Toni Egger and Felix Tarantik transform ski gondolas into saunas

Egger and Tarantik

German designers Toni Egger and Felix Tarantik are offering spas mobile saunas made from the aluminium shells of Swiss ski-lift gondolas.

The four- to eight-person Saunagondel can withstand extreme weather conditions and are small and lightweight.

"We both use saunas regularly," says Egger. "It’s a cultural thing [in Germany] and it’s very healthy as it increases your core temperature so your body fights off germs and viruses. But the current style of saunas is very traditional. They have never been designed in a modern, simplistic, high-­quality way and are all lacking the sense of beauty we were looking for."

Tarantik adds: "We were looking for a frame that could withstand extreme temperature changes. Ski gondolas are built for that: they’re indestructible."

The sauna is fitted with custom-made silver fir wood interiors and a 4.5 kW or 6kW electric heater that can reach temperatures of 100°C (212°F).

With one installation planned at a Swiss wellness spa near the mountains of GraubÜndenin, and private users even adding the innovative cabin to roof terraces and gardens, the applications for Saunagondels are wide and varied.

Spa-kit keyword: Saunagondel

"We were looking for a frame that could withstand extreme temperature changes. Ski gondolas are built for that: they’re indestructible."

Traditional saunas are lacking a sense of modern design and beauty say Egger and Tarantik

Chad Turner of Yoga Design Lab reveals clever, colourful mat designs

Turner was inspired to bring colour to yoga while holidaying in Ubud, Bali

Yoga Design Lab’s latest collection of yoga mats boasts designs to help users position their bodies correctly for poses. Created in Bali by Canadian surfer/yogi Chad Turner, the mats make a visually stunning alternative to traditional products.

Turner says: "I was seated in the back of a packed yoga class while on vacation in Ubud, Bali. Looking around, all I saw was a sea of unoriginal, mass-produced, solid coloured mats. My thinking was, there must be a way of creating a highly functional product that was also aesthetically beautiful.

“So the journey began. Long story short, I sold my stuff, packed up a couple bags and moved to Bali with the goal of creating a stunning line of products that inspire more people to get excited about yoga. Each print is systematically aligned to assist yoga lovers to easily track their alignment and positioning during all poses.”

He adds that the mats are designed for practicality as well as aesthetics. They’re eco-friendly because they’re made from biodegradable tree rubber. The rubber is bonded to a microfibre top layer designed to provide extra grip with sweat, ideal for birkram yoga. Eco-friendly water-based inks are also used for the designs.

Spa-kit keywords: Yoga Design

"Each print is systematically aligned to assist yoga lovers to easily track their alignment and positioning during all poses."

The mats make a bright alternative and provide extra grip

Noel Asmar unveils elegant fashion line for retail  

CEO and founder Noel Asmar

Canada-based fashion design group Noel Asmar will be previewing its hotly anticipated spring/summer 2017 fashion collection at the ISPA expo in September. The group has branched out to develop the new line, which will be available for spas to retail as well as high-end fashion boutiques.

CEO and founder Noel Asmar says: “The SS17 collection reflects the dichotomy of the Noel Asmar label and has an elegant resort feel. Ultra feminine designs in a soft palette are manufactured with premium lightweight linens, modals and silks. 

Described as ‘fresh and whimsical’, the designs reflect a sense of calmness and tranquility. Noel adds: “Soft colours and earth tones are brushed over cleverly constructed separates made of silk, linen, modal and cotton.

“The collection is a medley of timeless essentials and layering pieces that can be styled with ease while channelling sophistication.

“Clever details and luxurious fabrics make up minimal lines and sophisticated silhouettes for a polished and elegant look. The collection is made up of statement pieces that are versatile enough to be re-invented to evolve with your style.”

Noel’s fall/winter 2016 collection for spas also launches this August and is supported by a new hospitality line that includes men and women’s shirting, vests, skirts and suiting coordinates.

Spa-kit keywords: Noel Asmar 

"The SS17 collection reflects the dichotomy of the Noel Asmar label and has an elegant resort feel. Ultra feminine designs in a soft palette are manufactured with premium lightweight linens, modals and silks."

Asmar will debut the line at the ISPA expo in September

Mathilde Gedouin-Lagarde introduces Phytomer’s anti-pollution treatment

It’s for both the face and eyes, says Gedouin-Lagarde

Phytomer has debuted the Citylife skincare line, which sweeps away toxic microparticles and repairs skin damage caused by pollution. Citylife has a sorbet-like texture and a formula comprising a trio of anti-pollution biotech marine sugars and oligomer – Phytomer’s concentrate of partially desalinated seawater, which provides mineral replenishment to the skin.

This anti fatigue action is also reinforced by the draining and decongesting effect of red algae and a blue microalgae which is believed to have exceptional antioxidant properties.

Also suitable for the eye contour, Citylife has been created to re-oxygenate tired eyes while diffusing mineral water into dehydrated skin.

“Citylife helps the skin to catch its breath with an overall treatment against the damages of pollution,” says Mathilde Gedouin-Lagarde, marketing and communication director for Phytomer. “Being experts in skin-depolluting for 20 years, we are the only ones who have simultaneously tackled dehydration, dark spots and signs of fatigue, by using a trio of biotech marine sugars. As for its super-fresh sorbet texture, designed for both the face and eye contour area – it’s to die for!”

Spa-kit.net keyword: Phytomer

"we are the only ones who have simultaneously tackled dehydration, dark spots and signs of fatigue, by using a trio of biotech marine sugars."

Marine sugars, algae and desalinated seawater are all key ingredients

Valérie Corcias reveals Mycoocoon’s colour therapy app

Valérie Corcias and Dominique Kelly

Mycoocoon, the company behind the colour immersion relaxation pod, has launched the Color-Institute App that features a simple test to determine a user’s personal colour profile, which will then help them select a light immersion session to balance their energy needs. Purple, for example, calms the mind and offers a sense of spirituality, while yellow activates memory and increases communication.

The app can be used as a standalone application for colour therapy combined with music, or as a remote control for the relaxation pod or Mycoocoon’s colour walls.

“Based on chromotherapy, the Mycoocoon Color-Institute combines the ancestral beliefs about colour with the aid of technology,” explains company founder Valérie Corcias.

Mycoocoon’s product line includes the pods, which give clients a ‘light bath’ under biocompatible lamps. The lamps immerse the whole body in key colours, along with sounds to enhance the experience and can be used for meditation sessions.

The company also supplies Colour Immersion Walls, which can be implemented in various room configurations and used with yoga, reflexology, or treatments for jet-lag, or can be installed in a relaxation room.

Mycoocoon recently launched its products in Asia in partnership with VDL Cosmetics so consumers can select their makeup based on their colour moods after taking the Mycoocoon test and immerse themselves in the colour pods.

Spa-kit.net keyword: Mycoocoon

"Based on chromotherapy, the Mycoocoon Color-Institute combines the ancestral beliefs about colour with the aid of technology,"

Valérie Corcias and Dominique Kelly have a range of colour energy products

Helen Coulon on the SoulBoks modular spa concept

Helen Coulon heads up Soulhouse with Daniella Russell

Soulhouse consultants Helen Coulon and Daniella Russell have introduced a modular unit based on reusing 40ft (12m) shipping containers to create modern spa (SoulBoks) or thermal (HotBoks) facilities.

The customisable containers can be installed as a turnkey project for hotels without a spa or as standalone boutiques. All owners need to provide is the space, water, drainage and power services and, as Coulon says, “The boks are then delivered to site ready to operate with no building disruption.”

SoulBoks has four stations for beauty or spa treatments with 30-minute back pain, insomnia and alignment protocols by Kore Therapies available (but not obligatory). Or they can also be turned into a fitness/wellness studio for meditation, yoga, pilates and barre work.

The HotBoks have space for up to two experiences including a sauna/steamroom, spa pool, plunge pool or floatation tank.

Coulon says: “We believe SoulBoks and HotBoks will go off with a bang in the industry as the spa scene is generally looking for new ‘out of the boks’ ideas to move along with consumer demands of today.

Soulhouse has already established strategic partnerships with investors from Dubai, London and Argentina to set up facilities in the next year.

Spa-kit keyword: Soulhouse

"We believe SoulBoks and HotBoks will go off with a bang in the industry as the spa scene is generally looking for new ‘out of the boks’ ideas to move along with consumer demands of today. "

The customisable units are made from shipping containers

Sammy Gharieni says new HydroSpa bed gives spas an ‘edge’

A cocoon can be set up around the bed for relaxing steam treatments

“The Libra Edge K is the result of the latest developments in our HydroSpa collection,” says Sammy Gharieni, CEO and founder of spa equipment firm Gharieni. “With its state-of-the-art functionality and modern design it’s a great opportunity to create an amazing USP for your spa.”

The base has been created with specially formed edges to control waterflow and prevent flooding and is made from corian – a material with no joins which makes surfaces easier to clean. Fully adjustable in height and with a zero-gravity position, the Libra Edge K has a heated water mattress for the comfort of the spa client.

An adjustable Kohler shower arm offers a variety of pre-programmed water settings controlled through an intuitive touch screen interface. A ‘cocoon’ can also be set up around the bed for relaxing steam treatments to target cellulite, increase metabolism and support detox and weight loss. In addition, a soap foam generator produces foam for massages.

The mattress and shower feature LED illumination for chromotherapy and a built-in Bluetooth music system.

Spa-kit keyword: Gharieni

"With its state-of-the-art functionality and modern design it’s a great opportunity to create an amazing USP for your spa."

A cocoon can be set up around the bed for relaxing steam treatments

Marc Massing explains Laboratoires Camylle’s revolutionary new fragrance diffuser

French spa supplier Laboratoires Camylle – known for its innovative scents for saunas, steamrooms, experience showers and hammams is debuting a revolutionary new line of fragrances and diffusers for the spa treatment room.

The new Perles de Parfum line will allow spas to create an ‘olfactory identity’ for their treatment room, with soothing or uplifting scents that can be used for different moods or types of treatments. It features concentrated fragrance beads that emit 100 per cent natural perfumes, and nothing else; there are no harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, or other harmful emissions.

Laboratoires Camylle can also custom-blend scents for product houses in order for the room fragrance to match a skincare line’s scent.

The Bysoo diffuser is silent and features a deliberately understated design in order to blend in with any room setting. The diffuser uses a new dry diffusion process, which also ensures that no additional moisture is emitted in the treatment rooms.

Unlike traditional essential oil diffusers that need to be replenished every few hours, the concentrated fragrance beads will release their scent slowly and steadily over a period of between six to eight weeks, with no maintenance or additional essential oil top-up required – simply plug the diffuser in and turn it on.

“Customers asked us to create something for the treatment rooms,” explains Laboratoires Camylle CEO Marc Massing. “People have been waiting for this kind of concept this has been missing in the spa arena.” Laboratoires Camylle is debuting the Bysoo with 20 fragrances, including a wide range of essential oils as well as a few blends and natural perfumes. Scents include eucalyptus, orange blossom, pine, lavender, rosemary, mint and lemon, as well as Asian, Polynesian, Mediterranean and Oriental blends.

The diffuser is small and discreet, and can be used in everything from small treatment rooms to larger relaxation lounges, up to 25sq m (269sq ft). There are three levels of fragrance release, so the amount can be adjusted based on the size of the room or a therapist’s personal preference. Priced at €30 (US$33, £25), the Bysoo diffuser is very economical.

Founded in 1976, Laboratoires Camylle also produces a wide range of oils that can be used in massage treatments in addition to its line of scents for spa wet areas.

Spa-kit.net keywords: Laboratoires Camylle

The Perles deParfum line includes concentrated fragrance beads that emit 100% natural scents and last between six to eight weeks

The Bysoo di user is silent and features an understated design

Innovative scents for saunas, / shutterstock

Marc Massing

Elemis’ new Superfood Facial Oil is like a ‘personal trainer for the skin’ says Noella Gabriel

Noella Gabriel is a co-founder of Elemis

Elemis has launched a new face oil that includes concentrated superfoods like broccoli, daikon radish and rice bran.

The Superfood Facial Oil has been formulated to be delicately silky in texture, rich in antioxidants and minerals and fatty acids, to both hydrate and soften the skin.

“This oil acts like a personal trainer for the skin and benefits directly from the powerful nutritional elements,” says Noella Gabriel, co-founder of Elemis.

Oils from broccoli, poppy and cucumber seeds, macadamia nuts, rice bran, daikon radishes, rose hips, flaxseed and meadowfoam seed are all combined to create “skin health in a bottle” she adds.

Broccoli seed oil is said to lead the mineral charge in addressing hydration and softening the skin; flaxseed oil with soaring levels of omega-3 has been added to soothe and seal moisture in; and daikon radish is said to help everything absorb for increased levels of nourishment.

“With the pace of life today, we know we should be eating better to ensure the skin is functioning at an optimal level, but this is not always possible,” says Gabriel. “Superfood Facial Oil delivers an easily-absorbed booster of vitamins, omegas and antioxidants directly to the skin, for natural radiance and luminosity.”

Spa-kit.net keyword: Elemis

"Superfood Facial Oil delivers an easily-absorbed booster of vitamins, omegas and antioxidants directly to the skin, for natural radiance and luminosity."

Gabriel says the oil provides powerful nutritional elements, Oils from broccoli seeds, rice bran and flaxseed are all included

Margaret Dabbs launches healthy, scented nail polish line

Dabbs’ first colour range features 72 shades

Hand and footcare specialist Margaret Dabbs London has unveiled its first nail polish range, themed after English flowers and available in 72 shades.

Company creator Margaret Dabbs got her start as a podiatrist in 2004 and quickly expanded beyond medical footcare when she identified a gap in the market for hand and foot treatments that combined clinical and aesthetic needs.

Today, Dabbs has five standalone clinics with another two in the works and the company is expanding in a big way into spas, salons and retail outlets. The brand also recently launched in the US.

The nail polishes were created personally by Dabbs to promote nail health and vitality and include vitamin E to strengthen and protect the nails and wild rose botanical to revitalise and prevent infection. The wild rose extract also has the added bonus of leaving a lasting scent of the flower on the nails

“Everything we do is about health and wellbeing,” says Dabbs. “This introduction means we enter the colour sector for the first time... It’s an area we hope to expand on in the near future.”

Spa-kit.net keywords: Margaret Dabbs

"Everything we do is about health and wellbeing,"

The varnishes include a rose extract to leave a lasting scent