Four Seasons MENA spa director reveals details for newly renovated Saudi Arabia spa
The Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre has opened its newly renovated men’s spa, designed by GA Design International.
Akram Kawasmeh, senior director of spa for Four Seasons in the Middle East and Africa, spoke exclusively to Spa Opportunities – detailing the SAR10m (US$2.7m, €2.3m, £1.8m) refurbishment that started at the end of May 2014 and ended in December 2014.
The 274-bedroom hotel occupies 11 floors of the tallest skyscraper in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom Centre. The spa, part of which was knocked down for a full overhaul, now includes a new relaxation area, a locker room for treatment guests only – separate to members of the hotel’s health club – and the seven existing treatment rooms have been renovated.
A number of suppliers have been involved in the project, including bedding by Comphy.
“All spas in the Middle East have a hammam experience,” said Kawasmeh. “It’s challenging, however, to lie on a traditional marble table for 45 minutes. That’s why we’ve added a hydraulic table by Lemi which has a heated water cushion and steam is collected under a slight sheet that covers the guest during their treatment.”
The MLX Quartz wellness couch and other spa equipment by Gharieni is also on offer at the spa, including adjustable tables and speakers that connect to devices to play music via Bluetooth.
“We’ve taken the best treatments from each product line we’ve chosen – two body and two facial therapies from Thémaé, Phytomer and Natura Bissé,” added Kawasmeh.
“We expect to carry out between 550 and 600 treatments a month at our new spa."
In addition to the spa, there are three on-site dining venues available at the hotel and a 25m (82ft) outdoor pool.
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