Touchless Wellness

No-contact AI, biosensors, and virtual reality modalities are taking spa treatments to a brave new world.

In an era where personal wellness has taken center stage, the spa industry is undergoing an intriguing transformation. Enter the world of touchless spa experiences—a fusion of cutting-edge technology and traditional relaxation techniques that promise to redefine our approach to self-care. From AI-powered skin analysis to virtual reality meditation chambers, new innovative treatments offer the luxury and benefits of spa therapy while minimizing physical contact. As consumers seek alternative ways to indulge in wellness rituals, touchless spa options are emerging as a quantum solution, blending the art of relaxation with modern technology. The landscape of hands-free spa treatments is expanding, unveiling futuristic experiences that are shaping the future of personal pampering and holistic health.

“Touchless wellness technology is really picking up steam, and there are a few big reasons why,” says Tammy Pahel, the VP of Spa & Wellness Operations at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort.

Pahel notes that, “First off, tech is just getting better. We’re talking about super- smart sensors, AI, and machine learning that make wellness without touching not just possible, but really effective. It’s like these technologies are learning and adapting on their own to give us the best experience.

“Looking ahead, touchless wellness is going to get even more tailored to each person. We’ll see AI and algorithms that can give you super personalized health tips and treatments without you even needing to lift a finger. Plus, these systems will start chatting with your wearables, so your health data is always up-to- date and working for you in real time.”

The Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is at the forefront of the trend with six new touchless wellness treatments debuting and now available to spa-goers at its 70,000-square-foot spa and wellness space. Some of these treatments include:

» MindSpa by Synctuition – A tranquility booth featuring a zero-gravity chair and noise-cancelling headphones to provide highly immersive sound therapy.

» BioCharger NG – A mental wellness health optimization platform that transmits energy to stimulate and invigorate the entire body with the potential to improve health, wellness, and athletic performance. The Carillon says it accelerates muscle recovery, reduces joint stiffness, enhances focus, and optimizes revitalization for the body to perform at peak levels.

» Wellsystem Wave Massage – Uses dry water massage to relieve tension and retain fitness in a relaxed manner. Benefits may include increased energy, relaxation, and heightened health and fitness of the back, neck, shoulders, and legs.

» Indiba Deep Beauty – A non-invasive radiofrequency technology said to increase cellular metabolism and rebalance cells by elevating tissue temperature and enhance cellular activity, boosting synthesis of collagen. Skin is said to recover lost elasticity, blood flow may increase and fat decrease.

» Icoone – Using advanced microstimulation technology, handpieces massage the skin with up to 21,600 microstimulations per minute to tone and improve your skin as well as aid in tightening, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

» Visionbody Powersuit – Fully wireless, controlled via Bluetooth, and capable of being worn without pre-moistening the body, the Visionbody Powersuit allows for more freedom of movement. The Carillon says the electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) strengthens, tones, and firms muscles more effectively than traditional workouts.

Pahel says that customers are using the treatments to create their own touchless “circuits.” “While touchless technologies will never fully replace the hands-on therapies we know and love, they are an efficient and effective method of treatment for clients seeking maximum results in limited time,” she says.

Sammy Gharieni, CEO of Gharieni Group, a leading Germany-based spa equipment company is investing in touchless wellness technology. He believes that, “touchless technologies harness the best of spa and wellness therapies alongside the accelerated power of 21st-century innovation.”

“While touchless technologies will never fully replace the hands-on therapies we know and love, they are an efficient and effective method of treatment for clients seeking maximum results in limited time.”

—Tammy Pahel, the VP of Spa & Wellness Operations at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

Gharieni is also on the board of the Global Wellness Institute’s Touchless Wellness Initiative, which has outlined what they believe are key foundational elements of the trend:

Think Quantum

New developments and understanding in Quantum Biology are reshaping the healing paradigm and fundamentally altering our perspectives on the origins and new methods of healing. This begins to provide a new understanding for the potential efficacy of many treatments, therapies, and experiences considered “touchless”, including the application of the technology into hardware to deliver the same.

More is Seldom More

A simplified approach to touchless wellness advocates is starting with simplicity. In other words, the trend is to avoid overloading the individual’s system with multiple therapies simultaneously (known as treatment stacking/ layering). Packing too many activities into a single day can be contraindicated and may lessen the potential benefits of treatments and experiences. Bio-individuality should be considered before prescribing any treatment or experiences circuits, and wherever possible, diagnostics should be applied before embarking on any treatment (standalone or combined).

Prioritizing Quality of Life (QOL) Over Longevity by Emphasizing Vitality

QOL considerations are becoming more common in medical settings and the trend is to emphasize the patient’s QOL over treatments that may simply keep them alive. This applies to touchless wellness as well.

Achieving Bioharmonization in Wellness Practice

This trend involves tailoring approaches based on measurable data and diagnostics, with matched protocols to personalize the experience. This includes integrating both touch-based and touchless techniques. Bioharmonizing takes the long view. It deploys long-term “lifestyle wellness” solutions to provide a completely personalized “menu” of options that are in sync with individual preferences and needs. This is good news for chronic disease prevention, adaptation, performance and optimization. The results are the improvement of health spans and encouraging “nudging” behavioral changes for long-lasting positive impact.

Bioharmonizing is well suited to the touchless space as elements of touchless can be infused into virtually every aspect of the hospitality experience and treatments that offer the guest a wellness journey for big takeaways. Think sleep programs, nutrient-rich culinary menus and experiences—all packaged for a truly elevated guest experience.

“Touchless technologies harness the best of spa and wellness therapies alongside the accelerated power of 21st-century innovation.”

—Sammy Gharieni, CEO of Gharieni Group

Using Technologies as a Way to Provide “Wellness for All”

For those less likely to be able to access more expensive treatments and experiences in the upmarket wellness resorts and destinations, the touchless landscape, whether a salt room
or a vibroacoustic wellness lounger experience, these treatments are more accessible to the average consumer and bridge the gap to access to newer wellness offerings, regardless of age or socio-economic status. More of these treatments and experiences are making their way into the marketplace, providing more comprehensive options for more inclusion in the wellness-preventative lifestyle.

The Future of Touchless Wellness

The Global Wellness Institute says that the touchless wellness phenomenon has grown by 12% since the pandemic and is projected to grow 52% by 2027. The Institute offers an online guide, “Embracing Tomorrow Today” on its website. As the trend moves into the future and dovetails with advancements in artificial intelligence, touchless wellness may offer:

Advanced biosensors and monitoring

» Wearable devices could evolve to use non-invasive, contactless methods to measure various health metrics.

AI-powered health assistants

» These AI systems might offer personalized health advice, exercise routines, and nutrition plans based on touchless observations. 

Touchless therapy and rehabilitation

» Gesture-controlled robotic systems could guide patients through physical therapy exercises without direct human contact.

Contactless fitness training

» Holographic fitness instructors might lead classes, adapting to each participant’s needs based on touchless biometric data.

Touchless nutrition analysis

» Spectroscopic scanners could analyze the nutritional content of food without contact, helping users make informed dietary choices.

These advancements would likely integrate with each other, creating comprehensive, interconnected touchless wellness ecosystems.

The world of touchless wellness, which was jumpstarted by Covid-19 restrictions in spas and treatment centers, is expanding with the same speed that AI moves to transform culture and society. While the human touch will always be at the core of the wellness world, the beyond-human touch of technology is taking wellness to a brave new world, fast.