The latest findings from independent research company Intelligent Spas show that 259 new spas have opened worldwide and 208 have closed in the past two years.

The Middle East/Africa region has the best ratio of openings to closures at 75:7, whereas Europe has the worst result, with spa numbers falling 42 per cent in the select markets.

“Overall, spa numbers grew 25 per cent across the study; however, tracking closures quickly highlights the state of each spa market,” said Julie Garrow, managing director of Intelligent Spas.

“The regional findings highlight the emerging versus mature markets and as we have seen during our Spa Development Pipeline Research conducted in the Middle East, that region has huge potential for further growth.”

Intelligent Spas research study reviewed 6,771 spas in 49 key markets, and includes the latest information on spa and hotel brands, by local, regional and international brands; average for indoor spa size; number of treatment rooms; and key facilities promoted by spas.