The Northern Ireland Executive has announced that spas can reopen on 6 July, as part of a statement detailing a range of measures to lift lockdown restrictions.

“Today we have reached the next rung in the ladder of our recovery journey as we have been able to confirm the reopening of significant sections of our economy over the next number of weeks," said First Minister Arlene Foster.

This announcement follows a wave of spas which have already reopened around the world in destinations throughout Europe, the US and Asia.

This includes Italian destination spa, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, which is restarting operations today (26 June) and has announced it will be offering outdoor treatments.

In Europe, spas have been allowed or given a confirmed date to reopen in the following countries: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Austria, Switzerland and Germany, with destinations in Portugal and Spain slated to open in July, including SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante (22 July) and Longevity wellness destinations (4 July).

In the US, each individual state has the authority to lift lockdown measures and 15 states have decided to ease restrictions and reopen spas, with major destinations such as Canyon Ranch facilities already reopen in Las Vegas with the Tucson site due to reopen 15 July and the brand new Lenox site opening on 9 July.

In Australia, thermal bathing destination Peninsula Hot Springs reopened on 7 June following the government decree allowing each state and territory government to decide when and how they will relax lockdown measures. The states of Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania and Western Australia have all decided to reopen spas.

In Asia, spas in Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, and Hong Kong have been allowed to reopen, with operators such as Mandarin Oriental and Chiva-Som having restarted operations.

UK spas have no official date for reopening but have received official government guidelines on how to reopen and welcome back guests.