Expert guide to thermals: Barr+Wray

Barr+Wray

Founded in 1959 and with offices in the UK and Dubai, Barr+Wray is a world-leading provider of cutting edge spa design, engineering and equipment

What makes Barr+Wray a great partner for thermal experiences?

We have over 60 years’ experience and are a global company with offices in the UK and Dubai. We work with five-star hotel brands to create some of the best spas in the world.

Having our own team of designers and engineers allows us to offer unique and bespoke thermal experiences, pools and more to suit each project. This means our clients (owners, architects and designers) can be as creative as they want to be.

Our well-trained and experienced project teams will help guide you and your team throughout the design stages and through to procurement.

Our services range from feasibility study to interior and engineering design, and supply and install, and we offer an aftersales and maintenance service.

What are the main considerations for spas installing thermal equipment?

There is a lot to consider, which is why it is best to use a company that can help you navigate everything from the installation of plant facilities to the selection of suitable finishes.

Creating an immersive thermal journey is important. Making sure the guests enjoy a mixture of hot and cold therapies throughout their thermal experience to deliver maximum benefits.

From an operating view, facilities that are designed with quality and ease of maintenance in mind will be key.

We treat each and every project individually, allowing us to create unique installations that are specifically suited to their site.

Our years of knowledge and workmanship – renowed globally by operators and developers for our cutting-edge design and quality – means we can create thermal areas that are also built to last.

How does your business help spas to plan their thermal areas?

We offer a five-star Spa Consultancy service including Interior design and engineering design for pools and spas. We work closely with the client’s team (architects, M&E etc), to ensure clear and precise coordination of the design and that a quality package is in place to allow for a competitive tender of the water treatment filtration, pools and thermal cabins.

What are some recent innovations that may be of interest to spa clients?

The combined Finnish and infrared sauna is a fabulous new addition to our bespoke cabins. This is a two-in-one sauna where the user not only benefits from a room temperature of up to 90C, but they can also enjoy infrared technology helping muscular pains and the treatment of bone pathologies.

Operating costs are at a premium for spas, how can Barr+Wray help?

We are continuously looking at materials and plant that assist in energy efficiency and offer quality and value for money. We are happy to provide cost-saving solutions as part of our design consultancy. Having experience showers, ice fountains and other elements that can work on timers and sensors is great for keeping running costs down. Pool covers are another great cost-saving item that can be added to most existing sites.

What are the trends currently shaping the delivery of thermal experiences in spas?

We have recently seen high demand for infrared cabins and can now combine this with traditional sauna stoves as described above.

Hammams are also now becoming an important offering in spas all over Europe – allowing groups to gather together for treatments. Our recent installation at Fairmont Windsor Park has been a huge success.

Finally, we are designing more salt inhalation rooms in our clients’ wet areas, as people start to understand more about the many health benefits associated with this treatment.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

In Salt rooms – we can create feature salt panels and salt rooms that include chromotherapy lighting to assist with relaxation and inhalation salt systems, allowing guests to breath in tiny salt particles that can improve breathing.

In Hammams – these can become the heart of a spa or offer a VIP treatment room for guests. They create a sociable space for guests to gather in groups. If a spa does not have room for a pool, we would recommend a hammam as a great way of delivering a special spa experience.

In Stylish steam rooms – we consider the guest experience and in doing so always look to add focal points and features within our installations, especially when we have rooms that do not have the luxury of glass fronts or views outside.

www.barrandwray.com