The concept of technology in hospitality isn’t new. With “Connie” the robotic Front Desk Agent at Hilton and Yotel “human-free” check-in experience. We have seen package lockers replace concierge in residential buildings and room service attendance have become self-operating robots. There are robots making pizza and your favorite chicken in restaurants. The last hold out for embracing technology has been the spa and wellness industry, until now.
That isn’t to say the concept of contactless our touchless experience is not new, far from it. I saw the idea in South Beach a decade ago; Contempo Beach Spa, a location with NO Therapist (for those in the back). Yep, the concept of hands-off and technology focused has been creeping into the spa and wellness world for a while now. It would seem the events of the past seven months have pushed the gas pedal on the implementation of equipment to simulate the spa experience. Guests are still craving wellness experiences, probably now more than ever. However, the concern over being in a closed room with a therapist for an hour or more breathing over them isn’t as appealing as it once was.
Will robots replace massage therapists and estheticians, never! The desire for connection will be in demand more than ever by 2022, so get ready now. In the meantime, and in-between time, until we can get together in a way that is safe, technology offers our clients a wonderful alternative. There are several companies offering equipment to fill the demand. Celluma LED facial machine, which addresses hyperpigmentation, wounds, and pain. There is the Esqape – 4-D experience, with all of the senses touched during the 30-minute session. Companies are even offering VR goggles to allow guests to travel to distant places without ever leaving the room.
The wellness industry leader, Global Wellness Institute (GWI) noted the trend and has collaborated with Halotherapy to share a new perception on the concept of “no-touch” experiences. A recent white paper from the Global Wellness Institute’s Hydrothermal Initiative touts the benefits and advantages of contactless experiences and encourages the utilization of equipment such as the “hydromassage.” The system is reported to give the sensation of a relaxing massage and the guest is able to customize, thus maximizing the experience. Change and adaptability are constant in the hospitality industry, now is no different. It is time to finally embrace technology in the spa and wellness treatment rooms to enhance the guest experience until all of our skilled service providers are able to step back into the role.
Author details:
Sherrie Tennessee, MBA Spa Specialist * Hospality Educator * Author * Global Citizen*Inspirational Leadership Speaker
