10 things to expect from a spa hotel visit after lockdown

As the UK begins phasing out of lockdown and the country slowly begins to recover from the effects of COVID-19, here at SpaSeekers we have been planning with every update accordingly. This is so spa stays of the future are safe and serene for both staff and guests, communicating a new life of luxury after lockdown. 

Although guidelines from the government have yet to be put in place around spas, it looks as if that long-awaited spa stay could be part of phase three of their lockdown plan alongside hospitality and the hotel industry. This means that hotels and spas could be opening at the earliest from July 4th, and as we await governed instruction we can only pre-empt and prepare, looking at 10 things you can expect when you visit a spa post lockdown. 

1.Arrival and check-in

From check-in to room service, we are all familiar with hotel and spa etiquette, but this will be a lot different in post-COVID-19. Holding doors, taking your bags and a flurry of other guests are a thing of the past. In order to safeguard staff and guests, social distancing measures will mean that although remaining courteous and luxurious, future spa stays will look very different.

Staff in PPE, one-way routes, contactless check-in and reduced lobby furnishings will make your arrival safe and reassuring. As well as check-in slots to allow the hotels and spas to manage rigorous cleaning schedules. Prior to your arrival, it may become custom for the spa to send you a wellness survey as well as a video of the new measures in place so you can feel comfortable and at ease with the new style of stay and service.  

2. Fewer guests 

Another safety measure will be the reduced capacity of guests, so not only could there be allotted check-in times but room gaps between guests to ensure there is a reduced chance of crossing paths. A 72-hour wait per room could also be introduced so that after rigorous cleaning and additional measures such as changing the duvet, the rooms will be sealed and no one allowed to enter until the next guest, ensuring cleanliness and peace of mind. 

3. Rooms and amenities 

Room amenities could be different with a reduction in reusable products, seeing mugs and glasses replaced with recyclable single-use items and the addition of hand sanitiser, gloves and disposable masks for added reassurance. Although the spa stays as we knew them are on hold for the time being, what hasn’t changed is our focus on helping you mentally and physically relax. Making sure you unwind in a life of luxury whilst continuing to ensure guest and staff safety is paramount.

4. Longer stays 

The facilities and treatments available at each spa will vary depending on the hotel and spa you are visiting, making sure your favourite ways to relax are as safe and serene as possible. One thing that may add to this is a reduction in spa days and a push for spa breaks. With your own room as a hub your stay will be centred around your needs. The reduced occupancy of the hotel and spa means there is more focus on the client and more space to safely relax and enjoy spa life. 

5. Ramped up booking facilities 

This focus on the individual or group will mean your spa stay will be as sumptuous as possible whilst still maintaining safety procedures. Integrating booking systems for use of the facilities will make sure that swimming pools, saunas, hydrotherapy pools and gyms are used safely and with regular cleaning intervals.  

6. Socially distant swimming pools

When it comes to the use of swimming pools there will be single lanes between swimmers to allow for distancing. With the Pool Water Treatment and Advisory Group suggesting that water and the chlorine in swimming pools will help kill the virus, it is personal hygiene and distance out of the pool that is imperative. Guests will have to shower before and after using the pool and rigorous cleaning schedules will be implemented in between booking slots with a focus on high touchpoints. 

7. More private facilities 

With reduced guest capacity there is an opportunity for some hotels and spas to integrate more private facilities. This could mean the addition of saunas to rooms and suites to improve that personal spa experience. This move towards sumptuous spa stays means that hotels and spas can take further safety steps by making sure guests only use their own toilet, allowing cleanliness in public spaces to be controlled further. 

8. Treatment hygiene 

Continuing to provide a high level of care and service whilst maintaining a safe environment when most treatments involve close physical contact means that hygiene takes focus. Although spas already excel in cleanliness, this will come under further scrutiny with the more hands-on treatments. 

Although we are still waiting on government guidance, we can preempt the most sensible and smart ways to promote wellness treatments whilst keeping staff and guests safe. When it comes to treatments that involve close contact such as facials and massages, the therapists will work with full PPE, including additional face shields. All this including the wider safety practices of handwashing and equipment disinfecting. 

9. New treatment trends 

New measures could also see treatment trends moving forwards with wand and machine facials as well as more use of jade rollers rather than hands. There could also be more of a move towards non-invasive and holistic treatments such as aromatherapy, deep soaks, yoga and reiki. 

Interestingly some of these more low-touch therapies could also be practised outdoors. Not only making them safer but what could be more relaxing than a yoga class in beautiful nature?

10. Bar reservations and room service 

Reduced capacity and focus on safety and social distancing means that food, drink and restaurants could be different. As the spaces will be operating at a lower capacity there will be more focus on reservations in order to manage the space and consistent cleaning rotas. Because of this, you may be guided more to dining in your room, making this a safe and luxurious place for your entire stay. This drive towards room service may also come with a smaller or reduced menu, making sure drinks are delivered sealed and food served in the highest quality disposable containers for peace of mind. 

As we wait for further guidelines from the government on spas and hotels we can only preempt and prepare for the future. Spas are already known as a haven of wellness and cleanliness and this can only improve, albeit with strict measures in place to ensure safety for staff and guests alike. Although we will see many changes, spas will continue to be as luxurious as ever, their exclusivity increasing as capacity remains reduced. Which means you don’t want to leave that long-awaited spa booking much longer. Not sure when you might want to stay? Take a look at our Spa Vouchers, the perfect way to treat your future self!

Please note that the information shared on this page is intended for informational purposes only. Although we have taken precautions to ensure that this information is accurate, until government guidance is clarified we can only preempt changes. The content contained on this page should not be considered as consulting or any other professional advice and in all cases, you should wait until clear government guidelines have been submitted before implementing any decisions. 

SpaSeekers is not liable and accepts no responsibility in regard to any actions related to information on this page. 

Sources: Michels&Taylor Hotel Management