MARRIOTT International unveiled its newest spa concept with the opening of the first Saray Spa at the Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites. The company currently manages 170 spas globally and will increase its spa portfolio by 90 locations by 2013, of which 14 will be added in the Middle East and Africa region.
The next Saray Spa will open at the JW Marriott Hotel Tripoli in Libya, followed by the Renaissance Doha City Centre Hotel in Qatar and JW Marriott Marquis Dubai.
The Saray Spa features Arabic design elements and offers traditional Middle Eastern treatments and products which combined provide guests with an authentic and holistic experience.
From the smell of orange and frankincense to the hot herbal tea and ornate brass lanterns, walking into Saray Spa transports the guest back to the caravanserai of the Silk Road, which were roadside inns where weary travellers once rested and relaxed during their journeys.
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“We are very excited to introduce Saray to Marriott’s growing spa portfolio,” said Sharilyn Abbajay, vice president of spa for Marriott International. “Our hotels worldwide now have an option of incorporating a spa that is culturally relevant and unique into their guests’ visit. The heart of Saray features the traditional hamam, which for centuries have been used in the region as gathering places to cleanse and nurture.
“We’ve seen that guests are taking the proactive approach rather than the reactive, when it comes to looking after themselves. This has resulted in various spa trends; today treatment programmes have become a necessity while spas have become the centre for socialisation with people indulging in weekend spa breaks with family and friends.
“At Saray Spas, we allow our guests to disconnect from the outside world while indulging in our treatments. Everything is custom blended to the specification of our guests, while ensuring they experience the best of the Middle East.”
All products and ingredients used at Saray are true to their Middle Eastern roots, consisting of components that can only be found in the region. The Dead Sea, is a major feature in Saray treatments. The rich minerals and mud from the Dead Sea have been harvested throughout centuries. Saray Spa combines this natural marvel with additional essences that contain beneficial properties such as honey, pomegranate or yoghurt to stimulate, beautify and revitalise.
Treatments at Saray are crafted not only to provide relaxation to the body, but also to present a relief to the mind, incorporating sensual and aromatic elements such as olive oil, sandalwood and mint. Treatments such as the traditional hamam bathing rituals, Silk Road massage and Arabic coffee awakener, pay homage to the best of Arabic healing rituals.
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“In today’s fast paced and interconnected society that constantly overloads us with information and activities, you sometimes need to unplug and take a minute to reconnect with yourself,” said Abbajay. “Saray brings back wonderful ancient remedies to help regain that calm.”
Saray provides a sense of place in all its elements. Its décor and architecture embrace the curves and arches of the caravanserai and it includes ancient customs such as the tea ceremony. Guests are personally led to treatment rooms with hand-held lanterns and hour glasses are used instead of modern watches.
Simplicity is the core of Saray philosophy and includes every aspect of the spa from space layout to therapies. The design highlights simple elegance and style. Inviting and warm, the colours and décor elements appeal to all five senses. Treatments at Saray are also straightforward and result driven. Traditional remedies, for example using ground loofah, provide benefits that have stood the test of time. The Saray Spa menu presents key components that target specific wellness needs: luxurious hamam rituals, exfoliation and hydration treatments.