From Jeanne Smietanski spa manager, Qasr Al Sharq, The Waldorf-Astoria Collection, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
What can we expect to see at The Spa by Clarins?
It provides female guests with a fusion of traditional French expertise combined with the charm of Asian hospitality. The spa has five treatment rooms offering full range of the unrivalled Clarins touch treatments. Facilities include the aquamedic massage pool, whirlpool, steam and sauna and a fully equipped gym.
Why was it decided to expand to include female guests?
In keeping with local customs, the Spa by Clarins has created a haven where women can experience a sanctuary offering complete privacy and seclusion. Hilton Hiltonia has a spa catering only to men. There existed a gap in the market for a spa which provided women an escape from the stresses of their daily lives.
What percentage of revenue is driven by the spa?
The spa is expected to contribute a minimum of 10 per cent of hotel revenue for its first year of operation.
What are your source markets?
The target audience are the elite ladies of Jeddah who are in search of a facility that offers ultimate privacy in a most luxurious setting. The spa has launched to a very positive response from both our local clientele and hotel guests.
What can we expect to see in the years ahead?
Spa holidays are very much coming of age in the region. More and more consumers are making wellness a priority, with the spa industry quickly becoming a part of mainstream culture. Currently there is not a great distinction between spa offerings, however in the next few years we will see the industry hone towards a specialised, niche product offering, focusing on spa purpose i.e. for example detox, ageing, ultra luxury to name a few. We are also seeing the luxury end of the market becoming even more luxurious for example, gold facial treatments, and cream made with diamonds are becoming quite the rage. Luxurious innovations offer great appeal to Middle Eastern clientele.