Whether it's a company that wants to treat its staff with a spa visit or a wedding party celebrating the bride, these social spaces are the perfect setting for facilitating genuine connections between spa guests and staff.
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Whether it's a company that wants to treat its staff with a spa visit or a wedding party celebrating the bride, these social spaces are the perfect setting for facilitating genuine connections between spa guests and staff.
1. What group offerings can spas provide to encourage social connection?
Arabelle del Pilar Rosario, spa & wellness director, Meliá Hotels International Punta Cana: We offer a variety of group events and offerings such as wellness workshops, auto massage and facial techniques, pranayama breathing workshop, couple’s retreats and “spacktails” with a mini station to guide each guest to maximize it self-care. These activities also increase guest satisfaction and retention.
Anne T. Templeton, area director of spa, The Spa at Palmer House: The Spa at Palmer House has rebranded to Spa + Social for just this, bridging the gap between a serene spa experience among friends, families, coworkers or peers. We offer food and beverage packages, yoga or meditation classes, as well as gifting to keep the conversation going throughout the entire duration of the event.
Kenia Zavala, director of wellness & recreation, Kona Kai San Diego & SpaTerre: Spas can offer a variety of group events and offerings designed to foster social connection while promoting wellness. These include wellness retreats that span multiple days, featuring activities such as yoga, meditation and nutritional workshops. Fitness classes like yoga and Pilates provide opportunities for guests to engage in physical activity together in a serene spa environment. Mindfulness workshops offer guided sessions on stress management and mental well-being, encouraging participants to share their experiences and insights.
Joyce Lu, director of sales, The Westgate Hotel & AquaVie Spa: At AquaVie Spa, we offer private spa buyouts to clients, private skin care seminars with our expert estheticians, and massage chair services, whether a business group event or a social client for bachelorette parties, bridal and baby showers. We extend refreshments and snacks in our reception area and relaxation lounge for networking before and after treatments.
Cristina Cascio, spa director, Spa Rosa at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa: In our spa party packages we offer the following to small groups of about seven people: Discount on full treatments or mini treatments like chair massage, express facials, paint parties and even stylists to come in to offer hair and make-up; a private space like our spa or poolside cabana or Rosa Terrace for the group to gather with the option of a special menu or menu from our poolside restaurant Chiki Palm, and a celebratory dessert for all guests in the party.
Related: Spa Social Hours Should Be the Next Big Trend
2. What does a spa need to offer this successfully?
Ryan Burch, vice president of hotel operations, Ocean Casino Resort: Exhale is able to activate a bar area located in the bathhouse that can be reserved for large parties. Additionally, we offer an in-room dining menu for guests from Friday through Sunday that can be customized and delivered directly to the bathhouse.
Pilar Rosario: We utilize the best energizing spaces of our spa and resort, where nature takes center stage. Our offerings include a lush green garden for grounding exercises, a selection of mini spa services and products for personalized room rituals, a dedicated room for group sound healing sessions with aromatherapy, and a Tea Ritual complemented by Spa Sips crafted by our mixology experts.
Templeton: One thing that makes The Spa at Palmer House the ideal environment for groups is our minimal in-spa communal amenities and facilities. The Spa was built with the individual and the desire for privacy in mind. Each guest receives their own changing suite and treatment suite. Should the guest or group be interested in communal activities, our eighth floor within the hotel offers locker rooms, fitness, fitness studios and a pool. Having a strong relationship with the food and beverage department within the hotel is imperative to our success. We work hand in hand with chefs to offer trending and healthy offerings to our spa guests.
Zavala: To successfully facilitate these offerings, a spa needs several key elements. A dedicated space separate from individual treatment rooms ensures privacy and tranquility for group activities. Comfortable amenities such as relaxation lounges, changing rooms and serene environments enhance the overall experience. Offering a variety of food and beverage options, including healthy snacks and herbal teas, complements wellness activities and encourages social interaction.
Lu: You need to have a spa reception area that can be converted to a private extended lounge area, while the relaxation room is for quiet/peace prior to the services separate from the reception area. Our studio spaces at AquaVie can also be converted into an extended lounge area, which are equipped to have presentations and more engaging networking.
3. How does this benefit your clients?
Pilar Rosario: These experiences are designed not only to relax, but also to create memorable moments for the guests and for the team. These benefits combine to provide our guests with an enriching spa experience that goes beyond traditional treatments, focusing on relaxation, personalization, holistic wellness, and memorable moments for singles, couples, friends or family groups.
Zavala: Beyond the physical benefits of spa treatments and fitness activities, participating in group events promotes a sense of community and camaraderie. Guests can connect with like-minded individuals who share similar wellness goals, fostering a supportive environment. Educational seminars and workshops empower clients with knowledge about holistic health practices, enabling them to make informed decisions about their well-being. Ultimately, integrating social connection with wellness activities at the spa enhances relaxation, reduces stress, and contributes to overall mental and emotional well-being.
Lu: It benefits clients to have the opportunity to merge wellness with connection. We’re seeing a new wave with groups (social or business), as spa treatments are typically individual, but a gathering area promoting wellness, relaxation and connection elevates the experience with a more intimate, yet casual setting.
Cascio: Our guests appreciate having options to enjoy new experiences together beyond the usual places to celebrate like going to dinner.
