New recruit: Zighy Bay, Oman's new spa director
Zighy Bay spa director Souhel El-Achbah, a speaker at Hotelier’s Spa and Wellness Summit this month, talks about the Omani resort’s sustainable approach
What initially inspired you to get into the hospitality industry?
The most interesting part for me was to work globally. That opened up a whole world of experiences for me. You can learn so much from different places and cultures and integrate them into your hospitality concepts. It is a never ending learning process.
How has your previous work experienced inspired your management philosophy?
I have been very lucky to have some great mentors in my career. These have been hoteliers and spa people from all over the world. With their guidance I was able to improve my skills and sharpen my senses, developing an eye for detail without losing the big picture. My management philosophy is that I am a new age leader and always willing to learn.
Have you experienced any events or moments which have shaped your career to date?
I have had the pleasure to open spas and work prior to opening on their concepts. For me, it is the greatest thing to start with an idea, turn it into a concept and finally open up and run the spa. Seeing how everything comes together is a great moment.
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Where has been your favourite place to work so far, and how does that compare to your current position?
I am half German, half Lebanese and I’ve worked in many beautiful places around the world, but my roots are in the Middle East so it is great for me to have the opportunity to live and work in this part of the world.
How does your current position differ from other Roles you have had?
Six Senses is all about sustainability and wellness and these are some of our main values, from the attendant at the hotel up to the top management at the head office. This is very unique and makes a big difference.
In what ways are you planning to add to the success of SIX SENSES ZIGHY BAY this year ?
2014 will be a very exciting year. We will do a soft renovation of the spa and based on the renovations we will create new and innovative spa and wellness programmes.
Can you describe any new initiatives you want to introduce as part of your new role?
With our renovation we will have new hammams and we’re going to create a new hammam experience at Zighy Bay. We will also use the Six Senses database to bring in interesting visiting practitioners from all over the world.
What new concepts are you looking to create?
It is not about the new massage treatment or the latest facial. It is about listening to your guests, figuring out what they really need consulting and advising them. I think we are all so busy finding the newest massage treatment that we have forgotten how to listen to our guests.
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My CV
- 2013-present: Six Senses Spa, Zighy Bay, Oman, spa director,
- 2012-2013: Ritz Carlton, Abu Dhabi, pre-opening spa director
- 2011-2012: Ritz Carlton, Germany, spa director
- 2009 - 2011: JW Marriott, Cairo, spa director
- 2008 - 2009: Möevenpick Hotels and Resorts, Germany, spa director
- 2006 - 2008: Raddison, Germany, health club manager
- 2002 - 2006: Columbia Hotels & Resorts, Cyprus, health club manager