Your lobby is the heart and soul of your spa. It’s where clients get their first impression of your property and where your employees welcome clients. This important gathering place should exhibit class, luxury, relaxation, warmth, and comfort. In this space, you can begin to choreograph the overall experience that your clients will have in your spa.
Creating an Oasis
People go to spas to unwind and to forget about their everyday worries. As soon as they step into the lobby of your spa, they should already feel a dramatic change in their stress levels. Focus on the sights, sounds, and smells that your clients will experience as soon as they walk in the door. For example, water wall signs, such as a wall fountain with your company logo on it, will incorporate the element of water in your lobby. The soothing sound and appearance of flowing water will help your clients to feel an instant sense of serenity. Use aromatherapy products, such as aromatherapy diffusers, to create a subtle relaxing scent.
Combine Aesthetics and Function
Since your spa lobby serves as a welcoming area that will be used to check clients in, it should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Make sure that it flows smoothly. For example, make sure that your clients can easily access your reception desk without having to navigate obstacles along the way. Your employees will need a variety of office equipment—phones, a computer, printers, etc.—in order to fulfill their job requirements. The way in which this equipment is set up can dramatically change the overall look of your reception area. For a spa environment, your clients do not want to be reminded of work. Make sure that you create an attractive barrier between this work space and the waiting area for your clients. Spa music and a flowing fountain are two sound elements that you can add to direct attention away from the sounds of office equipment.
Customize Your Spa Environment
When going to a spa, no one wants to feel like they are going to the dentist or to another medical facility. While you provide a form of healthcare, going to the spa is also like a mini vacation. Think outside of the box by eliminating any elements that feel stale and clinical. You also want to make sure that your spa is different from other spas, and represents the overall theme of your business. For example, is your goal to run a modern spa, a classical spa, a spa focused on the practice of Zen, an Italian-inspired spa, an urban spa, a resort spa, or any other unique theme? By determining a theme for your spa, you will be able to pick out the most fitting spa equipment, furnishings, color scheme, and overall décor.
Consider Your Potential Clients
What is your core demographic? Is your spa located in an urban environment where the majority of your clientele will be young people in their 20s and 30s? If so, choose a theme that is young and hip, but that also incorporates relaxing elements. Will your spa be primarily visited by people on vacation? If so, it will be a good idea to design your spa and lobby based on a theme that holds universal appeal. For example, a modern European spa theme will be attractive to most people. Develop a solid understanding of who your clients will be and then cater to those guests in order to build your client base as effectively as possible. Keep in mind that some vacationers or locals will stop in just to take a closer look at your spa, and your lobby should provide an encouraging passageway to the spa services that you provide.
Polly Godwin is the owner of FountainSigns.com, a company specializing in logo fountains and design. Learn how you can replace your boring business design with a fountain sign!
Four Top Tips For Designing Your Spa Lobby
