Sparcstudio an independent, creative design studio specialising in spa and wellness design for over 15 years in the spa, wellness, fitness, hotel, and resort sectors has announced its key trends in spa design for 2026. Creative Director, Beverley Bayes explains:
The demand for wellness continues to grow with investors and operators keen to push the boundaries of what can be delivered in the space available. Enhancing facilities with considered, sustainable design is good business sense and correctly done can significantly improve revenue and return on investment.
Acoustic wellness and silent architecture
Spas are increasingly considering sound-absorbing architecture as part of the overall design to create calm spaces. Think soft organic forms, luxe furnishings, wall hangings and rugs natural soundscapes (like water). This was a trend identified by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) and will be a growing consideration for properties in the coming years. As guests are looking for a quiet, cocooned experienced, elevated by luxury, sound design will be a priority. The GWI highlights the importance of reducing mechanical noise and implementing acoustic zoning to support deep relaxation and mental clarity. Effective acoustic design includes balancing overall sound levels, integrating soundproofing within treatment rooms, creating quiet zones in public areas, and using insulation to minimise sound transmission between spaces.
Natural sound elements such as running water, wind chimes, and curated nature soundscapes can help mask unwanted noise, while architectural features including green roofs, open courtyards, and living walls contribute to the reduction of urban sound intrusion. The use of anti-reverberation materials, such as felt and terracotta, helps absorb echoes and improve acoustic comfort.
These acoustic solutions can also become distinctive design features. Undulating acoustic ceiling fins or sculpted wall panelling add visual character while enhancing sound performance. Additional attention should be given to partitions and doors, ensuring they achieve the appropriate decibel (dB) ratings. Wherever possible, drop-down acoustic seals should be incorporated into doors to further reduce noise transfer from corridors. The benefits of thoughtful acoustic design include increased relaxation and enjoyment, reduced anxiety, improved sleep quality, and enhanced support for deep focus and inner reflection.
Designing spaces for longevity programming
Investors are increasing looking at longevity as a pathway to business success. They are considering longevity concepts at the outset of the build and spa designers need to be aware of this shift. While lifespan and health programming aren’t right for every property or guest profile, this is something we will begin to see more and more of in the coming years. Global Wellness Summit 2025 focused its main theme around longevity so expect more in this space. What this means for design is that buildings will need to be able to house diagnostic equipment (large and small) and offer ample space for consultation rooms for the medical team. This focus on medical shouldn’t negate the need for a softer more biophilic approach to colour, spatial design and furnishings. It actually becomes more important so that the space isn’t over medicalised. It’s about striking a fine balance and considering guest comfort / ease of use around the new equipment.
The growth of recovery programming
Recovery techniques and programmes are a key focus for spas, and increasingly fitness
club operators and hotels, reflecting the huge demand from guests and members who recognise the benefits. It’s a key component of new hotel chains like SIRO which has recovery equipment and immersive sleep experiences in hotel rooms. Hilton’s partnership with Hyperice brings its compression boots and percussion therapy tools into hotel rooms.
New membership clubs based around recovery are opening globally, providing therapies beyond the sauna / ice bath contrast therapy suites, often incorporating spaces for curated programmes / shared rituals which also incorporate breath work and yoga. Within fitness clubs and spas there is also a rise in the demand for private premium recovery suites for two or four people. Innovative bespoke design and attention to detail can attract a premium rate for these facilities. Spaces or zones can be incorporated as an extension to the fitness space itself in the form of a recovery lounge or an ‘assisted ‘stretch zone similar to the ‘Proverb ’offer that we formed in the Grainstore Gym at Calcot.
Recovery facilities can be created internally or externally as can be seen is a huge rise in the popularity of sauna pods by the sea or a lake. Good design and the creation of a unique offer that reflects the overall aesthetic of the facility is key to the feeling of wellbeing within a recovery suite, which should offer an elevated experience and circular journey with health benefits for guests.
Social wellbeing and the technology disconnect
The rise of communal sauna culture is a clear indicator of a growing desire for genuine social connection. Saunas offer a structured, health-focused way to gather outside of traditional social settings such as bars, restaurants, or workplaces. This shift can also be seen across wider spa and wellbeing environments, and in the emergence of wellbeing members’ clubs. These spaces respond to a collective need for connection, balance, and shared experience.
As designers, we consciously address this at the space-planning stage by incorporating areas that facilitate social wellbeing. These might take the form of a mini lounge within a fitness space, a cosy niche or central seating area within changing rooms, an anteroom for gathering before or after studio classes, or flexible spaces within spa lounges or cafés designed to relax, recharge, and learn. A good example is The Grainstore at Calcot, where members and guests can come together to attend local artisan workshops, wellbeing talks, or group craft sessions. These experiences focus on sustainable, mindful, and personalised creation — often referred to as “cosy crafts” — reinforcing connection through shared, intentional activity.
