof retreats happen seasonally here with Dan Coniglio.
Wellness Spa Experience at Deplar Farm, Iceland
Exceptional Cold Experience within Hotels & Resorts Globally
Deplar Farm
Otherworldly Lodge on the Condé Nast Best List 2023. After cooking in a viking sauna made from sod, plunge into the ice with views of the Northern Lights. Four Day Wellness Retreats integrating intensive element exposure is definitely one for the bucket list.
Remedy Place
Ice Bath Studio and Cryotherapy with noteworthy design in West Hollywood and New York.
Euphoria Retreat
Spectacular hydrothermal spa and wellness retreat in Greece including an Ice Fountain, Waterwell Kneipp Therapy, and Cold Plunge.
The Well at Chileno Bay
Award-winning spa integrating an ice bar, cold plunge and reflexology wading pool.
Consultation with Core Essence
Are you ready to introduce a new era of wellness-focused hospitality that resonates deeply with your guests? Reach out to us!
Written On December 8, 2023
