Industry insights SPA DESIGN
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■■ Wellness expert Starpool offers complete wellness solutions with Italian design flair
“Tomorrow’s spas will need to have a clear identity – unique, distinguishing and specifically designed” Riccardo Turri, CEO, Starpool
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hile attention will obviously be put on materials, quality and hygiene in the near future, I believe that tomorrow’s spa will need to have a clear identity – unique, distinguishing, and specifically designed according to the needs of a clear-cut user group. The market will inevitably adopt, at least at an early stage, some “private” solutions, with an increasingly strong focus on hygiene and the reorganisation of spaces and services that are offered. Using smooth and closedcell materials, such as solid-surface, glass or stoneware characterised by low porosity on the surface, limits the proliferation of bacteria and ensures easy sanitisation. Using large slabs of materials reduces the grouted surface area, thus also reducing the spaces in which bacteria can more easily proliferate. In saunas and steam rooms, suspending 122 SPA BUSINESS HANDBOOK 2020 – 2021
benches and keeping them detached from the walls means there is no infiltration of water between the benches and the walls, and makes it easier to sanitise the floors. Technology will also play a part in keeping spas clean; our DeepClean software, for instance, allows a programme of automated cycles of thermic shock to reduce the bacterial or viral load. Lockdowns around the world have brought out a latent need for therapies to relieve stress, especially true holistic experiences that offer mental and physical regeneration. An increasing multitude of people – men and women alike – have rediscovered the pleasure of taking care of themselves, spending their time and money on treatments and therapies that have an insideout action and help rebalance their emotional state. ■■ Riccardo Turri is the CEO of Starpool. www.starpool.com www.spahandbook.com