Sparcstudio revamp reconnects an Aqua Sana spa to its forest location
by Megan Whitby | 27 Jan 2020
We’ve reconnected the spa with the forest and outdoor areas, while at the same time creating an intuitive and relaxing spa journey for guests,
– Neil Fairplay
The Aqua Sana spa at Center Parcs Longleat Forest, UK has relaunched following a £6m ($8m, €7m) refurbishment by Sparcstudio.
The new 2,222sq m (24,000sq ft) "Forest Spa" has been reimagined with the creation of 24 spa experiences which draw inspiration from different aspects of nature and the surrounding forest landscape.
Sparcstudio co-director Neil Fairplay told Spa Business: "The special feel of Longleat spa’s distinctive forest location was something we were keen to amplify. We’ve reconnected the spa with the forest and outdoor areas, while at the same time creating an intuitive and relaxing spa journey for guests, which is planted firmly in the natural flora and fauna."
Following the restyle, the spa’s footprint has increased by 40 per cent and is spread across five themed zones – Nordic Forest, Hot Springs, Volcanic Forest, Forest Immersion and Treetop Nesting – all of which are designed to take guests on a journey through different aspects of nature using multi-sensory experiences.
Aqua Sana worked with Anapos to create the new experiences, such as the Moonlight Steamroom, an experience which recreates the feeling of being in a dark tropical forest while guests relax in citrus-scented steam.
Another addition is the Forest Cavern, a tepidarium with heated marble loungers designed to mimic a cave in a tropical forest. Infused with scents of pomegranate and myrrh, the experience room is fitted with a mini waterfall and a skylight to allow natural light to illuminate the room.
The spa has 24 treatment rooms, six individually themed relaxation rooms, two saunas, five steam rooms and five experience showers.
At its heart, the original spa pool has been retained, connecting guests from inside the spa to the outdoors. Guests can also experience other all-weather thermal experiences such as outdoor whirlpools.
Additional facilities include an ice cave, a foot bath experience and the refurbished Vitalé Café Bar.
Aqua Sana Sparcstudio Neil Fairplay Anapos Elemis Decléor Natural Spa Factory Kay Pennington
With design by Sparcstudio, the 2,222sq m spa has been reimagined with the creation of 24 spa experiences
Guests can visit a Volcanic Forest themed spa area
New to the spa is the Moonlight Steamroom
Following the restyle, the spa’s footprint has increased by 40 per cent
The spa has retained its original pool, which sits at the heart of the destination
The spa includes six relaxation rooms
The Vitalé Café Bar received an additional £340,000 investment and refurbishment
Aqua Sana group spa manager Kay Pennington is behind the spa's two-hour exclusive treatment
30 Jul 2019
Sparcstudio, Holder Mathias Architects and Sisk Group create Ireland's first forest spa at Center Parcs Longford Forest
05 Feb 2019
Center Parcs Longleat Forest to invest £4.7m in Aqua Sana Spa redesign
The Aqua Sana spa at Center Parcs Longleat Forest, UK has relaunched following a £6m ($8m, €7m) refurbishment by Sparcstudio. The new 2,222sq m (24,000sq ft) "Forest Spa" has been reimagined with the creation of 24 spa experiences which draw inspiration from different aspects of nature and the surrounding forest landscape. Sparcstudio co-director Neil Fairplay told Spa Business : "The special feel of Longleat spa’s distinctive forest location was something
CLD,SAB,CPW,CAS,PHR
More news
Celebrating Terence Conran
by Magali Robathan | 18 Sep 2020
Following the death of Design Museum and Habitat-founder, Terence Conran, aged 88, we celebrate his wide ranging influence on the museum, hospitality and leisure industries. In a tribute, his family said: “Terence Conran was a visionary who enjoyed an extraordinary life and career that revolutionised the way we live in Britain. "A proud patriot, he promoted the best of British design, culture and the arts around the world and at
Nikken Sekki and Layan Architects + Designers design mountainside resort in Japan for Ritz-Carlton
by Megan Whitby | 11 Sep 2020
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has opened a new luxury resort and spa in Japan, expanding its luxury Asia Pacific portfolio into the historic mountain region of Nikko. Nikken Sekki led the architecture for the overall project, while rooms and public spaces were designed by Layan Architects + Designers. The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, showcases a new spa designed to be an urban sanctuary of wellness inspired by the abundance of natural revitalising
Promotion
‘Best Leisure Architecture UK’ award winner, 2019
GT3 Architects: Placing people at the heart of our projects
View full article
Croatian architect Tomislav Alujevic creates contemporary eco resort in Hvar
by Megan Whitby | 10 Sep 2020
Maslina Resort has opened on the Croatian island of Hvar, inspired by local healing traditions and nature. Croatian architect Tomislav Alujevic, interior designer Léonie Alma Mason and landscaper Thomas Seconde were responsible for the project, working with Melany Martinez Thomas, founder of consultancy, Spa and Wellness Collective on the spa. Located near Stari Grad, the 53-key resort is surrounded by olive groves and terraced vineyards, stretching across two hectares of
Buxton Crescent Thermal Spa to open in October following 15-year saga
by Megan Whitby | 04 Sep 2020
The long-awaited Buxton Crescent Hotel and Thermal Spa in the historic spa town of Buxton in the UK will open its doors on 1 October 2020 following an extensive multi-million-pound restoration, after plans were first submitted nearly 15 years ago. Archer Humphryes Architects and Nicholas Jacob Architects have both worked on the project, which has revived one of the UK's first genuine spa hotels, the 81-key destination will re-establish Buxton’s
Home of 2030: six architects named on shortlist
by Tom Walker | 26 Aug 2020
The UK government has revealed the six finalists for its Home of 2030 initiative. Launched in November 2019, the competition has been designed to encourage the best and brightest talents of the design industry to create environmentally sustainable, practical and scalable ideas for future homes. A particular focus in deciding a winner will be on designs which support people to live independent, fulfilling lives as society ages. The six teams
Warner Bros. to open Harry Potter studio attraction in Japan
by Tom Walker | 25 Aug 2020
Warner Bros. has revealed plans to develop a Harry Potter studio tour attraction in Japanese capital Tokyo. To be located on the grounds of the Toshimaen Amusement Park in the city's Nerima ward, the attraction will become the second Harry Potter studio site, following the opening of the inaugural Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, UK. Since its launch in 2012, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of
Bjarke Ingels, Jean Nouvel and Kengo Kuma named as three finalist for Shenzhen Opera House project
by Tom Walker | 19 Aug 2020
The architectural competition to decide the designer of the planned Shenzhen Opera House has reached the closing stages, with three high-profile practices being selected as finalists. Those making it to the final list are Jean Nouvel Ateliers, Bjarke Ingels Group, working with Beijing Institute of Architectural Design, and Kengo Kuma and Associates, working with Shenzhen University Institute of Architectural Design. The opera house project is being driven by the local
Aidia Studio reveals plans for desert safari lodges with retractable shell inspired by cacti
by Megan Whitby | 18 Aug 2020
Mexican design firm, Aidia Studio, has unveiled plans for a complex of 25 luxury hotel pods with collapsible shells, located in the Rub’ al Khali Desert in Abu Dhabi. Called the Oculus, the pod consists of a double-glazed dome encasing a luxury hotel room, which is shrouded by a collapsible shell for shading, temperature control, camouflage and privacy. The outer shell is made up of 60 shading panels which create
Birmingham 2022 'de-risks' Commonwealth Games – scraps plans for £520m athletes' village
by Tom Walker | 12 Aug 2020
The organising committee of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games have shelved plans to create an athletes' village in the Perry Barr area of the city. The £520m development would have provided a home for around 6,500 athletes and officials during the Games and was due for completion in early 2022. Post games, the development was set to be converted into more than 1,400 homes, forming the first phase of a
Emaar Hospitality to unveil Dubai hotel with rooftop infinity pool
by Megan Whitby | 07 Aug 2020
Architecture firm, Killa Design, is collaborating with interior design consultant, KCA, to deliver upcoming twin-tower development, The Address Residences Jumeirah Resort and Spa and The Residences Jumeirah Dubai, in Dubai. The beachfront destination will be housed in 310-ft-tall towers, interconnected by lower and upper bridges. The property will include a 217-room, 77-storey hotel, as well as fully-serviced apartments and luxury residences. Facilities will include a rooftop infinity pool offering unrivalled
noa* reimagines alpine wellness retreat to merge seamlessly with mountain landscape
by Megan Whitby | 05 Aug 2020
A South Tyrolean wellness resort in Saltaus, Italy, has received a new two-floor wellness centre designed to provide a sanctuary of wellbeing that integrates smoothly into the natural landscape. Apfelhotel Torgglerhof hotel’s new 570sq m facility has been created to complement the resort’s existing spa with its apple-shaped bio-sauna – inspired by the local apple orchards. Architecture and interior design firm Network of Architecture (noa*) led the overhaul, with construction
Therme Group announces development plans to roll out wellbeing resorts across UK
by Megan Whitby | 03 Aug 2020
Following approval to build a £250mn wellbeing resort in Manchester, Therme Group has revealed plans to develop and expand its concept in other major UK cities. “Our aim is to ensure that a Therme Group wellbeing resort is within easy reach of 90 per cent of the UK population,” commented Therme UK COO, James Mark. The development plan includes projects – with a similar concept to Therme Manchester – in
Rosewood announces hotel and residences within US$45bn Lusail City mega-project in Doha
by Megan Whitby | 30 Jul 2020
Rosewood Hotels and Resorts is expanding its presence in the Middle East with plans to open a hotel and residences in Doha, Qatar, in 2022. Housed in two towers, Rosewood Doha and Rosewood Residences Doha will consist of one 40-storey building that will include 300 residences for purchase while the other 37-floor tower will feature a 185-room ultra-luxury hotel and 173 serviced apartments for longer-term stays. The hotel group has
Six Senses unveils plans for rural Italian escape at historic castle estate
by Megan Whitby | 29 Jul 2020
Six Senses has announced plans to open a new Italian resort at a historic castle estate nestled into the Umbrian countryside, in Perugia, scheduled to open in 2023. Architecture firm Woods Bagot is behind the masterplan, while interiors are being planned by Tokyo-based Design Studio SPIN. The redevelopment is being driven by VIY Management (VIYM), a London-based investment firm focused on luxury hospitality and mixed-use real estate projects, and Alessio
Sydney's urban beach complex, by Andrew Burges and Grimshaw, to be completed late 2020
by Tom Walker | 28 Jul 2020
Construction work on Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Sydney, Australia, is expected to be completed in late 2020. The City of Sydney, which owns the centre, said that the COVID-19 pandemic had caused delays to works and it now expects the facility to open by the end of the year. When complete, Gunyama Park will be the biggest aquatic complex built in Sydney since the 2000 Olympic Games.
Grupo Espiritu creates private wellness residences for Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico
by Megan Whitby | 17 Jul 2020
Wellness destination and spa, Rancho La Puerta, has announced plans for a private, wellness-focused village of residences on The Ranch’s 4,000 acres in Tecate, Mexico. The Residences will be an extension to the Rancho La Puerta community and will be nestled beside a vineyard, with sweeping views of Mount Kuchumaa and will be both connected to, and separate from, The Ranch. The vision for the project is focused on creating
Bjarke Ingels Group creates groundbreaking furniture factory with visitor centre for Vestre in Norway
by Tom Walker | 14 Jul 2020
Details have been revealed for what is being described as the world's most radical and environmentally-friendly furniture factory and visitor centre. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) for Vestre, the 6,500sq m factory – called The Plus – is in Magnor, Norway. It will be a "global showcase for sustainability" and highly-efficient manufacturing. As well as a fully functional factory, The Plus will include a visitor centre and a 300-acre
Olafur Eliasson, Gehl and Sebastian Behmann team up to turn Copenhagen road into car-free city park
by Tom Walker | 09 Jul 2020
A team of architects have revealed plans to transform a multi-lane road in central Copenhagen into a green and car-free city park. The project will turn a famously congested passage to an inviting living space, where "nature is merged into the urban space". The road will be replaced by trees, water, wildlife and illuminations, with the aim of creating a new recreation area in the middle of the Danish capital
Thermal project set to ‘redefine city wellbeing’ on track for 2023 opening
by Megan Whitby | 02 Jul 2020
Global wellbeing organisation, Therme Group, has confirmed its 28-acre wellbeing project in the UK is on track to begin construction. Set to open in 2023, the £250m (US$308.6m, €274.4m) waterpark and spa project will combine hundreds of water-based activities with wellbeing treatments, art, nature and technology to create a unique destination. Therme Manchester will feature a dedicated adults’ area with warm-water lagoons hidden among botanical gardens, therapeutic mineral pools, swim-up
Eureka! reveals new designs for Eureka! Mersey – construction to begin in 2021
by Tom Walker | 30 Jun 2020
New concept designs and visuals have been released for the Eureka! Mersey project – a £11.75m children's visitor attraction being developed in Liverpool, UK. The science and discovery centre is being developed by Eureka! – the national children's museum – in partnership with Merseytravel, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Wirral Council. Designed by a team led by K2 Architects, the £11.75m science attraction is set to take over
'Sports city' plans revealed for Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano stadium
by Tom Walker | 17 Jun 2020
Madrid city council (Ayuntamiento de Madrid) has set out plans to develop a number of sports facilities in the surrounding areas of the existing Wanda Metropolitano stadium. The "sports city" project, in the eastern San Blas-Canillejas district, is led by the council and is set to transform a site which was originally earmarked for an Olympic park during the city's failed bids for the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. Facilities
Construction marches ahead for US$5bn mega-resort with floating underwater spa
by Megan Whitby | 08 Jun 2020
Austrian developer Josef Kleindienst’s US$5bn mega-resort project, The Heart of Europe, in Dubai is on track to complete phase one of construction, despite COVID-19. The Heart of Europe is claimed to feature the world’s first floating underwater spa as well as 15 unique hotels and resorts spread across six islands designed to showcase European culture, heritage and lifestyle experiences through architecture, events and new technology, such as the world’s first
RDHA's library and Komagata Maru Park project given RAIC medal
by Tom Walker | 04 Jun 2020
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) has named the Springdale Library and Komagata Maru Park – designed by RDH Architects (RDHA) – among the winners of its bi-annual Governor General’s Medals. The biennial awards recognise and celebrate excellence in recently built and designed projects by Canadian architects. First opened in 2019, the 26,000sq ft Springdale Library, contemplative garden, neighbourhood park and splash pad was created for the City of
Moederscheim Moonen reveal plans for mixed-use towers at Rotterdam stadium
by Tom Walker | 03 Jun 2020
Plans have been revealed to redevelop the Van Donge & De Roo Stadium in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, into a mixed-use complex dominated by four towers rising from the stands. Designed by architects Moederscheim Moonen, the proposals include expanding the capacity at the stadium from 4,300 to 6,500 to seats, while creating a number of other services – from housing and retail to offices and leisure. The Van Donge & De
Plans revealed for luxury spa resort at ‘Heart chakra of the earth’ in Hungary
by Megan Whitby | 01 Jun 2020
Architecture practice Johannes Torpe Studios has unveiled the first glimpses of the Buda Resort; a luxury spa resort located in the Visegrad Hills of Hungary and inspired by the spiritual symbolism of its setting. Situated 50km north of Budapest in a hilly landscape surrounded by forests and the Danube River; the vision for the 210-room resort is to offer a holistic retreat which fosters a greater sense of unity between
Copenhagen's 'parkipelago' project looks to redefine public parks
by Tom Walker | 28 May 2020
A project involving hand-crafted islands on the Danish capital Copenhagen's waterfront is set to create a completely new genre of public parks. Described as a "parkipelago", the Copenhagen Islands project will involve a number of islands being distributed to suitable locations around the city's inner harbour, with the aim of providing people moveable, floating, public spaces which will be free to explore and conquer. During summer, the islands will be
Milan's San Siro has 'no cultural interest' and can be demolished
by Tom Walker | 27 May 2020
The historic San Siro football stadium in Milan could be demolished to make way for a brand new stadium, following a decision by Italian heritage authorities. According to the Superintendency of Cultural Heritage of Lombardy (SCHL), San Siro has "no cultural interest" and there is no heritage-based objection for it to be razed to the ground. The venue is the home for Milan's two Serie A giants – Internazionale and
First Apple hotel planned as part of new Austin campus
by Liz Terry | 25 May 2020
Tech giant, Apple, has received approval from City of Austin planners in Texas, for a six-storey, 192-bed, 76,000sq ft hotel, as part of a new US$1bn campus being built to the north-west of the city. The original outline plans for the development, submitted in December 2018, did not include a hotel and it's thought the facility has been added to COVID-proof Apple exec's travel exposure. The development started on site
Webinar: Cities after COVID-19 – lessons for greenfield megaprojects
by Liz Terry | 25 May 2020
Having seen COVID-19 disrupt the very functioning of cities worldwide, what would we do differently if we built new cities from scratch? This is the topic of a webinar conference in The Big Rethink series from NewCities, happening today (26 May 2020), at 12.00noon EDT. Speakers include Greg Clark, global head of future cities and new industries at HSBC; Satish Kamat, president of Sri City near Chennai, India; and Carlo
Permission granted for £150m four-layer subterranean health and wellbeing hub in London
by Megan Whitby | 18 May 2020
London’s Westminster City Council has approved developer Reef Group’s plans to invest over £150m (US$185.3m, €171.4m) in Cavendish Square, transforming the space into a subterranean mixed-use destination, with a focus on healthcare and wellbeing. Claimed to be London’s first subterranean health and wellbeing destination, the 280,000sq ft (26,000sq m) destination will deliver specialist facilities for London’s private healthcare sector. Currently an underground park, the existing structure will be reused and
featured supplier
company profile
Try cladmag for free!
Sign up with CLAD to receive our regular ezine, instant news alerts, free digital subscriptions to CLADweek, CLADmag and CLADbook and to request a free sample of the next issue of CLADmag.
sign up
features
Catalogue Gallery
Click on a catalogue to view it online
To advertise in our catalogue gallery: call +44(0)1462 431385
"Funding woes and murky timelines are common problems. It can be easier to make a difference one small project at a time"
From parks designed to mitigate the effects of flooding to warming huts for one of the world’s coldest cities, these projects have been designed for increasingly extreme climates
From parks designed to mitigate the effects of flooding to warming huts for one of the world’s coldest cities, these projects have been designed for increasingly extreme climates
cladkit product news
The aluminium fins will form the façade of the upcoming Minories Hotel in Aldgate, London
Metalline, an architectural metalwork specialist based in the UK, has created a range of bespoke 3D twisted metal fins for
...
The Anthénea pod is a luxury floating suite that could be used as a spa or treatment suite
Naval architect Jean-Michel Ducancelle has designed a solar-powered floating hotel suite aimed at offering an eco-friendly and nomadic place for
...
cladkit product news
XTU's X Cloud concept is part of the Future and the Arts: AI, Robotic, Cities, Life - How Humanity Will Live Tomorrow exhibition at the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo
XTU Architects, a Paris-based architecture firm, has released images and renderings of X Cloud, a new concept that showcase a
...
The Keglen collection is made up of four different pendants
BIG Ideas, the technology arm of renowned architecture firm Bjarke Ingles Group (BIG), has partnered with Danish lighting manufacturer Louis
...
cladkit product news
The Goodies But Oldies collection features three pieces made from repurposed MDF table tops
Daniel Svahn, a Stockholm-based furniture designer, has created a new range of sustainable furnishings, made from recycled MDF tabletops. Svahn,
...
Allaperto, the lounge collection spawned by the partnership between design studios, Matteo Thun, Ethimo and Antonio Rodriguez, has been expanded
...
