7.1 Standard Massage Room

Acoustics

• Acoustics play a crucial role in the overall ambiance and comfort of a massage room. While there's not one specific decibel level that's considered ideal for all massage rooms, the key is to maintain a low and consistent level of background noise to promote a sense of calm and relaxation. For treatment room walls, you should aim to have a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 60 or higher.

• Use sound-absorbing materials for walls to decrease noise from outside and within the room to create a quiet, peaceful environment. Good insulation, soundproofing, and careful control of sound sources (both inside and outside the room) are crucial to maintaining ideal acoustic levels.

• Proper wall construction techniques include:
• Using insulation materials designed for soundproofing in the construction of walls.
• Applying soundproofing materials like mass-loaded vinyl or soundproof drywall.
• Double or staggered stud constructions to prevent sound transfer.
• Reducing common flanking paths for sound, like air vents or electrical outlets, which can allow sound to bypass your walls.

• Avoid locating suites near active locations.

Ventilation

• Ensure the room is well-ventilated or has an air purification system. Essential oil diffusers can also provide a pleasing olfactory experience.

Adjacencies

• The treatment room should be in a private area or “treatment” zone that is quiet, secure, and not directly accessible by public, high-traffic spaces.

• Typically all treatment spaces are grouped together (either the entire inventory or in blocks).

• Provide adjacent and ample storage space for linens and products as well as product dispensary, and staff staging/lounge area

Circulation

• The room should be spacious enough to comfortably accommodate a massage table with enough space around it for the therapist to move freely.

• Ensure 36” clearance around the treatment table

• The typical standard massage room is 11-12 square meters (120-130 square feet).

• The typical multi-purpose room is 14 square meters (150 square feet).

Room Features

• If body wraps and body scrubs will be provided in this room, a shower should be integrated into the design to rinse off body scrub or wrap products.

• If windows are present, include appropriate privacy coverings capable of darkening the room.

• When feasible include seating for clients before or after the session.

• If an adjacent outdoor courtyard or balcony is included, ensure that it is private, secure, protected from the elements, and is not susceptible to significant noise/sound transfer. Ensure that the doors to this space achieve the appropriate level of sound attenuation to protect the solitude of the treatment room. Incorporate seating and a focal feature such as an outdoor shower, water feature, or landscaping for interest. Plan the landscaping to allow privacy from sightlines coming from upper-story windows, landscaping berms, parking lots, etc.

Furniture and Equipment

• 1 professional grade massage tables with face cradle, and bolsters.

• 1 adjustable therapist stools with quiet/silent casters

• 1 table warmer (may be included in the OSE budget)

• 1 hot towel cabinet large enough for 18 towels

• 1 lotion/gel warmer large enough for 3 bottles

• 1 hot stone kit (may be built into the countertop, set on the countertop, placed in the millwork, or placed on a rolling cart)

• 1 chair or integrated seating for guests (optional)

• Consider incorporating a small table for items such as oils, candles, and towels.

• 1 wall-mounted towel warmer (optional)

Storage and Millwork

• Design a storage system that houses clean towels, sheets, oils, and other materials. This should be easily accessible to therapists but not intrusive to the clients' experience.

• Conceal all hot towel cabinets, lotion/gel warmers, hot stone kits, facial steamers, carts, wax pots, and sterilizers in closets or cabinetry.

• Provide treatment room millwork to accommodate treatment room functions and equipment. Include two full height cabinets to conceal equipment, trolleys, and other equipment or closets.

• Install millwork finishes to withstand water, oil, and humidity.

• Counters should be .86m high x .6m deep x at least 2.4m in length (34” H X 24” D X 8’L) of a high quality, stain-proof, non-porous, and easily cleaned material.

• Ideally, the task sink will be concealed in the millwork. If it must be visible to guests, provide an attractive sink that is a minimum of 12.7cm (5”) deep for proper utility and to avoid splashing. Stainless steel sinks are not recommended as the sound emitted during operation is not pleasant.

• Include a single lever gooseneck faucet easily operated by one hand.

• Include silencers at all cabinet doors and drawers.

• Include a concealed trash compartment

• Install outlets within the millwork for built-in equipment.

• Accommodate a large quantity of wet soiled laundry. Laundry management differs depending on the operational philosophy of each spa. Laundry may be moved after treatments or stored within the treatment room in cabinets or under the treatment bed. Determine the laundry requirements for the spa with your Discovery Well Being representative.

• If a hot stone kit is specified, coordinate with your Discovery Well Being representative to determine if it is built into the countertop, located on a cart, or loosely placed within the millwork.

• Provide appropriate venting and electrical devices for equipment located within the cabinetry.

• Include a section of double doors within a tall utility cabinet or the base cabinets to conceal a rolling cart. (If a cart is specified.) A closet is an acceptable alternative.

• If the treatment table is battery operated, designate space within the millwork to charge large marine batteries. Ensure the millwork has adequate ventilation at the battery location.

Lighting

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all lighting fixtures and electrical installations comply with local codes and regulations, particularly those related to safety.

• Flexibility: Lighting should be adjustable, including dimmer controls, to accommodate different treatments and client preferences.

• Adequate Illumination: Treatment areas should have enough lighting for therapists to perform their tasks efficiently.

1. Layered Lighting Approach: Incorporate a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting is the main source of illumination, task lighting aids specific activities (like reading), and accent lighting highlights certain room features.

2. Dimmable Lights: Use dimmable lights to control the room's brightness levels. Warmer, dimmed light tends to create a more relaxing atmosphere.

3. LED Lights: Consider energy-efficient LED lights, which emit less heat and can be more comfortable for clients. They also come in a variety of color temperatures, allowing for customization.

4. Natural Light: If possible, incorporate controlled natural light. Use window treatments such as curtains, shades, or blinds to adjust the level of light entering the room.

5. Task Lighting: Install task lighting over treatment tables, in changing rooms, and in any area where therapists need to see clearly to perform their tasks.

6. Accent Lighting: Use accent lights to highlight certain features, such as artwork or architectural elements, to add depth and interest to the room.

7. Color Temperature: Choose a warm color temperature (around 2700-3000K) for a soothing and relaxing atmosphere.

8. Lighting for Different Times of Day: Keep in mind how lighting shifts throughout the day. It's beneficial to have a lighting control system that can adjust to different times and natural light levels.

9. Avoid Direct Lighting: Avoid direct lighting on the client's face, especially during face-up treatments. Recessed lighting or indirect lighting techniques can help prevent this issue.

Temperature

• Provide thermostat control in each room as a separate zone.

• The optimal temperature range for a massage room is typically between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius).

• Consider heated floor systems, infrared heat lamps, or heat panels above the treatment table.

Sound/Music

• Provide a private selection audio system in each room.

• Music and therapeutic nature sounds (rainfall, waves, etc.) should be controllable to a range of 30 to 60 dB.

• Locate ceiling speakers to one corner of the room.

Mechanical Requirements

• Recommended types of HVAC Systems:
• Ductless Mini-Split Systems are excellent for individual rooms and treatment pods because they are quiet, energy-efficient, provide both heating and cooling and allow for individual room control.
• Central Air Conditioning Systems that are a part of a larger facility/plan, require careful planning to ensure each treatment room can control its climate independently.
• Zone this room independently from the facility’s HVAC system.
• Install slot diffusers at the perimeter of the room to avoid drafts on spa guests.
• Radiant Floor Heating Systems can be a comfortable, efficient choice for heating a massage room. It provides an even, comfortable warmth and operates silently.

• Regardless of the system selected, it must be virtually unnoticeable to avoid disturbing the tranquility of the massage room, this is generally regarded as 20 dB or lower.

Electrical Requirements

• GFCI electrical devices throughout the room.

• Provide a flush floor fourplex outlet under the treatment table(s).

• Avoid harsh direct lights above the treatment table.

• Provide a wall duplex close to the face cradle of the treatment table(s).

• Install outlets within the millwork for built-in equipment.

Plumbing Requirements

• Handwash/utility sink in the treatment room millwork

Sanitation and Safety Measures

• Ensure all materials, surfaces, and linens can be easily cleaned or sterilized. The room should have easy access to a handwashing station or sanitizer for therapists.

• Some spas are beginning to incorporate UV sanitation lighting to disinfect rooms between treatments, but this usage should strictly follow safety guidelines.