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Hotels offer different spa treatments to lure global customers
Hotels are vying to outdo each other by presenting their best spa treatments as inseparable part of their hospitality service
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otels are vying to outdo each other by presenting their best spa treatments as inseparable part of their hospitality service.
Residing in Jakarta, Gloria often takes the opportunity to escape from her daily routine and books a hotel stay. The working mother, who has an active 5-year-old daughter, said she often looked into spas upon check-in, to see what was available for pampering and 'me-time'.
'But I usually look at the price first,' she admitted with a laugh. 'Then I browse the packages the hotel has to offer. I usually opt for a massage with lulur [body scrub] session, which lasts for two hours. Once I get freshened up, I'm ready for more playtime with my daughter.'
But if money and time were no object, Gloria said she would like to try different treatments. 'I want to try Shiatsu and hot stone.'
In Bali, a popular destination for domestic and foreign tourists, spa treatments are one key amenity the island offers. Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa opened its doors in 1983 and has been a popular choice as a spa destination ever since.
'Nusa Dua Spa is one of the spa pioneers in Bali. We have a spa complex that consists of lap pool, two tennis courts, two squash courts, aerobics studio, gym, sauna, steam and whirlpool,' explained Angelina, the hotel's marketing communications manager. 'Most of the Spa therapists have been working for many years here.'
As for treatments and programs, Nusa Dua Spa has a signature treatment collection called Nusa Dua Ritual, which allows guests to pick their own ritual, from a 2-hour detox to the perfect day. 'Some favorite rituals among the guests are Pure Rejuvenation, Spicy Detox, Latte Detox and 'Lil Booster,' Angelina said. However, those wanting just a short break can pick single treatments.
With the increase in environmental awareness, many spas also highlight nature-based treatments. Some add a local touch. At Nusa Dua Spa, for example, the body oils used are based on secret blends of essential oils, flowers, spices, herbs and plants that have been used by Balinese women for centuries.
'The signature spa treatment is called Grandma's Recipe,' Angelina added. The treatment consists of two different massages that are inspired by ancient Balinese tradition. Santan Kani massage is a treatment using blends of coconut and red onion, which are known as remedies for colds or rheumatic conditions. Next is a Lemurut massage, which uses a blend of fresh coconut to moisturize the skin and a spicy powder to warm the body, increase blood circulation and relieve aching joints.
'Spas are very important part of hotels in Bali. For that reason, we placed our spa at the front area of the hotel. Not only do we aim to accommodate spa inquiries from our in-house guests but we also target guests who are staying outside the hotel. This is also the reasons why we built a complex that consists of various spa and relaxation facilities instead of only spa treatment rooms,' Angelina said.
The movement is not unique to Bali, as hotels and resorts worldwide are also taking spa services to a whole new level. World famous spa and wellness operators, Banyan Tree and Angsana, celebrated their 20th anniversary last month by introducing three new spa experiences.
The Royal Thai Treat offered by the Banyan Tree Spa features a Royal Banyan Herbal Pouch massage and an East-meets-West massage technique. The herbal pouch is dipped in warm sesame oil, which prepares the skin before going through the body scrub and body wrap treatment using jasmine rice, turmeric and honey. Another Banyan Tree new signature, Sukhothai Heritage, is only available in Thailand. Starting with a jasmine rice body wrap and coconut tamarind body scrub, the treatment is followed by a warm face compress and ends in a Thai Floral Scent Bath.
Angsana has introduced the all-new Floral Fusion spa package that combines Thai and Swedish massage techniques with floral body scrubs.
Hotels in other Asian regions are also gearing up to offer more wellness packages. Wellness programs offered by luxury accommodation these days go beyond just spa treatments. Yoga and meditation, as well as healthy cooking classes, are sometimes part of the packages.
First opened in 2007, The Barai is a popular spa destination located on the serene beachfront next to the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin in Thailand. The Barai won a Thailand Tourism Award in 2013 for Outstanding Performance for a Resort Spa. 'This award is considered particularly valuable for The Barai, as it enhances our reputation, brings even greater recognition and helps increase awareness of the unique properties of this special residential spa,' said Sammy Carolus, general manager of Hyatt Regency Hua Hin.
In December, The Barai launched The Barai Retreats, a customized wellness program to help lift body, mind and spirit. The wellness retreats are available in packages of three, five and seven nights, focusing not only on spa treatments but also other wellness aspects. The Thai Touches package, for example, familiarizes guests with the local cuisine. The Healthy Luxe package gives a balanced wellness experience that includes spa therapy, dining, fitness and cultural activities. Couple's Harmony is designed for couples to strengthen their bond in a worry-free environment.
What makes it interesting is that guests can add activities that interest them to their package, ranging from private yoga classes, a Healing with Herbs class, a Thai cooking class or a Thai massage lesson, which teaches guests how to give their loved ones massages.
