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Water is at the heart of spa culture. It’s even in the name—salus per aquam—“health through water”. But as the world confronts increasing water scarcity, it’s time for the wellness industry to re-examine its most precious resource. Designing beautiful spa experiences is no longer just about the features; it’s about future-proofing and rethinking water use in a responsible, forward-thinking way.

The good news? Many spas are already rising to the challenge. The most progressive destinations are proving that you don’t have to compromise on luxury to be sustainable—you just need to be clever about design, materials, and operations. Take our project at the Six Senses Spa at Amaala in Saudi Arabia, for example. This resort was created as a global model for sustainability and innovation, and it’s setting the bar high.

At Amaala, we designed and implemented an intelligent water system that includes backwash recycling tanks holding up to 4,000 litres. Instead of simply disposing of this water, it’s filtered, treated, and reused across the resort for surface cleaning, irrigation, and topping up water features. The result? A seamless guest experience, without excessive waste.

There’s also the “eco-mode” filtration cycle—a clever setting that reduces energy consumption by slowing pumps down to 50% capacity when the spa is closed, while maintaining hygiene with UVC and chlorine dosing systems. In the hammam, the benches, floors, and walls are heated based on occupancy, meaning energy is only used when it’s needed.

These aren’t theoretical solutions. They’re working, real-world practices that are making a difference. In some hydrothermal projects, drench showers can consume up to 40 litres of water per person. Yet by exploring cooling alternatives like snow showers, snow rooms or cold plunges—used for seconds rather than minutes—spas can dramatically cut down water usage while still delivering that refreshing post-sauna sensation.

But the bigger picture is that sustainable spa design is no longer optional. Guests are becoming more eco-conscious, governments are tightening regulations, and the most respected wellness brands are investing in solutions that respect the environment. According to the Global Wellness Summit’s “Watershed Wellness” trend, this movement is only gaining momentum.

For spa operators, developers, and hotel brands, this is an opportunity—not a constraint. You can offer your guests the hydrothermal journeys they crave, while saving on long