Spa Of The Month

Since its opening in 2009, the spa has awed its clients with Meaningful Wellness Journeys for the mind, body, and skin. 10 treatments rooms are available for massages, body treatments, facials, and specialized men’s services. Guests are also free to enjoy the Serenity Pool, sauna, and steam room.

“The spa has earned the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five Star award three years in a row, and we are very proud of this achievement,” shares Spa Manager Marysell Diaz-Garcia. Read on to see how Diaz-Garcia and her intrepid staff keep the standards high at this world-class luxury retreat.

Signature Treatment

Energies are awakened during the 100-minute signature treatment, the Desert Gemstone Ritual. Guests are guided by their energy to choose which gemstone calls to them, helping to customize the aromatherapy experience. The ritual includes a foot bath, dry body scrub, 20 minutes of hydrotherapy, and finishes with a full body massage with gemstone placement on the chakra.

“Our spa guests enjoy the private experience in our Skystone suite with one of our seasoned providers, who is qualified to personalize the experience to each guest’s needs,” describes Diaz-Garcia.

 Marketing

A stunning setting is always a surefire way to attract new clients. “Our property has the most beautiful outdoor facilities. Between our majestic images, our amazing therapists, and word of mouth, we are able to attract new guests and encourage them to visit our spa again. We also use our marketing channels, like The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain Instagram page, to promote our offerings, as well as Spa Finder,” details Diaz-Garcia. “Additionally, our amazing our staff markets the spa to our guests online and at the property. The internal team makes sure to connect with guests upon arrival, and the marketing team shares spa details and promotions through our website and social media channels.”

 Training

Staff begin their training journey at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain Spa with massage techniques. After two months, they begin to learn the more advanced treatment offerings. “We have thoughtfully designed training procedures for all of our treatments that everyone must abide by,” notes Diaz-Garcia.

Monthly staff meetings are held to discuss the needs of the team. Part of The Ritz-Carlton culture is daily “line ups,” which provide spa staff  with updates from the Operations and Brand teams, and notes on any VIP guests visiting that day.

Staff performance is reviewed annually, using the details of guest engagement and employee engagement surveys as a way to improve. Teamwork is an important area of focus, as engaged staff and happy guests help to ultimately meet revenue goals.

The spa staff also enjoys retail incentives, special recognition, and complimentary snacks during busy days. Coffee and water stations and other items help them feel at home.

Special Events and Promotions

The spa currently offers three seasonal promotions a year, during Spring, Summer, and Fall, with plans to create additional weekday promotions in the future.  Local vendors’ wares are featured in the gift shop, including beautiful Arizona-designed jewelry from Melis and Monica Mauro.

Revenue and Retail

“Our main lines are ESPA and Eminence, and we select other vendors during spa shows and conferences. We are always looking for hydrating products and those that offer a great bath experience, encouraging guests to relax and enjoy them in their rooms,” explains Diaz-Garcia. They also make sure to stock both travel size and full size products to meet guests’ needs.

The current spa treatment breakdown is 80 percent massage and 20 percent body treatments or facials. Guests tend to first request massages since this is something they cannot typically do on their own at home. Providers can customize treatments according to guests’ individual needs.

Rundown

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain Spa

15000 North Secret Springs Drive

Marana, Arizona 85658

520.572.3030

www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/arizona/dove-mountain/spa      

Spa Manager Spotlight

Marysell Diaz-Garcia oversees all aspects of operations for the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain Spa. She joined the resort in 2012, following several years managing spa operations for The Ritz-Carlton Spas of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Sarasota, Florida and Coconut Grove/Miami, Florida. Born in Puerto Rico, Marysell has extensive successful experience in managing both spa teams and retail centers, and she has been nominated for leadership awards at both The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota and The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove.