Pulse November/December 2020 | Page 46

MEMBER PERSPECTIVES
CONTINUED

“ It ’ s a very luxurious experience that they can ’ t find in other spas . Create that bubble where they can forget everything and enjoy each other ’ s company .”

— CATHERINE DAVALLE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SPA , ACQUALINA RESORT & SPA
The Acqualina Resort and Spa saw a spike in interest in its Royal Spa Suite during the pandemic as couples desired an intimate , luxury experience that felt like a vacation .
The Royal Spa Suite features a private lounge and an oceanfront treatment room with a steam shower for two and private wraparound balcony . It ’ s been perfect during the pandemic because it offers complete privacy . Guests can choose between experience of three hours , two hours or 90 minutes and varying levels of spa treatments , Champagne and lunch .
This sort of package has always been available at Acqualina , but it ’ s taken off during the pandemic . That ’ s because this suite is like a mini apartment where you can lounge , enjoy the view and feel like you ’ re on a trip without going anywhere .
“ The renewal in interest is because people want to feel special , they want to feel their best ,” Davalle says .“ It ’ s been frustrating for so many months that right now , it is selling like hot pancakes . And a lot of spas haven ’ t reopened , so there are less choices .”
Davalle says Acqualina has tweaked the package a little during the pandemic . For example , the longest treatment available is two hours ( down from three hours ) as it gets more difficult for therapists to do long treatments with a mask on . As a substitute , though , guests get more time alone in the steam shower , in the lounge for food and drinks or on the balcony to look down on the water .
When quarantined with kids , the alone time for spouses is a valuable commodity . And that ’ s why this option has been so attractive . It is typically 100-percent booked , even when the hotel is only at 50 percent capacity . Those looking to book the couples suite have to book 2-3 weeks in advance .
Davalle estimates about 60 percent of the spa ’ s business is local . The majority who come are celebrating something like a birthday or an anniversary .
Since a lot of people want to get out of their house but also stay safe , this has been a great option for local guests .
“ It ’ s all about creating some type of escape for our guests ,” Davalle says .“ It ’ s a very luxurious experience that they can ’ t find in other spas . Create that bubble where they can forget everything and enjoy each other ’ s company .” n
FEATURED SOURCES
ALEXIS CABRERA Spa Manager POTOSA SPA
CATHERINE DAVALLE Executive Director of Spa ACQUALINA RESORT & SPA
34 PULSE NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020