Zero-Cost Ritual vs. Luxury SPA: A Reflection on True Well-Being

Why do I insist on saying that having a SPA in a hotel is not the same as having a hotel that includes a service that is now expected for well-being and health, especially in high-end hotels?

A low-cost wellness ritual on the island of Madeira

During a recent short stay on the wonderful island of Madeira, I had a unique wellness experience that had a profound impact on my physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

I went down to Garajau beach and, as usual, was welcomed at the beach restaurant in a unique way, to enjoy a good meal at a table that had been reserved in advance. An experience that made me feel truly special.

I then headed for the hot stones, where I did a brief meditation and dived into that unique ocean, full of wonderful properties. I returned and lay down again on the hot stones. I placed some on strategic points of the body, remaining a few minutes in this ritual.

What are the benefits of this low-cost ritual?

Benefits of diving into the ocean:

• Circulatory stimulation: seawater, which is usually cool, activates blood and lymphatic circulation.
• Gentle physical exercise: swimming or simply moving around in the sea works muscles, joints, and breathing.
• Respiratory effects: sea air, rich in iodine and minerals, can facilitate breathing and clear the airways.
• Mental relaxation: contact with water and the sound of the sea reduces stress and anxiety.
• Controlled sun exposure: helps in the synthesis of vitamin D (always with attention to sun protection).

Benefits of lying on hot stones

• Natural thermotherapy: the heat from the stones relaxes muscles and joints, relieving tension or mild pain.
• Stimulation of circulation: the contrast between cold (from the dip) and heat (from the stones) strengthens blood vessels and regulates metabolism.
• Grounding sensation: direct contact with the earth’s surface (similar to grounding) can promote deep relaxation and a sense of balance.
• Stress relief: the heat calms the nervous system, promoting a meditative state.

The combined effect (cold–hot contrast)

● Similar to Nordic bathing techniques (sauna + cold water immersion), the cycle of cold followed by heat strengthens physical endurance, improves mood, increases the release of endorphins, and boosts the immune system.

A high-end wellness ritual at a luxury spa

After this experience, I went to try out a spa at a renowned luxury hotel on the island, which had piqued my curiosity. Unfortunately, my expectations were not met.

The spa is effectively surrounded by wonderful storytelling. When we hear the story inspired by a forest and the levadas, we truly feel the care taken in creating circuits and equipment where the contrast between hot and cold (as described above) offers the main benefit.

I moved on to the chromotherapy showers, where I was surprised by the presence of only four colors. Now, for proper energy harmonization (chakras), it would be much more efficient to have the complete circuit. Otherwise, what’s the point of having it?

The advertised aromatherapy is also not noticeable. Cell phones are allowed, and there is no background music.

They have a wonderful room, which does have music and a Himalayan salt wall. However, although a pink salt wall enhances the feeling of well-being, improves the aesthetics of the space, and creates a therapeutic difference, the “physical” effects of salt have not yet been fully proven by science.

I am sure that the average spa user (without much knowledge of what is good or bad for them) does not really feel any effects. It is simply something visually appealing and enjoyable to experience. From a therapeutic point of view, it is almost null.

I then went on to experience something that I consider one of the most important rituals, the relaxation massage, which, when done well, is truly therapeutic.

My expectations were disappointed. I expected much more from a leading spa.

The international products were indeed top-of-the-line. The welcome ritual consisted of an orange-scented oshibori handed to us by the receptionist while we were standing. I sat down to fill out the form, at which point I was served flavored water.

I was then taken to the room, where my feet were placed in a bowl of water and, without any gesture or ritual, were cleaned immediately afterwards. I ask: what is the point of wasting time from the massage with this meaningless ritual?

During the 60-minute relaxation massage, the therapist, although professional, did not touch parts of the body that are essential for relaxation.

After the massage, a relaxation ritual followed in a very well-designed room, which I commend, accompanied by a tea ritual that was indeed worthy of the hotel in question. A wonderful tea from the Azores accompanied by homemade cookies made at the hotel.

Rethinking the future: the urgent need to innovate wellness and health in luxury hotels

This bittersweet experience reinforced my belief that there is currently an imbalance between quality and price, as well as investment and effectiveness—variables that, in my opinion, continue to be lacking in spas.

We must effectively begin to rethink WELL-BEING and HEALTH in hotels in a much more innovative, personalized, and structured way.