DAYSPA is the magazine of spa management. Spa owners and spa managers turn to DAYSPA for spa management trends, spa management tips and more.
Issue link: https://dayspamagazine.epubxp.com/i/283361
30 DAYSPA | APRIL 2014 SOME LIKE IT HOT WELL's standard spa treatments include a full lineup of massage and signature specialties. I'm tempted by the Himalayan Massage, a re-energizer employ- ing salt powder-infused oil and detoxifying aroma- therapy; and Nature's Embrace, which features a dry-brush exfoliation followed by a nourishing wrap of hydrating mud, plus a scalp massage. But when my therapist, Rachel, comes to fetch me in the re- laxation lounge—a tasteful, candlelit space sparsely appointed in deep mahogany, with black-and-white accents—I'm escorted into a dimly lit treatment room to experience the Lava Shell Massage, a twist on the classic hot-stone service. I'm thrilled by the heated treatment bed, which Rachel adjusts to my cold-blooded liking. She invites me to select from a wide range of aromatherapy oils for my experience, and I choose an invigorating blend of juniper and black pine. Diverging from protocol isn't a problem at WELL Spa; in fact, director Mor- ris encourages it. "We seek outgoing therapists with hospitality in their DNA," he explains. "They should like to exceed expectations and to customize. The spa should represent more than just their paycheck." Truly, from front-desk staff to fi tness class leaders, just about everyone I encounter is so primed to chat about wellness technology and trends that subdued "spa voices" are practically foreign here. And Ra- chel, eager to explain how the beautiful, recycled tiger clam shells used in my treatment are infused with heat and oil, is no exception. Soon I fi nd myself deeply appreciative of the shells' alternative function: they peak at steaming, rather than scalding, temperatures, and seem to sustain their heat, which translates to less "hot potato" stone-switching for the therapist. By the time Rachel asks me to fl ip over, I'm half-wondering if I've melted into the treatment table. Devising treatments and rolling out quar- terly specials is a collaborative effort between Morris and his lead massage therapist, lead esthetician and salon manager, all of whom regularly consult with their respective teams, and then meet for biweekly brainstorming sessions. This synergy carries into resort rela- tions too. "We frequently host resort employ- ees so they can familiarize themselves with the spa's offerings," Morris reports. "This works out great because other departments end up bringing our therapists into corporate events to perform chair massages. Plus, the marketing depart- ment sends about three or four brides to consult with me each day." WISHING WELL After my treatment, Rachel takes me on a tour of her favorite spots in the facility. We start in the wet treat- ment areas, which contain massive Swiss showers, and move on to the bamboo-lined pool. We also pass a packed fi tness studio where several women are tak- ing Body Flow, a signature blend of tai chi, yoga and Pilates, led by the facility's group fi tness and special events coordinator, Sindy Leibbrand. I soon learn that Leibbrand is also known as one of WELL Spa's two "Wellness Warriors"—the other is nutritionist Laura Timmers. All told, the women hold more than 40 specialty fi tness and wellness certifi ca- tions. In early 2013, they pooled their expertise to devise WELL Spa's newest offering, a three-day, all- inclusive wellness retreat ($1,200-$2,000). The pro- gram is held bimonthly (and additionally by special arrangement) and serves six to eight participants at a time. It revolves around three pillars: move well, eat well and be well. Of course, program participants have varying ideas about how to fulfi ll those objectives, so retreat-plan- ning involves plenty of consultation over the phone. "If you think you need an intensive three days of 'Shred' classes and rock-climbing and eating macrobiotic, SPA HOPPING The spa's wellness retreats feature healthful fare and an extra helping of nutritional guidance. S p a H o p p i n g 4 1 4 . i n d d 3 0 Spa Hopping 414.indd 30 3 / 7 / 1 4 9 : 4 5 A M 3/7/14 9:45 AM