Six Senses invites guests to embrace the therapeutic benefits of cryotherapy and thermotherapy treatments through practices including ice baths, Roman bathing, steam, and sauna to reduce muscle tension, alleviate pain and stress, bolster the immune system, aid detoxification, and boost mindset and mood. Six Senses is among the few hotel brands worldwide that offer hot and cold therapies at nearly every property.
Anna Bjurstam, Six Senses Wellness Pioneer, shares, “Through my journey, I’ve discovered that the path to longevity is enriched by the powerful interplay of hot and cold thermal therapies. By embracing hormesis, we can harness the benefits of controlled stressors to enhance our body’s resilience and vitality. This biological phenomenon, where low doses of stress stimulate beneficial responses, is key to improving health and longevity. I believe that when we share these transformative experiences as a community, we not only improve our individual health but also strengthen our collective well-being.”
THE ANCIENT WISDOM OF BATHS FROM ROME TO JAPAN
The Roman bathing circuit offers a sociable and immersive experience for balancing the mind and body. Six Senses Spa Rome’s reinterpretation includes a Laconicum, Caldarium, Tepidarium, and Frigidarium, strategically crafted to reduce inflammation and promote overall healing by heating the body up and then cooling it down. With ice fountains and showers between stations, the senses are awakened while the gradual change from various temperatures allows the body to strengthen its immune system without straining the circulation.
Six Senses Spa Kyoto proposes traditional Onsen-esque hot baths, a cold plunge, sauna, and steam facilities to guests and spa visitors. The hot baths ease muscle tension and pain, improve circulation throughout the body, and promote relaxation and deeper sleep. While the body floats in the steamy water, an intricate vertical rock wall outside has a calming and contemplative effect to unwind the mind.
STIMULATE THE FIVE SENSES WITH THE SAUNA MEISTERS IN SWITZERLAND
Six Senses Spa Crans-Montana introduces a unique sauna experience featuring Aufguss ceremonies, a sensory ritual combining music, storytelling, temperature variations, aromas, and dance, led by skilled Sauna Meisters. Along with the traditional Finnish Sauna, there’s a Rock Sauna that draws inspiration from the surrounding granite peaks to sweat out toxins. The Bio Salt Sauna, adorned with rose pink Himalayan salt bricks, a crystal known as the master healer, enhances detoxification and improves focus. The fast-acting Infrared Sauna directly heats the body to reduce joint pain and improve cardiovascular health. The cold plunge and ice fountain stimulate circulation and oxygen uptake, boost the immune system, and gently exfoliate the skin.
FROM INFARED TO IGLOO WITH A PORTUGESE FOREST BACKDROP
Serene relaxation blends with the picturesque rolling hills and vineyards at Six Senses Spa Douro Valley, Portugal. The Vitality Suite features a Himalayan Salt Sauna to amplify focus, Herbal Therapy Sauna to recharge the body, the classic dry-heat Panoramic Sauna with forest views, Infrared sauna, and hot steam for a deep and invigorating cleanse, interspersed with a cold bucket shower, ice session at the Igloo, or full dunk in the Cryotherapy bath. The pool is no ordinary pool as it enhances relaxation through color and aqua sound therapy.
EXPERIENTIAL RAINS, CRYSTAL STEAMS AND SEA AIR IN TURKEY
The hydrotherapy circuit at Six Senses Spa Kaplankaya features a Finnish Sauna and Salted Grotto with heated benches made of thick Himalayan natural rock salt to recline in as soothing “sea air” washes over, relieving respiratory ailments and supporting the immune, nervous, and lymphatic systems. Foot Therapy Basins offer hot and cold water massages to stimulate reflexology points on the feet, while the aromatic Crystal Steam Room works on rejuvenating the body and mind. Post-sauna or steam, the experiential rain showers use light and sound effects to enhance relaxation and mental clarity. Additional options include the hydrotherapy pool and invigorating Igloo, completing a comprehensive journey of wellness and rejuvenation.
BENEATH THE SURFACE OF THE ALPS’ ICY HEART
Six Senses Residences Courchevel invites guests to explore the depths beneath the frozen ice of Lac du Praz through a partnership with Courchevel Aventure. This extraordinary underwater journey includes all necessary equipment, such as the dry suit, fins, mask, and oxygen tank, ensuring a safe and supported dive from start to finish. No diving or swimming proficiency is required as divers are assisted throughout. Initially apprehensive, many find their anxieties ease once their breathing stabilizes underwater. After a warm drink in a cozy chalet, guests are chauffeured back to Six Senses Residences Courchevel to continue exploring outdoor adventures or unwind in the spa.
Six Senses – part of IHG’s fast-growing Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, now the second largest in the world – continues to exemplify its extraordinary wellness experiences, this time exploring the extremities of temperature and all in between.
Images from top to bottom: Temperature extremes unlock natural healing responses at Six Senses Spa Crans-Montana, in the hot baths at Six Senses Kyoto, and in the Panoramic Sauna at Six Senses Spa Douro Valley.