Airport hotels are emerging as an untapped market for wellness, offering a much-needed oasis for stressed travelers. As more business gets global, executives are seeking "hacks" for walking into meetings refreshed. Airport hotels make it easier for travelers to get to the airport so they have access to more flights and can handle weather issues with greater dexterity.
From DIY spa kits to full-service treatments, these hotels are redefining the airport experience by catering to the growing demand for self-care. Forward-thinking airport hotels are reshaping the perception of layovers, transforming them from tedious waits into opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Oasis Day Spa: Pioneering Airport Wellness
Oasis Day Spa, one of New York's first day spas, was also the first to open a location in an airport—specifically at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. As a national award-winning day spa, Oasis combines tranquil environments with highly skilled, friendly staff. Bruce Schoenberg, President and CEO, believes that bad weather is great for business. “Delayed flights make people want and need spas because they are stressed and bored.”
What sets Oasis apart is its unwavering commitment to customer service. “Consumers don't go to airport spas because of the therapists,” says Schoenberg. “So staffing costs are lower than most spas because you don't need therapists with a following.” Instead, Oasis carefully selects top massage therapists and estheticians to deliver a five-star spa experience without pretension.
Express services dominate the airport spa menu, with bikini waxes and quick massages topping the list. Oasis has also become the largest pop-up spa company in the country, bringing wellness to unexpected locations. Schoenberg’s advice to spa directors? Make parking easy and affordable for staff—small gestures that can significantly boost employee satisfaction.
Be Relax Spa: Global Airport Wellness Leader
Be Relax Spa has become a leader in the airport spa industry, with a presence in major hubs worldwide. Offering wellness services such as chair massages, nail care and facials, Be Relax caters to busy travelers looking for quick yet effective relaxation.
“Our most popular treatments are undoubtedly our signature chair massages, including Be Up, Be Relax, Head Up and Be Feet,” says Lucie Putryk, Digital Marketing & Communications Manager. “These treatments start at just 15 minutes, require no preparation or change of clothes and offer the perfect solution for busy or weary travelers.”
Jet-lag recovery is a core focus for Be Relax. Their facials combat the drying effects of cabin air, while oxygen therapy add-ons help travelers reset faster. The brand's commitment to innovation is evident in their Digital Sound Healing project, a complimentary sound therapy experience accessed via QR code, and in-person sound healing rituals offered in select locations like Dubai International Airport.
Aromatherapy also plays a vital role in the Be Relax experience. The brand’s Be Essential oil blend—a fusion of seven pure essential oils—promotes relaxation and balance. Exclusive partnerships with brands like Talika, Valmont and Philip Martin’s elevate their treatments, while cutting-edge technologies like NeuroVIZR biohacking devices offer travelers deep relaxation.
As the demand for wellness grows, Be Relax is expanding its footprint to meet the needs of wellness-conscious travelers. “Even just 15 minutes of self-care can help reset the mind, relax the body and prepare travelers for the journey ahead,” says Putryk.
Nama Fiji: Elevating Wellness with Thalassotherapy
In addition to the growing wellness services at airports, brands like Nama Fiji are making waves in the spa industry with their innovative treatments tailored for travelers. Nama Fiji, a sustainable and 100% plant-based skin care brand, is revolutionizing wellness on the go with their Nama Thalasso Spa Range. These professional-grade face and body treatments harness the potent benefits of Thalassotherapy—using the therapeutic power of seawater and marine minerals to revitalize and detoxify the skin.
Their treatments, which are featured in luxury resorts such as Six Senses and Tokoriki Island Resort, are ideal for travelers looking for skin recovery post-flight. One of their standout offerings, the Fusion Facial, is incredibly hydrating and helps combat the drying effects of air travel. This treatment uses iontophoresis to enhance cellular hydration, plump skin and rejuvenate complexion, making it perfect for long-haul flights.
“The Nama Hydration Cellular Boost is a pre/post-flight essential,” says Jennifer Miller, Brand Partnerships Manager. “It’s a natural, organic solution packed with minerals and antioxidants that plump cells and increase oxygenation. It’s especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea.”
By incorporating Nama Fiji’s Thalasso treatments into their spa menus, airport hotels and airport spas can offer a luxurious, holistic skin care experience, ideal for travelers in need of hydration and rejuvenation. Their focus on marine-derived nutrients, along with sustainable, eco-friendly practices, aligns perfectly with the growing consumer demand for wellness solutions that are both effective and environmentally conscious.
The Future of Airport Wellness
The rising demand for wellness services at airports signals a seismic shift in travel culture. More travelers are prioritizing self-care, making airport spas an essential part of the modern journey. From express massages to high-tech sound healing, these sanctuaries of calm are turning airport waits into moments of renewal.
As airport hotels and spas continue to innovate, the future of travel will be defined by wellness—proving that taking care of yourself on the go isn’t just a luxury, but an expectation.
