Spa bookings reach 70 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels, reports Spabreaks.com

In June, the Good Spa Guide revealed the results of a survey which asked 5,000 UK spa-goers what they were most looking forward to, what worried them, and how their habits might change, in light of COVID-19.

The survey reported that just over 80 per cent of respondents said they’d go back to a spa straight away (48 per cent) and behavioural specialist Daphne Metland told Spa Business she predicted a surge in spa bookings post-lockdown.

So far, Metland’s prediction is proving accurate as UK spa bookings agency, Spabreaks.com, has confirmed its bookings have reached 70 per cent of their pre-COVID-19 capacity, since 15 August.

Spabreaks.com founder, Abi Selby, commented: “It’s been an incredibly difficult year for the spa industry but it’s been wonderful to see spas do so much to embrace the new set of circumstances and really celebrate the meaning of spa in its many different guises.

“It’s been lovely to see how welcoming and supportive customers have been when returning to spas, especially the support they’ve shown for everyone working hard to make sure they have a safe, relaxing and meaningful experience.”

According to Spabreaks.com which lists more than 750 UK spas, the success in bookings is due to spas reopening in a way that not only adheres to, and respects, COVID-19-secure measures, but also seeks to enhance experiences that support health, wellbeing and peace of mind which may have been neglected over the last few months.

For example, the warm weather has provided an excellent opportunity for guests to enjoy some of the spectacular spa gardens available across the UK.

Back in June, the survey actually indicated a demand for spas to ramp up outdoor facilities, as nearly two-thirds of the sample set said they'd feel happier using spa areas outside.

Metland commented: “We’re going to see more use of outdoor space at spas because meeting others outside has become the norm during lockdown, and due to scientific evidence supporting that the outdoors is safer, in terms of risking COVID-19 transmission.”

The trend appears to be picking up speed around the globe, with spas such as Lefay Resort and Spa Lago di Garda and California’s Glen Ivy Hot Springs beginning to offer outdoor treatments and nature retreat packages.

Selby has been as strong supporter of the industry as it lobbied government to reopen, more recently she is pushing for the reopening of thermal facilites.

"We really do need our thermal facilities open to truly start to maximise the opportunity that exists," she said.

"With many of our wonderful wellness colleagues still on furlough, it presents us with enormous challenges in so many areas, but we must all pull together and remain positive. If we all work together, we can come through this bigger and stronger."