Cryo chambers and infrared pods: This 'fitness hotel' is taking wellness technology to a whole new level

Entering SIRO’s 'recovery lab' feels more like stepping into a futuristic space station than a traditional spa. The space is equipped with cryo chambers, touchless vibroacoustic therapy beds, and an MRI-style infrared pod that offers a clinical atmosphere rather than a relaxing one.

‘The industry is changing,’ says Desmond Cawley, hotel manager at SIRO, One Za’abeel. Positioned as Dubai’s ‘first fitness hotel,’ it caters to professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts, with input from AC Milan football club, Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, and boxer Ramla Ali.

The 2,000-square-foot gym is equipped with top-tier machines that track and analyze performance, along with smart scales and body composition tools. An app allows guests to personalize their experience, from nutrition to workouts. Rooms feature alarm clocks synced to circadian rhythms and anti-gravity rocking chairs, while the recovery lab focuses on muscle recovery rather than relaxation.

‘Cryotherapy is a prime example: it’s excellent for reducing inflammation and jumpstarting metabolism,’ says Cawley, noting that guests should have prior experience with ice baths before trying the cryo-chamber, which is chilled to a brisk -85°C (-121°F).

One of the 'futuristic' technologies at SIRO is the MLX i3Dome, which uses far infrared technology to alleviate muscle soreness, according to Cawley. This light therapy technique traces its origins to NASA's red light research in the 1990s, aimed at stimulating plant growth in space and healing wounds in astronauts. It has since expanded to various applications, including skincare. The 'dome' acts as a sauna, while a light therapy helmet delivers a touchless facial using red light to boost collagen, green light for an antibacterial effect, and blue light to address skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, or acne.

These cutting-edge treatments are a rarity outside of specialized clinics — and almost never found in hotels, even those with five-star ratings, where fitness and wellness have traditionally been secondary, according to Cawley.

Wellness has become a multi-trillion-dollar global industry, and brands like SIRO (along with its parent company Kerzner International) are embedding it into their hospitality models. The Dubai location is just the start: SIRO will open a new site in Montenegro at Boka Place later this year, with three additional locations already in development.

‘Every individual has a distinct physiology, with unique wellness goals and aspirations,’ says Cawley. ‘Our approach focuses on optimizing performance and minimizing recovery times, helping individuals return to their passions, whether it’s playing football, hitting the tennis court, or working out at the gym.’

From ‘Goopy’ wellness to elite biohacking

This tech-driven wellness approach is a clear shift from the ‘Goopy decade,’ characterized by yoga, crystals, and green juice detoxes, says Beth McGroarty, research director at the Global Wellness Institute.

The pandemic played a key role in fueling this shift, not only driving demand for ‘touchless’ treatments but also sparking an increased interest in scientifically-backed health solutions, says McGroarty.

But high-tech doesn’t always equate to scientific rigor. ‘Some of it feels more like pseudo-science,’ McGroarty remarks, referencing nutrient-boost IV drips, which lack substantial evidence to support their effectiveness outside of a clinical, doctor-supervised environment. ‘Sometimes I feel like there’s a bit of science-washing happening,’ she adds.

SIRO isn't the only one catering to athletic travelers with cutting-edge therapies. Fitness brand Equinox launched its high-tech flagship hotel in New York City in 2019 and plans to open 33 more properties in the next decade. Established wellness retreats like SHA Wellness and Clinique La Prairie are also expanding beyond their European roots, with the latter set to open an ‘urban longevity hub’ at One&Only One Za’abeel, just above SIRO in Dubai.

While you may not be using cryogenic chambers every night at home, data-driven wellness is becoming the norm. Modern smartwatches can now capture medical-grade data such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and blood oxygen levels. These devices, like the Oura ring, which doubles as discreet jewelry, are only set to get smarter and more stylish, says McGroarty.

As generative AI becomes more accessible, McGroarty sees even greater possibilities for smart diagnostics, but stresses the need for boundaries and careful evaluation of its usefulness. ‘We often overlook the stress and anxiety that comes with being constantly connected — to work, news, misinformation, and social media,’ she remarks.

Hard care vs. ‘radical simplicity’

However, not everyone is embracing this high-tech wellness approach.

While ‘hard care’ has gained traction in the wellness industry, so has ‘soft care.’ McGroarty observes that, in reaction to the past decade of hyper-optimized wellness routines, more people — particularly Gen-Z and Millennial women — are embracing ‘low-fi, low-key wellness.’ This approach focuses on social connections and emotional well-being, with practices like ‘bed rotting’ and ‘hot girl walks’ gaining popularity.

‘People are overwhelmed by spending on wellness and crave radical simplicity,’ she adds.

Even at SIRO, despite its array of cutting-edge technologies, Cawley has noticed a growing interest in mindfulness practices like meditation. ‘In the past, group exercise schedules were filled with strength and cardio classes. Now, you’re seeing more mindfulness sessions, like yoga and sound healing,’ he explains.

At SIRO, there’s even a high-tech alternative to traditional mindfulness: ‘vibroacoustic therapy,’ a sci-fi take on a gong bath. Guests lie on a massage table equipped with a waterbed, wearing noise-canceling headphones, while listening to a mix of ocean waves and hypnotic synth music. The waterbed vibrates to these sounds, purportedly helping to release stress, and SIRO offers this treatment for guests dealing with sleep issues, stress, depression, or anxiety.

Tech that helps you disconnect might seem excessive, but for SIRO, integrating health data is seen as the future of wellness, offering guests a personalized wellness program driven by data.

‘We aim to use technology as a tool to enhance, not distract,’ says Cawley.