Bimolata Ningthoujam spa manager at The Oberoi Dubai, explains the benefits of using organic products, and offers advice on staying competitive in the spa industry
What is your career background?
I joined Oberoi Hotels & Resorts in 2004, and I have worked with the group for a decade. I started my career as a therapist, taught by the highly skilled Banyan Tree trainers. During my tenure I have worked with several Oberoi Hotels & Resorts properties, including Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas — an Oberoi Resort, and The Oberoi, Amarvilas, Agra, India. I was involved in the opening of The Oberoi Spa at The Oberoi, Rajvilas. I also worked with the team for the opening of the spa at Trident, Jaipur and was subsequently fully responsible for its daily operations.
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My responsibilities then moved towards learning and development. As a certified departmental trainer, I was responsible for the training of all therapists joining Oberoi spas across India. This position challenged me with extensive travel to Oberoi spas across the country, while managing the Jaipur spas.
I also completed a qualification from the Indian Board of Alternative Medicine Academy, and I am now a Doctor of Medicine in Alternative Medicine.
When did you join The Oberoi, Dubai and what are your main responsibilities at the spa?
I joined The Oberoi Dubai on October 5, 2014. I am responsible for handling The Oberoi spa, fitness centre and swimming pool operations. I continually upgrade services and implement modern treatments and techniques to keep our offerings competitive and fresh.
What are your plans for the spa in 2015 and beyond?
Firstly, I’m eagerly looking forward to launching our new spa menu, which will include a whole new range of holistic and unique spa treatments offering something for everyone. Our team members are highly trained and hands-on, promising guests not just treatments with the finest quality organic products, but an experience worthy of returning for. In addition, we will be adding more retail products to our range.
What are the current trends in the spa industry in the Middle East?
The luxury hospitality market in the Middle East region is extensive and highly competitive, with several new hotels opening up. Some of the most prominent trends throughout the luxury spa industry include exclusive product ranges, holistic therapies for time-poor people, pioneering wellness concepts such as Ayurveda and yoga, and healing therapies with organic products.
In the absence of local vendors for authentic products, what can spa therapists do to create a local experience?
Therapists are able to create an indigenous experience using readily available, natural products. For example, ingredients such as olive oil or baby oils can be used for massage; yoghurt, cucumber, watermelon, oatmeal, honey and flour can be skilfully combined to create facial products, body scrubs, wraps or aromatic bath oils.
Five top tips for running a successful spa
- Creativity is the key to standing out in a competitive market, alongside offering an array of treatments and classic favourites that cater to a variety of unique consumer tastes.
- Carefully select team members and then provide extensive training. This is crucial for producing the highest quality personalised service and encouraging ongoing development.
- Foster knowledge of customers’ personalised requirements. Pay attention to detail to create services that enhance customer experience.
- Combine product knowledge with customer service to ensure you sell, upsell and market the spa and the spa products successfully.
- Focus on the quality of retail products ensuring that you make the finest organic ingredients available to customers.
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