Summary

The success of spas and the wellness industry is often interpreted as a current trend or ‘new luxury’. However, this phenomenon also reflects a deeper human desire: to reclaim a spiritual dimension that has almost entirely been forgotten, or to achieve a form of emancipation from the prevailing individualism. In fact, this second aspect has historically been central to the motivations behind these places over the centuries – albeit in different ways – yet always, fundamentally, far removed from the narrow concepts of luxury, relaxation, or leisure. The book develops from this belief, demonstrating how this world is not part of the hedonistic sphere. Rather, the success of wellness should be understood as an evolution in the way contemporary society has reinterpreted the concept of ‘feeling good’, both individually and in relation to others. The history of such places, across different eras and cultures, is consistently linked to four main functions: healing, emotional, intimate, and social. These are defined and contextualised throughout the book, ultimately leading to a sociological, philosophical, and aesthetic  conclusion.