31 Oct 2018
Sixth spa on Alabama golf trail includes 20,000sq ft of wellness
BY Jane Kitchen
A new 20,000sq ft spa will open at The Auburn Opelika Marriott Resort at Grand National in Alabama, US next month – the sixth spa along the Robert Trent Jones (RTJ) Golf Trail.
Originally created to attract golfers to Alabama, multiple spas were added along the RTG Golf Trail to enhance the guests' experiences.
The spa at Grand National includes two floors dedicated to spa services as well as a state-of-the-art fitness facility on the top floor, and is designed to be a “European-style spa experience,” said Jim Keller, general manager of the resort. It is available for hotel guests as well as local in the community through membership and day passes.
“From traditional warm stone massages to red carpet ready facials, the RTJ Spa Trail features six spas across Alabama offering innovative treatments in exquisite settings,” said Taylor Fields, corporate director of spa for the RTJ Resort Collection. "The Spa Trail is ideal for individual golfers, couples travelling together or for groups of friends looking to relax and be pampered."
The spas are located in Marriott, Autograph, and Renaissance Hotels along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail: Point Clear, Mobile, Montgomery, Hoover, Florence and Opelika, Alabama.
Located adjacent to the RTJ Grand National golf courses, the Spa at Grand National features private relaxation areas for men and women that include whirlpools, infrared saunas, showers, hideaway lounge and more on the first floor.
The second floor of the spa features manicure and pedicure stations, a full-service salon and lounge that can be reserved for special occasions.
Fitness is the focus on the third floor, which overlooks the resort grounds with extensive cardio and resistance training equipment by Technogym. A private spin studio on the third floor features Fitness On Demand, so guests will have their own virtual personal trainer. A retail boutique is located on the ground floor of the spa.
The Spa at Grand National will offer a wide selection of signature massages featuring Himalayan salt stones, holistic facials and body treatments using products by Naturopathica, HydraFacial, Priori Skin Care and more. Luxury spa linens have been supplied by The Madison Collection.
Designed by Atlanta-based design firm Sims Patrick Studio, the Spa at Grand National features eight treatment rooms in a nature-inspired setting.
The outside flora and fauna is woven into the interior, and the decor is inspired by the naturally occurring elements of the “Earth, Water, Air and Fire” found in the surroundings of the Alabama landscape.
The lobby and reception have been designed as a relaxed luxury retreat inspired by a treehouse in an enchanted forest, and includes a focal fireplace and tall windows surrounded by comfortable seating, natural materials, hanging plants, swings and an array of body products displayed around a reception desk made from a local tree.
The flow into the locker rooms, lounge areas and showers is planned for ease of circulation, privacy and relaxing. The quiet room is a place filled with candlelight, neutral warm colors, a whirlpool and sauna experience and a fire feature surrounded by a healthy refreshment bar, cozy seating and a twinkling Southern sky ceiling.
The hallway leading to the treatment rooms has a progressive pattern of dramatic vertical accent lights highlighting a textural stone wall, designed to give the illusion of an outdoor space, punctuated with faux green walls as focal points.
The upstairs fitness area will feature a light-filled open truss ceiling with the latest cardio and strength training equipment. The central multi-use exercise and movement room invites guests to join a yoga, dance or body sculpting class and will be equipped with a hydration bar.
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