Intimate wellness refers to the physical, emotional, and sexual aspects of a person’s life. It’s a topic that continues to grow in the overall wellness industry, and focuses on helping clients become more comfortable in their body and more confident and satisfied in all areas related to intimacy. “Intimate wellness is an increasingly prominent topic in the wellness industry, as it plays a vital role in human health and vitality,” says Vivianne Garcia-Tunon, global vice president of wellbeing at Auberge Resorts Collection. “Intimacy is foundational. It lies at the intersection of hormonal health, fertility, and our ability to connect with ourselves and others. These areas are currently at the forefront of longevity and healthspan, with a growing body of research and a rising number of wellness companies entering the space.”
The intimate wellness market predominately focuses on women, and many of today’s spas are understanding the importance of helping women improve and achieve their intimate wellness goals by carrying a variety of items that support intimate health and pleasure; offering technology and devices that help women strengthen their pelvic health; and introducing packages and retreats to help women reconnect with their divine feminine energy and with their significant other. “At the most basic level, spas have long helped guests reconnect with themselves through bodywork and movement,” says Garcia-Tunon. “They offer a space where guests can experience relaxation, reduce stress hormones, and activate feel-good hormones. Spas can further expand their approach by thoughtfully curating intimate products in their retail areas and enhancing their program offerings. There is growing demand for pleasure-enhancing products. They should also strive to create a safe space for intimate wellbeing by gently introducing new experiences for both individuals and couples.”
Here’s a look at some of the intimate wellness retreats and offerings available at spas today:
The Sensual Awakening package at The Retreat Costa Rica (Atenas) includes a 30-minute welcome consultation to discuss emotional triggers and process any blockages to pleasure; a curated wellness diet that releases toxic overload inhibiting sensitivity receptors; and physical and mental exercises to increase circulation and energy balance, such as meditation and yoga. It also includes spa treatments like the 60-minute Heart-Opening Deep Tissue Massage, which triggers the release of oxytocin and ignites serotonin levels to boost sensitivity and deepen connection; the 60-minute Self-Love Crystal Therapy, which uses a garnet stone scrub to remove negative emotional scars and support emotional healing; and the 90-minute Shankara Ayurvedic Chakra Balancing Treatment, which includes chakra-balancing oils, an Ayurvedic kansa wand, and an abhyanga massage for balance and clarity. Other offerings in this package are sound healing therapy, a hip-opening class, a rhythm synchronism session, and a self-love course. Couples traveling together can opt for acro yoga, a couples’ massage, and a 30-minute session designed to enhance sensitivity and connection through mindful touch and movement.
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa (Tucson) offers a women’s sexual wellness program that includes everything from pelvic floor wisdom to sexuality and menopause education. The holistic women’s wellness retreat experiences empower guests spiritually, mentally, and physically. Offerings include Pleasure: Women, Sex & Desire led by Lyndi Rivers, who discusses how mindfulness can cultivate desire and increase sensual and sexual wellbeing while addressing challenges. Also, the Pelvic Floor Wisdom session led by Rivers explores the pelvic floor’s complex structure and function, dispels myths, explains why Kegels may not always work, and offers tools for promoting a healthy and pleasurable pelvis.
The Sexual Health Units at both SHA Wellness Clinic Spain (Alicante) and SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico (Cancun) are dedicated to studying sexual wellbeing as part of optimizing overall health, desire, self-esteem, and sexual function. Offerings include an initial consultation, which results in an assessment and diagnosis with referrals to the rest of the disciplines led by specialists in different medical fields. Possible treatments include bioidentical hormone supplementation to treat menopausal symptoms; gynecology and urology to treat possible pathologies; specialized pelvic floor physiotherapy sessions using electromagnetic energy; and more.