american spawww.spatrade.com

MARCH 2012 THE SPA PROFESSIONAL’S CHOICE

REFUGE (CARMEL, CA)

THE LIFEAQUATIC

MARCH 2012 • WWW.SPATRADE.COM • AMERICAN SPA 133

134 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY The Spa at Ballantyne (Charlotte, NC)

140 LIQUID LUXURY Refuge (Carmel, CA)

142 PORTOFINO PARADISE Wellness Centre (Portofino, Italy)

featuresa closer look at some of the spas that are making news in the industry both here and abroad

The Wellness Centre at Hotel Splendido offers spa-goers a

host of soothing treatments to relax their minds and bodies.

134 AMERICAN SPA • WWW.SPATRADE.COM • MARCH 2012

SOUTHERN

LEFT: Spa-goers can enjoy healthy cuisine overlooking the golf course. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The pedicure room offers guests a bucolic view; the hotel lobby sets the scene for a relaxing experience; the two-level spa boasts plenty of natural sunlight; guests can while away their time in the Grotto Pool.

136 AMERICAN SPA • WWW.SPATRADE.COM • MARCH 2012

And for those wanting to experience some local fl avor and fun, Charlotte, NC, is anything but a sleepy southern town. Known

for its sporting events, fi ne dining, and active nightlife, this mini metropolis has much to off er locals and visitors alike.

And aft er a day exploring and a night on the town, they can fi nd respite at Th e Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, which recently

underwent substantial renovations to the 18,000-square-foot Spa at Ballantyne. “Our hotel exudes elegance and true southern

hospitality,” says spa director Alicia Howell. “We wanted the spa to respect the traditional design and luxurious feel of the

hotel while integrating modern touches.”

Changes to the 18-room spa include upgraded equipment, more spacious and tranquil lounge areas, new lighting in the

rooms, new earth-toned accents, upgraded treatment beds with built-in mattress pads, and new linens. In addition, the spa

added personal touches to help clients feel even more comfortable, such as towel and robe warmers and chromatherapy in the

massage rooms that off ers changing colored lights based on each guests’ element. Beyond that, the spa unveiled a new menu

inspired by the four elements of earth, water, air, and fi re. Th e menu aligns each service with a corresponding element that

guests and therapists can work together to customize. To represent earth, the spa off ers the Chakra Journey Massage ($125,

50 minutes), which uses seven aromatherapy oil blends attuned to each of the body’s seven vital energy centers to establish

a deep state of relaxation. Air is represented by the Oxygenating Trio Treatment Facial ($115, 50 minutes), which includes a

customized peel for all skin types. Th e facial helps promote healing and rejuvenates sluggish, stressed skin depleted by toxins,

nce known primarily as the tobacco state, North Carolina has garnered a more positive reputation over the past few

decades and has come to be known as an ideal south-eastern respite for travelers looking for a laid-back locale.

continued on page 138

Located on a golf course, the hotel offers guests a peaceful respite from the city.

O

138 AMERICAN SPA • WWW.SPATRADE.COM • MARCH 2012

THE SPA AT BALLANTYNE(Charlotte, NC)OWNER: The Bissell Companies, Inc. SPA DIRECTOR: Alicia HowellOPENED: April 2002

CLIENT BASE78% female, 22% male

SPACE20,000 square feet; 18 treatment rooms

OFFERINGSaromatherapy, Ayurveda, body treatments, chromatherapy, couples’ treatments, energy work, eyelash and brow tinting, facials, fitness, guided meditation, hair and scalp treatments, hand and foot treatments, hydrotherapy, makeup application, massage, microdermabrasion, nailcare, nutrition consultation, prenatal services, reflexology, salon services, waxing, yoga

SIGNATURE SERVICEDance of the Butterfly ($110, 50 minutes), which includes a full-body massage, and The Four Elements Experience ($110, 50 minutes, $155, 80 minutes)

MOST EXPENSIVE OFFERINGHealing Abhyanga Massage ($200, 80 minutes), which features Shirodhara using traditional Indian herbs and spices and warmed herbal oils

PRODUCT LINESAyuroma, Body Bliss, Clear My Head, Earth Solutions, Éminence Organic Skin Care, FarmHouse Fresh, Golden Moore, Nioxin, OPI, PCA Skincare, Ready Care Industries, SkinCeuticals, Wella

EQUIPMENTCaldera, Cosmopro, JTE Salon Systems, Lemi, Micros, Oakworks, Open Activity Network, SpaEquip, TY Robes

ARCHITECTLS3P Associates (Charlotte, NC)

pollutants, allergens, improper diet, and sun damage. Body treatments represent water, such as the Four

Elements Signature Wrap ($170, 80 minutes), while fire is represented by salon services. In addition,

the spa also offers signature services that pay homage to the Native Americans of the area, such as

the Dance of the Butterfly ($110, 50 minutes), which is inspired by a Cherokee dance. The Four Ele-

ments Experience ($110, 50 minutes; $155, 80 minutes), however, really captures the spa’s philosophy,

according to Howell. The multi-sensory massage incorporates the elements to create a balancing effect

upon the mind, body, and spirit. “This treatment offers a sense of balance and renewal and is truly

multi-sensory, featuring music, scent, and chromatherapy to match each element.”

While the hotel attracts visitors from all over the country, most of the spa’s clients are locals from

the greater Charlotte area. “Our guest composition is about 83 percent local, which is really unique,” says

Howell. “Many of our guests are repeat visitors who come to our spa on a regular basis.” To recruit new

clientele, Howell and her staff offer seasonal treatments and promotions regularly. The spa also has a last-

minute Relaxing Rewards program, which was created to target certain times and fill open appointments.

“We try to attract as many clients as possible using a variety of methods,” says Howell.

Accommodating up to 300 clients a day, the spa employs 78 staffers, 30 of whom are full-time. Accord-

ing to Howell, the staff plays a major role in the reason why the spa has such a high retention rate. “In

addition to relaxation and quality services, our guests are looking for quality staff,” she says. “Our staff

members have more than 800 years of experience

in the spa and hospitality industries collectively.”

In spite of the fact that the spa’s renovations

have proved to be a hit among guests, the current

state of the economy is still a concern, says Howell.

“As the economy remains a challenge, the expecta-

tions for guests continue to rise, while there is

still a focus on ensuring that our services remain

affordable,” she says. “Of course, we want to make

sure our spa is always considered a high-value,

must-have experience compared to our lower priced

competition. This means we always need to exceed

expectations. Our spa will always look to improve

services and work hard to best serve our guests.

After all, they are the reason we are here.” ■

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PICTURED: The spa’s updated decor includes soothing earth tones, as found in the ladies’ lounge. BELOW: The massage rooms offer guests chromatherapy.