Designed to be islands of serenity for pampering, day spas are cropping up in various forms in cities and suburbs, while destination spas in exotic locations are becoming cherished vacation spots. Architect Robert Henry takes ultimate leisure seriously, as one of the few designers in the world to specialize in the spa industry. He has become the individual the industry consults when looking to create a spa that is spiritually, physically, and emotionally uplifting. Seeking to engage all of the five senses in his architecture, Henry sees himself as the Sensuous Architect."

"From traditional massage and yoga to liquid balancing, a spa visit can purify, revitalize, and balance your body, mind, and soul," says Henry, president of Robert D. Henry Architects in New York City. He has presented his ideas and work at several conferences for spa and hospitality industry executives.

Among the successful spas Henry has been involved with are Palm Beach's Trump Mar-a-Lago, New York's Ajune, Las Vegas' Wynn Las Vegas, New Jersey's DePasquale/TheSpa,
and London's Cobella Akqa, and the eco-sensitive Amelia Island Resort in Florida. He is the co-author of the new book Spa: The Sensuous Experience to be published this Spring 2006. l am interested in creating perfect environments for indulging all the senses."

The special ambiance of Henry's work is derived from his sensitive material selection extracted from nature, complemented by soft indirect lighting combined with a muted color palette. Henry begins with the concept of a sensuous journey for a heightened architectural experience. All that one sees, touches, hears, and smells is carefully orchestrated between Henry and his clients.

At the Ajune spa on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Henry's interior concept is bold yet sensitive. Spa clients have commented that they feel a sense of equilibrium upon arrival. Entering from the street-side retail area, spa patrons begin their journey along the "Hall of Whispers," transporting them to an ephemeral environment in preparation for a luxurious treatment. An elongated passage with a glowing veil of white scrim, the Hall is infused with the sound of falling water from the fountain beyond.

Henry's spa interiors reflect his philosophy of balance and harmony through the use of a sensuous material palette coupled with a sensitive lighting strategy. For DePasquale/The Spa, Henry expanded an existing 4,000-square-foot hair salon into a 20,000-square-foot total beauty and wellness experience. A curved, hand-rubbed plaster wall guides visitors along earth-toned slate floors, custom pear wood cabinetry, and a signature treatment room clad in recycled-glass mosaic tile (a Henry hallmark). "We paint with light," says Henry, who specifically lit each room to enhance the overall experience.

"Destination resorts provide both the designer and the fortunate visitor an immersion into the sybaritic spa lifestyle," notes Henry. At Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, FL, Henry worked within the historically landmarked 1927 estate's framework, adding elements of luxe that befit a Trump property. For the new Amelia Island Plantation Resort on a remote Florida island, he will create original buildings delicately placed within an eco-sensitive environment.

Henry's designs for spas offer a custom designed concept that enhances the particular property and complements the client's menu of various services, emphasizing unique signature treatments..
ROBERT HENRY
The Architect for Islands of Serenity
'Sensuous Architect'
Creates Successful Spa
The special ambiance of Henry's work is derived from his sensitive material selection extracted from nature, complemented by soft indirect lighting combined with a muted color palette. Henry begins with the concept of a sensuous journey for a heightened architectural experience.
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