The onsen model embraced by Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa has helped
them position the spa as an eco-travel destination.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort
and Spa: Markets Sustainability and Medicinal
Benefits
The owners of Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa,
who refer to themselves as ‘stewards of Ojo’, began a multimillion dollar renovation in 2005 which wrapped up last year.
The beginning of the renovation concentrated on the mineral
springs’ pump infrastructure. They later added 12 new suites
that are around 500 square feet in space size which include a
private outdoor soaking tub for two.
The renovation also included the restoration of cottage
suites, a new wine bar and lounge, a new kiva pool (Native
American pool design) featuring mineral waters containing iron
and arsenic mineral water, three private outdoor pools and four
new treatment rooms in their renovated spa.
Given its access to the mineral springs which are natural
sources of geothermal energy, the spa managed to fully convert
to geothermal energy, enabling it to significantly save on energy
cost and reduce its carbon footprint.
This has helped in the eco-travel marketability of the resort
and spa, attracting spa-goers who prefer to invest their money
on brands that champion sustainability.
Spa to their resort hotel. The spa is a 32,291-square-foot bathhouse and features a rooftop infinity lap pool, hot salt water
pool, cold plunge pool, salt water steam bath, sauna, sauna tea
and fruit lounge, relaxation terraces, restaurant, yoga room and
spa with 15 treatment rooms. The spa is designed so that treatment rooms and some soaking areas have a mountain view.
Since adding the Badehaus, which would be considered a
high-end sento, the room rates have increased by 25 percent
and the treatment rooms bring in an additional €1 million ($1.3
million) of revenue per year. The room rates range depending
on the season to around $150 a night for a small single room
to $500 a night for a larger suite. This includes access to the
Badehaus and the Oriental Hamam geared toward the clientele
that enjoys a Turkish style bath.
Spa Director of Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa, Dr. Imke Koenig,
says they have seen an increase of guests in the low-season
since the addition launch of their Badehaus Spa. “Our owner
says that Schloss Elmau could not have [endured the recession]
without the Badehaus. Especially during 2009, when the economic crisis started, Schloss Elmau had several guests [who
continued to visit] because of the spa, while other five-star
hotels battled with low occupancy.”
June 2012
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