While many Orlando, FL, hotels target the droves of Disney World patrons who visit the city each year, The Peabody Orlando (FL) focuses on attracting a different group of travelers. The hotel, which opened in 1986 and is a Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four Diamond hotel, was custom-built to specifically cater to the meetings and conventions industry. One of three Peabody hotels in the world, the property is conveniently located across from the Orange County Convention Center.
In addition to the contemporary design, luxurious decor and furnishings, and delicious dining options, guests can now enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation at the new Spa at The Peabody. “With the majority of our clientele being meeting- and convention-goers, most of our guests are looking for a relaxing and tranquil escape,” says spa director Erika Johnson.
Opened in September 2010, the spa offers a host of skincare and bodycare treatments, like the Tension Tamer Massage ($70, 25 minutes). It is a popular choice among on-the-go guests, because it includes a revitalizing and aromatic scalp, neck, and shoulder massage and helps reduce stress-related tension and alleviate headaches—common ailments for many tradeshow attendees and exhibitors. The Tranquility Massage ($155, 50 minutes; $195, 80 minutes) is also a high-demand service because it hydrates skin with a light wrap and soothes the mind with scents of rose and vanilla.
While the spa caters mostly to adults, it is also a family-friendly space. Teenage guests can experience the many benefits of a spa visit with the That’Zit! Pore-Fecting Facial ($65, 25 minutes; $115, 50 minutes), which includes a deep cleansing, toning, and facial massage, and the I Heart Cupcakes Manicure ($35, 30 minutes) and Pedicure ($65, 45 minutes), which are designed to leave nails perfectly polished. In addition, the spa offers young girls a chance to be pampered with a list of Peabody’s Ducklings services, including Berry Smooth Manicure ($20, 25 minutes) and Pedicure ($35, 25 minutes).
Spanning two levels of the hotel, the 22,000-square-foot spa features a full-service hair and nail salon and an 8,000-square-foot fitness center. The spa boasts 12 treatment rooms, including two outdoor balcony treatment options, two skincare rooms, four massage rooms, four body treatment rooms with Swiss showers, and two couples’ suites. The spa also features two steam rooms—one in the ladies locker-room and one in the men’s locker room—as well as two steam rooms in the fitness center.
The spa’s 40 part-time associates and five full-time management employees can accommodate approximately 140 to 200 guests per day, depending on meeting and convention attendance, according to Johnson. She adds that retail is an important part of the spa’s success—encompassing 15 to 20 percent of the spa’s revenue. It’s both the quality and quantity of brands sold in the retail area that help drive purchases. “We sell lines ranging from Comfort Zone, which is a high-end European line, to FarmHouse Fresh, which is whimsical yet uses fresh ingredients,” says Johnson.
While the spa has received a great response from hotel guests, Johnson’s biggest challenge is ensuring that the marketing and promotions are effective in attracting locals and guests from other hotels. To help draw those clients to the spa, Johnson introduced a variety of seasonal promotions. For example, this month, guests can indulge in the Winter Warming Infusion with Pomegranate ($155, 50 minutes; $215, 80 minutes), which includes a salt glow body polish with natural minerals and pomegranate extract to protect the skin against damaging free radicals. In January, guests can kick off the new year right with the New Year New You (starting at $205), which begins with a full beauty consultation followed by a haircut, color, and makeup application. Finally, February guests can rekindle their love in time for Valentine’s Day with the Couples Massage by Candle Light ($315 per couple, 50 minutes), which includes a candle gift.
Whether guests are looking to chill out after an exhausting event or conference, soothe tired feet from a full day of walking around the Disney World theme parks, or simply seeking a pampering treat, the spa has something for every guest. Says Johnson, “Our spa offers guests treatments to promote relaxation, restore well-being, and find balance.”
Owner: The Peabody Orlando
Spa Director: Erika Johnson
Opened: September 2010
SPACE
22,000-square-feet
OFFERINGS
aromatherapy, body treatments, couples’ treatments, facials, fitness, hair and scalp treatments, hand and foot treatments, hydrotherapy, makeup application, massage, nailcare, outdoor treatments, prenatal services, reflexology, salon services, sunless tanning, waxing
MOST EXPENSIVE SERVICE
Table for Two ($245 per person, 1 hour 40 minutes), which is a couples’ body treatment that includes an invigorating body scrub, a calming aromatic soak, and a soothing massage
SIGNATURE SERVICE
Tranquility Massage
($155, 50 minutes;
$195, 80 minutes)
PRODUCT LINES
Aromafloria, Comfort Zone, FarmHouse Fresh, Jane Iredale—The Skin Care Makeup, Moroccanoil, Wella
EQUIPMENT
Chadsworth & Haig, Comphy Co., Cybex, Kohler, SpaBiz
ARCHITECT
Stephen C. Abrams, SCA Design Group (Winter Park, FL)
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Wilson Associates (Dallas)
SPA CONSULTANT
WTS International (Rockville, MD)