Until August of this year, Teresa had been directly overseeing the renovation of The Spa at Coworth Park since the idea was first presented in 2019. “The spa needed to reestablish itself in the local market and build on external memberships,” she explains. “After all, the Global Wellness Institute statics evidence that 80 per cent of guests will look at the spa and wellness offering before they book a hotel. Our spa strategy was to maintain our luxury standard and provide the best facilities in the space we had available.” The brief to the designers? A luxury wellness interior that harmoniously blends with the rolling English countryside, plus vibroacoustic loungers and further thermal experiences – a snow shower, heated benches and a revamped Finish sauna and citrine-lined steam room.

Another key focus was the gym. “Our guests have access to the best gyms in the world,” Teresa says. “It was crucial for us to develop a gym that would be as appealing to our guests as the local market.” A small extension lined with natural wood opened up the space. “We were the first in the world to introduce Technogym’s new luxury Artis line with its sandstone finish. We added an advanced level of training machines for our guest that, depending on need, would provide bespoke training schedules, mindful sessions and check-up health sessions, too.”

Then there’s the tech in the eight treatment rooms: iPads that control lighting and music completely tailored to treatments. In fact, the team worked with Scottish skincare brand ishga and musicians to create music that works with different frequencies and wavelengths to take guests to the deepest point of relaxation. “Of course, the renovation went on while the spa was still open to guests,” Teresa adds casually. “So, we balanced training the therapists with the new treatments (with expert-led sessions from the product houses) and the renovation while the spa was closed. All details are very much about crafting a transformational experience for the guests to build emotional connections.” 

Are Dorchester Collection’s spas trend-led? “For me, I’m looking for a shift in perception and mindset rather than a trend,” Teresa shares. “A big example of this shift was Covid-19 making everyone far more health conscious. Now, guests are far more aware of wellness and longevity. We are seeing more technology developed related to longevity – this is certainly an industry buzz word.” She’s quick to point out that the future success of the spas is down to investing, training and looking after her teams.

“As for Dorchester Collection, we’re very lucky that many of our therapists and spa team members have been with us for a long time and it’s critical we continue to invest in training and staff development,” Teresa says. Scouting for new talent through attending school or university career fairs and developing the apprenticeship academy is very important to her. The apprentice programme launched in the UK allows career development from Level 2 to Level 5 qualifications. 

Teresa emphasises the importance of prioritising team wellness through leading by example. At Coworth Park, for example, initiatives such as ‘walk and talk’ meetings in fresh air and monthly habits such as a steps-a-day goal help foster healthy habits. Other activities, including Spa Appreciation Week and World Wellness Weekend, activate the team across various properties with yoga, nutrition, movement or mental health focuses. As we approach the height of the festive season this December, what’s her message to her team? “Tap into your wellness wheel, as simple little daily habits – whether related to nutrition, sleep or movement – make a big difference,” she enthuses. “Most of all, be kind to yourself.”