Summer 2014


Hotels & Resorts
New spa makes waves


ESPA’s first ever spa in Saudi Arabia, which opened its doors earlier this year and is exclusively for women, has been very well received by travellers and residents alike who are delighted that the world-renowned brand is now in the kingdom.

Located in the heart of Riyadh, at Al Faisaliah Suites, a Rosewood Hotel, Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA offers a sequestered sanctuary away from the city, providing guests with a tranquil oasis to unwind and indulge in a number of world-class, luxurious treatments, according to Spa Director Marianne Nielsen, who is delighted with the response from the spa’s clientele.

 “As a five-star facility, we ask our guests to fill out comment cards, and the feedback has been extremely positive,” she says. “ESPA prides itself on its extensive training programmes and this has proven to be a very sound investment.”

Social  media too, is helping spread the word, reveals Nielsen: “The vast majority of our guests have been referred to the spa through comments made either on Instagram,  Facebook, or by word of mouth.”

“The location and the membership programme that we have has proven to be very attractive to young upwardly mobile Saudi ladies, as has our fully rounded menu, which includes spa treatments, hair, make-up and nails,” she adds.

The first internationally branded ladies-only spa in Saudi Arabia was launched to great fanfare in March this year, with guests at the launch including several members of the royal family and other dignitaries.

Adorned with Swarovski crystals and opulent finishes, the SR50-million ($13 million) Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA highlights glamour and elegance. Meticulously designed by HH Princess Al Anoud bint Khaled bin Abdullah Al Saud, the spa has plush fabrics rich colours and sumptuous textures, and cascading waterfalls which come together to create a truly magical experience. 

SIGNATURE TREATMENTS

The spa’s signature treatments by ESPA teamed with the unique design elements reflect the local culture and heritage, providing the perfect platform for relaxation and indulgence.

Spanning across four floors, the spa features six treatment rooms, two private spa suites, relaxation rooms, whirlpool, nail studio, hair salon and a fitness zone with the latest Technogym equipment.

In addition, the spa includes a 14-m-long swimming pool, a traditional hammam, and an inviting tea lounge for guests to continue their ultimate spa experience. 

Commenting on the launch of the spa, HH Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khaled, Chairman of Al Khozama Management, says the spa would “allow guests to retreat to a private oasis for a relaxing break from the bustle of the city”.

“Carrying forward the established brand, which already exudes luxury, elegance and sophistication, into the spa industry was an obvious move. We are excited to enter another realm of the service industry and look forward to welcoming guests as we continue to deliver a world-class service to our guests,” he adds.

ESPA, the world’s leading spa company, provides bespoke spa services which reflect the local culture. With a presence in 55 countries, including Bahrain and the UAE emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, ESPA’s holistic approach offers personalised treatments using advanced techniques. The spa has partnered with leading skin-care and beauty brands, including traditional and regionally sourced services and products, to create exceptional rituals that are unique to the establishment. 

Susan Harmsworth, the founder and CEO of ESPA International, comments: “We are very excited about our partnership with Al Khozama Management Company and Rosewood Hotels and Resorts which sees the launch of our brand in Saudi Arabia. Our partnership focuses on creating a concept for the Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA that redefines luxury and delivers our world-class, multiple award-winning spa service.”

The ESPA treatment menu offers services that combine regional traditions in wellness with internationally advanced ESPA treatments and experiences, ranging from facials to hammam rituals. Guests will be treated to tailored treatments based on their need for relaxation, revitalisation or stimulation.

Al Faisaliah Suites defines the ultimate in modern elegance and unparalleled hospitality. Excellent service along with generously proportioned suites and unrivalled facilities such as Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA and La Cucina restaurant together deliver a truly unique experience. Al Faisaliah Suites offers 106 of the kingdom’s finest suites ranging from the 64-sq-m units to the award-winning 575-sq-m duplex Royal Penthouse. The suites combine contemporary elegance with arabesque architectural details and residential styling while a 24-hour personal butler service ensures that no request or detail is overlooked.

ESPA successfully combines the design and management of prestigious spas across five continents with the creation of pioneering, natural products that are rich in heritage, texture and aroma.

ESPA is proud to partner with luxury hoteliers, property companies and owners around the globe to create some of the world’s finest spas and equally proud to be a British company which manufactures its products in the UK, says Harmsworth.

ESPA products are as unique as they are effective; they are tested each and every day by a highly trained and extremely professional global network of therapists based in 55 countries and its award-winning, results-driven products are loved by women and men alike, who benefit from their visible results for both face and body. It is this combination of expertise and rich spa heritage that creates a unique brand that has won over 125 coveted awards in the last three years.

ESPA has been creating spas in the five-star market around the world for more than 10 years, and it has an intuitive understanding and creative adaptability to develop projects from conception and design, through build and start-up into fully operational and progressive facilities, according to Harmsworth.

Deep within its philosophy is the determination to combine the best of ancient and modern therapies with the finest quality ingredients and skin care advances. The result is an unusual combination of spa-inspired products, treatments and services that harness the best of aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, thalassotherapy and phytotherapy.  Absorbing these elements, ESPA’s philosophy is focused upon enhancing an individual’s lifestyle in a way that is both holistic and versatile, as is its commitment to “products and treatments that really work”, she adds.

The spa is open from 9 am to 11 pm daily and serves hotel guests as well as the general public. For appointments, call +XXX-XX-2733000 or email spareception@alfaisaliahspa.com.





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