It is with great pleasure that we have an opportunity to speak with Carol Fajht, a highly regarded spa and wellness expert with experiences spanning the globe. We catch up with Carol at her current location in Doha, Qatar.

          

▲ Ms. Carol Fajht, Spa Director at Corp Executive Hotel Suites Doha

[WT]  You have quite an extensive background in the Spa & Wellness industry.   Could you summarize your industry background?
[CF]  I have now over 25 years in this business.  I qualified as an Aromatherapist 30 years ago and ran my own business in Crete, Greece for 8 years.  I then moved on to Asia, graduating to Area Spa Project Coordinator Middle East for an International originally Asian Brand, opening their first Resort Spa of over 10,000 square metres.
 
I did my M.E.P. for spas with Barr & Wray and since then have handled Project Management — thru planning, concept  & design, construction, pre-opening, covering right thru to Operations and Brand Development.  Working on a few smaller boutique spas was a greater challenge than the larger international ones.
 
[WT]  What corporate philosophy or mission drives your market focus? 
[CF]  Integrity and delivering an educated experience with passion.

[WT]  What are some of the projects you’re currently working on?

[CF]  A boutique spa refurbishment in Doha and in the near future working with a large project for concept and design.
 
[WT]  You've managed and consulted for some of the top spa & wellness groups around the world.  What are some of the exotic locations and sites your travels have taken you to?

[CF]  Bora Bora, Morea and Tahiti in French Polynesia .....and of course Cebu in the  Philippines was a lovely posting.  Thailand of course, is basically or was the home of spa and service is with a smile. Crete in Greece was also beautiful.
 
[WT]  What are some of the interesting trends you find in spa & wellness?  
[CF]  A few years back everyone wanted the Asian feel, and then the trend shifted to the concept of villas "in water”.     Going green is a long term commitment that has eluded many.  The One Stop Shop  so to speak  will always finds its place, but the sophisticated market these days is an increasing demand for the support facilities that surround the treatment itself.

Spa Retreats will always come top of the list offering total body and mind cleansing and renewal.  At the very top end, I believe that therapist/butler style in the high-end locations will make its debut soon.
 
[WT]   How do you see the prospects for industry growth in the Middle East and Asia for the coming years?
[CF]  There is a huge growth sprint still in the Middle East. The more the stress and the luxury , the more the need for total relaxation and getaway. But concepts and investment need to be carefully planned in order to attract long term sustainable business.
 
[WT]  Have your efforts taken you into Korea?  How do you see the Korean Spa & Wellness industry?
[CF]  Not yet, although my very best friend Peter Berry had opened the world's largest fitness facility there a few years ago.  They certainly have the technology.
 
[WT]  Is there anything further you'd like to add?
[CF]  Mmmmm, well its been a long term trend to spa.  The industry will only get better with the designs being more and more creative.  I do believe however, that the need for full medi spas is on the increase for men and women, having treatment/surgery and coming out looking as if you have only rested …. no one any the wiser.

* Having known and worked with Carol for many years, I do appreciate that she has shared her thoughts with us.