P: According to talks at Forbes, in what way have social
media and technology affected travelers’ expectations?
S: Many guests simply don’t want to talk with live reservations
agents anymore. There needs to be a seamless way to make
online reservations that still meets the expectations of gracious
hospitality. Likewise, the traditional check-in experience is evolving in many properties—and spas are sure to follow—so that
guests can skip the lines and go straight to their rooms. In restaurants and in many activities on property, tablet menus are
replacing paper. But most relevant to spa is the ubiquity of personal devices in the spa space. Many spas are adjusting the old
exhortation of “no cell phones allowed” to a more realistic, “bring
your devices in—just respect your fellow guest’s privacy.”
P: What are some of the things implemented to ensure
that The Spa at Sea Island continues to earn Forbes’ fivestar recognitions?
S: We will continue our relentless emphasis on training and
testing the standards, on making sure our collateral, services and
spa experiences are unique and tell an authentic story, and in
offering that good-old Southern charm, which comes so naturally
to Sea Island. ■
WHO WERE AMONG the Forbes Travel Guide 2015
Star Award winners? Click here to see the full list.
For spas looking to earn a Forbes
star distinction, what piece of
advice can you give? Get access to a
direct, on-site training by the Forbes team. Even
if you don’t manage to achieve a four- or five-star
rating right away, your employees, and by extension, your guests will immediately benefit from
Forbes team’s excellent perspective and tips.
November 2015
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