Omni reimagines Mokara Salon and Spa in extensive renovation

MOKARA SALON AND SPA

Omni Tucson National Resort Tucson , Arizona 9,000 Square Feet Renovation completed : December 2022

THE MOKARA SALON AND SPA underwent more than just a renovation in 2022 . The facility at Omni ’ s flagship property , the Omni Tucson National Resort , received a down-to-the-studs rebuild .

At one point , they considered moving the spa to a different area of the property . The rebuild was part of a multi-million-dollar reimagination of the resort . Everything from guestrooms to the haciendas to the casino to the lobby to the fitness center was given a new look .

And while Michael Maruca , general manager for the hotel , stresses the spa is a resort spa and not a healing one , Mokara has become a “ respite for renewal .”

The spa closed its doors in early May 2022 , and did not open again until December 2022 .

The spa redid its 12 treatment rooms , including adding a Vichy shower , and built steam and sauna rooms in the men ’ s and women ’ s locker rooms along with a women ’ s relaxation area and a couples ’ relaxation area .

Most of the design took place out of the corporate office , places where they selected the millwork — which Maruca advises has the longest lead time — flooring and lighting . They used fans , soft-feeling stones and elements that contribute to an organic design .

“ They did an amazing job of keeping the history and preserving some of the elements of the hotel and its history . It still has that feel of a hacienda , but you ’ re transformed .”

— MICHAEL MARUCA , GENERAL MANAGER , OMNI TUCSON NATIONAL RESORT

“ They did an amazing job of keeping the history and preserving some of the elements of the hotel and its history ,” Maruca said . “ It still has that feel of a hacienda , but you ’ re transformed .”

Upon closing , the Omni Tucson offered spa associates places to work elsewhere in the hotel — the spa manager spent months helping out as a manager on duty — though many went to work for other spas . When Mokara reopened , they sought to bring back all the staff , plus they hired 75 associates . The Omni corporate director of spa spent time with everyone , training them with the program “ Power of Engagement .”

It was one of many steps that have re-earned their Four Diamond Award .

“ Mokara Salon and Spa and the golf course are the Disney for the Omni ,” Maruca said . “ They are what most of our resort travelers are anticipating when they ’ re arriving at the resort . I couldn ’ t say more about our spa staff . Our associates are what make the difference down there . I ’ m really proud of the team .”

50 PULSE n APRIL / MAY 2024