CITY FOCUS: CHICAGO
Treatments are customised using seasonal ingredients and are complemented with a light bite and unique beverage from the famous NoMI restaurant NOMI SPA, PARK HYATT T
he Park Hyatt in Chicago surprised the public by closing its acclaimed NoMI restaurant soon aſt er receiving
a Michelin star. But the restaurant, named aſt er it’s location on North Michigan Ave- nue, reopened in mid 2011 as the centrepiece of a new lifestyle fl oor which also off ers the NoMI-branded lounge, garden and spa. T is is a luxury hotel with a very comforta-
ble feel, evidenced by the warm décor with its pops of colour and tactile wood, stone, and granite surfaces. T e express elevator to the seventh fl oor opens at a central location, a short walk from an intimate spa lobby featur- ing a laptop and podium rather than a large front desk; small retail area with Aromath- erapy Associates and Carita products; and a few seats, all in a grayish neutral palette. With only two treatment suites nestled
by a pool and fi tness area, the NoMI spa is unique among hotel spas. Yet each spacious suite is well-equipped with a huge steam shower, sink, toilet and treatment space, along with abundant built-in storage. T e focus is on customised treatments using sea- sonal ingredients and in a nod to the NoMI restaurant the minimal service menu fea- tures therapies arranged in starter, main course and accompaniment categories. In
USP: Customised approach; and the use of herbs, spices and botanicals Target audience: Attracts a younger, hipper crowd 60-minute massage: US$160 (€131, £103) Most impressed by: The simple menu and bespoke approach Room for improvement: Needs a larger relaxation area
addition, each treatment includes an “artfully selected indulgent bite and a unique bever- age to enhance and complement your chosen spa course.” Simplicity is clearly the order of the day and it has its benefi ts. Without hav- ing to decipher a long list of treatments, even choosing a therapy is relaxing. T e locker room, also with tactile fi nishes,
has a steamroom and sauna by Kohler and an upbeat, funky soundtrack plays through- out, but the personal care product selection is limited. T ere’s no real lounge, instead there are interesting relaxation niches con- taining leather seats with scattered cushions and throws, small tables with reading mate- rials and wall-mounted reading lights. T e friendly and welcoming therapists perform their treatments with enthusiasm,
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The two spa suites are very spacious
Simplicity has its benefi ts. Without having to decipher a long list of treatments, even choosing a therapy is relaxing
and where applicable, proff er a few products to smell and select for further customisa- tion. To fi nish, guests receive a cup of tea and small, specially chosen, complementary amuse-bouche to end the treatment. To extend the spa time, guests can try out
the lap pool, or enjoy a steam and shower in the locker room before or aſt er their treat- ment, but lounging in the relaxation niches is really not an option. However, the spa size and design lends itself to discretion; with- out a spa lounge you’re not likely to run into anyone you know, or who knows you!
SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012
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