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Issue link: https://dayspamagazine.epubxp.com/i/99723
SPA HOPPING BERMUDA BASICS • Bermuda is a North Atlantic Ocean-based territory consisting of 181 islands, but the main island, its largest, is also referred to as Bermuda. • The population of Bermuda is approximately 70,000. • There are several thousand expatriates working in Bermuda. • Bermuda's subtropical weather stipulates mild temperatures but susceptibility to strong winds, heavy rain and hurricanes. • Bermuda's currency is the Bermudian dollar, used interchangeably in the islands with the U.S. dollar. • Financial services and tourism are Bermuda's two main economic forces. • The main language used in Bermuda is English, followed by Portuguese. end of the year. This time, Schmidt didn't hesitate to express his interest and, after a series of interviews with corporate and property leaders, received his highly anticipated offer letter in early December 2011. But there were more hurdles to clear. "Accepting the terms of the offer began the immigration process, which involved gathering a litany of documentation for both myself and my wife declaring the states of our health, criminal status, moral fortitude, professional history, training, education, citizen- Bermuda's culture might best be described as that of British formality blended with a laid-back, "island time"sensibility. ship status, marital commitment and more," Schmidt recounts. "The process entailed the investment of hundreds and hundreds of dollars in fees, postage, phone bills and notary services, and countless hours per week." After nearly three grueling months, Schmidt finally did receive a three-year permit to work as director of the Bermuda spa. SETTING ANCHOR In March of this year, Schmidt took up residence in a 28 DAYSPA | JANUARY 2013 fancy resort on the semitropical island of Bermuda. His commute spans all of two hallways and an elevator ride down to his spa-level office. His work attire? A suit coat, tie, dark knee highs, and… Bermuda shorts, of course. Schmidt reports that his new life as spa director of the 31,000-square-foot Willow Stream spa—the largest by far on this remote and tiny archipelago—has been exhilarating, alternating between moments of bliss and challenge. Bermuda's culture might best be described as that of British formality blended with a laid-back, "island time" sensibility. The population has a keen awareness of its dependence on foreign tourism and products, as well as a generous supply of national pride and unity. Schmidt is enchanted by the country's colorful spirit, the captivating beauty of his surrounds and the sheer novelty of his new life. "I feel honored to be invited by another culture to live and work as a contributing member of their society," he says. Schmidt's love for his new home is equaled by his passion for his work, the Fairmont brand and the Willow Stream spa concept. Despite his initial concerns about the potential for corporate inertia, Schmidt feels individually encouraged to contribute his creativity to the success of the spa and the betterment of the Fairmont brand. "It's a dream, honestly, and a pleasure to work for a hotel brand that values and invests in service-oriented behavior," Schmidt says. "I feel I was born to work for