17 Sep 2014
Rittenhouse debuts its spa and health club after multimillion dollar revamp
BY Helen Andrews
The Rittenhouse, a Philadelphian luxury hotel, has opened the doors to its brand new spa, health club and salon after a multimillion dollar revitalisation by real estate owners Hersha Hospitality Trust.
Measuring 11,000sq ft (1,021sq m) in total and situated on the third floor of the 116-bedroom hotel, the wellness facility is called The Rittenhouse Spa & Club – Hair by Paul Labrecque.
The 3,000sq ft (279sq m) spa – designed by Philadelphia-based BLT Architects and reviewed by consultancy firm WTS International – will feature the first deluxe spa suite in Philadelphia, designed for groups of up to eight guests.
“The spa suite will be a private oasis for groups,” said Alfredo Carvajal, COO of WTS International, which was involved in the spa project from its conception. “Having a separate space for groups will also ensure customers using the spa will not be affected by the presence of groups.”
The spa suite will comprise a dressing area, bathroom, rain showers, two treatment beds and cocktail offerings. Separate from the spa suite, the spa itself will include 10 treatment rooms, separate steamroom and saunas in the male and female locker rooms, in addition to an indoor pool which leads to an outdoor deck and lounge.
WTS International’s senior design associate Andrea Dubois carried out a design review of the spa space to maximise operational efficiency before construction began in December 2013.
“WTS has assisted in the opening, menu development and been involved in the hiring and training of all staff,” Susie Hammer, vice president of spa operations at WTS told Spa Opportunities. “We will continue our support by providing the Rittenhouse with ongoing management services.”
With skincare treatments supplied by Tata Harper and Natura Blissé the hotel hopes to attract couples, weddings, bridal showers or bachelorette parties to its intimate spa suite.
WTS predicts that the spa will see an estimated 5,600 visitors within its first year of business.
The Rittenhouse Club provides guests with access to new beauty services in the 3,000sq ft (279sq m) Paul Labrecque Salon. Labrecque, a regular stylist at shows for New York Fashion Week, has trained professionals to work in the 10 hair stations and at three reserved for manicures and pedicures.
There will also be a two-chair private gentleman’s barber shop and grooming area within the salon. Signature treatments include an hour-long indulgent shave in addition to scalp therapies, haircuts and the opportunity to purchase scotch and cigars.
Products used within the salon will include Hommage, Kevyn Aucoin and Deborah Lippmann. The inspiration for the salon’s design came from Alexander McQueen’s wedding dress collection – using various shades of white and light for a relaxed atmosphere.
The new 5,000sq ft (465sq m) fitness centre at the Rittenhouse Club includes exercise equipment by Technogym, Stott Pilates Reformer, Peloton and RealRyder. There is also a group studio space equipped with a ballet bar, also designed for classes such as yoga, interval training, mat Pilates, cardio dance and a variety of personal training options.
In addition to access for guests staying at the property, the hotel is offering an exclusive number of Luxury Wellness Memberships. These members will have unlimited use of the gym, fitness classes, 10 per cent off all spa and salon services, an annual complimentary spa treatment and salon experience, as well as personal training and discounts in the retail shop.
Other hotel improvements made during the refurbishment period, which began when Hersha Hospitality Trust bought the property in 2012, include the addition of extra hotel suites, redesigned event spaces and enhanced food and beverage offerings – such as the Mary Cassatt Tea Salon and Library Bar.
WTS International can be found by clicking this link.
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