Talise Wellness, the spa brand developed by Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts for its properties, is poised to occupy a “hotel within a hotel” at the Madinat Jumeirah – The Arabian Resort in Dubai in mid 2009.
Spa director Arlene Finch told Business Traveller Asia-Pacific efforts were underway to bring to their wellness programme to another level, enhancing it with the presence of health practitioners of different disciplines.
The hardware is also being dramatically expanded with 18 villas at Madinat tweaked to feature special air and water filters and amenities such as super foods and juices and yoga mats, while a reception area exclusive to the product, consultation corner, additional therapy rooms and new swimming pool is likewise being built.
The current spa, which opened in early 2007, has 26 treatment rooms, and is reportedly the largest facility of its kind in the UAE. Talise is a woman’s name, meaning “beautiful water” in the North American language.
To receive full benefits of Talise’s programmes, Finch recommended a stay of between five and seven days, but said they would maintain weekend regimens and even offer a one-day detoxification process “for the locals”. Villa butlers are being trained to attend to guests with wellness on their minds, organising herbal teas and healthy meals.
Before clients arrived, Finch said, they would be sent a medical questionnaire in order to determine their focus, and with their consent, submit any relevant medical records. From there, a personalised programme would be drawn up to fit their specific concerns.
More consultation with the health practitioner of choice – Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western – would take place once they had checked in.
Finch added they were introducing innovative testing techniques such the “V Patch”, which guests would be asked to wear for about two days in order to monitor their vital functions. “Then we have a better idea of their condition,” the spa specialist said.
The Dubai-based group’s first property in the Asia-Pacific, Jumeirah HanTang Xintiandi in Shanghai will have a Talise Wellness Spa, but on a smaller scale, when it launches next year.
For more details, visit www.jumeirah.com.
Margie T Logarta
