The Art of Home Wellness: Creating a Spa and Gym Retreat

Abel Hinchliffe
14/10/2024
Creating a Spa and Gym Retreat

Picture coming home after a long day and stepping into your own personal spa. No appointments, no travel and no waiting around for your practitioner. Just pure, uninterrupted relaxation at your fingertips.

Or maybe you’d prefer a morning workout in your private gym – bathed in natural light, with everything just where you need it.

This is exactly the experience you can create when you master the art of home wellness. 

Designing a home wellness retreat isn’t just about practicality. It’s about creating a space that reflects your lifestyle and idea of luxury.

Yes, it’s absolutely possible – no matter what type of space you’re working with…

Creating spa-inspired spaces in any property

Maybe you're living in a compact terrace house in London and want to maximise every inch of space. Or perhaps you own a period property in the countryside and dream of integrating modern wellness facilities while preserving its character. You could even be starting from scratch with a new build and dreaming of something that’s never been done before.

Whatever your vision, CODA Bespoke can bring it to life by combining intelligent design with a deep understanding of how spaces should feel and function. The result? Beautiful, invigorating environments where exceptional architecture meets everyday wellness.

Here's what we keep in mind when designing luxury spa and gym retreat spaces:

A space that flows

One of the secrets to designing a successful home wellness retreat at home is flow. You’ll want your gym to be a space where you can push your limits, feel energised and breathe freely without having to second guess your path. This is where high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and a connection to nature come in. Large windows not only invite natural light but also energise the space.

Transitioning into the spa, the mood should shift. Here, the goal is to create a sense of calm. Clever design elements like sliding doors or textured partitions can be used to softly divide zones while keeping the space cohesive. The movement between gym and spa should be seamless, almost intuitive. This way you can switch effortlessly from exertion to relaxation.

Let lighting set the tone

Lighting plays a critical role in shaping the feel of your wellness spaces. In the gym, maximise natural light wherever possible. Large skylights or east-facing windows can make all the difference if you’re a morning workout person. Sunlight is the perfect early-morning energy boost, before you’ve even broken a sweat. Of course, if you want to maximise sunlight throughout the day, prioritise south-facing windows.

Artificial lighting should be bright but not harsh – strategically placed to maintain that open, airy atmosphere even after the sun has set.

Over in the spa, however, you can achieve something entirely different. Here, it’s all about soft, diffused lighting. Dimmable options allow you to create a calming glow while hidden LEDs, behind mirrors or under countertops, can highlight architectural features without being intrusive. And if you really want to take it up a notch, consider a lighting system that adapts to your mood or time of day. Bright when you need it, calm when you don’t.

Our recent Yorkshire Farm House build, which features a subterranean swimming pool and spa facilities, is a stunning example of the importance of light in design.

Materials that elevate

When it comes to materials, think natural and luxurious. A wellness retreat should feel indulgent, without being ostentatious. Polished wooden floors or sustainable cork work well in gyms and are both stylish and functional. Wood adds warmth and comfort, while cork offers a soft underfoot feel, perfect for those barefoot yoga sessions or cool-down stretches. In contrast, your spa should incorporate sleek stone surfaces like limestone, marble and travertine. Or if you’re after an ultra-modern look, consider polished concrete.

Don’t be scared to think outside the box when choosing materials. Take the award-winning Corn Yard Sheffield project, for instance. The spa-inspired bathrooms feel incredibly luxurious but utilise unique design elements like exposed copper pipes to infuse personality into the space.

Bringing the outdoors in

A well-designed wellness retreat bridges the gap between indoors and outdoors. Work with what you have to blur the boundaries and invite nature into your space. Maybe it’s a gym that opens onto a private terrace or garden, where you can take your morning yoga practice outside. Or perhaps a spa room that maximises views of a lush, secluded garden.

Bi-fold doors or expansive windows invite nature inside and keep the design grounded. Integrating greenery into the interior spaces – whether through potted plants, living walls, or simply a carefully framed view – helps maintain a sense of calm.

Not sure if your property has the right bones? With a good architect on your team, even the most challenging spaces can be transformed into wellness sanctuaries.

Thoughtful finishing touches

No luxury wellness retreat is complete without the right finishing touches. Investing in high-end equipment for the gym is a must. Sleek, minimalist machines, nothing clunky or oversized, will keep the space looking polished. Add extra functionality with custom storage solutions that keep weights, yoga mats and towels neatly out of sight.

Indulgence is key for the spa. Splurge on oversized, ultra-soft bath sheets and robes made from long-staple organic cotton. Stock the shelves with bath products from your favourite artisanal brands. We’re talking handcrafted soaps, rich essential oils and bath salts that transport you to a world far beyond the bathroom.

Master the art of home wellness with CODA Bespoke

Designing a spa and gym retreat in your home isn’t about creating a separate “workout space” or a functional bathroom with a tub. It’s about thoughtfully blending architecture and design to curate a personal sanctuary where wellness becomes part of everyday life.

The real luxury lies in the details. Spaces that flow with ease, materials that soothe and inspire, and a design that marries functionality with understated elegance. Ultimately your spa and gym retreat should be a space designed for you. Tailored to your lifestyle and built around your vision of well-being.

This is where CODA Bespoke excels. Ready to create your own sanctuary? Send us your brief and we’ll get in touch to discuss how to make your home wellness dreams a reality.

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Abel Hinchliffe

With a wealth of experience Abel heads up CODA Bespoke, specialising in luxury residential developments both large and small. Recently entrusted with the responsibility of also heading up Studio 4 which is currently delivering numerous office to residential developments. Connect with Abel Hinchliffe on LinkedIn >

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