Hospitality Design - December 2012 - 72

perspectives

interview andrew gibson
4 5

This is followed by a lack of thought on guest ow. Another area which I nd disappointing is when the coordination is lacking, leaving obvious gaps in the nal design, such as poor electrical point positioning and soundproo ng; exposed air conditioning grilles and equipment that is not necessary; trailing wires; and lack of storage space and cleaning provisions.

4. A stylish staircase sets a glamorous tone at the Mandarin Oriental, Paris.

5. The pool at the Mandarin Oriental, Paris is a soothing nod to the property’s fashionable locale.

is given a template from the operator and told to follow that with li le supervision. Wherever possible and practical, we like to start by doing research and creating a concept for each spa. The concept is a simple brief of around ten pages describing the imaginary journey through the spa from the guest perspective. It may have been wri en by one of our spa directors who have an interest in the new location, or by one of the corporate team, but it is done with the backing of research to know what type of treatments and facilities we will require. This allows the interior designer to have freedom to work with the corporate spa team to design and create the spa. Each one is di erent and each one gives the designer the ability to put his or her personality into the spa while respecting our heritage and concept. To support the process we have around three-hundred-sixty pages of product standards and guidelines. These standards look at the ideal space, from therapist stool to the speci cations and correct design of a steam room. Since we have a dedicated head of design and development on the spa team we are able to work closely with the project management team through the entire process from concept to operation.

Who are some of the designers you have worked with on spa projects?

We have worked with a number of top designers around the world. Adam D. Tihany did a fantastic job on Las Vegas as did Je rey Wilkes in Bangkok. AB Concept + Interior Design and LWK & Partners Architects have worked very well with us to produce some of our recent spas in Singapore and Guangzhou.

It was modeled on our success at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, which is based on a boutique-style spa concept. The result has been a very e cient use of space with iPad checkin, a tea lounge, oversized treatment rooms, and a small area for beauty services. There is also a very good tness center using the latest Technogym equipment.

And last year Sybille de Margerie of local ﬁrm SM Design opened Mandarin Oriental, Paris.

Can you tell us about new spas opening we can look forward to?

Our Paris property was constructed on one of the most fashionable streets in the city, but the building was restricted on all sides and we wanted to ensure inclusion of a pool, tness center, and spa. Sybille worked with the Mandarin Oriental team to create a masterpiece of design that embraces the available space. A large dome welcomes guests as they enter, and large treatment rooms provide space to change, each with a private steam shower.

What do you think are some of the biggest turnoffs in spas?

The biggest turno for me is the need to put spas in the basement and cut o natural light.

An 8,000-square-foot spa at Mandarin, San Francisco—complete with museum quality artwork, a six-foot statue of the Goddess of Mercy, and gold and mochacolored wallcoverings—has just arrived in collaboration with local ﬁrm BAMO as well.
An opportunity came to create a new spa using space on the third oor that was underutilized.

We have three new properties at nal stages of pre-opening in Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Taipei. As with all our spas, they are di erent from each other and have some of our latest thoughts incorporated into the design. Our goal to become a paperless spa has been included with revised and reduced reception areas and mobile check-in. Private celebrity entrances, VIP spas within spas, and improved relaxation have been considered in various forms. Spa membership has been thought through for the changing room design, and check-out at retail to improve sales has been added.

A theme prevalent in the hospitality industry today is the changing deﬁnition of luxury. What does that word mean to Mandarin Oriental Spas?
Excellent, seamless service; space; privacy; and the ability to manage time. Our spas give guests the opportunity to enjoy luxury. hd

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