Sofitel Luxury Hotels Expands So Spa Concept In Asia Pacific

Following the successful launch of So SPA in Sofitel London St. James and Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port in July 2009, the concept made its debut in Asia at the Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich last year. The roll-out of Sofitel So SPA in Asia will continue with a number of openings scheduled for key Sofitel hotels located in China and the Pacific in the coming year.

In recognition of the concept's luxurious wellness offerings, the pilot So SPA at Sofitel London St. James was awarded 'Best Spa in UK and Ireland' by Condé Nast Johansens, world-renowned award representing a trusted mark of quality recognized by travellers and professionals.

"To attract today's traveller, a hotel must be able to provide an exquisite experience that goes beyond just exceptional service. Our guests are becoming increasingly wellness-minded and we designed So SPA to be a key pillar of the Sofitel experience, one that guests will look forward to being part of whenever they stay with us," said Markland Blaiklock, Senior Vice President of Sofitel Asia Pacific.

Designed to help guests relax, restore and rejuvenate, So SPA combines ancient wellness traditions from around the world with the refinement and skills of modern French cosmetology. The result is an innovative spa concept for today's savvy traveller. Each detail clearly reflects the Sofitel concept of elegance and beauty fused with French "savoir vivre."

Taking a personalized approach to wellness, So SPA's selection of therapies are categorised in a similar way to a French gourmet restaurant menu so guests can customize their experience by combining different treatments listed under 'Starters', 'Mains', 'Specials' and 'Desserts' to suit their specific wellness needs.

Treatments listed under 'Starters' last 30 minutes and are designed for busy urbanites seeking rest and relaxation after a full day. 'Main Dishes' and 'Desserts' last an hour and feature full body massages, facial care, and other luxurious treatments intended to nourish the body and soul.

"With the understanding that each guest is unique, wellness programmes should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Inspired by the best health and beauty traditions around the world, we developed So SPA's personalization concept to tailor to guests' individual needs so they can fully immerse themselves in an ultimate wellness experience. It is the perfect answer for guests seeking a refreshing spa experience unlike any other," said Sonal Uberoi, Regional Director of Spa Sofitel Asia Pacific.

Delivering indulgence from head to toe, So SPA across the region will offer a selection of sophisticated spa techniques and traditional Asian remedies in a beautifully designed, intimate sanctuary inspired by local culture. Specialty beauty products will be used from famed French skincare lines such as Clarins, Cinq Mondes, L'Occitane and Themae as well as Asian botanicals from Ytsara and Naturelle d'Orient.

The spa menu also features two signature So SPA treatments 'So Rejuvenating' and 'So Exhilarating' accompanied by specially commissioned Sofitel music and fragrances and a few other therapies exclusive to select Sofitel hotels, such as 'Absolute Desktop Recovery' targeting corporate travellers, and family treatments such as 'Mommy and Me' in family resorts.

So SPA by Sofitel is currently available at select hotels in Asia including Sofitel So Bangkok, Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich, Sofitel Zhongshan Golf Resort Nanjing, Sofitel Mumbai BKC while So SPA at Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16 and Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort are scheduled to open officially later this year. In the Pacific region, So SPA will be launched in Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa and Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour later this year.