Embracing Hollywood glamour and late 15th century renegade origins, November’s instalment of ‘Salon design of the month‘ takes a slightly different format.
This month we are uncovering the innovative design inspiration behind a London spa that prides itself on providing wellness treatments for cancer patients as well as expert collaborations and personalised therapies. We caught up with the team behind the agua Bathhouse and Spa situated within the Mondrian Hotel to find out more.
What inspired you to create a space with an interior as distinctive as agua Bathhouse & Spa?
The space is designed by Tom Dixon, who was inspired by the heritage of the Sea Containers building that Mondrian occupies.
Curving walls, luminous pathways and dappled water projections transform the space into a maritime, underwater adventure that guests don’t want to leave.
Dixon was also inspired by Roman spa culture, evident throughout with the striking bronze tear drop in the centre of the spa lounge, designed to reflect Roman water vessels.
How does agua Bathhouse & Spa keep up to date with new beauty treatment trends?
We keep on top of emerging trends by listening to what our customers want, and also by reading about what is going on elsewhere in the world and new product developments within the industry.
For example, we created our new SPA Social concept following in-depth millennial studies that we conducted pre-opening and the huge amount of interest we received from our guests in wanting social wellness experiences that they can share with their partner, friends or family.
What do you think are the attributes that make a successful spa?
Understanding who our customers are, along with having a clear vision of what we need to do, how and why it will benefit our guests, as well as offering consistently authentic and personalised guest experiences with results. We also think that creating awareness and educating our customers on the products and treatments that they are experiencing is essential and ensures they will truly benefit.
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How has the business evolved?
A significant trend we have noticed is that we have a large and growing proportion of our guests come in with chronic health conditions due to our focus on personalised therapy, high qualified therapists and advanced training programs with the Jing Massage Institute.
We have also seen a rise in the number of male customers, and we offer a variety of treatments tailored for men too.
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How do you see the business of beauty evolving over the next decade or so?
The wellness and beauty industries are now bigger than ever with people taking a much greater interest in their own wellbeing. This is reflected, for example, in the recent development of treatments and products to target the heightened level of pollution we are now exposed to on an everyday basis.
The younger generation is much more focused on living a healthy and active lifestyle and we see this continuing to evolve in the next decade or so. We also see a continued shift towards products that use natural ingredients, as more research is done into their benefits.
What can we expect from agua Bathhouse & Spa in 2017 and beyond?
We have just launched our new SPA social concept, an evening of health-minded socialising designed for London’s cosmopolitan fitness lovers. We’re very excited about this and have had an incredibly positive response, and we will be continuing this into 2017.
What has been the driving force behind the success of agua Bathhouse & Spa?
Since its inception, agua Bathhouse & Spa has continued to develop new treatments based on current needs and gaps in the market. Our teamwork and close connection with all the brands we work with ensures that agua continues to be a success.
How do you stay innovative and competitive within the London spa scene?
We stay competitive within the London spa scene by offering innovative treatments that are unique to us.
One such treatment that we are very proud of, and developed alongside Eve Lom MBE, is the Bust Blossom, a bespoke chest massage specifically designed for cancer patients.
A recent study by the Spa Business School showed that 97% of spas and salons would refuse to treat someone with cancer, and we want to help shift this taboo by offering therapeutic treatments that provide multiple benefits, physically, emotionally and spiritually and certifying our full team in the Wellness for Cancer programme.
What makes a great spa experience for a customer?
Friendly, attentive staff who are knowledgeable about the treatments and products on offer.
For more on the agua Bathouse and Spa HEAD OVER TO THEIR WEBSITE
If you are looking at restyling your salon, make sure you check out our extensive range of LOTUS FURNITURE
Time for more Salon Design Of The Month? Discover: Barber Barber| Not Another Salon | & The Chapel