4 minute read
A return to herbalism in spas
Spas are increasingly embracing resident herbalists to satisfy growing consumer demand for holistic health solutions to combat modern stress and burnout.
Businesses are seeking new ways to integrate traditional practices, herbal remedies and plant-based treatments to offer personalised, holistic wellness experiences for guests.
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp in Belgium was one of the pioneers of this renaissance in herbal healing. Set within the walls of an ancient monastery, where monks and nuns would grow plants and herbs for remedial purposes, the spa works with Viennese brand Saint Charles.
Each product and experience delivered is said to reflect respect for naturopathic wisdom, fused with the latest research in health and wellness.
Holistic help for all life stages
At Hôtel du Couvent in Nice, France, the former Couvent de la Visitation Sainte-Claire, built by the Clarisse nuns in 1604, has been restored to create a beautiful hotel and Roman-inspired thermal baths. Resident herbalist Gregory Unrein from Nice Organic provides personalised treatments, teas and tinctures in the apothecary made from herbs picked from the garden.
Guests seek help for a variety of reasons from stress, anxiety, burnout, digestive issues, sleep to weight management and overall vitality.
“A major area of growing attention is women’s health,” says Unrein. “In recent years, there has been increasing demand for natural support for conditions at every stage of life, from endometriosis and hormonal balance to perimenopause and menopause.”
Unrein believes that there are a number of driving factors behind this newfound popularity. “The renewed interest in herbalism can be explained by a broader cultural shift,” he says. “Many people are looking for authentic, natural alternatives to synthetic solutions, inspired by traditions yet validated by modern knowledge.”
Herbal health boost
In Italy, the renowned Borgo Santo Pietro, home to skincare brand Seed to Skin Tuscany, is also seeing a growth in demand for herbal solutions to health concerns. The property offers a year long herbal masterclass, online and in person, in collaboration with renowned herbal doctor Anne McIntyre.
“It’s an immersive journey into herbal medicine designed for those who truly want to deepen their knowledge and practice,” says Jeanette Gron Thottrup, owner of Borgo Santo Pietro and founder of Seed To Skin Tuscany.
Connecting to the land
Aegialis Hotel & Spa Amorgós in Greece offers tours of the island’s diverse flora, including some 600 plant species, and guests learn about the medicinal properties and uses of local herbs.
The Spa at Waldhof Fuschlsee Resort in Austria places herbs at the core of its offering, making spa products and tinctures on site. It offers guests the opportunity to learn about plant medicine during a series of workshops.
In the cape winelands region of South Africa, the Spa at Spier Hotel has a tranquil apothecary courtyard surrounded by fynbos gardens filled with indigenous plants. The spa is guided by a resident herbalist who uses herbs grown on the farm to create teas, tinctures, and oils rooted in traditional plant medicine.
From country to city
In the UK, Cromlix in Scotland has been offering workshops where guests can learn about the health properties of different mineral salts, essential oils and herbs. During the programme they create their own, take-home spa salts and tailored tea blends.
In London, Cloud Twelve Club places plant remedies at the heart of its offering. Founder Jenya Di Pierro is a herbalist and a naturopath who has witnessed the growth in interest.
“People are becoming increasingly conscious of their health and wellbeing, and they want to take a more active role in it,” Di Pierro explains. “Herbalism offers a way to work with the body rather than against it – supporting natural processes, strengthening resilience and addressing the root causes of imbalance.”
