Marriott International Expands Spa Portfolio With Eight New Spas In Eight Countries
WASHINGTON, D.C. - From the bustling city of London to the white-sand beaches of Cancun, Mexico, Marriott International, Inc.
Marriott International announced last year that it would double its spa portfolio over the next two years under a new series of standards designed to eliminate the barriers that deter many consumers from experiencing the benefits of a spa. Today, the Marriott spa portfolio includes 28 spas in 10 countries.
"We have been operating spas for almost 20 years, beginning in the mid-1980s with our first spa at the Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in California. Over that time, we have learned a lot about what our spa guests like and expect. Now, we are coupling these learnings with our reputation for providing consistent, caring and nurturing service to create the Marriott spa experience," said Laura Bates, Marriott's vice president for leisure travel. "We are delighted that our spa expansion plans are on target."
Marriott International's newest spas include:
The JW Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa recently unveiled a 35,000-square-foot, three-level spa, the largest in Latin America. The Spa incorporates Mayan-inspired treatments and raw materials from the region, including fresh fruit, stone and crystal, incense, mud and milk. Spa Director Cynthia Claudia Graf, a native of Mexico, balances historic Mayan rituals and ceremonies (such as those for brides and expectant mothers) with modern-day ingredients. Guests are encouraged to ask about the history of their treatments, some of which reflect Mayan-influences, including: 'Sihi Na Queen' Bodywrap, a wrap used to firm and thin the skin with a self-heating clay and gel; Jade & Rose Sculpture, a therapy that drains the body of excess fat using Mayan Jade crystals and wrapping the body in a mask and rose petals; and Temaztac Fountain of Youth, a hydrotherapy treatment using milk serum, which helps combat certain physical and emotional body disorders.
The Spa at the Renaissance London Chancery Court in London provides the perfect haven for E'SPA holistic treatments combining traditional European and Eastern philosophies. Limestone, granite, natural wood and ecru colors have all been used in the interior décor of the Spa, and this, together with specially designed lighting, creates a relaxing, soothing and escapist atmosphere. Bridges take guests across gently running water surrounding the main body of the Spa to the treatment and changing rooms. A rotunda at the center of the Spa houses the relaxation room, where guests recline on individually designed chaise lounges with personal lighting and headphones. Fresh juices and a fruit platter are offered in this haven of tranquility. Guests are advised to arrive 40 minutes prior to their treatment to relax in order to fully benefit from their treatment. Afterwards, they can return to the relaxation room for as long as they wish. The Spa has seven treatment rooms and a VIP suite with two treatment beds and private changing area and shower - ideal for couples or friends.
The Jordan Valley Marriott Resort and Spa at the Dead Sea (opening in late 2002) is tucked between the Great Rift Valley Mountains of Jordan and the Dead Sea. The Mediterranean climate combine with the Dead Sea's high concentration of therapeutic minerals to make this spa an ideal place for relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa consists of five hydrotherapy areas, eight individual treatment rooms, eight massage and facial rooms, two steam rooms and two saunas. Guests may partake in the Middle Eastern spa tradition of Turkish baths and Rasul, or mud sauna treatments. The spa's treatments take advantage of the healing properties of the Dead Sea's mud
and salt, including the Dead Sea Salt Scrub, the Dead Sea Mud Wrap and Facial Mask, and the Milk & Honey Wrap, which is especially appropriate to the resort's location in the Biblical "land of milk and honey." The facility also features an aerobics room, indoor saltwater pool, three whirlpools, relaxation room, male and female solariums and treatment terraces with pools, and separate salons for men and women.
The Mandara Spa at the JW Marriott Phuket Resort in Thailand features a complete range of traditional Asian and western spa treatments with special emphasis on Thai-style massage and beauty processes. These treatments include a variety of massage styles, mud body wraps, herbal wraps and facials, salt scrubs, seaweed wraps, aromatherapy, reflexology and a selection of luxurious fresh water baths. Treatments are available for individual guests or couples. The 750-square-meter (8,100-square-foot) spa complex includes five private double-treatment suites offering air-conditioned comfort and featuring traditional Thai décor. Each of the treatment suites opens onto a private tropical garden and offers outdoor showers, plunge pools and traditional Thai 'salas' (pavilion) for treatments or relaxing.
The Mallorca Marriott Son Antem Golf Resort & Spa in Spain is an extensive 49,000-square-foot (4,552-square-meter) spa that emphasizes a holistic philosophy. Experts in massage; beauty, energy and anti-aging treatments; body wraps; specialized baths; healthcare and fitness are available to tend to guests' wishes. The spa encompasses three floors and includes a tea bar; two thermal mineral water pools; Turkish, Cleopatra, herbal and Japanese baths; a cold water pool; sun deck; and Ottoman steam, massage and beauty treatment rooms.
The spa at the Brazilian resort of Costa do Sauipe (opening early 2002), near the coastal city of Salvador, is located in its own building near Marriott and Renaissance hotels in a self-contained resort area. The spa's signature treatments - developed by Brazilian spa pioneer Ala Szerman - take advantage of the country's rich natural resources. For example, the aloe wrap uses banana tree leaves followed by a lavender moisturizing treatment. Oxygen facials, themed massages, aromatherapy and hot stone therapy are among the other treatments offered at the spa. After a day of treatments, guests can relax at the spa's outdoor café with lunch or a healthy snack.
The Spa at the Doha Marriott Gulf Hotel pampers its guests with an 8,000-square-foot spa, fitness center and juice bar. The Spa features a full range of facial treatments, body wraps and scrubs, nail treatments and cosmetics. Decléor products are used for both facial and body treatments, and Versace cosmetics are featured at The Spa.
The much-anticipated spa at the JW Marriott Hotel Mirage City, Cairo (opening early 2003) is the first of its kind in Egypt. The 120,000-square-foot spa will feature 24 specialized treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, and salt baths. The spa will combine the best treatments used by the ancient Egyptians with the most current spa trends of today.
Over the next two years, Marriott International will open additional spas in Ireland, St. Kitts and the U.S., including locations in California, Florida, Arizona and Alabama.