Expert guide to thermals: Design for Leisure

Design for Leisure

A hydrothermal spa specialist working in partnership with owners, operators, architects and designers, Design for Leisure has been bringing European inspired best-in-class thermal suite concepts to life since 1991

What makes Design for Leisure a great partner for thermal installations?

As a design-led company that builds hydrothermal spaces, we keep abreast of new trends, products and technology to ensure we are always at the cutting edge of the industry. With 32 years of experience, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to our work – everything is customisable and unique to the culture and region we are designing for. We pride ourselves on our international experience and make it our business to design hydrothermal areas that respect the region you are serving.

How do you ensure the durability and sustainability of your installations?

We work with the best manufacturers in the world, enabling us to always select the right product for the job. Sustainability is key in an industry that relies upon energy, so we are also exploring solutions that incorporate solar, geothermal and heat recovery. For example, if we produce heat in making a room cold, we then use that for a warm room. Why heat saunas 100% from an electric or gas heater when we can use combinations of other heat sources?

What are the trends currently shaping thermal experiences in spas?

We’re seeing the adoption of a more European-style, social spa model across the globe. Urban communal bathing facilities are filling the gap between local day spas, where the focus is typically on aesthetic and massage treatments, and hospitality-based spas that have added hydrothermal experiences. Access is becoming easier to hot-cold contrast experiences. www.designforleisure.com

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Snow rooms – we continue to be excited about our snow room offering as a luxury alternative for hot/cold contrast therapy. The cold air of a snow room is a different experience to an ice bath or cold plunge pool – one that is often far more accessible for guests.

Relaxation loungers – an aspect of thermotherapy that often gets overlooked is relaxation and rest. We are ramping up our lounger offer in the US and are now providing the KLAFS SWAY Sleep Lounger – its pendulum is designed to sway or rock users into a reviving power nap.

Event saunas – we are proud to have installed a dedicated event sauna in the US at Resorts World AWANA Spa & Wellness. We’re seeing the popularity of social saunas (similar to the urban bathhouse trend) soar, along with interest in sauna aufguss.