“Hot and cold therapy modalities in a spa can include sauna, steam rooms and cold plunges, contrast hydrotherapy showers, cryotherapy in facial or body treatments, and hot stone massage. Hot and cold therapy provides a range of therapeutic benefits that promote your guest’s overall wellbeing and allow the guest to leave your facility with a sense of renewal. The Nordic Spa invites guests to journey through extreme temperatures by soaking in one of two cold plunges and finding solace in the cedar plank sauna. After this cycle, guests are gently reintroduced into reality in heated relaxation areas while draped in cozy robes and slippers.”—Anna McAlary, treatment manager, The Nordic Spa at Fairmont Pacific Rim (Vancouver, Canada)
“Contrast therapy supports immune function, helps regulate the nervous system, and provides a controlled environment for experiencing beneficial temperature extremes. Spas can incorporate contrast therapy through dedicated amenities like saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunges, but there are also creative ways to offer these benefits without permanent installations. At Away Spa, we integrate temperature therapy through targeted elements like cooling cryo globes in our facial treatments and hot volcanic stones in massage services. One of our most unique offerings is Hydroga—an innovative aqua yoga practice performed entirely in our thermal-heated Wet Deck pool. This immersive practice allows guests to experience the warming properties of heated water during the winter months followed by the invigorating sensation of cool air on their skin post-session, creating a natural contrast therapy experience.”—Luna Maye, director of wellness and spa, Away Spa at W Philadelphia
“We offer a variety of hydrotherapy services at all of our Kohler Waters Spas. One of our newer treatments is the Fire & Ice Hydrotherapy Service, which alternates between hot and cold temperatures to boost circulation, metabolism, and immunity. The experience includes an exfoliation, a carrot seed facial oil for a natural glow, peppermint-infused ice spheres to energize, and a rinse of warm and cold water to further stimulate the body. It concludes with a hydrating body butter application for smooth, nourished skin.”—Nikki Miller, director, Kohler Waters Spa (multiple locations)
“Hydrotherapy circuits are a great way to incorporate this practice, combining hot whirlpools with cool plunge pools or showers. Saunas and steam rooms paired with cold mist or snow rooms, like we have at The Lodge at Woodloch Spa, are another effective combination. Spas can also weave hot and cold elements into treatments, such as alternating warm compresses with cool stones or cooling gels to stimulate circulation and enhance recovery. We offer complementary options that highlight the individual benefits of hot and cold therapy. For instance, our Cold Stone Relief add-on uses cool stones to reduce inflammation and promote lymphatic flow—an excellent addition to any massage or facial. For a contrasting warm experience, our Abhyanga Hot Oil Massage uses warm herbal oil in synchronized movements to deeply nourish and relax the body. Guests can customize their wellness journey by pairing treatments to achieve their desired balance of hot and cold.”—Nancy Deaton, spa director, The Lodge at Woodloch Spa (Hawley, PA)