The new Ceiba Spa at Porta Hotel Antigua brings a touch of world-class to the culturally rich local spa market thanks in part to foundational and pre-opening services by Spatality.
'Ceiba will quickly be the market leader in Guatemala and set the standard for Spa in the country. The concept, design, service standards and product line all combine to make a world-class spa, something that Guatemala has not seen before,” said Spatality CEO, Ingo Schweder.
Spatality was tasked to deliver a comprehensive range of pre-opening and technical services for the project including market research and feasibility, spa concept brief, design reviews, pre-opening and operating budgets, SOP development, marketing plan development, recruitment, signature treatment development, pre-opening training, and product line consulting.
“What we strive to do is leverage our global experience along with our respect for world cultures to create an authentic local experience—the kind today’s high-value guests are seeking—but one delivered to a world-class standard. I think we have helped the ownership to do that here. The spa will not only differentiate the property, but also create demand and drive growth for the whole market. We are expecting great things,” Schweder continued.
The 4500 sf (418 sm) Ceiba spa is a calm sanctuary in the lively bustle of the city’s historic downtown. From the garden-like entryway to corridors echoing running water, treatment rooms featuring ancient stone to a relaxation lounge warmed by a burning chimney, the overall feel of the spa is colonial, antique, with elements of contemporary design. In addition to a spa reception and retail area, the facility boasts five treatment suites, men’s and women’s locker areas with steam rooms and infrared saunas, a couple’s suite with Jacuzzi, a salon and nail studio, a co-ed relax lounge, and a unique outdoor Temazcal and treatment patio with a Reflexology pathway. The spa and salon feature innovative, and nature-inspired Comfort Zone products for facials as well as Davines products for hair care, which combine high-grade, natural ingredients with scientific rigor. Adjacent to the spa is a sizeable fitness center.
At the center of the Ceiba treatment philosophy is a focus on a holistic, indigenous approach to wellness. Drawing from the grandeur of the natural elements, the rich interplay of cultures, and the inherent beauty of Antigua, the spa’s treatments and activities reflect the essence of the region. The prominent use of local spices and resins recalls the stimulating rumblings of the local volcanoes Volcan Agua, Volcan de Fuego and Pacaya; the purifying waters of nearby Lago de Amatitlan; and the earthiness of the coffee beans growing in the surrounding hills. The treatment experience is designed to guide the guest organically into a state of profound relaxation and renewal while creating a sense of connectedness to the area.
“This historic setting of Antigua gives roots to the contemporary approach to wellness around which Ceiba spa is centered,” says Bonnie Baker, Spatality’s regional manager of spa operations for the Americas, “and the spa will deliver this through state-of-the-art programs, unique treatment experiences, internationally acclaimed products and the highest service standards.”
Some of Ceiba spa’s signature treatments include the Jade Stone Facial, Aromatic Spice Body Scrub, Stone Hearth Herbal Wrap, Hunabku Balancing Massage, “Arbol de la Vida” (Tree of Life) Signature Ritual, and the Temazcal Ritual.
The opening of the Ceiba spa also marks international product house Comfort Zone’s first entry into the Guatemalan market, setting the spa apart from the rest. “We wanted to ensure the presence of world-class, contemporary products in both treatment protocols and the retail space. Spatality has a long-standing relationship with Comfort Zone and, even though the market is currently small for a company of their size, they were eager to support us and this unique spa project,” said Ms. Baker.
Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, and led by industry visionary Ingo Schweder, Spatality is a hotel & spa management, brand delivery and consulting firm that specializes in delivering smart business solutions and exceptional guest experiences to hotels and spas around the globe. For more information, please visit spatality.com.