Y Spa, Wyboston Lakes, UK
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Equality of service The spa’s core day and residential markets are catered for equally and its diverse local catchment shaped a philosophy of being ‘ready to accept everybody and anybody, on their level’. The extent of this pursuit is exemplified by Y Spa’s
determination that every guest should be able enjoy its many heat experiences, regardless of their physical ability. Since the majority of modern wheelchairs are electrically operated and therefore unsuitable for use in extreme humidity, an extensive European search led to the sourcing of a wheelchair able to withstand the highest temperature of the spa’s heat areas. This willingness to ‘go the extra mile’ in order to create the best possible spa experience for each and every guest is fostered by Spa Manager Catherine Marchant and Spa Director Emma-Jane North. During two decades at Ragdale Hall, North progressed from therapist to senior management member and until recently she was Director of Leisure at the Lifehouse Spa and Hotel, in Thorpe-le-Soken.
Accessible luxury The spa was designed by Managing Director Jean-Paul Blissett and Senior Interior Designer Russell King of Melt Design Hub, with consultancy input from spa expert and former Champneys Managing Director Ray Payne. Blissett has more than 20 years of multi-award- winning experience and his team has been responsible for the creation of exceptional spas including Thailand’s Chiva-Som, Hua Hin and the One Spa at Edinburgh’s Sheraton Grand Hotel. The brief was to make Y Spa as accessible as possible while maintaining an air of exclusivity. “Operationally, the challenge was to create a spa which could respond to a large volume of guests while still feeling exclusive and special,” explains Blissett. “Our solution was to design smaller, more intimate areas within the larger space.” Created with a neutral palette, the spa is divided
into different ‘zones’ that create an atmosphere of fun and relaxation. The bright and vibrant cafe acts as a hub from which guests can venture into other areas,
www.europeanspamagazine.com | european spa
“We’re not a destination spa, but that’s our beauty. We’re not conforming to any single idea of what a spa is, so we’re continually evolving. Y Spa can be anything it wants to be”
Emma-Jane North Spa Director, Y Spa
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