From Virtual Reality beds to digital detox packages, the hospitality industry is offering more than ever for wellness-focused guests. But what are some of the key developments in the health-conscious trend that is gradually transforming the industry?
According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness tourism market is expected to reach £713 billion by 2022 with an annual growth rate of 7.5%, which is more than twice that of tourism overall.
Here are some of the tech innovations that are taking a great advantage of that:
Virtual reality spa
Esqapes Immersive Relaxation, in America is a Virtual Reality experience that replicates a day spa, transporting you to a tranquil paradise where you can relax in the comfort of your own home. Micah Jackson, a former game producer at Disney created this software so that people could get away from their day-to-day routine via this VR spa headset. It sets you up to be on a tropical island, allowing you to feel the heat of the hot summer sun and becoming fully relaxed in the massage chair.
The experience doesn’t stop there as you’ve got 10 different choices to pick from, whether it’s a heavenly garden you’re after or a peaceful snowbank cabin, the options are endless. You can book this via their website costing you $35 for 30 minutes. Here’s an example of what is on offer with VR spas…
Ultrasound tech
The Four Seasons Maui resort, owned by a tech billionaire Michael Dell, takes an aesthetic approach to spa treatments in order to satisfy its steady stream of high-maintenance, LA-based weekend warriors looking for a tune up.
Spa Director Pat Makozak recommends adding their latest addition of ultrasound tech to any facial. High-level sound waves stimulate cells to produce collagen, reduce inflammation and promote blood circulation, giving skin an immediate glow and lift. This treatment is recommended for specific areas of concern and can be performed within any facial.
Sensync
Sensync, which stands for sensory synchronisation, is an immersive wellness company founded by Dr. Adam Gazzaley, a neuroscientist, and Dr. Alex Theory, who has a PhD in psychology. They partnered to produce The Vessel with the goal of calming our media-saturated minds.
Described as a new generation of wellness, Sensync has partnered with Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, Hawaii, to launch a VR spa experience.
The Sensync Vessel is the world’s first premium level technology that integrates stereoscopic visuals, spatial audio, scent, vibroacoustics, proprioception, wind, and temperature partnered with real-time, physiological data collection to enable the generation of deeply-engaging, dynamic, closed-loop experiences for wellness.
In the close future, doctors might prescribe a virtual beach vacation to calm aches and pains, in lieu of taking a pill. Insurance companies might offer scenic tours of Icelandic fjords to lower blood pressure, instead of doubling up on drugs. Psychiatrists might treat social phobia by immersing patients into a virtual dinner party – the list is endless.
It’s starting to happen right now because of virtual reality – the mind-bending technology that offers immersive environments that nudge our brains into thinking we are somewhere else
