What is a lake?

A lake is a body of water accumulated in a natural or artificial depression in the ground, which can be permanent or seasonal. Unlike rivers, lakes do not have a constant flow of water, which gives them a static, serene and stable character. This quality makes them valuable from an environmental, functional, aesthetic and architectural point of view.

Today, lakes not only exist as natural formations, but are also designed and integrated into urban, residential, tourist and recreational projects. Their incorporation provides multiple benefits that go beyond the visual: they help regulate the microclimate, manage rainwater, improve biodiversity and increase the perceived value of any development.

Types of lakes and their impact on the aquatic experience

Not all lakes are the same or offer the same experience. From a wellness perspective, some types have particularly valuable properties:

 Natural lakes

●  Glacial lakes: formed by the melting of ancient glaciers. They are usually located in mountainous areas and contain very pure water.

●  Tectonic lakes: formed in areas of geological faults or depressions caused by plate movements. They are generally deep.

●  Volcanic lakes: occupy inactive volcanic craters and may contain thermal waters with mineral properties.

●  Karst lakes: formed in regions with limestone rocks, by cave collapses or underground dissolution processes.

●  Endorheic lakes: these have no outlet to the sea and accumulate mineral salts, which can make them saline.

●  River or plain lakes: created by changes in the course of a river or the accumulation of water in low-lying areas.

 Artificial lakes

●  Landscape lakes: designed to add aesthetic value to gardens, parks or residential common areas.

●  Rainwater catchment lakes: designed to collect and store rainwater as part of sustainable urban drainage systems.

●  Recreational lakes: these allow activities such as light sailing, swimming or water sports.

●  Climate regulation lakes: act as temperature moderators in hot or urban areas, reducing the perceived temperature.

●  Lakes with natural filtration systems: incorporate aquatic plants, gravel and biological filtration to keep the water clean without chemicals.

●  Wellness or recreational lakes: spaces developed specifically for leisure, relaxation and health activities, which we will discuss later.

Whatever their origin, the common denominator of all these lakes is their ability to generate a deep sense of well-being and freshness, thanks to the combination of water, landscape and silence.

Benefits of swimming in a lake

Immersing yourself in a lake is not only a pleasant experience: it has multiple proven benefits on both a physical and emotional level:

●  Relaxation of the nervous system: Floating in calm waters helps release tension and reduce cortisol levels.

●  Activation of the circulatory system: The cold temperatures typical of many mountain lakes stimulate circulation and strengthen the immune system.

●  Reconnection with the environment: The absence of artificial stimuli allows you to reconnect with yourself and nature, facilitating states of mindfulness and presence.

Swimming in a lake is, in itself, a mindfulness practice. Direct contact with a living, natural and changing environment makes each swim a different experience.

Tourism and wellness at lakes: retreats and connection with nature. What makes them ideal for well-being?

Tourism has evolved towards more conscious offerings, where physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing play a leading role. In this context, lakes have established themselves as ideal destinations for so-called wellness tourism.

Some of the most popular experiences in lake environments are:

●  Outdoor yoga and meditation retreats

●  Hydrotherapy sessions in natural hot springs

●  Mindful walks around the lake

●  Floatation therapy and guided immersion baths

●  Boating and water sports

The connection with water, clean air and the landscape not only generate rest, but also transformation. That is why more and more travellers are looking for getaways that allow them to stop, breathe and return to their centre.

Lakes in hotels and residential areas

In recent years, the use of artificial lakes has gained prominence in multiple contexts:

●      Residential developments: where they are used as landscape features, relaxation areas or central elements of bioclimatic design.

●      Hotels and resorts: where they provide differentiation, visual harmony and opportunities for integration with recreational, catering and wellness services.

●      Public spaces: urban parks, squares and sports centres incorporate lakes as multifunctional areas for leisure and environmental comfort.

●      Sustainable projects: where lakes act as green infrastructure that combines aesthetics and environmental functionality.

Thanks to their versatility, lakes can play a structural role in architectural design, or serve as recreational, decorative and sensory features.

Hotels and resorts with lakes: a distinguishing feature

Including a lake—natural or artificial—in a hotel development not only adds aesthetic beauty. It also represents a differentiating and experiential element that is increasingly valued by guests.

A well-designed lake can:

●  Become the centrepiece of the establishment’s wellness area

●  Attract a customer profile seeking relaxation, health and sustainability

●  Promote outdoor activities such as yoga, meditation or thermal baths

●  Reinforce the hotel’s natural identity through landscaping

●  Enhance surrounding sports services and activities

In addition, integrating this type of environment can increase customer loyalty and raise the perceived value of the service. In the current context, investing in spaces that promote balance between body and mind is not just a trend, but a real opportunity for innovation and growth, as is the case with Puerto Venecia in Zaragoza (Spain).

Transform your space with a lake designed for leisure and well-being

Designing a lake for leisure and well-being requires a comprehensive vision: from ecological balance to the technology that makes it possible. At Fluidra, we develop advanced solutions that allow lakes and lagoons to be integrated into tourism, sports and wellness projects in an efficient, safe and harmonious way.

If you are looking to offer a unique, differentiated experience that is in line with new market expectations, discover our lake solutions for hotels