Raison d'Etre shares wellness predictions for 2019
– Anna-Cari Gund, MD of Raison d'Etre
Spa consultancy and wellness think tank Raison d'Etre (RDE) has identified five key wellness trends for spas, hotels and lifestyle operators to look out for in 2019.
According to RDE, 2019 will see a return to more basic ideas of nature and crafting, with consumers taking a more dynamic approach to their own happiness, and opting for real-life experiences and connections.
This need for 'In Real Life' (IRL) connection is expected to have a significant impact on spa design, with more space being dedicated to communal areas. Additionally, RDE anticipates that this will spark the discussion on the democratisation of wellness and wellbeing, making it available to everyone, not just those who can afford it.
An increase in environmental awareness has driven a trend for 'Back to Basics' travel, indicating that more people are looking to experience life on a personal, rather than global scale. This poses a challenge for the industry to provide authentic experiences and create environments that encourage relationships with the self, others and nature.
2019 will see a step away from the mindfulness movement to be replaced by kindness. For the industry, this means placing an emphasis on staff care, as well as making a conscious effort to show kindness to others, ourselves and the environment.
Additionally a resurgence in arts and handicrafts will see spas offering more creative workshops, such as Knit & Spa groups, or sessions where guests can learn about and create their own products.
Finally, the awareness surrounding mental health is only set to get more prevalent this year and will foster a shift towards emotional and mental wellbeing, as well as physical. The spa and wellness industry can cater to these changes by teaching clients about both their physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as offering spaces where these issues can be addressed.
Anna-Cari Gund, MD of Raison d'Etre, said: "Our team is spread across the globe, so we have a finger on the pulse of consumer behaviour in different countries. This allows us to see patterns and interact and compare different emerging trends."
Raison d'Etre wellness trends Spa consultancy wellness think tank spasRaison d'Etre reveal the formula for 'perfect' spas
Raison d'Etre launches break-up breaks to care for guests going through major life changes
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
BodyHoliday plans 10-15 locations in the next 15 years
Floating wellbeing destination planned for London’s Royal Docks
Aman Group to open second Janu in Dubai with inaugural Janu Club
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres




















