Working spa experiences into a meeting or event is an effective way to add balance to a function, relieve attendee stress or just reward employees for a job well done. And today’s spa resorts have practically made a science of interweaving their offerings into a group experience, leaving planners free to focus on a meeting’s other crucial elements
Here’s a look at eight exceptional resort spa settings that focus on the business of group pleasure, and some of the ways they’re tempting and treating today’s attendees.
The Spa at The Hotel, Hershey, Hershey, Pa.
“Our spa group sales team serves as a personal concierge to each group that visits the spa, covering all necessary details to plan and execute the ideal group spa experience within your desired schedule and budget,” says Robynn Cyr, spa sales manager. “Additionally, each guest receives a guided tour of our spa to provide a personalized introduction to all available facilities and amenities.”
The elegant and expansive spa offers a number of unique, chocolate-themed treatments, and some memorable settings as well—such as its Aromatherapy Inhalation Room and The Oasis Lounge, a Moroccan-themed sanctuary ideal for some group relaxation. As for the hotel itself, the comfortably elegant venue offers 276 guest rooms and 25,000 square feet of event space.
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, Hawaii
The elegant Fairmont Kea Lani launched its inviting Willow Stream Spa in late December, which PR Director Megan Haertling says caters specifically to groups and meetings, including a special lounge that can be sectioned off for private affairs.
Among some of the specialized group settings are a new Nail Salon that Haertling says is perfect for small groups and offers a lively social setting. “Pair it with healthy pupus [appetizers] and a signature spa cocktail for a small party,” she advises.
Other charming group-friendly settings include four Hui (Gather) Suites with private foyers sectioned off from the main area, a men’s sauna, and a co-ed lounge.
The Abbey Resort, Lake Geneva, Wis.
With its recently remodeled, 35,000-square-foot Avani Spa, spa-goers at the Abbey Resort can experience all the expected offerings—such as massage, aromatherapy, facials, wraps, saunas and a full-service salon—plus some bonuses that include an atrium pool complex and a Sanctuary Suite that can host 10 and includes a private whirlpool, patio and flat-screen TV. They also love hosting groups, whether of seasoned spa lovers or total newbies.
“For groups that are new to spa-inspired meetings, consider hosting a reception or breakout session in the spa with mini-treatment stations placed throughout,” says spokesperson Jennifer Dirks.”This provides guests with the option to explore treatments and become introduced to the spa in a more social atmosphere.”
Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, Calif.
Nestled in Southern California’s Conejo Valley, the 41,000-square-foot spa here is the largest in the Four Seasons collection, yet still offers numerous intimate spaces and experiences for groups to consider.
Its 28 treatment rooms include four spa suites, which are exclusive quarters with treatment tables, an indoor Jacuzzi and an exterior soaking tub, private patio and more. There are also separate men’s and women’s areas, each with their own locker room, Jacuzzi, steam room and relaxation lounge—plus joint-gender facilities enhanced by similar offerings, as well as an adults-only outdoor pool.
The Lansdowne Resort, Leesburg, Va.
One of the largest spas in Northern Virginia, the 12,000-square-foot Spa Minérale at Lansdowne Resort offers 13 treatment rooms in addition to an imaging center for manicures, pedicures and hair services. PR and Marketing Manager Phil Werz says the venue’s philosophy centers on adapting to groups and their needs rather than vice-versa.
“Given we offer a Complete Meeting Experience, many elements and special requests from Spa Minérale can be incorporated into the planning process, so everything is part of the group’s itinerary during their stay,” Werz says. “For the attendees on the run, we offer express versions of treatments that are 25 to 30 minutes long, not 50 minutes or 75 minutes long. We also encourage planners to consider incorporating spa into the breaks at kiosks.”
Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Port St. Lucie, Fla.
This singular setting sprawling across 216 acres in central-southeast Florida has an enthusiastic emphasis on wellness, be it through one of the countless sporting activities or a relaxing reinvigoration at its Club Med Spa by L’Occitane.
Athletic options include golf, tennis, fitness, triathlon and volleyball, bolstered by professional trainers. Special training packages include a comprehensive consultation upon arrival, fitness training with expert coaches, strong focus on a specific discipline, and a restorative L’Occitane spa treatment and nutritional guidance for individual needs and goals.
The recently launched spa, in addition to its many treatments, also offers nail, haircare and waxing services, so whether attendees are aspiring to look good or just feel good, they’ve come to the right place.
The Boulders, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, Carefree, Ariz.
Carefree is an apt locale for this luxe oasis of desert topography, world-class golf and the 33,000-square-foot Waldorf-Astoria Spa.
In addition to the expected array of massages and other treatments, this stupendous spa has a true group focus, offering corporate wellness programs to enrich meetings and other innovative options.
“Yoga and [Wellness] Boot Camps take place outdoors, and a new Aroma Blend Bar is a new wellness component for meeting breaks,” says spokesperson Debora Bridges. “During breakouts, each meeting guest selects the aroma that is blended especially for them. They leave with their choice of a body soufflé, bath salts or spa cream.”
Another creative concept is something called the Spa Swoop, where one of the resort’s spa therapists catches a meeting guest “off-guard” and provides them with a 15-minute treatment such as hand reflexology.
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, Cancun, Mexico
The 35,000-square-foot Mayan-inspired CasaMagna Spa at the JW Marriott Cancun isn’t officially an “all-inclusive,” according to spokesperson Luisana Suegart, but does create a seamless spa experience in part by working spa diversions into the bottom line.
“Although not traditionally an all-inclusive resort, our Five-Diamond hotel offers groups all-inclusive packages with add-on perks that allow planners to customize the experience, including welcome receptions, dinners and spa experiences—all for one price,” she says.
She adds that the resort works hand-in-hand with its sister property, the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort, and together have hosted parties for over 2,000 guests on their white-sand beach.
