As the spa and leisure industries continue to thrive, a greater variety of spas and experiences continue to emerge - and keeping up with the changes can be really confusing! To find out which spa experiences are the most popular, we analysed worldwide search data to reveal which ones are seeing the biggest increase in demand.

Immersive spas are seeing the biggest increase in searches, up by a humongous 566% compared to last year. With over 1.6 billion views on TikTok, they use technology to make visitors feel as if they’re surrounded by the natural world - from bathing in a storm, complete with lightning and thunder, to relaxing in pools by a waterfall. Very few spas currently offer an immersive spa experience, however as technology continues to develop, and demand continues to increase for this unique spa experience, it’s likely that we’ll see many more of them in the future.

Along with unique spa experiences, our research revealed that many spa-lovers also seem to be searching for more private methods of relaxation than ever before. Adult-only spas rank in second place with search increases of 127%, and female-only and silent spas rank in 5th and 6th positions, each with increases in demand of up to 86% since last year. The team at Rena Spa at The Midland Hotel are predicting similar trends for the year ahead - “I think in 2023 spa-goers will be looking for a full day where they can truly switch off from the world. I think this is because of the aftermath of the pandemic, and people placing more of a focus and priority on their mental health.”

And for those who don’t fancy spending a day relaxing on their own, preferring to chill with their furry friends instead, dog-friendly spas also ranked in the top ten, with search increases of 50%. Doggy spa breaks are certainly set to be sweeping the nation, and the trend has already started, with one of our own 4-star spa hotels in Derbyshire already offering the service. Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa now offers a ‘Pampered Pooch Experience’ in partnership with Georgina’s Pet Sitting Service, with the package including an exercise walk on the beautiful grounds, a lavish shampoo massage bubble bath, a pedicure and paw soak.

Natural spas such as mineral spring and thermal spas have also seen significant increases in searches (126% and 124%, respectively). Mineral spas comprise a natural source of spring water in which guests can bathe, with mineral water having long been used within the spa industry for its healing properties, and many soaking in it in order to relieve pain and skin ailments. If the water source is naturally-heated by the earth’s crust, the venue is likely to be referred to as a thermal spa. The water at thermal spas is believed to aid digestion and metabolism, and can provide relief from sports injuries and skin conditions.

Finally, spas with more traditional and cultural roots - such as Ayurveda and thalassotherapy spas - also saw significant increases in demand in 2022. Originating in India, Ayurveda - meaning ‘the knowledge for long life’ in Sanskrit - is the oldest known health practice in the world and is the focus of spas with the same name. The treatments aim to boost immunity and prevent disease, delay ageing and promote overall wellbeing - as an example, daily yoga and meditation classes are often included as part of packages at Ayurvedic spas.

Thalassotherapy (from the Greek word thalassa, meaning ‘sea’) is the medical use of seawater as a form of therapy. Thalassotherapy spas often feature a warm, mineral rich thalassotherapy pool comprising powerful hydrotherapy jets to massage, tone and soothe tired and aching muscles, in addition to affusion showers (massaging and invigorating indoor sprinkler systems).