Sofitel Luxury Hotels launches global spa concept, So Spa

Sofitel Luxury Hotels last night launched their acclaimed world-wide So Spa by Sofitel concept in the Pacific, officially unveiling a contemporary new-look day spa at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour.

Auckland is the latest in the continued expansion of So Spa by Sofitel, the global spa concept designed exclusively for Sofitel hotels worldwide and first launched at the Sofitel London St. James and Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port in July 2009.

The Pacific rollout follows on from the consolidation of the So Spa brand in Asia in recent years, with its debut at the Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich in 2011 followed on by key openings at hotels including the Sofitel Zhongshan Golf Resort Nanjing, Sofitel Macau Ponte 16, Sofitel Mumbai BKC, Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra, and the Sofitel So Bangkok in 2012.

Designed to help guests relax, restore and rejuvenate, the So Spa by Sofitel concept combines ancient wellness traditions from around the world with the refinement and skills of modern French cosmetology. The result is an innovative spa concept for today’s savvy traveller. Each detail clearly reflects the Sofitel concept of elegance and beauty fused with French “savoir vivre.”

Taking a personalized approach to wellness, So Spa Auckland’s selection of therapies are categorised in a similar way to a French gourmet restaurant menu so that guests can customize their experience by combining different treatments listed under ‘Starters’, ‘Mains’, ‘Specials’ and ‘Desserts’ to suit their specific wellness needs. 

Treatments listed under ‘Starters’ last 30 minutes and are designed for busy urbanites seeking rest and relaxation after a full day. ‘Main Dishes’ and ‘Desserts’ last an hour and feature full body massages, facial care, and other luxurious treatments intended to nourish the body and soul.

“With the understanding that each guest is unique, wellness programmes should not be a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour’s So Spa manager Nadia McCracken.

“Inspired by the best health and beauty traditions around the world, So Spa‘s personalisation concept has been developed to meet each guests’ individual needs so they can fully immerse themselves in an ultimate wellness experience. It is the perfect answer for guests seeking a refreshing spa experience unlike any other.”

Delivering indulgence from head to toe, So Spa by Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour presents a selection of sophisticated spa techniques and traditional New Zealand inspired remedies in a beautifully designed, intimate sanctuary inspired by local culture and the surrounding waterscape of sparkling Waitemata Harbour.

Specialty beauty products from famed French skincare lines include THÉMAÉ, with other lines from around the world also on offer such as the botanical and organic range from Plantogen.

So Spa Auckland features six world-class treatment rooms, including a dedicated beauty suite. All the massage tables boast a version of the celebrated Sofitel MyBed, the patented bed featured in all Sofitel Luxury Hotels, converted for spa therapy for optimal comfort and relaxation. Guests have the opportunity to enhance the relaxation process with a choice of by Sofitel music and a selection of themed playlists available on customised So Spa iPods to further personalise the experience.

The warm, bright and welcoming So Spa Auckland reception space allows for a personalised treatment consultation and an intimate ‘cousu main’ (tailor-made) service experience. A Socialising Patio created next to the spa’s reception area an ideal and welcoming place for meeting and discovery, or just taking time out before or after a treatment.

So Spa by Sofitel has designed its own exclusive range of therapy products and treatments for guests – So Exhilarating Body Massage and So Rejuvenating Facial – now available in Auckland as the day spa’s signature treatments.

For a local flavor, the Auckland So Spa menu also includes a Healing Manuka Honey Facial with New Zealand Manuka honey, known for its natural antioxidant properties; a traditional Greenstone Massage using greenstone, believed to possess intuitive healing and harmonising properties; and the Maori inspired Ataahua Beautiful Body Treatment.

Last but not least, guests at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour can also enjoy the new So FIT fitness centre which sits alongside a 20 metre indoor lap pool. The area includes a superior, private changing area with premium amenities and locker facilities. A personal sauna and steam rooms are also available as part of So Fit.

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour general Manager Wouter De Graaf said, “Spa culture and wellbeing is such an integral part of the luxury experience for today’s travellers, be they visiting on business, leisure or a combination of both.

“To really attract discerning today’s traveller, a hotel must be able to provide an exquisite experience that goes beyond just exceptional service. Our guests are becoming increasingly wellness-minded which is why we’ve welcomed So Spa as a key pillar of our Sofitel experience, one that guests will look forward to being part of whenever they stay with us.”

Visit www.sofitel.com