AL FAYA DESERT RETREAT & SPA, SHARJAH

Jonathan Ashmore, founder and principal architect at ANARCHITECT, talks us through the firm’s approach to spa and wellness design.

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“To have a better grasp on what the future of spa and wellness design might look like, ANARCHITECT believes that we should first reset our understandings and revisit the fundamentals of why these experiences exist and thrive as a globally growing industry. The word ‘spa’ defines a natural source (mineral spring water) of health-giving properties (wellness).

“The needs of human well-being and spa treatments that cater to rejuvenate, rehabilitate and stimulate us is what draws people to sometimes travel great distances to visit a spa or wellness destination for a specific treatment or location within a particular place or context.

“Keeping this reset perspective in mind, we must then consider that as a result of the pandemic there will be a change in the approach to spa and wellness design, as human habits change and our general perceptions of luxury, space and security evolve as part of a global cultural shift.