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  R        99% natural active ingredients - 20% minimum from organic culture    made in Italy with energy from renewable resources editor’s letter Embrace the discomfort

he spa industry must reject routine, staid Our cover image celebrates approaches to challenges innovative thinking and energetically Tembrace innovation if it is to thrive. from ESPA, which this This was the clear message from year has sponsored the speakers at the Global Spa & Wellness Serpentine Pavilion, Summit (GSWS) which was held recently in Aspen, Colorado. designed by Chinese Delegates were told that real growth dissident artist, Ai Weiwei will not return to the sector unless we challenge every aspect of the business, from the way technology is harnessed for management embrace change. We must practice disruptive, creative and marketing, to the developing of new business models. thinking until this becomes a habit too. Our GSWS report on p54 examines the highlights of the Th e cover of this edition of Spa Business celebrates just event and teases out the lessons shared and learned. such innovative thinking. ESPA surprised the industry Th is year’s summit took some delegates outside their by moving its support into the arts world by sponsoring comfort zone by introducing new concepts, perspectives the Serpentine Pavilion in London. Th is radical piece of and even learning methods, but in so doing was true architecture – which is rebuilt each year according to to its theme and purpose, as this was fundamentally the vision of a new designer – was conceived for 2012 by what it was all about. If we keep doing things the same Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei, in partnership with way – however comfortable this feels – nothing will architects Herzog & de Meuron. ever improve. We have to grow to love and embrace It was a brave move and typifi es the provocative the feeling of being in a state of constant change. thinking advocated at the GSWS. It’s only by challenging We learned that habits don’t require willpower – ourselves, forging new alliances, being creative and once people get into a routine, they repeat behaviours breaking down barriers that we’ll tap into fresh lifeblood painlessly and get very comfortable doing so. for our industry. We applaud ESPA’s audacity. Speaker Jessica Alquist explained how spas can use this innate tendency in people to bring about and cement Liz Terry, editor twitter: @elizterry healthy lifestyle changes. However, while that’s a positive ● For a full report on the Serpentine Pavilion and way of tapping into this deep-seated human trait, we must interview with ESPA CEO, Susan Harmsworth, visit also be aware it can undermine our ability to initiate and www.leisuremanagement.co.uk/2012q3

contact us: Read all our editor’s Spa Business magazine, Leisure Media, Portmill House, and contributors’ Portmill Lane, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1DJ, UK letters on our blog at tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 email: [email protected] blog.spabusiness.com twitter: @spabusinessmag facebook: Facebook.com/spabusiness

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 5 "&*# "$*
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Montage’s James Bermingham, p28 Chicago spas under scrutiny, p50

Mother and baby spas, p42 Global Spa & Wellness Summit review, p54

5|Editor’s letter: 28|Interview: 42|Trends: Latching on Embrace the discomfort James Bermingham Independent, wealthy women are Liz Terry says the industry needs Th e vice-president of Montage Hotels redefi ning motherhood. Mari Stevens radical innovation to thrive. & Resorts talks to Katie Barnes about investigates this new emerging group, how investing heavily in therapist their expectations and how – and 14|Letters training has elevated the group’s spa why – spas can cater for them Resense Spa gives advice on the off ering and service to the next level nuances of operating spas in Baku 50|City focus: Chicagoland 34|Training profi le: Lisa Starr takes a look at a cross- 18|News Anne Bramham section of spas in Chicago and how Th e world’s fi rst Hello Kitty spa ASTECC is the sole spa training they diff erentiate themselves in the launches in Dubai; Guerlain to team organisation working with Montage. thriving urban spa location up with Oetker; and details about Founder Anne Bramham explains Marilyn Monroe themed spas revealed what the courses cover and what 54|Summit review: makes them stand out Outside the box 24|Ask an expert: Th e sixth Global Spa & Wellness Corporate wellness 36|Castles & dreams Summit in Aspen hosted a number Wellness programmes for corporate Jennifer Harbottle looks round Th e of expert speakers from outside the employees is a lucrative and growing Chateau – an organic wellness resort industry to inspire and challenge the market. What can spas do to tap into modelled on a French castle but world’s leading spa professionals. this possible new revenue generator? located in the Malaysian rainforest Katie Barnes reports

8 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 spa business issue 3 2012 PHOTO: CANDYBOX IMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK CANDYBOX PHOTO:

Mystery shopping Solage Spa in California, p68 Investigating spa management training, p60

The Waltons on taking Irish seaweed global, p78 Dubrovnik Sun Gardens, Croatia, p64

60|Investigation: Moving on up 78|Family matters: The second-part of our investigation The Waltons into global spa management training The husband and wife behind Irish by Rhianon Howells seaweed firm Voya on global growth

64| Pearl of the Adriatic 82|Join the club Kath Hudson visits the Dubrovnic Sun Kate Cracknell reports on Kuwait’s Gardens integrated resort in Croatia Al Corniche Club Resort and Spa

68|Mystery shopper: 88|Products focus: Glorious mud? Water equipment – part 2 Jane Scrivner reveals the good and More hydrotherapy kit highlights bad points of mud treatments at two Did you know that you can spas in Calistoga, California 92|Products now receive a FREE subscription New products and equipment; plus to Spa Business in its new, greener, 74|Spa tourism: Biossentials’ create it fresh approach paper-free, digital format? Madeiran marvel Change the way you read 98|Research: Touch point The Portuguese island of Madeira Spa Business magazine holds much promise as a wellness Melbourne’s RMIT University destination. Anni Hood finds out examines 740 studies outlining the SIGN UP ONLINE: about its spa tourism strategy proven benefits of massage www.spabusiness.com/green

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Four Seasons Amman, Le Méridien Ra Beach, The Venitian Las Vegas, Mykonos Grand,TwinPalms Phuket... READER SERVICES contributors SUBSCRIPTIONS denise gildea +44 (0)1462 471930 Jennifer Anni CIRCULATION Harbottle Hood michael emmerson +44 (0)1462 471932 Jennifer Harbottle Previously the group has been a regular director of spas for the EDITORIAL TEAM contributor to Spa Jumeirah Group, Anni EDITOR Business magazine for Hood consults in the liz terry +44 (0)1462 431385 the last six years and has established industry at a global level. She’s also MANAGING EDITOR herself as a leading commentator the founder of KIS Lifestyle®, a group katie barnes +44 (0)1462 471925 in the industry. Currently based in dedicated to helping people achieve NEWSDESK Malaysia, she focuses on writing optimum health and making world-class about the Asia-Pacifi c leisure sector. wellness accessible to the mainstream. tom walker +44 (0)1462 471934 peter hayman +44 (0)1462 471938 martin nash +44 (0)1462 471933 Rhianon Jane NORTH AMERICA EDITOR Howells Scrivner peter sargent +1 239 949 3394 Rhianon Howells was With more than 20 the launch editor years in the spa ADVERTISING TEAM of Spa Business industry, Jane Scrivner PUBLISHER/ADVERTISING SALES and established it has been a trainer and astrid ros +44 (0)1462 471911 as a journal of note. As consulting treament designer and has written ADVERTISING SALES editor, she is closely involved with its numerous books on detox. She has julie badrick +44 (0)1462 471919 continuing development, while also her own skincare range and recently john challinor +44 (0)1202 742968 writing about health, fi tness, travel and launched Spapliance to design and david hunt +44 (0)1462 471902 leisure as a freelance journalist. manufacture treatment appliances. jan williams +44 (0)1462 471909 ADVERTISING SALES – WWW.SPA-KIT.NET Lisa Mari stephanie rogers +44 (0)1462 471902 Starr Stevens Business consultant, Mari Stevens is a brand ADVERTISING PRODUCTION trainer and educator marketing professional ed gallagher +44 (0)1905 20198 and overall curious and travel writer based SPA RECRUITMENT/TRAINING SALES person, Lisa Starr has in Wales, UK. Her annie lovell +44 (0)1462 471901 been helping spa companies maximise interests are tourism, sustainable WEB TEAM their performance – in front and back development and broadcast media. WWW.SPA-KIT.NET/ of house operations – for 30 years. She has two children – Jac and Elis, PRODUCT SEARCH ENGINE She also blogs on spa management her latest travel companion and issues at gramercyone.com/blog budding spa expert. kate corney +44 (0)1462 471933 martin nash +44 (0)1462 471933 SPABUSINESS.COM Th e views expressed in individual articles are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those michael paramore +44 (0)1462 471926 of the publisher, Th e Leisure Media Company Ltd. tim nash +44 (0)1462 471917 © Cybertrek Ltd 2012. All rights reserved. No part dean fox +44 (0)1462 471900 of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a emma harris +44 (0)1462 471921 retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, DESIGN recording or otherwise, without prior permission of andy bundy +44 (0)1462 471924 the copyright holder, Cybertrek Ltd. Registered at Stationers’ Hall 30851, Spa Business ISSN 1479-912X FINANCE is available on annual subscription for UK £28, sue davis +44 (0)1395 519398 Europe £38, USA/Canada £28, rest of world £38, denise gildea +44 (0)1462 471930 on the cover from the Leisure Media Company Ltd. Portmill House, Portmill Lane, Hitchin SG5 1DJ, UK. Printed CREDIT CONTROL Ai Weiwei designer of the ESPA- by Mansons. ©Cybertrek 2012 ISSN 1479-912X. rebekah scott +44 (0)1462 733477 sponsored Serpentine Pavilion. Digital edition at www.spabusiness.com/digital

the leisure media company publishes subscribe online: www.leisuresubs.com

12 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012

Letters

Do you have a strong opinion, or disagree with somebody else’s point of view on topics related to the spa industry? If so, Spa Business would love to hear from you. Email your letters, thoughts and suggestions to [email protected]

Insider knowledge on the spa market in Baku

Richard Grew, regional project manager, Resense Spa

There’s no doubt, as Professor Stevens points out in Spa Business (see SB12/1 p82), that Azerbaijan and in particular, Baku is booming when it comes to spa development. We’ve managed Kempinski The Spa, Badamdar since it opened in December 2011 and feel we can offer some unique insights on the marketplace. With the rapid growth of major hotels, spa utilisation has yet to keep up with the rate of construction in Baku. Yes, there’s an increasing business clientele, but many spa operators struggle to draw them in. The real promise lies in the growing – albeit slow – emergence of the Azerbaijani middle class and increasing tourism from surrounding countries. Key to success will be understanding these guests and their view of spas. Azerbaijan has strong historical links with Germany, Turkey and Russia and has been Resense has managed Kempinski, Th e Spa Badamdar in Baku since it opened in late December heavily infl uenced by the dominating spa cultures from these countries. Hammams Hiring VIP suites for a set time and then locals have little or no formal therapist and large relaxation spaces to socialise adding treatments is also very popular. training so big players, like Kempinski, and drink tea in are very sought-after. Massage is still the most requested are introducing their own expert trainers, service, accounting for 65 per cent of which has led to clear improvement. And treatment revenue, but in Baku the international spa training is perceived by Massage is still the most traditional practice sees copious amounts local therapists as a major draw. Although requested service, but in of oil massaged into every inch of you – training does need to be conducted in Baku the traditional practice including your eyeballs and inner ears! English and Azeri, with the Azeri often Men are by far the biggest users of spa broken down further into Russian and sees copious amounts of – over 85 per cent of our clients are male Turkish, so it does take longer. oil massaged into every aged 45-65. But regardless of Muslim Overall, our experience has been very culture or gender, female therapists are positive. Baku is readying itself to meet inch of you – including your nearly always requested and are expected growing numbers of business and leisure eyeballs and inner ears! to be highly skilled. Unfortunately, many travellers and the future is very promising.

FIND spa business spa opportunities GREAT STAFF FOR YOUR Uniting the world of spas Jobs, news and training SPA Spa Business subscribers work in all areas of the Spa Opportunities magazine focuses spa market worldwide. The magazine is available in on recruitment, careers and news and is print, digitally and as a PDF edition, in addition to a daily published every two weeks. It has a daily website showing all the website and weekly ezine. See www.spabusiness.com latest jobs and a weekly ezine. See www.spaopportunities.com

14 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Bridging the gap between medical and preventative approaches

Dr John Brazier, founder, Kore Therapy

I was interested to read your editor’s letter (see SB12/2 p5) observing the confl ict and competition between a medical and preventative approach to illness in the US. The spa market, inadvertently, gives the impression that it’s only good for women and relaxation. As a complementary medicine training provider, our aim is to help transform this superfi cial image. Stories of treatments, products or therapists skills – tied to a sense of place – add value to menus Our courses range from two to 20 days and are focused on Kore Therapy which What happens after We read in patterns so placement combines western musculoskeletal menu profi tability and of items can generate more sales. For assessment and treatment with traditional example, if reading left to right perhaps Oriental hands-on medicine. We use popularity analysis? the most profi table item should appear muscle testing to fi nd pelvic, spinal, organ upper right. Signature treatments can be and digestive imbalance, for example, and Mary Darling, freelance hospitality featured with graphic design elements to then treat the condition at the root cause. consultant; and founder, draw attention. The use of dollar signs or We’re already working with academic Bali Wellness Journeys mul tiple zeros in foreign currencies should bodies. Our acupuncture course is going be reduced (or eliminated). While using through validation for a masters degree The CRASE system, as Spa Business’s leader dots to prices or listing prices in in Developing Practice in Complementary feature on treatment menu engineering columns can turn a spa experience into Medicine at the UK’s Blackburn & shows (see SB12/1 p26), is an excellent just a treatment. Cumbria. And we’re partnering with it to tool for analysing sales profi t margins and Descriptions and stories of the research the impact of Kore Therapy on popularity. Yet the psychology of buying treatments, products or therapists’ skills ME and fi bromyalgia. – based on the actual design, layout and – tied to a sense of place – create a We’re also working with Mercure UK, overall strategy of the menu – is also vital. subconscious clue that they’re a ‘not to be part of Accor, and have trained a team of The menu booklet, website, in-room missed experience’, which can infl uence therapists and personal trainers across materials and phone/tablet apps are the perception of price value. Educating the country to carry out musculoskeletal all read differently so design must customers on the benefi ts of various assessment. Mercure Spa Naturel be adaptable. Images help position modalities by using research such as group will offer these assessments to experiences so make them professional, that found at www.spaevidence.com can all corporate clients, gym members and educational and interesting. Be cautious have a similar effect. In addition, offering spa and hotel guests. A fully clothed, 20 of female imagery and words if attracting certifi ed organic products and/or including minute screening generally converts at men too and if located in areas where the brand names in descriptions can justify 70-80 per cent of clients immediately culture is gender sensitive – focus more higher pricing. Meanwhile, listing awards booking for a full treatment afterwards. on health, wellbeing and prevention. and customer testimonials provides We will be working together to prove Clearer font styles, such as serif, can subliminal assurance that a customer has that relatively low guest capture rates can make easier reading in dim light, while made the right choice, so use them. be considerably increased at the same increasing font size or changing the colour Spa menu offerings are the foundation time enhancing the credibility of spa. All can make items sell more effectively. to a successful business, please consider that’s needed is an upgrade in skill sets Paper quality and use of watermarks all adding psychology to your pricing and and change in the spa language – so it’s a infl uence a buyer’s perception too. profi tability analysis. little less fussy and more results focused.

spa business HANDBOOK spa-kit.net Th e global resource for spa professionals Th e search engine for spa buyers The annual Spa Business Handbook brings Find the suppliers you need to equip your spa together research and vital reference content. quickly and easily. Over 57,000 buyers each Visit the website: www.spahandbook.com or month use the service, which includes sector- view it online at www.spahandbook.com/digital specifi c linked websites and a weekly ezine.

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E\njgXXjjfZ`Xk`fe ]fiHl\Y\Z#:XeX[X ((e\njgXj]fiI\j\ej\`e)'(* Th e booming spa sector in Eastern Canada Management company has resulted in the formation of a new Resense Spa is set to open 11 association for wellness operators located new spas during 2013 as part within the province of Quebec. of a larger expansion strat- Association Québécoise des spas (AQDS) egy. Three of the new spas has been founded with a mission to support will be operated as full-service and represent all spas in Quebec – the only Resense Spas while the other Canadian province where the sole offi cial eight will be managed under the language is French at governmental level. Kempinski, Th e Spa brand. A founding committee was formed to Th e Resense Spas – described implement the new association. Members as the ultimate European lux- include Le Scandinave Spa president Pierre ury spa experience – have been Brisson; Sylvie Lessard, director of the spa uniquely tailored for each loca- Resense Spa plans to have 80 spas operating by the end of 2015 at Manoir du Lac William; and Spa Eastman tion. Th e fi rst Resense Spas will president Jocelyna Dubuc. be situated in Accra, Ghana (at the Kempinski Winter and Th émaé – although brands will be cho- The association will look to develop Hotel Gold Coast City); Cairo, Egypt (as part sen according to spa location and target market strategies and tools to assist the industry of Kempinski Hotel Royal Maxim); and Riyadh, and have been adapted for Kempinski. Th e product to become more professional, as well as rep- Saudi Arabia (at the Kempinski Hotel Riyadh). house for Resense will be announced shortly. resent its interests at governmental level. Th e Kempinski hotels that will host the new Set up in 2009 as a joint venture between Read more: http://lei.sr?a=X5M1B PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MARINA DYAKONOVA Kempinski, Th e Spas are in Austria, Saudi Arabia, Kempinski Hotels and consultancy Raison d’Etre, Kenya, Namibia and Oman. While three more will Resense has 40 spas under contract and plans to open in China. Kempinski, Th e Spa is described have 80 spas by 2015 under the its two brands. as a luxurious, seasonal concept and the preferred Th e company currently operates 11 Kempinski, suppliers are Elemental Herbology, Daniele de Th e Spas. Details: www.resensespas.com

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Th e world’s fi rst spa themed and designed on Japan’s Hello Th e report surveyed 3,892 yoga practitioners Kitty character has been unveiled at the Town Center 8ljkiXc`Xei\j\XiZ_ Jumeirah shopping mall in flkc`e\jY\e\Ôkjf]pf^X Dubai, UAE. The 1,850sq ft (172sq m) A nationwide study carried out by four aca- Hello Kitty Beauty Spa is demics in Australia is one of the fi rst pieces operated on license by Sharaf of the research to off er a detailed outline of Retail. Th e spa targets both the many health benefi ts of yoga. children and adults and hopes Stephen Penman and Marc Cohen from to appeal to both a high-end the School of Health Sciences at RMIT and leisure clientele and is the Hello Kitty spa has been designed to attract children and their mothers University in Melbourne (see sb08/4 p44). fi rst character-branded spa in – working with Philip Stevens from the the Middle East. Th e spa has two separate service menus – Swan Research Institute and Sue Jackson of Japanese artist Miyuki Okamura is behind its one for Queens (adults) and another tailored the School of Human Movement Studies at design, with the spa divided into three parts – for Princesses (children). And it is working the University of Queensland – conducted the reception, a main/central treatment room on the creation of its own line of products. a survey of 3,892 yoga practitioners. and a party area. Th e main treatment room con- Japanese social communications fi rm Sanrio is According to the study, yoga practice was tains hair and nail stations with a lounge, TV the owner of the intellectual property rights to seen to assist in the management of specifi c and karaoke system for children, while the party Hello Kitty, one of the country’s largest cultural issues and medical conditions. area includes make-up and styling stations. exports. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=v2s1y Respondents commonly started practic- ing yoga for health and fi tness but oft en continued practicing for stress manage- LJclolip_fk\cjj\ccdfi\iffdjk_Xe\m\i[li`e^H( ment purposes. One in fi ve respondents practiced yoga for a specifi c health or med- Luxury hotels in the US sold more rooms increase attributed to a resurgence of both ical reason which was seen to be improved than ever before during the fi rst quarter of corporate and high-end leisure travellers. through the activity. More people also used 2012 (three months to March 31). Jan Freitag, senior vice president of opera- yoga for stress management and anxiety According to a quarterly report by Smith tions at STR said the fi gures could be a lead than back, neck or shoulder problems. Travel Research (STR), a total of 6.75m rooms indicator for where the hotel spa industry is Read more: http://lei.sr?a=T0T4g were sold at luxury properties, with the headed (see p54 for more details).

18 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 JlYjZi`Y\kfk_\jgXYlj`e\jjn\\bcp\q`e\nnn%jgXYlj`e\jj%Zfd&\q`e\

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IMC Octave – the real PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/YO-ICHI A study published by Kline & Company estate and hospitality arm of has found that internet beauty sales in Singapore-based diversifi ed China are expected to be worth more than company IMC Group – has us$20bn (€16.3bn £12.8bn) by 2016. started work on a 28,000sq m Th e report – Beauty Retailing Th rough (301,389sq ft ) wellness retreat Direct Sales in Emerging Markets: Channel hotel at Yangcheng Lake just Analysis and Opportunities – examines outside of Shanghai, China. trends in the world’s emerging economies Due to open in early 2015, of Brazil, Russia, India and China. the 90-bedroom property is According to the research group, China’s being designed by US-based online sector has been growing at a rate Tsao and McKown Architects of 200 per cent since 2006 and is already and will include a 6,000sq m worth nearly us$8bn (€6.5bn, £5.1bn). (64,583sq ft ) spa and an inte- Th e project includes a 6,000sq m wellness centre with 40 treatment rooms Read more: http://lei.sr?a=p1X9T grated medicine and executive health centre. including the indoor aquatonic pool and up Th e spa will contain 40 treatment rooms to fi ve other thermal experiences. and two aquatonic pools – one indoor and Elsewhere, a mind-body centre will off er one outdoor – which off er experiences such activities such as yoga and pilates; meditation hydromassage stations using therapeutic jet spaces; and a fi tness suite, along with an out- streams, micro-bubbles and geysers to relieve door yoga area and meditation garden. stress and promote healing. GOCO Hospitality is working on the A thermal area will house separate male design of the spa at the wellness retreat hotel. and female sections, as well as a co-ed area Details: www.imcgroup.info

M`Z\ifpj`^ej[\Xc]fiknfKlib`j_jgXi\jfikj Th e treetop spa is part of a major redevelopment

Viceroy Hotel Group is to make its fi rst move being led by developer Nef and will include a E\nKi\\kfgJgX]figi`mXk\ into Turkey with the opening of two new prop- resort spanning 68,000sq m (732,000sq ft ). `jcXe[f]G\k`kJkM`eZ\ek erties – Viceroy Istanbul and Viceroy Bodrum WATG are the project architects, with – during the next two years. Viceroy Istanbul due to open in late 2013. Entrepreneurs Phil Stephenson and Robin Th e group has been named operator of the Facilities will include a full-service spa. Paterson, owners of the Petit Saint Vincent Nef Bebeköy development in Istanbul, which is Read more: http://lei.sr?a=Q3F5n private island in the Caribbean Sea, have opened a new treetop spa as part of a major redevelopment of the resort. The PSV Spa is designed to blend in AXgXeËjÔijkFrance-based company’s Jeremy McCarthy, director of global spa natural mineral water. Evian plans to develop its spa concept further for future projects development and operations at Starwood Facilities include fi ve treat- Hotels & Resorts (see sb10/3 p24), has written ment rooms and a spa suite – named aft er uses products from French spa skincare com- a book – Th e Psychology of Spas & Wellbeing: Alpine peaks, as well as heated baths, two sau- panies Omnisens and Anne Semonin. MEC A guide to the Science of Holistic Healing. nas and a cold plunge pool. Men’s and women’s Design International Corporation led the The new title draws on McCarthy’s relaxation lounges also form part of the Evian design of the Evian Spa. 20-year career as a spa operator and his spa, which boasts views overlooking Tokyo’s Consultant Patrick Saussay, previously gen- studies of applied positive psychology Imperial Palace Gardens and Mount Fuji. eral manager of Swiss spa and skincare fi rm (APP). McCarthy recently received a mas- Th e treatment menu – like the spa’s design Aft er the Rain, has been appointed to develop ter’s degree in APP from the University – has taken inspiration from the purifying the Evian spa concept for future projects. of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, US. journey of Evian’s natural mineral water and Read more: http://lei.sr?a=A8X7K Read more: http://lei.sr?a=H8O7Q

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 19 e\njlg[Xk\

™*.d`em\jkd\ek`e n\ccY\`e^`ek_\LB F\kb\ik\Xdjlgn`k_>l\icX`e A new £37m (us$58m, €47m) initiative has The Oetker Collection has been launched with the support of gov- entered into an exclusive part- ernment funding to improve the health, nership with product house wellbeing and quality of life for nearly Guerlain for the future joint 170,000 older people across the UK. development of branded spas, Th e Dallas – delivering assisted living which will form part of its new lifestyles at scale – programme will examine masterpiece” hotels. new methods of using innovative products Th e fi rst property expected and services in order to create more inde- to benefi t from the new agree- pendent lifestyles for the elderly. ment will be Palais Namaskar Four consortia tasked with operat- in Marrakech, Morocco, ing the initiative – developed by public which opened its doors ear- body Technology Strategy Board (TSB) lier this year. Palais Namaskar opened in Marrakech, Morocco earlier this year – have secured £25m worth of govern- Facilities include the 650sq ment funding. The consortia have also m (6,997sq ft) Le Spa Namaskar, which in prime cities throughout the world, having made fi nancial contributions towards the includes four individual treatment cabins originally been founded as a perfume house Dallas programme, along with funding with outdoor terraces and two double cab- in 1828. Signature experiences will include from the UK’s National Institute for Health ins with private hammams. Orchidée Impériale Prestige Treatment and Research and the Scottish Government. A hair salon and an area for manicures, the Terracotta Treatment. Products from ila Read more: http://lei.sr?a=d8a6K pedicures and facials also form part of the spa, are also used in Le Spa Namaskar. while treatments can also be administered Th e partnership will also see Oetker explore

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ SHELDUNOV ANDREW within the hotel grounds or bedrooms. opportunities for future openings in conjunc- It will be Guerlain’s first opening in tion with Guerlain, such as Le Bristol Abu Morocco and joins its network of spas found Dhabi. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=U6v4W

A new 10,000sq m (107,639sq ft ) ESPA spa opened in July at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) Each Elements wellness centre will have a spa – one of Singapore’s fi rst inte- grated resort developments. Jlg\idXib\kZ_X`eD`^ifj ESPA at RWS is the com- kfcXleZ_n\cce\jjYiXe[ pany’s new flagship Asian spa and features 24 treatment Th e Swiss co-operative retail giant Migros rooms in total. Th ey include Group has unveiled its new high-end two double spa suites and six health and spa club brand, Elements. treatment villas all overlook- Designed specifi cally for the German ing a ‘refl ection pool’ as well market, Elements clubs will measure up to as two beach treatment villas 5,000sq m (53,800sq ft ) and include a spa with sea views. and hammam or swimming pool. A traditional hammam – Th ere crystal steamrooms (above) and one of Singapore’s fi rst hammams Eight sites are already in the pipeline, one of the fi rst in Singapore with the fi rst set to open in Munich at the – is among the highlights and includes a large Elsewhere, there are male and female ther- beginning of 2013. Th e remaining seven scrub plinth, steamroom, two scrub areas and mal facilities – supplied by Barr + Wray – with clubs will open later in 2013: three further four seated washing stations. Th ere’s also a rock saunas and crystal steamrooms; gardens sites for Munich, two in Frankfurt and two relaxation area with sleep pods, a nail salon with vitality pools, cold plunge pools and uni- in Stuttgart. with back massage stations and the Tangerine sex onsen style pools; a Zen yoga studio and a With annual revenues of over €20bn Spa Café serving healthy cuisine. gym. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=X7g6l (us$24bn, £16bn) and more than 80,000 employees, Migros is the country’s larg- est supermarket operator and is structured Gn:ËjcXk\jki\j\XiZ_]fiD`[[c\

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?`ckfeglYc`j_\j^cfYXc jgXki\e[ji\gfik JgXDp9c\e[]fiI:Kfifekf The presence of a spa is an “important Clarins has opened its second factor” for consumers booking a hotel, Spa My Blend – a full-service according to Emerging Global Spa Trends concept with personalised report published by Hilton Hotels and skincare treatments – at Th e Resorts. Underlining the importance of Ritz-Carlton (RC), Toronto spas, more than half of the participants in in Canada this June. It marks a worldwide survey of 6,000 people said the debut of Spa My Blend in wellness facilities were an important fac- North America. tor when choosing a hotel. The concept is focused Th e research also underlines an increas- around My Blend by Clarins ing importance of men to the international – a premier skincare and spa industry and how successful facilities treatment line launched last should tailor services to this particular audi- year that uses high-grade for- ence. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=L1K6C mulas that can be tailored to Th is is the second Spa My Blend by Clarins in the world an individual’s needs at any given point in time. In addition, leading beauty and health Th e re-branded spa is located on the fi ft h professionals have collaborated to create cus- fl oor of the 267-bedroom hotel, which has been tomised off erings. Th ese include the Beauty open for just over a year. Facilities include 16 Bar with hair and make-up by celebrity stylist treatment rooms, male and female relaxation Jackie Gideon; personal training by Innovative areas and a co-ed Urban Sanctuary sunroom. Fitness and bespoke yogagurl sessions. Th e fi rst Th ere’s also a Champagne Nail Bar and a range Spa My Blend by Clarins opened in mid-2011 of water experiences including a city-view lap at Le Royal Monceau – Raffl es Paris (see sb11/3 pool and green tea-infused vitality pools. p64). Read more: http://lei.sr?a=a6q8S Th e private villa can be turned into a luxury spa DX[Xd\QXYi\JgX]fi =`ijkDXi`cpeDfeif\jgXkffg\e`e=cfi`[X gi`mXk\J\pZ_\cc\j`jcXe[ Madame Zabre Spa Retreat – the most Niki Bryan, founder of the expensive Seychelles villa, costing €12,000 Niki Bryan Spa Management (us$14,700, £9,400) a night – has opened Company, has partnered with on the privately-owned Desroches Island. former president of world The 637sq m (6,858sq ft) retreat – wide operations at Walt named after a local beach – is for six Disney Parks and Resorts, people and has been designed with relax- Al Weiss, to launch Marilyn ation in mind. It includes three pools and Monroe Spas. a large central living area – with a butler, The themed concept will chef and ‘spa angel’ available on request include spas, salons and nail – and can be confi gured to provide a spa shops located around the suite for Elemental Herbology treatments. world through a licensing Read more: http://lei.sr?a=G2N2v agreement with Authentic Brands Group, which owns Th e Marilyn Monroe brand is regarded as one of the world’s most iconic the intellectual property Kfli`jdFYj\imXkfip rights for Marilyn Monroe. “Matching the allure and glamour of Marilyn i\m\Xcjki\e[]fi\ZXjkj Th e fi rst branded site will open later this year Monroe with the beauty and spa industry is a in Orlando, Florida and will be operated by natural fi t and I am thrilled to join Al Weiss The Tourism Observatory for Health, Niki Bryan Spas – which is headquartered in on this business venture,” Bryan said. Wellness and Spa (TOHWS) has started Orlando. Bryan said the brand will represent Weiss added: “Without a doubt, the Marilyn publication of its Constellation Series of “one of the most exciting concepts” within the Monroe brand is one of the most iconic brands trend forecasts covering the international global spa industry. around.” Read more: http://lei.sr?a=9l5o2 wellness sector. Established earlier this year, the organisa- tion aims to provide comprehensive global JgX`eefmXk`fejXk=fliJ\Xjfeji\m\Xc\[ analysis of health and travel – including holistic, spiritual, spa or medical wellness Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach in Florida, Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in travel. Th e fi rst publication in the series is US has launched a new Lil’ Spa-branded facil- California, US. Th e new healing modality is Wellness and Spa Travel 2015, with systems, ity for its younger guests. It will target children designed to remove energy blockages in the structures and trends including wellness aged between four and 11-years-old. body to naturally activate self-healing and being “much more” than spas and spiritu- Elsewhere, the company has also introduced strengthen the immune and nervous system. ality. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=t9p1h BioMeditation Th erapy to the spa at the Four Read more: http://lei.sr?a=u7V4n

22 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 JlYjZi`Y\kfk_\jgXYlj`e\jjn\\bcp\q`e\nnn%jgXYlj`e\jj%Zfd&\q`e\

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Bali’s BIMC Hospital Group (($()8L>LJK has teamed up with hotel Jp[e\p@ek\ieXk`feXcJgX9\Xlkp operator Marriott to provide Hyatt Ningbo Resort and Spa, Th e services and packages Th e Marriott resort will off er recovering patients a comfortable setting Ningbo, China will be targeted at patients Th e summit will include speakers from using the hospital for advanced dialysis treat- programmes as well as ensuring wheel chair global and Chinese spa markets, a range ments, surgical and non-surgical cosmetic access to all areas of the property.” of treatment demonstrations and the procedures, as well as dental care. Th e resort will off er a comfortable setting SpaChina Awards 2012. Courtyard by Marriott general manager for recovering patients and will be the fi rst Tel: +86 21 5385 8951 x850,807 Jeff Tyler said: “We carefully looked at ser- in Indonesia to coordinate specialised medi- www.spachina.com vices that aid in recuperation such as special cal services such as aft ercare visits by BIMC diets and nutrition, unique spa and wellness nurses. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=Q1B4Q (0$)(J

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 23 OPINION KATIE BARNES » MANAGING EDITOR » SPA BUSINESS

Th e original Global Spa & Wellness Summit panel give their advice on setting up employee wellness schemes ASK AN EXPERT... CORPORATE WELLNESS

Corporate wellness generally refers to Unsurprisingly, the employee well- programmes and/or services that are The employee wellness market ness market is tipped to grow by 50 per carried out in the workplace or exter- is predicted to grow by 50 per cent – from us$1.45bn-2.9bn (€1.2bn- nally and which address the health 2.4bn, £0.9bn-1.9bn) – in the US alone and energy levels of employees. cent in the next fi ve years. How by 2016 according to industry research Th ey can include a variety of ele- can spas get in on the act? specialist IBIS World. ments from medical screenings, health Kyricos says: “Th ree issues come up education and lifestyle coaching to repeatedly in the spa industry. Firstly, subsidised gym memberships or resort World Health Organization, while in 20 the opportunity to prevent sickness; sec- visits and nutritional/weight loss advice. years the number of obese people in Mex- ondly, the need to introduce wellness and Spas should, could and can get involved ico has risen by 58 per cent. spa to the masses rather than the top 1 per in off ering corporate wellness, heard del- Th e benefi ts of corporate wellness pro- cent; thirdly, the need to identify ways to egates at a breakout session at this year’s grammes are clear. Having a healthy evolve our businesses and profi ts. I hon- Global Spa & Wellness Summit (see p54). workforce not only eases the medical care estly believe, having been an operator The need is already there, says spa, costs – for healthcare systems and com- and a corporate wellness provider, that wellness and hospitality consultant Mia pany insurance schemes – it leads to less employee wellness feeds into all three – Kyricos who chaired the session. Coun- absenteeism and more productivity and and that’s why it’s exciting.” tries the world over are experiencing rising loyalty. Fitness programmes, for exam- So, how can spas play a part in the healthcare costs – even in the developing ple, can reduce sick days by 13 per cent future of corporate wellness and what world. Heart disease, stroke and diabe- and lessen staff turnover by 250 per cent makes a successful programme? We ask tes will cost China us$558bn (€456bn, according to the American Fitness Profes- some panel members from the original £359bn) within 10 years according to the sionals and Associates organisation. summit breakout session.

24 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 CORPORATE WELLNESS

s corporate well- We now want to take our ness can be quite PRITI ODEDRA turnkey model to the spa A sterile, spas have market to help operators link the opportunity President, up with corporations looking to provide it in a warmer, ECOSPA 360 to introduce wellness pro- more relaxed environment. grammes. Our programme Th ey already off er modali- covers everything from BMI, ties recommended in care plans, although been delivering evidence-based wellness pro- body fat, waist circumference and blood spas still need to educate employers about grammes for fi ve years and our clients include screenings and measuring stress to off ering how services could fi t into an employee pro- banks, manufacturers and consultancy fi rms education and one-to-one coaching. gramme – such as highlighting the evidence ranging from 10-500 plus employees. Early A crucial feature to any programme is of how massage and touch therapies can on, we found the initial consultation with tracking biometric results and participation eff ectively lower blood pressure. Business the employer is very important because it levels. We developed an electronic medical wise, this drives traffi c back to the spa, and sets the stage for their expectations. We also record platform, certifi ed by the US govern- also delivers a caring service to employees. get very involved in the programme design, ment health service, to do this as it’s the only Th e sweet spot for small- to mid-size spas liaising with insurance fi rms if necessary, way to prove corporate wellness programmes will be the corporations in the 50-300 plus mapping it out and suggesting incentives work... and we’ve had very good results. employee range. Th is way, spas can get to to ensure participation. One of our clients, Gateway Travel Plaza, know the employees and really engage them In addition, we conduct onsite employee had a medical loss ratio of 110 per cent in in their care plans. Although larger spas may enrolment meetings so staff understand what 2008-09, which meant that its insurance want to approach bigger companies. participation we expect from them and what company Health America was spending Engaging employees and having a they need to do to collect incentives. Th is in us$1.10 just on claims for every us$1 pre- hands-on approach to implementing well- itself also encourages employees to sign up – mium. Th is was reduced to a remarkable ness programmes is key to success. We’ve we aim for a 75 per cent involvement. 80 per cent in 2010-11 aft er implementing its wellness programme.

We conduct onsite employee enrolment meetings so ECOSPA 360 was formed in early 2012 in a buyout by healthcare fi rm Apex Energetics. It staff understand what participation we expect from began life as a water technology fi rm, Quantum them and why they need to do to collect incentives Health &Wellness, that ventured into corporate wellness in 2007. Details: www.ecospa360.com

orporate well- destination spa Gwinganna ness in the US DR DANIEL FRIEDLAND (see sb09/3 p50). C is intrinsically The eight-week pro- linked to the CEO, gramme, based on medical system and health SuperSmartHealth neuroscience and rewiring insurance. We don’t have the brain, begins with an free national healthcare, so onsite launch by myself or insurance for medical services is vital. creating alliances. Spas that are able to demon- a two-day immersion workshop, plus 60-90 Recently, there’s a growing trend for con- strate models of economic sustainability and minute videos and webinars each week sumer driven health plans. In these plans, deliver a return on investment (of the pro- which are integrated with a 140-page work- premiums are relatively low and the con- gramme) will also have a clear advantage. book. Specifi cally, it covers four steps: how sumer and/or company will contribute Th e holy grail of corporate wellness is how to recognise and deal with your reaction to towards a healthcare fund. But if the person to facilitate employee engagement. And the stress; how to neutralise the underlying trig- gets sick, they have to pay a deducible – say key is stress management or what I call stress gers of stress and self-doubt; how to optimise the fi rst us$1,000 – out of the fund and may navigation. Th e 2009 Stress in America Sur- your health, relationships and productivity; have to cost share on medical expenses. As vey showed that only 43 per cent of people and how to stay on this track. the individual is on the hook for a larger pro- with self-reported high stress levels engage I’ll be tracking the results via an extensive portion of upfront expenses, they’re more in weight-loss endeavours compared to 77 pre- and post-programme self-report ques- likely to invest in their health and engage in per cent with low levels of stress. Th at tells us tionnaire and my long-term aim is to tie it wellness prevention and programmes. there’s no point off ering a programme unless up with databases to work out the impact So how can spas get involved? Well, there’s you deal with stress to begin with. Yet you on absenteeism and medical costs. a natural overlap between existing corporate need to know how to navigate stress intelli- wellness programmes – tackling stress, healthy gently as some amount of healthy stress can Dr Friedland wrote one of the fi rst books on eating, exercise and habit modifi cation – and help drive performance too. evidence-based medicine and co-founded spa services. Th ere’s a great possibility for spas I’m currently piloting a programme – 4 in spaevidence.com. He delivers health coaching to link up with corporations/insurance compa- 4 Framework to Achieve Peak Performance – and wellness programmes and is the medical nies and those which focus on wellness, rather with large fi rms including Bridgepoint, IMC2 director of insurance brokers Barney & Barney. than just pampering will be most successful at and Group Health as well as the Australian Details: www.supersmarthealth.com

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 25 OPINION CORPORATE WELLNESS

pas thinking of and above and 92 per cent getting into cor- PETER SMITH participated (while the S porate wellness number of doctors visits should start by COO, rose by 7.3 per cent). looking at their own work- Canyon Ranch Th e annual screen- force. When Mel and Enid ings are supplemented by Zuckerman set up Canyon 14-18 monthly fi tness ses- Ranch in 1979, they believed success would complete a health risk assessment. Th is sions, classes on health and lifestyle topics be down to employees connecting with guests. amounted to roughly 1,200 eligible and weight management and eating pro- So, they encouraged staff to use the gym, employees out of a 2,200-strong workforce. grammes. Uniquely, they can also spend a attend the lectures on health and lifestyle and, In return, we provided a monetary ‘well week at our Tucson resort at far less than when invited, have meals with guests. It was credit’ as a healthy discount towards their cost. During their stay they learn take- really the beginning of a corporate wellness monthly health insurance. home healthy lifestyle strategies. programme – it just wasn’t called that. Th en in 2010, we required them to also While this obviously comes at [an undis- In 2008, we formalised our Life complete onsite biometric tests which closed] expense, the results from 2010 to Enhancement Program. We encouraged included measuring blood pressure, glu- 2011 speak for themselves. Our high risk staff to participate in onsite wellness and cose levels, cholesterol/triglyceride levels, population dropped by 6.8 per cent in the fi tness classes with gift , book and movie body composition percentage and BMI as blood pressure category and by 6.4 per certifi cates. Around 30-40 per cent got well as screening for breast, cervical, colon cent per cent in cholesterol ratios. And involved, but it seemed like it was only and prostate cancer. Alternatively, they since 2008, our healthcare costs have only those already engaging in healthy lifestyle. could opt for an annual physical at their risen by 4.9 per cent compared to the So, in 2009, we required all employ- doctors. In return, we doubled the value industry average of 8.9 per cent and the ees in our health insurance plan – where of their well credit and 98 per cent of eli- US average of 11.5 per cent. Th e average Canyon Ranch pays towards medical gible employees took part. Last year, we amount we spend on healthcare for par- insurance and covers medical costs – to opened it out to family members aged 18 ticipants is also 14 per cent less a month than the national average which saves us thousands a year. The average amount we spend on healthcare for Canyon Ranch, a respected destination resort [programme] participants is 14 per cent a month less spa operator, has three properties in the US than the national average, saving us thousands a year in Tucson, Lenox and Miami. Details: www.canyonranch.com.

pas have a that could backfi re such as unique opportu- BETTY WEINKLE gift cards for a supermarket S nity in employee which could just as easily be wellness to posi- VP Worklife Wellness, redeemed on cigarettes and tion themselves as pivotal to SpaFinder Wellness alcohol as on healthy food. addressing ongoing health In this respect, I think spas maintenance. Th ey already could position themselves in have much of what’s needed – not least the But what makes a good incentive? Classic a very positive way: as a reward and incen- ability to manage stress – so it’s just a case attributes are that incentives are aspirational; tive for employee wellness programmes. Th is of appropriately positioning themselves and that they’re achievable, so employees have a is certainly what we’re focusing on with our engaging stakeholder attention. reasonable opportunity to earn them; and new Worklife Wellness gift card off ering. Th e biggest obstacle, however, is to moti- that they leave a lasting impression and cre- Indeed, gift cards are a popular incentive vate employees to participate in wellness ate some kind of feeling of goodwill. and they’re rapidly becoming a key driver programmes – it’s not enough just to have It’s important that each incentive is tai- of wellness programme success stories. In a the off ering and that’s where incentives come lored to meet an individual’s needs and to Compdata Survey, of those companies off er- in. A study released by the National Busi- stretch them to move the needle – whether ing incentives, 38.7 per cent use gift cards. ness Group on Health in June found that in wellness, sales or any other behaviour. A But there are other types to consider too – in 57 per cent of employees agreed that incen- blanket approach could have the opposite the survey, 25.4 per cent of employers also tive-based health and wellness programmes eff ect, with some employees reaching targets provide medical insurance discounts; 29.6 had a better than expected success rate at and being rewarded and others missing out per cent off er contributions to health savings increasing employee participation and that and feeling discouraged. accounts and another 28.8 per cent off er free 73 per cent of employers use fi nancial incen- As a caution, however, I would not advise health and fi tness memberships. tives to do this. It also found that incentive operators to survey their participants/ spending per employee is up again – us$460 employees and ask them what incentives Weinkle has 25 year’s experience in the incen- (€375, £293) in 2011, compared to us$430 they’d like. Because what they want, might tives industry. She recently joined SpaFinder (€351, £274) in 2010 and us$260 (€212, £166) not be what’s best for them –like giving to help develop its Worklife Wellness off ering. back in 2009. candy to a baby. Similarly, beware of rewards Details www.spafi nder.com

26 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 SpaFinder® Wellness A new universe of clients for you

SpaFinder Wellness is much more than a name change. It’s a powerful website that puts our partners in front of millions of new consumers. It’s the world’s leading spa and wellness gift card program, plus bold new marketing initiatives. It’s the ultimate resource for spa and wellness inspiration and information.

Visit spafinder.com Erik Herz, Senior Vice President, Spa & Wellness Sales (646)695-0589 erik.herz@spafinder.com

SPA FITNESS YOGA PILATES WELLNESS BEAUTY INTERVIEW

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1Ta\X]VWP\ Investing heavily in therapist training has paid off for Montage Hotels & Resorts which operates three ultra-luxury properties in the US. We talk to the group’s vice-president

KATIE BARNES » MANAGING EDITOR » SPA BUSINESS

ontage Hotels & Resorts is seri- investment, according to Bermingham: “the ous about spas. While having a spas generate millions in revenues and pretty spa is now a must for any high- extraordinary profitability levels too.” end operator, for Montage it’s So, what makes the resorts and company M much more says the group’s vice-president stand out and why are spas so crucial? James Bermingham: “We look at spas as being core to the fundamental beliefs and PRIME LOCATION attributes of the brand.” Having been in the hospitality industry for The management company part owns and 28 years, Bermingham is no stranger to high- operates three sites in the US – in Laguna end hotels and has covered varied roles in Beach, California; Deer Valley, Park City, F&B, rooms, operations and sales. He began Utah; and Beverly Hills also in California. It his career at the Clarence Hotel in his home- was set up by the 35-year hotel veteran Alan J town of Dublin, Ireland – “I worked for the Fuerstman, and a group of undisclosed inves- summer and fell in love with the business”, he tors, in 2002 to serve top tier affluent travellers. says – before working for Sheraton in Lon- The group’s growth has been purposefully slow don and transferring to North America. From Dublin, Ireland, Bermingham fell in and considered. Each resort has been built Bermingham met Fuerstman at the St love with the hospitality business after from the ground up to create a distinctive offer Regis, Houston where he was general man- working at the city’s Clarence Hotel with spacious accommodation. ager and Fuerstman was an area manager Meticulous thought has also gone into the for ITT Sheraton’s Luxury Collection. He manager at the acclaimed Latham Hotel in development of Montage’s spas, including an went on to become opening vice-president Washington DC. Then in 2002, Fuerstman ongoing, extensive 264-hour training pro- of hotel operations for Mirage’s Beau Rivage approached Bermingham to take on the role gramme for its therapists. It’s a worthwhile in Biloxi, Mississippi and then general of general manager at Montage’s first prop- erty in Laguna Beach. “It was a wonderful opportunity to start a new company and brand,” says Bermingham. He feels that site location is part of the group’s winning formula. “Montage is keenly focused on extraordinary destinations and great locations within those. Alan [Fuerst- man] is very disciplined and patient. He’s turned down many more projects than he’s completed. Our selection criteria is that we want a Montage in proven luxury destinations where very high average rates are achieved. Within that destination we want one of the top three locations, if not the single best.” Each property is then a reflection of that location in its architecture, art, design, food, spa and services. “This is a significant differ- entiator,” says Bermingham. “Our emphasis on luxury is different as we focus on the Spa Montage Deer Valley covers 35,000sq ft (inside and out) and is the biggest overall spirit of place and discovery so that even

28 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 loyal guests find something new whether in a subtle, almost casual way. “We’re not To encourage customer loyalty, Montage it’s a beach (summer), mountain (winter) or as large in scale as the great luxury brands has an urban location at Beverly Hills the urban excitement of Los Angeles. And I out there, but Alan saw this an opportunity (above) and a beach and mountain resort think Spa Montage is just a wonderful exam- to create a residential feel,” explains Ber- ple of all of those brand attributes.” mingham. “We believe passionately that just coming back from the beach wearing As each site has been purpose-built, Mon- regardless of the purpose of your visit, you your shorts and flip flops. And that means tage has had the opportunity – and luxury should be comfortable – whether you’re in personalisation and the very highest levels of – of planning the spas into prime locations one of our lobby lounges in a ball gown or service, amenities and programming.” within the properties. At Laguna Beach, this means being positioned on a bluff overlook- ing the Pacific Ocean, while in Deer Valley you’ll be sitting in a hot tub looking down a valley with some of the most beautiful mountain scenery you’ll ever see. “Although they’re different from each other in design and architecture, all three spas are breathtakingly beautiful,” says Berming- ham. “They’re also extraordinary in scope and scale – in Montage Beverly Hills the spa covers 19,000sq ft (1,765sq m) and is spread over two levels which is almost unheard of in an urban location. Then in Laguna and Deer Valley they’re even larger.”

COMFORTABLE LUXURY Another standout feature is that while all three Montage resorts are positioned as ultra-luxurious, they manage to deliver this The resorts and spas stand out because of their delivery of ‘comfortable luxury’

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 29 INTERVIEW: JAMES BERMINGHAM

The spas generate millions in revenues, says Bermingham, and have extraordinary profi tability levels too

In the spas, for example, bespoke touches are key. Each has a product dispensary where creams and oils based on the nat- ural Spa Technologies line can be custom blended, oft en using indigenous ingredients, for each customer for use in professional treatments and for retail. In addition, the signature service Surrender is a 120-minute treatment where therapists prescribe a series of modalities according to a person’s physi- cal needs, stresses and strains. Notably, this high-end off ering comes with a matching top line us$455 (€364, £291) price tag. Ultimately, however, the real diff erence comes down to service. Bermingham says: “You have to be very careful when you off er comfortable luxury that the service doesn’t become casual. Th ere’s still a formality that’s required, as well as humility, passion and graciousness and that’s a powerful combina- tion. Yet that’s why it’s so important to pick the right characters [in associates].” Montage prefers to hire staff from the sur- rounding areas of resorts – “it’s one of the most eff ective ways of creating that spirit of place” – and initially looks for key traits in people including being naturally respectful, humble, passionate and having great integ- rity and an appetite for learning. At 20,000sq ft Spa Montage Beverly Hills is an impressive size in an urban property “We have such a powerful training pro- gramme at Montage that once we fi nd the right character in an individual, we can MONTAGE BEVERLY HILLS large co-ed mineral pool fl anked by then teach them the technical skills,” says loungers, plus separate locker rooms Bermingham. To this end, the company sep- In the heart of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, with showers, herbal steamrooms and arates out training from the normal human this Montage hotel has 201 rooms and saunas and whirlpools. resources division. Each property has a suites and opened in November 2008. The light-fi lled fi tness centre is trainer in every department, a director of Spa Montage Beverly Hills, spread connected to a movement and yoga learning for each hotel who reports into the over two fl oors, has 17 treatment studio. The spa features the group’s general manager and an overall corporate rooms including fi ve equipped for fl agship hair salon by Hollywood stylist director of learning who has a direct line to the wet spa treatments. There’s a Kim Võ and a retail boutique. Bermingham. “It’s designed this way because we truly want to create a learning environ-

30 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 The spas are in prime locations in each resort – at Deer Valley you can sit in the whirlpool and enjoy magnifi cent mountain views

MONTAGE DEER VALLEY a dedicated ski-in/ski-out facility. Outdoor While locker rooms have a relaxation area summer activities include hiking, biking, plus a steamroom, sauna, whirlpool and Montage Deer Valley opened in Park City, horse riding, kayaking and fl y-fi shing. deluge showers, there’s also a co-ed Utah – a year-round mountain resort – in Covering 35,000sq ft (3,252sq m), the relaxation area and pool and an outdoor December 2010. The 220 guestrooms, spa is the biggest by Montage. There are pool and sundeck. In addition, is a spacious suites and residences are built in a 29 treatment rooms including two doubles fi tness centre and movement studio, a Kim mountain lodge style and the basement is and hydrotherapy and Vichy shower rooms. Võ hair salon and retail boutique. ment and to deliver brand consistency in “I’m afraid to think about what we spend on spa terms of the service experience.” Th e focus on training is particularly evi- training! But that’s what helps us to deliver dent in the spas in the Montage portfolio. customer loyalty and great fi nancial returns” From day one, the company teamed up with the American Spa Th erapy Education and Certifi cation Council (ASTECC) – recently renamed the Advanced Spa Th erapy Educa- tion and Certifi cation Council – under the guidance of spa therapist, teacher and con- sultant Anne Bramham (see p35) who also helped to develop the treatment programme and the recruitment process. “Anne Bramham is one of the shining lights of the spa world,” says Bermingham. “Her holistic approach to wellness is very much aligned with ours and her expertise, authen- ticity and commitment is unlike anybody else’s I’ve seen outside of Spa Montage. She is a very important part of what we do.” Montage was one of the fi rst spa opera- tors to off er personalised treatments with its signature Surrender programme. Special training courtesy of ASTECC’s 240-hour (now 264-hour) postgraduate programme For Montage high quality service is delivered through personalised spa experiences

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 31 INTERVIEW: JAMES BERMINGHAM

MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH

Opened in February 2003, Laguna Beach, the fi rst Montage resort, is situated halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, California, on a cliff-top overlooking the Pacifi c Ocean. The 250-bedroom resort, set in 30 acres (12 hectares) of lush landscaped grounds, refl ects its heritage as an 1900s artists colony with period elements such as classic wood and stone architecture, crown moldings, rich dark wood, copper gutters and shingle roofs. The 20,000sq ft (1,858sq m) indoor and outdoor Spa Montage sits on the edge of the bluff and fl oor-to-ceiling windows throughout maximise on the treatments to fi tness consultations and Three years after opening, Spa Montage stunning ocean and beach views. There daily classes. Separate male and female Laguna Beach was the fi rst to be awarded are 21 treatment rooms in total and locker rooms boast relaxation, shower, fi ve stars from the Mobil Travel Guide like all Spa Montages, its services range steam and sauna areas plus a whirlpool from comprehensive programmes (such and cold plunge pool. There’s also a stylist Kim Võ, a lap pool, fi tness room, as Surrender), herbal and hydrotherapy full-service hair salon by the Hollywood movement studio and retail boutique. equipped staff with the necessary skills to “There are many opportunities for conversions off er the customised guest programmes, which also gave the company a competi- and refocusing on existing buildings, we’ve tive advantage. Signifi cantly, just three years never ruled out this kind of investment” aft er its 2002 opening, Spa Montage Laguna became the fi rst spa ever to be awarded fi ve stars from the Mobil Travel Guide (now experience. As a sub-brand of Montage it’s tional radar when we fi rst opened, but now known as the Forbes Travel Guide) and very well-known and highly respected. it’s very much there.” many more accolades have followed. “First and foremost, however, it’s a big In fact, Bermingham isn’t ruling out inter- Bermingham says: “I’m afraid to think demand generator – not only from a national expansion and cites London as one about what we spend on spa training for guestroom perspective but in drawing in of the most important cities outside of the fear that we’ll stop doing it! But that’s what local business. Alan strongly believes that if US. Domestically, New York, Washington helps us to deliver customer loyalty and great you want to create a world-class brand your DC and Miami are markets the company is fi nancial returns so I see it as less of a cost community needs to rave about you.” most interested in. and much more as an investment.” It’s for this reason, says Bermingham, that Elsewhere, in Los Cabos, Mexico, Mon- the amount of local business is regarded as tage already has a plot of land “where the DEMAND GENERATOR one of the most important key perform- desert meets the ocean” for development. But just what does Spa Montage deliver in ance indicators in the spas. On average, 40 Th e plan is to build a full-service resort there, business terms? While Bermingham won’t per cent of spa customers are day spa visi- complete with a Spa Montage, at some point disclose exact fi gures, he does say: “there’s tors from the surrounding regions with the but for now work is on hold. Bermingham a very compelling economic reason why rest made up of hotel guests. Similarly, just explains: “Th e Mexican economy has strug- we elevate spa to the level we do, because it over 80 per cent of Montage resort custom- gled a bit more than others. But also there drives revenue and profi tability in addition ers overall are from the US. Bermingham are many more new opportunities for con- to being a very important part of the overall adds: “We were very much off the interna- versions and refocusing on existing buildings and we’ve never ruled out this kind of invest- ment, it just so happens that our fi rst three JAMES BERMINGHAM FAVOURITES Leisure activity: Whatever my two boys properties were new builds. are doing – usually football or tennis “Th e good news is that the luxury con- Book: Th e Speed of Trust by Covey and Non-Montage spa: At a traditional sumer and traveller is back. And as long as Merrill from a business perspective; ryokan with an onsen in Japan. Th e we continue to select new Montage projects Th e Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown for entire experience from the location and in compelling destinations, in great locations fi ction – I just couldn’t put it down service to bathing was extraordinary and in creating a sense of place, comforta- Film: I thought they did a great job Type of treatment: Refl exology ble luxury and highly personalised service adapting Th e Da Vinci Code actually or a Swedish massage then we’ll be in great shape.” ● Season: Spring – it tells you that winter Best advice: My father used to say that To read our mystery shop review of the spa is over and summer is coming ‘you only get out what you put in’ at Montage Laguna Beach see Spa Business 2005, issue 3, p102.

32 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Tropical Spa Collection

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Created with heart TRAINING PROFILE KATIE BARNES » MANAGING EDITOR » SPA BUSINESS

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1aP\WP\ Montage Hotels & Resorts has won numerous spa awards thanks, in part, to a 264-hour training programme created by the Advanced Spa Therapy Education and Certification Council. We speak to the council’s founder

KATIE BARNES » MANAGING EDITOR » SPA BUSINESS

nne Bramham moved to the US with additions such as Dr Vodder’s from Britain in 1985 and has Spa Body Wellness course. The been a spa therapist, trainer and Vodder technique is the most well consultant for clients such as Ritz- known method of lymph drainage Carlton.A Concerned by an education system and ASTECC worked with the Dr that, unlike the UK, only focused on cos- Vodder school of North America metology or strictly massage, she set up the to create its programme focused on then named American Spa Therapy Educa- health through lymph drainage. tion and Certification Council (ASTECC), a non-profit organisation, in 1996. “I wanted to bridge those gaps,” says WORKING WITH MONTAGE Bramahm. “I saw a need for holistic studies Half of Bramham’s time is dedicated where therapists understand the blood, cir- to training at Montage – a relation- culation and the lymphatic system and how ship that started in the pre-opening it’s all interconnected. I also wanted to teach phase of the group’s first spa in Laguna Half of Bramham’s time is spent on spa therapists to think outside of the box, where Beach in late 2002. training at Montage, which amounts to they’re not restricted by product-house spe- Uniquely, Montage insists all thera- around 100 therapists in total over the years cific techniques, and are able individualise pists performing its signature Surrender treatments according to client needs.” treatment go through ASTECC’s full Spa in the classroom. They also have to com- Therapy Certification. The initial intake plete around 30 hours of hands-on practice ASTECC COMPONENTS consisted of 14 therapists but, as Montage a month, while evaluation is ongoing. ASTECC classes are offered in approved grew and opened two more spas, Bramham In 2006, ASTECC launched a Train the schools and teaching can be carried out estimates numbers are now closer to 100. Trainer programme at Montage where cer- onsite such as at Montage resorts (see p28), at Classes are usually scheduled for one week a tificate graduates are coached to teach one Spa Shiki in Missouri and at Toskana Therme month when therapists will spend 30 hours component at a time until they’re approved Bad Orb in Germany. And in anticipation of to lead the whole certificate. “It’s taken our more global expansion, the council recently first full trainers three years to graduate,” renamed itself the ‘Advanced’ Spa Therapy says Bramham. But with only one fully-qual- Education and Certification Council. ified trainer at Laguna Montage currently The ASTECC curriculum consists of theo- in place, this is a key area for development. retical and practical instruction across four “We’re now introducing a new aspect where disciplines – hydrotherapy, soft tissue therapy, trainers can specialise in just one discipline manual lymph drainage and basic chemical such as hydrotherapy,” adds Bramham. elements – and has 11 components. “Montage has been wonderful in embrac- Each certified component, accredited ing education and they’ve rewritten the by the US’ National Certification Board approach to spa by enthusing staff. It means for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork they can deliver a therapeutic experience to (NCBTMB), can be taken on its own or address the guests immediate needs and shift altogether for ASTECC’s full postgraduate them forward – and they do this with a great Spa Therapy Certification. When launched, space and great facilities with all the finer the full certification included 240 hours’ of touches. Does it pay off? Absolutely. They’ve training but this has gone up to 264 hours had clients who come back again and again – I know of one guest who stayed at the hotel In 2006, ASTECC launched a Train the for three months just for the spa!” ● Trainer programme at Montage to help To read more about ASTECC and Montage develop in-house instructors see Spa Business, issue 1, 2006, p54.

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AS RAVED ABOUT IN: RESORT SPA JENNIFER HARBOTTLE » JOURNALIST » SPA BUSINESS

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3aTP\b A new Malaysian wellness resort, modelled on a French Chateau, is aiming to be the fi rst of its kind in the world by offering a completely organic spa experience to guests

t the top of a mountain in the cool, fresh air, a medieval-style wall stands protectively around an 18th century castle, set among lush green pine trees. ASince late 2011, the castle has been home to the spa and organic wellness resort called The Chateau, where reception staff wel- come guests in perfect French. Th e resort’s L’Assiette haute cuisine French fi ne dining restaurant beckons guests in one direction, La Santé organic wellness spa in another. Th e twist? Th e pine trees are actually rain- forest, the staff members are Asian and the castle is only 10 years old. For this is not, in fact, France, but a tourism development called Berjaya Hills, 45 minutes outside of Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia.

FRENCH REPLICA Th e Chateau Spa and Organic Wellness Resort is owned by Berjaya Hills Berhad, part of the Berjaya Corporation Group of Companies – a public listed Malaysian con- glomerate. As part of its leisure and tourism portfolio, Berjaya also owns Berjaya Hills – 16,000 acres (6,475 hectares) of jungle set on a hillside. Since it acquired the land in The castle is modelled on the 18th century Haut Koenigsbourg chateau in Alsace, France 1990, Berjaya has invested over myr1.2bn (us$381m, €310m, £243m) to turn it into an in October 2011 with a 128-bedroom resort, equipped by Cybex and a workout studio. attraction popular with KL-based families. comprising three restaurants, two lounges, Other facilities include three consultation As well as Th e Chateau Spa and Organic an outdoor saltwater pool, terrace and an rooms, a nail studio and a retail boutique. Wellness Resort, Berjaya Hills has a French organic gift shop. Th e 13,550sq ft (1,259sq m) Guests at the Chateau can choose between themed village, botanical gardens, Japanese European-inspired spa is called La Santé. a deluxe or premier bedroom and a 60sq m village and teahouse, an organic farm, horse (646sq ft ) spa suite, which comes with an trails, an animal park and a golf course. LA SANTÉ outdoor whirlpool. Th e Chateau also off ers Th e French village was built in 1994 and is La Santé spa features 12 single treatment 13 spa programmes, which run for between modelled on the village of Colmar in Alsace, rooms, three doubles (including one for two and seven nights and focus on beauty, France. In 2002, Berjaya built a castle on the females-only) and two for wet treatments – stress relief, body cleansing, wellness, fi tness outskirts, inspired by the 18th century Haut one with a hydrobath and another featuring and pre- and post- natal experiences. Th ere’s Koenigsbourg chateau in Alsace. Originally, an Austrian-made Aquaveda heated bed for also a couples and a men-only retreat. the castle was to host luxury condominiums wet treatments and scrubs. Other treatment Each programme includes physical and but due to the economic climate the castle beds are supplied by Gharieni. nutritional consultation followed by a tai- lay empty until April 2010, when a decision The heat experiences by Thermarium lor-made treatment/experience package was made by Berjaya to invest myr250m include a herbal-infused sauna and salt depending on needs and goals. Some pro- (us$79m, €65m, £51m) to turn it into a spa grotto/mud chamber. Th e spa also features grammes include counsellors who work on and wellness resort instead. an outdoor relaxation area, an enormous an as-needed basis and specialise in advice Following an extensive 18-month refur- reception room plus a spa café, a hair salon on stress management, detox, relationship bishment, the transformed site reopened with Logona products from Germany, a gym enhancement and weight management.

36 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 La Santé is a luxury spa (top) but tries to abide by eco-friendly practices where possible – salt water for the pool (right) is sourced onsite and seaweed used in Voya treatments (left) is organic and hand harvested

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 37 RESORT SPA

We want to make a statement to the world that hospitality in Malaysia can compete on the international stage

Th e comprehensive spa menu, with 50 treatments, includes facials ranging from myr300-480 (us$95-152, €78-124, £61-97); and massages from myr290-450 (us$92- 143, €75-116, £59-91); as well as a selection of baths, scrubs, wraps and mud treatments. Th e 75-minute La Santé signature massage combines Swedish and shiatsu techniques and costs myr420 (us$133, €109, £85). Despite the wellness tag line, La Santé also off ers beauty-focused, machine-based services. Th ese include Alma RF ™ face, eye and neck treatments, plus LPG Endermolift face, eye and neck treatments which are all non-invasive. Th e demand for these types of treatments are on the rise, says spa director The heat experiences are supplied by Thermarium Alice Yap, because people want a quick-fi x solution to ageing without any downtime or US-made Coyuchi bathrobes, slippers, tow- a refl ection of the lack of spa therapists in uncomfortable side eff ects. els and laundry bags are made from organic Malaysia rather than company policy. cotton and the shoehorn and toothbrush are Given this agenda, it is somewhat of a sur- ORGANIC AT HEART made from biodegradable cornstarch. Th e prise, then, that Th e Chateau is designed Teh Ming Wah, Th e Chateau’s general man- castle, which has been certifi ed by the Green to look and feel like a French destination ager and CEO, has been a driving force Buildings Index, was built using organic resort. Th e restaurants off er mainly Euro- behind the whole creation. A former spa materials wherever possible and the salt pean cuisine, all spa treatments are from consultant and ex-banker, she oversaw the water swimming pool uses water from the Europe and the 250 employees are treated refurbishment and also advised Berjaya resort’s own wells. In addition, a principal to regular French lessons in order that they to turn Th e Chateau into the world’s fi rst spa product house is the organic, hand-har- speak and act in as ‘French’ a way as possi- organic spa and wellness resort to give it a vested seaweed line Voya (see p78). ble. Still, the overall feeling is that nothing unique selling point. Yet despite all these ecological initiatives, is too much trouble for staff and that luxury Her ambitious plans to make the entire Teh says they draw the line at “anything that knows no bounds. resort organic, mean the spa resort is the aff ects the comfort and enjoyment of the In late 2011, Th e Chateau won four awards fi rst of its kind in Malaysia and arguably, the guests if an environmentally friendly alter- from luxury travel body Seven Stars and fi rst of its kind in the world. She is hoping to native can’t be found.” Stripes. This, along with a host of other have gained organic certifi cation from the awards, has already helped it attract atten- European Organic Committee but so far, no SERVICE WITH AN tion in the Malaysian press and early reviews such classifi cation exists for spa resorts. ASIAN SMILE from independent travellers on TripAdvisor Th e resort’s philosophy is “we have a heart Service standards are impeccable through- have been very positive. for our planet”. In the bedroom suites, sheets, out the resort. Teh is deliberately focused on In terms of helping to put Malaysia on this, because under her guidance, Berjaya the global wellness map, Teh says the gov- wants Th e Chateau to help put Malaysian ernment tourism department really needs hospitality into the global spotlight. “We to come on board to help promote the spa want to make a statement to the world that industry. Until that point, she says, it will hospitality in Malaysia can compete on the be up to operators and spa professionals to international stage,” Teh explains. “At Th e change the opinions of Malaysian spas. Chateau, we’re off ering European hardware “Everywhere I go, I get the same feed- with Asian soft ness and service.” back – that Malaysia is not known for its In La Santé, for example, the 20 therapists spa industry,” she says. “People from over- are from Asia. Interestingly, all therapists seas tend to go to Th ailand or Bali for their are female and none are from Malaysia, but spa experience and locally, Malaysians are The resort grows its own organic produce according to Yap (who is Malaysian), this is yet to grasp the spa concept.”

38 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 There are 17 treatment rooms in total, including two for wet treatments such as those performed on the Aquaveda heated bed

A SATISFYING BUSINESS In terms of marketing, Th e Chateau is going aft er a high-end clientele and so far, the majority of guests come from affl uent source markets such as the UK, Australia, Singa- pore and Japan. Th e resort is also proving popular with Russians. Locally, Malaysians are visiting the resort but they’re staying for shorter periods of time. Th e majority of resort guests opt for a seven-night spa programme – priced at myr13,930-16,680 (us$4,400-5,300, €3,600- 4,300, £2,800-3,400) – with the weight loss Spa guests, who are mainly on seven-night packages, are welcomed in the huge reception and stress relief options proving most popu- lar so far. Day spa visits are also available and Yet she also acknowledges the importance for both the company and the Malaysian currently make up around 20 per cent of the of key performance targets and is giving her- wellness industry. Th ey also acknowledge spa’s overall business. Teh says that while the self six months to reach an occupancy level that success for Th e Chateau will mean rec- spa programmes are working well in gen- of between 80-100 spa guests per day. Total ognition for Berjaya on the international eral, she knows she must limit the number spa capacity is 120. wellness stage. of classes and activities that she expects each Financially, Teh believes it will be a chal- Longer term, Teh says if The Chateau guest to try. “Wellness for some guests is lenge for the resort to generate as much is a success, she can see a future for other about relaxing and I’m learning not to try revenue as resorts in neighbouring countries. high-end spa brands in Malaysia. Although to get them involved in absolutely every- Th e Chateau’s room rates are myr765-1,275 Berjaya has been approached to replicate thing all the time,” she says. (us$243-404, €198-329, £155-258) per night, Th e Chateau in other countries, Teh says In the short-term, Teh’s main concern is while an equivalent property in Th ailand they need to walk before they can run. making sure every guest leaves the Chateau could command as much as myr2,000-3,000 “Th e Chateau is Malaysia’s opportunity to happy: “At the end of each guest’s visit, my (us$634-951, €517-775, £405-607). Luckily, set a new benchmark for the spa industry fi rst question is not how much they’ve spent Teh says her bosses are understanding and in the country. For now, that’s our primary but what their feedback form says.” they realise she’s creating something new focus,” she concludes. ●

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 39 COMPANY PROFILE PROMOTION elemis

Elemis has earned an international reputation for indulgent spa treatments and luxury skincare products that deliver effective results. Director of UK sales, new product development and training Noella Gabriel shares her vision

How did Elemis begin? We back up our treatments with good home We started as a lifestyle bodycare brand in therapy prescription, good basic skincare 1990 and it’s heartbeat was plant extracts and and good anti-ageing products where con- high quality essential oils, for example, the sumers can see the diff erence aft er 28 days. Milk Bath – an oil, milk and water aroma- It’s high performance and clinically trialled, therapy product which is still in our top 10 How have Elemis products which very few other brands do. Other spa selling products today. We were teaching evolved over the years? brands might do good massage or good people about using active fragrances and While our bodycare products were doing well, skincare but commercial success comes active product bases rather than synthetic we started to explore seaweeds and stum- from off ering a service that competes with ones and educating the market that you get bled upon our magic anti-ageing ingredient, the high street, which we do. Being a treat- what you pay for. As a therapist I love the padina pavonica. We developed Pro-Col- ment-led product brand is a great advantage holistic concept of body and this ethos was lagen Marine Cream in 2003 and that was because it is oft en in treatment that a great starting to bubble up in the industry. the turning point from changing Elemis retail product is developed. from bodycare to skincare And it still is our number one best-seller today. We developed Tell us more about your the Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Mask, a clin- product develop process? ically-trialled high performance pre-party We strive to bring products to market that facial, and then we developed our Tri-En- are unique, innovative and cutting edge with zyme resurfacing facial so we tried to tick all active ingredients that are sourced globally. the boxes to help with ageing. Since launch- We spend three years developing new prod- ing our Pro-Collagen range, our top selling ucts from conception to launch – it’s a long products in every market are skincare. journey with many formulations before we send products to trial. If a product doesn’t What is unique about Elemis? get results at trial we go back to formulation. We are a luxury lifestyle spa brand which is Th e aim is to produce skincare that works The number one Elemis best-seller treatment-led and this is key to our success. and that has integrity.

Who is behind the brand? Sean Harrington is the managing director. He is an entrepreneur and is inspirational to work with. Oriele Frank is director of inter- national marketing and takes charge of the marketing and language. I am director of UK sales, new product development and training, and have the creative edge. We’ve been a team for many years and have a very hands-on approach to our products. Our marketing team, product developers, retail and spa teams are all based at our new offi ces at 1 Baker Street, London.

How many spas do you supply and where? We have 1,600 spas in 38 countries, 800 are in the UK. Elemis products are sold in 139 The Yu Spa, Four Seasons Hotel, Tokyo – the fi rst Japanese spa to launch Elemis products retail departments stores – 42 of those are

40 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 The Thai-inspired Elemis Spa on the 15th fl oor at The St Regis Hotel in Bangkok boasts 16 treatment areas and rasul chambers

Next year is a big year for us as we will launch seven new products with new and exciting concepts, along with six new treatments to support these innovations

in the UK and three are in travel retail. Our against diseases for every peel sold. The Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye fl agship spas are in London, Miami, Hong We’re doing this because we source Treatment launched in July Kong and Bangkok. the papaya and pineapple from Kenya and Congo and we wanted to give proving to be very successful. We’ve What markets does Elemis something back. Th ere’s a social had a strong fi rst half of year. want to grow in? conscience behind our brand that At the moment we’re looking at the Scandi- I’m proud of. What new products/ navian market. Last year we opened a spa on services will you be beautiful fj ords of Norway which uses many What are your goals launching in 2012/13? natural textures in its design and I think for 2012? We have just launched our Pro Col- there will be more of this sort of develop- I am a great believer in our core lagen Advanced Eye Treatment and ment. We also want to grow in China, Russia, business and working with our Pro Intense Lift Eff ect Day Cream Australia and Asia. existing partners to consol- to help re-densify sagging or thinning skin, idate our existing growth. jowls and cheeks. How are you celebrating We are also developing and Next year is a big year for us as we will being British this year? investing in our communica- launch nine new products with new and Our message is that we’re the best tion and contact with clients. exciting concepts, along with six new of British and all our products are New business is the icing on treatments to support these innovations. made here. We’re working hard the cake for me as director of not to miss any of the opportuni- UK sales. Getting more people How important is training to you? ties, for example our Soles of Gold back into treatments is another Our trainers are the unsung heroes and our Olympic leg and foot treatment and goal and to do this we’re mak- brand ambassadors. Th ey travel worldwide our Royal Rose Facial to celebrate ing them more available and and educate every Elemis therapist, both spa the Queen’s 60th Jubilee. A British adding value. For example, we and retail. Th is provides a strong sharing of designer created special packaging have 30-minute and 15-minute knowledge between the two areas and brings for our Papaya Enzyme Peel prod- treatments in departments stores. client care into retail and commercialisa- uct, celebrating its 10th anniversary. Th is is penetrating the market and tion into spa. Once a therapist is Elemis, she We’ve also teamed up with charity is Elemis for life, and introduces the brand SOCO to donate a fi ve-in-one vac- Special packaging for the 10th with her wherever she goes. It’s probably cine to immunise a child in Africa anniversary of the Enzyme Peel where I get most of my growth. ●

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 41 TRENDS [PcRWX]V
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Recognising the potential of the mother and baby market, Hotel Royal in Evian off ers a 4,000sq m crèche

espite the range of pre- the Synovate Women’s Financial Independ- natal treatments available, ence global survey showed that 58 per cent spas have been slow to of women across 12 diverse countries now cater for women in their believe themselves to be fi nancially inde- ‘fourth trimester’. Tradi- pendent. Not only does this make a practical tionally, new mums have diff erence, it marks a cultural shift as women lacked time and money choose not to be defi ned by motherhood. to spa, and fi nd it hard to But there’s an added dimension. Today’s A new generation of leave their babies for what can be perceived mothers are unlikely to receive medical care as an indulgence. Baby care is also an issue post-natally and more likely to suff er from women is redefi ning for spas – babies don’t square easily with post-natal depression. Mintel research shows most spas’ brand image. However, today’s that 82 per cent of UK mums return to work motherhood. Mari mums are more fi nancially independent and aft er having children, while Th e Changing Stevens investigates independent-minded than ever before, forc- Face of Motherhood Survey found that 64 ing the industry to look for ways to embrace per cent of UK mums say they lack ‘me time’. the opportunity for this market and their newborns. Worldwide traditions of post-natal wellness have not translated to modern western med- spas to nurture this TODAY’S MOTHERS icine. As Faridah Ahmad Fadzil, managing continually rejuvenating According to Th e New Demographics of Moth- director of Tanamera Spa – a chain of ladies- erhood report, one in seven babies in the US only spas in Malaysia (see p46) – explains: market of new mums is born to a mother who is 35+. Th ese women “Imagine this: aft er being seen for months by are increasingly well-educated and highly doctors, you’re told to go home aft er birth – and their babies paid – 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics show and come back in six weeks. Th ere’s a gen- that almost 40 per cent of working wives eral lack of attention given to this sector and MARI STEVENS » JOURNALIST » SPA BUSINESS in the US now out-earn their husbands and spas should create specialised programmes

42 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Cupcake Mum offers an appealing alternative for baby classes which usually take place in community facilities

Today’s mums are more financially dependent and want a high-end experience for new mothers and give them the support Fabrizio Castellani, spa manager at Lefay system they desperately need.” Resort & Spa (see p44) near Lake Garda, Italy, which has packaged a range of ‘safe’ WHAT MOTHERS WANT treatments for new mums, all making use All these factors provide fertile territory, but of natural products that are suitable when along with better qualifications, jobs and breastfeeding. Flexibility is also vital and salaries come higher expectations. “I set up Lefay’s method is to provide a bespoke pro- Cupcake Mum after seeing so many friends gramme of treatments based on in-depth with lovely lives taking part in baby classes on energy interviews with a spa doctor. dirty church hall floors,” says Karen Hastings, A handful of other European spas offer Offering first-class facilities for children founder of the two family-focused Cupcake programmes combining specific and generic will make a spa more appealing to mothers clubs and spas in London (see p46). New treatments too including Italy’s Lake Iseo mothers expect quality without compromise, which has a Remise-En-Forme package as indicated by the growth in luxury spas featuring anti-cellulite, abdominal and this challenge by introducing short treat- catering for them – including Cupcake’s own tonifying sessions. In La Baule, France, the ments for mums, some using two therapists award-winning facilities and other resorts thalassotherapy centre based in the Hotel for speed. Indeed, mums are so busy that such as Schloss Elmau, Bavaria. Royal-Thalasso Barrière (see sb07/1 p62) it’s argued that pure indulgence in itself is But welcoming mums without adjusting has a programme which includes perineum a key health requirement for this market. a spa menu isn’t enough. New mothers have muscle physiotherapy and vein treatments The Changing Face of Motherhood Survey specific physical requirements and carefully alongside more traditional spa therapies. states that “mothers actually need at least tailored programmes are needed. “Part of A key additional factor is that moth- four times more ‘me’ time than they cur- the reason we launched a New Mother pro- ers, despite being out of the workplace, are rently get every day in order to feel happier gramme was to educate mothers – to stop still very busy. Independent mindbodys- and more fulfilled.” In these circumstances, them from booking a treatment that might oul’s mummy and baby spa (in partnership some spa experts argue that a mother is bet- not be suitable for their situation,” explains with Aveda) in London has responded to ter off leaving her baby at home.

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 43 TRENDS

However, some mothers are not just una- A SURVEY FOUND MOTHERS NEED AT LEAST FOUR ble – but unwilling – to leave their newborn. Paula Gallardo, founder of Mamaheaven TIMES MORE ‘ME TIME’ THAN THEY CURRENTLY yoga retreats, with fi ve locations in the UK, GET TO FEEL HAPPIER AND MORE FULFILLED says: “We found that although they were oft en encouraged to do so by family and society, they didn’t want to leave their babies Baby Institute at Th ermes de Spa, Belgium; releases oxytosin, helping the baby to relax, for long periods of time.” Proving the tan- or making clever use of off -peak periods like sleep and feed better and it can also help gible benefi t of a treatment is one way of Le Petit Spa, Vancouver which has created a mum struggling with post-natal depres- persuading a mother to do so. Th e alterna- Mom and Baby Wednesdays. sion,” explains Gayle Berry of the Blossom tive is to provide high-quality childcare or Some providers, especially in Europe, and Berry baby-massage training company involving the baby in the experience. do not see a contradiction. Lefay Resort & in the UK. Indeed, involving a baby not only Spa welcomes babies and children to use its benefi ts both mum and baby, it can also ben- WELCOMING MUM – AND BABY spa pools and even provides spa robes for efi t a spa. It can be used to redefi ne your Babies are certainly welcome at some of the kids. French spas in particular – including business, open your door to a generation of new niche day spas opening in response to Th ermes Marins de Saint-Malo, Relais Th a- new customers, and reinvigorate your brand this demand such as Itsy Bitsy Baby Spa, lasso Ile de Ré and Royal-Th alasso Barrière with life, vibrancy and optimism. North Carolina and Belly Up Spa, Colorado. – off er mother and baby programmes with Every mum, baby and spa is diff erent and Independent mindbodysoul even offers tailored hydrotherapy treatments, swim- latching on to this market off ers unique mums a travel cot in the treatment room. ming lessons and massage sessions for the challenges: there is a need for intimacy and Spas catering to broader markets and nerv- youngest possible clients. Th ese aren’t trivial sensitivity, a bespoke approach, attention to ous about impacting on other clients might extras. Mums are happier in the knowledge detail and fl exibility. But it also provides an consider creating designated mother and that both she and the baby are getting some- opportunity to nurture the future and grow baby areas within the spa such the Mother/ thing from the experience. “Baby massage a new generation of customers. ●

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estled high on a mountainside overlooking Lake Garda in Italy, the tranquil Lefay Resort & Spa seems an unlikely place to fi nd a stressed- out mum and her baby. Th e fi ve-star resort, rub by the Leali family, off ers top-quality facilities to a market of high-earning pro- fessional couples seeking relaxation. Despite the serenity, families – seen as a key market – are also embraced. Th ere are two spacious family suites, a baby-sitting service and a children’s mini-club. In the sophisticated spa, families mingle comfort- ably with others. “We’ve made a conscious Families mix comfortably with leisure guests at Lefay – even in the spa decision to include families,” says spa man- ager, Fabrizio Castellani. “We get some one New Mother programme involving an I certainly felt revitalised by my stay and complaints, of course, but not many.” olive oil massage, facial cleansing, a light would even say that it could have a life-chang- Lefay’s 3000sq m (32,292sq ft ) spa is at legs massage and targeted personal train- ing impact a on a new mother enabling her the heart of the complex, and business. Off ing. Alternatively, the Lefay Spa Method also to experience bespoke physical and psycho- season (November to March), guests come tackles signs of post-natal depression. logical care, eat healthy food, sleep well and specifi cally to use the facilities – the indoor spend quality time alone and with her baby. and outdoor salt-water pools, fi ve saunas; First-person experience: Mari Stevens This type of experience shouldn’t be grotto; relaxation and wellness zones; fi tness After spending a few days with a underestimated and its long-term bene- trails etc – or to experience its signature Lefay six-month-old baby at Lefay, my fi t for spas shouldn’t be either. As a busy, Spa Method programme combining Chinese impression is that the complex has an high-earning mum the chance to return to medicine and western scientifi c research. unstuff y and relaxed atmosphere, and family familiar surroundings, revisit a wonder- More traditional pre and post-natal pro- needs are seamlessly incorporated in the res- ful experience – and take advantage of that grammes launched in 2011 in response to taurants, rooms and spa, without too much crèche – will be very tempting for demand. Th ese have since been merged into impact on other guests. me in three years’ time.

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fi gure, recover physically and mentally from childbirth and share baby bonding experi- four-month+ children and a well-thought- Th e iconic French resort of Evian ences through baby swimming and massage. out, free baby welcome package including sees itself as the origin of mother Th e balanced, holistic programme also off ers basic equipment, such as a cot and bath-time and baby spa programmes in beauty therapy, relaxation and alternative equipment, breastfeeding chair, bath ther- Europe. Such packages were launched at medical treatments such as lymphatic drain- mometer and even sterilising tablets. the Les Th ermes Evian in 1987 and are now age, osteopathy and clay massage and a vital New mothers and their babies are seen off ered by other local spas, including Spa opportunity to socialise and share advice as a primary target market for the resort’s Evian Source at the Hôtel Royal. with other mums and spa professionals. spa. Coupled with the resorts world-famous Spa Evian Source’s Mother-Baby pro- The hotel takes its commitment to bottled Evian water – renowned for its ener- gramme off ers a new mother, and her three babies very seriously too with a 4000sq m gising powers – and nurturing image it all to 10 month old baby, a three or fi ve day (43,056sq ft ) crèche and activity centre for makes real business sense.

France’s Evian resort has off ered mother and baby packages since 1987 and its still a strong market today

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 45 TRENDS

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alays give a lot of emphasis to pre Another feature is a tradi- at home. Our recovery pro- and post-natal treatment and it’s tional post-natal massage gramme features traditional proven that women who diligently to promote blood circula- post-natal massage; herbal follow the traditional Malay confi nement tion and lift the womb. An vaginal steaming, and bind- practices or ‘pantang’ will regain their pre- abdominal wrap or ‘beng- ing the abdominal area. Our pregnancy fi gure, health and energy levels. kung’ is also worn for 44 Tanamera post-natal natu- A 100 per cent recovery is expected aft er 100 days to shrink the uterus, ral product range includes a days. Malaysia also has one of the lowest flatten the stomach, pro- Feminine Herbal Wash and rates of post-natal depression. mote good posture while Cotton Abdominal Binder. Confi nement practices include the use breastfeeding and prevent overeating. Th ere’s been a lot of interest from Asian of herbs internally and externally – such as Tanamera recognised the need to revive countries such as Vietnam, which has a on the abdomen to promote blood circula- these practices. We started to train therapists regime of traditional post-natal care, while tion and for fi rming. Heat is also key and a in the art of post-natal care and included it in the US we’re targeting the doula network hot river stone or ‘bertungku’ is thought to on our spa menu. We off er daily, fi ve- and and in the Middle East we’re focusing on help break down fats and shrink the womb. 10-day recovery programmes in the spa and post-natal wellness clinics due to the con- servative nature of the market. We feel that the opportunities are endless WE’RE DOING THE COMMUNITY A SERVICE BY and what’s wonderful is that we also feel as if REDIRECTING NEW MOTHERS TOWARDS THEIR we’re doing the community service by direct- ing new mothers towards recovery and their RECOVERY AND THEIR FUTURE WELLBEING future wellbeing.

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launched Cupcake aft er realising there was a gap in the mar- ket for somewhere for new mothers, who were used to living full lives, to go with their babies to meet other Hastings’ spas also focus on community and give mothers a chance to meet other people and relax people, take part in classes and relax. Our focus is on community, well- We also offer first-class crèche facilities. with Pinks Boutique, an luxury, organic pro- being and indulgence and our activities Our bespoke treatments have been devel- fessional spa brand that uses products made cover everything from pilates to ‘mumpre- oped with industry experts – we work with by hand – a mother has a more heightened neur’ seminars and book clubs. We also off er an osteopath and our specialist pregnancy interest in the products she puts on her skin. a huge range of children’s activities, all in massages take place on hydrotherapy beds. Th e average age of a typical Cupcake mum one family membership package. We’re hoping to take our spa off ering to a is 36, so anti-ageing treatments and prod- A spa has always been a central aspect of new level and have just set up a partnership ucts are popular too. our brand. Many of our clients were spa- goers before becoming mothers and see it as a necessity. Our focus group research shows A SPA HAS ALWAYS BEEN CENTRAL TO OUR BRAND. that a mother has diffi culty simply getting MANY OF OUR CLIENTS WERE SPA-GOERS BEFORE her legs waxed – so we off er a 20 minute slots but with luxury touches, such as hot stones. BECOMING MOTHERS AND SEE IT AS A NECESSITY

46 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Your path to true organic beauty

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INTERVIEW INTERVIEW INTERVIEW Ravi Chandran Sharilyn CHRISTOPHER Entering new markets with Banyan Tree Abbajay NORTON Marriott’s new Overseeing 50 new vice-president for spas for Four Seasons HOT NUMBERS global spa & retail Hotel spa trends The latest on the US market SPA SPOTLIGHT Montenegro, Cancer care Morocco and the UK SPA PHILANTHROPY: Mary Tabacchi investigates the Inspiritas oncology spa Th e art of giving well

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US-based private equity group to grow its brand further. Pegasus Capital Advisors has “Going forward, the new Six entered into a binding agree- Senses will be a debt-free com- ment to acquire luxury resort pany with committed capital and spa businesses of Six for expansion into new and spa business spa business Senses Resorts & Spas for an within existing international undisclosed sum. markets,” he said. “We’re Under the terms of the confident that our president deal, Pegasus will acquire all Bernhard Bohnenberger and of the Six Senses and Evason- our strong management team 2 0 12 H ANDBOOK 2011 H ANDBOOK branded resort and spa will continue to build on its management contracts and legacy as a recognized leader related intellectual property in luxury hospitality.” rights and operate them under Sonu Shivdasani added: a new company managed by “This transaction will allow me Pegasus and its affiliates. to focus solely on the develop- the global resource for spa professionals the global resource for spa professionals Six Senses currently man- The deal icludes all 10 Six Senses-branded resorts and 28 branded spas across the world ment of the Soneva portfolio ages 10 resorts and 28 spas in of resorts and real estate assets, 20 countries around the world, with another 15 however, are not included in the transaction. and allow the Soneva and Six Senses brands to under construction or development. Bernhard Soneva will continue to be led by Sonu flourish independently of each other.” Bohnenberger, president of Six Senses, will Shivdasani, the founder and CEO of Six Senses, The transaction is expected to be completed continue in his role and will head operations who will serve as chair and CEO and principal by July 2012. Established in 1995, Pegasus cur- out of the Six Senses’ Bangkok office. shareholder of The Soneva Group. rently manages approximately US$2.5bn (1.9bn The Soneva brand and resorts, as well as Craig Cogut, founder of Pegasus Capital euro, £1.6bn) in assets through several private the company’s real estate assets and holdings, Advisors, said the deal will allow Six Senses equity funds.. Details: http://lei.sr?a=U7n7s

B`n`:fcc\Zk`fecXleZ_\j \]fi\XjgXZfeZ\gk \Zf$]i`\e[cpc`jk [\Ylkj`e:_`eX Kiwi Collection, one of the world’s largest curated collections of lux- Hilton Hotels and Resorts has announced the SPONSORED BY ury hotels, has unveiled its new Chinese debut of its international spa concept - compilation of properties that show eforea: spa at Hilton - at the Hilton Guangzhou “outstanding commitment” to sustain- Tianhe in the country’s third largest city. www.spahandbook.com www.spahandbook.com SPONSORED BY ability. The list of eco-friendly hotels It is the first of two eforea launches planned and resorts has been put together with for Hilton locations in China this year, with the the help of sustainable tourism advi- 9,000sq ft (836sq m) spa offering eight treat- The hotel will be China’s first to house an eforea spa sor Hitesh Mehta and currently boasts ment room, reflexology and massage pods. 20 properties in around the world. A Vichy shower room and an outdoor Florian; VitaMan; and Peter Thomas Roth in Kiwi Collection is hoping to further infinity-edge swimming pool also feature, line with all other eforea locations. expand the new collection of eco- along with an ice fountain; deluge head The eforea: spa at Hilton concept was friendly hotels, which includes Banyan and Swiss shower jets; and a full sauna, steam launched by the hospitality group in October Tree Bintan, Singapore and Chiva- and hydro pool. 2010 and has opened sites in a number of Som Health Resort in Thailand. The eforea-branded spa at Hilton Guangzhou locations, including Australia, Thailand and Tianhe uses products from LI’TYA; Kerstin Azerbaijan. Details: http://lei.sr?a=U3J2I

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CHICAGO LAND LISA STARR TAKES IN A VARIETY OF SPAS TO SEE HOW THEY STAND OUT IN THIS COMPETITIVE URBAN SETTING

Chicago is known as the windy city, and if you’ve ever allow the pursuit of warmer indoor activities. We vis- visited in the winter you’ll be able to relate. Wind, snow ited a cross-section of Chicago spas, including a luxury and ice are in abundance due to the prime location on hotel spa, a neighbourhood spa and yoga centre, a the shoreline of Lake Michigan, but the weather has lifestyle-oriented hotel spa, and a popular, results- perhaps been a positive factor in the development of oriented day spa to get a taste for the options in this an amazing selection and variety of spa locations to sophisticated and vibrant urban location.

ALLYU USP: Community orientation and the conscientious lightly off the beaten track, but still in approach to client care S the downtown area, is a gem of a day Target audience: For serious spa – Allyu. Allyu means ‘community’ bodywork lovers in South America’s Quechua language, and 60-minute massage: it’s an apt name. Th is large and successful spa US$90 (`74, £58) does a fi ne job of walking the line between Most impressed by: The passion being a socially-conscious employer and and integrity of staff; and the delivering top-quality massage, skincare and customer journey/fl ow which nail services to a neighbourhood clientele. promotes true relaxation Th e spa sits below an enormous offi ce Room for improvement: building, but with glass walls looking onto Casual appearance of staff the Chicago River and its inviting retail area – you’re not sure if they’re Built-in corner seating surrounded by draped you quickly forget where you are. Allyu was an employee or guest! fabric is a standout design feature created fi ve years ago in a sustainable man- ner using local materials such as Wisconsin fi eld stones and reclaimed barn wood. a cocooning feel, while a centrally located has obviously been taken to ensure that all Th e spa retails a wide selection of personal curtained cylinder is lit by a beam of light furniture and fi nishes are of natural origin care and lifestyle items, including artwork, and provides a focal point for rest and refl ec- and beautiful to look at. jewellery, crystals and semi-precious stones, tion. From there, therapists escort you to one Th e staff of over 50 includes many long- homeopathic remedies, candles, the Epi- of the 10 treatment rooms, which are deco- time practitioners – as evidenced by their curen skincare range and Zoya nail products. rated in warm colours and with fi ne details biographies on the website – who are fi ercely And to heighten the sense of nature, a parrot such as elegant wooden doors with custom- passionate about their work, and many sits on a perch and presides over the area. designed handles and original artwork. develop strong connections with clients. Guests are greeted by a friendly and smil- Clients change for services in the treat- And while this spa doesn’t provide all the ing young woman dressed in long fl owing ment room that each have beautifully typical trappings of a luxury environment, or clothes and in bare feet, who will invite you appointed and uniquely designed bathrooms fabulous wet amenities, it more than makes to a small nook where your own shoes are for pre- or post-service use. Th e nail room up for this with an abundance of personality replaced with spa sandals. features manicure tables created from pol- and off ers clients the ability to try spa serv- Th e relaxation area features built-in corner ished slabs of wood, rather than the typical ices in what feels like a socially conscious seating and a lot of draped fabric which adds plastic or laminate surfaces, and great care and environmentally-friendly manner.

50 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 The metropolitan area of the city is known as Chicagoland and hosts a vibrant selection of spas all competing for business

Th e Chicago Exhale is situated in high-rent aspects of Exhale, however, is the variety of PHOTO:TRAXLERGIRL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM EXHALE shopping district and residential neighbour- wellness-orientated programmes – from the hood, perfect to stop by for a yoga class or six- and 12- week bridal boot camps to fer- xhale, a day spa concept which com- manicure. With almost 100 classes a week, in tility programmes and nutrition coaching. E bines core body workouts and spa one of two studios, there’s something for eve- Th e Six Week Core Evolution journey com- services, was formed in 2003 and ryone. Th e Exhale signature programme is bines nutritional consultation and follow-up now has 18 sites in the US and one in the Core Fusion®, a barre-based workout which sessions, unlimited mind body classes and Caribbean. Each location, usually in an “combines core work with pilates, yoga, bal- discounts on spa therapies and retail pur- urban setting, has at least one movement let and dance principles to stretch, tone and chases to support your new lifestyle. studio, treatment rooms and nail and waxing lengthen muscles like never before.” Th e staff are friendly and down-to-earth services, fun retail areas and are decorated Th ere are 15 treatment rooms and stand- and are great at making guests feel imme- in an Asian-inspired neutral palette. ard facials are augmented with modern diately welcome. Th e retail area is fun to Evidently, Exhale spas off ers a wide selec- technology such as LED, micro-current explore, and off ers a wide assortment of yoga tion of programming that goes beyond the and ultrasonic options. Th e Asian-inspired and athletic-wear, wellness-orientated items, typical facial and massage fare. It’s clear that approach is apparent in body therapies which and skin and bodycare products from com- the main focus is to inspire clients to lead include tui na, shiatsu, acupuncture massage panies including Tata Harper, Sircuit, Spa healthier more sustainable lives. and cupping. One of the most impressive Ritual and 302 Skincare.

USP: Quality spa services and outstanding yoga schedules means guests can meet several needs at once Target audience: Yoga devotees and lovers of the holistic approach 60-minute massage: US$130 (`106, £83) Most impressed by: Breadth of wellness-orientated programming Room for improvement: Crowded retail and reception area as classes begin and conclude The spa, which has a subtle Asian décor, offers an impressive range of wellness programmes

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 51 CITY FOCUS: CHICAGO

Treatments are customised using seasonal ingredients and are complemented with a light bite and unique beverage from the famous NoMI restaurant

NOMI SPA, PARK HYATT USP: Customised approach; and the use of herbs, he Park Hyatt in Chicago surprised spices and botanicals T the public by closing its acclaimed Target audience: Attracts a NoMI restaurant soon aft er receiving younger, hipper crowd a Michelin star. But the restaurant, named 60-minute massage: aft er it’s location on North Michigan Ave- US$160 (`131, £103) The two spa suites are very spacious nue, reopened in mid 2011 as the centrepiece Most impressed by: The simple of a new lifestyle fl oor which also off ers the menu and bespoke approach NoMI-branded lounge, garden and spa. Room for improvement: Needs Simplicity has its Th is is a luxury hotel with a very comforta- a larger relaxation area ble feel, evidenced by the warm décor with its benefi ts. Without having pops of colour and tactile wood, stone, and to decipher a long list of granite surfaces. Th e express elevator to the addition, each treatment includes an “artfully seventh fl oor opens at a central location, a selected indulgent bite and a unique bever- treatments, even choosing short walk from an intimate spa lobby featur- age to enhance and complement your chosen ing a laptop and podium rather than a large spa course.” Simplicity is clearly the order of a therapy is relaxing front desk; small retail area with Aromath- the day and it has its benefi ts. Without hav- erapy Associates and Carita products; and a ing to decipher a long list of treatments, even and where applicable, proff er a few products few seats, all in a grayish neutral palette. choosing a therapy is relaxing. to smell and select for further customisa- With only two treatment suites nestled Th e locker room, also with tactile fi nishes, tion. To fi nish, guests receive a cup of tea by a pool and fi tness area, the NoMI spa is has a steamroom and sauna by Kohler and and small, specially chosen, complementary unique among hotel spas. Yet each spacious an upbeat, funky soundtrack plays through- amuse-bouche to end the treatment. suite is well-equipped with a huge steam out, but the personal care product selection To extend the spa time, guests can try out shower, sink, toilet and treatment space, is limited. Th ere’s no real lounge, instead the lap pool, or enjoy a steam and shower in along with abundant built-in storage. Th e there are interesting relaxation niches con- the locker room before or aft er their treat- focus is on customised treatments using sea- taining leather seats with scattered cushions ment, but lounging in the relaxation niches sonal ingredients and in a nod to the NoMI and throws, small tables with reading mate- is really not an option. However, the spa size restaurant the minimal service menu fea- rials and wall-mounted reading lights. and design lends itself to discretion; with- tures therapies arranged in starter, main Th e friendly and welcoming therapists out a spa lounge you’re not likely to run into course and accompaniment categories. In perform their treatments with enthusiasm, anyone you know, or who knows you!

52 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 A glass façade allows for incredible views and the overall feeling of luxury is a pull for celebrity clients and socialites

THE SPA AT TRUMP

rom the moment that you enter Th anks to a curving glass façade, F Trump International Hotel & Tower all of the Technogym cardio equip- Chicago, you know you’re in an envi- ment in the fi tness area, faces out ronment that caters to your every need. onto incredible views. Much more Th e doorman doesn’t just tell you where comprehensive than your typical the elevator for the spa is, he escorts you hotel gym, Trump off ers an impres- to it. Th e elevator features a large spa but- sive weekly class schedule, including ton, and when the door opens on the 14th core, pilates, strength training, yoga, fl oor you’re surrounded by quiet luxury. If group cycling, and aqua fitness The 11 large treatment rooms offer exclusive services you’re not a hotel guest, the booking of a options. Post-workout, you can relax spa service aff ords you same day access to in loungers around a heated indoor the indoor pool and fi tness club area, cre- pool, also featuring beautiful views. a conveniently located bathroom, all deco- ating a lovely urban getaway. Next stop, the spacious locker room. Th e rated in a beige palette with accents of olive full-sized lockers off er a comfy robe and slip- – the feeling is one of luxury, although the pers, and there’s a choice of sauna, steam, or numbered doors break the spell. Treatments USP: Outstanding location deluge shower by Kohler. Interestingly, the include facials from celebrity aesthetician with great views; and the amenities include a large container of body Kate Somerville and the Ultimate Urban choice of amenities cream, small mixing cups and scented oils so skin and body treatments which are exclu- Target audience: Celebrities, you can customise your own scent. sive to Trump Chicago. socialites and anyone desiring Once robed and ready, the spa lounge All the staff are well-trained and gracious, high-quality and discretion is located aft er traversing another scenic although some might fi nd their approach a 60-minute massage: corridor. Dark and quiet, the lounge has little stiff and formal. To create a true spa US$150 (`122, £96) comfortable sofas and chairs and a refresh- getaway, you can book one of the 53 spa Most impressed by: Very ment bar with an uninspiring selection of guestrooms, connected through an inner well-trained, gracious staff; tea, fresh apples and dried nuts. Adjacent are stairwell. These rooms are decorated in and terrifi c fi tness area two smaller, private lounges, one of which lighter hues than a standard guestroom, Room for improvement: even has a fl at-screen television. and include amenities such as a choice of Could be less formal Th e treatment area features 11 large treat- diff erent drinking water, yoga accessories ment rooms and a spacious corridor with and heated eye and neck pillows.

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 53 SUMMIT REVIEW >DCB834 C741>G The Aspen Institute was an inspiring venue

Held at an inspirational venue, with a host of outside industry experts prompting fresh ways of thinking, the sixth annual Global Spa & Wellness Summit lived up to its theme of Innovation Through Imagination

KATIE BARNES » MANAGING EDITOR » SPA BUSINESS

he Aspen Institute at Aspen Mead- from their daily responsibilities – on neutral A WIDE EMBRACE ows, Colorado is no stranger to ground – to refl ect on what makes a success- In a summit fi rst, this year’s agenda brought forward-thinking leaders – Nelson ful society and how to tackle critical issues. together a selection of experts from outside Mandela, Steve Jobs and Richard Th e 325 spa industry professionals and the industry to help delegates think outside Branson have all spent time there Aspen Institute fellows who attended the the box and to encourage discussion on our in the quest for inspiration. Th e GSWS in June quickly discovered that the sector’s future. Th e impressive list of speak- venue was the perfect choice for whole site has been built to inspire. Build- ers included the head of retail at Google, an this year’s Global Spa & Wellness ings are purposely set apart so delegates walk ex-chair of Disney Imagineering, a former Summit (GSWS) – an event that promised between venues to provide thinking time; Surgeon General, a Hollywood actress and Csomething diff erent – to spur Innovation playful touches such as ping pong tables, the former President of Costa Rica. Through Imagination, enabling industry keva planks for building, bendable blue To reflect this more all-encompassing leaders to create new directions and busi- objects and customised puzzles were dot- approach, embracing the wider technolog- ness models. ted around the site to aid creativity, while ical and medical sectors, the word wellness Th e institute was created by businessman the shade of blue used for the auditorium was added to the name of the summit. Walter Paepcke in 1945. Enthralled by Aspen’s seats was picked for its stimulating qualities Th e summit co-chairs who helped make natural beauty, he pictured a haven where and as an echo of this, the site is planted with it all happen were GSWS board members leaders, thinkers and artists could escape wild fl owers of the same colour. Philippe Bourguignon, vice chairman of Rev- olution Places and CEO of Exclusive Resorts (see sb11/3 p44); Richard Dusseau, president of Trilogy Spa Ventures; and Susie Ellis, presi- dent of SpaFinder Wellness (see sb12/2 p52). Ellis says: “Th is year’s summit was our best-attended, most thought-provoking and information-packed conference to date.”

OUTSIDE INFLUENCES Dr Richard Carmona, the 17th US Surgeon General and now vice chair of Canyon Ranch (see sb09/1 p66), spoke passionately about the need to tackle the growing health cri- sis where healthcare systems are struggling to cope with the onset of chronic illnesses – such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease – which are oft en preventable through life- style change. It’s predicted that such diseases will cost the US alone us$5.5 trillion (€4.5tn, £3.5tn) in the next few years, accounting for Actress Mariel Hemingway (left) spoke about spas and mental health with Susie Ellis 20 per cent of GDP. Carmona feels spas have

54 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 325 delegates made this the largest summit to date

Rummell on the ‘deadly definition’ of spas

Networking and evening entertainment took place in the mountains

Co-chairs Susie Ellis and Richard Dusseau a key role to play in the solution. “In all of it has a “deadly definition – that spas are only less potential” and he predicts the emergence you, I see the power of possibility to trans- for rich, white women. If I was king of your of specialist sub-categories such as Spa Pin- form our nation and world [through your] world, I’d get rid of the word ‘spa’ because it’s terest and Wellness Pinterest. pursuit of optimal health and wellness via an ruining your reputation and brand”. Actress and wellness advocate Mariel integrated, holistic approach which empha- Insightful and interesting pointers on Hemingway talked openly about mental sises the best scientifically-vetted practices technology were presented by Ted Souder, health issues and how spas can help. “I come of mind, body and spirit,” he said. He chal- head of industry and retail at Google. What from seven suicides, including my grand- lenged the audience to “develop a health and are spa businesses doing to communicate father [writer Ernest Hemingway], uncle, wellness policy platform that will allow you with customers via smartphones and tablets cousin and sister,” she says. “That’s why I to speak as one” as a first step. as well as TV and the internet, he questioned, sit here and talk about lifestyle. The food you In a special appearance, John Hicken- as these forms of technology are where the eat, thoughts you think, water you drink and looper, the Governor of Colorado, echoed future lies. Incentivising clients to ‘check moves you make are all connected to your Carmona’s concerns for healthcare. His in’ via Facebook or foursquare; full-blown mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing, advice was that “the message [of leading a videos of facilities, treatments and products yet lifestyle is being ignored as a solution. healthy lifestyle] needs to keep being rewrit- on YouTube; and allowing guests to view all “Having an understanding of holistic living ten and kept fresh to get the point across”. treatment rooms and book their favourite is a powerful tool. I think the spa industry is Meanwhile, in a provocative and profound plus a treatment in real-time and online are doing a magnificent job of creating a sense statement, Peter Rummell, chair of the all worthy of attention, he said. of body, mind and spirit but you could be Urban Land Institute and ex-chair of Dis- Pinterest, the online bulletin board, he doing more as there’s still a perception its ney Imagineering, warned the industry that added, “is a phenomenal tool that has end- pampering rather than lifestyle.”

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 55 SUMMIT REVIEW: GSWS

Co-chair Philippe Bourguignon

Set up online ‘check-ins’ and your Pinterest pages said Google’s Ted Souder

“Anecdotally, operators have said they’re not only beating budget, but are actually reporting the best months they’ve ever had”

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS spa demand could be compared to self- Th e third day of the summit was focused back actualisation – higher level needs which on the industry where – once again – much- are typically only fulfi lled once the basics needed key data and research was released. have been taken care of – while hotel For the fi rst quarter of 2012, luxury hotels rooms and F&B could be compared to in the US sold more rooms (6.75 million) shelter and sustenance which are more than ever before, announced Jan Freitag, fundamental, necessary, requirements. senior VP of operations at hospitality bench- With recovery happening in hotel Dr Elissa Epel – an expert in telomere health marking fi rm Smith Travel Research, who room and F&B income, she predicts also said that this could be a lead indicator spas will follow suit, saying: “Aft er sev- really feel meet their needs (see sb12/2 p38). for where the hotel spa industry is headed. eral years of decreasing revenues, hotel spas In future, SRI suggests spa businesses and In addition, hotels are seeing a resurgence saw increases in 2011 and [operators] have operators need to collaborate more closely of corporate and high-end leisure travellers anecdotally said they’re not only beating with training providers and organisations to which bodes well for ancillary spend in F&B, budget this year, but are reporting the best ensure courses deliver what’s needed. leisure activities and spa. But the numbers months their spas have had when compared ● See p60 for the Spa Business investigation aren’t there yet. Average treatment room rev- to the same months in previous years.” into global spa management training. enue from 2009-11 sat between us$136-137 (€111-112, £87-88), compared with the peak SPA EDUCATION HEALTHY WAYS of us$146 (€119, £93) in 2007. Th is value ero- The key piece of research unveiled at Th e importance of health (and wellness), sion may have been heavily infl uenced by the the summit – Spa Management Work- illness prevention and the role spas might arrival of fl ash deals like those by Groupon, force & Education: Addressing Marketing play in relation to this important work was said Freitag. Treatment room occupancy rates Gaps – focuses on the state of global spa a topic that dominated many presentations were also at a low of 26 per cent in January management training. Conducted by SRI and discussions over the three days. 2011, compared with 33 per cent in January International and commissioned by the Dr Elissa Epel, associate professor at 2007 and Freitag’s advice was to “question the GSWS, the report takes stock of manage- the University of California, San Fran- number of employees in your workforce and ment training worldwide, reveals where it’s cisco, captured delegates’ attention with your opening hour metrics”. failing and suggests improvements. SRI’s her presentation on telomeres – a field On the back of PKF’s 2012 Trends in the senior economist, Katherine Johnston, pre- that’s galvanised medical interest since Hotel Spa Industry report (see sb12/2 p44), sented fi ndings which showed that there are being the focus of the 2009 Nobel Prize in the company’s vice president, Andrea Foster, 130,000-180,000 spa managers and direc- Medicine. Telomeres are caps at the end of plotted change in luxury hotel spa demand tors in the global industry and only 4,000 chromosomes that protect them from dete- in the US against Maslow’s Hierarchy of students on management degree courses riorating and are an important marker of Needs. In an economic downturn, she said, which vary widely and which operators don’t age-related disease risk. Exciting research

56 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 www.barrandwray.com SUMMIT REVIEW: GSWS

“What we do really well, is provide healing that feels good – there’s no other healing institution that people look forward to going to more”

suggests that telomere length is negatively impacted by unhealthy behaviours and pos- itively impacted by healthy ones such as stress-reduction, exercise, good nutrition and meditation (see sb11/3 p90), so it’s pos- sible to reverse aging with a healthy lifestyle. Dr Epel, along with Nobel Laureate recipient Dr Elizabeth Blackburn, has set up Telome Health to offer telomere testing on a wider scale. She says: “Telomere science is just the Just turned 90, Szekely gave a moving speech on her years in wellness tip of the iceberg” and that as the connection between and improve on that. But there are a lot of healthy behaviour and the other healing institutions that are already measurable forestalling of doing this much better than us. What we do disease and cellular ageing really well, is provide healing that feels good. grow stronger, the implica- There’s no other healing institution that tions for the spa/wellness people look forward to going to, that peo- industry are profound. ple enjoy when they’re there and that they Employing health and remember fondly afterwards the way they wellness coaches could be do with spa. As we’re focusing on wellness, one way for spas to encour- we should stay close to that core strength we age people to make lifestyle have – wellness that feels good.” changes, says Meg Jordan, professor and department Susie Ellis and Spa Business’ editor Liz Terry (right) INDIA FOR 2013 chair at the California Insti- In his closing remarks, Bourguignon said: tute of Integral Studies. She “I invited a lot of people to talk here – pol- spoke about how people lack the skills to In a moving speech, Deborah Szekely – iticians, consultants, real estate developers make lifestyle changes themselves and edu- fondly known as the godmother of the mind, – and they were all surprised to discover such cated delegates about an emerging tier of body and fitness movement in the US and a vibrant, new community. They had no idea health and wellness coaches along with co-founder of destination spa Rancho La beforehand what this industry was about. So, official bodies such as the National Consor- Peurta and the Golden Door – reflected on I think our mission for the next 12 months tium for Credentialing Health & Wellness her 72 years in teaching wellness. Having just should not be to just market what we do, but Coaches (NCCHWC). turned 90, her birthday wish is for people to educate the wider business community.” A panel of experts, led by spa, wellness to join the Wellness Spring movement by In a closing presentation, delegates heard and hospitality consultant Mia Kyricos (see signing up to www.wellnesswarrior.org. Her that next year’s GSWS will take place in p24), hosted an enlightening presentation on reasons for setting up the movement, she India and will be headed by co-chairs corporate/employee wellness and how spas says, is to get people to share their thoughts, Andrew Gibson, group director of spas at could position themselves to offer health-fo- ideas and practices around wellness, with a Mandarin Oriental; and Emmanuel Burger, cused packages – encompassing everything view to bringing modern society out of its former CEO of the Victoria-Jungfrau Collec- from massage, yoga, meditation, nutritional downward trend and towards total health. tion and founder and managing director of counselling and personal training – to gener- Meanwhile, Jeremy McCarthy, director of Berger Hospitality Management. The exact ate more productive and healthy workforces. global spa operations for Starwood Hotels & venue and dates have yet to be revealed. The key, however, will be for spas to deliver Resorts (see sb10/3 p24), gave a thought-pro- Ellis, who will be a co-chair once again, quantifiable measures of success with such voking presentation on happiness, having concluded: “No other country encompasses packages. And in a separate talk, Jay Wil- just published a book on the subject (see ancient and modern spa and wellness like liams, president of Health Technologies p18). He says pampering isn’t necessarily a India. Its millennia-old wellness practices, Consultant, suggests spas could white label bad thing: “I’ve heard a lot of talk about well- like yoga and ayurveda, have made it one of mobile apps, biometric monitoring devices ness and health and about the need to be the true spiritual homes of the global wellness and online games (see sb12/2 p80) to create more scientific and to offer evidence-based movement. It also happens to be one of the systems to track, record and prove measur- programmes using technologies. I think most innovative countries on the planet, with able results in this area. this is great and that we need to continue a fast-growing, modern spa industry.” ●

58 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012

© archideaphoto - Fotolia.com / Gharieni INVESTIGATION PART TWO

RHIANON HOWELLS » CONSULTING EDITOR » SPA BUSINESS

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ne of the biggest challenges hotels, spa directors come from food and management training pro- facing our industry is a short- beverage or front of house, and have abso- grammes a year for up to 20 fall of quality spa managers. lutely no clue what a spa is all about,” says people – one aimed at the Th e fi rst feature of this series Raoul Andrews Sudre, founder of Aspen Spa Swedish market, and one (see sb12/2 p38) looked at Management and the International Hotel Spa open to international appli- >some of the full-time spa management degree Academy (IHSA), a training company set up cants. Th e course, which has and diploma courses available. But to really to help countries such as Morocco and Nica- recently been redesigned tackle the problem – especially in rapidly ragua to meet wellness tourism targets. with an online element, emerging markets – the spa industry can’t rely In the past, these groups have been left to includes three months of solely on graduate recruits. It also needs to pro- muddle along, or at best received some des- part-time study online, vide training and development opportunities ultory training on the job. Yet as the industry through webinars and lec- for practitioners wishing to climb the ranks has developed, so too has need for managers tures, before a fi nal three-day, and managers who are keen to strengthen their who are properly trained in both business face-to-face module. skill sets, as well as professionals moving into and spa-specifi c skills. As a result, a range What makes the pro- the industry from other sectors. of educational institutions, private training gramme more effective Th e advantage of promoting therapists to providers and even employers are off ering than some of the other management positions is that they inher- part-time training options aimed at those short courses available, says

ently understand the caring nature and the already in work. But just how eff ective are Bjurstam, is that students IMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK CANDYBOX PHOTO: challenges of the profession. “In general, we these courses at plugging the skills gap? are required to apply what prefer to recruit someone with a they’ve learned therapy background and teach in their own business (or intern- them the business,” says Anna As the industry has developed, ship) and report back. And while Bjurstam, managing partner of there’s a strong focus on hard busi- Swedish spa consultancy and man- so too has the need for ness skills, it’s very much tailored agement company Raison d’Etre. managers who are properly to the target audience. “Th e way Th e disadvantage is that ther- business is taught in universities trained in both business apists don’t usually have any is beyond the grasp of most people business education or experience. and spa-specific skills with a therapy background,” says “A spa is a business unit and needs Bjurstam. “So we try to help them to be managed that way,” says understand KPIs, fi nance and mar- Vanessa Main, director of spa operations for SHORT AND SWEET keting in a fun way that doesn’t make them Hilton in the Asia-Pacifi c (see sb11/3 p28). For those wishing to move into spa man- feel stupid… then at the end of the course “Th ere are people in the industry who may agement, or to further advance their career, they write both a human capital manage- be passionate, but they don’t understand there are a growing number of open-to-enrol ment plan, which is a strategy for leading business principles… and if we put them short courses. Th ese are provided by private staff , and a business plan [to take away].” in a management role without the skills they training providers, such as the UK’s Carlton need, we’re setting them up to fail.” Institute – which off ers half-day to three-day ONLINE OPPORTUNITIES Another common species of spa man- modules on a range of management topics In recent years, a number of universities ager, is the manager who moves into spa – or consultants, such as Wynne Business in have also developed more in-depth spa man- from another area of hospitality. And while the US, which off ers an annual three-day agement courses which are aimed at people these individuals generally have a good grasp intensive course in management training. in the middle of their career. of business principles, they’re less familiar Raison d’Etre is another consultancy that One of the most highly respected of these, with the unique challenges of spas. “In many has moved into this arena, off ering two spa certainly in the US, is the certifi cate in spa

60 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 A number of spa management training courses are now available online and are proving very popular with those already in full-time employment

and hospitality management by the Univer- for Starwood Hotels (see sb10/3 p24), is cur- aimed squarely at working professionals – sity of California, Irvine (see sb04/4 p54). rently on staff – and regularly assimilating has attracted around 30 students a year. Th is Originally launched in 2004 in a face-to- both industry and student feedback ensures year, however, the off ering is being taken to face format, the programme has been off ered that the content is both relevant and fresh. another level with the launch of University entirely online since 2008, with instructor- At present, up to 150 students sign up for of Derby Online, which will focus on devel- led lectures and webinars, student discussion UC Irvine’s spa management modules a year, oping and promoting the university’s online forums, tests and written assignments all of which around half complete the certifi - programming across a variety of subject forming part of the mix. With fi ve core mod- cate, and the programme attracts current spa areas. As part of this, the online spa man- ules – ranging from marketing and human employees and professionals from outside agement degree is undergoing a review to resources to spa metrics – and fi ve elective the industry. For those new to the spa busi- make more use of modern technology such modules to choose from, students can do as ness, two of the fi ve core modules give an as learning via mobile phone technology. few or as many courses as they like. However, overview of the spa industry and operations, The content of the course will also be to gain the certifi cate, they need to com- and newcomers also benefi t from network- revised in consultation with industry to plete all fi ve core modules plus two electives, ing with both fellow students and instructors. make it as relevant as possible to the needs of totalling around 150 hours of study. As Jeantet says: “Who wouldn’t want to turn students and employers. According to Shaw, According to programme director Angela to someone like Jeremy for advice?” this is likely to mean more emphasis on spa Jeantet, the fact that students are free to But while UC Irvine is undoubtedly a pio- management, business and networking skills. work in their own environment and at their neer of online spa management training, it is “Many of our learners looking for career own pace makes the programme especially not the only one. In the UK, the University progression already have practical skills,” appealing to those in work, while a policy of of Derby Buxton (see sb05/4 p60) has been explains Paula Shaw, University of Derby employing top-fl ight industry professionals running an online version of its on-cam- Online’s academic manager for vocational as instructors – Jeremy McCarthy, director pus degree in international spa management subjects. “And for those that don’t, there are of global spa operations and development since 2003. To date, the course – which is vocational training courses out there.”

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 61 INVESTIGATION PART TWO

GLOBAL REACH ules qualifi es for 10 credits within One of the great advantages of Rather than blaming universities, the European Credit Transfer and online educational off erings, of Accumulation System (ECTS) for the industry should work with course, is that they can be accessed higher education, giving them cur- anywhere in the world. Since going educators to provide clearer rency across the continent. online four years ago, the number career paths for graduates, of international students signing INDUSTRY INVESTMENT up to the UC Irvine programme as well as ongoing support Yet while the range of spa man- has increased dramatically – mak- agement training options available ing up 26 per cent of enrolments to working professionals appears – says Jeantet, and Shaw is also hopeful that versities in Finland, the UK, Poland, Spain to be widening, such courses do not come a new marketing campaign will boost num- and Austria, with the ultimate objective of cheap. And while some operators are will- bers of overseas as well as UK applicants. raising standards in the European wellness ing to fully or partly subsidise their staff One way online training providers can industry as a means of boosting both tour- to undergo training, many more aren’t. maximise this global reach – and arguably ism and employment opportunities. One of “Employers often don’t want to invest in help address the shortfall of spa manage- the most tangible outcomes of the project education for their spa managers, because ment training in developing markets – is to – which included in-depth interviews with they’re afraid they’ll move on and take that forge partnerships with other educational managers from 25 spas across the fi ve coun- investment elsewhere,” says Bjurstam, add- organisations around the world. UC Irvine tries – was the development of four virtual ing that only 50 per cent of the students who already has agreements with the University training modules, each concentrating on a sign up for Raison d’Etre’s spa management of Houston in Texas and the Royal Mel- diff erent need: spa operations, marketing courses get any help from their employers. bourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in spa services, understanding fi nance and IT, Not all employers take this attitude, Australia (see sb08/4 p44), where its certif- and strategic management. however. Global corporation Banyan Tree icate can be credited towards a bachelor’s According to project leader Susanna Saari, already has its in-house Fast Track and Man- degree in hotel and restaurant management a senior lecturer in hospitality at Turku agement Trainee Programmes (see sb1/2 or a masters in wellness respectively. Th e University of Applied Sciences in Finland, p26) while Hyatt Hotels is looking to intro- University of Derby Online, meanwhile, is what sets the ILIS modules apart from other duce a similar training scheme (see sb11/4 in talks with several potential satellite sites online off erings is not only their extensive p32). In addition, Hilton recently launched a in south-east Asia and southern Europe. coverage – each module involves roughly certifi cate programme in spa management, Another university-led spa management 270 hours of study – but also their close for staff in its Asia-Pacifi c properties, in training initiative with global accessibility attention to industry requirements based partnership with Australia-based tourism at the forefront is the virtual learning pro- on the intensive research. and hospitality training provider the Wil- gramme that came out of the Innovations and Th e modules are also designed to be fl ex- liam Angliss Institute. Learning in Spa Management (ILIS) project. ible. Th ey are available as an online global Focusing on Asia-Pacifi c as the region Conducted from 2008-2010 and funded by programme through Turku University with the least existing educational provision the European Commission to the tune of of Applied Sciences, but they can also be and the greatest need in terms of fast-de- €400,000 (us$488,650, £316,000), ILIS was a taught face-to-face as part of an existing veloping markets – especially China – the unique research collaboration between uni- degree course. Crucially, each of the mod- Hilton programme is delivered over nine

Spa and Hospitality Management Certificate Program

Leading spa education with the only fully online, instructor-led certificate program

extension.uci.edu/spa

UC Irvine has attracted more international pupils with its online spa certifi cate course The University of Derby is currently researching ways to deliver courses via mobile phones

62 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 months and involves an introductory week Essentials and Spa Management Advanced Many operators aren’t willing to pay of face-to-face teaching, followed by online training for five years. The ESPA courses, or even subsidise staff training, but learning and coursework relating to the stu- which cover yield management, understand- exceptions include global corporations like dent’s own business, before a final week of ing key performance indicators and budget Banyan Tree (above), Hyatt and Hilton face-to-face. Up to 15 of Hilton’s top thera- writing, start with a three to five days intense pists are selected for each intake. Main says: training followed by continuing professional “We have a lot of hotel development coming development in the workplace. are desperate to find qualified spa managers, up and we’re going to need so many new spa and there just aren’t enough.” The company managers, it’s critical we have an educational PARTNERS IN SUCCESS is also in talks with the Ministry of Tourism solution we’re happy with. In some regions, especially those where spa in Nicaragua about integrating IHSA into “[But] it’s not our aim to bond people to and wellness tourism is burgeoning, even a hotel school in Managua, to support the us at the end of the course. We believe that governments appear to be recognising the wellness tourism strategy there. just giving people this opportunity will be need for greater investment in spa man- As the global spa industry continues to enough to motivate them to stay with us.” agement education – from the EC-funded grow, then, so too does the demand for cred- It’s not only employers who could bene- ILIS project to government partnerships ible spa management training. But while an fit from investing in management training, with Sudre’s IHSA in Morocco and Nicara- increasing number of education providers, however. Elaine Fenard, managing partner gua. “We ran about a dozen spa management industry players and even governments are of consultants Spa Strategy, believes suppli- training seminars in Morocco last year, and responding to this need, their efforts are still ers should also get in on the act. “If a spa we’re currently in negotiations with the Min- largely subjective and fragmented. If the director doesn’t understand yield and mar- istry of Tourism and the Ministry of Adult recent study of spa management training gins, that’s not good for selling product, so Education to incorporate the International by SRI International, conducted on behalf it would benefit them, too,” she says. Indeed, Hotel Spa Academy there in a formal sense, of the Global Spa &Wellness Summit (see Spa Strategy was acquired by Aromather- with a permanent base,” says Sudre. p54), can provide greater insight into the apy Associates in June for this very purpose “The King of Morocco wants to attract 20 issues involved and help to engender unity and has it as just introduced its business and million tourists over the next decade, which among these disparate factions, who knows executive coaching services to help improve is around double the number they have now, what could be achieved? ● the operational and financial performance and the only way they’re going to do that is In part three: we will investigate how much of spas (see p18). Meanwhile, ESPA Interna- to make Morocco a wellness destination… scope there is to develop global standards for tional has been offering its Spa Management so all the major hotel chains in the country spa management training

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 63 RESORT SPA KATH HUDSON » JOURNALIST » SPA BUSINESS

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Croatia is fi ghting off its war torn image to regain its ranking among Europe’s top tourist destinations. IO Adria, one of the fi rst operators to invest in the country once more, has opened its inaugural site in Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic

roatia is one of the last by Anne Semonin – Radisson’s spa partner. remaining unspoilt can- Aft er 18 months, Anne Semonin was replaced vases in Europe,” says by Occo and iO Adria took over resort oper- Julian Houchin, commer- ations. Overall, the development cost €130m cial director of iO Adria, (us$160m, £103m) “I rolled up my sleeves, “C“and we aim to be its leading provider of and came in as sales and marketing director leisure and hospitality.” And the UK invest- and we put €1.8m (us$2.2m, £1.4m) on the ment company has raised funds of more than room’s revenue within 12 months, achieving €187m (us$230m, £148m) for this purpose. a 24 per cent uplift ,” says Houchin. I met the engaging and energetic Houchin at its fi rst site, the Dubrovnik Sun Gardens. CROATIAN SPA BRAND Perched on the stunning Dalmatia coast, IO Adria considered other spa franchises, where the mountains drop into the sea, but found their projections unambitious. this 18-hectare (44-acre) site in the coun- “Th ey estimated a profi t would take eight to try’s capital was the holiday destination for 10 years, we wanted it in three, so set about rich communists in the 80s – when Croatia creating our own spa brand,” says Houchin. was part of Yugoslavia – and a prisoner of IO Adria has E1bn to develop integrated It teamed up with UK-based spa consultant, war camp during the Balkans war. Today, it’s resorts in Croatia for a wealthy clientele Anna Doyle, to create an exclusive con- a fi ve-star integrated resort, featuring the cept and product line which was rooted in fi rst Occo spa – a concept and product line come back. We have visitors from 142 coun- Croatia. Doyle travelled to iO’s seven devel- focused on all things Croatian. tries, 18 per cent of our visitors are from the opment (see p66) to take a look at the local “In the 80s, Yugoslavia was high volume, UK, with a fairly even split across the rest of foliage, so each property had its own range low spend, but tourism is now moving Europe and the rest of the world.” and identity, using natural, local ingredients. towards the luxury end,” explains Houchin. With its acquisition of Dubrovnik Sun Th ink costal rosemary and sage; deep for- “Croatia is now a playground for the rich Gardens in 2009, iO Adria inherited a Radis- est cypress leaf and pine extracts; and grape, and famous and the fl ights are starting to son Blu hotel and a 2,500sq ft (762sq m) spa blackberry and fi gs from Istrian vineyards.

Another hotel and 200 more residences are planned onsite The heat experience area was supplied by Klafs

64 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 The Occo spa promises a return on investment in three years The spa will help establish a year-round trade outside of summer months

To raise brand awareness, the products were sold at high-end London department stores, such as Harrods before the spa was up and running. This has stopped now the spa has launched. Since the Occo brand has been introduced, the spa has started to gain more recognition and last year it won the best newcomer award in the digital maga- zine The SPA Traveller Awards. Soothing beiges and creams are used throughout the debut Occo spa, with Ital- ian marble flooring adding a touch of luxury. The 46sq m (151sq ft) gym by Technogym, the 18m (59ft) freshwater pool, the thalas- To help sell residences, sotherapy pool and heated benches are all a 20 per cent discount is positioned to the front and enjoy views of offered at the spa the sea. The relaxation room is also at the front, but spa manager, Adriana Barlafa, says it’s shrouded by curtains so people will focus SPA SWEETENER experience they would not receive at many inward when they chill out on the cushions Barlafa has put together the treatment menu other spas,” says Barlafa. and loungers, sipping on herbal teas. with highlights including three 30-minute, As well as the 201-bedroom hotel, the The 12 treatment rooms are named after €42 (us$51, £33) bath options using Occo resort has 207 apartments, which are being flowers and the most impressive is the cou- products mixed with Adriatic sea salt. The sold as holiday homes. The aim it to attract ples suite featuring two heated Nilo massage most popular treatment is the 55-minute a steady repeat custom from wealthy people tables, a spa bath and cushions for relaxing signature holistic massage (see p66) priced and as a further sweetener, residents receive post-treatment – the 140-minute couples rit- at €80 (us$98, £63). Two new brands are a 20 per cent discount at the spa. “When ual allows 30 minutes of private time, when being introduced this season: Maria Gal- one of our owners, who is from the Czech fresh fruit and smoothies are served from land for corrective facials and Beyond Spa Republic, came with his two daughters, they the spa’s Vitality bar. for cosmetic teeth whitening. There will also each spent €300 (us$368, £237) a day, for a The spa’s heat experience area comprises a be three new treatments from Germaine week, at the spa,” says Houchin. “The spa is coal sauna, salt sauna, aromatherapy steam- de Capuccini – gold therapy, an anti-age- a very important part of the overall offer- room, hammam, plunge pool and showers, ing wrap and massage using golden algae; ing, but it’s hard to quantify exactly how all from Klafs. Nine therapists work at the a massage with shells; and an anti-cellulite much value it adds. It is smaller than both spa and are employed all year round, plus treatment. “We have gone for shell and gold the conference and F&B businesses – we there are two seasonal workers, who aren’t therapy because they are high-end treat- have 13 restaurants – but it’s a very impor- trained in all the treatments. ments and because they give our guests an tant element of the resort experience and

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 65 RESORT SPA

Occo spa, a celebration of the Croatian DUBROVNIK SUN GARDENS BY NUMBERS culture, will be exclusive to iO Adria resorts although each will be slightly ■ At full capacity, the resort can ■ The average length of stay in peak different according to location accommodate 1,200 guests season is 7.2 nights, which according to ■ In peak season there is 95+ per Houchin is the longest in Dubrovnik decision making process. Each unit is run as cent occupancy, with three bed ■ Spend per head at the spa an independent profit centre and we give our apartments commanding €1,000 averages €93 (us$114, £73). They are managers autonomy in cost control.” (us$1,250, £790) a night and two- aiming for €217 (us$266, £171) beds €630 (us$773, £497) a night ■ Occo retail products range DESTINATION SPA ■ Average all year round occupancy from €17-56 (us$21-68, £13-44) Dubrovnik is still a seasonal destination is 40 per cent and the average ■ The 140-minute couples ritual with the spa at its busiest – performing room rate is €170 (us$209, £134) is priced at €199 (us$243, £157) 30-45 treatments a day on average – in the peak from June to mid-September. “We are focused on generating business during (us$82, £52) a month, with a 10 per cent dis- the low and shoulder season [October to count on treatments. To avoid over crowding, May],” says Houchin, “and as a result the first memberships are limited to 30 people, but three months of this year saw room revenues day passes are available for €25 (us$31, £20). increase by 77 per cent.” Much of the winter Ladies nights are also being introduced, trade comes from the MICE market, special where a group can have private use of the interest groups, the senior citizen market spa, treatments and champagne, which costs and the Japanese, however, plans are to push €240 (us$296, £190) for three hours. the spa as a destination in itself. Going forward, Barlafa says her target is to During the winter, the spa is sold more make the spa a year-round destination. For aggressively to the local market which Houchin, after successfully repositioning the accounts for 20 per cent of customers on The original resort included a Radisson resort to compete with other leading five- average. Spa membership is offered for €66 Blu hotel and an Anne Semonin spa star integrated resorts in Europe, his focus is selling the residences and says that early OCCO SPA AT DUBROVNIK SUN GARDENS: FIRST-PERSON EXPERIENCE indications are strong with interest coming from a varied mix of source markets. Kath Hudson, some satisfying cracks from my back. But development doesn’t stop there. There journalist, Some people might raise their eyebrows are already plans to add another five-star Spa Business at this, but I love it when the unexpected hotel with 120 bedrooms onsite, plus 200 happens. As long as it works! Many a more residences. And elsewhere in Croatia tried the most therapist has given up on the knotted iO Adria plans to spend upwards of €1bn popular signature mass which is my back and shoulders, (us$1.2bn, £0.8bn) on developing seven I treatment, holistic but Alisa wasn’t going to be defeated. She other sites. These include three in Istria massage, which is chiefly aromatherapy tried hands, elbows and stretches. I liked which will be designed as small boutique massage, with some Thai moves added. the fact that she didn’t just follow a rou- golf estates with spas; three boutique marina I soon discovered that Alisa, my thera- tine but put special emphasis into the resorts in northern Dalmatia and an island pist, is very strong – a trait that makes areas I needed. resort planned on the island of Sipan near her popular with the Russians. After the treatment my back felt so Dubrovnik Sun Gardens. The idea is that The treatment started with some Thai- much looser from all the chiropractic each spa will be slightly different, but the style palming through a towel. Then cracks. It was an outstanding massage: if details are yet to be confirmed. If Occo is the Alisa climbed onto the bed and jammed this is the standard, I think there will be benchmark, they’re sure to be exciting. ● her knees into my thighs while eliciting plenty of repeat visits. For more on Croatia’s growing spa tourism market see Spa Business, issue 2, 2010, p38

66 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012

MYSTERY SHOPPER JANE SCRIVNER » MANAGING DIRECTOR » SPARCANA

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not much use as we’re based 5,000 miles away. The pool was in fact lovely, it had a B?0

A4B>AC Great Gatsby-style colonial beauty, and I wondered why weren’t we told it was closed when we booked over the phone BACKGROUND just 15 minutes before. Dating back to 1861, Indian Springs is We were asked to wait for our thera- one of the oldest resorts in Calistoga. pist to collect us at 9.30am. At 9.45am, Its 16 acres (6 hectares) are blessed with by which point we’d been sitting for 20 four geysers producing thermal mineral minutes, I went back to the counter to waters and a vast natural deposit of vol- be told that Indian Springs ‘always set its canic ash which were used as a cure by clocks 15 minutes fast’. Very confusing. I native Indians over 8,000 years ago. was now concerned we weren’t going to Since 1998, the 41-bedroom resort has be finished in time for our meeting. been a family-owned business ran by hus- Things began to get better with the band and wife Pat and John Merchant mudbath… aaamazing. Instructed and their children. The spa was extended to strip naked – that’s one way to get The mudbath was ‘fabulously authentic’ two years ago to include 10 new massage to know your co-worker! – we show- rooms. There are now 27 treatment rooms ered under warm water before moving in total, plus a post-treatment lounge, an out- £48) respectively – while standard massages towards huge concrete baths full of volcanic door veranda and a Buddha Pond. There’s start at us$125 (€103, £80) for 50 minutes and ash mixed with spring water. While it wasn’t also a newly refurbished mineral pool fed Pevonia facials go from us$85 for 25 minutes. strictly mud, its jet black colour made it look by the natural springs. The signature treat- like it and it squelched just like it too. Ini- ment is a restorative mud or mineral water tially, because it was so thick, we lay on top bath – costing us$85 (€70, £55) or us$75 (€62, THE EXPERIENCE of the warm mud and handfuls of it was Spread out over a large plot of open land scooped over our bodies and daubed on our with a separate pool building, spa and faces until the only thing showing was our outdoor relaxation areas and inviting colo- mouths and eyes. The experience was gor- WHAT’S THE SCORE? nial-style lodges, the resort has a ranch feel. geously warm and fabulously authentic and It was easy to find and to locate the spa. as I wallowed, the reception debacle leeched Ease of booking 10 Unfortunately the visit didn’t get off out of me and I began to relax. Facilities 7 to a good start. My colleague and I were Think ‘monster from the deep’. That’s what greeted by a receptionist who took full pay- we looked like walking over to shower cubi- Cleanliness/maintenance 7 ment on my card plus an extra us$95 (€79, cles that did little to hide our privacy. Having Staff – receptionist 0 £61) deposit for towels, robes and slippers. I finally removed the mud, we were escorted – therapists 8 would’ve liked to have been told/asked about to two fabulous, overflowing old Victorian Experience 5 this charge as I knew it would take three baths. The very warm water – made bearable more days to reappear in my account. Dis- (just) with tall glasses of deliciously cooling Treatment 9 concertingly, she also kept one hand in her cucumber/fruit-flavoured water – was on Value for money 9 pocket the whole time. the level of ‘it’s so extreme it must be doing Overall experience 8 To finish, we were given a free pool pass me good’! Then after a quick steam, we were to use at later date due to remodelling work – taken to a cool wood cabin featuring low

68 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2011 The new pool was beautiful, but out of bounds on the day due to remodelling work

beds with clean white sheets. Being wrapped in the fresh linen, with cucumber placed on RIGHT TO REPLY my eyes, was very nurturing. While I was Brian Rios, general manager, Indian Springs only in there for 15 minutes, it actually felt as though I’d had days of relaxation. I agree that when booking the information about the pool should have been shared. We meandered out to the Buddha Garden In regards to the ‘spa time’, we’ve found allowing an extra 15 minutes means we don’t and sat in glorious sunshine to complete cut back on treatment times and signs are posted throughout to notify guests of the what was a very thorough, very nourishing change. I’m still highly confused by the extra us$95 hold that was placed on the credit experience. We would have been happy to card, this is not standard operating procedure. We strive to continually exceed the stay longer to enjoy the sunshine, but our expectations of all our guests. If we failed to meet some service expectations in this meeting beckoned. case, I completely apologise. I am glad that overall it was an enjoyable experience. Details: www.indianspringscalistoga.com

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2011 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 69 MYSTERY SHOPPER

Pool cabanas are great for groups, although parties can disturb the peace

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slide takes place in the Bathhouse with its els they could get through. It usually takes geothermal pool, whirlpool and eucalyptus quite a bit to move me from ‘spa interroga- 20;8BC>60 steamroom, its three Mud Rooms and three tor’ to ‘spa enjoyer’ but at Spa Solage I was Tub Rooms, plus the relaxation area. Overall, there before even doing up my robe. the menu has a large selection of body, face We wandered to The Bathhouse passing BACKGROUND and beauty treatments, as well as couples several bowls of fresh, crisp green apples and Opened in 2007, the 89-bedroom Solage and wellness packages and the main prod- camomile tea stations. The place was immac- Calistoga was the first (and still only) uct houses are Éminence, Kate Somerville ulate in design, landscaping and cleanliness. property by Solage Hotels & Resorts, a and Marie Veronique. Fifty-minute facials The weather was beautiful and the smell in new brand developed by Auberge Hotels or massages start at us$135 (€111, £87) and the air was that of outdoor woodiness. Hav- & Resorts (sb05/4 p22). Built with a strong us$125 (€103, £81) respectively. ing arrived early, we relaxed by a beautiful focus on sustainability, the resort sits pool before being greeted by our ‘therapist’ within a 22-acre (9-hectare) plot which who looked a bit like a girl guide. Dressed opens up to oak-studded hills. THE EXPERIENCE in a polo shirt, rain jacket, cropped trousers The Michelin-star restaurant gives some Like Indian Springs, Solage Calistoga was and sneakers, she looked as though she was clue as to the class of the resort, while close to our hotel and couldn’t have been about to take us on a cross country romp in the full-service Spa Solage has won five easier to find. We called to book the signa- the rain! She explained the three-stage treat- awards in as many years – most recently ture Mudslide treatment an hour before. The ment process (mud, bath, relax) clearly, but voted as one of the top 10 US spas by process was straightforward and we were it began to sound like a do-it-yourself ther- Condé Nast Traveler’s 2012 Readers’ Poll. told to arrive 30 minutes early (more on this apy with her just collecting and depositing Covering 20,000sq ft (1,858sq m), the spa later), although they did miss a chance to us at each point. I wondered if she was more lies at the heart of the resort and is made up upsell a 90-minute, rather than a 60-minute, like a ‘server’ or ‘director of mud facilities’. of five parts including the main Bathhouse service which I might have considered. The treatment began with choosing one and separate buildings housing 14 treat- With a spread of small buildings linked of four oil blends to mix into our mud, but ment rooms, a reception, a retail area and by meandering pathways, the resort imme- they all smelt gorgeous so I picked two! the changing rooms. The signature treat- diately gives you a sense being somewhere After blending, we were presented with a ment is the Mudslide, a three-part therapy else – a good place to be. Spa heaven. Even small aluminium bucket with about 3cm of which includes the application of a local the busy spa reception had a calmness to it ‘mud’ in the base. I’ve used inverted commas mineral-rich clay and volcanic ash blend; and following a seamless check-in we went here because in my book, mud is dark, looks a soak in geothermal mineral spring water to the spacious changing rooms that were dirty (although very clean) and has a cer- sourced onsite; and resting in sound/vibra- well-stocked with more folded towels than tain odour – at Indian Springs it was black, tion chairs. Costing us$98 (€81, £63) us$148 a girl could ask for – although as an eco-spa lumpy and there was masses of it – but this (€122, £95) for 60 or 90 minutes, the Mud- this led me to question how many fluffy tow- stuff was very light grey and it didn’t look as

70 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2011 Providing the Perfect Spa Experience? Simple.

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“Both were good value for money and my skin felt amazing for days. But they were spoiled a little by bad manners and lack of thought and attention to detail”

if there’d even be enough to cover my post- Christmas indulged body! We were directed to the Mud Room, a large, modern minimalist space with concrete slabs proffering two towels, pillows and cups of water. We were instructed to cover ourselves in mud and lie on the towel until she knocked, at which time we were to wash using either the indoor or outdoor showers. The showers with their natural thermal water, and long thin heads that produced blade-like jets, were the best part of the first stage. Next was the Tub Room, which was also Different oils can be mixed into the mud Thermal water is used in the powerful showers modern and minimalist in style and featured gorgeous, huge bathing tubs. I sank into the warm water to relax and soak. Another knock, Our treatments finished and we drifted we got out and were guided next door to be from the tranquil spa back to the poolside shown to our So Sound Chair that, we were where a hen party was in full swing in a cor- WHAT’S THE SCORE? told, would work with sound frequencies on doned off area. Drinks were being poured, our bodies at a cellular level. We were plugged ex-boyfriends discussed and the whole Ease of booking 10 in, reclined and left to relax. The music scene was mildly irritating. We moved to a (although more detail needed in retrospect) through the headphones was a combination private whirlpool and steamroom area for Facilities 9 of dolphins, whales and pan pipes with heavy some peace and it was glorious, until the bass. It was an odd sensation and I tried to party decamped there too! Cleanliness/maintenance 9 turn it down to see if the resonance was more Despite this, we were having a lovely time. Staff 5 subtle, but it didn’t make a difference. We were relaxed, had spent the best part Experience/treatment of the day just indulging in beautiful sur- roundings and had tasted some delicious started at 8 but reduced to 4 RIGHT TO REPLY spa food. We got to thinking about how Value for money 6 the other treatment rooms were laid out Overall experience 7 Karen Ray, spa director, and – in line with the high levels of service Solage; and director of spa we’d already experienced – our request for operations, Auberge Resorts a viewing proved unproblematic. pointed out that we would be charged for Accompanied by the manager on our walk, using facilities in that time. In normal cir- I’m confident this wasn’t a typical Spa we took in the beautiful landscaping and cumstances it wouldn’t have mattered, but Solage experience. We strive to provide planted pathways. I wondered out loud: ‘Do it just seemed this was just the final deceit. a nurturing, healthful environment for you still see how amazing this place is, or has Details: www.solagecalistoga.com guests seeking a quiet spa experience, it become just normal to you?’ Her response as well as those who might want to cel- was totally unexpected, she looked at me as ebrate an important occasion or annual if I was deluded. And with that one look, the SUMMARY getaway. The spa strikes a unique bal- whole experience felt tainted, as if we’d been While the treatments and spas were very dif- ance by providing private treatment duped into thinking this was a wonderful ferent – one more authentic, the other more rooms for individuals and couples, along haven and that all was not what it seemed. luxurious – both were beautiful and given the with communal areas such as geo-ther- Back at the pool we then began to voice chance I’d go back to either again. They were mal pools and cabanas for socialising. all the small details we’d decided to over- both good value for money and my skin felt Spa Solage successfully blends the best look – the mean quantities of the mud, the amazing for days after. But in each case, the of traditional services with a modern fact we’d had to do it all ourselves, and experience was spoiled a little by bad man- approach and this personalised service the intrusive hen party. On top of this, we ners, a lack of thought and a lack of attention has resulted in significant guest returns were then charged an extra us$25 (€21, £16) to detail and good old-fashioned customer and industry accolades. when we checked out – although we were service. It really is the little things that make told to arrive 30 minutes early, it wasn’t a big difference.●

72 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2011 100% MadeinItaly, 100%MadeinLemi! effi ciency andamulty-year warranty. all ofyourneedsandenhancing ofsatisfying capable equipme Multi-sensory behindstrength our products. Functionality, style and Italian design, andFunctionality, Italian innovation style and advanced technology: photo by maurizio marcato design by simone micheli N° 443.090.V Aemotio SPA Tel. +39 0374 363068/69 Tel. 0374 +39 363068/69 S.P. n. 6 &CS.r.l.Brusaferri • 26011 Casalbuttano (CR) 26011 (CR) Casalbuttano That’s Lemi Group: a valued partner for a valuable business. avaluable for partner avalued Group: Lemi That’s • www.lemi.it • your business. Maximum product quality, total service quality, service product total your business. Maximum Italy Italy nt, spa tables, multipurpos nt, spatables, • [email protected] e chairs andfurnishingse chairs this is Lemi quality, the the quality, Lemi is this Pedi SPA Gemya Suite SPA Top Dream Spa SPA TOURISM

The island has immense natural beauty and a warm climate all year round

Scientists say Porto Santo’s sand has therapeutic qualities

It attracts 900,000 tourists annually

ANNI HOOD » OWNER » KIS LIFESTYLE GROUP

adeira is a jaw-droppingly The Portuguese island of Maderia is poised spectacular landmass lying to fl ourish as a sought after wellness hub. 620 miles off the Portuguese coast and 310 miles from the Spa consultant Anni Hood fi nds out why MAfrican continent: this is the outermost region of the European Union. Th ere are a plethora of reasons to visit Tourism is the main industry in Madeira, per cent, Germany at 16 per cent and France this stunning island. It has immense nat- accounting for 28 per cent of GDP and num- at 10 per cent. When it comes to overnight ural beauty and its hills and valleys add a bers are steadily increasing according to stays, however, the UK and Germany are at cocooning feel. I would describe Madeira fi gures from the Madeira Tourism Board. In the top making up 24 and 21 per cent of the as a hidden jewel. 2011, the island welcomed just over 900,000 5.5 million nights respectively, while Portu- Year round temperatures are warm, aver- visitors in total, up 6.7 per cent from 2010; gal only makes up 13 per cent. aging between 17-21˚C, and ideal for the while the average length of stay rose slightly But just how important is the spa indus- island’s numerous vineyards. Madeira is from 5.1 nights in 2010 to 5.3 in 2011. try to tourism in Madeira? famous for its wine, which is absurdly deli- Only three hours from Europe, Made- cious and high in antioxidants. Th e island ria is most popular with visitors from this A PROMOTIONAL ALLIANCE also boasts a close to zero crime rate. In continent. Th ere are four dominant source My impression of the spa industry in addition, a vast range of activities, culture markets led – unsurprisingly – by Portu- Madeira is one of innovation and enthu- and history provide a rich and tantalising gal which accounts for 24 per cent of visitor siasm. Th ere’s a growing realisation with choice of possibilities for visitors. numbers, closely followed by the UK at 19 Madeirans that they have a coveted gem

74 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 There’s a strong focus on wellness

The Porto Santo Hotel & Spa claims to offer the fi rst sand spa treatments in the world A vast array of activities are available

slowly revealing itself as a potential – and sponsors. Th ere are currently 11 participating sands have a high content of calcium and rather signifi cant – magnet for spa and well- properties and members meet periodically to strontium and have been proven by scientists ness enthusiasts and beginners alike. put together a strategic, common plan such at the University of Oslo, Norway and the Th e concept of wellness in Madeira has as focusing on press/familiarisation trips University of Aveiro, Portugal to help people been around since the days of old – the cul- or sending out newsletters to 60,000 travel suff ering from rheumatic orthopaedic condi- tivation of whole, natural foods, the weather agents in source markets, which was the goal tions when they submerse themselves in it. and a laid back lifestyle all contribute to an for mid-2012. Another focus is to develop Th e spa at the Porto Santo Hotel has hot environment that is naturally balanced and their dedicated website www.spasmadeira. sand beds and it claims to off er the fi rst sand eff ortlessly composed to embrace the expec- com to make it more user-friendly, attractive spa treatments in the world. Th e beds feature tations of today’s market. and current by adding special promotions. the local sand which is heated to 40-43˚C. Th ere are no fi gures to support how sub- Already working in their favour is a link to Guests spend 30 minutes covered in the sand stantial the spa industry is or how eff ectively MPB’s own website www.madeirapromo- twice a day to get the therapeutic benefi ts. it contributes to the island’s economy. How- tionbureau.com which itself has a complete Th e minimum number of sessions recom- ever, a large proportion of hotels now have section and a digital brochure highlighting mended is 12 and for hotel guests there’s a spas and/or wellness centres. spas as a key activity for visitors. seven day package of 14 sessions for €490 Notably, the strategic intent to promote (us$600, £387). For others, the price is €50 and expand the exposure to spas and wellness UNIQUE SELLING POINTS (us$61, £40) a session. is also very evident. Since 2005, a self-elected During the last couple of years the Spas da Within this article, there are three other amalgamation of hotels and spas across the Madeira group has also recognised the need examples of how spas are diff erentiating island have joined together in an initiative to create an original identity for each of the themselves (see p76-77). to help drive their own businesses alongside spa concepts. Th is includes emphasising If I’m honest, I was a little blown away by the destination of Madeira as a whole. Th e unique treatments such as thalassotherapy; my three-day peek at Madeira. Th e coun- group, called Spas da Madeira, was started by those incorporating aloe vera, a native plant; try has a fabulous energy about it and I’m former Madeira Promotion Bureau (MPB) and the hot sand treatment which is off ered excited by how much camaraderie there executive director Oto Oliveira and the at the Porto Santo Hotel & Spa. is among the spa operators – not only for owner of the country’s Galo Resort hotels Next to Madeira, Porto Santo is known driving their own businesses but in their Roland Bachmeier. MPB, which contrib- as the Golden Island and its sand is a mix of collective passion to raise the fortunes of utes to half of the budget, is still one of the coral reefs, seashells and volcanic ash. Th e Madeira through their own sector.

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 75 The hotel’s design is stunning but it lacks a defi nable spa journey

he décor of Th e Vine Spa, as with CASE STUDY: the hotel, is one of seductive CWT
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76 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 SPA TOURISM: MADEIRA

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■ 121 bedrooms

■ Five treatment rooms over 400sq m (4,306sq ft) plus a spa garden and 80sq m (861sq ft) yoga room

■ There are 12 spa team members, including eight trained in ayurveda

The hotel and he Ayurveda Cure Center, a brand ayurveda centre new addition to the Madeiran spa The centre is strongly focused on health opened in late 2011 and wellness off ering, is part of the Galo Resort Sport Hotel that opened in November 2011. Its off ering is, without doubt, programme. Priced at €1,900 (us$2,300, Birgit Moukom, a very experienced unrelentingly wellness focused. Th e experi- £1,500) per head (excluding accommoda- ayurvedic practitioner and utterly delight- ence is still indulgent, but the techniques tion), Th e Cure includes diagnostic testing; ful German lady, is running the centre. She’s and observations scream health, prevention an ayurvedic therapy plan featuring Ger- been practising alternative medicine and and enlightenment. man product line Ayurveda Kalari and local psychology since 1998 and believes in deliv- Despite opening only a few weeks previ- herbs; acupuncture, physiotherapy and life- ering highly personalised treatments. I look ously, the centre had already taken care of style coaching; advice and lectures on diet/ forward with great anticipation to see how six guests taking part in a two-week cure cooking, ayurveda, yoga and meditation. the concept fl ourishes under her guidance.

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■ 163 bedrooms

■ Five spa treatment rooms

■ No dedicated wet area but the changing room space included a sauna and steamroom

y experience at Reid’s Palace, part of the Orient Express group, was the epitome of how to get it right. Th e entire guest journey is one of eff ortless superiority and grace and the spa, with its focus on indulgence, relaxation and cater- The treatment experience at Reid’s Palace was ‘pure perfection’ ing to every need, is no exception. My experience was pure perfection. From the reception greeting to the treatment itself, By tradition, and anecdotally, Madeira has well-executed product sales systems and it was classy and seamless without losing a relatively aged tourism demographic which stand out commercially against other spas any sense of warmth. Th e treatment – a spe- presents a market that, as yet, is untapped I visited. Although therapist utilisation is cially tailored massage using fresh aloe vera as far as the spa trade goes. Th e general reasonably good at 72 per cent, room utili- and grapeseed oil – was delivered fl awlessly. manager of Reid’s Palace, Ulisses Marrei- sation at 25 per cent is disappointing. Nothing was left to chance with any of the ros, admitted diffi culty in attracting hotel Wellness orientated treatments, consulta- basics such as room temperature, pressure patrons to the spa, despite the exceptionally tions and assessment could be the solution or music volume. Th e therapist extended my good service and treatment delivery. to using up vacant room space and increas- treatment as she felt my shoulders needed On average, treatments generate €90 ing revenues. With an older, more savvy and more work: a nice touch. Th e treatment (us$110, £71) and revenue per occupied treat- aged demographic, packages that focus on menu, featuring La Prairie, Aromatherapy ment room is €13 (us$16, £10). Accounting anti-ageing, longevity and lifestyle advice Associates and Ytsara products, was focused for 18 per cent of total spa income, the retail in such a fabulous environment may be the on top-drawer indulgence. sales are impressive. Th e team have slick and tipping point they’re striving for.

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 77 the Waltons 0b
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JULIE CRAMER » JOURNALIST » SPA BUSINESS

t’s a cold, blustery spring day in Stran- the 60s and 70s, my father saw no reason to Sligo has been revived as a seaweed bath dhill, County Sligo, and rain is lashing change traditions. He was one of the found- mecca, with the local population of 2,000 the headquarters of Voya, the Irish sea- ers of the organic movement in Ireland, and swelling to 40,000 each year with the influx weed company that’s rapidly gaining a you’ll still find him out hand-harvesting sea- of health tourists. From this popularity base, reputation for its products and treat- weed, even though he’s now in his 60s.” Mark and Kira have taken the family busi- Iments in leading spas around the world. In the early 1900s there were several hun- ness in a fresh new direction, masterminding While managing director Mark Walton and dred seaweed bathhouses scattered around a large range of spa treatments and retail his wife Kira, fresh from an Algarve busi- Ireland’s coast, with a particular concentra- products that are now being snapped up by ness trip, catch up on administration, Mark’s tion in Sligo in the north-west. Hurricane leading international companies such as The father Mick is braving the elements off the Debbie destroyed the county’s last traditional Four Seasons, St Regis, Ritz-Carlton, Canyon nearby coast, working alongside the compa- facility in the 60s, but in 2000 the Waltons Ranch and Waldorf-Astoria. They’ve even ny’s trusted team of seaweed harvesters. opened a modern, 14-room treatment facil- made their way into The Chateau – a castle Seaweed is in the Walton family’s blood, ity in the bustling seaside town of Strandhill. in the Malaysian rainforest (see p36). with a business dating back to the early Freshly picked seaweed is combined with 1900s. And while today’s leading spa product heated seawater to provide therapeutic baths HEALTH TOURISTS companies may covet and strive for certified for visitors from all over the world. Mark says: “Around 40 per of our customers organic status – this is something that comes “The baths can be used to treat a variety of in Sligo are international, and they were say- entirely naturally to the Walton clan. complaints, such as psoriasis, eczema and ing to us ‘we can’t come back every year, so Mark says: “My father grew up with a sim- rheumatic pains,” says Mark. “Around 60 how can we take the experience with us?’ So ple view on life and always considered the per cent of visitors come with genuine skin we started looking at what seaweed products impact on others. Even when chemical ferti- complaints, while the other 40 per cent are were around – there were some, but their effi- lisers were being used to great effect during attracted by the beauty benefits.” cacy was poor and they weren’t organic.” The couple’s first product to market in 2001 was a wild seaweed (fucus serratus) bath product – called Lazy Days – which Kira describes as a dried block half the size of a shoebox that comes wrapped in a net. When immersed in warm water it expands to five times its original size to create a rich seaweed bath. Further squeezing the sea- weed releases a nutritious oily gel. “The product is dried out naturally on the beach, so it’s still live and active when it reaches the customer,” says Kira. “You can also keep the seaweed in its net and use it as a loofah. And when you’re finished, it makes an organic fertiliser for the garden,” she says. A decade later, Voya now has over 100 products, with sales of around 40 per cent in direct retail and 60 per cent in the profes- sional spa market. One of the best sellers is My Little Hero, an oil-based seaweed anti- ageing serum sold for €55 (us$67, £43). Developing treatments is a core part of There are around 30 Voya treatments offered in high-end spas such as St Regis and Four Seasons Voya’s business. In its professional range of

78 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Mark is responsible for the day to day running of the business, while Kira focuses on branding and marketing

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around 30 treatments, a key off er is – it has an 85 per cent mineral content. running of business operations, while Kira a seaweed leaf wrap, which involves If you compare that to something like uses her previous experience as a graphic enveloping the body in giant leaves of pomegranate, the health properties of designer to put her stamp on Voya’s polished kelp – “rather like a giant Havana cigar,” which have also been championed – branding and marketing. Th ere are currently says Mark. “Visitors to high-end spas that only has a 1-2 per cent nutrient seven family members involved in diff erent now expect a raw, natural experience. content with the rest being made up areas of the business, including his mother, Th is treatment uses 10-15 lbs of pure of water and sugars.” father, and brothers Neil and Michael. organic seaweed. Of course, it deliv- Th e couple clearly have a passion for For Voya, seaweed harvesting is a year- ers great theatre, but our treatments treatment and product development, round business – involving a daily team of at are also highly results driven.” and Mark is involved with research least four hand-harvesters. Output is higher into seaweed at two universities – but in the summer because of the longer day- HIGHLY NUTRITIOUS it’s far removed from his previous light hours and the absence of giant waves Th e benefi cial properties of seaweed – career. He originally studied law and which frequently pound the Atlantic coast- of which there are around 800 varieties then went into investment banking – line in winter. Th e seaweed’s nutrient values – are well researched and recognised. It’s something which failed to satisfy his can also diff er from winter to summer, with widely eaten in Asia for its taste and entrepreneurial spirit. “I never really a higher vitamin content in the summer and health benefi ts, while combining it into beauty saw the potential of seaweed when I was higher mineral content in the winter. products also appears to pack a punch. young and just wanted to get away. It’s only “Its nutrient content means it’s fabulous for when you’re older that you realise how won- SUSTAINABLE HARVEST hair and nails, and it’s good for Europeans derful this place really is,” he says. Mark says Sligo, where the north Atlantic who tend to have a lot of mineral defi cien- Mark, who has since studied cosmetic sci- drift meets Ireland’s north-west coast, lies in cies,” says Kira. “Th ere’s no other plant like it ence, is now responsible for the day to day an area that’s highly favourable for seaweed

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 79 FAMILY MATTERS: THE WALTONS

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80 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Proud Sponsors of 2012 GSWS Mobile App

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1.866.966.9798 | www.spa-booker.com/gsws CLUB SPA KATE CRACKNELL » JOURNALIST » SPA BUSINESS part two Join the club

l Corniche Club room and a large hydropool area can Resort and Spa can In part two of our Kuwait series we be used by men or women. Pevonia best be described Botanica supplies Al Corniche in an as, in general man- take an in-depth look at the exclusive deal for Kuwait but another ager Gerard Oliver’s Al Corniche Club Resort and Spa, with product range may be added in 2012. words, “a resort without a hotel” in In total there are 12 therapists – all 0 its successful membership model, which the spa – while substantial at are international and some have been 1,858sq m (20,000sq ft ) – is just one and pay a visit to Sahara Spa with the club since it fi rst opened. of many facilities (see opposite). Th e overall design of the spa is, in Th e impression is one of a coun- the words of spa director Maria Dav- try club with a wide array of off erings to heat experiences in the spa are supplied ydova: “classical, minimalistic”. Using dark cater for guests who might stay the whole by Balnea). Th e kwd250,000 (us$886,850, wood throughout, complemented by natu- day. So how signifi cant is spa to the overall €728,100, £575,900) refurb included a ral tiles and with quiet lighting, the mood off ering? “It’s hugely important,” says Oliver. glass-fronted relaxation room with leather is calming and the large space made more “Two-thirds of our members use the spa. Yet seating, sauna, steamroom and ice foun- intimate than you might expect. no one aspect of our off ering has priority tain. Th ere are also sensor-activated aroma Overall, Al Corniche has 3,600 members over the other.” showers and hot-cold footbaths. Th is fl oor and the club uses the Intelligenz Solutions is open to 1,000 Premier members only, software system to handle its complex SPA OFFERING with annual costs ranging from kwd850 off ering. Although 55 per cent of members The ground floor of the spa offers a par- (us$3,000, €2,500, £1,950) for a single female are Kuwaiti, the base is diverse thanks to ticularly exclusive feel, comprising male to kwd1,300 (us$4,600, €3,800, £3,000) for the large numbers of expats in the coun- and female areas for Premier membership a couple – plus joining fees. try – both Arabic and European. But for all holders. On each side is a lounge, chang- Upstairs are the treatment rooms: 11 on the customers, says Davydova, the appeal of the ing area, pool and thermal suite. Th e female female side, plus sauna and steamroom (col- club is that “it doesn’t feel like Kuwait”. She area also has a small single-sex gym, while lectively referred to as a hammam); and seven adds: “Th is is even the case for our Kuwaiti the male area recently had its thermal on the male side, plus sauna and steamroom. members – what unites our customers is that suite overhauled by Schletterer (all other An LPG (cellulite and fi rming) treatment they’re all very modern in their outlook and

Al Corniche refers to its steam and sauna rooms as a hammam experience and this is the only traditional type of therapy on offer

82 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 The club currently has 3,600 members, two thirds of which use the spa. Only the treatment rooms are for non-member use

needs. Other than the hammams, we don’t ABOUT AL CORNICHE really offer traditional Arabic services.” l Corniche Club Resort and Spa, and transfer’. Under these terms, the land DAY RETREAT located on the seafront in Kuwait, belongs to the government and Al Corniche When the club first opened, the 110 Premier A is a large, members-only coun- pays rent on it and will ultimately have to Founder members received free treatments try club-style offering. Facilities include a hand it back. It currently has the right to for life, and all members still receive one large 80-station gym overlooking the sea, operate the club until the end of 2018, but complimentary spa treatment on joining. numerous exercise studios, an outdoor pool, will apply for another five years. They then receive ongoing discounts in the a private beach, tennis and squash courts, There are 3,600 members – 55 per cent spa, with many regularly incorporating spa a wide array of kids’ activities, several res- women and 45 per cent men – all acquired into their visits. “Women will come in and taurants, a Toni & Guy hair salon – and the via word-of mouth; the club has never adver- leave their kids in the crèche while they go to 1,858sq m (20,000sq ft) spa. tised. Gross operating profit is over kwd1m the spa, while on a summer weekend we can Designed by UK-based architect Jean- (us$3.5m, €3m, £2.3m) a year, with only 55 per easily have 1,500 members visiting us in one Paul Blissett and opened in 2005, the club cent of this coming from membership. F&B day and staying all day,” explains Oliver. is owned by Tameer, which is part-owned can take £70k-80k (us$108k-123k, €88k-101k) Davydova agrees: “Women, especially our by real estate company Al Massaleh. It was a month – impressive as there’s no alcohol in Premier members, come for the social aspect built at a cost of kwd8m (us$28m, €23m, Kuwait – while the spa takes anything from – they chat, have tea… It’s common for guests £18m) in a BOT project – ‘build, operate £40k-60k (us$62k-92k, €51k-76k).” to book multiple treatments, but while the average stay in the spa is two hours, we have some members who come all day, every day. whole of Al Corniche is one big profit centre cent capacity. During our busy weekends, They feel Al Corniche is their home.” – but at the end of the day we’re still a busi- we aim to reach 100 per cent spa occupancy It’s therefore not surprising that, although ness, and the spa is a great way to introduce with members only.” treatment rooms are also open to non- people to the club. We’re doing a marketing Longer massages and sauna/steam are the members, 80 per cent of the spa’s business campaign now to promote the spa to non- most popular treatments among men, who currently comes from members. “People members, and we hope to get their share of tend to visit more regularly than women, locally know the club is members-only, so the business up to 40 per cent.” often coming for a weekly massage. “The they assume the spa is the same,” explains But, adds Oliver: “The focus for non- word ‘spa’ might be new here, but we’ve had Davydova. “Our main concern is certainly member usage will be during the week, hammams for a long time and men are very to keep members happy – ultimately the when we’re currently at around 50-60 per accustomed to these,” explains Davydova.

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 83 CLUB SPA part two

“I enjoyed a friendly welcome by name, seamless transitions, good and effective treatments and a thorough follow-up”

Meanwhile, women opt for facials, mas- sages and slimming treatments and spend a lot on retail, which accounts for around 25 per cent of total income. Bust treatments have not proved popular in the Kuwaiti cul- ture, so have been removed from the menu. A question going forward will, says Dav- ydova, be how to meet women’s desire for more permanent beauty solutions – lipo- suction is seen by many as preferential to The facilities are expansive – the private-use hydrotherapy pool could easily accommodate 20 people slimming treatments, for example. “Although medical spa is not yet available in Kuwait – Botox, restylane, chemical peels and so on AL CORNICHE: FIRST-PERSON EXPERIENCE – I expect it to arrive soon,” she says. Kate Cracknell UV light box, cleansing and a mask followed ‘ME TIME’ Journalist, Spa Business slightly uncomfortable blackhead extractions. Davydova concludes: “Th ere are lots of spas Th e Al Corniche spa is huge, Th is was less about pampering and more in Kuwait – most fi ve-star hotels invest in a with expansive facilities – I about eff ectiveness, my skin certainly felt spa and restaurant as a way of driving reve- started off in a large hydrother- and looked very healthy aft erwards. nue, as the hotels themselves aren’t that busy. apy pool area which would easily cater for 20 Day two off ered a wonderful 90-minute hot But Al Corniche is unique in that it off ers people, but which was for my private use. An stone massage – kwd30 for members, kwd35 members a total experience: crèche, pool, hour session costs kwd12 (us$28, €35, £43) for non-members – with enough pressure to lunch, beach, spa [see p83].” for members, kwd15 (us$53, €44, £35). ease the muscles but not so much that it pre- “It’s the only exclusive family club in My fi rst treatment, the 60-minute De-Age- vented me drift ing into a semi-sleep. Th en Kuwait,” adds Oliver. “We’ll be defi ning our ing Body Wrap comprised a scrub, wrap and fi nally, a 45-minute cryo-facial – kwd30 for positioning even more clearly along those moisturise – kwd45 (us$160, €131 £104) for members, kwd35 for non-members – using lines going forward – the family market is members, kwd50 (us$177, €146, £115) for temperatures of -18˚C to encourage the serum huge here, with very little on off er. Every- non-members. Delivered well, albeit a little (collagen was chosen for my skin) to absorb thing we do will be designed around how a chilly at times as the scrub and moistur- deeper. Whether it was the facial alone, or the family can get the most from our club, with iser were cool, it was wonderful when I was two combined, my skin looked amazing. a strong focus on kids’ activities.” wrapped up and the bed infl ated with warm Th ere are limited relaxation areas for non- All of which means more free time for the water beneath me, cradling me to sleep. Premium members, so I didn’t stay aft er my parents who, with the high salaries enjoyed I was seamlessly handed over to a second treatments. But overall, I enjoyed a friendly in Kuwait, will no doubt spend increasing therapist for a 60-minute caviar anti-age- welcome by name, seamless transitions, amounts of time in the spa. ● ing facial – kwd30 (us$106, €87, £69) for good and eff ective treatments and thorough To read the fi rst part of the Kuwait series, members, kwd35 (us$124, €102, £81) for non- follow-up in the shape of retail recommenda- which focuses on Six Senses Missoni, see Spa members. Identifying problem areas using a tions and suggestions for future treatments. Business, issue 1, 2012, p86.

esigned by architect John Edison and area can be men-only, women-only, mixed or SAHARA SPA D opened fi ve years ago, Sahara Spa is family, according to a strict schedule. located just outside Kuwait City on a Product houses are Docteur Renaud and golf course. Other facilities include a mixed Casmara Prestige – for treatments and retail – gym, outdoor pool and sports courts. There’s with Éminence also used for treatments only. a mix of memberships for golf and leisure use, The 60-minute Swedish massage is priced at all of which include discounts in the spa. KWD29 (US$103, ‰84, £67). The spa has separate male and female areas Sahara currently has over 830 members, of which each offer fi ve treatment rooms, plus which 80 per cent use the spa facilities; 60 per steam, sauna, changing and relaxation rooms. cent have treatments. The spa is also open to There are also hairdressing and crèche facilities, non-members, with a total of 510 visitors in an The large pool has a gender-based timetable and a women-only gym. A large indoor pool average month, and 554 treatments sold.

84 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Science, Experience, Senses.

Why Europe’s No.1 luxury skin care brand should be your No.1 spa partner?

The pioneer of professional beauty treatments, Clarins has, for more than 50 years, been famed for its plant-rich formulas and exclusive manual techniques. The ClarinsPRO range, specifi cally developed by Clarins laboratories to complement the expertise of our highly trained Beauty Therapists, is the guarantee of immediate, visible results. Discover the new Tri-Active Treatments for face and body, powered by next-generation ClarinsPRO formulas. They’re quite simply an unforgettable experience.

Contact: [email protected] Find all our partner hotels on www.clarins.com

AP SP BtoB RPO SPA BUISINESS 210x297 GB.indd 1 21/03/12 18:35 COMPANY PROFILE PROMOTION

C L E O P A T R A

by Fabio Alemanno fabio alemanno design

Italian design company Fabio Alemanno Design is earning a reputation for its high quality, innovative heated marble loungers suitable for many environments. With new plans for growth, Fabio Alemanno shares his vision

How did the safety for public or private use, in business begin? wet or dry areas including hammam, My father started a marble factory tepidarium, caldarium, treatments, in Italy 40 years ago which today relax areas, swimming pools and off ers interior and exterior design more. Th ey are available in three for spa, residential and commercial diff erent marbles stones and three buildings. Th e company is now in styles with a variety of colour com- the second generation with myself, binations on off er. my sister Lorena and my brother Sandro, involved in the family How does the lounger work? business. We also have a separate The effect of long wave infra- department to create our heated red is one of the most qualitative marble loungers and I am head of and the best preventative heat design and product development therapies available for many and my colleague Franz Kell heads Head of design and product development Fabio Alemanno disorders and illnesses. In nature, up projects and sales. We have our this particular kind of heat is pro- headquarters and factory in Italy and we have a clinical studies were showing that long wave duced by the sun and by stones, such as showroom and logistics team in Germany. infrared rays can improve our healing abil- marble, that once heated release the absorbed ity and immunity. Th ere was a lot of this energy as long wave infrared (or far infrared) What are your main products therapy but none that could be integrated rays. Our heated marble sculptures embody and how were they developed? into daily life. Th e loungers were born out this natural energy. Th e loungers have an Fabio Alemanno Design provides innova- of the wish to transform a therapeutic object integrated controllable electrical system that tive, high class heated marble loungers: the into a piece of furniture and move therapy warms the stone from underneath and as Cleopatra Hot Stone Chaise Longue and into lifestyle. Th e Cleopatra and Diva are heat radiates through the stone, the warmth the Diva Heated Marble Lounger. They unique works of art with the elegance and that emits is natural infrared warmth. Th e are suitable for therapeutical use and appeal of a marble sculpture and surpris- marble loungers are safe as the stone doesn't the preparation and completion of spa ing soft comfort that the natural warmth conduct electricity. Th e high penetrability treatments, as well as for relaxation, and provides. Th e Diva is lighter and off ers a of infrared rays causes heat reaction in the combine Italian design and German engi- less obtrusive design with a curving fi bre- body through a process called resonance neering. We developed the fi rst loungers glass frame in metallic lacquer. Both can absorption. Blood circulation is enhanced over a period of three years in discussion be tilted and are handcraft ed with an inner and metabolism increases, stimulating the with experts in infrared therapy. At that time metal construction, giving strength and delivery of oxygen and nutrients in the blood cells to muscles and soft tissue. Toxins are eliminated through increased perspiration and improved lymph circulation.

What are its benefi ts of the lounger? Its effects are relaxation, a sensation of freedom and reduction of stress, increase of concentration and greater creativity, energy recharge, increase of productiv- ity and increased blood circulation. It can provide relief to patients suff ering from arthritis, neck and backache and chronic Fabio Alemanno Design loungers can be customised to perfectly fi t the spa space fatigue syndrome, and assist in stress

86 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Relaxation, a sensation of freedom, greater concentration and creativity are some the benefi ts of the heated marble loungers

The heated marble sculptures we create heralds the beginning of a revolution in the world of heated loungers The natural warmth provides a soft and comfortable experience reduction, detoxifi cation, weight loss and private clients for use in living rooms, offi ces loungers designed related to the architec- skin purifi cation among other benefi ts. and private spas. ture of the project or to the budget. We have a new design studio using the skills What are your company’s What new services are and experience of two generations of unique selling points? you offering this year? marble workers to cater for public and The heated marble sculptures we create We have started a medical wellness project private spa projects that use marble as a heralds the beginning of a revolution in in Germany dealing which coordinates thermal element to warm an environment. the world of heated loungers. Each lounger medical referrals for therapeutic treatments is a piece of well designed art which is cut, for patients. Compared to infrared cabins What major spa projects will you by machine, out of one stone block and currently used for therapy, the loungers are be working on this year? hand fi nished so that the surface is made more eff ective because the warmth given off We will be installing our products in Las smooth, comfortable and high quality. can penetrate deeper into the body, stim- Brisas Nizuc, Mexico; The Grove, UK; What we create is exclusive, durable and ulating a lot of processes. We have begun Times Square, Vietnam and Andaz Wailea can be customised. collaborating with a selected group of spa Spa, Hawaii. We will also be introduc- and therapy centres to increase our pres- ing our loungers for hotel suites at the How many spas do you supply? ence with private customers. Olympia Relax Hotel, Austria; the Hilton At the moment there are 28 spas around the We have launched a service for custom- Munich Park Hotel, Germany and the Hotel world that have our loungers including ESPA ers off ering transportation, delivery and Haus Hammersbach, Germany. Life at Corinthia, London; Villa Floren- installation of our products. We use freight tine, France; Resort at Singer Island, US; companies and our technicians plan all oper- What are your plans for 2013? Zabeel Saray by Rixos, UAE; Öschberghof, ations, from the loading to the installation We will be developing our new distribution Germany and Langvik Congress Well- of the heated marble loungers wherever the concepts for Germany, Austria, Switzer- ness Hotel, Finland. Our products have customer has decided to use it. We then give land and the UK. We'll be presenting our been supplied to companies across Europe, all necessary information for use and give new project ideas at trade shows in the UK, Russia, Japan, Canada, Australia, aft er sales support. Germany, Milan and Russia, and we will be Singapore and more. We retail in 15 coun- Th is year we are off ering spas the chance setting up our new sales offi ces in the south tries and also provide our products to to personalise our loungers or have of Germany and London, UK. ●

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 87 PRODUCT FOCUS KATE CORNEY » PRODUCTS EDITOR » SPA BUSINESS

More essential equipment WATER EQUIPMENT PART TWO news for wet spa areas

Each bather can choose their own water temperature, lighting and additives

24 jets give a complete hydromassage NEW LAUNCH Other key features: The bath is delivered with a special frame for tiling on-site and can TOP PROJECT YIN YANG COUPLE TUB, TRAUTWEIN be cladded with ceramics or wood. It has CONSERVATORIUM HOTEL The tub: The shape of the tub is based an automatic fi lling system and, in addition, AMSTERDAM, 4SEASONSSPA on the Chinese symbol yin and yang with each tub has a hand shower and thermostat a central dividing edge. Each bather can that operate separately. The project: 4SeasonsSpa created four choose the temperature, bath additives and Company background: Trautwein products whirlpools of various sizes for the newly lighting effects in their side of the water. can be found across 82 countries and spas built spa at the fi ve-star Conservatorium What makes it stand out? Sound wave include those on AIDA cruise ships and hotel in Amsterdam. massage is integrated so guests can feel Caracalla Therme in Baden-Baden, Germany. The equipment: The whirlpool systems musical vibrations through their bodies. SPA-KIT.NET KEYWORD: TRAUTWEIN give a complete body hydromassage through 24 jets in each tub. What makes it stand out? Each bath SHOWCASE is designed in a contemporary style and fi nished in a dark marble to harmonise HYDROFLOTATION POOL, with the materials and colours used FINDERS INTERNATIONAL in the design concept by spa architect Piero Lissoni. Tiles run directly from the The pool: The Hydrofl otation Pool contains walls into the bathtub making it look as Dead Sea salt minerals in the water to if the bath was sculptured in marble and deeply nourish the skin and promote a integrated into the fl oor and wall. healthy, hydrated complexion. This year, Other key features: The whirlpools, Finders has also introduced halotherapy, which are located in the spa’s double breathable minerals, before the user enters treatment room and its three wellness the water for relief for respiratory and suites, can be fi lled and drained in just a allergenic conditions. few minutes. The approximate size of the What makes it stand out? During baths is 150cm by 160cm and they hold hydrofl otation, the force of gravity is a volume of around 1.2 litres. eliminated, allowing relaxation of joints and What else? 4SeasonsSpa also supplied muscles and enabling a better blood fl ow. the spa at the renovated Hotel Café Other key features: The pools are free Royal in London, designed by David standing and self-contained. The water in the Chipperfi eld, that is due to open soon pool is kept at a constant 35.5˚C. (see SB12/2 p24). Company background: Finders distributes its Company background: 4SeasonsSpa products globally and is planning to launch a has distributors located in Europe and range of quality salt inhalation equipment. also in the Middle East. SPA-KIT.NET KEYWORDS: Dead Sea minerals nourish the skin SPA-KIT.NET KEYWORD: 4SEASONSSPA FINDERS INTERNATIONAL

88 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 For more information, or to contact any of these companies, visit www.spa-kit.net

Various heat and water functions with colour therapy, make the bed truly multifunctional Specifi c body parts can be targetted

SHOWCASE JUST ARRIVED therapies can be performed on the bed AEMOTIO SPA, LEMI including detoxifi cation and body modelling AQUANEURO, BIOSYSCO treatments as well as scrubs and mud The cabin: The Aemotio Spa is a wraps. This makes it ideal for spas offering The system: The Aquaneuro is a new multifunction hydrotherapy experience bed more complex treatment programmes and hydrotherapy bath which uses ‘SigmaQ’ which combines various water and heat packages. A basic version of Aemotio Spa, technology developed by Roberto Ciaff, functions and which can accommodate a without the Vichy shower, is also available. founder of the Biosysco Corporation. It range of modern spa therapies. Company background: Lemi distributes to is designed for use in homes, spas and What makes it stand out? Its many features Europe, the USA, Russia and the Middle East medi-spas and was launched in the UK include a Vichy shower system, a steam and supplies leading spas including those at this year by distributor Aquavate. function, a water mattress which can also be the Valentino Resort, Italy and for the Deep What makes it stand out? SigmaQ heated and infrared and colour therapy lights. Nature Group, France. produces packets of energy delivered Other key features: Many different spa SPA-KIT.NET KEYWORD: LEMI via sound waves. This energy stimulates motor neurons, causing the muscles to contract and enabling greater circulation to the muscles and tissues. JUST ARRIVED Other key features: The Aquaneuro Plus TROPICAL FEATURE SHOWER, ANAPOS has an upper and lower body control option, enabling users to target specifi c The shower: With warm tropical, thunder areas of concern for recovery. and cool mist settings, Anapos by Steam- Company background: Biosysco is a Works Ltd aims to create an exciting water US-based technology company focused experience for the guest. The shower on improving health and wellbeing. sequence is operated by button control. SPA-KIT.NET KEYWORD: BIOSYSCO What makes it stand out? The shower delivers fragrance for an enhanced experience – think cool mist with peppermint scent. Lighting effects are also available. BXV\P`
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SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 89 PRODUCT FOCUS: WATER EQUIPMENT PART TWO

Designs can mix rectangular and round forms

SHOWCASE ERGO+ BATH TUB, HOESCH

The tub: The Ergo+ whirlpool tub range aims to create a deep, relaxed bathing experience for one or two people through ergonomic design, form and optional features. What makes it stand out? Rectangular surfaces and The whirlpool launched in March and is designed for smaller spaces round forms mixed together are key design features, with oval, rectangular, square and corner versions. Each tub JUST ARRIVED can be equipped with LED lighting features and up to 22 comes with a choice of panels and whirlpool jets and 29 air jets. SPA LOUNGE CONCEPT headrests. Its contemporary, straight- Other key features: All models, available in white, II, PORTCRIL lined design comes in a range of silver or black, come with an operating panel and different colours. electronically-operated drainage. A neck cushion and The lounge: Launched in March, What’s next? Portcril has also armrests made from soft, gel material are available. this spa whirlpool is an adaptation recently launched another Spa Company background: Hoesch supplies Banyan Tree of the fi rst Lounge Concept but Lounge Concept with similar design Spas and Ananda in the Himalayas, India, among it is designed for small spaces. It but with larger dimensions and space others. It is planning to extend its steam cabin and spa provides a hydrotherapy massage for up to six bathers. equipment range in the future. experience for two. Company background: Portcril’s SPA-KIT.NET KEYWORD: HOESCH What makes it stand out? The products are distributed to more Spa Lounge Concept II can be than 15 European countries. customised to fi t available space and SPA-KIT.NET KEYWORD: PORTCRIL

SHOWCASE SOFT-PACK SYSTEM, HASLAUER

The system: The Haslauer Soft-Pack System I Day Spa offers guests a dry fl oating experience on warm water, The shower has a simple, precise style aiming to relax the muscles and skeletal system. SHOWCASE The guest is placed on PLANO SHOWER CABIN, CESANA the bed and wrapped in thin foil, which folds around the The shower: The Plano is a shower cabin with a soft body under the pressure of Haslauer will offer training for treatments image, precise lines and few details. Its steel shower tray the warm water. Although is set into the fl oor and the glass is fi xed to the tray and the body doesn’t come into supported by a steel bar at the top. The shower tray is contact with the water, it ‘fl oats’ on What’s next? Haslauer will be also available in aluminium, teak or pral – a mix of natural the surface of the system. running training courses for minerals and acrylic components – and a variety of sizes. What makes it stand out? The bed therapists in wellness treatments. What makes it stand out? Its contemporary style. can be used with many different Company background: Haslauer Also available: The shower tray also comes in dulver – skincare products and treatments. distributes internationally. Spas it an eco-friendly yet durable material – enabling the whole Other key features: ‘Sense’ cladding supplies include the Four Seasons, unit to be assembled above fl oor level. in high grade materials is available Hawaii, US; Hotel Splendid, Company background: Plano distributes across Europe, in different colours, and additional Montenegro and the Elemis day spa, North America and the Middle East. equipment includes a water refi lling London, UK. SPA-KIT.NET KEYWORD: CESANA device and soft music. SPA-KIT.NET KEYWORD: HASLAUER

90 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

ESPA makes its Singapore debut at Resorts World Sentosa

Delicate paper lighting at Ritz-Carlton Okinawa (top); an opulent marble hammam at D-Hotel Maris, Turkey ESPA, THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Combining the creation of pioneering, natural products with the design of prestigious spas, ESPA has a formidable offering. Its latest product launches and project openings are revealed here

arking the company’s A two-storey building adjacent to the Elsewhere are seven spa rooms, a pri- launch into the Singapore hotel, the spa – which provides a choice of vate spa suite and heat experiences which market, ESPA at Resorts traditional Chinese, Indian, Balinese and include a vitality pool, indoor pool, sauna World Sentosa opened in European treatments – is situated in the and a steamroom. Th ere’s a contemporary July and forms the compa- premises of the Kise Country Club over- sun terrace with spectacular views. M ny’s fl agship Asian operation. looking the East China Sea. Signature treatments include the Sea Salt Designed in conjunction with Michael Facilities include four treatment rooms; & Oil Scrub with Agean Sea Shell Massage, Graves & Associates, the 10,000sq m spa four dry treatment rooms; outdoor cabanas Purva Karma Four Handed Massage and will provide 24 multi-functional treatment for shiatsu or Th ai massage; a nail studio; Active Hydration Facial. rooms; private treatment villas; two couples’ relaxation room; indoor pool; Jacuzzis; dry July will also see the Smooth & Firm Body suites and two beach villas. and stone saunas and a gym. Butter added to ESPA’s product portfolio. Features include the island state’s fi rst A VIP wing houses the Ocean and Forest Ideal for all skin types, it’s an intensely hammam; separate male and female gardens suites, each with its own change and vanity hydrating body cream incorporating argan with their own vitality pools, air and water areas and relaxation lounge, a steam shower oil and the extracts of both larch and pump- massage jets and icy plunge pools; unisex overlooking the forest and a stone soaking kin seed in a combination designed to lift , onsen-style pools; a gym; Zen studio; nail bath overlooking the private outdoor deck. tone and soft en the skin, leaving it smooth, studio; and the Tangerine Spa Cafe. Meanwhile in April, southwestern Tur- fi rm and tactile. Th ere is a selection of treatments, includ- key’s Datca Peninsula became home to the Also new is Nourishing Shower Cream, ing four Hammam Rituals – Revitalising, ESPA at D-Hotel Maris, the peninsula being created to cleanse, condition and lock in Soft ening, Indulgence and Ultimate – and a nature reserve said to off er natural healing moisture. Fragranced with rose, patchouli two Signature Treatments – ESPA Time and properties dating back many centuries. and mandarin essential oils, it gently the Energy Balancing Body Treatment. Both hotel and spa have been designed to cleanses the skin without drying, while sweet ESPA celebrated another fi rst earlier in combine the exotic elements of the east with almond oil and shea butter off er a smooth, 2012 with the launch in May of Th e Ritz- the modernity of the west, with a key fea- supple fi nish for even dry, dehydrated and Carlton Spa by ESPA, part of the opening of ture of the spa being a world-class hammam mature skin. Th e Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa, the hotel opera- off ering private individual scrub rooms and Once again, ESPA has surpassed all expec- tor’s fi rst Japanese resort. relaxation area. tations with these latest launches. ●

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 91 PRODUCT NEWS KATE CORNEY » PRODUCTS EDITOR » SPA BUSINESS

For more information, or to contact any of these companies, visit www.spa-kit.net

Gharieni’s warm sand couch Natural eye cleanser by ESPA Aroma candle by Ligne St Barth Warm sand fl owing around the body Bio-Active Eye Cleanser by British skin- Th e new Cocoloba candle by Ligne St for quick and intensive relaxation is the care brand ESPA is designed to gently yet Barth gives the nutty, fruity aroma of idea behind Gharieni’s new MLX Quartz thoroughly remove eye make-up (includ- the cocoloba plant found mostly in the wellness couch. Th e couch is fi lled with ing waterproof mascara) and leave the Caribbean. Th e candle is made from alpha-quartz sand which is warmed to the eyes feeling clean, fresh and hydrated. a high-grade wax mixture of palm oil desired temperature through a variable It is suitable for all skin types, including (stearin), soy and beeswax and contains heating system. Th e MLX Quartz can be mature and sensitive skins, and contains no paraffi n or animal extracts. Ligne St height adjusted and has space and drawers more than 99 per cent natural ingredi- Barth scented candles burn for around 30 for storage. Upholstery is also available to ents, with no silicone. Ingredients include hours. Other fragrances include vanilla, adapt the couch for massage treatments. hyaluronic acid and coconut oil. mandarin orange and sandalwood. spa-kit.net keyword gharieni spa-kit.net keyword espa spa-kit.net keywords ligne st barth

Naturally soothing skin care My Spa Heaven by Schletterer A new spa read by Stolle Th e new Soothing Collection by Th e My Spa Heaven cabin for two by Invi- Suitable for receptions and relaxation Aromatherapy Associates contains six ion, a subsidiary of Schletterer, off ers a areas, Getting Great Spa: On the Road to products to soothe and calm the skin range of experiences. Th e cabin equip- Wellness is a new 268-page book defi ning using pure plant extracts, essential oils, ment includes a hand shower and Kneipp spa. Written by Kathryn Stolle, owner of prebiotics and natural botanicals. Prod- hose, lateral water jets, and a tropical and consultancy Total Spa Concepts, it covers ucts include Cleansing Balm with omega rainstorm shower. Enhancements include visiting day and stay spas, how to choose oils, Skin Tonic with arnica, Instant Skin aromatherapy and light therapy systems. the right destination and getting the most Soothing Serum, Face Oil, Daily Repair Functions include a choice of tepidarium, out of your spa time. Chapters also cover Moisturiser with saffl ower ceramides and caldarium steambath (also for serail treat- massage; hair and nutrition; medical spas Soothing Treatment Mask. ments), infrared or laconium. and how the spa industry began. spa-kit.net keywords aromatherapy associates spa-kit.net keyword schletterer spa-kit.net keyword stolle

92 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 WE REVEAL THE LATEST SPA EQUIPMENT, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

For more information, or to contact any of these companies, visit www.spa-kit.net

Babor kit for all skin needs Rosacea Relief Pack by Pevonia Fat combatting patch and gel Th e Doctor Babor Derma Cellular Ulti- Th e Rosacea Relief Pack is part of Italian skincare brand Comfort Zone is mate Derma Optimizer has been created Pevonia’s rosacea awareness campaign. It introducing the Body Strategist+ Abdo- as an all-in-one beauty kit. It contains a includes a Gentle Cleanser wash, men Patch and the Body Strategist+ 50ml Ultimate Derma Optimizer Serum Gentle Lotion, Care Cream, Eye Cream Abdomen cream gel. Th e patch has been and four 10ml boosters. Th e boosters can and Hydrating SunScreen SPF30. created to combat fat in the abdomen be applied depending on the individual Packaged in a white cosmetics bag, the using hydrogel technology and self-heating skin needs of the user. Th e serums include Rosacea Relief Pack can be used at home action. Th e gel is applied to the skin once a Hydro Booster for moisture, a Cell Pro- or taken on holiday to help suff erers the patch has been removed and every day tect detoxifying serum, an Anti-stress restore self-confi dence and assume control aft erwards. Th e products come in a kit of Booster and an Anti-Wrinkle Booster. of their condition wherever they are. six patch packs and a 100ml cream gel. spa-kit.net keyword babor spa-kit.net keyword pevonia spa-kit.net keywords comfort zone

New Kensington bed by LEC Keraskin serum blending Phytomer White Lumination Th e new Pro Salon Kensington bed by Th e Keraskin skin analysis machine and Th e White Lumination skincare range by Living Earth Craft s (LEC) boasts 15cm of serum blending is designed to be matched Phytomer targets dull complexions and special memory foam cushioning. It also to the skin needs of the individual. Based dark spots using dictyopteris algae extract, includes a low height cabinet so that on skin tests, a prescription is given for sea lily extract, and vitamin C. Th e range therapists can work within a 25-34 inch the use of the six serums. Th ese include of fi ve products includes a Radiance height range. Th e Kensington has an Anti-Wrinkle Repairing; the re-energising Cleansing Oil; a Radiance Smoothing embedded table warmer cover and Serum 4C; Retro-Acniste for blemished Lotion; a Spot Correction Brighten- operates on quiet hydraulic actuators, with skin; Sensidote sensitive skin serum; ing Serum; and a Complexion Recovery hand and foot controls. It comes hot towel Immuniste for skin protection and skin Moisturizing Cream SPF 15, as well as a cabi ready and has nine cabinet options. brightening serum Blanc Morphose. Remineralizing Lightening Mask. spa-kit.net keywords living earth crafts spa-kit.net keyword keraskin spa-kit.net keyword phytomer

SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital 93 PRODUCT NEWS KATE CORNEY » PRODUCTS EDITOR » SPA BUSINESS PURE TROPICAL

Asian spa company Biossentials is looking to spice up international markets with its natural and create-it-fresh product line

ropical, fresh and pure is what Biossentials off ers. Rooting itself fi rmly in the natural, this Kuala Lumpur-based company creates its professional range of plant- Tbased products freshly to order for each spa – using botanical and organic ingredients. Biossentials’ has around 150 products across its retail and spa ranges. Its core professional spa collection includes essen- tial oils and blends, pre-blended massage oils and cold pressed carrier oils as well as face, hair and body products. In Asia, many traditional spas freshly make body products onsite. Th is inspired Biossentials to develop products suitable for worldwide distribution, that can be mixed Biossentials’ Tropcial Spa collection brings a taste of the naturally exotic to spa treatments together by a therapist to create a person- alised product for their client’s treatment. Spas don’t have to place a large minimum- opening stock order but instead order the base products they need – the base for the Balinese Boreh natural spice body treatment, in foot, body and bath treatments. Th is is for example is a mix of nutmeg, cloves and not always possible with ready made prod- ground rice – which come in 1kg foil bags. ucts. And with an organised spa pantry set Th e spa then measures out 50g per body up onsite and staff training it is really not dif- treatment and blends other items, such as fi cult to create fresh and natural options.” hydrating carrier oils for each client. According to Biossentials co-founder ASIAN INSPIRATION Joanne Bruce, the cost per treatment with American-born Bruce and her business freshly-made products can be 30 per cent partner Lynn Lim, from Singapore are both less than with fi xed-price ready-made prod- naturopaths. Th ey began the Biossentials busi- Th e scented salt scrub base can be used in ucts which other brands off er, because the ness out of their health food shop and natural various body treatments and baths spa decides what to add to the base. Bruce therapy centre in 1999. Early on they decided adds: “Customised products such as ours to create a tropical spa range and use tradi- a growing reputation on the international off er a lot of versatility to the spa – for exam- tional, local ingredients. Th e coff ee, cocoa spa scene. It currently supplies spas in the ple, our scented salt scrub base can be used beans and tongkat ali herb used in the mococa Maldives, Beirut, Qatar, Dubai, Bulgaria and body wrap come from Borneo. Other ingredi- Hong Kong and has plans to expand further ents, including hibiscus and kaffi r lime, come in Europe and the Middle East. from across Malaysia and many traditional In addition, Biossentials recently launched herbs used are sourced in Indonesia. its fi rst boutique spa called Chantara (mean- Th e decision to remain in Kuala Lumpur ing moonwater in Th ai) in Doha, Qatar. And to begin with was easy. “We have gorgeous other Middle Eastern and Asian Chantara spas in Malaysia which off er truly memora- projects are in the pipeline. ● ble experiences with the added benefi t of the Asian warmth and hospitality that is so spe- web: www.biosessntials.com cial in this part of the world,” says Bruce. email: [email protected] Today, Biossentials supplies 300 spas, tel: +603 2300 2909 hotels and salons in Malaysia, including Four skype: Biossentials Biossentials off ers a core professional range Seasons and the new Grand Hyatt Spa, Kuala including pre-blended massage oils Lumpur. However, the company, also has SPA-KIT.NET KEYWORD: BIOSSENTIALS

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Nurses and GPs should prescribe massages more, the study says TOUCH POINT

esearch released last Novem- WHAT’S NEXT? ber is another step towards Researchers at RMIT, Tricia Hughes, chief executive of AAMT, the scientifi c proof of just how says: “Th ere’s a growing body of research powerful massage can be in Australia, highlight supporting massage therapy as being an treating a myriad of ailments the many benefi ts of evidence-based therapeutic modality. We R safely and eff ectively. In fact, it suggested certainly hope this report leads the way that health professionals, such as GPs and massage in a new study for future research in the fi eld of massage nurses, should be more active in including therapy. Th is groundwork provides reme- massages as part of treatment plans for ill- on 740 existing papers dial massage therapists, complementary nesses ranging from back pains to stress and and alternative medicine practitioners and chronic conditions. the broader allied health community with a “Sadly, the majority of people in western atic reviews, randomised controlled trials, basis to pursue evidence-based practice.” populations, including doctors, have never comparative studies, case-series/studies and Th e promising benefi ts of massage therapy experienced a professional massage,” says cross-sectional studies. for infants and people with specifi c health Professor Marc Cohen, from Australia’s A number of massage disciplines were conditions were highlighted as two areas to RMIT University (see sb08/4 p44). “Th is covered including acupressure, Bowen ther- further explore. It was also suggested that presents an opportunity for spas to expand apy, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release more research is required to determine the into vast new markets. Doctors need to (see sb07/2 p78), refl exology, rolfi ng, Swed- benefi ts of massage in people with depression become more educated about spa services ish massage, sports massage, infant massage, and post-natal depression, labour pain, fi bro- and spas need to change their image from tui na and trigger point therapies. myalgia, premenstrual syndrome, urinary being providers of pampering and luxury to Th e review found that there was moderate symptoms in multiple sclerosis, myofascial providers of an eff ective and essential ther- to strong evidence (grade a and b) to support pain and osteoarthritis in the knee. apeutic service.” massage therapy in six out of 28 conditions. Cohen adds: “There’s also a need to It was found to be most eff ective in treating explore the economic benefi ts – reduced MULTIPLE BENEFITS nausea and vomiting, anxiety, chronic dis- healthcare costs and increased industrial Th e study, which was commissioned by the ease management – especially lower back productivity – of providing massage serv- Australian Association of Massage Th erapy pain – delayed onset muscle soreness and ices to people experiencing signifi cant stress (AAMT) and conducted by RMIT University, pulmonary function. and other chronic conditions.” ● is a review of 740 existing academic research Lead researcher, Dr Kenny Ng says it was papers focused on the therapeutic benefi ts of also particularly helpful in relieving stress *Dr Ng, K & Professor Cohen, M. Th e Eff ec- massage. Th e mix of Australian and interna- and aiding relaxation, as well as supporting tiveness of Massage Th erapy: A Summary tional papers, which were published between “the wellbeing of patients with chronic and of Evidence-Based Research. RMIT Univer- 1978 and 2008, included a variety of system- terminal diseases such as cancer”. sity, Australia, November 2011

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