Spa profile senspa

SenSpa is as close as you can get to experiencing an authentic Thai-style spa without a gruelling flight. You don’t even need your passport as it’s located in Hampshire. With an international staff – including Thai-trained therapists – SenSpa combines Eastern and Western spa cultures and techniques to create a haven of tranquillity and an award-winning destination spa. SenSpa is part of Hampshire’s Careys Manor Hotel, a four-star establishment in the heart of the New Forest. Previously equipped with only a couple of treatment rooms, a pool and gym, the hotel has added a £6m Thai-inspired spa. Its director is Australian-born Lina Lotto, who previously spent four years setting up spa operations in Thailand. Not only could she draw upon her knowledge gained in Thailand, but her experience as a therapist meant she knew the staff’s needs and their ways of working, as well as being able to provide practical advice in her new role. When she arrived in the UK, Lina’s first challenge was to establish a team of therapists. Experience, she says, is everything, adding that it can take five years before a therapist truly comes into her own. SenSpa requires a minimum of two years’ experience from its therapists and has a full, in-house training programme. “Our staff must understand the effect of their actions – not only on clients, but on their colleagues,” she says. “Staff are so much part of the experience here. We feel we provide professionalism with a real warmth.” Procedures such as 15-minute room turnaround times and a strong ethic towards team work have been established to ensure the treatment process is as stress-free as possible for staff and guests. Therapists are trained in treatment techniques and procedures in-house and, to monitor standards, are assessed throughout the year. This also provides them with an opportunity to receive any feedback. Guest comment cards reveal that 91% of visitors rate SenSpa as “excellent”, while the remaining 9% describe it as “good”. From first contact to farewell, says Lina, guest care is the main priority – if you don’t have people coming back, you don’t have a business. She says guests like to be cared for and want to feel as relaxed as they would in their own home, and be able to let their hair down and relax, without being judged. Each guest receives information about the spa either by post, email or the web and during the booking process is assisted by staff who understand the packages and treatments on offer. When they arrive at the spa, guests are greeted by the receptionists and the uplifting scent of SenSpa’s signature essential oil blend. A cup of warm, spicy Japanese green tea is served, along with scented, warm hand towels followed by a guided tour of the spa and advice on how to make the most of their time. Lockers are equipped with robes, non-slip pool shoes, towels and Thai ‘pyjamas’ which can be worn in the spa and restaurant. SenSpa has adopted a ‘natural’ philosophy, opting for chemical-free or environmentally-friendly options where possible. New Zealand’s Living Nature has been chosen for skincare, along with first-press, certified organic oils for massage (which account for 60% of business). T'ai Chi The hotel was awarded gold for excellence in environmental practice by the Green Tourism business scheme earlier this year, and offers room and spa discounts to guests travelling by public transport. TREATMENT ROOMS Named after oriental plants and flowers, the treatment rooms – set over three floors – are equipped with showers and can be used to carry out any of the treatments offered. Treatment room Rather than carrying a full line of stock in each room, products are decanted in a prep-room when they are needed, which not only helps with stock control, but also ensures the products used are fresh. As well as the 13 regular treatment rooms, there are two bamboo-clad Vichy shower rooms (said to be particularly favoured by male clients), complete with tiled hamman beds, and a rhassoul for mud treatments. TREATMENTS Most of the treatments originated in Thailand. Some, such as the Four Hands Massage and Oriental Relaxer, have been devised and tested by SenSpa staff and combine different techniques and international influences. All treatments begin with the Thai tradition of cleansing the feet, and start and end with the ringing of an aura chime. HYDROTHERAPY The Western-influenced hydrotherapy area is the biggest departure from the Asian and Thai theme, but complements the treatments and facilities already on offer. The swimming pool and Jacuzzi are flanked by poolside sauna and steam rooms. A wide selection of heat and water experiences are offered in the hydrotherapy suite. Guests can relax in the hydrotherapy pool, which is packed with jets and various water massage functions. Other facilities include a tepidarium and a laconicum – ideal for those who prefer something gentler than the herbal sauna and crystal steam room. Hydro Pool And there’s plenty on offer for cooling off – including an ice fountain, ‘drench’ bucket shower, and a fun experience shower, programmed with different ‘storm’ conditions, including thunder and lightning effects. SPA CUISINE Dedicated Thai restaurant for spa cuisine The Zen Garden restaurant offers a selection of Thai food and refreshments prepared by Thai chefs. Thai food focuses on the balance of many different tastes, each of which are considered to have therapeutic benefits. Many of the dishes are regarded as ‘food therapy’ to ward off illness, because of the herbs and spices they contain. In keeping with SenSpa’s ethics, the restaurant uses local and organic produce wherever possible, combined with authentic Thai ingredients. RELAXATION Relaxation is key at SenSpa with large areas dedicated to chilling out. These allow guests to sit and chat quietly, or listen to the piped music as they sip their complimentary green tea. Alternatively they can retreat to the quieter areas furnished with recliners. One of the relaxation areas Winning the title of 2007 Destination/Hotel Spa of the Year was a fitting culmination for all the hard work that Lina and her team have put in, but they are not content to rest on their laurels and have plans to continue to drive the spa forward.These include a double floatation room, extra treatment rooms and a two-phase launch of Senspa products . “Awards are an acknowledgement to the team,” says Lina. “They are part of it and they have contributed. Winning makes people feel proud and pride is very motivating. We enjoyed putting the entry together.”