What’s the concept behind Nine Degrees Spa?
It’s a unique spa brand that reflects an enchanting journey through several Middle Eastern, Orient regions, absorbing cultures, traditional methods and healing remedies along the way.
There are so many delightful ingredients in the Middle East that have been effective healers for the body, mind and soul for centuries – and the heritage, culture and hospitality remains strong to this day. Our brand is committed to keeping these traditions alive, while increasing public knowledge and understanding of the vital importance of health and relaxation in daily living and leisure time.
We’ve selected a wonderful collection of ancient health and beauty practices that have been passed down from generation to generation and combined them with modern technologies to develop a collection of signature treatments, unique rituals and wellness concepts.
Tell us more about the design philosophy behind the brand
The philosophy employed at Nine Degrees is simple but effective – establish a story for each space that can be translated with the help of our team into a beautiful design and overall experience. This story is told through the unique concept, menu and service. Our aim is to make each space aesthetically pleasing but functional to ensure that operation is seamless, with revenue-making a priority.
Each Nine Degrees Spa includes a modern interpretation of the traditional hammam, with simple, functional and beautifully designed treatment rooms that contain Middle Eastern design elements such as antique mirrors, Persian carpets and traditional mashrabiya screens for privacy and natural mood lighting.
Another unique offering of the Nine Degrees Spa concept is the Souk at the Nine, our homage to the traditional souk, which displays essential spa and skincare retail products used in the various treatments, artefacts and curios from different souks in the region, as well as handmade products from local entrepreneurs and artisans.
Tell us about the first Nine Degrees Spa, at the Fairmont Ajman.
Our Nine Degrees Spa is now open at this five-star getaway in the UAE, offering a distinctive experience supported by a team of gifted international therapists.
The spa comprises eight treatment rooms and one room catering to couples.
There are also relaxation rooms with panoramic views of the beach and a modern interpretation of the traditional hammam, showcasing a unique Sunset Hammam treatment, which takes place while you bask in the dramatic glow of the setting sun setting over the Arabian Sea.
It’s only been open a few months and the initial response has been overwhelmingly positive. We were shortlisted in four categories at the recent Middle East Ancient Spa and Leisure Awards, as well as in the retail category of the highly coveted Commercial Interior Design Awards, not to mention the recipients of the Luxury Emerging Spa award at the 2016 World Luxury Spa Awards. So far so good!
What are your unique selling points?
Establishing strong and genuine relationships with clients is what truly sets our spa concept apart in this increasingly competitive environment. Without these connections, you’ll get lost in all the noise.
By endeavouring to understand customers’ specific wants and needs and therefore providing a better service, we’ve maintained a loyal client base that keeps coming back for more.
A homegrown spa company like Nine Degrees has the ability to personalise the spa experience and offer bespoke concepts that resonate with discerning spa goers who are always on the lookout for something different.
What services do you offer facilities?
Our highly qualified team focuses on four main disciplines – architecture and design, hydro-engineering, operational deployment and set-up and operational management, so we’re involved in all key phases of a project.
Our ethos is simple: garner all the innate knowledge and experience of the team and brainstorm, analyse, debate and review so the final product or service is the best it can be. We provide a complete solution, from design, construction, concept, training and recruitment through to pre-opening support and management, so clients can expect superior quality across the board.
How do you help facilities to thrive in a competitive market?
Nine Degrees Spa is a sustainable business model that increases net worth by focusing on three key components. Firstly, establishing a USP in every spa we create, which provides the hotel, resort or wellness facility with additional revenue generating features. Secondly, providing a solid spa brand that will add value to an existing or new-build project. Finally, promoting guest loyalty by giving back and expanding their knowledge of health, wellbeing and longevity.
What projects are in the pipeline?
In the next few months we’ll be announcing details of several projects including a Nine Degrees wellness spa at the Dead Sea, Jordan and spas at the InterContinental Resort Spa, Fujairah and the InterContinental Resort Spa, Muscat Hills in Oman.
Why should operators choose to work with Nine Degrees?
Our main team is based in the UAE and so our regional knowledge and experience is unmatched. Our approach is far from cookie cutter and we’re known for being trendsetters thanks to our novel and bespoke approach to every spa project we undertake.
