Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Heavenly Spa by Westin is proving to be quite the enticement to guests at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa (Hollywood, FL). Introduced earlier this year, the 14,000-square-foot facility features 10 treatment rooms, a halotherapy salt steam room, a Vichy shower, a Duet Room for couples, and a spa café. Created by the architecture and design firm Garcia Stromberg, the spa’s design was inspired by its oceanside setting and incorporates a palette of soft blues, greens, and golds. Seashells are also used as design accents throughout the spa. A one-of-a-kind nautical shell designates each treatment room, and the relaxation room features distinctive spheres made from oyster shells.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted with the spa’s signature White Tea fragrance. “White Tea is the signature scent for all Westin hotels and was created specifically for them,” says spa manager Allicyn Hughes. “The scent has a unique and refreshing aroma that includes verdant green ivy, tea leaves, geranium, freesia, and hints of sensual wood.” Guests are encouraged to enjoy a glass of apple-cinnamon tea or fruit-infused water in the reception area before they are greeted by a spa attendant who will guide them on their journey.
According to Hughes, simplicity was key in creating the treatment menu. With services designed to awaken the senses, the straightforward menu of facials, massages, body treatments, and more appeals to the savvy business travelers who frequent the spa. The use of essential oils and plant extracts from Aromatherapy Associates in the spa’s signature treatments deliver an invigorating boost. For example, the Energizing Scrub ($70, 25 minutes) relies on a personalized aromatherapy body wash and natural exfoliating olive grains to smooth the skin and rejuvenate the mind. The Heavenly Spa Signature Massage ($140, 50 minutes; $210, 80 minutes), most popular among guests, involves choosing a stone marked hope, gratitude, or love to encourage positive thoughts throughout the treatment. “Most spa-goers are seeking tranquility when they visit,” says Hughes.
They’ll find that and more when they pay a visit to the halotherapy salt steam room, which uses salt vapor to treat a variety of respiratory ailments and skin irritations, as well as combat mental lethargy. It’s just one of the many offerings that help set the spa apart from others in the area.
Guests will also find a host of other healthy options, such as the new two-story WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, which includes a cardio deck with Life Fitness ellipticals, treadmills, and stationary bikes with integrated docking stations. A seasonal schedule of yoga classes, guided runs three times a week as part of the RunWESTIN program, and other group fitness classes make staying active while on the road easier than ever. And for those who like to pack light or forget to plan ahead, there is the resort’s New Balance Gear Lending program, which allows guests to borrow workout apparel and athletic shoes for a small fee of $5.
Because guests are sure to build up an appetite from all the physical activity, the new Spa Café features a menu of SuperFoodsRX-infused dishes. Food synergy is a major tenet of the SuperFoodsRX philosophy, which subscribes to the idea that superfoods, while healthy, may pack an even more nutritious punch when eaten together. Such fruits, grains, vegetables, and proteins are a staple of the menu because they are reputed to improve wellbeing and longevity. As a result, they are incorporated into the café’s salads and sandwiches to provide a nutritious bite before or after treatments. The café also serves as a peaceful respite, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows featuring ocean views.
Catering to approximately 120 guests each day, the spa is staffed with 20 full-time, six part-time, and 11 on-call employees. According to Hughes, her greatest challenge is getting more locals to enjoy the spa. “Right now, we are planning a number of holiday services we think will be very popular with our local clientele,” she says. “For instance, we are creating an express facial that is designed to smooth fine lines without causing redness. It’s perfect for those heading to a holiday party or event. We are also working with public relations and marketing to build awareness with the local community.” In addition to attracting more locals, she also plans to focus on building the spa’s group business. “During site visits, I personally meet with the planners and take them around our new facility in order to showcase the space and to share all the options we have for groups, such as blocks of treatments, discounts for attendees, and group fitness classes.” Fortunately, once they get a look at the spa and all that it has to offer, it doesn’t take much convincing to guarantee a visit.
Owner: United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters
Spa Manager: Allicyn Hughes
Opened: June 2013
CLIENT BASE
65% female
35% male
SPACE
14,000 square feet;
10 treatment rooms
OFFERINGS
aromatherapy, body treatments, couples’ treatments, facials, fitness, hair and scalp treatments, hand and foot treatments, hydrotherapy, makeup application, massage, microdermabrasion, nailcare, Pilates, prenatal services, reflexology, salon services, waxing, yoga
SIGNATURE SERVICE
Heavenly Spa Signature Massage ($140, 50 minutes; $210, 80 minutes)
MOST EXPENSIVE OFFERING
Togetherness ($495, 80 minutes), which includes a body exfoliation, a couples’ soak, and a massage for two
PRODUCT LINES
Aromatherapy Associates, Biotone, Comphy Co., G.M. Collin, Kerstin Florian, Monarch Cypress, Okabashi, Pure Fiji
EQUIPMENT
Life Fitness, Oakworks, Silhouet-Tone, SpaSoft
ARCHITECT AND INTERIOR DESIGNER
Garcia Stromberg (West Palm Beach, FL)