Create a spa has become the great idea to attract tourists and to spend during their stay. Is a boutique / high-end can really do without this kind of service today? It's true that choosing between two places on the web, I'd probably seduced by the soothing and enchanting pictures of a spa, even less choosy about the pictures of the room.
A spa is a loss leader, which can be very expensive when attendance does not follow. This summer, I could be bitter and observation tell me that spas must also adapt to the seasonal nature to succeed. If a spa seems to me most welcome to ski during the months of January to March tristounets I am much less motivated to lock myself in a spa in the middle of August, which is more on my summer vacation spot.
Yet I have tested this summer spa near Baux de Provence, the care was offered to me by my darling. The spa is attached to the wing very modern and stylish, recently named B Design & Spa , the boutique hotel, The Side of Oliviades , whose restaurant has been very well received by critics, the spa setting s Client hotel and also to area residents to come enjoy a treatment Decléor or Carita. The number of appointment is not yet sufficient to recoup the investment.
However, this spa includes many features:
- an intimate spa, consisting of only 3 cabins which gives the impression of having just for you
- a relaxation area welcoming and inviting to relaxation, while offering unique activities like a pool walking (filled with fresh water) and jetted tubs.
- a very friendly staff, attentive and motivated
- quality products with flavors such singular
- a very complete treatment menu (see here )
This is ultimately what we're looking at a spa. Why so I do not catch?
- When the spa is not urban and a bit lost in the countryside, the hotel and spa must operate in total harmony. Yes, the spa can help the hotel, making it more attractive, luxurious, full. But the hotel also has spa boast its customers, its offerings and make it visible, as well as other services. What was not so much the case with this mat Provence, where access to the spa could not be done via the hotel suites, which are themselves closed to outside visitors or customers are not equipped with badges.
How many times am I tucked into a spa, just out of curiosity? To smell the good smells, see the map ... and let myself be seduced after? The error of the hotel is to offer the hotel reception the sale of cosmetics in the promotion, not to propose a simplified map of care. A bit like a daily menu boasting spa treatments.
- If the hotel is designed to fundamentally intimate and exclusive in its services, why not push the concept of the spa even further by privatizing it for privileged customers? A private access with care on demand, and therefore more expensive. But this spa B Design is unfortunately not designed to achieve this level of excellence.
My darling and I have noticed a few small details, like not very soundproof booths, a lack of reinsurance aestheticians (I warn you I'm pregnant and I was told that my massage with essential oils will! After facial scrub, I keep full of grain in the eyes and mouth, wondering when this will end up ... come a hot towel to remove them. A word from me would have two less panic) and absence of record at the end of beauty care.
- When planning to go to the beach day or to visit the area, we do not care for one minute to 60 minutes or more. One exception: the spa offers treatments adapted to the pace of our holiday. And that, unfortunately spas have not yet all inclusive. The spa was expected to play the card of the pulse, but also express care of the outdoor experience.
- How depressing to find a spa in the South of France and Europe in the basement of a hotel! Nothing makes me more than a dream pool, indoor course, with natural light that would offer a nice view of the local landscape. Better massage tables set up outside. I've never tried it, but I know that exotic destinations offer this type of unique experience, like yoga or fitness rooms outdoors. Curtains, music, a minimum isolation, and relaxation can be achieved while maintaining a contact with nature.
- Adapt to seasonality, it is perhaps also review its card based. Some, such as Sothys, have already integrated offering facials specific depending on the season. I think that the institutes could go further than simply using treatments based on seasonal ingredients.
Why not praise the care they needed most in the summer, such as a pedicure or a nourishing hair treatment, instead of 2 hours of complete rituals? Or a foot massage at the poolside of the hotel? It can also play more focused on the needs: light legs, activation of the sun ... Well no shortage of ideas to attract customers on holiday.
- And please, it's fine to serve us tea in the break room, but why we finish for the day?? As much as I love the feel of soft body and relaxed in winter, as I want out of a summer institute with a fresh complexion and energy. A small fruit juice, yes, yes, yes!
- When the spa is not urban and a bit lost in the countryside, the hotel and spa must operate in total harmony. Yes, the spa can help the hotel, making it more attractive, luxurious, full. But the hotel also has spa boast its customers, its offerings and make it visible, as well as other services. What was not so much the case with this mat Provence, where access to the spa could not be done via the hotel suites, which are themselves closed to outside visitors or customers are not equipped with badges.
You have already tested spas during your summer vacation in Province by the sea? Which did you like?
Not at all but I already tested against a formula hammam-scrub-massage in Tunisia. Hyper typical, it is looking less than in France but the top shot!
I have never been tested in spa, because I feel like pampering myself in the winter. Have this feeling of warmth, comfort and coocooning me, like you, more important at other times of year one, so I'm not going (and I expect October-November forward, hi, hi, hi!), and post your article, I'm right!
The only time I have been tested in an SPA was in Malta this year - because pregnant, I could not go diving with my husband! And it matched perfectly to pon mood of the moment - cocoon and slow
But I confess that if I have too much else to do but the only idea to plan for a 60 min treatment my back up.
I also prefer to be pampered in winter. Summer is made for holidays in the fresh air and dynamic!
@ Mary: it is true that in his country, one is more tempted to try a traditional treatment.
@ Montaw: anyway, a lot of spas in the city have closed their doors in the summer or have idled, their clientele was on vacation. Strongly when the next treatment! If you're in Paris, I will soon unveil a new address.
@ Cec: you surprise me they rely on the spa to attract joint (s) that remain at the hotel while the other person is meeting, golf or other activity.
@ Feather: you have summed up the mood!
Strongly agree: in full fan of spas, they are really less attractive summer where the sun's rays enough to relax ... I tested one of Caudalie inner suburbs in June (by 30 °) and really, I regretted a restaurant where even a simple outdoor solarium .... Finally, spas who understood ca, are rather exotic in countries where they almost always offer care and outdoor rooms very open .... Happiness!
@ Marie: would you by chance went to the ponds Corot? In this case, the B Design & Spa was within the walls of his private school (to which only the suite guests have access) a beautiful outdoor pool overlooking the Baux de Provence. But the best was the spa is built to the same level (not the basement) and direct access to the pool is allowed. Much like the beautiful terraces of Swiss hotels in Lausanne (Beau Rivage) or in Vevey (Three Crowns). Sure, get a massage outdoors while maintaining some privacy, is a real luxury. Rare!
My best experience of the genre: in Thailand, on an idyllic beach, deserted Thai massage under the shade of coconut trees ... ahhhh I still shudder!
Not at all mind SPA because I was on an island nature reserve = 4 hours per day running water, electricity likewise, but it was good! And all for a budget "backpacker" I look forward to returning as soon as baby is greater
@ Cec: my friend in Amsterdam just told me about these massages on the beach, not those we suggest you also in the Bay of Pampelone but real massage or in front of your bungalow.