• 최종편집 2024-03-28(목)

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  • In Search of Sleep: Hilton Caters to Rising Number of Sleep Tourists with Debut of Hilton Sleep Retreats
    Kilolani Spa at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort Sleep expert Dr. Rebecca Robbins to host snooze‑worthy series at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort’s Kilolani Spa Hilton’s 2024 Trends Report found the No. 1 reason people of all generations want to travel this year is to rest and recharge. In fact, some travelers are even building their entire trip around sleep, which is a trend now known as “sleep tourism.” Sleep tourism first picked up speed in 2023 and has accelerated this year – in its recent report, the Global Wellness Institute cites Wellness Tourism as one of the fastest-growing segments of travel, projected to reach $1.4 Trillion USD by 2027. To address this demand and in celebration of National Sleep Month in March, Hilton has partnered with sleep science expert Dr. Rebecca Robbins to offer expert insight into ways Hilton can lead the industry in providing the best night’s rest possible across the portfolio. This includes new programming like the launch of Sleep Retreats at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, with the potential to expand to additional markets in the coming months. Dr. Robbins, an assistant professor in medicine and associate scientist at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, is also an acclaimed author and sleep expert featured in national print and television. She deeply understands the importance of sleep and which behavioral changes can help travelers get the most Zzzs when staying in unfamiliar environments. Together with Hilton, she will help guests put these insights into practice during a series of one-of-a-kind retreats, with the first launching in Maui at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort’s Kilolani Spa, an all-new open-air luxury spa adorned by the natural beauty of Hawaii. “Understanding the vital role sleep plays in our lives goes much deeper than just knowing we need it. It's about nurturing and prioritizing it, especially in our fast-moving world where being constantly on the go is the norm," said Dr. Robbins. “Collaborating with Hilton to bridge the gap between sleep science and its practical, everyday application excites me and our retreats serve as a wonderful demonstration of how this knowledge can be brought to life – whether traveling or at home.” Designed to educate and empower guests while leveraging the unique wellness amenities offered at Hilton, the Sleep Retreats provide an all-encompassing journey into the science and practice of achieving restful, restorative sleep. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a series of Dr. Robbins-led activities, discussions, strategies and meditations focused on enhancing sleep quality. Kilolani Spa at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort - Portal Beyond spa services developed to mitigate jet lag, optimize circadian rhythms and release sleep-enhancing hormones, the programs include lectures that illuminate the science of restfulness, covering topics such as the foundations of sleep mechanics and sleep disorders. The retreats also feature healthy, sleep-promoting meals and opportunities for guests to design a personalized sleep schedule, ensuring each guest leaves with the knowledge and practices needed to improve their daily routine. “Hilton seeks to provide more than just a place to stay. We aim to be a catalyst for wellness, starting with a great night’s sleep. Recognizing that more than half of all travelers surveyed in our recent Trends Report emphasized the need for rest when they travel, our commitment has never been more important,” said Amanda Al-Masri, global vice president, wellness, Hilton. “From the moment a guest steps into our hotels, every touchpoint is an opportunity to contribute to the quality of their overall wellness, and these curated Sleep Retreats represent a fusion of comfort, science and innovation crafted to improve the sleep experience.” Hilton’s commitment to enhancing the guest sleep experience is exemplified by specialized offerings across its brands and properties. Travelers have shown a deep appreciation for the basics, and while all Hilton brands offer unique and exclusive bedding, Canopy by Hilton offers a gel memory foam mattress and Serta Cool Balance® technology, with the brand’s signature canopy frame, and Motto by Hilton has equipped its rooms with top-notch mattresses, sound-absorbing surroundings and smart technology available through the Hilton Honors app. Wellness offerings also extend directly into the room across many Hilton properties, such as Tempo by Hilton’s rooms designed with “power down” features for an optimal sleep environment. Additionally, dedicated wellness rooms are available at Signia by Hilton Atlanta Georgia World Congress Center, which are equipped with tools to help guests get their R&R. More information on Hilton’s new Sleep Retreats will be made available on the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort’s website in the coming weeks.
    • In English
    • Feature
    2024-03-16
  • O'Reve Hot Spring and Spa Executive, Lee Deok-beom, Honored at East Asian Spa Summit
    Jeju's O'Reve Hot Spring and Spa executive, Mr. Lee Deok-beom, was honored as the 'Spa Industry Contributor of the Year' at the 15th East Asia Spa Industry Union (EASIU) Summit and Annual Forum held in Suzhou, China on January 8th and 9th. Mr. Lee Deok-beom, previously responsible for planning and operational management in the hot springs and spa sector at locations such as Asan Spavis in Chungnam, is currently leading the operational planning at O'Reve Hot Spring, a premium hot spring spa set to open soon in Jeju. His expertise, demonstrated through insightful understanding of global industry changes and market demands, coupled with meticulous operational planning, has garnered recognition not only domestically but also from the EASIU, which unanimously selected and awarded him for his significant contributions to the spa industry's development, following last year's performances and recognition. Established in 2005, the EASIU is an international gathering of spa industry representatives from China, Japan, Mongolia, and Korea. The organization rotates its chairmanship annually, hosting summit meetings and annual forums, with representatives from Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand invited to participate alongside the four founding nations. The Korean Spa Wellness Association (KorSpa) is representing South Korea at the EASIU. The next event, scheduled for 2025, is slated to be hosted in South Korea as the rotating chairmanship country.
    • In English
    • Feature
    2024-01-12
  • [Travel with a Purpose] Your Complete Holistic Healing Journey at The Farm at San Benito, the Philippines
    Located in Lipa City in Batangas, The Farm at San Benito encompasses all the luxurious features of a premium medical wellness resort. Its tastefully-appointed suites and villas echo a sophisticated design concept that marries the opulence of nature and the subtle elegance of traditional Filipino-Oriental sensibilities. Nestled in a 51-hectare forested property, The Farm at San Benito is an exclusive estate of lush gardens and lagoons, of quiet tree groves and crisp, fresh air, with strong positive energy radiating around the property. Yet, beyond its paradisal beauty and the inspiring sensations it evokes, lies The Farm’s true essence: it is a facility for medical wellness and a safe sanctuary for healing. Its programs, aimed to help the body and mind achieve optimum health and performance, have been meticulously designed following foundational science-based protocols and guided by evidence. At a time when health consciousness has become a widespread realization, more and more people are traveling to achieve a state of mind and body that is fit and well-balanced. Some travel to seek treatment for their illnesses. Others do so as a preventive measure to keep their health at an optimum level. Traveling with a purpose that is focused on health and wellness attests to the phenomenal growth of conscious travelers. The Farm at San Benito is at the forefront of medical wellness tourism Celebrating two decades of life-transformative healing holidays, it has distinguished itself as one of the world’s best, winning over 80 accolades from prestigious international bodies such as 'Best Wellness Resort in the World.' It cupped the coveted ‘Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Award from the Haute Grandeur Global Spa Awards in 2021 receiving a total of 21 awards. Since it’s officially the rainy season in the country, now is the perfect time to detox and cleanse from within. Rain symbolizes purification. At The Farm, you can experience a full immersion into clean living through physical healing in the form of mindful movements and functional fitness activities, medically-guided fasting, and treatments to eliminate toxins from within while restoring the body’s optimum ability to restore nutrients. The Farm offers an ‘Intro to Detox’ program that includes a 3-day medically supervised cleansing program to purge unhealthy elements from the body and mind while providing optimum nutrition. The Farm is also home to a world-renowned Weight Management, Diabetes Prevention & Heart Health Program, which focuses on the management of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and stress to resolve the root cause of the dysfunction and to bring the body back to a natural state of balance. At The Farm, the wide-ranging compendium of services aimed to address various health and psycho-emotional conditions, are all medically supervised by licensed physicians supported by health professionals, spa therapists, medical acupuncturists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, living food experts, fitness coaches, sound healers, and yoga teachers. The Farm at San Benito is thus a complete and genuine sanctuary—a space of encompassing beauty where the body and mind can heal to return to a state of genuine well-being and spiritual enrichment and inner renewal can be achieved. www.thefarmatsanbenito.com
    • In English
    • Feature
    2022-06-05
  • [Interview] Ms. Dao Huyen – CEO of S.H.E Cosmetics Ltd., Vietnam
    Vietnam has recently become one of the hottest growth markets for beauty and cosmetics in Asia. Wellness Today is fortunate to talk with a Hanoi-based beauty enthusiast and cosmetics dealer Dao Huyen, founder & CEO of S.H.E. Cosmetics Ltd. ▲ Ms. Dao Huyen, founder & CEO of S.H.E. Cosmetics Ltd. [WT] Could you tell us a bit of your background? [DH] I have been working in cosmetics field for more than 5 years. I started as a sales person at a small cosmetics shop. It was about two years ago when I became deeply attracted by cosmetics trading business. At that time, I was working as a sales & marketing manager at a local skincare clinic which sells not only skincare services but also cosmetics products. While working, I found that the Vietnamese cosmetics market was booming but needed to mature as customers were rapidly getting savvy. I soon moved to a Korean cosmetics company in Hanoi and started working as a manager at large. At this company, I was fortunate to get many insights from local distributors and consumers. I found Korean-made cosmetics products were getting high popularity in local market. In early 2018, with the vision of bringing the best cosmetics products mainly from Korea to the Vietnamese customers, I started my own business, S.H.E Cosmetics Ltd., offering OEM ODM services to local enterprises and also sourcing the hottest trend cosmetics from Korea for local distributors in Vietnam. [WT] What do you think about today’s Vietnamese cosmetics market? [DH] The cosmetics consumption in Vietnam is still low compared to neighboring countries like Thailand. However, if you have a better understanding of the characteristics of the country, Vietnam is more promising than any other country. It's really an attractive market. Above all, the percentage of younger people under 35 is 60%. Due to rapid westernization and increased personal social exposure, young people are more interested in their appearance than ever before. The other reason why the Vietnamese market is more attractive is because of the socio-economic role of women who have traditionally been quite active. With the increase in women's income, I am sure, they will spend more money on beauty and cosmetics. I think this is going to happen very quickly. [WT] Specifically, what aspects of beauty consumption expenditure should we pay attention to in Vietnam? [DH] As in other countries, Vietnamese women spend their money in purchasing home care cosmetics products and/or in getting treatments at beauty salons. For home care products, the preference for whitening function or sunscreen is high due to the nature of Vietnam climate. But the problem is that they are very interested in cosmetics, but there are not many people who have enough knowledge about exactly what products to use and how to use them. So the beauty market in Vietnam is characterized by a lot of skin care shops in each neighborhood. Consumers want to receive cosmetics from these shops and receive professional treatment from them. However, there are not many skincare shops that have mastered the techniques to fully understand the products and use them effectively. Of course, I think there will be many improvements over time. [WT] At this point, what parts of Vietnam skin care shops should focus on to evolve themselves? [DH] In a word, differentiation. Many shops now offer similar products and similar services. In order for shops to evolve and be competitive, they must have differentiated technology. If you simply sell cosmetics on the market, you cannot win the competition. And it is also important to have good products to gain trust. In short, arming with good products and good skills is the basis for differentiation, and I think more customers will come to these well-organized shops. [WT] I hear that you are planning to open your skincare shop yourself. Could you elaborate in detail? [DH] Yes, I am currently in contact with various agencies in Korea to provide services that Vietnam consumers really want. I would like to choose an institution that can provide a good selection of products and continue to provide skin care related technology. The key to this plan is to build a solid platform for reliably supporting existing skincare shop operators and new start-ups. I plan to open my first shop by the end of this year. [WT] Thank you for many good comments. Finally, what does the company name S.H.E mean? S.H.E. stands for Safety, High Technology, and Effectiveness. The purpose is to provide customers with a safe product with the latest technology to ensure maximum effectiveness. This name is the company's future mission as well.
    • In English
    • Feature
    2019-04-10

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  • A Place for Exotic Escape in the Island of Gods
    The ultra-trendy, super-chic W Retreat & Spa Bali is located in the upscale enclave of Seminyak, where the island’s designer boutiques, diverse galleries, lively restaurants, and fashionable lounges and clubs are found. The first W Hotel in Indonesia, W Bali brings a level of sophistication to the island through its modern design and signature bars and restaurants that allow guests and locals alike to mix and mingle. W Retreat & Spa Bali features Indonesia’s first AWAY® Spa, providing jetsetters and well-connected locals with an exotic escape, a place where the whirlwind of W winds down to allow a detox from a long, hedonistic night or a refuel for whatever comes next. As a resident of Seminyak, I pass by the designer boutiques and shops on a very frequent basis. As a frequent runner on the famed Bali beaches, I find that I pass the W Retreat most frequently on the windswept beaches endlessly stretching in both directions from the resort. Its a regular treat to enjoy the sandy beaches at the W Bali whether it’s during an early morning run as the sun comes up, or in the evening as the soft tunes from the Woo Bar float over the waves as the sun sets for the day. Having stopped in the AWAY® Spa on a dozen or so occasions, I have come to know a few of the staff within this award winning facility. During a recent visit, I had an opportunity to spend some time chatting with the Spa Sales Manager, Ms. Dina Ayu Anggraeni. She indicated that the top two nationalities making use of the AWAY® Spa are Australian and Korean. Dina also mentioned quite a few Korean honeymooners select the W Bali during October - December, and typically visit the AWAY® Spa during their stay. A bit earlier this month, I had the wonderful privilege of experiencing one of the AWAY® Spa’s exotic Signature treatments. In consultation with the spa’s well trained staff, we decided the “Morning After” massage was the best fit for my needs. Best described by the resort’s itself: “AWAY’s® signature ‘Morning After’ massage is designed for guests who wish to detox from a long, playful night out or to refuel for an upcoming nocturnal adventure. The 90-minute full-body massage utilizes herbal oils infused with fresh lime, basil, mint and rosemary leaves to work away muscular aches and pains”. Before the Morning After massage, I was first escorted to the locker facilities where I spent 20-30 minutes in the AWAY® Spa’s Waterworks, a delightful mix of plunge pools, showers and hamams. It’s a place where it’s quite easy to lose track of time, unwinding and relaxing in the quiet confines of their plunge pools and hamams. After the Waterworks, I made my way to the AWAY® Spa “Detox Chamber” a pure oxygen filled blue room where I was allowed to decompress before the Morning After signature treatment. This was only the third or fourth time I’ve tried pure oxygen therapy, and found this to have been the best. The surroundings helped set a more relaxing environment allowing more effective decompression. As my time in the Detox Chamber was winding down, the assigned therapist arrived to escort me to my treatment room. Walking through the stylish, yet funky AWAY® Spa facilities to my treatment room, I knew I was in for a treat. Upon my arrival at the spa roughly one-hour earlier, I was asked a series of questions relating to my health & wellbeing, as well as specific areas I may need more focus. As a frequent barefoot runner on Bali’s beaches, I knew my lower legs would likely need a specific focus. In speaking with the therapist I found that she has been with the AWAY® Spa for the 2+ years they’ve been open. Her quality training and years of experience were noticeable as she went through the Morning After massage … addressing the specific areas of concentration highlighted in my pre-treatment consultation. I would like to thank Spa Manager, Ms. Ni Made Arya Sitiari and Spa Sales Manager, Ms. Dina Ayu Anggraeni for their personalized attention during my December visit. A special thank you to the AWAY® Spa’s well mannered and highly trained reception staff and therapist. I highly recommend the AWAY® Spa at W Retreat Bali for visitors traveling in from Korea and elsewhere around the world. The W Retreat & Spa Bali can be found online at: www.whotels.com/baliseminyak.
    • In English
    • Feature
    2013-01-02
  • [Interview] Ms. Ivanka Trump, Executive VP of Trump Hotel Collection
    Wellness Today is pleased to have the opportunity to speak with Ivanka Trump about the Spa at Trump®, a signature spa brand developed by the Trump Hotel Collection. Ivanka is the Executive Vice President of Development & Acquisitions for The Trump Organization. ▲ Ms. Ivanka Trump inside the hammam at The Spa at Trump SoHo. [Image via Yossi Michaeli Photography] [WT] Statistics indicate hotels in Asia Pacific closed out 2011 at a healthy 9.8% RevPAR growth over 2010, with Southeast Asia at a staggering 18.8%. Growth looks set to continue through 2012. As you’re scheduled to speak at the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) in Hong Kong this October, what does this indicate of Trump Hotel Collection’s interest in the APAC market? Trump Hotel Collection is keenly interested in the APAC market and is aggressively sourcing options. We have recently appointed Todd Wynne-Parry to the new role of senior vice president of global hotel development and acquisitions. For us, it is all about finding the right opportunity, in the right location and now we are pleased to have Todd focusing his efforts on our expansion. Additionally, we will be opening a representative office in Shanghai in the short-term and appointing an executive to spearhead our growth in Greater China as an initial step. The RevPAR stats illustrate that Asia is leading a successful hospitality market and we hope to be a part of it very soon. [WT] The Spa at Trump® signature brand was founded in 2008. Where can these luxurious spas be found? And will the Spa at Trump® brand be placed in international properties? The Spa at Trump can be found at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, Trump International Hotel Las Vegas and Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk. Trump SoHo New York has the only authentic luxury hammam on the East Coast. All of our spas have unique treatments and incredible designs that have been incredibly successful. We hope to expand The Spa at Trump to prospective international properties in the near future. [WT] The spas are designed to envelop guests in services geared toward wellness and inner health. What principles guide the Trump Spa philosophy? We cater all of our treatments to focus on wellness and health. From the minute you step into the spa until the moment you leave. All of the interactions between spa employees and guests are focused on wellness, health and of course impeccable service. Our Spa Attaché program is on call for guests to cater to every need while enjoying our treatments. [WT] Trump Hotel’s SoHo location was your first design to use a Middle Eastern theme. What influences shaped this design decision? While working on the design of Trump SoHo , I was frequently going back and forth to Istanbul on business and fell in love with the hammam experience, and knew I had to bring it back to the states. [WT] Can visitors to other Trump Spas expect the same Middle Eastern theme? And will this be a theme used as the Spa at Trump® signature brand expands internationally? We recently renovated Trump Spa at Trump International Hotel & Tower New York and incorporated Middle Eastern rituals into many of the treatments. Our treatments are both tailored to the spas specific location as well as the consumer trends. With Middle-Eastern inspired treatments being so popular the last few years, you very well might see The Spa at Trump reinvent treatments that feature this theme. [WT] Wellness is a recent trend in the Spa industry. Where do you see the growth markets for wellness and medi-spas, and how will the Spa at Trump® be positioned? I think wellness is more than a trend; it’s a concept that is here to stay and The Spa at Trump has been offering wellness options since 2008. For the busy lives that so many of us lead it is important to de-stress, decompress, unwind, and take care of your body on a regular basis. Wellness Today would like to thank you for your participation in the interview, and your contributions to the industry.
    • In English
    • Feature
    2012-10-03
  • [Interview] Ms. Ivanka Trump, Executive VP of Trump Hotel Collection
    Wellness Today is pleased to have the opportunity to speak with Ivanka Trump about the Spa at Trump®, a signature spa brand developed by the Trump Hotel Collection. Ivanka is the Executive Vice President of Development & Acquisitions for The Trump Organization. ▲ Ms. Ivanka Trump inside the hammam at The Spa at Trump SoHo. [Image via Yossi Michaeli Photography] [WT] Statistics indicate hotels in Asia Pacific closed out 2011 at a healthy 9.8% RevPAR growth over 2010, with Southeast Asia at a staggering 18.8%. Growth looks set to continue through 2012. As you’re scheduled to speak at the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) in Hong Kong this October, what does this indicate of Trump Hotel Collection’s interest in the APAC market? Trump Hotel Collection is keenly interested in the APAC market and is aggressively sourcing options. We have recently appointed Todd Wynne-Parry to the new role of senior vice president of global hotel development and acquisitions. For us, it is all about finding the right opportunity, in the right location and now we are pleased to have Todd focusing his efforts on our expansion. Additionally, we will be opening a representative office in Shanghai in the short-term and appointing an executive to spearhead our growth in Greater China as an initial step. The RevPAR stats illustrate that Asia is leading a successful hospitality market and we hope to be a part of it very soon. [WT] The Spa at Trump® signature brand was founded in 2008. Where can these luxurious spas be found? And will the Spa at Trump® brand be placed in international properties? The Spa at Trump can be found at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, Trump International Hotel Las Vegas and Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk. Trump SoHo New York has the only authentic luxury hammam on the East Coast. All of our spas have unique treatments and incredible designs that have been incredibly successful. We hope to expand The Spa at Trump to prospective international properties in the near future. [WT] The spas are designed to envelop guests in services geared toward wellness and inner health. What principles guide the Trump Spa philosophy? We cater all of our treatments to focus on wellness and health. From the minute you step into the spa until the moment you leave. All of the interactions between spa employees and guests are focused on wellness, health and of course impeccable service. Our Spa Attaché program is on call for guests to cater to every need while enjoying our treatments. [WT] Trump Hotel’s SoHo location was your first design to use a Middle Eastern theme. What influences shaped this design decision? While working on the design of Trump SoHo , I was frequently going back and forth to Istanbul on business and fell in love with the hammam experience, and knew I had to bring it back to the states. [WT] Can visitors to other Trump Spas expect the same Middle Eastern theme? And will this be a theme used as the Spa at Trump® signature brand expands internationally? We recently renovated Trump Spa at Trump International Hotel & Tower New York and incorporated Middle Eastern rituals into many of the treatments. Our treatments are both tailored to the spas specific location as well as the consumer trends. With Middle-Eastern inspired treatments being so popular the last few years, you very well might see The Spa at Trump reinvent treatments that feature this theme. [WT] Wellness is a recent trend in the Spa industry. Where do you see the growth markets for wellness and medi-spas, and how will the Spa at Trump® be positioned? I think wellness is more than a trend; it’s a concept that is here to stay and The Spa at Trump has been offering wellness options since 2008. For the busy lives that so many of us lead it is important to de-stress, decompress, unwind, and take care of your body on a regular basis. Wellness Today would like to thank you for your participation in the interview, and your contributions to the industry.
    • In English
    • Feature
    2012-10-03
  • [Interview] Mr. Andrew Gibson, Director of Spa & Wellness, MOHG
    Wellness Today is privileged to have the opportunity to speak with Andrew Gibson about the Spas at Mandarin Oriental. Andrew is the Director of Spa & Wellness at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group based in Hong Kong. ▲ Mr. Andrew Gibson, Director of Spa & Wellness at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group [WT] The award winning Spas at Mandarin Oriental are often found at the top of a seasoned traveler’s favorite spa. In 2011, the Forbes ‘Five Star Spa’ award was granted to a record eight hotels, more than any other hotel group in the world. What makes Mandarin Oriental unique? I think that attention to detail is probably the most important characteristic required to enable our spas to reach the standards they have. This starts from the fact that we have an experienced and dedicated spa team that work from concept through to post opening. Many other hotel groups contract out this work. We have an amazing set of standards and tools to help get started and maintain the operation of our spas. We project manage every one of our spas from concept through to opening. Our Spa Directors visit Hong Kong for an induction that includes spa experiences at three of our properties so they understand the level of support they will receive and they experience the oriental heritage that permeates through each of our properties. We measure and monitor success and we try to recruit people that have a genuine desire to provide hospitality. If all of those things come together the guest will have a memorable experience in every aspect of their visit and will not see all the details that go behind the delivery of excellent service. [WT] The Oriental Spa at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong was recently awarded “Hotel Spa of the Year, Asia and Australasia” at the inaugural World Spa Awards 2012. In a region known for a number of high-end hotel spas, that is quite an achievement. What makes this site stand-out? The Oriental Spa was a landmark creation in more than just name. The spa set design standards and facilities so high that many spas now use it as the benchmark to follow. Design, however, is just one aspect of the experience and today we have been able to deliver a high level of service and creativity to the local Hong Kong market as well as the hotel guests. The General Manager of the hotel takes a personal interest in the spa and ensures that the entire hotel team supports the operation. The Spa Director sits in the Executive committee so that the spa is included in operations and that important events in the hotel are fed back to the spa. As a result the spa plays a significant role in attracting local community into the hotel and works together with all other departments to ensure that the guest enjoys the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel. [WT] Mandarin Oriental spas are designed to envelop guests in simple, effective and authentic spa experience. What principles guide the Mandarin Oriental Spa philosophy? I have copied our guiding principle below since this is such a simple and short paragraph: The Spas at Mandarin Oriental are born out of a sincere understanding and passion for wellness, which we define as a way of life that focuses on physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. The Group is committed to delivering all aspects of wellness with integrity and honesty, providing inspiration for lifestyle change, in an environment that delights all the senses. The Spas at Mandarin Oriental are havens for contemplation and discovery. Guided by our Oriental heritage but influenced by local cultural diversity, the Group has created distinctive concepts with a unique sense of place in every location. The main message is that we have always focused on wellness. This is important because it makes you look beyond just a treatment. By keeping our focus clear and staying true to our philosophy we have been able to reinforce this with hiring and training teams that have the desire to help people. One of the points of difference is how we deliver the concept of Oriental heritage since this is a subtle use of oriental principles and customs blended with a strong sense of place. None of our spas are the same but everyone has a distinctly Mandarin Oriental feel about it and has a core of standards, products, treatments and service guidelines that are consistent throughout. [WT] Mandarin Oriental spas also provide fitness options, nutrition counseling and a variety of other disciplines. What additional services may the guest find? The type of services offered by our spas depends on their location the availability of specialists and the type of guests that stay at the hotel. In Chang Mai we have the most complete wellness offering with visiting practitioners, resident Ayurveda doctors and programmes that are tailor made for guest. There is an organic garden and we work with experts and local community to grow indigenous plants that can be used in healing and treatments. In Sanya we are more focused on Chinese traditional treatments and have an excellent TCM Doctor, a Shaolin monk that teaches meditation and a range of Chinese based treatments. In Las Vegas there is a dedicated foot massage salon that caters for people that spend all day walking the Las Vegas strip, in the Landmark, Hong Kong we have Pilates and Yoga that is also open to the local community. New York has an excellent line up of practitioners that provide therapeutic treatments. They are so good that some of the therapists have guest booked a year in advance. We also have a consultant natural health practitioner that is engaged by several of our hotels to assist with healthy eating options for guests and employees. As you can see each spa has the ability to adapt the wellness spectrum according to their market demand. [WT] In 2009, Mandarin Oriental launched its Signature Spa Product Line. What does this encompass? In 2007 we identified the need to create a strong brand image for Mandarin Oriental and one of the ways was to create a signature product line. Our spa philosophy is strong and consistent and we wanted the product line to reflect the philosophy. Since the majority of our treatments were body based and mainly some form of massage we decided this was the area to focus on. Two of the main considerations to product development were the need to identify signature treatments and the ability to distribute the product globally. In keeping with our Oriental Heritage and desire to offer treatments that have a therapeutic value (i.e. providing wellness) we collected Chinese Doctors, Holistic practitioners, aroma therapists and our team of trainers and met in London to do a work shop that would identify the treatments we wanted to cover. Our solution was to create a customized massage that could be adapted based on a lifestyle questionnaire, a diagnostic and a smell test. The massage would be based on TCM and the aroma oils would reinforce the therapeutic benefit of the treatment. The solution was to produce our oils and scrub. These products could also satisfy our commitment to sustainability, the oils are natural, the packaging and containers, distribution and storage were all considered to provide the most ethically responsible way of delivering these oils. The result was a fantastic creation of oils, scrubs and candles that truly represent our brand. The product line is simple and concentrates on the core of our treatments. This also leaves us free to work with companies that are expert at skin care, men’s lines, etc so that our spas have a core element and a sense of place. [WT] Mandarin Oriental has a well-designed global print advertising campaign which gathers ‘fans’ from around the world. The campaign simply and elegantly connects the Group’s highly-recognized symbol – the fan- with international celebrities who regularly stay at the hotels and are true fans of the Group. Have the spas played a part in the ”She’s/He’s a Fan” campaign? Our marketing strategy is controlled by our Group Communications and Marketing Departments. They take great care to ensure that the entire Mandarin Oriental product is presented. Spa is one our Mandarin Oriental core competencies and therefore is included in all group initiatives. Our group videos included elements from all parts of life in Mandarin Oriental but we also have a dedicated spa video. One of the reasons that the fan campaign is successful is because the fans speak of the entire Mandarin Oriental experience. [WT] For many guests, time spent at the spa is a way to escape from a daily routine inundated by gadgets and technology. However, in managing a highly recognized global spa brand, the spas likely use guest-centric technology to ensure your jet-setting guests receive top level service at any Mandarin Oriental Spa. The three mantras I preach to our spa team are: Keep it simple, be consistent and always do your best. Keeping things simple provides a better opportunity to train well and deliver excellent service. If our teams are confident they can then provide better service and our guest will feel more relaxed and secure. Technology is also a core competency for Mandarin Oriental and behind the scenes we are fanatic at collecting and analyzing data. We have a dedicated finance and data management person in the spa corporate team that works to help provide the Spa Directors with accurate information. By improving our data analysis and measuring quality and finance we can allow the operations team to spend more time with the guests. This enables us to provide better service to our guests. It also provides information to help justify why we need specific facilities that might not be seen to generate revenue. [WT] Statistics indicate hotels in Asia Pacific closed out 2011 at a healthy 9.8% RevPAR growth over 2010, with Southeast Asia at a staggering 18.8%. Growth looks set to continue through 2013. How are the Spas at Mandarin Oriental positioned for growth in the coming years? 2012 is turning out to be a very unpredictable year. Nothing can be taken for granted and our teams have to work diligently and quickly to maintain business levels and control overheads. In 2009 we were very quick to react to the drop in hotel occupancies by focusing on local community use of the spas. With a global brand we are able to take best practices that work in one location and deploy them into other regions. Our spas are well positioned to cope with the uncertainty ahead. The operations teams are experienced, the systems are in place and we can react quickly to changes. We are continually striving to improve the guest experience and have a healthy level of competition amongst our spa directors to be the best in the company. With many new projects in Asia, Europe and the Middle East we are continuing to expand. In 2013 we shall have between 4 – 6 news spas to add to the portfolio. [WT] With the luxury travel industry becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, what is Mandarin Oriental’s position? Mandarin Oriental has many stories of sustainable practices throughout our properties. We have just published our strategy on sustainability. This report represents Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s collective accomplishments and programs to advance sustainability, to champion the communities in which we operate and to deliver excellence. It also illustrates challenges and opportunities for the future. For us, sustainability is about caring for the environment, now and for generations to come. In everything we do, we strive to create value for our stakeholders by enhancing environmental quality and the communities where we operate. As with anything we tackle we want to do it well. Wellness Today would like to thank Andrew Gibson for his generous participation in this interview. About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most prestigious hotels and resorts. The Group now operates, or has under development, 45 hotels representing almost 11,000 rooms in 28 countries, with 19 hotels in Asia, 13 in The Americas and 13 in Europe, Middle East and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 14 Residences at Mandarin Oriental connected to its properties.
    • In English
    • Feature
    2012-09-10
  • [Interview] Mr. Andrew Gibson, Director of Spa & Wellness, MOHG
    Wellness Today is privileged to have the opportunity to speak with Andrew Gibson about the Spas at Mandarin Oriental. Andrew is the Director of Spa & Wellness at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group based in Hong Kong. ▲ Mr. Andrew Gibson, Director of Spa & Wellness at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group [WT] The award winning Spas at Mandarin Oriental are often found at the top of a seasoned traveler’s favorite spa. In 2011, the Forbes ‘Five Star Spa’ award was granted to a record eight hotels, more than any other hotel group in the world. What makes Mandarin Oriental unique? I think that attention to detail is probably the most important characteristic required to enable our spas to reach the standards they have. This starts from the fact that we have an experienced and dedicated spa team that work from concept through to post opening. Many other hotel groups contract out this work. We have an amazing set of standards and tools to help get started and maintain the operation of our spas. We project manage every one of our spas from concept through to opening. Our Spa Directors visit Hong Kong for an induction that includes spa experiences at three of our properties so they understand the level of support they will receive and they experience the oriental heritage that permeates through each of our properties. We measure and monitor success and we try to recruit people that have a genuine desire to provide hospitality. If all of those things come together the guest will have a memorable experience in every aspect of their visit and will not see all the details that go behind the delivery of excellent service. [WT] The Oriental Spa at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong was recently awarded “Hotel Spa of the Year, Asia and Australasia” at the inaugural World Spa Awards 2012. In a region known for a number of high-end hotel spas, that is quite an achievement. What makes this site stand-out? The Oriental Spa was a landmark creation in more than just name. The spa set design standards and facilities so high that many spas now use it as the benchmark to follow. Design, however, is just one aspect of the experience and today we have been able to deliver a high level of service and creativity to the local Hong Kong market as well as the hotel guests. The General Manager of the hotel takes a personal interest in the spa and ensures that the entire hotel team supports the operation. The Spa Director sits in the Executive committee so that the spa is included in operations and that important events in the hotel are fed back to the spa. As a result the spa plays a significant role in attracting local community into the hotel and works together with all other departments to ensure that the guest enjoys the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel. [WT] Mandarin Oriental spas are designed to envelop guests in simple, effective and authentic spa experience. What principles guide the Mandarin Oriental Spa philosophy? I have copied our guiding principle below since this is such a simple and short paragraph: The Spas at Mandarin Oriental are born out of a sincere understanding and passion for wellness, which we define as a way of life that focuses on physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. The Group is committed to delivering all aspects of wellness with integrity and honesty, providing inspiration for lifestyle change, in an environment that delights all the senses. The Spas at Mandarin Oriental are havens for contemplation and discovery. Guided by our Oriental heritage but influenced by local cultural diversity, the Group has created distinctive concepts with a unique sense of place in every location. The main message is that we have always focused on wellness. This is important because it makes you look beyond just a treatment. By keeping our focus clear and staying true to our philosophy we have been able to reinforce this with hiring and training teams that have the desire to help people. One of the points of difference is how we deliver the concept of Oriental heritage since this is a subtle use of oriental principles and customs blended with a strong sense of place. None of our spas are the same but everyone has a distinctly Mandarin Oriental feel about it and has a core of standards, products, treatments and service guidelines that are consistent throughout. [WT] Mandarin Oriental spas also provide fitness options, nutrition counseling and a variety of other disciplines. What additional services may the guest find? The type of services offered by our spas depends on their location the availability of specialists and the type of guests that stay at the hotel. In Chang Mai we have the most complete wellness offering with visiting practitioners, resident Ayurveda doctors and programmes that are tailor made for guest. There is an organic garden and we work with experts and local community to grow indigenous plants that can be used in healing and treatments. In Sanya we are more focused on Chinese traditional treatments and have an excellent TCM Doctor, a Shaolin monk that teaches meditation and a range of Chinese based treatments. In Las Vegas there is a dedicated foot massage salon that caters for people that spend all day walking the Las Vegas strip, in the Landmark, Hong Kong we have Pilates and Yoga that is also open to the local community. New York has an excellent line up of practitioners that provide therapeutic treatments. They are so good that some of the therapists have guest booked a year in advance. We also have a consultant natural health practitioner that is engaged by several of our hotels to assist with healthy eating options for guests and employees. As you can see each spa has the ability to adapt the wellness spectrum according to their market demand. [WT] In 2009, Mandarin Oriental launched its Signature Spa Product Line. What does this encompass? In 2007 we identified the need to create a strong brand image for Mandarin Oriental and one of the ways was to create a signature product line. Our spa philosophy is strong and consistent and we wanted the product line to reflect the philosophy. Since the majority of our treatments were body based and mainly some form of massage we decided this was the area to focus on. Two of the main considerations to product development were the need to identify signature treatments and the ability to distribute the product globally. In keeping with our Oriental Heritage and desire to offer treatments that have a therapeutic value (i.e. providing wellness) we collected Chinese Doctors, Holistic practitioners, aroma therapists and our team of trainers and met in London to do a work shop that would identify the treatments we wanted to cover. Our solution was to create a customized massage that could be adapted based on a lifestyle questionnaire, a diagnostic and a smell test. The massage would be based on TCM and the aroma oils would reinforce the therapeutic benefit of the treatment. The solution was to produce our oils and scrub. These products could also satisfy our commitment to sustainability, the oils are natural, the packaging and containers, distribution and storage were all considered to provide the most ethically responsible way of delivering these oils. The result was a fantastic creation of oils, scrubs and candles that truly represent our brand. The product line is simple and concentrates on the core of our treatments. This also leaves us free to work with companies that are expert at skin care, men’s lines, etc so that our spas have a core element and a sense of place. [WT] Mandarin Oriental has a well-designed global print advertising campaign which gathers ‘fans’ from around the world. The campaign simply and elegantly connects the Group’s highly-recognized symbol – the fan- with international celebrities who regularly stay at the hotels and are true fans of the Group. Have the spas played a part in the ”She’s/He’s a Fan” campaign? Our marketing strategy is controlled by our Group Communications and Marketing Departments. They take great care to ensure that the entire Mandarin Oriental product is presented. Spa is one our Mandarin Oriental core competencies and therefore is included in all group initiatives. Our group videos included elements from all parts of life in Mandarin Oriental but we also have a dedicated spa video. One of the reasons that the fan campaign is successful is because the fans speak of the entire Mandarin Oriental experience. [WT] For many guests, time spent at the spa is a way to escape from a daily routine inundated by gadgets and technology. However, in managing a highly recognized global spa brand, the spas likely use guest-centric technology to ensure your jet-setting guests receive top level service at any Mandarin Oriental Spa. The three mantras I preach to our spa team are: Keep it simple, be consistent and always do your best. Keeping things simple provides a better opportunity to train well and deliver excellent service. If our teams are confident they can then provide better service and our guest will feel more relaxed and secure. Technology is also a core competency for Mandarin Oriental and behind the scenes we are fanatic at collecting and analyzing data. We have a dedicated finance and data management person in the spa corporate team that works to help provide the Spa Directors with accurate information. By improving our data analysis and measuring quality and finance we can allow the operations team to spend more time with the guests. This enables us to provide better service to our guests. It also provides information to help justify why we need specific facilities that might not be seen to generate revenue. [WT] Statistics indicate hotels in Asia Pacific closed out 2011 at a healthy 9.8% RevPAR growth over 2010, with Southeast Asia at a staggering 18.8%. Growth looks set to continue through 2013. How are the Spas at Mandarin Oriental positioned for growth in the coming years? 2012 is turning out to be a very unpredictable year. Nothing can be taken for granted and our teams have to work diligently and quickly to maintain business levels and control overheads. In 2009 we were very quick to react to the drop in hotel occupancies by focusing on local community use of the spas. With a global brand we are able to take best practices that work in one location and deploy them into other regions. Our spas are well positioned to cope with the uncertainty ahead. The operations teams are experienced, the systems are in place and we can react quickly to changes. We are continually striving to improve the guest experience and have a healthy level of competition amongst our spa directors to be the best in the company. With many new projects in Asia, Europe and the Middle East we are continuing to expand. In 2013 we shall have between 4 – 6 news spas to add to the portfolio. [WT] With the luxury travel industry becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, what is Mandarin Oriental’s position? Mandarin Oriental has many stories of sustainable practices throughout our properties. We have just published our strategy on sustainability. This report represents Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s collective accomplishments and programs to advance sustainability, to champion the communities in which we operate and to deliver excellence. It also illustrates challenges and opportunities for the future. For us, sustainability is about caring for the environment, now and for generations to come. In everything we do, we strive to create value for our stakeholders by enhancing environmental quality and the communities where we operate. As with anything we tackle we want to do it well. Wellness Today would like to thank Andrew Gibson for his generous participation in this interview. About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most prestigious hotels and resorts. The Group now operates, or has under development, 45 hotels representing almost 11,000 rooms in 28 countries, with 19 hotels in Asia, 13 in The Americas and 13 in Europe, Middle East and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 14 Residences at Mandarin Oriental connected to its properties.
    • In English
    • Feature
    2012-09-10
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