“ After enjoying seven years of success, it was time to refresh and modernize the spa programming to keep aligned with current guest expectations and needs,” says recently appointed Spa Director Stephanie Rest.
Improvements were made to refresh the facilities, but the Regent Palms team placed the most emphasis on enriching the guest experience and developing programming, according to Rest.
“ With the expanded programming, an entirely new menu was created with a more focused spa story reflecting the Asian roots of the Regent brand with the beauty and bounty of the spa’ s
Caribbean location,” says Rest.
To re-launch and introduce its fresh enhancements, the spa blended Caribbean and Asian influences for their“ Where East Meets West” event wherein 400 spa guests were in attendance.“ We accomplished this feeling by creating an authentic environment using steel drum music, tapas and libations inspired from the cities of Bangkok and Montego Bay,” she says. The spa promoted their revamped options by giving guests a 50 percent discount to try a new service. The spa’ s PR company also led the media invite efforts and selected journalists from national publications, local media and travel blogs. The press not only experienced the spa’ s new services but were also given the full“ Spa Exploration”— an exclusive spa tour— which helped to generate media exposure for the spa.
Selling Wellness, Inside and Out The spa’ s re-launch was completed with the guests’ overall well-being in mind.“ A healthy mind, body, spirit connection is the balance of optimal wellness we all strive for,” says Rest.
Locally inspired treatments, such as the Caribbean-inspired“ Mother of Pearl Conch Polish” which rejuvenates skin, use hand-crushed local queen conch shells. Treatments like the“ Oriental Essence Ceremony” and the“ Bamboo Massage” incorporate ancient Asian techniques.
Turks and Caicos Spa worked closely with vendors like Sothys, Zents, La Bella Donna and MOROCCANOIL, to improve their staff’ s product knowledge and the value of their services.
“ We carefully selected these vendors not only for the quality of their product, but for how they would partner with the spa,” says Rest.“ Education and marketing support are the single most important factor in having successful lines in your spa and our partners exceed our expectations in every way.” While new products and services foster wellness, the spa believes a nourishing diet is essential for the overall health of guests. Executive Chef Eric Venice revived the lunch menu with locally grown sustainable foods, which Rest says are healthier and reduce the resort’ s carbon footprint.
June 2012 n PULSE 15