Previously Featured Spas
New York New York, The SpaSpa Vita Di Lago-Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas
New York New York - The Spa
Recreation Services Manager –Kimberly Weber
Reopened in August of 2007 after 10 years, the redesigned spa incorporates the fundamental elements of nature, offering guests an ideal way to escape the urban hustle and bustle and ground themselves in ultimate relaxation. The 6,500 sq. foot spa offers a variety of treatments and amenities. As Recreation Services Manager at New York-New York Hotel and Casino, Kimberly oversees all aspects of the Spa and Pool operations.
- You’re from Pennsylvania, how’d you get to Las Vegas? Well, after growing up in Pittsburgh, I knew I wanted to be far away from cold weather! I moved to Tampa, FL for college. Then, after college I came out to Vegas to see what the West had to offer. I’ve been here for 4 years and it’s been quite an adventure!
- You oversee both the pool and spa, do you get two salaries? That would be fantastic! But no, I still receive one. I have great employees and a great boss to help with both departments, so I have the benefits of two great teams!
- What is something unique about the NYNY Spa? What’s unique about The Spa is that it’s constantly reinventing itself… kind of like Madonna. For instance, we have one room that is actually located outside the spa. It was originally a barber shop, then a facial room and it is now a Nail Treatment Room. My office actually used to be a spray tan room!
- You’re working on a MBA, what’s the next goal? I love the business aspect of the Spa world. My MBA is in International Business, so I plan on taking my skills global. I would love to oversee many spas and spa development throughout different countries.
- Does NYNY get a lot of New Yorkers...I mean Yankee fans? We sure do! Typically I meet at least one a day here in the spa!
Kimberly can be reached at: kweber@nyforme.com
Westin Casuarina Hotel - Hibiscus Spa
Spa Director –Stephanie Doud
The Hibiscus Spa at the Westin Casuarina gives you time to relax, workout or release your stress and tensions. The 10,000 square foot spa features 14 treatment rooms, dry and wet saunas and a full service salon. Stephanie Doud has been the Spa Director since May 2006.
- Tell us about the Westin Brand and how the spa fits.
Westin, which is part of the Starwood family (ie. W, Sheraton, St. Regis) strives to give a more personal touch to each of our guests experience. We want each of our guests stay to be relaxing and renewing and that is where the spa fits in. Each spa experience for our guests is refreshing, calming, and gives them a moment to step away for the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas and have a moment to spoil themselves.
- What were you doing before the Westin? What’s your background?
Prior to working at the Westin I worked for five years at The Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas, TX as the Spa Director. I have also been very involved with ISPA and a part of their education committees and several different task forces. I was a contributing writer for the Supervisory Skill Builder books, the Standard Operating Procedures Manual, and the Code of Ethics which is published through ISPA.
- What could be the next challenge career-wise?
As far as the future and challenges, I would like to be more involved with educating and helping others that are interested in becoming a Spa Director or are new to the field. I think that there is a huge challenge within our industry for several years to find knowledgeable individuals that can successfully run a spa.
- What is a tip you might give a vendor new to Las Vegas?
New vendors…. But by far the best way for new vendors to become acclimated to Vegas is to join the LVSA, it is a great way to meet Spa Directors and really network in a more comfortable, fun environment.
Becoming a member of the LVSA is how I met all of the great Spa Directors and made new friends when I first moved to Las Vegas.
- What celebrity does everyone say you look like?
Hmmm….For awhile I had a lot of people say that I look like Emma Thompson after she did the movie Dead Again, but that is not a comment that I hear very often.
Stephanie can be reached at: sdoud@westinlv.com
Well Spa –Platinum Hotel
Spa Director –Courtney McGovern
The Well Spa at The Platinum is an oasis in the Nevada desert. The WELL Spa and beauty lounge is a source of replenishment and rejuvenation, with 20 treatment rooms, fitness center, and indoor and outdoor pools. Courtney opened the spa for Marcus Hotels and Resorts in 20006. Prior to her appointment at the Platinum she was the Spa Director at the Treasure Island.
- Wow what a property! How is biz at the Platinum?
It’s great! It has been so wonderful to see our business grow. We have an amazing amount of local guests who keep coming back. The team at the WELL Spa is so talented, I understand why.
- I understand you studied at UNLV is this correct?
I attended UNLV from 1998-2002. I studied hotel administration where I earned my BS. It was a great experience and I am looking forward to the collaboration between the University and the LVSA.
- How has the LVSA helped with your career?
The LVSA has allowed me to foster and grow relationships with spa professionals in Las Vegas. I now have this amazing group of friends who will let me borrow a therapist or pedicure slippers when I need them!
- As a professional, where do you see yourself in five years?
That’s a hard one….hopefully 5 years from now I will be able to get someone to call me consistently and want to get married and have kids. I love my work and this industry, but ultimately family is my priority.
- What’s was your best class in grammar school?
I had the BEST penmanship at Birches Elementary (and pretty cute pig tails too!)
Courtney can be reached at: courtneymcgovern@lvplatinum.com
Spa Costa Del Sur – South Point Hotel
Director of Spa Operations-Deirdre Strunk
Water, fire, glass and stone are organic elements that merge harmoniously at South Point’s Spa Costa Del Sur. The 20,000 square foot spa features 20 treatment rooms and a spectacular 3000 square foot fitness center. This unique Las Vegas spa setting also includes cascading waterfalls and stone fireplaces.
- As a director what are one or two major challenges?
You know as a director we face small challenges but, with such an amazing team. I am very lucky that I don’t really have too many.
- Have locals been good for business?
Local business has really been amazing and more than I ever expected in our first few months of opening. We love the local clientele and they help us stay busy when the hotel occupancy is down.
- Has the “Girl Friends” package been popular?
This package has been the most popular package on the menu. Girlfriends love to come in together and stay all day. This package is three hours of services. I believe it has been so popular because the guests get to choose any fifty minute massage, facial and body treatment on the menu for only $300.00.
- What service sells better: simple or signature?
Of course Swedish massage is the most popular but for body treatments there is something about when you say signature that feels very special and unique.
- What’s the best part of your day?
I love interacting with my staff. I have such an amazing team they make coming to work everyday awesome. I love watching the team interact with the guest and put their passion into each service. The best part I would have to say is watching the staff become more and more successful not just money wise but in life they grow so much from the time they start in the field in so many ways and it feels good to have a little hand in that.Deirdre can be reached at: strunkd@southpointcasino.com
Spa Bellagio
Spa Director - Michelle Wilkos
In addition to operating the 65,000 square foot Spa Bellagio, Michelle is currently consulting on the new MGM Mirage$7 billion CityCenter development set to open in 2009. The largest privately financed construction project in U.S. history will consist of an 18-million-sq.-ft. complex of hotels, shops, casinos, and residence. It will be roughly the size of Rockefeller Center, SoHo and Times Square combined.
- Sounds like you have two jobs, is that correct? Sure does most days. While I have been very fortunate to work on City Center, it would not be possible without the great staff of co-workers to assist with the day to day operations of the spa. My spa manager, my salon manager and our entire staff are the best any director could ask for!
- How many total employees does Spa Bellagio employ? Currently, between the spa and salon we have approximately 435 employees. We cover a variety spa treatments and therapies; from our aquatic Watsu Massage to a Royal Shave in the Barber shop.
- What can you tell us about CityCenter? My main focus has been on the new spa within the 4,000 room casino hotel. In addition there will be two other hotels and three condominium towers. In creating such unique setting MGM has partnered with the best names in architectural design, I’m extremely proud to be part of it.
- Does your art background help? I’ve learned so much with the opportunity to travel and visit other world class resorts and spas. My education in art and experience in operations has allowed me to help our design team at CityCenter with concepts both unique and practical.
- How does someone so busy relax? I prefer pajamas, a book, with a glass of wine and my sofa!
Michelle can be reached at: mwilkos@bellagioresort.com
The Spa at Caesars Palace
Spa Director-Jennifer LynnPutting her operations and consulting skills to the test, Jennifer has set forth to open one of the grandest resort spas Las Vegas has yet to see. The new Spa is scheduled to open in Summer 2006 as part of a $376 million expansion at the property.
Jennifer Lynn, a true Las Vegas native, has returned to the desert to oversee the 30,000 square foot Spa and Salon at Caesars Palace. Jennifer Lynn spent many years in Las Vegas as Spa and Salon Director at Treasure Island and Bellagio. For the last four years, Jennifer has been consulting on the development of new resort spas around the country.
Jennifer can be reached at: lynnj@caesarspalace.com
- Is Caesars the most recognized casino name in the world? Caesars Palace has a long and respected tradition of being a premiere gaming facility. The Caesars Palace name and logo are recognizable around the world.
- What are the challenges to running and building a spa simultaneously? Not enough time in the day. The demands of operations are full-time and the demands of designing and developing a 50,000 square foot facility are full-time also, so technically I have two jobs.
- Do you get two paychecks? No, and I don’t even want to know what my hourly rate would equate to right now.
- Will the new spa “...do as the Romans do”? Centered around our opulent Roman Baths, the spa experience will be reminiscent of the bathing traditions treasured by the Romans of the past. To tease your spa appetite, we will feature heated stone lounging chaises, Artic Ice Room, Thermal Lanconium Room and Sky Showers. Our new spa will not just be larger, we will set the standard for the execution of quality spa service.
- What the best thing about Las Vegas now that you’re back? Being close to my friends, my family and being a part of the most exciting to happen to the spa industry in Las Vegas.
Spa Vita Di Lago
Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas
Spa Director-Victoria GulicksonThe 30,000 square foot Spa vita Di lago is located in the 392-room Ritz Carlton Hotel, which opened in 2002. Victoria Gulickson, Spa Director since 2004 oversees 65 Spa and Salon employees, 24 treatment rooms and a 2000 square foot fitness center.
- What is the secret to the Ritz-Carlton style of service? The selection process. The Quality Selection Process (QSP) helps to find people that possess the talent for their positions. It is a way of measuring talent.
- How did you get into the spa biz? By accident. Many moons ago Ritz-Carlton was developing their fitness programming and clubs, some of that was put on hold, and so Ritz-Carlton said “while we are waiting can you do something else for us?” And that turned out to be the spa.
- Who has inspired you most in you career? The founder of Ritz-Carlton, Horst Schultze. He taught me what excellence is. He taught me to never compromise, because when you compromise it makes an exception.
- Best thing about being a Spa Director. Two things; one, I get to work in an environment that just smells good all the time. Two, I get to make little differences in people’s lives every day.
- Any advice for other Spa Directors/ Spa Owners…. Never focus on the stumbling blocks or the little things, focus on the bigger picture and the change you are making in the world.
- Favorite job... Fitness and personal trainer. I loved it! It gave me a chance to change people’s lives in a positive manner.
- Favorite Vacation Spot…. Anywhere new I get to visit with my husband. I was married in January this year and being with him is like being on vacation.
Victoria can be reached at: victoria.gulickson@ritzcarlton.com
Mirage Spa
Director Profile – Chuck Oliverio, Mirage Spa
The 20,000 square foot Mirage Spa is located in the 3000-room Mirage Hotel, which opened in 1989. Chuck Oliverio, Spa Director since 2002 oversees 85 Spa and Salon Mirage employees, 25 treatment rooms and a 2000 square foot fitness center.What experience did you bring to the job of spa director?
I was the GM of a Golds Gym in Buffalo NY and the Leisure Services Manager at the Rio Hotel, overseeing the Spa, Salon and Pool.What’s one thing you’ve added to the Mirage Spa that makes you proud?
An infectious personality!What does the future of spas in Las Vegas look like?
Larger, more beautiful and more competitive. A major source of entertainment for Las Vegas visitors.If you expand, how will you balance the need for quality while dramatically increasing quantity?
Good management, proper training, hiring the right people! Training, training, training.How does Chuck-O let loose after a long day at the spa?
A workout after work...3 mile run and a full body body-pump workout….then maybe a cold beer instead of a protein shake.I see you workout, what’s your bench?
Back in the day or right now?…was 375...understand…and now I’m lucky if I get 320.If you were not a Spa Director what would you be doing?
Hmm…I’d own my own private health club…my passion.Chuck Oliverio can be reached at:coliverio@mirage.com
