SPA CONSULTANT’S PERSPECTIVE
Helen Merchant, a spa consultant based in the UK, oversaw the fi nal phase of development and pre- opening of the Vidago spa. Although she’s been involved in a number of international projects, the Portuguese spa – and working with Siza Vieira – is a highlight. She says: “Vidago Palace is a truly unique property. Its modern, minimalist spa sits in complete contrast to the historic palace yet blends in beautifully… In homage to the location’s natural springs, the spa’s therapeutic water treatments are a signature off er.”
Products are supplied by Clarins, with Aromatherapy Associates used for more holistic treatments, says Gonçalves. While the emphasis at Vidago is on
relaxation and pampering, the focus at Pedras Salgadas is very much on being outdoors in nature. There are many cycling, walking and nature trails and the thermal waters are there to revive guests as a complement to the physical activity. The renovated thermal baths are much
starker and pared down. Architectural details such as the art nouveau doors and original signage remain intact, while modern light wells added by Siza Vieira ensure healthy amounts of light are projected down into the spa spaces. The spa has 14 treatment rooms
(including five for hydrotherapy). Other facilities include a heated indoor pool, an outdoor pool, sauna, hammam and two relaxation areas. Spa products at the thermal baths are supplied by La Phyto.
FACTS & FIGURES
VIDAGO PALACE HOTEL Room rate: €200 for two people (B&B) Annual occupancy: 40 per cent Type of guest: 70 per cent leisure, 30 per cent MICE
PEDRAS SALGADAS SPA AND NATURE PARK Room rate: €200 for four guests (B&B) Annual occupancy: 50 per cent Type of guest: 98 per cent leisure, 2 per cent MICE
Spa capture rates are 20 and 25 per cent says spa manager Gonçalves. She’s confi dent these will increase as the reputation of the resorts grows
hotel guests have spa treatments, but the capture rate at Pedras Salgadas is slightly higher at 25 per cent. Combined overall revenue for the
Water wellness Gonçalves says that extensive wellbeing programmes (with themes such as Purifying, In Balance and Keep Moving) are offered at both spas, with seven- or 14-day packages both being popular. Programme prices start from around €2,600 (US$3,240, £2,060). A typical package would include
medical and nutritional consultations, a biometric evaluation, personalised spa cuisine, facials and massages, water treatments and traditional therapies like shiatsu, as well as fitness activities such as PT sessions, tai chi, yoga and walking. Gonçalves adds: “Our guests also like
to experience our waters even when they have shorter stays with us and the most popular is the Vichy scrub [treatment] and the personalised relaxing massage made with the best olive oil of the region.” Currently both spas average the same
amount of treatments per month, with 82 treatments being delivered at each site as of October 2014. At Vidago, 20 per cent of
Vidago and Pedras Salgadas spas was €250,000 (US$311,060, £197,860) in 2013, with expectations for 2014 around €325,000 (US$404,370, £257,220). The two parks may have started out
as an incidental business for Unicer, but in a world where wellness tourism is growing year on year, they’re holding their own. The mix of history, luxury, nature, therapeutic waters and eco-consciousness has created a twin centre that’s sure to attract an increasingly international and affluent group of health tourists. As Gonçalves concludes: “We want
to present to the world the quality and effects of our waters. Our goal is to help the maximum number of people achieve a healthy lifestyle without using medication – for them to see an immediate improvement in their health with the help of nature… and our reputation is growing.” ●
Julie Cramer is a health, hospitality and travel journalist and a former online news editor for the BBC Email:
juliecramer@me.com
©CYBERTREK 2015
spabusiness.com issue 1 2015 51
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