Banyan Tree Spa Sets Benchmark For Expansion In China With Opening Of Lijiang Spa Academy
30 July 2007
Lijiang, China | Banyan Tree Spa has extended its reach into China, where the Group has opened its first training facility for Chinese spa therapists. The Banyan Tree Lijiang Spa Academy aims to secure a dedicated supply of talented candidates well-versed to deliver the high service standards of the Banyan Tree experience.
This ground breaking development is a necessary move as Banyan Tree embarks on an aggressive expansion plan within China, as well as globally in the next five years. Banyan Tree Spa Sanya, China is slated to open in the fourth quarter of this year. Angsana Spa is in the process of opening Angsana Spa Hong Qiao, Shanghai in China in the third quarter of 2007.
Banyan Tree Lijiang Spa Academy
Soft opened in May 2007, Banyan Tree Lijiang Spa Academy is a unique facility to coach candidates in all areas of Banyan Tree Spa service delivery. The Academy is located in a custom-built compound located in Lijiang, Yunnan, where students undergo a rigorous training curriculum adapted to Chinese spa requirements.
Mr. Ravi Chandran, Managing Director of Spa Operations, Banyan Tree Spas and Angsana Spas, says, “As one of the world’s leading spa operators, Banyan Tree can attribute its success to the continued management, training and quality of our therapists. The Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket was a world-first for a resort, in achieving a fully trained, talented therapist base and establishing a world-class industry benchmark. This has helped us to enter new markets and grow from one Banyan Tree Spa in 1994 to over 50 Banyan Tree and Angsana Spas today. The Banyan Tree Lijiang Spa Academy is vital in our drive to identify and engage new candidates for the Chinese market and beyond.”
Fresh trainees are recruited from within China to undergo a pre-training 48-hour curriculum. Once the recruits are familiar with grooming standards, basic anatomy and physiology, and product knowledge they are committed to undergo about 480 hours of training over three months. Key elements that are essential in identifying recruits include enthusiasm, nurturing qualities, empathetic and keen interest to develop their potential with the company. Banyan Tree Spa rewards and retains its most promising recruits by offering extensive opportunities to further their career to the highest levels.
Banyan Tree Spa Academy, Phuket
The pioneering Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket was set up in 2001. The Banyan Tree Spa Academy Phuket trains a dedicated group of therapists for both Banyan Tree and Angsana Spas. The training programme encompasses all areas of spa therapy, including knowledge of the human anatomy and important pressure points, modern and traditional massage techniques, variation of body weight for different techniques, knowledge of skin epidermis and facial applications, properties of different herbs and spices, preparation of spa ingredients, setting up of treatment rooms and spa pavilions, and standard greeting procedures. The academy is accredited by Thailand’s Ministry of Education.
In November 2006, a new urban training centre, the Banyan Tree Thai Massage School in Bangkok, Thailand, was established to further identify recruits and train students in the art of Thai Massage.
Banyan Tree Spa has been honoured by awards including the recent Baccarat AsiaSpa Awards 2005 for Best In-Spa Training of the Year, and Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Travel Awards 2005 for Best Spa Operator. In addition, Banyan Tree Spa Phuket has been awarded the distinction of Best Benefits Company by the Labour Relations Department of Thailand, which recognises the company’s practice to provide welfare and benefits beyond labour law requirements.
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About Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
Banyan Tree offers an intimate retreat experience featuring its own signature blend of romance and Asian sensuality. The philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, spas and galleries is based on providing a place for rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul – a Sanctuary for the Senses.
Banyan Tree resorts are found in Phuket, Thailand (1994), Maldives Vabbinfaru (1995), Bintan, Indonesia (1995), Bangkok, Thailand (2002), Seychelles (2002), Ringha, China (2005), Lijiang, China (2006), Bahrain (2007) and Maldives Madivaru (2007). Flagship Banyan Tree Phuket was the first to introduce a tropical garden spa concept.
About Angsana Resorts & Spas
Launched in 2000, Angsana is the sister brand of Banyan Tree, inspired by the exotic Angsana Tree noted for its crown of golden flowers. Angsana resorts are designed as contemporary, chic and vibrant retreats to live life spontaneously and sense the moment.
Angsana resorts are found in Bintan, Indonesia (2000), Great Barrier Reef, Australia (2000), Bangalore, India (2001), Maldives Ihuru (2001) and Maldives Velavaru (2006).
In 2003, Colours of Angsana joined the Angsana portfolio. This boutique hotel collection appeals to the soft adventurer and cultural tourism sector. The current hotels are Gyalthang Dzong (Shangri-La, China), Deer Park Hotel (Giritale, Sri Lanka) and Maison Souvannaphoum (Luang Prabang, Laos).
To date, the Banyan Tree Group manages and/or has ownership interests in 22 resorts and hotels, 58 spas and 70 retail galleries and two golf courses.
ORGANIZATION
Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
http://www.banyantree.com
Banyan Tree Building, 211 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Singapore, 588182
Singapore
Phone: +65.6849 5888/899
Fax: +65.64622800
Email: corporate@banyantree.com
