WELLSPRING has a number of
lagniappe PERUVIAN
PALACE
Some suites at
Palacio Nazarenas feature original Colonial arches .
Orient-Express ’ Palacio Nazarenas , the 55-suite “ urban retreat ” housed in a former 16th century convent in Cuzco , Peru , is hardly your average boutique hotel . The US $ 14.1 million project is the result of four years of painstaking renovation . Murals and friezes from Cuzco ’ s Spanish colonial heyday were brought back to life using innovative techniques such as gently massaging them with flour dough to remove surface dirt . Original Inca walls have been preserved beneath the glass floors of treatment rooms at the hotel ’ s spa . Some suites feature details including original Colonial arches , and the Library serves as a museum for all the property ’ s artifacts . Palacio Nazarenas boasts modern touches , too . In addition to Cuzco ’ s first outdoor infinity pool , guests can enjoy Senzo Restaurant , where Executive Chef Virgilio Martinez prepares authentic Peruvian cuisine with a modern twist , or a full cocktail-making set in their suite with instructions on how to create exotic Andean cocktails . Since its debut in mid-June through year ’ s end , the property ’ s forecast ADR — including soft opening rates through September 15 — is US $ 510 .
HOT
TYPE
“ Travelers really know what they want because they have access to enormous information about any destination . We need to make sure we deliver . There is looking after the cultural elements when they visit one of our destinations , or if they are into the social responsibility side of things , we can get them involved in that . It is about personalization .” – Abid Butt , CEO , Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts , Singapore
FARM
TO
TABLE TO
SPA
Remède Spa at The St . Regis Aspen Resort in Aspen , Colorado , has introduced a menu that marries the farm-to-table movement with health and wellness . The “ Farm-to- Massage Table ” experience pairs spa treatments with a tasting menu that uses the same aromas , textures and flavors , so the body is feeling the same ingredients the mouth is tasting . Spa Director Julie Oliff and Executive Chef Thomas Riordan created a five-course treatment and tasting menu using ingredients from local growers that will change continually . Examples include a savory salt glow scrub paired with an
The Remède “ Farm-to-Massage Table ” experience pairs spa treatments with a tasting menu that uses the same aromas , textures and flavors .
appetizer such as chilled cucumber consommé in a shot glass with mint “ caviar ” garnish .
“ Guests are increasingly discerning , seeking wellness spa experiences with relevance ,” says Amy McDonald , owner of healthand wellness-focused Under a Tree Consulting , Tucson , Arizona . “ The Farm-to-Massage Table elevates spa ingredients to emulate those found at the dinner table . We are seeing this as a here-to-stay trend .”
WELLNESS
The global spa and wellness industry
WELLSPRING has a number of
opportunities for growth , including focusing more on children ’ s programming and embracing emerging technologies , according to presentations during the annual Global Spa & Wellness Summit this past summer .
For example , spas must better embrace all the new , cheap and easy customer communications technologies , whether incentivizing people to “ check in ” via Facebook or Foursquare , creating YouTube videos of facilities or treatments or ensuring easy online booking . Other opportunities highlighted include :
● Mental wellness : Given the predominance of stress and depression , spas could be reimagined as places where creativity thrives .
● Wellness coaching : Standards for health and wellness coaches are forthcoming , and wellness coaches could be viewed as alternatives to some traditional health care providers .
● Employee wellness : If spas can communicate their total health-focused package , they are a natural fit for the US $ 30 billion-plus workplace wellness industry .
80 HOTELS October 2012 www . hotelsmag . com