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Blu Spas creates social spa concept for US$4.3bn Las Vegas mega-resort

25 Oct 2021 Las Vegas’ vast new integrated mega-resort called Resorts World Las Vegas recently launched its 26,000sq ft wellness facility called Awana Spa & Wellness.

Developed by publicly traded Malaysian corporation Genting Berhad, the newly-opened Resorts World features 3,506 rooms and has opened in partnership with Hilton.

The property encompasses three of Hilton’s luxury hotel brands and cost more than US$4.3bn (€3.7bn, £3.2bn) to create.

The resort’s new 19-treatment-room spa has been realised by spa and wellness concept, design and consultancy team Blu Spas – overseen by Doug Chambers and Cary Collier.

The spa is anchored by a deep social philosophy and is inspired by European and Eastern healing rituals.

A highlight is the Aufguss-themed thermal experience complete with a Sauna Meister, claimed to be the first facility of its kind in the US.

Inspired by European saunas that provide rejuvenation and social gathering for greater wellbeing, the spa showcases a theatre-inspired heated room with aromatherapy, choreographed music, lighting and dancing towels.

Blu Spas sought consultation from London-based CEO of Design for Leisure and industry figure Don Genders to realise the Aufguss experience.

Design inspiration
Collier and Chambers explained that the team drew on the design principles of sacred geometry to use mathematics to create energy in the spa, with the help of Blu Spas’ creative design guru Scott Elden.

The duo told Spa Business that Awana's modern yet warm space draws upon the principles of the golden ratio with rounded rooms, curved walls and thought out design elements.

This design philosophy is showcased through the spa’s distinctive Fountain of Youth experience.

Inspired by tales of the mythical spring that restores the youth of anyone to bathe in its age-reversing waters, the experience houses:
– A network of five vitality pools at different temperatures, shaped in the form of flower petals.
– A heated Crystal Laconium with heated salt stones for halotherapy and gently-warmed benches.
– Heated tepidarium chairs to soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation.
– Vapour-filled steamrooms.
– The Rain Walk, a cooling and warming rain hydrotherapy experience.

In addition, the facility features LED screens and immersive experiences that change throughout the day. When the projection changes, it transports guests to various picturesque destinations, altering the room's temperature as well as other added touches to match the displayed setting.

Blu Spas worked closely with Desmond Stevens, president of STO Design Group, to execute the layout and vision for the hydrotherapy feature designs.

“Awana’s signature water features are uniquely configured in a space where a four-leafed cluster of cold, tepid, warm and hot water bodies intersect,” he says.

“Augmenting the aquatic ambience, a soft rain periodically falls from the full height of the room, lightly splashing into the central, circular area. Bathers can choose to pass through or around this gentle, vertical stream while moving between the pools.”

Other features include aerated hydrotherapy jets and elevated swan-neck nozzles.

Blu Spas also worked alongside Water FX to complete pool and thermal feature design and fabrication, while Rodrigo Vargas Design oversaw interior design.

Collier adds: “The planning for Awana Spa was thrilling due to a punchbowl full of innovations and distinctive design elements.

“The quest with our stakeholders and project team was to craft a communal bathing signature hub with sizzle and a fun gathering vibe.

“Importantly, our concept and design were created to establish a business model reducing overall payroll-related operating costs.”

The treatment menu
Awana’s spa director Jennifer Lynn Raftery has curated a diverse menu of spa services for guests, including facials provided by Hydrafacial, Omorovicza, Knesko and EmerginC line and its sublines Rawceuticals and ScientificOrganics.

Meanwhile, a host of body treatments are being supplied by Aromatherapy Associates and Bali-inspired product house JAMU.

To mark the new opening, JAMU founder Kim Collier has devised three signature experiences exclusive to the Awana Spa which draw on herbal healing.

A wellness retail area also offers a host of products from a dynamic selection of wellbeing suppliers; Therabody, NuFace, Moroccanoil, Wrap up by VP, Ambre Blends, District 78, Bannister Swimwear, Mr. Swim and Cimber Designs.

Fitness offering
To cater to fitness enthusiasts’ needs, the spa features a new 7,000sq ft Fitness Center conceived by Matt Laird, Blu Spas’ fitness expert.

The space not only incorporates traditional fitness equipment from Life Fitness, Peloton and Mirror, but also features a Recovery Zone for athletes working to achieve peak performance.

The zone features TheraBody massagers, vibrating power plates and compression pants.