2013 Trend Report Spotlight: Inclusive Wellness

We start off with Switzerland’s B. Wellbeing & Spa, which welcomes all ages to its medical health center. Here, a 70-plus staff of doctors and therapists specialize in disciplines such as rheumatology, the musculoskeletal system, sports medicine, orthopedics, rehabilitation, and more.

Image courtesy of Grand Resort Bad Ragaz

Massage Envy proves that spa-ing is for everyone, no matter their age. Its Geriatric Massage uses various techniques—passive stretching and light oils, among them—to stimulate circulation and joint movement and improve aches/pains, balance, and flexibility.

Paris’ Pure Club Med Gym brand promotes pure inclusiveness, as its design is said to accommodate every guest, including those with physical limitations, complete access to fitness, shower, and sauna facilities.

Rancho La Puerta’s full itinerary of activities includes the upcoming “How Great Women Lead” event, led by the inspiring Bonnie St. John, a Rhodes scholar, TV personality, author, and first African-American to win Olympic or Paralympic medals in ski racing, despite having her right leg amputated at age five. “A spa-lover herself, she is helping to spread the message: ‘Disability is a part of life. Don’t make it sad or depressing,’” says our trend report.

Watch a video of Bonnie here.

Images courtesy of Bonnie St. John

Spa of the Rockies has taken great measures to ensure clients in wheelchairs or with mobility concerns are comfortable, including installing a roll-in shower, accessible rooms, and user-operated hydraulic lifts for the hot springs pool. We also salute the spa for its devotion to providing special discount days for military personnel with disabilities.

Image courtesy of Spa of the Rockies

Thermae Bath Spa’s signature treatment is watsu, performed in Bath’s mineral-rich waters. Watsu, which intertwines acupressure and massage, offers several benefits, including aid for mobility issues, multiple sclerosis, and more.

Spa Eastman (pictured) is another that offers watsu; at this destination spa, the massage is done in a shallow pool of water heated to approximately 97° F—and if you’re a first-time spa-goer or feel more comfortable having your best friend or significant other by your side, share the experience by scheduling the spa’s “watsu in duo” ritual.

Image courtesy of Spa Eastman

The Willow Stream Spa brand’s Stay Active Rx program has a lineup of rejuvenating therapies and treatments that help with joint problems, muscle pain relief, etc.

The “Spas for All” initiative, launched by the UK-based Spabreaks.com following the 2012 London Paralympics, allows people with diverse disabilities to find the spas and/or information that best suit them through its “Accessible Spas,” “Carer Goes Free,” and “Recovery Retreats” programs. Inclusive wellness, indeed.