Ancient practice of thermal bathing poised for a comeback in 2025, according to our wellness report on our website
In the realm of wellness and relaxation, thermal bathing is experiencing a contemporary boom. Across the globe, spa complexes, traditional saunas, onsens, hammams, and banyas are receiving contemporary twists, as more people seek solace in the healing powers of natural hot springs and mineral-rich waters.
In Europe, the UNESCO-listed spa town of Vichy in France is undergoing a six-year, multimillion-dollar modernisation. The modernisation includes the use of water from Vichy's natural springs for drinks, baths, showers, mud poultices, thermal ovens, and swimming pools. France's pharmacy stalwart, Vichy, is known for its skincare products that harness the healing power of Vichy's water.
Over in the UK, wellness practitioners are offering 'sauna master' training courses, adding a modern touch to traditional sauna practices.
The Great Victoria Bathing Trail in Australia is developing 30 new bathing spots along a 900km route, including the Phillip Island hot springs. Meanwhile, Denmark's Kurhotel Skodsborg features a Henning Larsen-designed spa with over 16 thermal bathing options.
Germany is not left behind in this wellness revolution. Extensive modernization and renovation of swimming and leisure baths are underway in several cities, including Oschatz, Torgau, and Bad Düben. However, these updates are focused on improving existing facilities rather than building new thermal baths.
Moving north, a new spa complex, Árböðin, is opening in Iceland on the banks of the Hvitá River this summer. Guests at Árböðin will have to pass through a waterfall to move between hot and cold pools, adding a unique and immersive experience to their visit.
Architect Matteo Thun is responsible for the design of Árböðin, marking the group's debut 'wellness-first' location. Therme, the company behind Árböðin, is also planning to build a $200 million watery oasis in Incheon City, South Korea, to increase global awareness of Korean health and wellness practices.
In North America, the bathing movement is predicted to grow significantly, according to Robert Hammond, US president of Therme. Hyatt's new hot spring brand Atona is set to launch in Japan next year, bringing traditional inns with bathing facilities to three locations in the country. Meanwhile, the Fairmont hotel group is set to unveil a new thermal spa called Basin Glacial Waters at Chateau Lake Louise in Canada.
The first Nordisk Retreat was hosted at Kurhotel Skodsborg this year, featuring activities like sauna and steam rituals, sea dipping, and breath work. Hungarian skincare brand Omorovicza, founded by Margaret and Stephen de Heinrich de Omorovicza, includes a patented healing concentrate in all of their products. The family of Stephen de Heinrich also built Budapest's Rác Thermal Bath during the 1800s.
The Global Wellness Institute predicts a 14.3% annual increase in thermal and mineral springs worldwide through 2027, indicating that the resurgence in thermal bathing is here to stay. As more spas and wellness centres embrace this trend, it's clear that thermal bathing is not just a passing fad, but a lasting addition to the wellness industry.
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