Prioritising the health of the human body and mind is no longer seen as an add-on in the hotel industry. The days of ‘wellness’ being represented by a distant spa in the hotel basement, with an in-room menu for treatments, and an aged gym only the most dedicated fitness-enthusiastic guest wants to use, are well and truly over.

Even before COVID, hotel guests, whether on business, pleasure, or ‘bleisure’ are looking for increased wellness and wellbeing experiences from their stays. This doesn’t mean just providing the latest fitness equipment and list of luxury treatments, although it can mean these things too, it means providing the environmental and spatial design and flavours, including sensory touches that align with our sense of comfort, calm and happiness.

Healthy atmospheres and communal spaces

From purification treatment systems for air and water to eradicate allergens and bacteria, to creating wellbeing enhancing community spaces, hotels are increasingly looking to design innovations to bring the wellbeing vision into reality for their guests.

For example, the hotel lobby particularly has undergone something of a revolution in its functionality. Guests no longer just want to remain in their rooms. There’s a compulsion to roam, fuelled by numerous lockdowns, which guests look to satisfy by hanging out in different areas of their hotel. Hotels providing lobby areas that mix the functionality of somewhere to check-in and wait for a friend or taxi, but also provide café areas, private lingering spaces and a calm oasis encourage a greater degree of comfort and flexibility.

We introduced soft, organic curves and dividing screens at the Hilton Glasgow which has transformed the lobby from a transitory, transactional space to one where guests can work, socialise, linger and relax.

Bringing the outside in

‘Biophilic design’ is the term used to describe how interior design and build methods can help occupants feel more connected to the natural world. Increasingly, with people enjoying the feeling of being outside and fresh air, hotel design can capitalise on this, and the feeling of wellbeing it promotes by creating natural light-filled spaces and airy dimensions. Adding planting to public spaces can also add some real benefits, something we introduced into the public spaces of Hilton Glasgow. Indoor planting also comes with some real health benefits, including producing extra oxygen, reducing stress and can even increase productivity.

We make the best of the natural daylight available. Intelligent capturing of natural light and sunshine and abundant greenery, with use of natural materials and colour schemes can all be used to create a more ‘natural’ outdoor feel wellbeing conscious guests can appreciate.

Comfortable outdoor spaces

At the Four Points, Edinburgh, we created a warm and inviting atmosphere by incorporating greenery and maintaining authenticity of the exposed brick structure. An extended al fresco terrace is designed for open-air socialising, yet protected and comfortable against the elements, with use of awnings, heating and aesthetic lighting so guests can enjoy being outside for longer into the evening.

Private, multifunctional guestrooms

Despite the relatively small amount of space afforded to hotel guestrooms, the possibilities of design to deliver increased health and wellbeing is substantial and should not be overlooked.

Quality sleep, as we know is crucial to our high-functioning lives and feeling of wellbeing. Lighting schemes can be thoughtfully deployed to promote our natural circadian rhythms.

Looking after all senses, including smell, sight, sound and touch brings other elements into play, such as aromatherapy room fragrances and products, calming and inspiring artworks, sound systems with meditational music and sounds and high-quality luxury linens and soft furnishings.

Personal guest room fitness studios

While some guests wish to be communal in their increased pursuit of fitness health, others do not, preferring the privacy of increasing fitness in their room. Think better use of vertical space with luggage racks that double as pull-up bars, or seating as weight benches. Cork flooring can be used for low-impact exercise, a yoga mat area provided, or pull-out bicycle.

Nowhere is this more exemplified than in the Five Feet to FitnessTM rooms at the Hilton Glasgow. Guests can enjoy fitness activities and working out in complete with over 11 different fitness equipment and accessory options and interactive screens, which support everything from core, yoga, HIIT, meditation and family fitness.

Providing individual exploration & enjoyment

Innovative hotel design can provide the variety of activities and wellbeing pursuits guests are looking for. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach in this increasing health-conscious age that, by-design, also promotes individuality and personal taste. For hotels, the challenge to provide the spectrum of activities, with the underlying principles of health and wellbeing embedded in guest spaces, can be met with innovative elegance and boldness of design.

If you’re planning an upcoming refresh and would like to discuss ideas in further detail, feel free to get in touch – we’re always happy to have a conversation.