Spa Strategy has announced Elaine Fenard as a new partner. Fenard joins the renowned spa consulting firm after four years as vice president of Spa Development and Operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. She will assist Managing Partner Richard Dusseau and Partner Nancy Nemer in their pursuit to create the most innovative, luxurious and profitable spas in the world. Spa Strategy finds its strength in the partners' unique experience in interior design, luxury hotel and spa operations, and menu and service development. "As an entrepreneur at heart, I am thrilled to be joining Spa Strategy," Fenard said. "With their hotel and design experience and their comprehensive approach to developing spas, Spa Strategy fills a niche in the spa business."
Dusseau expects Fenard's exceptional experience will add remarkable value to Spa Strategy.
"There is not another person in the industry who brings the depth of knowledge and expertise that Elaine possesses," Dusseau said. "Her 25 years of spa development and operations experience rounds out our team at Spa Strategy."
At Starwood, Fenard was responsible for the strategy, development and operation of Starwood spa properties worldwide. She managed a diverse portfolio of destination spas and supervised all development projects.
Fenard also designed several innovative concepts for Starwood including the "Spa in a Box" model that created a profitable template for spa development from start to finish, to be used by hotel owners and developers. The formula for the Heavenly Spa brand was her brainchild, and the prototype location at the Westin Maui generates the second-highest revenue in all of Starwood.
Fenard championed the Starwood Spa Collection, a group of 34 unique spas in Starwood Hotels & Resorts. In addition, she oversaw the development of several successful individual spas under the Starwood umbrella including the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass; Westin Kierland; W, Mexico City; W, Seoul; Westin La Quinta Malaga Spain; and the Sheraton Cork.
Prior to Starwood, Fenard worked as a consultant for Steiner Maritime Fenard directing development and operations for the highly successful Disney Magic and Wonder Vista Spas.
Fenard began her career with as manager of spa operations for Coiffeur Transocean Inc, where she was instrumental in creating the first purpose-built spa at sea in the late 1980's, demonstrating the capital potential for spas in the cruise business. She quickly rose through the ranks, and was ultimately named senior vice president of operations.
Fenard, a native of Wales, is an active sportswoman, and prides herself on learning a new sport every year. She started running marathons after she turned 40 and has recently tried her hand at kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, white water rafting and snowshoeing. As in business, if Fenard is going to do something, she will do it to the best of her ability. Having relocated to Denver, Colo., Fenard looks forward to exploring the many outdoor activities available in her backyard.
Spa Strategy is the leading international spa development firm and specializes in creating spas from concept & branding to design & construction and training & operations. For information about Spa Strategy, visit www.spastrategy.net or call 303.573.8100.