IN LESS THAN THREE DECADES , the spa industry has grown from 50 spas to more than 22,000 across the U . S . While the traditional spa categories defined by ISPA stand the test of time , a new category is taking the spa industry by storm — the residential spa . From hybrids with a hotel component or local membership to exclusive private spas operated as loss leaders , luxury residences are upping the ante for wellness amenities — catering to a new type of spa-goer focused on individualized programming and a healthy lifestyle .
“ Owners and developers are asking us to push the envelope in terms of wellness experiences ,” says Jeremy McCarthy , group director of spa & wellness at Mandarin Oriental . “ Over the past decade , our owners understand this important part of a residential development because it is about the lifestyle . Exclusive access to unique experiences drives the sales of these residential developments .”
Defining the Residential Spa Residential spas are spa facilities located in the building where one lives . Located primarily in big city luxury high-rises , they run the gamut from a treatment room or two , to full-service spas . The majority are exclusive for resident use and managed by the homeowner ’ s association , HOA ( loss leader ), whereas a few are open to hotel guests and the local community ( profit center ). Residential spas that cater exclusively to residents traditionally pay a management company to operate the spa — a cost covered by the HOA fees . “ Some of our luxury places in Miami have 12 residents in the dead of summer , but there still must be a director there ,” says Catherine Warren , vice president of strategic partnerships for Arch Amenities , which manages 70 spas and 260 other wellness , recreation and amenities spaces .
Mandarin Oriental is an example of a mixed-use
“ Residents of luxury buildings want tools for healthy living at their fingertips . They ... want to live in a place where they don ’ t have to leave home to maintain a healthy lifestyle .”
Luxury residences are upping the ante for wellness amenities — catering to a new type of spa-goer focused on individualized programming and a healthy lifestyle .
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022 n PULSE 23