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04 November 2024 | Case story

The healing power of nature: A wellness retreat in the Czech Republic

In northern Europe, saunas in nature are an integral part of a cultural tradition. But wellness retreats, whether at home or on holiday, are becoming increasingly popular in our quest for mental and physical peace.

During the pandemic, we all experienced the healing power of nature first-hand. Gardens and terraces became oases of relaxation, with a walk-in a nearby park, forest, or nature reserve providing the perfect antidote to staying home. This heightened the importance of a biophilic approach in the design and architecture world. The starting point for this theory, coined as early as 1984 by American biologist, naturalist and author Edward Wilson, is occupant connectivity to the natural environment in buildings. Although many of us now live in cities, we were originally part of nature. Any contact with natural elements triggers this deep connection, inducing a sense of physical and mental calm.

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On a formal level, minimising the boundaries between interior and exterior is one way of creating a more natural environment in combination with organic shapes, sufficient light, soft, nature-inspired colours, plants and materials such as wood, terracotta or bamboo. These design choices cater to our desire to (re-)connect with nature and other organisms.

Recharging your batteries in nature

As more and more people add wellness facilities to their homes or gardens, a growing number of wellness retreats have opened in recent years to cater to people’s desire for relaxation. Spas that are immersed in nature are especially appealing.

In Belgium, Elaisa Energetic Wellness stands out with its pared-down architecture on a site in the Hoge Kempen National Park. And then, of course, there’s Peter Zumthor’s magnificent spa in Vals, Switzerland. Design duo Neri&Hu created the Sanya Wellness Retreat on the Chinese island of Hainan, which combines water, a landscape garden and simple architecture inspired by the local environment. What all these places have in common is that they contribute to meditative healing.

Kyčerka Resort is also designed with rest and relaxation in mind. The resort is situated in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains, surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Beskids mountain range. In winter, the mountains are a popular destination for ski fanatics. During the summer months, people flock to the hiking and cycling trails. The resort has a hotel and a series of traditional cottages with state-of-the-art technology.

Its vast water park with several pools and wellness facilities has proven a massive draw for the young and the young at heart. The XL Eclipse saunas blend in seamlessly with the surrounding landscape thanks to their organic design and finish with heather mats. Many of the materials, such as the wood and stone, were literally sourced from the surrounding nature. Even the mountainside paths between the saunas - including a Finnish sauna, an infrared room and a hammam - are made of wood. The ergonomic benches with footrests in the relaxation area have been combined with a back wall made of rough sandstone. The spa in Velké Karlovice is a perfect example of biophilic design, with its organic integration and materials, promoting greater well-being, better focus and faster recovery of its visitors.

Award-winning range

Alpha Wellness Sensations has now added XXL saunas to its award-winning Eclipse range. Measuring 7x4 metres, these spacious saunas allow several guests to relax comfortably at the same time and even get changed in the sauna. The Finnish sauna has two levels, so six people can simultaneously enjoy infrared heat on their back, legs and chest. Mosaic finishes are possible for the shower and hammam, and indirect lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere in all models. Like the standard Eclipse models, they feature a glass front, walls in four possible types of wood, and a back wall in rough salt stones with indirect lighting. Besides ergonomically shaped benches, the range also includes individual recliners or hanging chairs. The rest of the interior design can also be customised.

About NOA:

NOA outdoor living is an experience park for outdoor design in Kruisem. In the theme gardens, you can find inspiration to decorate your garden. These gardens combine architecture, landscape, and interior, and welcome architects, landscape architects, designers, and contractors as well as private prospects. In this inspiration park, you will find luxurious garden furniture and designs by more than 30 high-end partners, who are happy to advise you as you bring your dream garden to life. Moreover, the park is the perfect professional networking location; the conference rooms, covered patio, spacious showroom, and plaza of NOA outdoor living are the ideal setting for your conference, product presentation, or product launch


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