Bathrooms Are Being Turned Into Wellness Havens

Just a few years back, a decent shower pressure and a generous-sized bathtub were considered ultimate bathroom indulgences. Not anymore. Today, the bathroom is enjoying something of a glow-up and is being reimagined as a space for restoration, rather than just routine washing.

The most contemporary designs have wellness in mind and as a result, weave in thoughtful materials and quietly sophisticated technology. So welcome to the new world of showers infused with vitamin light, compact infrared saunas and lighting to support your circadian rhythm. 

‘Consumers are increasingly inspired by the tranquillity of high‑end hotels and spas, and this shift has driven strong demand for designs that promote relaxation, comfort and sensory wellbeing,’ says Martin Carroll, managing director of bathroom manufacturer Duravit. 

Tommaso Franchi, the celebrated interior designer behind London’s newest luxurious wellness destination Tramp Health – launched by Tramp owner Luca Maggiora – agrees. ‘We’re doing a big project in Chelsea where the bathroom will have a spa, ice-cold plunge pool, sauna and steam room,’ he says. ‘Previously, you would see wellness requests just in the biggest properties. Now, we get them for two-bedroom apartments – so instead of a standard shower, for instance, we are asked for a steam-integrated one.’ 

Steam Rooms & Saunas

Steam is a feature that is becoming increasingly desirable. For example, a special generator from Effe called Inside is designed to fit neatly into a standard wall cavity. ‘With the addition of a bench and a steam-proof door, a regular shower can become a compact steam room,’ says Yousef Mansuri, design director of luxury bathroom brand C.P. Hart. 

One of the fastest-growing additions to bathrooms is the sauna, the use of which is linked to less stress, lower blood pressure and improved blood circulation. But unlike the bulky versions often associated with gyms or spas, many of today’s designs are ‘plug and play’ installations – electrically powered dry saunas that require no plumbing. An example is the Natural IR sauna, again by Effe. ‘It is designed specifically for domestic spaces and compact enough to fit in an average bathroom,’ explains Mansuri. Modern saunas also incorporate infrared panels, which use gentle heat to stimulate circulation and ease muscle tension. 

High-Tech Showers

The shower has also become a focus for innovation. Today’s multifunction shower heads – from brands such as Dornbracht, Gessi and Hansgrohe – combine rainfall, mist and waterfall settings, often within a single fitting. Chromotherapy – coloured lighting in the shower designed to boost your mood – is also gathering momentum. 

A more intriguing advancement is the Sunshower (from the same-named brand), a light panel installed in the shower that mimics natural sunlight. The idea of the panel, which emits both UV and infrared light, is to stimulate the body’s natural production of vitamin D while also boosting circulation and the immune system. ‘This can help with energy levels, sleep and general wellbeing – especially during the winter months in Britain, when natural light is limited,’ says Mansuri. Similarly, Keuco’s shower light has an integrated showerhead that can be set or dimmed to echo daylight and sunset accordingly. 

Traditional baths are taking on spa-like guises. ‘Our whirl systems have become increasingly popular,’ says Duravit’s Carroll. With five whirl options available across various bath models – each offering a soothing blend of water and air, enhanced by integrated LED lighting – users can create their own immersive bathing environment. Luxury brand West One offers the Rio whirlpool tub with built-in water jets and chromotherapy. 

Even the loo has undergone a quiet transformation. ‘Shower toilets have grown rapidly in popularity as people look for more comfortable and hygienic solutions,’ says Carroll, who points out that in the UK alone, sales have surged by 400 percent in just four years. Duravit’s SensoWash models have features that include the ‘rearwash’ and ‘ladywash’ – not only removing the need for using toilet paper but allowing water temperature and the water jet position to be adjusted to preference. Other brands such as Toto, VitrA and Paris-based Trone have models that offer a host of features including automatic lids, remote controls and heated seats, which are said to help the digestive system by relaxing tense muscles. 

There’s more: mirrors have turned smart with built-in lighting that mimics natural daylight. Common features include anti-fog systems, built-in speakers and voice assistants. Others, such as the Beauty Smart mirror by Mues-Tec, even analyse skin quality and offer tailored skincare solutions. 

Materials & Lighting

The choice of materials is also a key factor, says architect and interior designer Claire Sá. As co-founder of De Rosee Sa, she is creating a luxurious bathroom with tile specialist Ca’ Pietra for WOW!house at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour in June. ‘There’s something calming in the natural grain of a material. So I always think it’s nice to use real materials like marble as opposed to anything artificial or plastic. 

Lighting is equally crucial. ‘It is very important for the mood and atmosphere,’ says architect Darren Price, a director at Adam Architecture. ‘I’m working on a subterranean bathroom where, instead of putting in a conventional roof light above, I’m creating strips along the edges that allow light to flood down the wall instead. It’s about creating a space that is very calm and monastic.’ 

It seems that what was once purely a functional room has evolved to be the one that offers the most self-care. ‘In this digital age when we’re all very busy, I’m designing spaces that intentionally slow people down,’ adds Price. ‘This is where the bathroom has become really interesting, because our daily rituals give us moments for emotional recalibration.’