Dayspa

JAN 2013

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/99723

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 31 of 119

SPA HOPPING BERMUDA SPA SCENE Bermuda has a history as an enchanting tourist magnet (the majority being U.S. visitors), but in recent years the country has emerged a highly developed international business economy, thanks to its world-renowned status as a tax haven. Socioeconomically, Bermuda's 70,000 highly educated residents have enjoyed an affluent economy and standard of living that embraces resort spa culture. Five-star hotel chains such as The Fairmont, Mandarin Oriental and Rosewood have established highly successful spa businesses on the island. Rosewood's Tucker's Point, a Green Globe-certified resort, recently renovated its 12,000-square-foot spa and rebranded it a Sense Spa. The spa's sustainability standards are evidenced throughout, especially in its treatments incorporating indigenous natural elements. Among these is the Bermuda Triangle (120 min./$300), which includes Tropical Rain Splash Therapy in the spa's Silver TAG shower, a full-body aloe massage and a citrus facial. Fairmont and the people I get to work with are truly aligned in the same way. It's a pleasure." Schmidt's day-to-day challenges include interacting with a multinational staff of 67, including Scottish, English, Irish, South African, Nepalese, American, Canadian and Mexican employees, along with 24 Bermudian natives. Fortunately, the warm and engaging Schmidt exudes a calm yet professional demeanor, and employs a collaborative and inclusive management style that serves him well as a team builder. He encounters much stronger headwinds when trying to advance his business vision and agenda against overriding realities like the state of the Bermudian economy; and the issues around importing products, equipment and repair parts; and the seasonal shifts in tourism that affect spa business. On top of it all, this adventurous 30 DAYSPA | JANUARY 2013 spa director is still trying to digest the Fairmont and the Willow Stream philosophies and business models to make sure his plans and methods are in sync. Stressful? Of course. But life-changing adventures aren't for the faint of heart. Schmidt has befriended challenge, and doesn't balk at the ones before him. Instead, he forges on with a wink, a smile and a few well-placed self-mandates along the way: • Remain open minded and professional at all times. • Never burn bridges. • Be honest. • Don't get discouraged. • Do what it takes to get the job done. L. Brooks Baldwin is a global spa journalist and the president of SpaSafe Solutions in Seattle.

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Dayspa - JAN 2013