Destination Rejuvenation

Six Senses Destination Spa Phuket

Spa Manager delves into the exclusive world of the destination spa to find out what makes for a successful offering and how much the concept really does differ from the resort spa

Different to the standard spas found in hotel complexes and malls across the Middle East, destination spas offer more intensive services to clients looking for serenity.

SpaFinder.com defines destination spas as “establishments that focus exclusively on lifestyle improvement, health enhancement and self-renewal in the company of like-minded people”.

SpaFinder.com president Susie Ellis simplifies that description by defining destination spas as “pure spas that have the core elements of a spa experience”.

Anupam Dasgupta, general manager of the destination spa Ananda in the Himalayas, says that destination spas are designed to offer guests the opportunity to rejuvenate and “connect back with themselves”.

“Destination spas offer very peaceful environments where all guests staying come with a common cause — wellness and total wellbeing,” he explains.

SpaFinder.com’s Ellis comments: “One thing all destination spas have in common is that everyone who is there has come for the spa experience; this common purpose differs from a resort or hotel spa where there would be other guests who might not be engaging in the spa or only partaking in parts of it.”

Ellis claims this variety of spa is popular with guests because of assured results.

“The temptation to overeat or eat unhealthy food is eliminated and participation in activities is the norm,” she says.

“Guests at destination spas almost always feel better after their visit and they are often in beautiful settings with a great deal of nature and landscape elements — the setting is inspiring and also serves to help with stress reduction.”

Ana Maria Tavares, general manager of Six Senses Destination Spa, Phuket and managing director of Six Senses Destination Spas, asserts that the destination spa offering has become an increasingly important consideration for discerning travellers.

Those that utilise the facilities of a destination spa are, in Tavares’ opinion, aiming to enhance their health on four levels — physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

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Ananda’s Dasgupta notes that the differences between a destination spa and a resort spa are well defined.

“By definition a destination spa is wellness oriented and attracts the spa goer who has a wellness goal,” he explains.

“Destination spas essentially operate with a code of wellness and tend to be located in remote locations, thereby offering seclusion.

“The services are focused around the general concepts of relaxation, peace and rejuvenation,” he adds.

Dasgupta points out that the focus of a resort spa is entirely different, explaining that the spa is often no more than a major service that is offered.

“Destination spas focus on results-driven packages,” he remarks. “Therefore, the length of stay is often longer than that of a resort spa.”

Six Senses’ Tavares asserts that the services offered at a destination spa are designed to support the guest’s goal, whether it is an increase in fitness, weight loss, cleansing, detox or a general recharge.

“The integrated services are derived from the gatekeeping function of integrative health consultants who guide each guest individually towards finding the best suitable plan while at the spa,” explains Tavares.

“In the long-term it is about finding the inspiration to take home and implement a health programme into one’s daily routine.”