We are fortunate to have an opportunity to chat with Patrick Saussay, Founder & CEO of Paris-based Global Project & Spa Advisory (G.P.S.A). Patrick discusses the roll-out of evian®SPA in the Asian market and provides further insight through his extensive Spa & Wellness industry experience.

▲ Mr. Patrick Saussay, Founder & CEO of Global Project & Spa Advisory

[WT] You're the founder and CEO of Global Project and Spa Advisory. What is the mission of the firm?

[PS] The mission of G.P.S.A. is to provide support in concept definition, project management, brand development, spa expertise in the wellness industry.

Today, upscale hotels, resorts and residences can’t move forward and be recognized as "best places to stay" without quality spa and wellness services. Customers are demanding and more and more aware of spa treatments, products, services. To provide wellness and not just treatments, all customer senses should be considered to create a relaxing environment able to meet expectations. Spas in hotels and resorts require true expertises to set up quality and competitive wellness offer, and to develop profit centers.

For these reasons, and thanks to more than 20 years in consulting and project management, we have developed our vision and team to propose our services in:   ▶ Business strategy  ▶Spa consulting  ▶Market study  ▶ Project management  ▶ Business planning  ▶ Spa management  ▶ Brand development

We answer to multi-sensorial needs with a consistent approach of all spa dimensions, connecting each element for a global balanced experience.

We gather the best experts to design extraordinary spas able to enhance an hotel awareness and value. We have a special care for team training (treatments, behavior, customer care, retail and sales) just because to create a wellness experience the team is a key asset. Last but not least, we also have a strong focus on business plan and forecasts because a wellness facilities are not only about pleasure but also about profit.

[WT] One of GPSA's projects is to lead the international development for evian®SPA. What does this entail?

[PS] evian®, number one mineral water worldwide, has decided to launch its unique spa concept last year. It is a strategic and natural evolution for evian®, consistent with its core values : purity, health, youth. It's a new refreshing full spa concept based on evian water life cycle. The water journey in French Alps mountains is our reference and provides an original but self-explanatory answer to the growing hotels concern for a story to tell. We have provided our spa expertise to evian® in the concept definition, and we now take care of the international development on behalf of evian. This means prospection and identification of the right hotel partners and implementation support depending on the hotel requirements. 

It is important to preserve evian® identity during local implementation; it is also essential to deal with the location soul and culture to adjust the concept to local needs and customers. We secure evian®'s "must haves" including treatments menu and trainings.

Actually, when I've met Laurent Houel (evian® project owner) , they were already finalizing implementation of evianSPA in Palace Hotel Tokyo. So my role was more geared towards the future projects, in terms of concept enhancement and the organisation of the commercial development. The objective is to provide not only a concept but also the tailor-made support to implement it during all future projects

          

▲ evian®SPA Tokyo's Reception

[WT] What is the evian®SPA inspiration ? Are there unique attributes to evian®SPA's offerings that differentiate the brand from others?

The inspiration that led to evian®SPA creation is intimately associated with the course that evian®water follows through the heart of the Alps before emerging at the spring, in its purest form, after a journey of over fifteen years. Its birth a celestial event involving rain and snow on the Gavot plateau, evian® water penetrates deep through the rocks during a journey that endows it with its perfect mineral balance while purifying it. The water builds up into a precious reserve, before emerging in a vital flow at the spring.

This is the story of the miraculous journey that is reflected in an evian® spa, offering the guest a unique experience, a journey into the heart of the mountain, to attain a glorious balance both in terms of body and mind, after having enjoyed a relaxing environment wherein water is present at all times, in all its forms. The architecture inspired by the mountain's curves, the design and decor of the facilities, as if shaped by water, are also intended to reinforce the sense of letting go, of restful breathing, and alpine tranquility. In this space that exists in communion with nature, guests are invited to revel in a real sensory experience: A spa lighting that follows the rhythm of the sun cycle, sound interaction, special aroma signatures, are all part of this journey for the senses.

evian® is not a cosmetic brand; it's a wellness brand with its own universe, image, and a strong international awareness. With this new evian®SPA concept, evian® is confirming its desire for natural diversification by proposing in a new and vibrant manner a return to the source of all well being through water.

          

▲ evian®SPA Tokyo's Spa Suite

[WT] Palace Hotel Tokyo is the first location for an evian®SPA project. Has the project opened, and how has the brand been received by the local market?

[PS] Japan was the backdrop for the opening, in May 2012, of the first luxurious evian®SPA, located on the 5th floor of the Palace Hotel Tokyo, which is marvelously situated across from the gardens of the Imperial Palace. Spread over 1200 sq ms of bright, spacious facilities, the SPA offers: 6 treatment rooms including one double room, two steam rooms, a 127 sq m fitness room, a 20 m x 5 m swimming pool with terrace -French savoir faire and Japanese tradition coming together in perfect embodiment of a concept inspired by the mountains.

Authenticity, link with the nature, french origin, quality positioning, these are key assets for a successful start in a very demanding country. The fact that there are more local customers that hotel guests in the spa is an excellent sign..

          


▲ Swing Pool I at evian®SPA Tokyo
          

▲ Swing Pool II at evian®SPA Tokyo

[WT] What upcoming plans are there for evian®SPA in the greater Asian market?

[PS] evian®SPA concept is the result of an innovative global approach which will be developed through licensing agreements. The development is planned in overseas markets on a priority basis, in countries where the brand enjoys an excellent reputation and an image that will ensure primary interest from clients who are looking for something that is different and authentic. I can't disclose specific information about next steps, but Asia, Middle East, Russia, some countries in Europe and USA are our main targets.

[WT] Prior to GPSA, you spent fifteen years in the consulting industry. How did that prepare you for your current endeavors?

[PS] My consulting background helps me a lot everyday. As a senior manager for Arthur Andersen/BearingPoint, I was involved in the transition process of several private and public large organizations such as the French Healthcare Ministry, Paris Head office, CNES, Bloomberg, Saint Gobain, and several major French hospitals. I was fully dedicated to health-care organizations for three years, balancing quality and efficiency in this very sensitive sector. Consulting in this kind of organizations teach strategy and methodology, project management, sensitive issues analysis, finance and change management. Wellness market is quite young and I thought it could be useful to bring this kind of competencies to support wellness projects and hotel spa reorganization. Obviously, sectorial skills are also important. That's the reason why, in addition of a three year experience as managing director of a Swiss spa brand, I'm glad to have on board the support of Christine Masson with more than 20 years of technical experience in this industry.

Coming from the consulting industry, we propose a pragmatic integrated vision and secure project management more than with only sectorial skills.

[WT] Are there trends in the Spa & Wellness industry that are of particular interest to you?

[PS] I'm very interested in the growing care for wellness services more that spa or treatment services. I believe in cross selling and I feel that customer benefits are deeper if we provide a global consistent offer beyond treatments and cosmetics. There are many ways to provide wellness.

Wellness Today appreciates Patrick’s contribution and sharing his market insight.