Hilton recently released its 2025 Trends Report: The Vacation Maximized, covering travel trends to watch in the coming year. 

Hilton surveyed 13,000 adults from 13 countries, with plans to travel in the next 12 months; collected feedback from over 4,100 Hilton team members; and conducted interviews with Hilton travel experts. According to the report, travelers in 2025 will be looking to pair their desire to relax and recharge with high-impact adventures and experiences to maximize time and financial investment.

“Our 2025 Trends Report uncovers what has been simmering for years – the intersection of work and play; of relaxation and adventure; of being alone but together. Travelers don’t just want to choose their own adventure – they want to maximize every moment of their time away,” said Chris Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton. “This new data reveals a fascinating dichotomy and growing focus on experiences that will keep us on our toes, constantly evolving to meet the needs of tomorrow’s traveler.” 

Trends include adventure seeking, slow travel, nostalgic travel, high tech meets digital detox, and solo travel (which Hilton calls “memooning”).

Some insights from the study:

• 7 in 10 global travelers enjoy being active when traveling, with 1 in 5 leisure travelers planning outdoor adventures in 2025.
• 1 in 5 global travelers indulge in “hurkle-durkling,” the Scottish phrase for “lounging in bed all day” while on vacation.
• More than a quarter of travelers will book a spa or wellness treatment to enhance their sleep.
• 58% of global travelers who travel with their kids revisit destinations from their own childhood, embracing nostalgia.
• 1 in 4 leisure travelers are planning to explore the world and different cultures in 2025, leaning into the Slow Travel trend: “the act of traveling and immersing yourself into a destination for an extended time as a local to fully experience the culture.”
• 63% of travelers place importance on having the option of a digital room key, allowing them to go straight to their room without stopping at the front desk.
• 24% of global travelers disconnect from social media more than they used to during vacations.
• 70% of travelers with children choose vacation destinations based on their children’s preferences.
• 64% of solo travelers consider a good book their favorite travel partner.
• Nearly 1 in 5 of global leisure travelers seek out new restaurants or culinary experiences, with 50% of travelers booking restaurant reservations before their flights.

We spoke with Amanda Al Masri, Hilton’s Global Vice President of Wellness, about these predictions and how Hilton is accommodating solo travelers and those seeking better sleep and digital balance. Here’s what she had to say:

Which of the trends mentioned in the report are you most interested in or excited about?

Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report unveils the rising travel trends predicted to ignite conversation and innovation while reshaping the travel experience in 2025. From my perspective, one of the most interesting areas we explored was the evolution of sleep tourism. For instance, we found that over half the world – and 2/3 of Americans – admitted to sleeping better in hotels. Additionally, 2 in 5 travelers choose hotels where they think they can achieve a better night’s sleep. This data underscores the importance of sleep in the guest wellness experience, and at Hilton, we are continuously evaluating the entire ecosystem – the different touch points and experiences that the guest has on-property – that impact rest. These findings highlight new opportunities for us to innovate across our global portfolio and further enhance guests’ stays.

Can you talk about the trends specific to wellness and how hotels and spas can prepare and adapt?

As sleep tourism has changed, even over the past year, we’ve been listening loudly to what that means to different types of travelers. For example, our report revealed that 1 in 5 global travelers enjoys Hurkle-Durkling, or intentionally lounging all day in bed, while on vacation, and younger travelers (30% of Zillennials) embrace this trend even more enthusiastically than Gen X and Baby Boomers (11%). We also found that more than 1 in 4 travelers will book a spa or wellness treatment to enhance their sleep while on vacation. These are distinct areas of the sleep tourism conversation that we’ve taken note of, especially as Hilton properties around the world are well-positioned to meet the needs of these relaxation-focused travelers.

To cater to these growing trends, hotels can first focus on delivering dependable basics like high-quality mattresses. While all Hilton brands offer unique and exclusive bedding, Canopy by Hilton offers a gel memory foam mattress and Serta Cool Balance® technology, with the brand’s signature canopy frame. Motto by Hilton has equipped its rooms with top-notch mattresses, sound-absorbing surroundings and smart technology available through the Hilton Honors app. Once the basics are addressed, hotels can introduce special spa packages for sleep-seeking travelers. Hilton properties across the global portfolio have done this, including Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia, which offers a holistic anti-stress program combining yoga therapy with meditation, aimed at delivering guests a better night’s rest. Similarly, Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts offers signature services targeted at winding down and delivering the best night’s rest possible, including the 50-minute Celestial Circadian Ritual featuring a warm magnesium scrub and essential oil application on acupuncture points targeting relaxation and restful sleep.

 How does Hilton balance high tech with the desire for digital detox?

At Hilton, we recognize that today’s travelers want the best of both worlds – efficient technology and the ability to unplug when needed. We provide technology that enhances the guest experience without overwhelming it. For example, we found that 63% of travelers want to use a digital room key. Our Digital Key and Digital Check-In allow Hilton Honors members to bypass the front desk and go straight to their room, offering a more seamless experience. At the same time, we’ve designed spaces that encourage guests to disconnect, such as the Wellness Rooms at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. With 70% of luxury travelers choosing hotels with sleep-centric amenities, the Wellness Rooms feature offerings such as a Technogym Movement Kit, Therabody recovery tools, including JetBoots, Theragun and SmartGoggles, an air purifier, blackout curtains, a Loftie smart alarm clock and access to Kilolani Spa’s extensive thermal areas. This balance allows guests to engage with technology on their terms, whether looking for efficiency or moments of mindfulness.

 The concept of ‘MeMooners’ is highlighted in the report. How is Hilton catering to solo travelers seeking personalized experiences?

With 50% of global respondents often traveling alone, solo travel has become a driving force in the industry, and Hilton is committed to offering ‘Me-Mooners’ experiences that support their journey of self-care and exploration. From mindful dining to tailored spa treatments, we want to ensure that solo travelers feel seen, valued and cared for. For example, our research shows that solo travelers value flexibility and personalization, and many of our properties offer tasting menus and smaller portion sizes to create a more satisfying dining experience. For those looking for deeper relaxation, our spas provide individualized treatments that cater to their wellness goals. No matter where solo guests are on their journey, our goal is to create an environment that allows guests to relax, recharge and fully focus on themselves.

 Can you talk about sleep tourism and programs you have that are helping travelers get better sleep?

 After the challenges of the last few years, we’ve seen a heightened desire from travelers to relax while on the road. Personal wellness matters more than ever, and we know from our research and from hearing directly from guests, that there is an increased focus on getting a good night’s sleep when away from home. As demonstrated by the increased popularity of sleep tourism, travelers are taking that extra step to seek out unique experiences, amenities and environments that help them achieve their sleep goals, with some even planning entire trips around relaxation.

We know all guests across all brands, globally, are looking for and expect a good night’s sleep when arriving at our hotels. While there are sleep touchpoints present in every stay, Hilton’s commitment to enhancing the guest sleep experience is also exemplified through specialized offerings across our brands and properties. For example, we announced a partnership with sleep science expert Dr. Rebecca Robbins earlier this year to infuse evidence-based research and scientific insights into sleep program design at Hilton. This includes new programming, such as the introduction of Sleep Retreats at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui, Hawaii. The multi-day retreat led guests through a series of tailored activities, discussions, strategies and meditations, designed to help promote the best night’s sleep.

Additionally, our report found that nearly two-thirds (63%) of travelers admit to sleeping better when sleeping alone. In fact, 37% of travelers prefer to sleep in a separate bed from their partner when traveling, and most of those traveling with children (3 in 4) think it’s best to sleep apart from their kids while traveling. Hilton’s Confirmed Connecting Rooms allow guests to easily book and instantly confirm adjoining rooms, providing the perfect solution for families or couples who want to stay close while still enjoying the privacy and sleep quality that separate beds and rooms can offer.

Spa Executive is published by Book4Time, the leader in guest management, revenue and mobile solutions for the most exclusive spas, hotels, and resorts around the globe. Learn more at book4time.com.

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“The importance of community can’t be overstated,” says Lisa Michaelis, founder and CEO of Live Love Spa, a premier community for spa professionals to connect and discover trends, products, experiences and emerging insights in wellness.

Live Love Spa is a premier community for spa professionals to connect, discover and learn about new trends, products, experiences and emerging insights within the wellness space. Live Love Spa specializes in creating unique, immersive spa and wellness experiences for industry professionals. These include curated events that provide a platform for networking, product sampling, and education. The company is known for its intimate, hands-on approach, allowing participants to experience new treatments and products firsthand. 

Lisa Michaelis is the founder and CEO of Live Love Spa. With over 20 years of experience in the spa and wellness industry, Lisa is a visionary leader known for her passion for connecting people and driving innovation. Her deep understanding of the needs of both operators and brands has made Live Love Spa an influential force in shaping the future of spa experiences. 

Lisa Michaelis is also the creator of National Wellness Month, an initiative encouraging people to focus on their health and wellbeing in August.

We spoke with Lisa Michaelis about Live Love Spa, the value of community, and what works in wellness marketing.

What inspired the creation of Live Love Spa, and how has it evolved over the years?

The inspiration behind Live Love Spa came from a desire to redefine how the spa and wellness community connects, learns, and grows together. I’ve always been passionate about wellness and its power to transform lives, and I noticed a need for a more hands-on, personal approach to learning and networking in our industry. The traditional format of trade shows didn’t capture the essence of what we do in spas – creating meaningful experiences that nurture the body, mind, and soul.

So, I asked myself, “What if we created an event inspired by experiences?”

We started by creating a welcoming environment for spa professionals to experience products firsthand. Over the years, Live Love Spa has evolved to include more than just events. We’ve developed a community that supports the growth and success of spa professionals and brands alike. From our Destination Wellness Retreats, Spark Leaders Summit, digital connection and online directory with our SpaPro app, and a full-fledged e-commerce solution, affiliate program, and a media event to celebrate Wellness Month, we continue to innovate and adapt to meet the changing needs of the industry. Our focus remains on fostering meaningful relationships, driving growth, and celebrating the impact of wellness.

Can you describe the unique aspects of Live Love Spa events compared to traditional trade shows?

Live Love Spa events are anything but your traditional trade shows! We know how exhausting trade shows can be – you’re on your feet all day, wandering around a maze of booths, trying to squeeze in conversations, let alone make the meetings meaningful.

Our events are intimate and experiential, where you can actually try the products and services in a spa environment, just as your guests would. It’s all about creating a comfortable and engaging setting here genuine connections can happen naturally.

We also sprinkle in a bit of our secret sauce; fun, interactive activities and networking sessions that feel more like a wellness event than a business event. The idea is to leave you more informed, rejuvenated, and inspired. At the end of the day, you walk away with new ideas, new partnerships, and even a little glow! It’s a unique way to do business and build relationships, and we love that our community embraces it with open arms (and sometimes in a spa robe!).

Can you talk about the importance of community and why it matters in this or any industry?

Community is the heart of everything we do at Live Love Spa. In our industry, where we dedicate ourselves to enhancing the wellbeing of others, having a supportive network makes all the difference. Being a part of this community means you’re valued and supported. You can pick up the phone and reach out to someone to share ideas, ask for advice, or even collaborate on a new project. Live Love Spa is a place where relationships are built on trust, shared experiences, and a genuine desire to see each other succeed.

Whether you’re a spa owner, therapist, or brand, having a strong network means you’re not alone in navigating challenges. You have people rooting for you, ready to share their insights, celebrate your wins, and help you achieve your goals.

The importance of community can’t be overstated. When we support each other, we’re not just growing our businesses, we’re elevating the entire industry and, ultimately, helping more people experience the power of wellness. 

We missed National Wellness Month for this issue but can you talk about the reasons behind creating this month and what you hoped to achieve?

I created National Wellness Month in August of 2018 to support and celebrate the people and businesses dedicated to helping others live healthier, more balanced lives. This is now a nationally recognized month and is supported by media and industry partners every August. 

We saw an opportunity to amplify the message of wellness, not only to those in the industry but to consumers as well. It was a chance for us to come together as a collective, spotlight the incredible work being done, and inspire even more people to prioritize self-care. We also wanted to provide an opportunity for our brand partners to equip spa professionals and wellness businesses with marketing tools, resources, and partnerships to engage their communities and promote their offerings in a meaningful way. Wellness Month has become a platform that supports businesses connecting with their audience, sharing their expertise, and building awareness, all while celebrating the spirit of wellness.

What marketing strategies have been most effective for Live Love Spa?

One of our most effective marketing strategies is experiential marketing. We don’t just talk about products or trends – we let people experience them firsthand, and in spa environments. Something magical happens when you see, touch, and feel the products yourself – it builds a stronger emotional and practical connection.

Another key strategy is building solid relationships. We genuinely care about our community, which creates trust and value. Wellness Month, for example, has been a fantastic way to unite the industry around a common cause. By creating initiatives that everyone can participate in, we amplify our message and make a bigger impact together than we ever could alone.

Lastly, we’re very intentional with our outreach – every email and every invitation is personalized and thoughtful. We want our community to always feel valued and seen. So, in short, it’s a blend of creating authentic experiences, building relationships, and staying connected and relevant – that’s what’s driven our success and engagement. And we always add a little fun and personality along the way!

What marketing advice can you share for hotels, spas, and hospitality businesses?

Make it easy for someone to say “Yes, I want that!” Think about how you can simplify the decision-making process for your customers. If there are too many layers and considerations, people won’t take the time to sort through it all.

Package your offerings in a straightforward and compelling way. Instead of overwhelming customers with too many options or complex pricing structures, focus on clear messaging and value-driven packages. You want to eliminate any friction and make it effortless for them to say, “Yes, I’ll book that right now!” 

Emphasize what makes your property or service unique – a signature spa treatment, a special amenity, or a one-of-a-kind experience. Show them the value, make buying easy, and create a little urgency with exclusive perks or limited-time offers. When guests see something beautifully packaged, clearly communicated, and ready to go, they’re far more likely to jump at the opportunity.

How do you ensure that Live Love Spa stays ahead of trends in the wellness industry?

Staying ahead of trends in the wellness industry is in my blood. As a first-born Korean, I was raised with a mindset of striving for excellence and always looking ahead. This drive fuels my passion for what I do and keeps me on the pulse of industry trends.

I’m constantly learning, whether it’s through research, attending industry events, or being around individuals who are setting the trends themselves. I believe that to be a true leader in the industry, you have to surround yourself with innovators and forward-thinkers. It’s those conversations and shared insights that help us keep our finger on the pulse and continue pushing boundaries. 

At Live Love Spa, we’re not just watching trends, we’re actively part of the conversation that shapes them.

In what ways can hotels and resorts better integrate wellness into their customer experience?

Hotels and resorts have an incredible opportunity to become true wellness advisors for their guests rather than just offering a one-and-done facial or massage. It’s about looking beyond the treatment menu and thinking about how they can support their guests’ entire wellness journey.

Be the place where guests discover new rituals, products, and practices that elevate their wellbeing. Even if your resort caters to a transient audience, you can create experiences that introduce something new, like contrast bathing, meditation techniques, or a CBD-infused treatment. Then, guide them with the next steps they can implement when they get home or an easy way to purchase the at-home experience and have it shipped to their home. Suddenly, you’re not just a spa; you’re a trusted source for wellness solutions, and guests will rave about their experience long after they’ve left, and think of you whenever they need wellness advice or inspiration!

What are you excited about?

I’m most excited about wellness having its moment! People are finally seeking out what we’ve been championing for years. Wellness is no longer a “nice-to-have” – it’s essential, and everyone’s starting to see that. Creativity is thriving right now, whether it’s in how wellness is integrated into architecture or how experiences are designed to be more meaningful and transformative. The next 10 years will be full of innovation and expansion, and I can’t wait to see how far we can take it!

Spa Executive is published by Book4Time, the leader in guest management, revenue and mobile solutions for the most exclusive spas, hotels, and resorts around the globe. Learn more at book4time.com.

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We spoke with Eric Litman about his journey, Aescape’s mission, and the challenges robots can help resolve in the hospitality and wellness industries.

Eric Litman, the visionary behind Aescape, is pioneering the integration of AI and robotics into wellness to deliver personalized, high-quality massage experiences. He founded Aescape in 2017 with a leadership team that includes experts from Amazon, Uber, and Meta, aiming to revolutionize self-care through AI-driven robotics. In spring 2024, Aescape launched its first fully automated, customizable massage experience, recently rolling out at 10 Equinox locations in New York City and the ila Only Spa at Lotte New York Palace. The company also made its Miami debut and first installation outside of New York at the Privai Spa at Kimpton Epic Hotel. Supported by $80 million in funding, Aescape addresses gaps in the market by leveraging cutting-edge AI and human insights to provide wellness solutions tailored to individual needs.

Asked about the driving force behind designing a massage robot, Mr. Litman said, “I have been building tech companies for as long as I’ve been employed. Aescape is in many ways the culmination of my experiences over the years and the representation of my biggest passions in life, which are my own personal wellness and health journey and in bringing technology and data-backed solutions to the improvement of our wellbeing.”

We spoke with Eric Litman about his journey, Aescape’s mission, and the challenges robots can help resolve in the hospitality and wellness industries.

Can we talk more about where the idea for Aescape came from?

Yes. I’ve been computing since I was very young, and along with that have been implementing all the common practices of hunching over with poor posture and poor body position, while also being very athletic. Plus, I’ve also spent a lot of time on airplanes. The combination of those things really put a toll on my spine and I spent eight months of my life needing a massage every day to address the very specific problem of a bulging disc. I got massages in every country and every location you can imagine, and it often didn’t solve the problem. This is how I learned about the challenges of finding high quality people to deliver great massages, and it seemed like there was an opportunity to bring in an alternative solution that would let people like me, with a very specific need, get what they want.

It’s a very different product from a massage therapist and we are intentionally not trying to replicate a massage therapist. The two will live side by side and do different things for the world. We are here for the people that want to self direct their care and who are looking for specificity and consistency no matter where they go. There’s never any guesswork.

Can we go a bit further into the challenges this technology addresses for the industry?

Interestingly, if you look at the annual ISPA PWC report, they say that about one in five US adults got a massage in the last 12 months. Our research has shown there’s about another one in five who say they would get regular massages if it wasn’t from a person, because of issues like body sanctity, body dysmorphia, and anxiety with strangers of the same or opposite gender. We see that here all the time. We have people come in for Aescape massages that have never had a massage with a person before, never wanted one, and they love it and come back as repeat members.

There are obviously benefits to working with a massage therapist, but there are not enough people to meet demand, and what happens is the people who are particularly good at the job feel the squeeze because they end up picking up extra shifts when there aren’t enough LMTs available. Our product creates a baseline level of availability that gives the therapists more predictability to their schedule. Plus, we believe over time this will ultimately raise the economic value for the therapist. We think therapists will be able to charge more because there’ll be a premium on high quality service from a human massage therapist. We think of ourselves as a labor augmentation.

What are some more benefits?

The robot allows an operator to rethink many of their service design choices and create new revenue opportunities. You can offer a massage at five o’clock in the morning when someone gets up early, or at 11 o’clock at night. Let’s say a traveler comes in from a long set of flights and their room isn’t ready. You could give them a drink at the bar, or you could give them a massage while you’re getting the room ready. And because it’s a clothed massage, you don’t necessarily need to put it into a spa. You can put it in an open area, maybe with a screen around the bed for some lightweight privacy. Or maybe you turn over one of the rooms, put our table in there, and now can offer wellness amenities. Your front desk staff could be the ones to guide people to the table and hand them a set of clothes. You require very little operation to go along with it.

We’re also here to help with driving utilization. We’re not just dropping off a product. We deliver a service. We help to drive demand and to smooth the demand curve throughout the day. We really partner with the places and locations where we deploy these tables.

There are other companies that have created massage robots or similar products. Why do you think we haven’t heard more from them? What makes Aescape different?

This is incredibly complex. It’s not a difficult idea to conceive of, particularly if you’ve lived in or known the industry and know about the labor shortage. But it’s very easy to vastly underestimate the complexity of building something that can function safely and autonomously around all the different body shapes and forms and all the human behaviors. It’s really hard.

So, while we definitely would say that we are one of the more advanced robotics companies on the planet, that’s not  the point. The point is that we create great experiences. We think through all the details from the beginning to the end of the journey to ensure that everyone that encounters this feels like their needs have been met. And there’s just so much to that.

We have a customer satisfaction rate above 90%. Our peak user rate continues to grow even with limited availability because the tables tend to all be booked out. The market is telling us that we’ve done pretty well. Now, from our perspective, we think we’re only at the beginning and we know how much more we can do, but market feedback says we’re on a good track.

How does it work?

It’s very straightforward. You book the experience through an app, like you would book a restaurant or car service. You come into the room, you put on really cool clothes that make it so that you don’t have to have lotion or oil. You’re not showering afterwards, you’re not nude in front of a stranger or in a strange environment. You lay on the table. We have sensors that scan you into the system, make a model of your body, and use that to hyper personalize a massage. Then, as you lay on the table, there’s a big beautiful touch screen showing your body in 3D, and you can make desired changes. You’re informed at all times of what’s happening and what is going to happen next, so you’re never wondering if it’s going to get to your glutes or hamstrings. That’s all laid out for you in front of you.

And it remembers you. So, no matter which location you go back to, whether you’re at an Equinox, the Palace Hotel, or any other location into which we’ve been deployed, you have an experience that is tailored to you.

Please talk about some of those locations – where are you and where are you going to be?

We’re in Equinox and ila Only Spa at The Palace Hotel. We’re also in Previ Spa at the Kimpton EPIC in Miami. Currently we’re rolling out two to three new locations every week and will also be announcing partnerships with professional sports teams, corporate offices, and more hotels. There is quite a bit of distribution coming up.

And are you excited about any other technology in the wellness or hospitality landscape right now?

I love what people are doing with what I think of as the mitochondrial journey. So you have heat and cold and light therapy, all driving mitochondrial benefits. Those are super interesting and there’s a ton of research behind it. I love seeing more technology being integrated into fitness equipment where you can start to quantify the work that you’re doing throughout your fitness journey and access metrics to drive you and give you the insights you need to set real goals and real targets other than just showing up in a gym every day. There’s so many exciting things happening out there.

For so much of time we’ve relied upon tradition and anecdote to drive how we think about our health and what works well for our health. And we’re now at a point in time where we have a better understanding of why certain things impact us the way they do, which allows us to recraft solutions from the objective point of view. I think we’re just at the very beginning of that.

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Researchers find saunas could help with post menopausal weight gain in women. 

Here’s more interesting research supporting the health benefits of saunas and other heat treatments. 

New research suggests that daily time in a warm environment like a sauna could help older adults, especially women, combat age-related obesity and insulin resistance. The study was designed to explore heat treatments as a simple way to promote healthier aging.

The study was conducted in mice, so the results might not be the same in humans, but they are promising nonetheless. Researchers found that older female mice who received a daily 30-minute whole-body heat treatment gained less weight and showed improved use of insulin, which helps control blood sugar, compared with mice who did not receive the heat treatments. 

Saunas as a solution for managing weight gain

“Compared to men, women have a higher likelihood of being obese or overweight,” said research team leader Soonkyu Chung, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Nutrition at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, in a statement. “This is especially true after menopause, due to the loss of estrogen in the body. Our study suggests that whole-body heat therapy could serve as an effective, non-invasive solution for managing weight gain and insulin resistance associated with menopause.”

Heat therapy could be a practical option for those with increased abdominal fat and a higher risk of metabolic diseases triggered by menopausal hormonal changes, said Fan. And the treatments are something that can be easily integrated into routine healthcare practices through regular sessions in saunas, heated baths, or with specialized heat wraps.

For the study, the researchers remove the ovaries of the older female mice to model post-menopausal conditions. The mice received a Western diet that contained 45% calories from fat to induce weight gain. One group of mice received 30 minutes of daily heat therapy in a heat chamber set to 40℃ (104°F) for 12 weeks while the other group did not receive heat treatment.

“The mice receiving the heat treatment showed no tissue damage and exhibited significantly reduced lactate dehydrogenase levels, indicating less aging-related tissue damage. The therapy also effectively mitigated weight gain induced by a high fat diet.

“Compared to the mice not receiving the treatment, those that underwent heat therapy showed significant improvements in insulin sensitivity and insulin signaling as well as reduced fat accumulation in key areas such as the liver and in brown fat. While adipose tissue stores energy, brown fat is a metabolically active type of fat that helps the body burn more energy. Research has shown that people tend to lose brown fat as they age and when entering menopause, which contributes to a slower metabolism.”

The researchers found that the heat triggers several molecular processes that help the body use energy more efficiently and burn fat. 

Fan said, “It could be particularly advantageous for individuals who find physical activities challenging, providing a relaxing way to improve metabolic health.”

The researchers note that more research is required to determine the optimal duration and intensity of heat exposure in people and to confirm safety and effectiveness across diverse populations.

Sauna as a treatment for depression

Previous studies have found regular sauna bathing shows promise as a prophylaxis against dementia and hypertension. And ongoing research is looking into sauna as a treatment for depression. 

In a small trial of just 13 people, researchers recruited patients with major depressive disorder to assess the efficacy of a combined cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and whole-body hyperthermia  (WBH) treatment. The The Osher Center for Integrated Health reports that Patients received eight weekly CBT sessions with a therapist, and separately completed a WBH session every other week, for a total of four, involving heating the body in an infrared sauna dome covering the entire body except for the head. The team found that the combined interventions led to statistically significant reductions in depression symptoms. And, of the 12 patients who completed treatments, 11 no longer met criteria for major depressive disorder post-treatment. 

“After treatment, we observed reductions in depressive symptoms that were much higher than we would have expected from receiving CBT alone without heat treatment,” said Ashley Mason, PhD, the study’s lead author. “These results suggest that this mind and body treatment may hold promise in the treatment of depression. Patients found it feasible and acceptable, and data suggest that it had a meaningful impact on their depression.”

The research team is now conducting a second trial and preparing to conduct larger clinical trials.

Spa Executive is published by Book4Time, the leader in guest management, revenue and mobile solutions for the most exclusive spas, hotels, and resorts around the globe. Learn more at book4time.com.

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