Newstrack

Spa debut for business hotels

Neeti Mehra - Mumbai

In a bid to increase revenue while cashing on the wellness and health trend, business hotels are integrating full-fledged spas in their premises, originally a mainstay of resort properties.

On the heels of Indian Hotel Company Limited (IHCL) - Taj Business hotels' plans to roll out Jiva spas across all their twenty-three properties, The Park Hotels introduced the 9000 sq. feet 'Aura' spa in Chennai, which will soon be added to each of their properties. Currently, the Oberoi business hotels also have spas attached to their properties, and Sarovar Hotels and Resorts is also toying with the idea of adding spas to their other properties, having recently tied-up with Sri Lanka-based Sanctuary Spa to manage and operate its spa at the Poovar Island Resort in Kerala. Also, the Radisson GRT in Chennai is slated to add a spa to its property.

Rohinton Commissariat, director, sales and marketing, Taj Business Hotels, says, "Today, the business travellers are looking at wellness as an integral aspect of their stay and Taj business hotels offers both aspects - health and food. Currently Jiva spa is present in the Taj Chandigarh and within the next year will be unveiled in hotels based in metro cities. Business hotel across the board will also offer the option of health food, high-energy bars, apart from the Jiva spa, to attract travellers."

Anil Madhok, managing director, Sarovar Hotels and Resorts, commenting on this phenomenon says, "Spas in business hotels are en vogue and are a result of a demand from the well travelled guests. But given the space constraints we will see spas approximating 6000 sq feet in business hotels." SPPH&R is looking to introduce a spa in one of its property in Rajasthan, by October this year. When asked if Sarovar would develop its own spa brand, Madhok says, "We will tie up with an established brand name to operate the spa, as we have expertise in managing hotels and would restrict ourselves to that."