The art of relaxation

Spa manager Ratchaneekorn Mitplong says massages are the most popular treatment at Angsana, owing to the needs of business people in Dubai to fully relax after work.

"They often ask for the strong pressure massage as this is the only one that can really work out the stress fully, so this means that it's the half-hour and hour packages that are the most popular due to the strength of the massage," Mitplong says.

Angsana uses its Thai heritage as an attraction to guests, with the famous Thai hospitality ethos being a big selling point. Mitplong says that guests expect the Asian hospitality when they come to Angsana so it is certainly a draw for clients.

To keep the menu fresh and following guest demand Angsana make use of the staff training centre in Phuket, Thailand and also their links to parent brand Banyan Tree to develop new menu additions.

"We do the development of products at the Phuket training centre and we also submit guest feedback to the corporate office there to help with the ongoing development of products, treatments and services to keep up with what the guests want," Mitplong explains.

She adds that they come up with new treatments on a yearly basis and they also take inspiration from what Banyan Tree offer but adding the Angsana twist.

The spa is a contemporary decorated spa, with a mix of invigorating colours around the treatment rooms which both appeals to the guest and sets the spa apart from many of the region's other spas according to Mitplong.

Heavenly Spa

The Heavenly Spa at the Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, Dubai is a spa that promotes living well and relaxation in all aspects. The very natural design of the spa, using lots of natural stones, wood and water features helps to create a natural and relaxing atmosphere for all guests.

This in combination with an extensive treatment menu and the spa's own Heavenly Spa Cuisine menu that includes healthy recipes laden with ‘superfoods' helps to offer a complete spa experience.

Heavenly spa manager Bobby Griffiths believes the functionality of a spa is the key to a successful operation as well as providing the right treatments.

"I don't believe designers are getting it right 100% anywhere just yet, so I think that a spa consultant needs to be brought in early on to get it right as design begins to take over from functionality," Griffiths explains.

She says that the right treatment-menu design is crucial too and that Heavenly have worked hard to get things just right.

"We are quite a new spa, but in the future our menu will be client led, highly influenced by guest feedback for sure.

"One of the therapists based in Arizona, USA, designs new treatments and comes across every six months to help develop the spas and train the staff.

"We try to incorporate individual things that are unique to our spa and cater for the wishes and needs of our guests in the region though," she adds.

The Heavenly spa features steam rooms, saunas and Jacuzzis in both the male and female areas, a small gym, a vichy shower and a relaxation terrace that overlooks the beach.

The signature treatment is an exclusive technique called the Rollerssage massage.

The treatment offers ultimate relaxation by rolling semi-precious heated stones across the body combined with the feeling of a Swedish massage.

Facials and body scrubs add to the menu and give the guest a large choice of treatments to choose from for ultimate relaxation and pampering.

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