Spa Blog Results in Matrimony
by Susie Ellis

This put a smile on my face. I received a happy email a few weeks ago from Anthony Lawrence who is the group director of marketing for Jumeirah. He credited my blog for having introduced him to his future wife. I was puzzled but went back through all the blogs I wrote while in Dubai and found the one I've cut and pasted below.

All I can say is...smart man....for quickly following up after I mentioned "stunning" "gorgeous" "Swedish" and "blonde." Although I wasn't in town when Anthony came by our Spa Finder offices to say thanks, I was thrilled to know that my blog might have had a bit to do with the two of them getting together.

And to think that I had left off an additional adjective describing Cecelia....she is also very sweet.

My best to you both!

From May 2006:

Dubai SPAspitality:
Over to Emirates Towers and a peek at their brand new H²0 Spa – the first all-male spa in Dubai. I’m curious to see how this concept works – a very large hotel with a spa only for men? After meeting with Anthony Lawrence, the group director of marketing (and a very busy man with the telephone), I head down to the all-male spa for a tour. Cecelia Larson, the stunningly gorgeous Swedish, blond spa manager, greets me (I know instantly at least one reason why this spa would be popular with men!) She shows me around – lovely ambiance, minimalist décor, blacks and woods, very small (just a few treatment rooms). The hotel is comprised of 80% male business travelers. Females are relegated to the day spa in the attached shopping center. This hotel does, however, offer the “Chopard Floor,” which has guest rooms for women only, with an all-female staff. The women don’t get a spa - but they do get a floor.

Having just returned from my trip to Dubai, I am planning to rest over the weekend. But my husband Peter calls from the Spa at Grand Lake in Lebanon, Connecticut, where he had ridden his Harley-Davidson motorcycle for an overnight stay. He tells me the weather is so gorgeous and the scenery so beautiful that I simply must meet up with him. So I put on my jeans and Harley boots, hop on a train, and head to Hartford.

We spent several hours riding around the area, which looked and smelled like spring with its fresh, earthy scents. It reminded me very much of the area where I grew up in Illinois. Then we headed to the Spa at Grand Lake. This spa had been part of our online marketing program until last year. We had received a few consumer complaints about the facility and felt that we needed to remove it from the website, as consumer expectations were not being met. The management wanted to rejoin our partner program, so we decided that someone from the Spa Finder team needed to experience the property and program in order to ascertain their suitability.

Here is what we found out. The Spa at Grand Lake is a budget experience. The advanced age of the property is clearly reflected in its facilities, which don't exactly scream "contemporary." However, we were impressed with the extent of the fitness program and quite pleased with the meals - especially dinner. One night there was a very nicely done swordfish, the next night a choice of lobster or sweet and sour chicken.

The Spa at Grand Lake isn’t all that grand, but it is a good deal. It is rustic rather than luxurious, but for the budget price of under $200 per night including accommodations, three meals a day, all fitness programs, and a daily 30-minute massage, we can see how it would be a good match for some people. The one massage I had from Steve (very large guy with very large hands) was terrific, and Peter had a similar experience. Most telling of all, many of the women we spoke with had been going there for years.

So we decided to give them another try and invite them back onto our website, being sure that the writeup accurately portrays the experience so as not to create unrealistic expectations. Now, back to Manhattan and realizing that I'm not suffering from any jet lag!

**
If you wish to be put on a list that automatically sends my blog posts to your email, just let dulcy.gregory@spafinder.com know and she will add you to that list. Thanks so much!

One final observation in regards to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai, its multicultural epicenter. At the spa forum I attended, I sat next to a young woman wearing the traditional abaya (long black robe) and sheyla (head scarf) worn by some Emirati women. She was taking notes during the panel discussion. I noticed that underneath her long black robe she was wearing blue jeans. And on her feet were rhinestone flip-flops. She carried a designer handbag, wore makeup, and her head scarf had embroidery and some sparkly appliqué. When I leaned over to ask her whether she was in the spa business, she responded in beautiful English that she was from Pakistan and was hoping to open that country's first spa. It was a poignant moment. We aren’t so different after all… and the spa industry is a great environment in which to rediscover our similarities.

**
If you wish to be put on a list that automatically sends my blog posts to your email, just let dulcy.gregory@spafinder.com know and she will add you to that list. Thanks so much!

My final day in Dubai included a spa forum organized by Michael Loh from Spa Asia Magazine and Christiane Walter, from Messe Frankfurt Exhibition. The organizers invited a panel of spa managers from Dubai to address our international group of spa enthusiasts who had come to learn about the industry in the Middle East.

The three points I found most interesting:

• The Arab culture necessitates separating men and women in spa facilities. Every facility has private changing rooms, as being naked in front of anyone else is not appropriate. Everyone wears swimsuits in the sauna and steam. Men massage men, and women massage women. Only recently was a new law passed that allows women to give men facials. This only applies to resort and hotel spas, however, not day spas.
• Dubai has a major shortage of therapists. It is difficult to get therapists and difficult to keep them. When I asked what percentage of spa expenses accounts for staff compensation, I was told it was about 25%. In the U.S. it is about 50%. Seems like part of the solution is fairly obvious.
• Michael Loh said – and I agree with him – that when coming to Dubai, people no longer need to ask whether a resort or hotel has a spa. They all do. What their choice is based on now is what the spa is like, what it offers, and whether there are any special features or programs. This is now happening everywhere around the world. Thus, a spa's individuality is becoming more important.

**
If you wish to be put on a list that automatically sends my blog posts to your email, just let dulcy.gregory@spafinder.com know and she will add you to that list. Thanks so much!

Cleopatra’s Spa in Dubai was our final stop that evening. I had been looking forward to this visit because Daniella Russell, the owner, has such an impressive breadth of spa industry knowledge in this part of the world, and because she has built a very successful business. She opened her Cleopatra's Spa eight years ago, and my guidebook still lists it as the most popular spa in Dubai. That’s an amazing accomplishment, given all the competition. Daniella has quite an operation since Cleopatra's is really two full spas – one for men and one for women. The women’s had a Rasul chamber with brightly colored tile (which my sister said looked like a ride!).

A Cleopatra's policy is for staff members to escort guests by putting their hand on the small of the guest’s back. I noticed that Danielle did exactly that as she greeted me. It feels good to be touched, and I have a feeling that the warmth and nurturing of the Cleopatra's experience is due at least in part to that one small gesture. The newer hotels and resorts have snazzier facilities, but I bet Cleopatra’s trumps them all in hospitality.

**
If you wish to be put on a list that automatically sends my blog posts to your email, just let dulcy.gregory@spafinder.com know and she will add you to that list. Thanks so much!

The next stop was back in Dubai: Park Hyatt, Amara Spa. Loved it! The entire property was impressive with a beautifully done Moroccan theme, while avoiding being “over-themed”. I understand why people quite often describe Dubai as something between Las Vegas (without gambling) and Disneyland.

We arrived at the Park Hyatt just as the sun was setting. The entire spa was illuminated by thousands of candles and fires, which were cleverly surrounded by water features. It was really magical. I thought of calling my friend Gordon Tareta, who is the very talented head of spa operations for the Hyatt brand, to let him know how impressed I was with the spa and the management. I don’t know how he does it with so many spas under his command all around the world, but this is yet another winner!

**
If you wish to be put on a list that automatically sends my blog posts to your email, just let dulcy.gregory@spafinder.com know and she will add you to that list. Thanks so much!

Wow…am already back in the U.S. The last few days of my Dubai trip was a whirlwind, but I don’t want to neglect mentioning the other spas I saw and what I learned about the spa industry as a result of my visit.

Jumeriah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa is what I envision when I think "Arabian Nights". Tasteful and stunning. This property is a 45-minute drive from Dubai straight out into the desert. Someone suggested that my sister, who was with me, take a brightly colored cloth with her on our trip. She was puzzled and asked, “Why?” The answer from the smart-alecky guy was “So you will remember what color looks like.” OK, very funny. As it turns out, we loved the pale desert setting and the understated décor of Bab Al Shams. The long stretch of desert dunes was a welcome contrast to the glitz and brash color combinations found in many of the Dubai hotel and resort settings.

**
If you wish to be put on a list that automatically sends my blog posts to your email, just let dulcy.gregory@spafinder.com know and she will add you to that list. Thanks so much!

The spa at the Madinat Jumeirah is next on my schedule. I had been looking forward to seeing their Six Senses Spa ever since it was ranked top spa in the Middle East in our 2005 Readers’ Choice Awards. The readers did not disappoint me. I have to say, I liked this spa's Arabian-themed design. This was the first spa and one of the only spas I encountered in Dubai that chose to feature an indigenous theme in the décor. Oddly enough, many spas in the area were built with an Asian theme.

The most memorable treatment room was one with a hammam marble slab, massage table, Jacuzzi bath, watsu pool, and outdoor relaxation area. Good place to spend the day.

Anni Hood has been the spa manager here. She is British (as are most spa managers in Dubai). Her enthusiasm and energy (she trains for triathalons), the impressive facility and décor, and the Six Senses brand name has proven to be a good combination. This operation is a success. That is perhaps why it was just announced that Anni will be the new group director of spa for the entire Jumeirah brand.

**
If you wish to be put on a list that automatically sends my blog posts to your email, just let dulcy.gregory@spafinder.com know and she will add you to that list. Thanks so much!

My spa touring continues. Grand Hyatt is next on my list, where I find a fairly traditional spa facility very much like the spas I see in the US health clubs, but with gracious hospitality a la Dubai from Steven, the spa director, and Peter, the regional GM. Note to self: Showing enthusiasm when someone is visiting (even unannounced) is very impressive.

Over to Emirates Towers and a peak at their brand new H²0 Spa – the first all-male spa in Dubai. I’m curious to see how this concept works – a very large hotel with a spa only for men? After meeting with Anthony Lawrence, the group director of marketing (and a very busy man with the telephone), I head down to the all-male spa for a tour. Cecelia Larson, the stunningly gorgeous Swedish, blonde spa manager, greets me (I know instantly at least one reason why this spa would be popular with men!). She shows me around – lovely ambiance, minimalist décor, blacks and woods, very small (just a few treatment rooms). The hotel is 80% male business travelers. Females are relegated to the day spa in the attached shopping center. This hotel does, however, offer the “Chopard Floor,” which has guest rooms for women only, with an all-female staff. The women don’t get a spa - but they do get a floor.

**
If you wish to be put on a list that automatically sends my blog posts to your email, just let dulcy.gregory@spafinder.com know and she will add you to that list. Thanks so much!

Playtime is over. Work begins tomorrow. I am surprised to find out that the work week here in Dubai is Sunday through Thursday, and the weekend is Friday and Saturday. Taking into account jet lag, the eight-hour difference between Dubai and New York, and the fact that their Sunday is our Monday and their Thursday is our Friday…Well, you can imagine that when my sister, Katrine, asked me what time it was in Texas (where she lives) I threw in the towel and decided to just live in the moment. Of course, the question is: Which moment?

The spa visits begin. Asswana Spa at Burj al Arab was first on our list. Highlight: The infinity swimming pool (pictured at right) with views of the Dubai skyline. Great treatments and good management (kudos to Tina), but the spa is six years old, and in Dubai years that's ancient. Extensive remodeling is in the works.


**
If you wish to be put on a list that automatically sends my blog posts to your email, just let dulcy.gregory@spafinder.com know and she will add you to that list. Thanks so much!

My twin sister Katrine and I move from the Burj al Arab, where we were royally spoiled, to the Madinat Jumeirah Resort and Spa, which is right across the street. It is our birthday, and we are thrilled to be celebrating it together in Dubai. You can see from the photo that this move is not exactly harrowing, since our butler Rae (whom we will miss desperately) is handling all the details. Not only did the Burj send flowers and a birthday cake, but the Madinat Jumeirah also greeted us with a cake, champagne, and a screen saver on our room’s computer that said, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” The two hotels had coordinated our celebration (both are part of the Jumeirah brand).

I now have a better understanding of these hotels' six- and seven-star ratings (even if self-proclaimed). With a ratio of seven staff members to every guest at the Burj, everyone in the hotel seems to recognize guests by name, and there are continual service surprises in the forms of food, wine, flower, and gifts on your bed in the evening. There is a culture of anticipating guest needs and exceeding them at every point. When I order a converter plug for my computer, the butler arrives with two converters on a silver platter. When I order a bottle of water, six arrive. It seems as though we're always answering the door! When I commented on the constant interruptions, Katrine wisely said, “It’s probably something we ordered”—and it always was.

**
If you wish to be put on a list that automatically sends my blog posts to your email, just let dulcy.gregory@spafinder.com know and she will add you to that list. Thanks so much!

Can't believe I am sitting here in the locker room at Ski Dubai with my rental parka, pants, and ski boots on, while the temperature outside is close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Yes, my twin sister got to plan the day, and she insisted on this outing because she likes to do everything that is new and different. In my hands is a fleece hat and fleece gloves (which I had to buy because Ski Dubai doesn't rent them for hygiene reasons). We initially balked at the hat, wondering why we would possibly need a fleece hat for a few runs down the slopes in this man-made mountain in a shopping mall. But they insisted that without a hat our ears might get frostbitten. Yikes.
I'm sitting on the chairlift now, heading to the top for my third run. Amazingly, they were right about the hat - it is cold in here, but we take our chances with frostbite for the photos. This entire experience is a bit surreal. They got it just right: The snow feels like snow and the chairlift is exactly like the ones we are used to in Colorado. There is even a ski patrol, a toboggan for the injured, and a small hut where one can get hot chocolate. Of course, you do so while the clock is ticking because you only have two hours before your ski ticket no longer works. But if you buy enough food in the warming hut, they give you an extra 30 minutes. Well, we won't be needing it, because after this run we're heading to Harvey Nichols in the mall to do some shopping. Besides, my nose is running.

(Sent via Blackberry.)


**
If you wish to be put on a list that automatically sends my blog posts to your email, just let dulcy.gregory@spafinder.com know and she will add you to that list. Thanks so much!

Well, our first day in Dubai was quite an experience. Checking into the Burj al Arab, which is known as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, was in itself memorable. Rolls Royce pickup at the airport; ceremonial greeting at hotel entrance; escort to suite by tuxedo-clad manager; and a tour of our two-story living quarters by our personal butler. The suite tour took an hour. And this isn't even VIP treatment - it's standard procedure for any guest who checks into this 202-suite hotel. My sister Katrine and I snicker as we sink into comfy high-thread-count linen bedsheets amidst tremendous opulence and enough gold and glitz to last us, well, maybe forever. After a good night's sleep we call our butler to deliver breakfast and then head to the spa where Tina, the spa director, has arranged for an "Around the World Massage" treatment for each of us. We sit in the relaxation room sipping tea, where my sister sums it up: "This is working for me."


**
If you wish to be put on a list that automatically sends my blog posts to your email, just let dulcy.gregory@spafinder.com know and she will add you to that list. Thanks so much!

After a very pleasant 12-hour trip on Emirates Airlines from New York to Dubai, I'm at the airport awaiting my luggage. With me is my identical twin sister, Katrine, and we are both giddy with excitement to see what this scene is all about. I have tours of spas planned, plus I will be attending the Middle East Spa and Wellness Expo, and my sister insists that we not only visit but participate in Ski Dubai. (Indoor snow skiing, that is.)

Katrine just reminded me that I should mention that our seats on the plane had massage options. With five body-area settings and choice of pulse, wave, steady, and zigzag, one could vibrate for the entire 12 hours. Alas, hours of mechanical massage can't match the effects of even a few minutes of a skilled human touch.

Well, I'm off to the hotel! It's 9:00 pm here, and more adventures await. We are staying at the famous Burj al Arab (pictured at right).


**
If you wish to be put on a list that automatically sends my blog posts to your email, just let dulcy.gregory@spafinder.com know and she will add you to that list. Thanks so much!