Even Babies Are Welcome at the Spa at These Ultra Luxury Resorts
August 13, 2025 / BloombergHotel spas were once sanctuaries of adults-only serenity, where frazzled executives and exhausted parents could escape, leaving chaos outside. But step into that same tranquil space today, and you might find a different scene: a mother and her 12-year-old daughter in matching robes, preparing for side-by-side massages. Mom opts for deep tissue, while her daughter enjoys a gentle “mini-me” massage.
At South Bank in Turks and Caicos, which opened last November, the spa’s treatments for kids mirror those on the adult menu, with age-appropriate modifications. The most popular offering, for example, is a back, neck and shoulder massage designed to help youngsters relax after a day of adventure. “Children truly engage with the experience,” says Gamze Gunay, the hotel’s director of rooms and spa, adding that kids “take their spa treatments seriously, especially when it is a shared experience with a family member.” South Bank has leaned into small touches to help kids feel celebrated. There are pillows that help them relax on the massage table, and staff will weave sparkly strands into braids for kids who get facials or massages. To cap it all off, the spa gives kids mango sorbet at the end of the treatment. Younger guests book treatments about 10 times per week, Gunay says. “We are seeing a significant shift, where wellness is becoming a family activity rather than an individual pursuit.”