Hotelier Middle East – August 2019

SPECIAL REPORT

HOTELIER MIDDLE EAST | August 2019 | Volume 18 Issue 08 41

also have access to spaces that tap
into the emotional zone. Taking
care of the emotional and spiritual
self just as much as the physical self
is essential.
VYARA TOSHEVA: Wellness is one of
the fastest growing sectors in the
travel industry in the UAE. Wellness
and wellbeing are no longer
words only used by a particular
niche of individuals, the market is
certainly more informed, people
are researching how to be a part of
the growing trend and are no longer
intimidated. Nowadays hotels are
eager to off er more than a simple
spa therapy or healthy meals but
they take a holistic approach on
body, mind and soul. A holistic
wellbeing experience embraces a
360 О approach to wellness, from
the check-in experience and spa
treatments, to consultations and
dining. At The Retreat Palm Dubai
MGallery, we off er immersive
experiences, encouraging lifelong
memories that are all inspired from
the philosophy of wellbeing and
personal transformation.

HOW MUCH SPACE SHOULD BE
DEDICATED TO SPA AND WELLNESS
VENUES IN HOTELS?

DANAB: Average hotel gyms are
between 50-100m^2. However, whilst
the number of keys is an important
factor, other factors such as external
commercial opportunities, target
audience demographics, and current
customer base should be considered
to achieve a balanced environment
allowing 80-120m^2 , although
this could increase signifi cantly if
operating a local membership model.
MARAIS: It’s diffi cult to provide an
exact number since I believe it should
be cross-functional and incorporated
into the overall design. We should
focus on creating multi-use, dynamic
spaces to deliver a diverse range
of experiences and activities that
enhance wellbeing, with the Spa
being one of them. Maximise your
square metres since space is luxury

line. Guests want to pick and

choose their wellness activity and

manufacture their experiences,

with us being the facilitators.

TOSHEVA: I believe guests are looking

for smart spa design, especially when

talking about developing wellbeing

concepts. The customer will expect

clean, less cluttered spaces, more

space to breathe and to be and

simply let go. Modern yet simplistic,

sustainable, accessible. More guests

appreciate the natural environment

with less toxic materials such as

wood, natural stones and crystals to

enhance experience.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON DESIGN

MISTAKES THAT HOTELS MAKE?

DANAB: Whilst two out of three

travellers look for a gym when

travelling, less than 50% will use

the facility with lack of variety in

equipment and small space being the

primary reasons.

Other mistakes are when hotels

allow the local market to infl uence

the design and not the primary hotel

customer base. Making the gym look

like a meeting room with equipment,

instead of a purposeful, inspiring

professionally laid out environment

is important.

MARAIS: To design the spa without

the contribution of the person or

company that will be operating it.

Also, oversized wet areas, poorly

planned crossover of guests and

staff and not considering the ease

of access for hotel guests and local

guests. Lighting also plays a big role in

creating diff erent ambiances and is

often overseen as a detail.

TOSHEVA: I believe hotels have

to have a long-term vision when

designing their spa space and know

the dynamic of the place and the

concept of the hotel. BOH and

FOH has to be synergised and

off er seamless and smooth journey

to both the internal ( being the

employees) and external customers,

so there is no direct exposure of

guests to the employee areas and

and can be especially very pricy in

urban locations.

TOSHEVA: It is important to

defi ne who we attract - leisure,

business or wellness travellers

and to consider the space

available for wellness facilities

too. For example in a 60 -70

room inventory, the minimum

required space is 60 – 80 m^2 in

order to accommodate basic

facilities such as sauna, steam

rooms, jacuzzi, ice fountain,

etc. If there are plans to have

additional relaxation facilities

and small indoor pool for

instance, the space may go up to

130m^2. If beauty and spa therapy

rooms are needed that may

require additional 20-30m^2.

To maximise the eff ect

of wellness retreats and

other wellness solutions,

the environment beyond the

wellness centre’s doors should

support and prolong the feel-

good eff ect. The entire ground

fl oor is designed to be used in a

relaxed way.

HOW ARE CLIENTS’

EXPECTATIONS SHIFTING IN

TERMS OF WELLNESS FACILITIES?

DANAB: It used to be the case that

if a hotel off ered a gym – it was a

bonus, now it’s an expectation,

with the product mix and

design determining the level

of guest satisfaction. As gym

membership penetration rates

continue to increase, hotels have

to off er environments that allow

exercisers the ability to maintain

their current programme.

MARAIS: Having a location

relevant design that appeals

to multi markets and multi

purposes and driving higher

utilisation of our spaces by

engaging day spa usage. This

will not only create a sense

of community for the hotel

guests, but will also ultimately

boost the top and bottom