WTS International

Press contact:
Mary Pilch
[email protected]
+1 301 622 7800, ext 105
WTSInternational.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WTS International announces management contract with The Rittenhouse Spa & Club - Hair by Paul Labrecque

(Washington DC) 17 September 2014: WTS International, the global spa consultancy and contract operator, has announced it is to manage the spa and club at Philadelphia's AAA Five Diamond Rittenhouse Hotel. The new spa, health club and salon opened today as part of a major renovation of the property.

The facility will be called The Rittenhouse Spa & Club - Hair by Paul Labrecque. Its owner, real estate investor Hersha Hospitality Trust, purchased the property in 2012 and brought WTS on board to provide spa design review and opening services. The spa will also be managed by WTS.

The 11,000sq ft (1,021sq m) spa will feature the first deluxe spa suite in Philadelphia. The room has been designed to accommodate up to eight guests. "The suite has a dressing area, bathroom, rain showers, two treatment beds and cocktail offerings," said Alfredo Carvajal, COO of WTS. "It will be a private oasis for groups. It will attract couples, wedding parties, bridal showers and bachelorette parties to the private space. Having a separate space for groups will also ensure customers using the spa will not be affected by the presence of groups."

In addition to the spa suite, the facility has 10 treatment rooms, as well as steamrooms and saunas in both men's and women's locker rooms. It also has an indoor pool leading to an outdoor deck and lounge.

Guests will also have access to a new fitness centre, as well as beauty services offered in the 3,000sq ft (279sq m) Paul Labrecque salon. Named one of the top three stylists in the US by Vanity Fair, Labrecque has trained professionals to work at the 10 hair stations.

The salon will also have a private barbershop and grooming area, with signature treatments including an hour-long indulgent shave, as well as scalp therapies and the opportunity to purchase scotch and cigars.

Susie Hammer, vice president of spa operations at WTS explains the process involved in bringing the new spa to fruition: "We began working with Hersha's team well over a year ago," she says. "We developed the concept of an Urban Retreat for Rittenhouse guests, residents and locals. Following this, Andrea Dubois - senior design associate at WTS - worked with BLT Architects to carry out a full review of the spa's floorplans to ensure optimum use of space, both to enhance the guest experience and to increase operational efficiency."

The next stage involved sourcing the spa's five exclusive product lines - the team chose Natura Bissé, Tata Harper, Kevyn Aucoin, Hommage and Deborah Lippman. "Once these decisions were made, we set out to create a simple, yet all encompassing wellness menu," says Hammer.

"Then, after concept and menu development was completed, we moved on to focus on recruiting top wellness professionals to become members of our dynamic team in preparation for opening," concludes Hammer.

Pre-opening of the new spa was also managed by WTS, as Hammer explains: "Through a series of wellness events, we've been creating a local buzz about this highly anticipated opening and we're now finalising all aspects needed to ensure a successful opening."

Charles Paloux, vice president of asset management at Hersha Hospitality Trust, said: "For the launch of something as important as The Rittenhouse Spa & Club - Hair by Paul Labreque, we took the time to carefully select a management company that had both the experience necessary to fulfill our vision and the drive to help us create an impeccable destination for luxury wellness."

Paloux is delighted with the outcome, saying: "WTS has exceeded our expectations and given us the confidence that this will be the best spa, health club and salon in the region."

WTS, estimates the spa will welcome 5,600 guests in its first year of business.

ENDS

Press contact:
Mary Pilch
[email protected]
+1 301 622 7800, ext 105
WTSinternational.com

Editor's notes - social media connections

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Editor's notes - photography

More images are available. To order, please contact Mary Pilch at WTS International on +1 301 622 7800, ext 105, or email [email protected]

About WTS International:

WTS International is the world's leading consulting and management firm for spas, fitness and leisure facilities. For over 40 years, WTS has provided feasibility studies, design, pre-opening and daily management services for spas and leisure facilities worldwide.

The company's portfolio of clients includes numerous hotels and resorts, residential developments, private clubs and real estate developments. Its approach is unique in the industry - from the development of innovative spa concepts, branding and design to effective facility operations.

WTS maximises revenue and net operating income for clients, while creating a memorable experience for guests, members and/or residents.

Website: www.WTSInternational.com

About Hersha Hospitality Trust:

Hersha Hospitality Trust is a self-advised real estate investment trust in the hospitality sector, which owns and operates high quality upscale hotels in urban gateway markets. The Company's 52 hotels totaling 8,403 rooms are located in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Miami and select markets on the west coast.

Website: www.hersha.com

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