We interviewed Ania Mankowska, director of spa at Asaya Spa at Rosewood Sand Hill (Menlo Park, CA), to learn more about the Silicon Valley retreat designed to foster relaxation and vitality.
Can you tell me a little bit about the spa’s design?
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding environment, Nicole Hollis curated a refined material palette that reflects the area's natural beauty, featuring organic textures, rich wood finishes, chiseled stone, woven rattan, and a tactile blend of textiles and art.
What makes the spa unique and sets it apart from other spas in the area?
Asaya Spa is an elegant retreat for hotel guests and locals alike. With intimate seating groups, dramatic artwork, and a new planting palette for native and local plant life. Prioritizing sustainability, we carefully explored opportunities to reuse and refinish existing materials. Our treatments are effective, results-driven driven and focused on wellbeing.
How would you describe your typical clientele?
When describing our typical clientele, I would say that most of our clients are local residents who visit the spa regularly. They appreciate the convenience and quality of our services, often seeking treatments for relaxation, wellness, and self-care. Additionally, we do have a diverse clientele that includes locals from surrounding areas who come to experience our unique offerings. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to our community while also attracting visitors who are looking for high-quality spa experiences.
What product lines do you carry at the spa and why did you select them?
QMS, Dr. Barbara Sturm, CauseMedic, and Margaret Dabbs to name a few. First and foremost, the products have to deliver noticeable and positive results for our clients. We researched scientific backing, conducted trials, and looked for brands with strong reputations for creating effective formulations. We want our clients to see and feel a difference after using the products, whether it's in the improvement of their skin's texture, the relief of muscle tension, or an overall sense of wellbeing. We prioritized brands that utilize natural, organic, and sustainably sourced components. We meticulously reviewed ingredient lists, avoiding harsh chemicals, parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances whenever possible. Given the health-conscious nature of many of our clients in Menlo Park, this was a non-negotiable factor.
What sort of retail offerings do you offer?
Besides the retail component of all our products used in treatments, we carry Sidia candles, Mabel Chong jewelry, Assouline books, and seasonal items, such as cashmere from Autumn Cashmere and swimwear from Onia.
Can you please describe each of the treatment rooms?
The treatment rooms themselves are numbered with the exception of the Rosewood Suite, our couples' room. They are all Portola lime wash plaster, with new oak floors and coordinating millwork to keep the room simplified and styled. In the Rosewood Suite, we incorporated a hinoki cedar soaking tub, inspired by the tranquil ambiance of traditional Japanese onsens.
How are you marketing the spa to your hotel guests?
We are actively marketing the spa to local guests as well as those not staying at the hotel through various channels. Primarily, we leverage social media platforms to showcase our services, promotions, and unique spa experiences. By sharing visually appealing content and engaging with our audience, we aim to attract locals and encourage them to visit. We do offer a membership program designed to provide consistent value to our clients. Our membership includes benefits, such as discounted treatment rates, exclusive promotions, and priority booking for services. Members also receive access to special events and workshops that enhance their wellness journey. This approach not only helps us build a loyal clientele, but also fosters a sense of community within our spa. We believe that providing exceptional experiences will encourage local guests to choose our spa for their relaxation and self-care needs.
How are you marketing the spa to local guests or those not staying at the hotel?
We prominently feature the spa in our welcome materials and on our hotel website, highlighting our diverse treatment options and unique experiences. We have created bespoke packages that include spa treatments, curated experiences, and special amenities.
Can you tell me a little bit about the creation of the menu?
Crafting our menu was a really thoughtful process, blending what our customers love with some exciting new additions designed to offer a complete experience. The idea was to build a menu where different services work together to support overall wellness. Someone might come in for a rejuvenating facial and then enhance their experience with a calming scalp treatment. It's about offering a complete journey of relaxation and rejuvenation.
What are most spa-goers looking for when they visit your spa?
Based on what we see, most spa-goers who visit us are primarily looking for relaxation and stress relief. They're seeking an escape from their daily routines and a chance to unwind and rejuvenate both physically and mentally. Clients often come in with specific areas of tension or muscle stiffness, particularly common in our tech-heavy environment here in Menlo Park, and they appreciate the focused, firm pressure to release those knots and improve mobility. Deep tissue massage, being our most popular choice, is a treatment that offers tangible physical relief. Our clientele is often interested in maintaining a youthful appearance and addressing concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and skin elasticity. These facials, often incorporating advanced skincare technologies and high-quality products, provide visible results and a sense of renewed radiance. Our new partnership with Dr. Barbara Sturm has been a great success.
What treatments are a harder sell?
All of our treatments are very well-received. On our website, booking platform, and in our spa brochures, we provide comprehensive descriptions of these treatments, clearly outlining what they entail and, most importantly, the specific benefits clients can expect. Our skilled therapists are trained to explain the benefits of all our treatments. During consultations, they can recommend newer services based on a client's individual needs and concerns, addressing any questions and building trust. Personal recommendations from our knowledgeable team can be very effective.
What do you find your biggest challenge to be, and how do you meet that challenge?
The landscape of spa treatments, technologies, and product innovations is constantly shifting. New ingredients emerge, novel techniques gain popularity, and client preferences evolve. Staying ahead of this curve requires continuous effort and a proactive approach.
What plans do you have for the future?
We're exploring the possibility of hosting workshops on topics like mindfulness, stress management, nutrition, and movement, led by experienced practitioners. This would provide our clients with valuable tools and knowledge to enhance their wellbeing beyond their spa visits. We're researching and considering incorporating additional holistic therapies that complement our existing offerings. This could include modalities like acupuncture, reflexology, or more advanced aromatherapy treatments tailored to specific needs. We envision creating unique, signature spa journeys that are entirely tailored to the client, potentially combining various treatments and sensory elements to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience.