The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has released the second edition of the Guide to Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards.

Available as free download or for purchase as a printed manual, the updated edition includes two new chapters on “Hydrothermal Wellness Benefits” and “Hot Springs & Geothermal Mineral Waters,” as well as extensive new information to help inform the proper building of wet areas in commercial and residential builds.

Created to help spa owners, operators, architects and builders, the guide covers everything from project planning to key building and construction considerations – including recommended standards and materials – while defining all common thermal bathing and pool areas.

“Hydrothermal areas are among the most expensive and intricate to develop – yet can be the most profitable if done correctly,” said Susie Ellis, GWI chair and CEO. “The second edition of this guide has been updated to include much more detail on the wellness benefits of hydrothermal bathing, as well on how to approach each step in the planning and building of these areas, including crucial tools to help measure return on investment.”

The guide was created in collaboration with key players in the industry and was spearheaded by the GWI’s Hydrothermal Initiative, reflecting its mission to increase transparency and awareness in the design and implementation of thermal and wet treatments in spa and wellness facilities.

“Our aim is to educate the industry so that whenever a hydrothermal area is designed and built that it not only positively impacts the health and wellness of its users, but is also constructed in a way that also supports our planet and its precious resources,” said Don Genders, chair of the GWI Hydrothermal Initiative and CEO of UK-based Design for Leisure.

The 2nd edition of the 150-page Guide to Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards was pre-released to over 500 wellness industry leaders during the annual Global Wellness Summit in Kitzbühel, Tyrol, Austria last month.