KNOWING ONESELF Managers who have shepherded their spas through major renovations in recent years have spoken to the importance of keeping changes aligned with their spa ’ s personality and the historic ambiance of the property .
Michael Maruca , general manager at Omni Tucson National Resort , said the Mokara Salon and Spa underwent a total reimagination and renovation , transforming it into a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center . In the process , the resort ’ s leaders committed to preserving its personality and history .
Reimagining a 9,000-square-foot spa with a new fitness center , Maruca said they took the spa down to its studs . They added saunas , steam rooms , a Vichy shower and relaxation rooms for both women and couples .
“ Our designers on this project were based out of the corporate office and they did an amazing job of keeping the history and preserving some of the elements of the hotel ,” Maruca said .“ They kept the feel but transformed the space . When you really look at our new spa and salon , it was designed organically as part of the whole resort ’ s renovation . There are a lot of tans and soft-feeling stones . It was important to carry in that organic feel .
At Chateau Elan , the spa needed to harmonize with the 16th century French winery vibe of the resort . The recent renovation refreshed part of the spa and refurbished its spa suites , overnight rooms in the spa building that is separate from the rest of the hotel . Much of the renovation focused on modernizing public areas and giving them a lighter , more open look .
“ We kept those European and French elements and the outside isn ’ t changing ,” said Abbie Brenner , the spa ’ s assistant director .“ We kept the bones and added elements of French skin care .”
Terra Orndorff , the spa manager , noted they incorporated more of the property ’ s winery elements into the spa ’ s menu .
The Umstead Spa is a place to relax and reset .
Once a spa has reopened after a major renovation , there are often changes to protocol , new equipment to learn and new approaches to guest service . This very often requires that all staff undergo additional training to take fullest advantage of the changes to the spa .
She described how one of their vendors who is from Burgandy told Orndorff she felt like she was back in France when she walked through the spa doors .
“ With the building itself , the historical factor is there , and even more so in the actual story of what it is — a European , French-based winery ,” Orndorff said . “ In the menu , everything has to be intentional . It has to have a story . There has to be a purpose to it .”
Carolyn Doe , the spa manager at the Umstead Spa in North Carolina , was committed to a renovation that modernized the 16,000-square-foot spa while maintaining its unique personality and the themes of art , nature and wellness .
“ I was very proud and am still very proud of our spa ,” Doe said . “ It is as beautiful as it was before , but it had been showing some signs of age and it was time for a facelift . We updated all the soft goods and changed the design in our wet area to include some amenities we thought our guests would appreciate .”
Doe stressed that the owners of Umstead have stayed committed to the property ’ s themes in how they decorate both inside and out . Windows open onto views of the outdoor greenery and high-quality art is found throughout the hotel and spa . Art is selected to harmonize with the property design while being tied to nature .
CARING FOR THE CAREGIVERS Orndorff identified one of the most important things she ’ s learned through the years as a spa manager is to listen deeply to team members and to always get their input , something that holds true with renovations as at any other time .
“ Get feedback from your team , the people who are in the trenches , and ask , What do you feel would work here ? What are our guests saying ?” Orndorff advised . “ Most of my therapists , especially my estheticians , have been here 20-plus years . We need to really involve them in the conversation and take their feedback to heart .”
When a spa closes for renovations , the staff can be adversely affected . Spa professionals emphasized the importance of treating staff fairly and taking care of them during the down time .
APRIL / MAY 2024 n PULSE 47