“In Praise of Spas”: Alberto Apostoli’s New Book.
The story of the success of wellness spaces provides valuable insights into the analysis of contemporary society. This is because harmony is the foundation upon which one can build their identity and relate to the community. This theme is explored in In Praise of Spas, a free essay available on apostolibooks.com.
“Will Well-being Save the World?” is the title of the final chapter of Alberto Apostoli’s new book In Praise of Spas, which traces the origins, key features, functions, and legacy of wellness spaces from ancient times. The analysis, both thought-provoking and engaging, serves a dual purpose: not only offering a comprehensive view of the sector, but also providing a contemporary interpretative key drawn from the historical context of regeneration spaces and rituals across various cultures. This is why the question posed by the author at the conclusion of the book is so significant: the concept of well-being expands, detaching itself from fleeting trends or market-driven demands, and celebrates it as a potential guide for the ongoing social revolution. Well-being, therefore, becomes both the means and the goal of the new era of awareness we are currently experiencing.
“Spaces dedicated to so-called well-being must be recognised for the social value they bring to the community: the clear improvement they generate, in terms of psycho-physical balance and quality of life, is undeniable,” comments author and architect Alberto Apostoli. He continues, “It is equally undeniable the virtuous cascading effect they produce within a community of individuals. If the individual is in harmony, so too will the society to which they belong. It is crucial to convey this message with great determination.”
The text is, therefore, a passionate treatise on philosophy, sociology, and the history of cultures from East to West, placing wellness spaces at the centre. These spaces are explored through the ages and across different peoples, highlighting their functions and their impact on modern culture. The sum of the chapters creates a layered framework of principles and inspirations, which help to understand the broader value of the system and its growing potential.
In Praise of Spas was previewed to a select group of industry experts and institutions at the 2024 edition of Travel Hashtag, recently concluded at the Tivoli Portopiccolo Sistiana Wellness Resort & Spa. It will be publicly promoted from 2025 onwards, with a series of conferences, press previews, and meetings with the author. Available as an e-book, it can be downloaded for free from the platform apostolibooks.com, a digital bookstore curated by Alberto Apostoli. This platform also features “Architettura della SPA,” his first book, as well as a constantly updated selection of titles and volumes recommended by the author for those wishing to explore the world of spas and well-being from a literary perspective.