Digital operations, dedicated in-room treatments and staff training are just some of the measures European spas are taking as they begin to reopen their services.

These are just some of the areas that will be discussed as part of PB World’s upcoming online World Spa & Wellness Convention, on September 8-10.

Erica D’Angelo, Spa Director of Vair Spa in Italy, will be speaking about her reopening strategy in the ‘Spa strategies from across the border: Best practice from Europe’ panel, on Thursday September 10 at 1pm.

D’Angelo will also be joined by Becky Woodhouse, CEO of Pure Day Spa Group in the UK and Tara Moore, spa manager at The Spa at Galgorm in Northern Ireland, who will discuss how operations are changing in their businesses.

“I didn't expect such a high demand from the very first day,” says D’Angelo. “I have been very surprised to see that although there are less guests, the returning rate to the spa services during the stay has increased dramatically. 

“Teamwork and motivation of the entire staff has lead to the success we are having after only two months of re-opening,” she adds. “Today, our average daily revenue is aligned with last year's performance, proportioned to the areas available and staffing.” 

“As lockdown terminated on May 12, we were ready for operations and delivered the first treatments on May 25, the first day of Borgo Egnazia's reopening. Our menu had a big impact, especially in the first months, as the demand did not economically justify the opening of the entire spa,” explains D’Angelo.

“We therefore opted for a dedicated in-room service menu (10% of our services), where treatments for singles and couples could be delivered in the amazing setting of our villas, by the pool or in the gardens, maintaining the privacy needed for our guests.”

Additionally, digital operations were incorporated to streamline services. “We have committed to the opportunity of enhancing our guest's experiences by adding the technology part. In fact our signature Happiness Break program now includes a set of one-to-one sessions prior to arrival in order for our guest's to arrive prepared and obtain the most of their stay with us, ” she says.

“They have the chance to speak to our food technologist for nutritional preparation guidelines, with our personal trainer to start alligning the type of training to a happiness based approach and some workshops to start preparing about defining a life purpose and understanding the science of happiness.”

Find out more about how European spas are reopening at the online World Spa & Wellness Convention. All sessions are completely free and you can register here.