Currently, contrasting trends are dividing the wellness industry. When one thinks of a spa, the image of an oasis of relaxation undoubtedly comes to mind. One of the new trends picks up on this exact image, inspired by the positive effects of nature, turning the wellness industry and the classic image of spas upside down. It combines relaxation with state-of-the-art technology: a good alternative or a fleeting trend?
Wellness as a Nature Experience
Those indulging in wellness seek to detoxify body and soul, relax, ideally be unreachable, and simply reconnect with themselves. Especially in the age of office work and urban living, time spent outdoors often falls short. In the spirit of awareness and enjoying nature, the wellness industry recommends rediscovering nature with all your senses. Some doctors or therapists even prescribe walks in the forest to alleviate stress, instead of immediately resorting to the pharmaceutical industry. Now, more and more spas are embracing this idea, aiming to offer you a top-notch nature experience – with all its scents and its calming and meditative effects. The originally Japanese practice of forest bathing or “shinrin-yoku” is currently thriving in the wellness industry, inviting you to open your senses again to the joys of nature. Escape into the depths of the forest and experience an all-round feel-good program tailored to your needs. Rarely has the phrase “follow your own nose” been more appropriate, as this experience could not be more individual. Find a place where you feel comfortable, where you can simply be and enjoy. A place that evokes emotions and dreams through its scents and surroundings. The promise? Pure relaxation! But now, a new trend aims to achieve this without the need to venture outdoors.
Virtual Reality (VR): Restful or Counterproductive?
Struggling to enjoy time outdoors or simply lacking the time to travel to your “happy place”? Then, the new relaxation technique may be an alternative. Virtual reality allows you to escape to distant lands without actually taking the trip. More and more spas swear by the effects of traveling via VR goggles. Simply describe your favorite place, mention the scents and sounds that have a particularly calming effect on you, and you’re ready to go! And all this without the hassle of packing a suitcase. During the massage, you’ll be given VR goggles that whisk you away to your place of longing in no time.
Why are we skeptical? Unfortunately, this method has little to do with digital detox and actually escaping the daily grind. Although you are transported to the place of your desires through sensual illusions, the actual “offline” experience is missing. It certainly can’t hurt, but for those seeking true relaxation and digital detox, a technology-free vacation would probably be more beneficial than a stimulating yet simulated VR journey.
