RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is set to receive its first women-only spa.
The local five-star Al-Faisaliah Hotel has received preliminary approval from regulatory authorities for its “Sense Spa,” which will hopefully open in line with the hotel’s 10th anniversary in May, when a new wing of 106 rooms will also be unveiled.
If given the final go-ahead, the spa will mark a new chapter in the Kingdom’s ongoing social liberalization.
“This four-storied spa will be the first female health and wellness center of its kind in the Kingdom with 13 treatment rooms and a comprehensive menu of rejuvenating treatment and services for utmost comfort and relaxation,” said Al-Faisaliah Managing Director Peter Finamore on Wednesday.
Finamore said the wellness center would also feature a hammam (steam bath), hair salon, thermo-treatment, skincare, manicure and pedicure services as well as an indoor swimming pool, tennis court and fitness center facilities. He added the spa will offer treatment for certain medical needs “without it looking like a doctor’s surgery room”. The hotel is training up to 40 women to work in the spa.
Finamore claimed there were smaller spas that were scant and often underground, operating in unhygienic conditions. They operate legally or illegally, he added.
“We are now setting trends for the Kingdom,” said Director of Sales and Marketing Khaled Al-Idrissi, adding that many young Saudis have been educated abroad, and were keen to keep up with global trends, as well as being affluent.
Hence there was a need for modern spas and wellness centers for both men and women.
Al-Faisaliah has recently been awarded the “Cristal Certificate of Achievement” by independent hotel auditors for good hygiene standards.