Designing for Wellness: Integrating Healing Spaces into Hotel Interiors 

The world is experiencing a health and wellness renaissance. Traditional ideas of health and wellness are reshaping interior design initiatives. With a greater understanding of mental health issues, many people have increased focus on mental, physical, and social health. With this in mind, modern hotel interiors are designed with health and healing at the forefront. Throughout the rest of the article, we will continue to explore the numerous ways wellness is and can be incorporated into modern hotel design 

Open Concepts 

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Although many people are familiar with renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, many forget his Prairie-Style House was one of a few houses that pioneered an open-concept floor plans in the mid-20th century. To understand the benefits of an open floor plan, we must first examine the characteristics of the house and how its design features can inform the health and wellness of a space. Notably, the Prairie-Style house has massive walls of windows and natural flow, which can inform future hospitality spaces. Having floor-to-ceiling windows is an essential design feature in wellness spaces due to their positive effect on our circadian rhythm. For those that do not know, circadian rhythms serve many functions, such as helping to regulate sleeping cycles, core body temperature, and cognitive function. By increasing the amount of natural light let in, guests experience a positive release of serotonin. Additionally, flow can also be a huge factor in the way guests experience a space. After a long day of travel, the last thing many guests want to do is wait in a cramped and crowded check-in space and then navigate through the many corridors of hotel spaces. With that in mind, reducing the number of walls in a space can enhance a guest's feeling of friendliness and connectivity, making for a more welcoming experience.  

Functional Fitness Areas 

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Recent studies underscore the vital link between regular exercise and overall mental wellbeing, highlighting fitness as an increasingly essential aspect of a balanced lifestyle. Thanks to the proliferation of smart watches, fitness trackers, and remote coaching, people now have unprecedented access to diverse exercise options. 

This paradigm shift has profound implications for the hospitality sector. In response, modern hotels must reimagine their design ethos to accommodate this wellness trend. No longer sufficient are the days of cramped closets with a single treadmill or elliptical machine. Today's travelers expect exercise spaces that are spacious, adaptable, and seamlessly integrated into their stay experience. These contemporary fitness spaces should feature sturdy flooring, soundproof panels, and interactive screens, aiding guests in upholding their workout regimens while traveling. These upgrades not only support physical activity but also emphasize the hotel's dedication to providing comprehensive wellness experiences for its guests.  

Biophilic Elements 

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The age-old practice of immersing oneself in nature has consistently proven to be a powerful method for enhancing personal wellbeing. Whether it is soaking in vitamin D from the sun or finding serenity in the sight of flowing water, nature has a profound impact on mood and physical health. This awareness has spurred the emergence of transitional interior/exterior spaces, such as dining areas seamlessly blending with adjacent patios or guest rooms featuring attached balconies. Additionally, hotels are incorporating rooftop decks and living walls, offering guests immersive encounters with nature without the need to step off the premises.  

Integrated Technology 

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For all of the good it has brought, one of the downsides to the proliferation of technology is the anxiety it can cause when we are away from it. With 24/7 access to the world at their fingertips, many travelers become stressed out at the thought of not being connected when they reach their destination. Therefore, having an elite technological infrastructure is critical to promoting wellness on your property. Have charging stations built into all common areas and lobby furniture. Make sure the Wi-Fi network is top-notch, secure, and free to all guests. Have smart TVs, Bluetooth speakers, and other types of connected devices in guest rooms to ensure that all guests have seamless access to their preferred methods of entertainment.  

Elite Safety 

Safety is a top priority for modern travelers. Threats, disasters, and human tragedy go to the top of everyone’s social media feeds in real-time, with public consciousness of safety-related issues higher than it has ever been. With thousands of people circulating in and out each day, hotel interiors are under huge scrutiny. They must be designed to put travelers’ minds at ease and reduce anxiety while away from home. Some ways to improve safety in hotel interiors include lighted handrail options to keep stairs and walkways visible, credentialed access to all elevators and accommodations throughout the facility, and security grilles to lockdown common areas when not in use.  

Spacious Guest Rooms 

The explosion of vacation rentals over the past decade has forced traditional hotels to offer more diverse in-room accommodations. Having small guest rooms with a desk, bed, and bathroom within arm's reach of each other is no longer adequate to travelers who want a more “at home” feel. Sofas and recliners are ideal to maximize iv therapy advantages and other types of remote wellness measures. Kitchenettes are desirable for travelers on special diets. These types of features can create a homey atmosphere that makes guests want to extend their stay.  

Spa-Like Bathrooms 

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Modern hotel bathrooms need to be a haven of relaxation. Calming colors and warming accents should promote an ambience of serenity. Carefully placed plants and ambient light can further enhance the calming atmosphere. In addition, it is becoming increasingly trendy to have stand-alone tubs in the main bathroom, with a shower partitioned separately. This can help alleviate the stress of multiple guests having to compete for shower time. The design should emphasize comfort, luxury, and functionality, creating a space where guests can unwind and escape the stresses of travel. 

Healing Hotel Interiors Designed for Wellness 

As society becomes increasingly aware of all aspects of health and wellness, hotels must continue to evolve their interior design to create healing spaces for guests. By using the 7 ideas listed above or any of the other concepts at Delia Designs, modern hotels can position themselves to promote the wellbeing of guests amid this increasing awareness.  

Author Bio 

Brian Jeffries is a freelance writer who loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on construction projects and materials. He lives in Winter Park, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on projects in his spare time. Brian’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.