Going to the spa is a moment of self-care, of connection and often of quiet contemplation. Spa-goers are looking for an experience that is both familiar and unique, they expect the indulgent luxury of a warm swimming pool but also look for moments that are memorable and that set a spa apart. Creating the right
experience for your visitors is a layered process but it all starts with design, decor and ambience. The design of the space should reflect the unique ethos of the spa as well as a nod to local culture, materials and traditions.
Veronica Schreibeis Smith, CEO and founding principal of Vera Iconica Architecture says “Architecture built of local, natural materials mixed with the architect’s ingenuity and respect for the surrounding culture and traditions has the power to heal us, as well as envelop us in new and delightful experiences,” she explains. “The buildings seem to grow out of the landscape and become an inherent part of what allows us to enjoy the natural environment. The experience is complete when combined with local healing
traditions, foods and practices that immerse us and ground us in the present moment.”
Here at Artelier, we specialise in providing art and bespoke feature walls for spas and hotels internationally. We take into consideration the location, local traditions and materials as well as the existing design aesthetic of the spa. Partnering with world-class artists, we can produce one of a kind artworks and feature walls for all types of luxury spa interiors. Discover here a selection of our spa feature walls and commissioned artworks.
1. Echoes of the ocean, this feature wall was created in collaboration with one of our partner artists Adam Arbeid. This contemporary fresco is made using traditional materials including crushed marble, granite, glass as well as precious metals. Inspired by the translucent qualities of water it has been designed to reflect its environment perfectly.
2. This artwork was commissioned for the sauna of the M/Y Plvs Vltra (74m) yacht. The artwork needed to resist the extreme heated environment, and be safe for the users of the sauna – an artwork with metal elements, for example, was not suitable, since it would heat up considerably and be dangerous to touch. We, therefore, recommended using carved wood art, in line with the wood used for the sauna itself. A leading contemporary artist was commissioned to create a hand-carved wall hanging sculpture, which would be tailored to the unique space.
3. In another part of the M/Y Plvs Vltra spa, porcelain wall art was commissioned for the jacuzzi of the superyacht, collaborating with a leading ceramic artist on the central artwork for the spa. The installation was intricate, yet resilient, made of hand-sculpted porcelain flowers. Each flower was fixed onto a board in concentric circles, giving the impression of ripples on a pool of water. Within the space, the harmonious symmetry of the circles evoked a Zen-like simplicity. Since the porcelain artwork would
hang directly beside the jacuzzi, a humid-resistant coating was specially applied to the porcelain to ensure the artwork's longevity.
4. This feature wall for a spa interior is made of shattered glass, the artist behind the work developed this unique technique accidentally. Frustrated, after a failed artwork, she shattered the piece, only to discover that she found the broken and reassembled image all the more compelling. This notion of beauty in the imperfect is reminiscent of the Japanese Wabi-Sabi tradition “sometimes described as one of appreciating the beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete". This philosophy fits well with the idea of spa visitors seeking a moment of beauty and tranquillity in an otherwise fast-paced existence.
5. For this indoor pool experience a work by one of our partner artist Simon Allen was chosen. The artist is inspired by the ripples and undulations of flowing water, mountains and valleys. The feature wall was hand-carved in wood and finished with silver, giving a beautiful design aesthetic to the indoor pool.
6. For this outdoor pool experience, a ceramic feature wall was chosen in muted colours. The chosen artist works by creating wafer-thin pieces of ceramic which are then layered to create sculptural wall-based installations. Eliciting curiosity, her work uses general notions of what ceramics is and its possibilities. Adopting a meditative state, she works intuitively with her hands, this energy is reflected in the final work which creates a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere within a space.
7. The feature wall of this private indoor pool is made of shattered glass, the artist has developed a unique reverse painted glass technique which involves shattering the final artwork. The design of the feature wall has been made to perfectly reflect the existing design of the indoor pool whilst adding a real element of interest and beauty to the space.
8. This water feature wall was designed in partnership with our featured artist Adam Arbeid. The wall is a contemporary marble fresco made using traditional materials including crushed marble, granite, glass as well as precious metals. The soft blue ombre reflects perfectly the water below and adds interest to the space.
9. Last but certainly not least we have partnered with one of the world's leading glass sculptors to create unique glass feature walls. The translucent and fluid quality of melted glass mirrors that of water, working especially well in a spa environment. Using a statement glass artwork as a feature wall utilises the movement of guests to create that 'wow' factor as they experience the space.
In today's competitive spa industry standing out and creating a memorable experience that make guests want to return again and again is the key to success. At Artelier we take great care in considering every aspect of your visitor's experience as well as the spa's design, layout and ethos in order to source the perfect feature walls and artworks to elevate the design of the space. If you are interested in finding out more please do not hesitate to get in touch or discover more of our feature walls by visiting our dedicated
Artist Walls page.