Thermal baths and spa complex Thermen and Badewelt Sinsheim in Germany has opened an immersive cinematic experience called “Breathing Planet” to offer multi-sensory guided breathing meditation.

Thermengruppe Josef Wund, strategic partner of Therme Group, developed the new experience following the launch of a similar offering at sister resort, Therme Eurskirchen, last year – called “Forest Bathing Lupuna”.

The addition of a second multi-sensory experience suggests the roll-out of these facilities to other thermal bathing complexes within the portfolio.

Breathing Planet

Breathing Planet, at the Sinsheim spa complex, is an immersive multi-sensory experience that offers a 10-minute screening of artistic visuals, a meditative soundscape and natural scents – to provide guests with a sense of calm and guide their breathing while sitting.

The filmic experience draws on real global wind data from space agency NASA between January and February of 2020, showing a visual landscape that gently moves and pulsates like breath.

The website says: “Wind is the breath of the earth – flowing, sustaining, invisible, yet full of energy. In nature, the wind is a constant companion, moving forests, shaping clouds and influencing the climate. In many cultures, it is considered a symbol of the breath of life – of change, freedom and connection.”

The projections were created in collaboration with London-based artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast.

The screening takes place in a new space designed by Atelier522, called Immersive Horizon – an enclosed cinematic space in the bathing complex’s former Sky Lounge, in the Palm Paradise zone.

The gallery-style Immersive Horizon accommodates up to six people at a time and was designed as a retreat and sensory experience that blends art, nature, science and cutting-edge technology.

Franz Hofstetter, CIO of Thermengruppe Josef Wund said, "Breathing is at the heart of the new immersive experience – as a natural regulator of our body, it's a powerful tool for reducing stress, but one that is often neglected in everyday life. The new Breathing Planet experience gently guides guests to find their way back into a mindful flow of breathing, creating an immediate, immersive and lasting sense of wellbeing."

There are two shows per hour and Immersive Horizon is open daily, offering 17 screenings from Sunday to Friday and 19 screenings on Saturdays.

Alex Rowse, head of business development and executive producer for Marshmallow Laser Feast told Spa Business: "We guide audiences through a ritual that highlights our connection to the natural world and encourages deep relaxation through resonant breathing – a scientifically supported technique to encourage deep relaxation and support emotional regulation. We want people to leave feeling centred, relaxed, joyful and a little bit in awe at their connection with the natural world."

The experience is included in the price of a ticket to enter the whole facility.

Forest Bathing Lupuna at Therme Eurskirchen

Last year, Thermengruppe Josef Wund debuted the concept of blending water, media and technology at Therme Eurskirchen with the Forest Bathing Lupuna experience.

The forest bathing experience is a cinematic projection, soundscape and aromatic experience that tells the story of the Lupuna tree, found in the Amazon rainforest.

The 24-minute screening, which accommodates 24 people lying on circular vibroacoustic beds, takes place in the property’s Immersive Sky experience room.

The multi-sensory space was developed in collaboration with artists Marshmallow Laser Feast, consultancy White Mirror and architecture and experience designer The Love Triangle.

Rowse, of Marshmallow Laser Feast, told Spa Business that the forest bathing experience had 50,000 visitors in its first year and Therme Eurskirchen has had to increase opening hours to meet demand this year.

Hofstetter said at the time: “We not only want to set new standards, but also underpin them with a strong commitment to improving the quality of life of our guests and our community.

“We are creating something new with innovative ideas using technologies and media that meet people’s needs,” added Hofstetter.