Creating Relaxing Spaces For Busy Women – The Importance Of Place, Being, And Connection
In today’s fast-paced world, busy women juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, often leaving little time for self-care and relaxation. Hotels and wellness centres have the unique opportunity to create spaces that cater specifically to this demographic, providing a sanctuary where women can escape the daily grind, unwind, and rejuvenate. To effectively design these spaces, it’s essential to focus on three key elements: a sense of place, a sense of being, and a sense of connection.
Sense of Place
A sense of place is crucial in designing relaxing spaces for busy women. This involves creating an environment that immediately invites them to rest, relax, and have fun. The space should be thoughtfully designed to provide a soothing and nurturing atmosphere, with carefully chosen elements that foster a sense of calm and tranquillity.
Aesthetics play a crucial role in creating a sense of place. The use of soft, natural colours, warm lighting, and comfortable furnishings can create an inviting ambiance that encourages relaxation. Incorporate elements of nature, such as plants, water features, or natural materials like wood and stone, to promote a sense of serenity and connection to the natural world.
The layout of the space should also be considered. Ensure there are quiet, private areas for relaxation and reflection, as well as communal spaces that encourage social interaction and enjoyment. Offering a range of activities, such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, or workshops, can also contribute to creating a sense of place by providing guests with opportunities to engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being.
Sense of Being
In addition to creating a sense of place, it’s essential to design spaces that encourage a sense of being. This involves providing an environment where women can feel comfortable being their authentic selves and engaging in activities that align with their personal needs and preferences.
To achieve this, offer a variety of experiences that cater to different interests and needs. For example, some guests may prefer a quiet, calming environment for meditation, while others may enjoy more energetic activities like group fitness classes or outdoor adventures. By providing diverse options, guests can choose the experiences that best suit their individual preferences and goals for relaxation.
Creating a sense of being also involves designing spaces that are inclusive and welcoming to all guests, regardless of their background, age, or body type. This can be achieved by offering a range of services and facilities that cater to different abilities and comfort levels, as well as by fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding among staff and guests.
Sense of Connection
The final element in creating relaxing spaces for busy women is fostering a sense of connection. This involves designing spaces that encourage guests to connect with themselves, others, the community, and the environment.
Encourage connection with oneself by providing opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth. This can be achieved through mindfulness practices, journaling, or quiet contemplation in designated spaces. Offer workshops and seminars on topics like stress management, self-care, and personal development to help guests gain new insights and tools to enhance their well-being.
Promote connection with others by creating communal spaces where guests can interact and share their experiences. This could include lounges, outdoor seating areas, or dining spaces that encourage conversation and interaction. Organise group activities and events, such as group fitness classes, guided hikes, or wellness workshops that provide opportunities for guests to connect with one another.
Foster connection with the community by incorporating local art, cuisine, and cultural experiences into the space. This can help guests feel a sense of belonging and connection to the local community and its traditions. Collaborate with local businesses and organisations to offer unique experiences, such as cooking classes with local chefs, tours of nearby cultural sites, or volunteer opportunities that allow guests to give back and engage with the community.
Finally, nurture a connection with the environment by designing spaces that showcase the natural beauty of the surroundings and emphasise sustainability. Incorporate eco-friendly materials and practices, such as energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and locally sourced products. Offer outdoor activities that allow guests to connect with nature, such as guided nature walks, bird watching, or gardening workshops.
Creating relaxing spaces for busy women in hotels and wellness centres involves focusing on a sense of place, being, and connection. By designing environments that cater to the individual needs and preferences of guests, offering diverse experiences that promote relaxation and well-being, and fostering connections with oneself, others, the community, and the environment, these spaces can provide a sanctuary for busy women to unwind, rejuvenate, and reconnect with what truly matters. That’s the business of wellness.
About The Author
Sonal Uberoi is a globally wellness expert and the founder of Spa Balance, a boutique consultancy specialising in wellness concepts for luxury hotels.
Sonal Uberoi is the author of the best-seller The Wellness Asset: How to Transform and Futureproof your Hotel as well as the Ebook How to Open a Smart Spa, a comprehensive guide on the intricacies of opening a spa. She is also the host of the Wellness in Hospitality interview series where she has interviewed more than 80 hoteliers worldwide. She has sat on the Board of the Spa and Wellness Association of Africa (SWAA), where she helped develop and maintain internationally recognised standards in spa education in Africa. Sonal is also part of the Global Wellness Institute’s Consultants Initiative.
She has deep knowledge and insight of the wellness industry gained from over 15 years of experience of having worked on 40+ projects in 20+countries and four continents. A unique finance background from Goldman Sachs and a cross-disciplinary skill set combined with worldwide experience make Sonal the go-to expert for business optimisation solutions. Her clients include the award-winning Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine, SHA Clinic’s urban wellness concept Esenza by SHA, Natura Bissé, Indiba, Sofitel Luxury Hotels and Meliá Hotels International.
To find out more visit: https://www.spa-balance.com