Gone are the days when the definition of wellness only encompassed physical well-being. After extended periods of solitude forced us to prioritise wellness holistically, we finally understand the interconnectedness between mental and physical wellness. I reassessed my own relationship with my mind and body after indulging in an intensive wellness program at the Six Senses Fort Barwara. After a few hours of the Holistic Healing Treatment, I realised that years of strength training hadn’t just made my body stiff, but my mind too. And just like that, this wellness treatment rejuvenated all of my senses.
This intrinsic approach to wellness has transformed how we view it and brought into focus factors that we don’t consider otherwise. So much so that the Global Wellness Economy Monitor Report: 2023 forecasted that the post-pandemic wellness culture boom is here to stay. With wellness centres expanding services and consumers increasing their spending power, one can say that wellness is at a crucial point in its evolution. A newfound appreciation for self-care has shown the world that wellness holds value in everyone’s life. One can’t deny that a few hours spent getting a relaxing facial or hair treatment leaves you feeling like ‘that girl’.
The intertwining of luxury & wellness
Wellness and luxury go hand-in-hand because every time we step into a spa or treatment centre, quality is always valued over price. Sana Dhanani, founder of The White Door, a bespoke luxury spa, believes that luxury is linked to how you can make a person feel after a treatment. “The idea is to always make the client feel like the best version of themselves to ensure they continue their wellness journey,” she explains.
Similarly, Mark Sands, vice president of wellness at Six Senses, believes in integrating wellness into every aspect of one’s routine to ensure holistic well-being. The entire experience at every Six Senses property worldwide is designed to help guests explore what it means to be mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally happy—a feeling that can be described as a luxury to most. This is done with the help of multiple factors—the property’s ambience, the quality of treatments provided, and the location.
Elevating the feeling
When individuals decide to visit a particular establishment for a service, their overall well-being is looked after pristinely. Samir Srivastava, CEO of Looks Salon, talks about how important it is to pay attention to the smallest details. “By being thoughtful of small elements such as the ambient aroma in the spa, we ensure that there is a certain sense of rejuvenation and indulgence,” he says.
Speaking of indulgence, at the Six Senses, wellness is driven by a high-tech, high-touch approach. Sands elaborates on how the spas use the latest technology, fusing it with cultural treatments so that the individual receives the best of both worlds. “We have health and wellness experts who meticulously track and measure the guests’ inner health by offering biohacking and personalised assessments. On the other hand, we also offer distinct wellness offerings at different locations, such as Roman baths at Six Senses Rome and qi-promoting treatments at Six Senses Kyoto. The sixth sense in Six Senses results from the marriage between two elements.”
Where it’s headed
The surface of the wellness boom has only been scratched, and there is a long path ahead for us. Dhanani believes consumers have a massive role to play in this boom since they are the ones reading up on effective treatments and demand establishments to offer services that are unique. “In the last few years, we’ve seen a colossal surge in luxury treatments for the skin, hair and body, prompting us to deliver only the best,” she explains.
Srivastava is certain that the demand for luxury wellness is only going to increase, with consumers expecting personalised services tailored to their needs. When consumers spot value in a service or treatment, they spend their money. However, every element of this service must justify its value.
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