Four seasons is one of the most prestigious hotel groups that has 73 hotels in 31 countries and over 25 projects in pipeline and is in existence since 1960. Its Spas, which are being constructed slowly in most of its hotels, are models in the world over. What is the secret at the heart of this development and success? What is the basis of this concept and which are the real actors behind it? Through interviews with the persons who are truly active and representative of development, EMOTION SPA Magazine has studied the mysterious workings of success and aspects of growth for you.

A strong added-value identity
Exceptional quality of selection of offer. A determination to continuously evolve towards unique experiences of reception. Awareness that such a progression is not possible without human values and strictness in management. An ethics of respect that is part of the training of personnel regardless of the level. Thus, on this basis, the hotel-group has a success that has not been contradicted since several years, and opens establishments that are as good in big cities as well as in more magical holiday-places. Within most of the hotels, the Spas whose identity and development is remarkable have their own life whose criteria and selection are a lesson for all the professionals of this trade.
Through a meeting, rich in information, with the director of Spas for the group, Mr. Niel JACOBS, we will understand the supports behind this. We will see their illustrations through a study of several different Spas (Lanna Spa in Chiang Mai, Four Seasons of Hong Kong, Jimbaran and Sayan in Bali, Georges V in Paris and Terre Blanche in Provence). And through the testimony of the directors of Resorts or Spas: We will ask Christopher Norton for Georges V, Titiya Chooto and Wendy Ashler for Lanna Spa some everyday questions.


Interview with Mr. Neil JACOBS,
A director who is a reflection of his Spas, a humanity that meets intelligence

EMOTION SPA Magazine: What is your vision of Spa and how do you apply it within Four Seasons group?
Niel JACOBS : What we do in Asia is different from what exists in the USA and Europe. Here, Spas are not only the places for beauty but one can find true wellness here. It is something that can be described as spiritual and that includes the connection between the "therapist" and the client. In Asia, we have a true spirit of massage, even if people have learnt it at home in family tradition, they have a natural sense of reception and deep and intimate relationship with the client. For me, it is a big difference from the Occident where there is a very good technique but where it is customary that the therapists do not commit themselves to relationship with the client. This distance implies that the treatment does not go beyond a certain threshold which is not the case in Asia where we have a sense of healing. The Spa industry is so important now that when we recruit, it happens that we find therapists who used to have another occupation a couple of months ago. Personal preparation no longer exists. Diplomas are delivered everywhere. But what does it signify? That people have more or less integrated a technique. It does not prove anything in the field of inner quality or regarding true relationship with the client.
It is for this reason that I was appointed in the management of Four Seasons Spas. We have made a lot of progress in the last few years. Spas that we open now are different: they are bigger and more relevant in the hotel. We provide more space and intimacy at the same time.

To read the whole article, please order EMOTION SPA Magazine 11, Autumn Edition

To read :

> SEYCHELLES, the Spa boom !
> Nuxe, Rigor and poetry at Spa service
> Select brand names and Spas, The hotelier's point of view
> Skin-deep luxury
> When swimming pools are also Spas!
> Ethical, the latest cosmetic chic
> Spa & nutrition, an unbeatable alchemy
> AESTHETICS AND ANTI-AGING : THE MEDICALIZATION OF THE SPA
> FANATIC, Cosmeeting Spa by Evolution Spa
> Spa products are they usual cosmetic products ?
> MULTICULTURAL TRENDS FOR SPAS