Mindfulness Spa Treatments for Ultimate Rejuvenation

From wildlife therapy to meditative techniques in massage sessions, these mind spa offerings are increasingly being tied to body treatments for ultimate rejuvenation.

4 February 2023

If you’ve been feeling more stress than usual, you’re not alone. According to the World Health Organization, anxiety and depression spiked by 25 percent in the first year of the pandemic. Consequently, as the crisis has lingered, so too have mental health effects. More than ever, spas around the globe are responding by catering to clients’ mental health needs alongside physical comfort. While pampering the body has long been the essence of a spa day, focusing on mindfulness is increasingly the primary wellness concern.

The Modern Spa Experience

According to Nicole Altavilla, head of content at American Spa, “Visiting a spa today enhances one’s overall wellbeing by helping spa-goers become fully aware of their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual states, and present to what they are experiencing in the current moment.” Thus, spas are concentrating on helping clients tune into themselves by engaging all five senses, offering innovative treatments and leveraging wellness technologies beyond the physical body.

Examples of Innovative Treatments

What does that actually look like? Massages that incorporate meditative practices are one example of the growing trend toward inner harmony. At AKA Brickell in Miami, the Leaf Spa recently introduced the mindful meditative massage, which begins with guided meditation using a sound bowl to audibly send waves of vibrations throughout the body, aiming to harmonize and restore the mind-body balance.

Connecting with Nature

Furthermore, many spas are offering mindfulness treatments that emphasize connection with natural surroundings. Marizza Contreras, co-founder of K’Alma Spas in Miami, explains: “Natural elements have an abundance of healing properties. Those who are more in-sync with nature tend to have calmer nervous systems, positive attitudes, and overall better wellbeing.” The Pharomatiq Spa at Maslina Resort, on the island of Hvar, Croatia, puts nature at the heart of their experiences. Wellness director Jurana Topic says that the area’s native pines, medicinal herbs, and olive trees provide ingredients that allow guests to connect deeply with the environment.

Animal Wellness Therapy

In the Lake District, Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa is leading the charge with animal wellness therapy. Their rest, restore, rewild experience starts with guided forest bathing and ends with mindfulness sessions involving animals, which have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety.

Food for Mindfulness

Extended retreats also feature mindfulness treatments through food. Nestled in the hills surrounding Bologna, Palazzo di Varignana recently launched programs aimed at cultivating inner harmony, stimulating the immune response, and alleviating sleep disorders. Led by Dr. Annamaria Acquaviva, the In-forma Retreat emphasizes conscious eating, allowing individuals to appreciate the aromas, flavors, and textures of their meals.

Technological Enhancements

Moreover, cutting-edge spas are leveraging technologies to enhance mindfulness. For instance, Chenot Palace Weggis in Switzerland offers guests research-backed technologies designed to strengthen the parasympathetic nervous system, which is vital for recovery and relaxation.

The Role of Aromatherapy

Finally, even simple practices like aromatherapy can help spa-goers on their journey towards greater mindfulness. “Spas are employing essential oils during treatments that help focus the mind,” notes Altavilla, “and many of today’s spas encourage guests to extend their visit post-treatment to utilize the relaxation area and amenities, for a deeper sense of calm.”

A Personal Reflection

With a mission to gain some mindfulness during a recent rainy night in Paris, I visited Mandarin Oriental’s spa, a serene haven in the bustling city. My experience, replete with calming tea and signature treatments, was centered on facilitating a sense of peace and gratitude, enabling me to fully engage with my feelings and emerge lighter from my visit.