Spa Anjali at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

January 1, 2022 | by Samantha Garcia

A place to discover your best self

Situated in the Vail Valley Mountains of Avon, Colorado, the Spa Anjali at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa is a 27,000- square foot healing sanctuary for guests to retreat to reach an optimal state of well-being. The spa’s extensive menu features an array of rejuvenating and restorative treatments taking inspiration from three healing mountain traditions – the Rocky Mountains, European Alps, and the Himalayas. From gemstone facials and kundalini awakenings to a magnesium melt and Indian head massage, each treatment connects the mind, body, and spirit of the recipient in a unique way.

The spa has also been recognized as one of the “Top 25 Spas in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler readers and awarded one of the “Top 10 Green Spas” by Organic Spa Magazine. How does a spa manage to become so successful? We interview Spa Director Gaye Steinke to find out.

Signature Treatments

The Spa Anjali has curated three unique journeys to delight the senses and ground guests through century-old healing traditions. Guests are invited to find balance in the Himalayan Chakra Blessings, boost their immune system with uplifting remedies from the Alps with the Honey Dream massage, and embrace the energy of the Rocky Mountains with the spa’s most popular, Ponderosa Pine Therapy deep tissue massage. “This therapy borrows ancient Native American remedies to treat inflammation and muscle pain. Incorporating deep tissue massage and light stretching, a heated poultice filled with sage, pine, and lavender is used to alleviate tension,” explains Steinke.

“From gemstone facials and kundalini awakenings to a magnesium melt and Indian head massage, each treatment connects the mind, body, and spirit of the recipient in a unique way.”

Treatment Rooms and Amenities

The Spa Anjali at The Westin Riverfront is home to more than 27,000 square feet of dedicated wellness space, including 14 spa treatment rooms and a full-service salon. Guests of Spa Anjali can always take advantage of The Westin Riverfront’s 25-yard saline swimming pool and three infinity hot tubs as well as the Athletic Club facilities, including 50+ group exercise classes weekly and extensive cardio and weight training equipment.

Marketing

Most of the spa’s traction comes from its impressive accolade in prestigious publications, warm familiarity with local print advertising, and enticing photography on social media. Steinke says, “We have an extensive marketing plan, including local print advertising, social media promotions, email advertising, and an extensive PR campaign to launch new treatments and staff members.”

Training

The vision of Westin and East West brands is clear for every team member – to offer exceptional service and strong employee support. The Spa Anjali offers extensive training hosting regular vendor training sessions and technical continued education by department. “We also hold quarterly spa team meetings and seasonal hotel kick-offs. We are constantly reviewing standards to focus on our service culture,” explains Spa Director Gaye Steinke. The Spa believes that coaching for improvement is an everyday occurrence and aims to recognize members doing the right thing, and communicating honestly when expectations are not met.

As for incentives, “food is a regular incentive! We host pizza parties, ice cream trucks, and holiday meals for our associates. We also offer cash incentives for selling enhancements and retail. We have an Associate of the month recognition program. The Westin also gives out Riverfront Rewards, which is a recognition given by co-workers or managers to acknowledge daily actions that exceed expectations,” Steinke says.

Special Events and Promotions

Like most spas, the Spa Anjali offers a wide variety of special promotions throughout the year, including Black Friday and Valentine’s Day. The Spring and Fall are slower times in Vail Valley, with the Spa offering special promotions for locals. The Spa Anjali takes pride in its partnership with Colorado Retail partners, from Saloman and Social Lite to Peak Performance who sponsor and provide donations for its community events. “We partner with the Shaw Cancer Center and provide spa services for each patient who is undergoing treatment. We sponsor Howard Head Sports Medicine with their Running Club. Vail Valley’s Hush Chocolates is a regular partner and they provide handmade confections as a treat to our members and spa guests,” Spa Director Steinke explains.

Since it opened, Spa Anjali has hosted a wide variety of special fundraisers and educational events for local non-profits, including the Vail Breast Cancer Awareness Group and the Education Foundation of Eagle County, where it has offered complimentary yoga classes to local teachers as part of Teacher Appreciation Week. Spa Anjali also supports Starting Hearts, a local non-profit dedicated to saving the lives of Sudden Cardiac Arrest victims, by hosting free CPD and DFIB training, Heart Opening Restorative Yoga classes, nutrition lectures, and community 5K races.

Spa Anjali also recognizes the important link between health and sustainability, which is why it is dedicated to green spa practices. Located inside the Silver LEED certificated Westin Riverfront, Spa Anjali offers the unique “Green Check-In” program, where resort guests are given $10 off for coming down to their spa appointment in the robe that is provided in their guest room.

Revenue and Retail

The Spa Anjali chooses its products based on their efficacy, commitment to sustainability, community, and fair trade. Eminence Organics is one of the many product lines that Spa Anjali carries in its boutique that aligns with its sustainability goals. While members and owners receive a standing discount, the spa doesn’t like to discount otherwise. Spa Director Steinke says, “We believe incorporating the right product mix and keeping it fresh provides the right encouragement for our clients to bring the spa and fitness experience home.”

Rundown

Spa Anjali at the Westin Riverfront

126 Riverfront Ln, Avon, CO 81620

spaanjali.com

970.790-3020

Spa Director Spotlight

Gaye Steinke is the Director of Club and Spa at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon, Vail Valley. With more than 30 years of spa leadership experience, Steinke has served as the driving force behind several award-winning spa concepts, including Colorado’s Allegria Spa at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek.