Numbers game
It’s not only the spa clients who appear to be becoming more results driven, so are the managers.
With its flash fit-out flaunting slate walls, quality marble, glass and wood finishings — no expense has been spared on the Atarmia Spa at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, but with higher investments come greater expectations of returns — inevitably the responsibility falls on the shoulders of the spa manager.
“That’s just the way the industry is moving forward with more emphasis on investment in the spa,” says Roche.
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“But I take great sense of pride in the fact that spas raise the room rate within the hotel whether or not the guest walks into the spa and has a treatment or not, but of course I have targets and expectations.
“If you concentrate on guest experience the profit will come, that’s where my focus is and where I find my job satisfaction,” she adds.
Seeing the calm and elegant Atarmia Spa today, it’s hard to believe the concept was dreamt up by one woman stationed in a noisy construction area. “Looking back at those first few weeks in the site office, I can laugh at the challenges faced. Looking to the future, you realise it’s those challenges that make you grow,” Roche concludes.
Inside Atarmia
Location: Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island
Inspiration: Local, indigenous culture and heritage
Manager: Nichola Roche
Treatment rooms: Nine, including one VIP couples’ room
Floors: Two
Staff: 27 and growing
Bespoke treatments: La Alternativa and Quiro Golf Massage, among others
Other features:
- Outdoor 25-metre lap pool
- Hydrotherapy facilities
- Manicure and pedicure salon
- Fitness room
- Stretching studio
- Sauna
- Steamroom
- Whirlpool
- Tennis court
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Feb 21, 2012 , Jamaica
Amazing! Having been through similar construction to relaxation processes myself, I can fully understand how nerve-racking it must have been for you to bring your concept to life. The results speaks for itself - all that hard work has evolved into a truly unique spa. Love the introduction of the...
Feb 21, 2012 , USA
The first skincare facial I ever had involved Galvanic Current and, not knowing that was a specific kind of facial, the next time I had one from a different esthetician who used products only, I thought "that's it? Where's the galvanic current? Where's the steam machine?" I thought the lack of m...